Diving apparatus

Abstract

In a diving apparatus (1) for supplying a diver (2) with breathable air underwater, comprising a float (5) and, arranged thereon, a compressor (12) with an air inlet (6) for drawing in ambient air and providing compressed breathable air through an air tube (8) of the apparatus (1), the air tube (8) connecting the compressor (12) to a mouthpiece (9) of the apparatus (19) in order for the diver (2) to breathe in the breathable air, the apparatus (1) furthermore comprises a flexible, tension-proof connecting means (4) which engages at a first end on the underside of the float (5) or emerges from the latter, and a ballast body (3) of the apparatus (1) is fixed to a second end of the connecting means (4), the ballast body (3) having at least one grip (20), preferably two handles (20), in order for the diver (2) to grasp the ballast body (3).

Description

[0001] diving device

[0002] The present invention relates to a diving device for supplying a diver with breathing air underwater, comprising a floating body and arranged thereon a compressor with an air inlet for sucking in ambient air and providing compressed breathing air through an air hose of the device, wherein the air hose connects the compressor to a mouthpiece of the device for inhaling the breathing air by the diver.

[0003] Such diving devices are already known in the art and are available commercially for so-called compressor diving. As a rule, compressed air cylinders are not used in compressor diving. The handling of compressed air cylinders demands high safety standards when filling and maintaining the cylinders and the corresponding mouthpieces in order to avoid problems caused by unsuitable breathing gas compositions and problems caused by icing up of the corresponding throttle when the highly compressed air in the cylinder is released to a pressure level suitable for inhalation. Improper handling of compressed air cylinders and the corresponding accessories can quickly lead to life-threatening situations, which is why diving with compressed air cylinders cannot simply be undertaken by laypersons.

[0004] For this reason, snorkeling at the surface, with occasional dives while holding your breath, is suitable for amateurs. However, extended stays underwater at depths of more than 50 cm are not possible.

[0005] A mixed form is the compressor diving mentioned above, where a compressor on the water surface supplies suitably compressed breathing air via an air hose to a mouthpiece, as is known from compressed air diving. When diving in this way to shallow depths of no more than around 5 to 7 meters, there are no particular risks, since at these depths, over the period corresponding to a normal dive, there is no significantly increased solution of nitrogen in the diver’s blood and a rapid ascent is therefore always possible without having to make decompression stops. Furthermore, when using a compressor diving the breathing air is never at a pressure level that would give rise to concerns about the equipment icing up if the air pressure were to release. For these reasons, compressor diving at shallow depths is largely safe.

[0006] However, during the development of the present invention it was observed that, despite the fact that compressor diving can be described as acceptably safe even for laypeople, there is still a problem in overcoming the buoyancy force experienced by the human body in the water. This is even greater when neoprene suits and caps are also worn to protect against cold and injury, as is usual and recommended. Overcoming the resulting buoyancy force in order to remain at a desired depth requires considerable physical activity on the part of the diver, which is usually achieved with fins on the feet and additional swimming movements of the arms. This in turn results in an increased oxygen requirement of the body under this strain, which experience has shown, however, cannot always be met satisfactorily with commercially available compressors.As a result, the diver quickly experiences an unpleasant feeling of suffocation, which forces him to surface.

[0007] The buoyancy force can be compensated for in the conventional way by carrying and putting on weight belts and / or weight vests. This equipment ensures that the diver sinks if the weight is not counteracted in some way. While carrying sufficient lead ballast reliably equalizes the buoyancy force, putting on the corresponding equipment for the layperson involves a certain risk. If the untrained hobby diver is unable to surface against the ballast using the necessary strength and technique in an emergency or in the case of a largely unfounded panic reaction, or to calmly and quickly put off the equipment underwater in order to then surface easily.

[0008] Overall, diving with the aforementioned compressors mounted on floats and an air hose with a mouthpiece still appears strenuous, uncomfortable, time-consuming, and ultimately potentially dangerous. Therefore, the object of the present invention is to further develop a diving device of the aforementioned type so that it can be used comfortably and safely even by inexperienced divers by overcoming buoyancy in a safe manner.

[0009] To achieve this object, a diving device of the type mentioned at the outset is further developed according to the invention in that the device further comprises a flexible, tensile-resistant connecting means which engages with a first end on the underside of the floating body or protrudes from it, and that a ballast body of the device is fixed to a second end of the connecting means, the ballast body having at least one handle, preferably two handles, for a diver to grasp the ballast body. The ballast body is therefore designed to have a weight such that it provides downforce. This overcomes the buoyancy force acting on the diver when they hold on to the ballast body while diving. In other words, the ballast body has a mass which causes a weight force in water which exceeds the buoyancy force of the ballast body, and preferably also of the diver.The weight of the ballast body preferably exceeds its buoyancy by 2 to 6 kilograms, preferably by 3 to 5 kilograms and particularly preferably by 4 kilograms. The connecting means is generally a metal or plastic cable or metal or plastic rope which, as explained below, can also be designed specifically for the purposes of the present invention. Since the ballast to overcome the diver's buoyancy is contained in a ballast body connected to the floating body, the diver does not need to carry ballast on his body. The diver therefore experiences the same feeling of security that he feels when snorkeling and can omit the ballast body and surface in the event of a real or only suspected unsafe situation.As a result, the ascending diver is not subjected to any buoyancy from the ballast, so that, just as with conventional swimming and snorkeling, there is no increased risk of drowning. Since the connecting device reliably limits the depth that a diver can reach with the diving device according to the invention, there is no risk of reaching depths that are inappropriate for laypersons in terms of possible decompression times. Overall, this diving device has been created that reduces the strain on the circulatory system during compressor diving to a minimum, thus ensuring a pleasant diving experience with maximum safety during operation and maximum safety in the event of unforeseen events that cause the diver to surface.Should the diver need both hands to perform underwater work, for example, to clean a ship's hull underwater, the diver can of course also hook onto the ballast body, preferably the handles, to overcome the buoyancy force. In the context of the present invention, the term "ballast" refers to structural elements of the ballast body that either have a higher density than water or are carried solely for the purpose of generating a downward force, i.e., a downforce that counteracts the natural buoyancy force.Naturally, the floating body in the diving device according to the invention is designed in such a way that the floating body can support its own weight, the weight of the compressor and any other components arranged on the floating body, and above all the weight of the ballast body through appropriate buoyancy in the water. In the context of the present invention, the term mouthpiece is understood to mean not only a simple mouthpiece, but also a snorkel mask with an integrated snorkel. Furthermore, this term also extends to so-called breathing regulators or demand valves, as are known from scuba diving. A mouthpiece in the sense of the present invention is therefore a part of the device which serves to make compressed air available to the diver in a way that can be inhaled underwater.

[0010] As already mentioned, the diving device according to the invention makes it possible to overcome the buoyancy force without the diver having to wear any kind of ballast on his body. However, since the diver basically only holds on to the ballast with his hands in order not to rise to the surface, the problem still exists that the diver's body creates buoyancy, particularly in the leg area, which is not adequately compensated for in this rear area of ​​the diver. As a result, the diving experience would be negatively affected in that the legs would float upwards and the diver would therefore float more or less upside down in the water.To prevent this, the invention is further developed according to a preferred embodiment in such a way that the ballast body has at least one boom, preferably two booms, for supporting the arms of a diver, wherein the at least one boom extends to a distance of 15 cm to 60 cm, preferably from 20 cm to 40 cm and particularly preferably from 35 cm from a center of gravity of the ballast body, which runs through the point of attack of the connecting means on the ballast body. The at least one boom or the plurality of booms can, however, also have a length that extends into the area of ​​the diver's legs. Due to the relatively high weight of the ballast body on the connecting means, the ballast body can absorb a certain moment, which can be introduced into the ballast body via the booms.When the diver, when using the diving device according to the invention, places his hands on the handles and the at least one boom, due to its distance from the defined center of gravity of the ballast body, subsequently rests on the upper sides of the diver's forearms or upper arms, this force exerted on the diver's arms is sufficient to compensate for the buoyancy of the diver's legs.

[0011] To balance the directional tendency and ensure a more or less horizontal position of the diver in the water. This simple means provides a pleasant and safe diving experience, even for inexperienced recreational athletes.

[0012] As will be explained further below, the ballast body can fulfill a number of functions for the diver. Therefore, in the implementation of the present invention, the ballast body is not generally a simple, solid lead or stainless steel body, but rather a type of operating unit for the diving device according to the invention. The ballast body is therefore generally made of plastic and can fulfill a variety of functions. In order to be able to carry ballast, and in particular lead ballast or stainless steel ballast, in a suitable form in the ballast body, the present invention is preferably further developed in such a way that the ballast body has a receiving compartment for receiving ballast, wherein the ballast preferably has a shape adapted to an inner shape of the receiving compartment and is preferably accommodated displaceably in the receiving compartment.Ballast can be easily inserted into this compartment; the amount of ballast carried can be calculated based on the specific weight of the diver and their additional equipment, and the ballast can be introduced into the compartment. Because the ballast can preferably have a contour that is adapted to the internal shape of the retrieval procedure, the space in the compartment can be used in the best possible way, while at the same time any unpleasant feeling caused by ballast lying loose in the compartment can be avoided. The ballast can preferably be present in the compartment, for example, in discs whose peripheral contour corresponds to the internal contour of the compartment.If, as may be provided in a preferred manner, the ballast is accommodated in the receiving compartment in a displaceable manner, the angle of a geometric axis of the ballast body to the course of the line of gravity of the ballast body can be changed by the point of attack of the connecting means, so that the position of the diver in the water can be influenced accordingly via the means of the boom.

[0013] In order to be able to compensate for the buoyancy of the diver's legs even better, as described above, it can be provided according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention that the ballast body has at least one rod, at the end of which ballast is arranged, wherein the at least one rod is preferably telescopic. With such a ballast rod, the weight of the ballast of the ballast body can act at a considerable distance from the point of application of the connecting means on the ballast body, so that even a considerable buoyancy force and the resulting considerable moment exerted by the diver on the ballast body can be compensated. The at least one rod preferably has a length of between 50 and 90 cm; in the case of a telescopic rod, this applies to the rod in the fully extended state. In this case, the weight of the ballast acts primarily in the area below the abdomen of a diver.

[0014] The diving device according to the invention can be further developed for easy transport, for example in an aircraft, in that the ballast body has a bag that can be filled with ballast. Such a bag can hold any type of ballast, which may be very unspecific, so that the diving device can be transported without heavy ballast elements. At the site of use, the user can fill the bag with stones or similar materials to achieve sufficient downforce. The bag can, for example, be suspended in the area of ​​the center of gravity or connected in some other way, but it can also be attached to the rod to achieve the desired moment compensation. Furthermore, for the same purpose, the ballast body can also have a hard-walled container that can be filled with ballast.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it can be provided that the ballast body and / or the floating body has a winch for rolling up and rolling out the connecting means. This allows the diver to reach a desired diving depth in a comfortable manner when using the diving device according to the invention, wherein the winch can preferably also automatically move the diver at least temporarily to safe diving depths by rolling up the connecting means, in accordance with a saturation of the diver's blood with nitrogen that is to be expected over a certain period of time at a measured diving depth, in order to ensure decompression. The diving device according to the invention can for this purpose have a corresponding control device which interacts with a pressure sensor for determining the water pressure.

[0016] In the same way, the invention can also be further developed in such a way that the floating body has a reel for rolling up and unrolling the air hose, as is the case with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. This is desirable in that the reel for the air hose ensures that the air hose does not drift uncontrollably in the diver's surroundings, and the diver cannot subsequently become entangled in the air hose.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, further relief of the diver's circulation and, consequently, a lower oxygen requirement is achieved when the ballast body has a drive, preferably a propeller drive. Such drives are known in the art as underwater scooters and enable the diver to move effortlessly underwater. This movement can also contribute to achieving a horizontal position in the water through appropriate steering with the body and fins on the feet.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, control elements for the winch and / or the drive are arranged on at least one handle of the ballast body. These control elements are designed in a conventional manner as toggle switches or small joysticks and can be operated by the diver using the thumb and / or index and middle fingers. In this way, the diving device according to the invention can be operated intuitively and effortlessly, allowing the diver to concentrate fully on the underwater experience. Alternatively or additionally, the winch can also be driven via a hand crank on the ballast body.

[0019] In principle, the compressor on the floating body can be driven in any conceivable way. However, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one battery unit is arranged on the floating body to supply the compressor with power. In this case, the compressor is driven by an electric motor, so there is no risk of the compressor drawing in its own combustion gases to provide the breathing air.

[0020] Similarly, it can be provided that at least one battery unit is arranged on the floating body to supply the drive with power, as is the case with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. This can be advantageous in that in this case, no batteries need to be housed underwater in a waterproof housing, although in this case the power must be conducted downwards to the drive.

[0021] The preferred electric drive of the compressor and / or drive within the scope of the present invention naturally requires the charging of the corresponding batteries in the battery units. In order to further improve the handling of the diving device according to the invention, the invention is further developed according to a preferred embodiment in such a way that the compressor and the drive are supplied with power from the same battery unit. In this way, to charge the diving device according to the present invention, only one battery or one battery unit needs to be charged, so that particularly simple operation and maintenance of the diving device can be achieved. In a preferred embodiment of the diving device according to the invention without a drive, the battery unit or the battery units can be rechargeable batteries with a total capacity of, for example, 100 Wh

[0022] (watt hours). In this way, the battery can be small and light and can be properly carried, for example, in hand luggage on an airplane. The battery units can also be connected in parallel to achieve a higher capacity when using battery units, for example, with a total capacity of 8000 mAh (milliampere hours). The compressor of the diving device according to the invention is designed so that with a capacity of 8 Ah (ampere hours) operation for a period of approximately 40

[0023] minutes is possible.

[0024] The battery units are preferably modular in design and waterproof and can therefore be detachable. For this purpose, the battery units also have a waterproof connector and can be connected to the device according to the invention using waterproof plugs. For example, three battery units can be connected to the device in parallel. This allows for safe transport of the battery units in an aircraft.

[0025] The diving device according to the invention preferably has an electronic circuit for monitoring the capacity still available in the batteries during use and is designed to emit corresponding light and / or sound signals in order to inform the diver about the charge level of the battery units. For this purpose, light and / or sound signal generators can be arranged on the floating body and / or on the ballast body and are controlled accordingly. A sound signal with a sound pressure level of around 90 dB (decibels), which is emitted from the floating body, was found to be suitable for being clearly perceivable by the diver in the water at a depth of around 5 m. The light and / or sound signals can, for example, not only indicate a critically low charge level of the battery units but also be actively queried by the diver in order to generally find out the charge level.Light signals can use different colors for different charge levels, and sound signals can use different pitches or tone sequences for different charge levels. The diving device according to the invention can also be configured to emit a light signal on the top of the floating body to increase safety for the diver by alerting watercraft to the diver's presence.

[0026] To further improve the transportability of the diving device according to the invention, the float can be inflatable, resulting in a small transport size. In this case, the float can be inflated using a compressor.

[0027] As already explained above, the connecting means for use in the context of the present invention is generally formed by a metal or plastic rope or a metal or plastic cable. In order to be able to transfer the energy from the battery unit in the floating body to the ballast body in a manner that is safe for the diver, the invention is preferably further developed in such a way that the connecting means comprises a power line from the at least one battery unit on the floating body to the ballast body. This means nothing other than that the power line is incorporated into the connecting means, i.e. into the connecting part or cable, so that it does not float in the water and under certain circumstances pose a risk to the diver.

[0028] To ensure that the air supply through the mouthpiece is particularly comfortable and safe for the diver, the present invention is preferably further developed in such a way that the air hose is detachably attached to a fastening element on the ballast body. In this preferred embodiment, the diver therefore does not have to hold the mouthpiece with his mouth against the buoyancy of the air hose, since it is clamped to the ballast body, for example. However, if an emergency occurs or if the diver suddenly wants to surface for another reason, he can detach the detachably attached air hose from the ballast body without much effort and surface with an appropriate supply of breathing air through the air hose.

[0029] To further increase safety when using the diving device according to the invention, a preferred embodiment of the present invention can provide for a positioning system, in particular a global positioning system in the form of a GPS module, to be arranged on the floating body. The diver can use the positioning system to determine his position or to summon assistance to his location.

[0030] Similarly, to further increase the operational reliability of the diving device according to the invention, a radio module and / or a mobile radio module can be arranged on the floating body. This allows the diver to call for assistance in an emergency.

[0031] The diving device according to the invention is designed primarily for recreational use, which is why, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a digital camera can be arranged on the ballast body. With the digital camera on the ballast body, the diver can capture images of the underwater world or videos when using the diving device according to the invention. The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in the drawing.In this, Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the components of a diving device according to the invention, Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a floating body with a compressor, Figure 3 shows a view of the floating body according to Figure 2 from below, Figure 4 shows a view of the ballast body, Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the diving device according to the invention with an extended boom, Figure 6 shows a view of the diving device according to the invention with short booms for support on the forearms of the diver, Figure 7 shows an embodiment with ballast attached to a rod and Figure 8 shows an embodiment in which the ballast is accommodated in a bag of the ballast body.

[0032] In Figure 1, the diving device according to the invention is designated by the reference numeral 1. A diver 2 holds on to the ballast body 3 with his hands, the ballast body 3 being connected to a float 5 via a corresponding connecting means 4, generally a plastic or metal rope or a plastic or metal cable 4. An air inlet 6 for a compressor (not shown in Figure 1) can be seen on the float 5. The air inlet 6 has a water separator 7 at its upper end. The reference numeral 8 designates an air hose via which ambient air can be conveyed through the air inlet 6 of the compressor to a mouthpiece 9. The mouthpiece 9, in turn, is detachably attached to the ballast body 3 by a fastening element 10 and can be taken into the mouth by the diver 2 in order to be able to breathe appropriately compressed air underwater.The air hose 8 is wound on a reel 11 and, depending on the desired diving depth, can be unwound from the reel 11 or wound up again upon ascending. The ballast body 3 is heavy enough to overcome its own buoyancy, but above all the buoyancy of the diver 2, and in this way to pull the diver 2 to the desired diving depth without effort. The connecting means 4 is, as can be seen in Figure 1, in this case fastened to the underside of the floating body 5 with a snap hook 4a. The reference numeral 23 designates booms which are supported on the forearms of the diver 2.

[0033] : In Figure 2 and the other figures, identical or corresponding parts are provided with the same reference numerals. In Figure 2, the floating body 5 is shown without a cover and it can be seen that the air inlet 6 is connected to a compressor 12. The compressor 12 is supplied with power via a battery unit 13 and can therefore suck in ambient air through the water separator 7 and the air inlet 6 and press it into the air hose 8 (not shown in Figure 2). The reference numeral 14 designates a GPS module and the reference numeral 15 designates a radio module for increasing the operational reliability of the diving device according to the invention. In the rear region of the floating body 5 there is a reel 11 for the air hose 8, the reel 11 being arranged in a corresponding housing.The floating body 5 is generally made of rigid materials, but can in principle also be inflatable, as long as the floating body 5 is suitable to support the various components.

[0034] In Figure 3, a fastening eyelet 17 can be seen on the underside of the floating body 5, to which, for example, the snap hook 4a, which can be seen in Figure 1, can be attached. However, the connecting cable 4 can also pass through the underside of the floating body 5 and be wound up on a corresponding winch in the floating body 5.

[0035] In Figure 4, the ballast body 3 can be seen more clearly and it is evident that the connecting means 4, or connecting rope 4, enters the ballast body 3, wherein in the area 4b a winch for winding up the connecting rope 4 or connecting means 4 is provided. The reference number 18 designates a compartment for ballast. The ballast is dimensioned such that a sufficient downward force, i.e. in the direction of arrow 19, is achieved and that at the same time a relatively high torque can be absorbed at the handles 20 of the ballast body 3. The reference number 21 designates control elements for the winch and / or the drive 22. The drive 22 is in the form of a propeller drive and can provide corresponding propulsion. The reference number 23 in turn designates the boom.

[0036] Figure 5 shows a boom 23, which is intended to compensate for the buoyancy of the legs 2a of the diver 2, symbolized by the arrow 24. The floating body is again designated by the reference numeral 5, and the ballast body 3 is shown in a simplified form.

[0037] Figure 6 again shows the basic elements of the diving device 1 according to the invention, wherein instead of the long boom 23 of Figure 5, only relatively short booms 23 are provided, which extend only as far as the forearms of the diver 2. The distance to a center of gravity that runs through the point of attachment of the connecting means 4 to the ballast body 3 is approximately 35 cm in the example according to Figure 6. The center of gravity 4 is shown in Figure 4 as a dash-dotted line that coincides with the connecting means 4 in the area of ​​the latter.

[0038] Figure 7 shows that the ballast body 3 has a rod 25, to the end of which ballast, in this case a metal cylinder 26, is attached. The rod is telescopic and, when fully extended, has a length of approximately 90 cm and is thus located below the abdomen of the diver 2. According to Figure 8, the ballast body 3 has a bag 27 that can be filled with ballast. The bag 27 could also be attached to the end of the rod 25 in Figure 7.

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Diving device (1) for supplying a diver (2) with breathing air underwater, comprising a floating body (5) and a compressor (12) arranged thereon with an air inlet (6) for sucking in ambient air and providing compressed breathing air through an air hose (8) of the device (1), wherein the air hose (8) connects the compressor (12) for inhaling the breathing air by the diver (2) to a mouthpiece (9) of the device (1), characterized in that the device (1) further comprises a flexible, tensile-resistant connecting means (4) which engages with a first end on the underside of the floating body (5) or emerges from it, and that a ballast body (3) of the device (1) is fixed to a second end of the connecting means (4), wherein the ballast body (3) has at least one handle (20), preferably two handles (20) for gripping the ballast body (3) by the diver (2).

2. Diving device according to claim 1, characterized in that the ballast body (3) has at least one boom (23), preferably two booms (23), for supporting on the arms of a diver (2), wherein the at least one boom (23) extends to a distance of 15 cm to 60 cm, preferably from 20 cm to 40 cm and particularly preferably from 35 cm from a center of gravity of the ballast body (3), which runs through the point of application of the connecting means (4) on the ballast body (3).

3. Diving device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the ballast body (3) has a receiving compartment (18) for receiving ballast, wherein the ballast preferably has a shape adapted to an inner shape of the receiving compartment (18) and is preferably slidably received in the receiving compartment (18).

4. Diving device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the ballast body (3) has at least one rod (25) at the end of which ballast (26) is arranged, wherein preferably the at least one rod (25) is telescopic.

5. Diving device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the ballast body (3) has a bag (27) that can be filled with ballast.

6. Diving device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the ballast body (3) and / or the floating body (5) has a winch for rolling up and rolling out the connecting means (4).

7. Diving device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the floating body (5) has a reel (11) for rolling up and unrolling the air hose (8).

8. Diving device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the ballast body (3) has a drive (22), preferably a propeller drive.

9. Diving device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that control elements (21) for the winch and / or the drive (22) are arranged on the at least one handle (20) of the ballast body (3).

10. Diving device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least one battery unit (13) is arranged on the floating body (5) for supplying the compressor (12) with power.

11. Diving device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least one battery unit (13) is Floating body (5) is arranged to supply the drive (22) with power.

12. Diving device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the compressor (12) and the drive (22) are supplied with power from the same battery unit (13).

13. Diving device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the connecting means (4) comprises a power line from the at least one battery unit (13) on the floating body (5) to the ballast body (3).

14. Diving device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the air hose (8) is releasably fixed to a fastening element (10) on the ballast body (3).

15. Diving device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that a position determination system, in particular a global positioning system in the form of a GPS module (14), is arranged on the floating body (5).

16. Diving device according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that a radio module (15) and / or a mobile radio module is arranged on the floating body (5).

17. Diving device according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that a digital camera is arranged on the ballast body (3).

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