WO2001008968A1 - Device forming end cap for snorkel or diver's demand valve - Google Patents

Device forming end cap for snorkel or diver's demand valve Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001008968A1
WO2001008968A1 PCT/FR2000/002087 FR0002087W WO0108968A1 WO 2001008968 A1 WO2001008968 A1 WO 2001008968A1 FR 0002087 W FR0002087 W FR 0002087W WO 0108968 A1 WO0108968 A1 WO 0108968A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
teeth
air intake
diver
plunger
phonemes
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/FR2000/002087
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Bruno Pierot
Original Assignee
Amphicom
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Amphicom filed Critical Amphicom
Priority to AU70048/00A priority Critical patent/AU7004800A/en
Publication of WO2001008968A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001008968A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C11/00—Equipment for dwelling or working underwater; Means for searching for underwater objects
    • B63C11/02—Divers' equipment
    • B63C11/26—Communication means, e.g. means for signalling the presence of divers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C11/00—Equipment for dwelling or working underwater; Means for searching for underwater objects
    • B63C11/02—Divers' equipment
    • B63C11/18—Air supply
    • B63C11/186—Mouthpieces
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
    • H04R1/44—Special adaptations for subaqueous use, e.g. for hydrophone

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device forming a tip for a snorkel or diving regulator for underwater communication and more particularly for enabling the underwater transmission of auditory sounds called phonemes, pronounced by human beings.
  • face masks only devices using masks that leave the mouth of the diver completely free, called face masks, can solve the problem satisfactorily.
  • the objective of the invention is to overcome this drawback and to propose a tip for snorkel or diving regulator, which allows a diver to pronounce all the phonemes correctly.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a tip for snorkel or diving regulator, which is simple to manufacture.
  • the subject of the invention is a device forming a mouthpiece for a snorkel or diving regulator, comprising: - a body adapted to be engaged in the mouth of the diver, provided with lateral bite tabs and a supply orifice air, - means associated with the air intake orifice to modulate the phonemes by variation of the air intake section of the orifice,
  • the device is characterized in that the means for modulating the phonemes include two deformable lower and upper lips, arranged in the extension of the air intake orifice and arranged to be in contact with the teeth of the plunger and be able to be brought towards each other by the action of said teeth.
  • the designations “lateral”, “lower” and “upper” are to be understood with reference to the body when the latter is engaged in the mouth of the plunger.
  • “lateral” means that the bite tabs are opposite the lateral edges of the mouth.
  • the upper deformable lip is the lip which is closest to the palate of the mouth of the diver.
  • the lower deformable lip is the lip furthest from the palate from the mouth of the diver.
  • the variation of the air intake section which allows the modulation of the phonemes is obtained by the action of the teeth of the plunger, capable of exerting a force greater than that exerted by the lips.
  • the pronunciation, in particular of the occlusives is very clear, since the obturation of the air supply section of the orifice is very easily achieved by means of the deformable lips of the device which come into contact with one of the the other by the action of the diver's teeth.
  • the edge of the air intake orifice may be more rigid. This makes it possible to have greater operating safety of the device since the shutting off of the air supply section can no longer occur accidentally.
  • the lower and upper deformable lips are connected together laterally to form a continuous tubular flange. Such a collar ensures a more hermetic closure of the air intake section of the orifice, which allows a clearer pronunciation, in particular of the occlusives.
  • the deformable lips have come integrally with the body. This first variant is advantageous because it conditions the manufacture of the nozzle in one piece by means of a single mold. Manufacturing costs are reduced.
  • the deformable lips form part of an attached part disposed in the air supply orifice of generally tubular shape.
  • this insert is molded from synthetic material. It then advantageously comprises elements having an elasticity adapted to facilitate the spacing of the deformable lips after their approximation by the action of the teeth. These elements can be embedded inside the insert.
  • the device according to the invention comprises at least one transducer vibrator secured to the body and adapted to transform mechanical or acoustic vibrations into electrical signals and vice versa, said transducer vibrator being arranged, on the one hand, in contact with the teeth of the plunger with a view to the transmission to the ear by bone of the mechanical vibrations translating the signals electrical signals received and, on the other hand, to receive the phonemes modulated by variation of the air supply section with a view to their transformation into electrical signals.
  • the transducer vibrator is, in a manner known per se, connected to an electronic unit comprising a voltage source, an electrical amplifier and an underwater or wired transmitter / receiver to transform the electrical signals emitted from the vibrator-transducer into signals propagating in the water or in a wire and vice versa.
  • an underwater communication device is as follows:
  • the underwater or wired receiver receives the underwater signals, such as those emitted by another diver, and transforms them into electrical signals adapted to be received by the vibrator-transducer. This transforms the electrical signals received into mechanical vibrations transmitted to the inner ear of the diver by bone through the teeth. The diver then receives the messages sent by another diver. - in emission, the phonemes pronounced by the plunger modulated by the lower and upper deformable lips, are received directly by the vibrator-transducer (acoustic mode) and / or generate mechanical vibrations of the teeth which are received by the vibrator-transducer in contact of these (osteophonic mode). These mechanical or acoustic vibrations are transformed by the transducer vibrator into electrical signals and transmitted to the electronic unit.
  • the vibrator is at least partially disposed in a bite tab, so as to have a contact interface with the teeth.
  • the shape of the bite tab is adapted to maintain the contact interface of the transducer vibrator in permanent contact with the teeth of the plunger during use.
  • the present invention also relates to a snorkel or diving regulator comprising a device as defined above.
  • FIGS. 1 to 3 represent:
  • FIG. 1 an exploded perspective view of a first variant of the tip-forming device according to the invention
  • FIG. 1 a perspective view of the device according to Figure 1 ready to be used
  • FIG. 3a and 3b two sectional views of the device according to Figure 2 with the body engaged in the mouth of the plunger.
  • Figure 1 shows a variant of the device 1 forming a tip according to the invention. It is suitable for a diving regulator not shown here.
  • This device 1 consists of a body 2 and an attached part 3.
  • the body 2 molded in synthetic material comprises lateral bite tabs 21 arranged facing one another, molded on each of the two branches 2a, 2b which are adapted to match the inner front and side parts of the mouth of the plunger .
  • the rigidity and the external shape of the body 2 are identical to those of a conventional nozzle for diving regulator.
  • the synthetic material of the molded body can be chosen from polysilicone, natural rubber, silicone rubber, copolymers of polyvinylacetate and polyethylene.
  • a transducer vibrator 22 Inside one of the tongues 21 is arranged a transducer vibrator 22 of the type described in patent EP-0,487,599. It is suitable for transforming mechanical or acoustic vibrations into electrical signals and vice versa.
  • the V-shaped profile of the tongues is adapted so that the teeth are always in contact with the visible part of the vibrator 22, even in the event of imprecise positioning of the body 2 in the mouth.
  • the body 2 also comprises, in its front part, an air intake orifice 23 of oblong section and of generally tubular shape to which the diving regulator is fixed and a connection end piece 24 connected to the transducer vibrator 22 via an electric cable, not shown, which is embedded in said body 2.
  • this connection end piece 24 is itself connected to an electronic unit by means of an electric cable provided with an electrically insulating sheath and waterproof.
  • This electronic unit comprises, in a manner known per se, a voltage source, an electrical amplifier and an underwater transmitter / receiver for transforming the electrical signals emitted from the vibrator-transducer 22 into signals propagating in water and vice versa.
  • the external wall of the orifice 23 has a groove 231 whose profile makes it possible to keep the regulator fixed to the endpiece by means of a clamp and an edge 233 at the front end of the body 2.
  • the wall the internal portion of the orifice 23 also has a groove 232 whose profile is complementary to that of a protuberance of the regulator which makes it possible to position the latter relative to the body of the end piece.
  • the insert 3 comprises, for its part, two lower and upper deformable lips 31a, 31b connected to one another laterally to form a continuous flange 31.
  • This flange 31 is extended by an envelope 32 of oblong section and of tubular shape.
  • This insert 3 is molded in a synthetic material similar to that in which the body is molded 2. The thickness of the insert 3 much less than that of the different thicknesses of the body 2 can confer the desired flexibility.
  • Figure 2 shows the device of Figure 1, ready to be attached to a diving regulator, not shown.
  • the flange 31 of the insert 3 comes to bear against the entry of the air intake orifice 23 located inside the body 2 of the nozzle.
  • the casing 32 of the insert conforms to the internal wall of the orifice of tubular shape, its free end coming to curl up on the external wall of the latter by bearing on the edge 233 and coming to be partly inserted in the groove 231, as shown in FIG. 3.
  • the metal plates 33, 34 are arranged so that once the body of the endpiece engaged in the mouth of the plunger, they are perpendicular to the front teeth.
  • the phonemes such as the consonants, requiring at least partial closure of the lips of the plunger are modulated by the action of the teeth by closing off the collar 31 and the section of the envelope 32.
  • This closing is achieved by action of the teeth and, more particularly, the incisors, which brings the upper part towards the lower part of the collar 31 closer together, as shown in FIG. 3b.
  • the phonemes thus modulated by action of the teeth are received directly by the vibrator-transducer (acoustic mode) and / or generate mechanical vibrations of the teeth which are received by the vibrator-transducer in contact with them (osteophonic mode).

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Pulmonology (AREA)
  • Percussion Or Vibration Massage (AREA)

Abstract

The invention concerns a device (1) forming an end cap for snorkel or diver's demand valve, comprising a body (2) adapted to be engaged in the diver's mouth, and provided with lateral bite tabs (21) and an air intake orifice (23), and means associated with the air intake orifice to modulate phonemes by varying the cross-section of the air intake orifice. The invention is characterised in that the phoneme modulating means comprise deformable lower and upper lips (31a, 31b), provided in the extension of the air intake orifice (23) and designed to be in contact with the diver's teeth and to be brought together by the action of said teeth.

Description

DISPOSITIF FORMANT EMBOUT POUR TUBA OU POUR DETENDEUR DEVICE FOR FORMING A TUBA OR A REGULATOR
DE PLONGEEDIVING
La présente invention concerne un dispositif formant embout pour tuba ou détendeur de plongée pour la communication sous-marine et plus particulièrement pour permettre la transmission subaquatique des sons auditifs appelés phonèmes, prononcés par l'être humain.The present invention relates to a device forming a tip for a snorkel or diving regulator for underwater communication and more particularly for enabling the underwater transmission of auditory sounds called phonemes, pronounced by human beings.
Dans les systèmes de communication sous-marine pour plongeurs, qui ont été développés récemment, un des problèmes majeurs rencontrés en utilisation est de permettre au plongeur de prononcer correctement tous les phonèmes. En effet, la prononciation de certains d'entre eux, en particulier les consonnes, nécessitent la fermeture au moins partielle des lèvres sur elles-mêmes.In the underwater communication systems for divers, which have been developed recently, one of the major problems encountered in use is to allow the diver to pronounce all the phonemes correctly. Indeed, the pronunciation of some of them, in particular the consonants, require at least partial closure of the lips on themselves.
Actuellement, seuls les dispositifs utilisant les masques qui laissent la bouche du plongeur complètement libre, appelés masques faciaux, permettent de résoudre le problème de manière satisfaisante.Currently, only devices using masks that leave the mouth of the diver completely free, called face masks, can solve the problem satisfactorily.
Or, ces masques faciaux ne constituent pas un équipement standard. Ils sont donc chers et peu pratiques à utiliser. En outre, un plongeur muni d'un tel masque facial ne peut secourir un autre plongeur qui vient à manquer d'air car un masque facial ne peut s'échanger comme un embout monolithique standard.However, these face masks do not constitute standard equipment. They are therefore expensive and inconvenient to use. In addition, a diver fitted with such a facial mask cannot rescue another diver who runs out of air because a facial mask cannot be exchanged like a standard monolithic tip.
Dans les autres systèmes de communication sous-marine utilisant un embout standard, il n'est pas possible pour un plongeur de fermer même partiellement ses lèvres sur elles-mêmes. En effet, une fois l'embout monolithique engagé dans la bouche du plongeur en position d'utilisation, ses lèvres se trouvent disposées à l'extérieur de l'embout, de part et d'autre du tube d'amenée d'air, et sont donc séparées physiquement l'une de l'autre.In other underwater communication systems using a standard tip, it is not possible for a diver to even partially close his lips on themselves. In fact, once the monolithic nozzle is engaged in the mouth of the plunger in the use position, its lips are arranged outside the nozzle, on either side of the air supply tube, and are therefore physically separated from each other.
Dans ces conditions, lorsque le plongeur prononce les phonèmes nécessitant la fermeture au moins partielle des lèvres sur elles-mêmes, le tube d'amenée d'air constitue un obstacle et altère ainsi les phonèmes considérés. En effet, la modulation des phonèmes est d'autant plus correcte que le plongeur parvient à obturer facilement la section d'amenée d'air du tube. Le tube d'amenée d'air doit donc être suffisamment mou pour pouvoir être déformé facilement compte tenu du peu de force dont dispose le plongeur au niveau des lèvres. Toutefois, il doit être également suffisamment rigide pour ne pas risquer d'être obturé de manière accidentelle. Une solution a déjà été proposée par le brevet US-5579284 pour obtenir un tel compromis de manière plus aisée qu'avec un embout monolithique standard. Ce brevet décrit, dans un mode de réalisation particulier, un embout dont le bord du tube d'amenée d'air est réalisé en un autre matériau que celui dans lequel est réalisé le corps de l'embout. Toutefois, en pratique, quel que soit le type d'embout utilisé, il s'avère que le compromis sus-mentionné est impossible à obtenir de sorte que les phonèmes ne sont jamais prononcés correctement.Under these conditions, when the diver pronounces the phonemes requiring at least partial closure of the lips on themselves, the air supply tube constitutes an obstacle and thus alters the phonemes considered. Indeed, the modulation of the phonemes is all the more correct the more the diver manages to easily block the air intake section of the tube. The air supply tube must therefore be sufficiently soft to be able to be easily deformed, taking into account the little force available to the plunger at the level of the lips. However, it must also be rigid enough so as not to risk being accidentally blocked. A solution has already been proposed by US Pat. No. 5,579,284 to obtain such a compromise more easily than with a standard monolithic tip. This patent describes, in a particular embodiment, a nozzle whose edge of the air supply tube is made of a material other than that in which the body of the nozzle is made. However, in practice, whatever the type of mouthpiece used, it turns out that the aforementioned compromise is impossible to obtain so that the phonemes are never pronounced correctly.
L'objectif de l'invention est de pallier cet inconvénient et de proposer un embout pour tuba ou détendeur de plongée, qui permette à un plongeur de prononcer correctement tous les phonèmes.The objective of the invention is to overcome this drawback and to propose a tip for snorkel or diving regulator, which allows a diver to pronounce all the phonemes correctly.
Un autre objectif de l'invention est de proposer un embout pour tuba ou détendeur de plongée, qui soit simple à fabriquer.Another object of the invention is to provide a tip for snorkel or diving regulator, which is simple to manufacture.
A cet effet, l'invention a pour objet un dispositif formant embout pour tuba ou détendeur de plongée, comprenant : - un corps adapté pour être engagé dans la bouche du plongeur, muni de languettes de morsure latérales et d'un orifice d'amenée d'air, - des moyens associés à l'orifice d'amenée d'air pour moduler les phonèmes par variation de la section d'amenée d'air de l'orifice,To this end, the subject of the invention is a device forming a mouthpiece for a snorkel or diving regulator, comprising: - a body adapted to be engaged in the mouth of the diver, provided with lateral bite tabs and a supply orifice air, - means associated with the air intake orifice to modulate the phonemes by variation of the air intake section of the orifice,
Selon l'invention, le dispositif se caractérise par le fait que les moyens pour moduler les phonèmes comprennent deux lèvres déformables inférieure et supérieure, disposées dans le prolongement de l'orifice d'amenée d'air et agencées pour être en contact avec les dents du plongeur et pouvoir être rapprochées l'une vers l'autre par l'action desdites dents.According to the invention, the device is characterized in that the means for modulating the phonemes include two deformable lower and upper lips, arranged in the extension of the air intake orifice and arranged to be in contact with the teeth of the plunger and be able to be brought towards each other by the action of said teeth.
Dans le cadre de l'invention, les désignations "latérales", "inférieure" et "supérieure", sont à comprendre en se référant au corps lorsque celui-ci est engagé dans la bouche du plongeur. Ainsi, "latérales" signifie que les languettes de morsure sont en regard des bords latéraux de la bouche. De même, la lèvre deformable supérieure est la lèvie qui est la plus proche du palais de la bouche du plongeur. La lèvre deformable inférieure est la lèvre la plus éloignée du palais de la bouche du plongeur.In the context of the invention, the designations "lateral", "lower" and "upper" are to be understood with reference to the body when the latter is engaged in the mouth of the plunger. Thus, "lateral" means that the bite tabs are opposite the lateral edges of the mouth. Likewise, the upper deformable lip is the lip which is closest to the palate of the mouth of the diver. The lower deformable lip is the lip furthest from the palate from the mouth of the diver.
Ainsi, dans le dispositif selon l'invention, la variation de la section d'amenée d'air qui permet la modulation des phonèmes est obtenue par l'action des dents du plongeur, capables d'exercer une force plus grande que celle exercée par les lèvres. En particulier, la prononciation, notamment des occlusives, est très claire, car l'obturation de la section d'amenée d'air de l'orifice est réalisée très facilement au moyen des lèvres déformables du dispositif qui viennent au contact l'une de l'autre par l'action des dents du plongeur.Thus, in the device according to the invention, the variation of the air intake section which allows the modulation of the phonemes is obtained by the action of the teeth of the plunger, capable of exerting a force greater than that exerted by the lips. In particular, the pronunciation, in particular of the occlusives, is very clear, since the obturation of the air supply section of the orifice is very easily achieved by means of the deformable lips of the device which come into contact with one of the the other by the action of the diver's teeth.
De plus, le bord de l'orifice d'amenée d'air peut être plus rigide. Cela permet d'avoir une sécurité de fonctionnement du dispositif plus grande puisque l'obturation de la section d'amenée d'air ne peut plus se produire de manière accidentelle. De préférence, les lèvres déformables inférieure et supérieure sont reliées entre elles latéralement pour former une collerette tubulaire continue. Une telle collerette assure une fermeture plus hermétique de la section d'amenée d'air de l'orifice, ce qui permet une prononciation, notamment des occlusives, plus nette. Selon une première variante, les lèvres déformables sont venues de matière avec le corps. Cette première variante est avantageuse car elle conditionne une fabrication de l'embout en une seule pièce au moyen d'un seul moule. Les coûts de fabrication sont ainsi réduits.In addition, the edge of the air intake orifice may be more rigid. This makes it possible to have greater operating safety of the device since the shutting off of the air supply section can no longer occur accidentally. Preferably, the lower and upper deformable lips are connected together laterally to form a continuous tubular flange. Such a collar ensures a more hermetic closure of the air intake section of the orifice, which allows a clearer pronunciation, in particular of the occlusives. According to a first variant, the deformable lips have come integrally with the body. This first variant is advantageous because it conditions the manufacture of the nozzle in one piece by means of a single mold. Manufacturing costs are reduced.
Selon une deuxième variante, les lèvres déformables constituent une partie d'une pièce rapportée disposée dans l'orifice d'amenée d'air de forme générale tubulaire. De préférence, cette pièce rapportée est moulée en matière synthétique. Elle comporte alors avantageusement des éléments présentant une élasticité adaptée pour faciliter l'écartement des lèvres déformables après leur rapprochement par l'action des dents. Ces éléments peuvent être noyés à l'intérieur de la pièce rapportée.According to a second variant, the deformable lips form part of an attached part disposed in the air supply orifice of generally tubular shape. Preferably, this insert is molded from synthetic material. It then advantageously comprises elements having an elasticity adapted to facilitate the spacing of the deformable lips after their approximation by the action of the teeth. These elements can be embedded inside the insert.
Selon un mode de réalisation préféré, le dispositif conforme à l'invention comprend au moins un vibreur transducteur solidaire du corps et adapté pour transformer des vibrations mécaniques ou acoustiques en signaux électriques et inversement, ledit vibreur transducteur étant agencé, d'une part, en contact avec les dents du plongeur en vue de la transmission à l'oreille par voie osseuse des vibrations mécaniques traduisant les signaux électriques reçus et, d'autre part, pour recevoir les phonèmes modulés par variation de la section d'amenée d'air en vue de leur transformation en signaux électriques.According to a preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises at least one transducer vibrator secured to the body and adapted to transform mechanical or acoustic vibrations into electrical signals and vice versa, said transducer vibrator being arranged, on the one hand, in contact with the teeth of the plunger with a view to the transmission to the ear by bone of the mechanical vibrations translating the signals electrical signals received and, on the other hand, to receive the phonemes modulated by variation of the air supply section with a view to their transformation into electrical signals.
Le vibreur transducteur est, de manière connue en soi, relié à un boîtier électronique comportant une source de tension, un amplificateur électrique et un émetteur/récepteur subaquatique ou filaire pour transformer les signaux électriques émis du vibreur-transducteur en signaux se propageant dans l'eau ou dans un fil et inversement. Le fonctionnement d'un tel dispositif de communication sous-marine est le suivant :The transducer vibrator is, in a manner known per se, connected to an electronic unit comprising a voltage source, an electrical amplifier and an underwater or wired transmitter / receiver to transform the electrical signals emitted from the vibrator-transducer into signals propagating in the water or in a wire and vice versa. The operation of such an underwater communication device is as follows:
- en réception, le récepteur subaquatique ou filaire capte les signaux subaquatiques, tels que ceux émis par un autre plongeur, et les transforme en signaux électriques adaptés pour être reçus par le vibreur- transducteur. Celui-ci transforme les signaux électriques reçus en vibrations mécaniques transmises à l'oreille interne du plongeur par voie osseuse par l'intermédiaire des dents. Le plongeur perçoit alors les messages émis par un autre plongeur. - en émission, les phonèmes prononcés par le plongeur modulés par les lèvres déformables inférieure et supérieure, sont reçus directement par le vibreur-transducteur (mode acoustique) et/ou génèrent des vibrations mécaniques des dents qui sont reçues par le vibreur-transducteur au contact de celles-ci (mode ostéophonique). Ces vibrations mécaniques ou acoustiques sont transformées par le vibreur transducteur en signaux électriques et transmises au boîtier électronique.- in reception, the underwater or wired receiver receives the underwater signals, such as those emitted by another diver, and transforms them into electrical signals adapted to be received by the vibrator-transducer. This transforms the electrical signals received into mechanical vibrations transmitted to the inner ear of the diver by bone through the teeth. The diver then receives the messages sent by another diver. - in emission, the phonemes pronounced by the plunger modulated by the lower and upper deformable lips, are received directly by the vibrator-transducer (acoustic mode) and / or generate mechanical vibrations of the teeth which are received by the vibrator-transducer in contact of these (osteophonic mode). These mechanical or acoustic vibrations are transformed by the transducer vibrator into electrical signals and transmitted to the electronic unit.
Selon une caractéristique préférée, le vibreur est au moins en partie disposé dans une languette de morsure, de façon à posséder une interface de contact avec les dents. Selon une autre caractéristique avantageuse, la forme de la languette de morsure est adaptée pour maintenir l'interface de contact du vibreur transducteur en contact permanent avec les dents du plongeur lors de l'utilisation. La présente invention a également pour objet un tuba ou détendeur de plongée comprenant un dispositif tel que défini ci-dessus.According to a preferred characteristic, the vibrator is at least partially disposed in a bite tab, so as to have a contact interface with the teeth. According to another advantageous characteristic, the shape of the bite tab is adapted to maintain the contact interface of the transducer vibrator in permanent contact with the teeth of the plunger during use. The present invention also relates to a snorkel or diving regulator comprising a device as defined above.
D'autres caractéristiques avantageuses de l'invention ressortiront ci-après à la lecture de la description détaillée d'un exemple de réalisation faite en référence aux figures 1 à 3 qui représentent :Other advantageous characteristics of the invention will emerge below on reading the detailed description of an exemplary embodiment made with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 which represent:
- figure 1 : une vue éclatée en perspective d'une première variante du dispositif formant embout conforme à l'invention,FIG. 1: an exploded perspective view of a first variant of the tip-forming device according to the invention,
- figure 2 : une vue en perspective du dispositif selon la figure 1 prêt à être utilisé, - figures 3 a et 3b : deux vues en coupe du dispositif selon la figure 2 avec le corps engagé dans la bouche du plongeur.- Figure 2: a perspective view of the device according to Figure 1 ready to be used, - Figures 3a and 3b: two sectional views of the device according to Figure 2 with the body engaged in the mouth of the plunger.
La figure 1 représente une variante du dispositif 1 formant embout conforme à l'invention. Il est adapté pour un détendeur de plongée non représenté ici. Ce dispositif 1 se compose d'un corps 2 et d'une pièce rapportée 3.Figure 1 shows a variant of the device 1 forming a tip according to the invention. It is suitable for a diving regulator not shown here. This device 1 consists of a body 2 and an attached part 3.
Le corps 2 moulé en matière synthétique comporte des languettes de morsure latérales 21 disposées en regard l'une de l'autre, moulées sur chacune des deux branches 2a, 2b qui sont adaptées pour épouser les parties intérieure frontale et latérales de la bouche du plongeur. La rigidité et la forme extérieure du corps 2 sont identiques à celles d'un embout conventionnel pour détendeur de plongée. La matière synthétique du corps moulé peut être choisie parmi le polysilicone, le caoutchouc naturel, le caoutchouc silicone, les copolymères de polyvinylacétate et polyéthylène. A l'intérieur de l'une des languettes 21 est disposé un vibreur transducteur 22 du type de celui décrit dans le brevet EP-0.487.599. Il est adapté pour transformer des vibrations mécaniques ou acoustiques en signaux électriques et inversement.The body 2 molded in synthetic material comprises lateral bite tabs 21 arranged facing one another, molded on each of the two branches 2a, 2b which are adapted to match the inner front and side parts of the mouth of the plunger . The rigidity and the external shape of the body 2 are identical to those of a conventional nozzle for diving regulator. The synthetic material of the molded body can be chosen from polysilicone, natural rubber, silicone rubber, copolymers of polyvinylacetate and polyethylene. Inside one of the tongues 21 is arranged a transducer vibrator 22 of the type described in patent EP-0,487,599. It is suitable for transforming mechanical or acoustic vibrations into electrical signals and vice versa.
Le profil en V des languettes est adapté de sorte que les dents sont toujours en contact avec la partie apparente du vibreur 22, même en cas de positionnement imprécis du corps 2 dans la bouche. Le corps 2 comprend également, dans sa partie frontale, un orifice d'amenée d'air 23 de section oblongue et de forme générale tubulaire auquel est fixé le détendeur de plongée et un embout de connexion 24 relié au vibreur transducteur 22 par l'intermédiaire d'un câble électrique, non représenté, qui est noyé dans ledit corps 2. En utilisation, cet embout de connexion 24 est lui-même relié à un boîtier électronique par l'intermédiaire d'un câble électrique muni d'une gaine électriquement isolante et étanche.The V-shaped profile of the tongues is adapted so that the teeth are always in contact with the visible part of the vibrator 22, even in the event of imprecise positioning of the body 2 in the mouth. The body 2 also comprises, in its front part, an air intake orifice 23 of oblong section and of generally tubular shape to which the diving regulator is fixed and a connection end piece 24 connected to the transducer vibrator 22 via an electric cable, not shown, which is embedded in said body 2. In use, this connection end piece 24 is itself connected to an electronic unit by means of an electric cable provided with an electrically insulating sheath and waterproof.
Ce boîtier électronique comporte, de manière connue en soi, une source de tension, un amplificateur électrique et un émetteur/récepteur subaquatique pour transformer les signaux électriques émis du vibreur- transducteur 22 en signaux se propageant dans l'eau et inversement.This electronic unit comprises, in a manner known per se, a voltage source, an electrical amplifier and an underwater transmitter / receiver for transforming the electrical signals emitted from the vibrator-transducer 22 into signals propagating in water and vice versa.
La paroi externe de l'orifice 23 comporte une gorge 231 dont le profil permet de maintenir le détendeur fixé à l'embout par l'intermédiaire d'un serre-joint et un bord 233 à l'extrémité avant du corps 2. La paroi interne de l'orifice 23 comporte elle aussi une gorge 232 dont le profil est complémentaire de celui d'une excroissance du détendeur qui permet de positionner ce dernier par rapport au corps de l'embout.The external wall of the orifice 23 has a groove 231 whose profile makes it possible to keep the regulator fixed to the endpiece by means of a clamp and an edge 233 at the front end of the body 2. The wall the internal portion of the orifice 23 also has a groove 232 whose profile is complementary to that of a protuberance of the regulator which makes it possible to position the latter relative to the body of the end piece.
La pièce rapportée 3 conforme à l'invention comporte, quant à elle, deux lèvres déformables inférieure et supérieure 31a, 31b reliées entre elles latéralement pour former une collerette 31 continue. Cette collerette 31 est prolongée par une enveloppe 32 de section oblongue et de forme tubulaire. Cette pièce rapportée 3 est moulée dans une matière synthétique analogue à celle dans laquelle est moulé le corps 2. L'épaisseur de la pièce rapportée 3 bien moindre que celle des différentes épaisseurs du corps 2 peut conférer la souplesse désirée.The insert 3 according to the invention comprises, for its part, two lower and upper deformable lips 31a, 31b connected to one another laterally to form a continuous flange 31. This flange 31 is extended by an envelope 32 of oblong section and of tubular shape. This insert 3 is molded in a synthetic material similar to that in which the body is molded 2. The thickness of the insert 3 much less than that of the different thicknesses of the body 2 can confer the desired flexibility.
A l'intérieur de cette enveloppe 32 sont insérées deux plaques métalliques élastiques 33, 34. Leur présence n'est pas obligatoire, mais est déterminée par la technique de moulage adoptée pour mouler la pièce rapportée 3. Dans le cas où la technique de moulage ne permet pas de conférer à la pièce rapportée 3 seule une élasticité suffisante, alors la présence desdites plaques métalliques 33, 34 est avantageuse dans la mesure où leur élasticité intrinsèque facilite l'écartement des lèvres déformables après leur rapprochement par l'action des dents.Inside this envelope 32 are inserted two elastic metal plates 33, 34. Their presence is not compulsory, but is determined by the molding technique adopted for molding the insert 3. In the case where the molding technique does not allow the added piece 3 alone to be given sufficient elasticity, so the presence of said metal plates 33, 34 is advantageous insofar as their elasticity intrinsic facilitates the spacing of the deformable lips after their approximation by the action of the teeth.
La figure 2 montre le dispositif de la figure 1, prêt à être fixé à un détendeur de plongée, non représenté. Sur cette figure, il apparaît clairement que la collerette 31 de la pièce rapportée 3 vient prendre appui contre l'entrée de l'orifice d'amenée d'air 23 située à l'intérieur du corps 2 de l'embout.Figure 2 shows the device of Figure 1, ready to be attached to a diving regulator, not shown. In this figure, it is clear that the flange 31 of the insert 3 comes to bear against the entry of the air intake orifice 23 located inside the body 2 of the nozzle.
L'enveloppe 32 de la pièce rapportée épouse la paroi interne de l'orifice de forme tubulaire, son extrémité libre venant se retrousser sur la paroi externe de celui-ci en prenant appui sur le bord 233 et en venant s'insérer en partie dans la gorge 231 , tel que représenté à la figure 3.The casing 32 of the insert conforms to the internal wall of the orifice of tubular shape, its free end coming to curl up on the external wall of the latter by bearing on the edge 233 and coming to be partly inserted in the groove 231, as shown in FIG. 3.
Les plaques métalliques 33, 34 sont agencées de sorte qu'une fois le corps de l'embout engagé dans la bouche du plongeur, elles soient perpendiculaires aux dents de devant.The metal plates 33, 34 are arranged so that once the body of the endpiece engaged in the mouth of the plunger, they are perpendicular to the front teeth.
Ces plaques contribuent à augmenter l'effet ressort de l'enveloppe 32 et l'aident ainsi à revenir plus rapidement au contact de la paroi interne de l'orifice 23 lorsqu'il n'y a plus de sollicitation mécanique de la pièce 3 par les dents du plongeur.These plates contribute to increasing the spring effect of the casing 32 and thus help it to return more quickly to contact with the internal wall of the orifice 23 when there is no longer any mechanical stress on the part 3 by the diver's teeth.
Avec une telle configuration, les phonèmes, tels que les consonnes, nécessitant la fermeture au moins partielle des lèvres du plongeur sont modulés par action des dents en obturant la collerette 31 et la section de l'enveloppe 32. Cette obturation est réalisée par action des dents et, plus particulièrement les incisives, ce qui provoque le rapprochement de la partie supérieure vers la partie inférieure de la collerette 31, comme montré à la figure 3b. Les phonèmes ainsi modulés par action des dents sont reçus directement par le vibreur-transducteur (mode acoustique) et/ou génèrent des vibrations mécaniques des dents qui sont reçues par le vibreur-transducteur au contact de celles-ci (mode ostéophonique). With such a configuration, the phonemes, such as the consonants, requiring at least partial closure of the lips of the plunger are modulated by the action of the teeth by closing off the collar 31 and the section of the envelope 32. This closing is achieved by action of the teeth and, more particularly, the incisors, which brings the upper part towards the lower part of the collar 31 closer together, as shown in FIG. 3b. The phonemes thus modulated by action of the teeth are received directly by the vibrator-transducer (acoustic mode) and / or generate mechanical vibrations of the teeth which are received by the vibrator-transducer in contact with them (osteophonic mode).

Claims

REVENDICATIONS 1/ - Dispositif (1) formant embout pour tuba ou détendeur de plongée, comprenant : CLAIMS 1 / - Device (1) forming end piece for snorkel or diving regulator, comprising:
- un corps (2) adapté pour être engagé dans la bouche du plongeur, et muni de languettes de morsure latérales (21) et d'un orifice d'amenée d'air (23),a body (2) adapted to be engaged in the mouth of the plunger, and provided with lateral bite tabs (21) and with an air intake orifice (23),
- des moyens associés à l'orifice d'amenée d'air pour moduler des phonèmes par variation de la section d'amenée d'air de l'orifice, caractérisé en ce que les moyens pour moduler les phonèmes comprennent deux lèvres déformables inférieure et supérieure (31a, 31b), disposées dans le prolongement de l'orifice d'amenée d'air (23) et agencées pour être en contact avec les dents du plongeur et pouvoir être rapprochées l'une vers l'autre par l'action desdites dents.- means associated with the air intake orifice for modulating phonemes by variation of the air intake section of the orifice, characterized in that the means for modulating the phonemes include two lower deformable lips and upper (31a, 31b), arranged in the extension of the air intake orifice (23) and arranged to be in contact with the teeth of the plunger and able to be brought towards each other by the action of said teeth.
2/ - Dispositif selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce que les lèvres déformables inférieure et supérieure (31a, 31b) sont reliées entre elles latéralement pour former une collerette tubulaire continue (31).2 / - Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower and upper deformable lips (31a, 31b) are interconnected laterally to form a continuous tubular flange (31).
3/ - Dispositif selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que les lèvres déformables (31a, 31b) sont venues de matière avec le corps.3 / - Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the deformable lips (31a, 31b) came integrally with the body.
Al - Dispositif selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que les lèvres déformables (31a, 31b) constituent une partie (31) d'une pièce rapportée (3) disposée dans l'orifice d'amenée d'air (23) de forme générale tubulaire.Al - Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the deformable lips (31a, 31b) constitute a part (31) of an insert (3) disposed in the air intake orifice (23) generally tubular.
5/ - Dispositif selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que la pièce rapportée (3) est moulée en matière synthétique. 6/ - Dispositif selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que la pièce rapportée (3) comporte des éléments (33, 34) présentant une élasticité adaptée pour faciliter l'écartement des lèvres déformables (31a, 31b) après leur rapprochement par l'action des dents.5 / - Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the insert (3) is molded from synthetic material. 6 / - Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the insert (3) comprises elements (33, 34) having an elasticity adapted to facilitate the spacing of the deformable lips (31a, 31b) after their approximation by the teeth action.
Il - Dispositif selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que les éléments (33, 34) sont noyés à l'intérieur de la pièce rapportée (3).It - Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the elements (33, 34) are embedded inside the insert (3).
8/ - Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 1 à 7, comprenant un vibreur transducteur (22) solidaire du corps (2) et adapté pour transformer les vibrations acoustiques en signaux électriques et inversement, ledit vibreur-transducteur étant agencé, d'une part en contact avec les dents du plongeur, en vue de la transmission par voie osseuse des vibrations mécaniques traduisant les signaux électriques reçus et, d'autre part, pour recevoir les phonèmes modulés par variation de la section d'amenée d'air en vue de leur transformation en signaux électriques.8 / - Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a transducer vibrator (22) integral with the body (2) and adapted for transform the acoustic vibrations into electrical signals and vice versa, said vibrator-transducer being arranged, on the one hand in contact with the teeth of the plunger, with a view to the transmission by bone of mechanical vibrations translating the electrical signals received and, on the other hand part, to receive the phonemes modulated by variation of the air intake section with a view to their transformation into electrical signals.
91 - Dispositif selon la revendication 8, dans lequel le vibreur transducteur (22) est disposé dans une languette de morsure latérale (21), de façon à posséder une interface de contact avec les dents. 10/ - Dispositif selon la revendication 9, dans lequel la forme de la languette de morsure (21) est adaptée pour maintenir l'interface de contact du vibreur transducteur (22) en contact permanent avec les dents du plongeur lors de l'utilisation.91 - Device according to claim 8, wherein the transducer vibrator (22) is arranged in a lateral bite tab (21), so as to have a contact interface with the teeth. 10 / - Device according to claim 9, wherein the shape of the bite tab (21) is adapted to maintain the contact interface of the transducer vibrator (22) in permanent contact with the teeth of the plunger during use.
11/ - Tuba ou détendeur de plongée comprenant un dispositif selon l'une des revendications 1 à 10. 11 / - Snorkel or diving regulator comprising a device according to one of claims 1 to 10.
PCT/FR2000/002087 1999-07-30 2000-07-20 Device forming end cap for snorkel or diver's demand valve WO2001008968A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU70048/00A AU7004800A (en) 1999-07-30 2000-07-20 Device forming end cap for snorkel or diver's demand valve

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9909936A FR2796916B1 (en) 1999-07-30 1999-07-30 DEVICE FOR FORMING A TUBA OR A DIVER REGULATOR
FR99/09936 1999-07-30

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FR (1) FR2796916B1 (en)
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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2014022730A1 (en) * 2012-08-03 2014-02-06 Seacure, Inc. Customizable mouthpiece for scuba-divers

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2008013529A1 (en) * 2006-07-27 2008-01-31 James Anonsen Reusable customizable breathing apparatus mouthpiece with bitewings

Citations (7)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4071110A (en) * 1976-09-17 1978-01-31 Philip Wallace Payne Underwater voice communicator
EP0487599A1 (en) 1989-08-17 1992-06-03 Robert Issalene Device forming the mouthpiece of a snorkel or a diving regulator hose.
US5282462A (en) * 1991-10-30 1994-02-01 Masao Kudo Mouthpiece for regulator
US5455842A (en) * 1994-01-12 1995-10-03 Mersky; Barry Method and apparatus for underwater communication
US5493079A (en) * 1994-08-30 1996-02-20 Anderson; C. Roger Vocal communication snorkel
US5579284A (en) 1995-07-21 1996-11-26 May; David F. Scuba diving voice and communication system using bone conducted sound
US5706251A (en) * 1995-07-21 1998-01-06 Trigger Scuba, Inc. Scuba diving voice and communication system using bone conducted sound

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4071110A (en) * 1976-09-17 1978-01-31 Philip Wallace Payne Underwater voice communicator
EP0487599A1 (en) 1989-08-17 1992-06-03 Robert Issalene Device forming the mouthpiece of a snorkel or a diving regulator hose.
US5282462A (en) * 1991-10-30 1994-02-01 Masao Kudo Mouthpiece for regulator
US5455842A (en) * 1994-01-12 1995-10-03 Mersky; Barry Method and apparatus for underwater communication
US5493079A (en) * 1994-08-30 1996-02-20 Anderson; C. Roger Vocal communication snorkel
US5579284A (en) 1995-07-21 1996-11-26 May; David F. Scuba diving voice and communication system using bone conducted sound
US5706251A (en) * 1995-07-21 1998-01-06 Trigger Scuba, Inc. Scuba diving voice and communication system using bone conducted sound

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2014022730A1 (en) * 2012-08-03 2014-02-06 Seacure, Inc. Customizable mouthpiece for scuba-divers

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FR2796916B1 (en) 2001-10-19
FR2796916A1 (en) 2001-02-02
AU7004800A (en) 2001-02-19

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