Method for manufacturing membranes, in particular regulating membranes for breathing apparatus

Abstract: Method for manufacturing regulating membranes for breathing apparatus characterized in that it comprises a phase of moulding of the aforesaid membrane (1) during which a disk (2, 2'), made of rigid or semi-rigid material, is embedded and anchored inside the membrane itself, which presents continuity of material on the upper part (11).

Description: The present invention relates to a regulating device for breathing apparatus, comprising: a container body communicating with an air intake pipe, in which an air supply valve is located, a pipe supplying air to a breathing device, a cover for said container, a membrane provided inside the container beneath the cover, a disk made of rigid or semi-rigid material embedded and anchored by moulding inside the membrane, which presents continuity of material on its upper part, operation means connected to the membrane for operating said supply valve. A regulating device of this kind for breathing apparatus is known from the document US-A-2 758 596. The disk embedded inside the membrane of the known regulating devices is often previously painted and during the moulding of the membrane the paint is polymerised to guarantee adherence. This disk associates the movement of the membrane with the opening and closing of the air-supply regulating valve. In such cases, if the paint has not been properly applied, traces of grease may cause detachment of the disk with prolonged use of the breathing apparatus, so that the air supply is blocked. The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the problems referred to above. This purpose is achieved by the present invention in a regulating device of the kind described above and according to the pre-characterising part of the independent claim by the combination of the following features: the disk has two flanges, an upper one provided with a number of holes and a lower one, which is smooth, the upper flange comprises a central area, which is smooth and inset with respect to said flange and is provided with a trough central hole on its lower surface. The characteristics of the regulating device according ton the present invention will appear more clearly from the detailed description of the invention, carried out with reference to the figures of the attached drawings, which schematically represent some preferred embodiments of membranes according to the present invention and applied to a generic second supply stage for breathing apparatus. In the drawings: Fig. 1 represents schematically a top view of the disk connecting to the membrane according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 represents schematically a side view of the same disk as the one shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 represents schematically a cross-sectional view of the membrane and the disk of Fig. 1 joined together following on application of the method which is the subject of the present invention. Fig. 4 represents schematically a top view of the disk connecting to the membrane according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 represents schematically a side view of the same disk as the one shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 represents schematically a cross-sectional view of the membrane and disk of Fig. 4 joined together following on application of the method which is the subject of the present invention. Fig. 7 represents schematically a partial sectional view of a regulating device for breathing apparatus to which is applied a membrane made according to the method which is the subject of the present invention. With reference to Figs. 1, 2 and 3, the membrane 1 and the disk 2 are represented; i.e., the elements that are fundamental for the application. The disk 2 has two flanges, an upper one 21, provided with a number of holes 22, and a lower one 23, which is smooth. The two flanges have basically the same diameter. According to a method, during the phase of moulding of the membrane 1, the disk 2 is embedded in the material of the membrane that is inserted between the two flanges 21 and 23 of the disk 2 and penetrates inside the holes 22 of the upper flange. In particular, Fig. 3 represents the membrane 1 and disk 2 assembly after the moulding phase, in which the disk is inserted in the membrane 1, the upper surface 11 of which presents continuity of material, and hence perfect water-tightness. With reference to Figs. 4, 5 and 6, the membrane 1 and a disk 2' are shown according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In fact, the disk 2' presents an upper flange 21' provided with a number of holes 22' and a central part 23', which is smooth and inset with respect to the flange and is provided on its lower surface with a central through hole 24'. This hole 24' presents a circular border 25' at its upper end. According to a method, during the phase of moulding of the membrane 1, the disk 2' is embedded in the material of the membrane that penetrates inside the holes 22' of the flange 21', inside the central area 23', and inside the hole 24', thus creating a secure mechanical fastening. In particular, Fig. 6 illustrates the membrane and disk assembly after the moulding phase, in which the disk 2' is inserted in the membrane 1, the upper surface 11 of which presents continuity of material, and hence perfect water-tightness. Fig. 7 shows the membrane 1 applied, to provide an example, to a regulating device for breathing apparatus of a known type. This regulating device comprises a container body 3 communicating with an air intake pipe 31, where an air supply valve 32 is located, and a pipe 33 supplying air to a breathing device. This container is generally delimited above by a cover 34, beneath which is set a membrane 1 of known type, to which are connected means of operation of the above-mentioned air supply valve 32. Such means of valve operation are exemplified by an actuating lever 35 connected to the lower flange 23 of the disk 2 and with the actuating rod 36 that operates the valve 32. From the foregoing description of the subject of the present invention, the advantages already referred to emerge more clearly. In fact, in both embodiments the connection between the disk and the membrane is of a mechanical type; hence, there is no possibility of any accidental detachment occurring between the two parts. Furthermore, the upper part of the membrane is continuous and smooth, and so is able to guarantee perfect water-tightness of the membrane itself with the disk referred to connected to the membrane. Finally, the disk referred to herein may be made of any rigid or semi-rigid material, given that no paints or glues are required to join the membrane and disk together.

Claims: Regulating device for breathing apparatus, comprising: a container body (3) communicating with an air intake pipe (31) , in which an air supply valve (32) is located, a pipe (33) supplying air to a breathing device, a cover (34) for said container (3), a membrane (1) provided inside the container (3) beneath the cover (34), a disk (2') made of rigid or semi-rigid material embedded and anchored by moulding inside the membrane (1), which presents continuity of material on its upper part (11), operation means connected to the membrane for operating said supply valve (32), characterised in that the disk (2') has two flanges, an upper one (21') provided with a number of holes (22') and a lower one (23), which is smooth, the upper flange (21') comprises a central area (23'), which is smooth and inset with respect to said flange and is provided with a trough central hole (24') on its lower surface. Regulating device according to claim 1, characterised in that said hole (24') presents a circular edge (25') at its upper end. Regulating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said operation means comprise an actuating lever (35) connected to the lower flange (23) of the disk (2') and to the rod (36) for operating the valve (32).

Inventors: SEMEIA ROBERTO, SEMEIA, ROBERTO
Applicants: SCUBAPRO EUROP, SCUBAPRO EUROPE S.R.L.
Application year: 1997
Main classification: A62B9
IPC codes: A62B9