DEVICE FOR SIGNALLING IN AN AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of devices for signalling a person in an aquatic environment, more specifically a person located on a body of water. It finds a particularly advantageous application in the field of scuba diving.

PRIOR ART

In the scuba diving practice, when the diver rises to the surface at the end of diving, he/she should get on board his/her watercraft. In practice, a recurrent difficulty is how this diver could be easily localised by the watercraft. Indeed, when the members of the same diving group reach the surface, they are often located at a distance from the boat which prevent them from being easily localised visually from the boat. Moreover, the currents greatly contribute to this distance.

This problem consisting in localising a person located at the surface of water is particularly vital when the swell masks this diver or when the luminosity is low. Of course, this problem is amplified during nighttime diving.

To address this problem, there are inflatable signalling buoys. These inflatable buoys are deployed by the diver after the latter has reached the surface. These buoys have a height larger than the emerged portion of the body of a diver, typically larger than 50 cm.

Nevertheless, in the dark, this type of devices might prove to be quite insufficient. Some deployable buoys are coated with reflective strips to improve their visibility.

These deployable signalling buoys have a low effectiveness in terms of signalling, in particular under swell condition or with a long distance between the boat and the divers. Hence, there is a need to provide a solution allowing improving the visibility of a person, for example a diver, positioned at the surface of a body of water. This is one of the objectives of the present invention.

The other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon examining the following description and the appended drawings. It should be understood that other advantages may be incorporated.

SUMMARY

To achieve this objective, according to one embodiment, a signalling system is provided configured to be carried by a user at the surface of a body of water, the system is characterised in that it comprises a device for ejecting a fluid, the ejection device comprises:

• • at least one first fluid inlet configured to enable the penetration of water from the body of water into a pipe of the ejection device,
  • at least one second fluid inlet configured to be connected to a source of a pressurized gas, in order to enable the penetration of the gas inside the pipe, the ejection device being configured so that water and the gas mix in the pipe,
  • at least one fluid outlet of the pipe configured so as to enable the formation of a fluid jet propagating outside the system according to a main direction, the jet being formed of water and gas escaping from the pipe.

Thus, the system generates a fluid jet formed by the water surrounding the user and by a pressurised gas, typically a pressurised gas contained in diving cylinders.

This system allows signalling the presence of a diver possibly far away from the other members of their diving group, from their instructor or from their boat. Thus, this system enhances the safety of divers and facilitates the work of diving instructors and accompanying boat pilots.

Furthermore, it may be oriented according to various directions. It can be moved manually by the user so as to perform a visual movement which will be particularly visible even at a distance.

This solution has the advantage of considerably improving the visibility of a diver, while having a reduced bulk compared to a deployable signalling buoy. Indeed, this system has the advantage of not significantly increasing the bulk or the weight of the diver. Indeed, this system allows forming a visual element using the water surrounding the user as well as a gas that the user carries in his/her usual equipment.

Optionally, the system comprises at least one optical output, secured to the ejection device and configured so as to propagate a light beam delimited by a casing according to a secondary direction, the system being configured so that the envelope of the light beam emitted from the optical output intersects the envelope of the beam of the fluid jet ejected from the fluid outlet.

Thus, the fluid jet is illuminated by the light beam. This illuminated fluid jet thus forms a visual element allowing signalling the presence of the user.

Therefore, this system considerably improves the safety of divers when diving in reduced luminosity conditions, or at night.

The visual element formed by the illuminated jet may have a large dimension, preferably larger than 50 cm.

According to one embodiment, a set is provided comprising a signalling system and a gas source, preferably under pressure, the system and the gas source being two distinct elements and configured so as to be fluidly connected via a connector, preferably flexible, so as to supply the second fluid inlet with gas.

Another aspect relates to a method for signalling a user, for example a diver, on a body of water using a system carried by the user, the method being characterised in that it comprises a step of fluidly connecting to the second fluid inlet a pressurised air inlet pipe derived from a tank comprised in a piece of equipment of the user, typically a diving cylinder.

Optionally, one of the connections available on a cylinder is used or a system whose diver no longer has to use it at the surface is unplugged.

Optionally, the method comprises a step of turning on a light source so that the optical output emits a beam which diffuses into the water jet.

Optionally, the pressurised gas tank is a diving cylinder and the air inlet pipe is directly connected to an outlet of an expansion valve equipping the cylinder.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The aims, objects, as well as the features and advantages of the invention will appear better from the detailed description of an embodiment of the latter which is illustrated by the following appended drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a diver carrying an example of a signalling system.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show perspective views of an example of a signalling system according to the present invention.

FIGS. 3A and 3B respectively show a top view and a front view of an example of a signalling system according to the present invention.

FIGS. 4A and 4B respectively show a back view and a sectional view according to a plane defined in FIG. 4A, allowing visualising an example of an ejection system.

FIGS. 5A to 5G show diagrams illustrating different embodiments wherein the jets and the beams intersect.

FIGS. 6A and 6C show front views of an example of a signalling system according to the present invention.

The drawings are given as examples and do not limit the invention. They consist of schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate understanding of the invention and are not necessarily plotted to the scale of practical applications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before starting a detailed review of embodiments of the invention, optional features are set out hereinafter, which could possibly be used in combination or alternatively:

According to one example, the system comprising a casing, the casing incorporating the pipe with the first fluid inlet, the second fluid inlet the first fluid outlet with the optical output.

According to one example, the jet has a height Hj preferably measured according to the main direction X1.

According to one example, Hj is measured according to the vertical when the main direction X1 is vertical. Of course, it arises from the following explanations that Hj is measured beyond the surface of the water, i.e. in the air located above the surface of the body of water and not underwater.

Preferably, the height Hj is larger than 50 cm, preferably larger than 75 cm, preferably larger than 150 cm.

According to one example, the system is configured so that the envelope of the light beam intersects the fluid jet over a height Hi, measured according to the vertical, such that Hi≥0.5*Hj. Preferably, Hi≥0.7*Hj, preferably Hi≥0.9*Hj and preferably Hi≥0.95*Hj.

Thus, a considerable portion of the fluid jet is illuminated by the light beam. This further improves the visibility of the jet and therefore the effectiveness of signalling of the user, preferably a diver at the surface of the water.

According to one example, the light beam propagates according to the secondary direction and has a divergence angle α smaller than or equal to 45° with respect to the main direction.

Preferably smaller than or equal to 30°, preferably smaller than or equal to 20°.

These values allow having a large area of overlapping of the fluid jets by the light beam, while concentrating the light energy on the beam.

According to one example, the second fluid inlet is configured to fluidly cooperate with a piece of equipment of the diver so as to supply the second fluid inlet with the pressurised gas.

For example, the second fluid inlet may be directly connected to an outlet of an expansion valve of a breathable gas cylinder, typically the outlet of the first stage of an expansion valve. This connection may be performed by means of a dedicated flexible hose.

According to one example, the pressurised gas penetrating into the pipe has a pressure higher than or equal to 5 bar, preferably higher than or equal to 8 bar, preferably higher than or equal to 10 bars, this pressure is generally lower than 20 15 bars. Preferably, this pressure is comprised between 10 bar and 12 bar.

According to one example, the pressurised gas penetrating into the pipe has a pressure higher than or equal to 5 bar, preferably higher than or equal to 8 bar, preferably comprised between 10 bar and 12 bar, so that said jet formed of the water and of the gas coming out of the pipe has a height Hj larger than 50 cm, preferably larger than 75 cm, preferably larger than 150 cm.

According to one example, throughout the propagation of the fluid jet, the ejection device is continuously supplied with water from the body of water via the at least one first fluid inlet.

The second fluid inlet may also be connected to a pipe commonly used to supply pressurised gas to the stabilisation vest of the diver. As he/she arrives at the surface of the body of water, the diver no longer needs to inject pressurised gas into his/her vest. Hence, he/she can use this pipe to inject pressurised air into the signalling system.

According to one example, the second fluid inlet comprises a thread or a sliding ring connection. It could consist of another system used in scuba diving.

According to one example, the pipe has a constriction of the gas inflow section, so as to suck water at the level of the first fluid inlet by Venturi effect.

According to one example, the system comprises several first fluid inlets. This advantageously allows sucking more water and consequently ejecting a fluid jet with a higher flow rate.

According to one example, the system comprises several fluid outlets so as to create a plurality of fluid jets. Advantageously, the jets are distributed around the optical output.

According to one example, the system comprises several optical outputs so as to create a plurality of light beams. Preferably, the optical outputs are directed according to the directions substantially parallel to the ejection directions of the jets.

According to one example, the system is configured to emit several light beams and several fluid jets so that each light beam intersects at least one fluid jet. Preferably, one single fluid jet. Thus, each fluid jet is associated with a light beam.

According to one example, the light beam is configured so as to intersect the jet at different distances. Preferably, the light beam is conical.

According to one embodiment, the system comprises several light sources configured to emit several different beams and each beam intersects the jet at different distances so as to illuminate in portions, continuously or discontinuously. According to another embodiment, the beam is derived from one single source, the source being configured to emit a beam whose shape and/or emission distance varies intermittently.

According to one example, the light beam is flared and or discontinuous so as to cover a larger area, at the same time, the jet has a diffuse shape in order to illuminate a microdroplet area.

According to one example, the optical output is configured so as to illuminate the fluid jet in a flared and/or discontinuous manner.

Therefore, this allows for a larger illuminated area, yet with a lower light power, and therefore enabling lighting for a longer period of time. This embodiment increases the safety of the user who could signal his/her presence for a longer duration without depleting his/her battery.

According to one example, the system is configured to be carried at the arm, preferably at the wrist of the user.

Preferably, the system comprises a bracelet, a brassiere, an attachment strap so as to enable holding of the arm or of the wrist in position. According to one example, the system comprises a warning device configured to indicate the level of the battery. Preferably, it will consist of a light indicator.

According to one example, the system comprises a light source configured to emit the light beam. Preferably, the light source is secured to the signalling system. Preferably, the casing encloses the light source.

According to one example, the first fluid outlet is located at a distance smaller than or equal to 5 cm, preferably 3 cm, preferably 1 cm from the optical output.

According to one example, the first fluid outlet is divided into several elementary outlets. Preferably, the elementary outputs are homogeneously distributed around the light source.

According to one example, the system comprises several light sources.

According to one example, the optical output forms a concentric ring around the first fluid outlet.

Alternatively, the system is configured to be optically coupled with a light source external to the system. For example, this external light source is a lamp such as a scuba diving flashlight.

According to one example, the system comprises hooking openings which form an angle comprised between 30° and 60° with the main direction so as to enable the passage of textile strips to fasten the system in a stabilised manner on one of the wrists of the diver. According to one example, the system is configured so as to continuously propagate said fluid jet for a duration longer than 10 seconds and preferably longer than one minute. According to one example, the ejection device extends from the first fluid inlet and the second fluid inlet up to the first fluid outlet.

It is specified that, in the context of the present invention, the term jet should be understood as the volume occupied by the pressurised fluid emitted by the system from the first fluid outlet. It could consist of a continuous or discontinuous volume like for example droplets.

It is specified that, in the context of the present invention, the term “beam” should be understood as the volume crossed by the photonic emissions originating from the optical output and delimited by a contour.

The term “body of water” should be understood as a basin, a lake, a river, a sea or an ocean.

By “main direction”, it should be understood the direction of propagation of a fluid jet. In the case of several fluid jets, there will then be several elementary main directions.

By “secondary direction”, it should be understood the direction of emission of a light beam. In the case of several light beams, there will then be several elementary secondary directions.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 and according to one example, the user 2 is a diver carrying equipment as well as the signalling system 1 according to the present invention. The system 1 is carried at the level of the forearm and enables the free use of the hands.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B and according to one example, the signalling system 1 may be comprised in a casing 11 which is a case, the case may comprise ventilation reliefs as well as a set of buttons enabling control of the different functions of the system 1.

Advantageously, the system 1 is used at the surface of the water. As it clearly arises from the previous paragraphs, a use at the surface of the water means that the system is at least partially out of the water. When he/she is at the surface of the water, the diver has a portion of his/her body, typically at least his/her head and possibly a portion of his/her arms, above the surface of the water and an immersed portion, typically his/her legs. He/she can then activate the system 1 and his/her ejection device 13 to form the fluid jet 130 formed of the water originating from the body of water and the pressurised gas propagating outside the system 1. By leaving out of the water the fluid outlet through which the fluid jet 130 propagates outside the system 1, the fluid jet 130 propagates in the air and could be visible by persons located at a distance from the diver. The system 1 being preferably configured so as to be kept during the diving phase in a pocket of the equipment of the diver. Thus, the system 1 is accessible to the diver once the latter is at the surface of the water and can breathe in the open air.

According to one example, the system 1 comprises an attachment system like a wrist strap, configured to allow equipping the wrist of the diver without any risk of loss.

Advantageously, the system 1 comprises air cavities, sealed or filled with a material having a lower volumetric density than water, so as to enable the system 1 to float.

Preferably, the diameter of the fluid jet is at least five millimetres so as to be able to be ejected over a significant height compared to the size of the diver and/or to be able to be visible at a distance away from the diver.

Sizing

Advantageously, the outlet diameter of the first fluid outlet 13a is smaller than or equal to 20 mm and/or larger than or equal to 3 mm, preferably smaller than or equal to 15 mm and/or larger than or equal to 5 mm. Preferably, the outlet diameter of the first outlet 13a is substantially equal to 7 mm.

Ejection Device

As illustrated in FIG. 4B and according to one example, an ejection device 13 is shown extending from a first fluid inlet 13b and a second fluid inlet 13c up to a first fluid outlet 13a. Consequently, the first fluid inlet 13b is distinct from the fluid outlet 13a. The first fluid inlet 13b being advantageously configured to enable fluid to enter a liquid inlet pipe 131b, preferably a water inlet. This consists of the water in which the diver is partially immersed. The water is introduced into the ejection device 13 from the first fluid inlet 13b and penetrates into a pipe 131 of the ejection device 13. When using the system 1, i.e. when the system 1 propagates the fluid jet 130 outside the system 1, the first fluid inlet 13b is immersed or fluidly connected to the outlet of a water supply pipe an inlet of which is immersed. Thus, throughout the propagation of the fluid jet 130, the ejection device 13 is continuously supplied with water from the body of water via the at least one first fluid inlet 13b. The ejection device 13 is configured so as to propagate the fluid jet 130 for a duration d of several seconds, and preferably for a duration d longer than 10 seconds, preferably longer than 30 seconds, or longer than one minute, or longer than 5 minutes, or longer than one hour, or several hours. The fluid jet 130 continuously propagates over a period enabling visual observation thereof by persons at a distance from the diver. The duration d of propagation of the fluid jet 130 is limited only by the amount of pressurised gas available since the used water is available at will. Thus, the configuration of the ejection device 13 allows continuously propagating a fluid jet 130 visible from a distance, while consuming very few resources and only resources used by the diver even in the absence of triggering of the ejection device 13. The presence of the Venturi device allows further enhancing this advantage. Hence, it is possible to generate this visual signal for a duration that could be very long, further enhancing the safety and efficiency ensured by this signalling system.

The second fluid inlet 13c is configured so as to be connected to a tank which could be a diving cylinder filled with gas, preferably pressurised air so as to make the pressurised gas penetrate into the pipe 131. The gas penetrating into the pipe 131 via the air inlet pipe 131c.

According to one embodiment, when the diver is at the surface of the water, he/she inflates his/her vest 3 so as to have a positive buoyancy and therefore no longer needs to inflate his/her vest 3 again. He/she can then unplug the mean-pressure quick connection, generally at 10-12 bar, off his/her vest 3 and use this connection to plug it to the system 1 for forming the fluid jet 130. This disconnection of the inflation system from the vest 3 does not result in deflation.

Preferably, the user 2 is equipped with at least one diving cylinder comprising at least one connection configured to enable plugging of a connector, for example a flexible hose, configured to plug to the second fluid inlet 13c. Thus, in this embodiment, the second fluid inlet 13c of the system is directly connected to an outlet of an expansion valve, typically the outlet of the first stage of an expansion valve.

In general, the first stage of a diving expansion valve allows passing from a so-called high pressure of 200 to 250 bars in the cylinder to a so-called mean pressure generally comprised between 5 and 20 bar and most often between 8 and 12 bar at the first stage outlet.

Advantageously, the pressurised air is blown into the pipe 131 until it mixes in a chamber. Preferably, and as illustrated in FIG. 4B, the inlet of the chamber derived from the second fluid inlet 13c comprises a constriction 131d allowing, by Venturi effect, increasing the pressure inside the chamber where mixing is performed.

It clearly arises from the previous explanations that the system is configured so as to continuously propagate said fluid jet when the at least one first fluid inlet is supplied with water from the body of water. And that it is also configured so as to continuously propagate said fluid jet when the at least one fluid outlet is arranged outside the water. According to one example, the ejection device 13 is maintained simultaneously in the immersed portion, in particular to maintain the at least one first fluid inlet 13b immersed and partially out of the water, in particular to maintain the at least one fluid outlet 13a emerged. This allows continuously supplying the ejection device 13 with water and to letting the fluid jet 130 propagate freely in the air. The diver can maintain the ejection device 13 so that the surface of the body of water is located between the first fluid inlet 13b and the at least one fluid outlet 13a. Advantageously, it is possible to provide for the ejection device 13 having two ends, for the first fluid inlet 13b being located at a first end and for the fluid outlet 13a being located at a second end. This is the case in the example illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4B. When the ejection device 13 is configured to be fastened to the wrist or on the forearm of the diver, this facilitates this positioning, in particular, when the diver is partially immersed at the surface of the body of water.

Advantageously, the ejection device 13 comprises a chamber in which mixing between the gas and the fluid derived from the first and second fluid inlets 13b, 13c is performed.

According to one example, the gas is pressurised air. Preferably, the liquid is water present in the environment of the user 2. In particular, it may consist of seawater.

According to this same example, the ejection device 13 may also comprise, at the outlet of the first chamber, a second constriction which, by Venturi effect, enables the advantageous suction of the mixture and directs it via a discharge pipe up to the first outlet.

Ejection of the Jet

According to a preferred embodiment, the fluid jet 130 is ejected according to a main direction X1 and more particularly according to a median axis parallel to the main direction X1. Of course, the fluid jet 130 is intended to propagate in the air located above the surface of the body of water. The ejection device 13 is configured, in particular the fluid passage sections and the pressure of the pressurised gas, so that the jet formed of the water and of the gas coming out of the pipe 131 outside the system has a height Hi, measured according to the main direction X1 in the air above the surface of the water, larger than 50 cm, preferably larger than 75 cm, preferably larger than 150 cm.

The invention provides for a configuration in which there is a plurality of fluid outlets 13a. In particular, this enables a projection according to different directions or the use of a backup fluid outlet in the case where one of the fluid outlets 13a would be plugged. The fluid outlet(s) 13a is/are intended to be out of the water during the use of the system.

Advantageously, the fluid jet 130 is made of a mixture of water and air, it may be an optically non-homogeneous mixture. This allows improving the diffraction of the beam and increasing its illumination, for example in the case of a backlit jet.

According to a particular embodiment, the jet is configured to diverge according to a conical shape from the first fluid outlet 13a.

According to a particular embodiment, the jet is configured to be emitted according to a cylindrical shaped concentrated jet.

Preferably, the system 1 is configured so that the median axis intersects the main direction X1 of propagation of the fluid jet. Alternatively, the median axis and the main direction of propagation X1 are parallel or coincident.

Alternatively, the water jet and the light beam 120 are respectively ejected according to the main direction X1 and emitted according to the secondary direction X2. The main direction X1 and the secondary direction X2 could be parallel axes. The light beam 120 might tend to disperse and the fluid jet 130 might deviate from the trajectory because of gravity or wind, the light beam 120 and the water jet can easily meet together although their emissions have been done initially according to two parallel directions.

Preferably, the system 1 has a median axis intersecting the main direction X1 of propagation of the fluid jet 130 while forming an angle smaller than 45°, preferably smaller than 30° and preferably smaller than 10°, the system 1 is preferably configured so that the envelope of the light beam 120 intersects the fluid jet 130 over a distance Di, such that Di≥30 cm, preferably Di≥50 cm, preferably Di≥100 cm, preferably Di≥150 cm. This enables a considerable overlap of the fluid jets by the light beam 120, which increases the illuminated volume and therefore the visibility. The signalling of the diver is improved.

According to a particular embodiment, the system 1 comprises a regulator configured to adjust the power and/or the flow rate of the fluid jet 130 of the ejection device 13.

According to another embodiment, the median axis and the main direction X1 do not intersect. For example, the median axis and the main direction X1 are parallel. Nevertheless, the size of the casing 11, the size of the jet as well as the distance between the median axis and the main direction X1 enable the light beam 120 to intersect the fluid jet. For example, this allows increasing the length of overlapping of the jet by the luminous flux. In particular, this overlap may correspond to more than 70% and preferably to more than 90%, or the entire height of the jet, substantially the entire height of the jet. According to one example, the jet has a height Hj measured according to the main direction X1, preferably measured according to the vertical when the main direction X1 is vertical. Of course, it arises from the previous explanations that Hj is measured beyond the surface of the water, i.e. in the air located above the surface of the body of water. The signalling system 1 is configured so that the envelope of the light beam 120 intersects the jet ejected from the first fluid outlet 13a over a height Hi, measured according to the vertical, such that Hi≥0.5*Hj, preferably Hi≥0.7*Hj, preferably Hi≥0.9*Hj and preferably Hi≥0.95*Hj.

Light Propagation

According to a particular embodiment, the optical output 12a comprises a reflector, preferably a metal reflector, preferably concave shaped, preferably parabolic shaped, so as to reflect and focus the light, the optical output 12a may also comprise a lens so as to collimate the beam according to a specific direction.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention 12a, the optical output 12a comprises at least one LED, preferably a plurality of LEDs, preferably eight LEDs.

According to one example, the system 1 comprises a plurality of optical outputs 12a. Thus, the light emission is greater.

According to one embodiment, the optical system is configured so that the emission of the light beam 120 is performed over several metres, preferably over at least 50 cm. Thus, the present invention enables a diffusion of several metres with a reduced bulk.

Advantageously, the system 1 is configured to emit a fluid jet 130 having a dimension larger than at least 1 m, preferably at least 2 m, preferably at least 3 m, preferably at least 4 m.

According to a particular embodiment, the light beam 120 is configured to emit light over a distance larger than or equal to the same numbers as the water jet 30 cm, preferably larger than or equal to 50 cm, preferably larger than or equal to 75 cm, preferably larger than or equal to 1 m.

Preferably, the light beam 120 propagates according to a median axis.

In FIG. 5A, according to one example, the system 1 is configured to emit a fluid jet beam 130 and a light beam 120 which extend according to a main direction X1 and a secondary direction X2 parallel to one another.

In FIG. 5A, according to one example, the system 1 is configured to emit a fluid jet 130 and a light beam 120 which extend according to a main direction X1 and a secondary direction X2 parallel to one another. The light beam 120 being wider than the jet 130 according to a direction perpendicular to the main direction X1.

In FIG. 5B, according to one example, the system 1 is configured to emit two fluid jets 130 extending in the main direction of extension of the system 1 and a light beam 120 which extend according to a main direction X1 and a secondary direction X2 intersecting each other.

In FIG. 5C, according to one example, the system 1 is configured to emit a fluid jet 130 and a light beam 120 which extend according to a main direction X1 and a secondary direction X2 parallel to one another. The light beam 120 being narrower than the jet 130 according to a direction perpendicular to the main direction X1.

In FIG. 5D, according to one example, the system 1 is configured to emit a fluid jet 130 and two light beams 120 which extend according to a main direction X1 and a secondary direction X2 intersecting each other.

In FIG. 5E, according to one example, the system 1 is configured to emit a fluid jet 130 and a light beam 120 which extend according to a main direction X1 and a secondary direction X2 intersecting each other according to a crossing angle α.

In FIG. 5F, according to one example, the system 1 is configured to emit two fluid jets 130 and a light beam 120 which extend according to a main direction X1 and a secondary direction X2 intersecting each other according to a crossing angle α.

In FIG. 5G, according to one example, the system 1 is configured to emit a fluid jet 130 which extends according to a main direction X1 and three light beams 120 which extend according to secondary directions X2, X2′, X2″, these secondary directions intersect the main direction X1 according to crossing angles α, α′, α″.

Preferably, the crossing angles α, α′, α″ are comprised between 0° and 45°, preferably between 0° and 15°.

In FIG. 6A, according to one example, the system 1 is configured to emit a fluid jet 130 from a fluid outlet which is surrounded extends according to a main direction X1 and three light beams 120 which extend according to secondary directions X2, X2′, X2″, these secondary directions intersect the main direction X1 according to crossing angles α, α′, α″.

In FIG. 6A, according to one example, the system 1 comprises eight optical outputs 12a distributed equiradially around a fluid outlet 13a in order to emit a fluid jet 130 backlit by a series of light beams 120.

In FIG. 6B, according to one example, the system 1 comprises eight fluid outlets 13a distributed equiradially around a fluid outlet 12a in order to emit a series of fluid jets 130 backlit by a light beam 120.

In FIG. 6C, according to one example, the system 1 comprises eight optical outputs 12a distributed linearly next to a fluid outlet 13a in order to emit a fluid jet 130 backlit by a series of light beams 120.

Gas Supply

According to one embodiment, the signalling system could be supplied with gas via the second fluid inlet 13c. Preferably, this consists of pressurised air, contained in a cylinder comprising a breathable mixture.

Power Variator

According to one example, the system 1 comprises a variator allowing changing the emitted light intensity. This intensity variation may be continuous or discontinuous. In the last case, the light beam is therefore discontinuous over time. Hence, the light beam can emit by pulsations. In particular, this allows saving the battery according to the need. Thus, in case of an SOS call or in case of emergency, the light intensity could be brought to its maximum so as to optimise the signalling. Alternatively, it is possible to provide for the duration of the light pulses being predetermined, for example to emit an SOS light signal in Morse code. The illumination of the water jet by an SOS signal could allow for a better visibility thanks to the sudden variations in luminosity.

Colour Variation

According to one example, the optical device comprises diodes configured to emit a change in colour allowing adapting the signal according to external luminosity configurations or according to a colour code.

Control Buttons

According to one example, the system 1 comprises an SOS function configured to make the light coming out of the optical output 12a blink. Preferably, the SOS function could be triggered using a fourth button. Preferably, the fourth button 141d comprises a relief portion so as to be able to be blindly grasped by the user 2.

According to one example, the system 1 comprises a switch which could be actuated via a first button 141a. Preferably, at least one of the buttons 141a, 141b, 141c, 141d is formed in relief in order to enable the user 2 to blindly grasp it.

Alternatively, the system does not comprise any physical buttons but an infrared switch configured to be actuated by shutting off, typically by the passage of a finger of the user which cuts an infrared beam.

Energy Storage System

According to one example, the system 1 integrates an energy storage device. Advantageously, it could be a rechargeable battery.

According to a particular embodiment, the device comprises an energy storage system embedded in the storage system which could, for example, be cells, rechargeable cells or a battery.

According to one example, the system 1 also integrates an induction coil so as to be able, for example, to allow recharging by induction an energy storage element like, for example, a battery while preserving the tightness of the portion of the casing 11 in which all of the electrical elements are accommodated.

The Casing

According to a particular embodiment, the ejection device 13 is comprised in a casing 11. Advantageously, the casing 11 is a case made of resin or silicone, the use of this type of material allows withstanding high seabed pressures and advantageously validating sealing conditions necessary for the proper operation of an electrical system.

According to one example, the casing 11 comprises openings or grooves enabling the water surrounding the user 2 to penetrate into the case. This allows increasing the heat exchange surface between the case and the water so as to cool the case.

According to one example, the casing 11 is a part made of resin, preferably obtained by moulding or by 3D printing.

Preferably, the ejection device 13 comprises a pipe 131 arranged inside a casing 11, the casing 11 also comprising an insulated compartment configured so as to be able to integrate electrical components in a water-tight manner.

According to a particular embodiment, the components are directly integrated into the casing 11 by casting a resin within a mould during the manufacturing step.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3B and according to a particular embodiment, the casing 11 is parallelepiped shaped and comprises an outlet face 11a opposite to an inlet face 11b, a lower face 11c configured to be positioned against the arm 21 of the diver and an upper face 11d, preferably having a rounded or cambered shape. Like in the illustrated example, it is possible to provide for the outlet face 11a bearing the fluid outlet 13a and the inlet face 11b bearing the first fluid inlet 11b. Thus, the diver can easily position the casing 11 so that the outlet face 11a and therefore the fluid outlet 13a are out of the water and so that, simultaneously, the inlet face 11b and therefore the first fluid inlet 11b are immersed. Preferably, the upper face 11d comprises grooves configured so as to form a cooler 141b.

According to a particular embodiment, the casing 11 comprises a whistle.

Hooking System

According to one example, the signalling system 1 comprises at least one hooking opening 121 configured so as to make a hooking system 21a, preferably straps configured to secure a portion of the body of the user 2, preferably his/her arm 21, pass with the system 1. The straps could be elastic.

Preferably, these attachments are configured so as to be able to be positioned at the level of the forearm 21 of the diver so as to be able to leave his/her hands free thereby making possible and compatible carrying a diving computer or a watch on the wrist.

According to a particular embodiment, the hooking openings 121 may be arranged obliquely with respect to the main direction X1, so as to cross each other. For example, forming an angle between 30° and 45° with the main direction X1. This allows using the system 1 as a very stable camera support during the diving process. Thus, the illuminated surface corresponds to the field of view of “action”-type cameras.

Preferably, the hooking openings 121 are configured so as to enable the passage of “Velcro®” type straps or other watch bracelets.

According to a particular embodiment, the hooking openings 121 are not perpendicular to the main direction X1, preferably they are configured to be fastened on one of the wrists of the diver. Thus, in the case where the diver puts his/her two arms 21 in front while shaking his/her hands, he/she creates an extremely stable position for filming.

This allows having the viewfinder of the camera opposite himself/herself, without any effort or twisting of the wrist, when filming under water. The position of a diver under water is very special and this fastening type addresses very specifically the problems of stability.

According to a particular embodiment, the casing comprises an additional hooking opening 122 configured to make a wrist strap pass.

Method

According to one example, signalling the user 2 at the surface of water comprises several steps which could be interchanged with one another, if the technique allows doing so:

• • a first step of fluidly connecting to the second fluid inlet 13c an air inlet pipe 131c derived from the tank,
  • a second step of turning on a light source 12 so that the optical output 12a emits a beam which diffuses into the water jet. During this step, the light source 12 may be integrated into the system. Alternatively, it may consist of an independent light source, such as a scuba diving flashlight handled by the user. In the last case, it is possible to provide for the user holding the signalling system in one hand and holding a flashlight in the other hand.

The fluid connection step may comprise a step of triggering the air flow using a switch.

Among one of the connections available on the cylinder or by unplugging a system 1 the diver no longer needs to use at the surface.

The invention is not limited to the previously-described embodiments and covers all of the embodiments covered by the claims.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

• • 1—signalling system
  • 11—casing
  • 11a—outlet face
  • 11b—inlet face
  • 11c—lower face
  • 11d—upper face
  • 12—light source
  • 12a—optical output
  • 120—light beam
  • 121—hooking opening
  • 122—additional hooking opening
  • 13—ejection device
  • 13a—first fluid outlet
  • 13b—first fluid inlet
  • 13c—second fluid inlet
  • 130—fluid jet
  • 131—pipe
  • 131a—outlet pipe
  • 131b—liquid inlet pipe
  • 131c—air inlet pipe
  • 131d—constriction
  • 141a, 141b, 141c, 141d—buttons
  • 142—cooler
  • 2—user
  • 21—arm
  • 21a—hooking system
  • 3—vest
  • X₁—main direction
  • X₂—secondary direction