U.S. patent application number 10/746686 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-07 for inlet valve apparatus and valve system.
Invention is credited to Hong, Thomas K..
Application Number | 20050145244 10/746686 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34710722 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050145244 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hong, Thomas K. |
July 7, 2005 |
Inlet valve apparatus and valve system
Abstract
An inlet valve apparatus for use with a snorkel comprises a
snorkel cap having an air inlet and an air outlet. An air
passageway connects the air inlet and the air outlet in fluid
communication one with the other. A buoyant float valve is movable
between an open position whereat air can pass from the air inlet to
the air outlet and a closed position whereat air and water are
precluded from passing from the air inlet to the air outlet. The
inlet valve apparatus is mounted onto the top end of a snorkel such
that the air outlet is in fluid communication with the snorkel. A
related valve system comprises a flexible hose member, a floating
member, and a diverter valve apparatus that is mounted onto the top
end of a snorkel such that its air outlet is in fluid communication
with the snorkel.
Inventors: |
Hong, Thomas K.; (Toronto,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THOMAS K. HONG
UNIT 18
1666 QUEEN STREET EAST
TORONTO
ON
M4L 1G3
CA
|
Family ID: |
34710722 |
Appl. No.: |
10/746686 |
Filed: |
December 29, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
128/201.11 ;
128/200.29; 128/201.27 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63C 11/207 20130101;
B63C 11/205 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
128/201.11 ;
128/200.29; 128/201.27 |
International
Class: |
B63C 011/02; B63C
011/16 |
Claims
I claim:
1. An inlet valve apparatus for use with a snorkel, said inlet
valve apparatus comprising: a snorkel cap having an air inlet and
an air outlet; an air passageway connecting said air inlet and said
air outlet in fluid communication one with another; and, a float
valve movable between an open position whereat air can pass from
said air inlet to said air outlet and a closed position whereat air
and water are precluded from passing from said air inlet to said
air outlet; wherein said float valve is buoyant in water; means for
mounting said inlet valve apparatus onto the top end of a snorkel
such that said air outlet is in fluid communication with said
snorkel.
2. The inlet valve apparatus of claim 1, wherein said snorkel cap
comprises a substantially vertically disposed hollow stem having a
top end and a bottom end, and an outer cap portion having a roof
portion and a sidewall portion and being secured to said hollow
stem in surrounding relation over the top end thereof.
3. The inlet valve apparatus of claim 2, wherein said air
passageway connecting said air inlet and said air outlet in fluid
communication one with the other is disposed in said hollow
stem.
4. The inlet valve apparatus of claim 3, wherein said air outlet of
said snorkel cap is disposed at the bottom end of said hollow
stem.
5. The inlet valve apparatus of claim 4, wherein said air inlet of
said snorkel cap is disposed in said sidewall portion of said outer
cap portion.
6. The inlet valve apparatus of claim 5, wherein said outer cap
portion is secured to said hollow stem by means of an annular ring
having at least one air passage aperture therein.
7. The inlet valve apparatus of claim 6, wherein said vertically
disposed hollow stem and said outer cap portion are substantially
cylindrical.
8. The inlet valve apparatus of claim 1, wherein said float valve
is mounted in sliding relation on said hollow stem.
9. The inlet valve apparatus of claim 1, wherein said float valve
substantially surrounds said hollow stem.
10. The inlet valve apparatus of claim 9, wherein said float valve
is substantially cylindrical in shape.
11. The inlet valve apparatus of claim 1, wherein said float valve
is shaped and dimensioned to fit in close fitting relation within
said outer cap portion, to thereby cover said air inlet disposed in
said sidewall portion of said outer cap portion.
12. The inlet valve apparatus of claim 11, wherein said float valve
includes a tray portion for receiving water therein.
13. The inlet valve apparatus of claim 12, wherein said tray
portion is disposed at the bottom end of said float valve.
14. The inlet valve apparatus of claim 13, wherein said tray
portion is annularly disposed around said hollow stem.
15. A valve system for use with for use with a snorkel, said valve
system comprising: a flexible hose member having an inlet end and
an outlet end; a floating member operatively mounted on said
flexible hose member adjacent said inlet end thereof; an inlet
valve apparatus operatively mounted on said flexible hose member
adjacent said inlet end thereof; a diverter valve apparatus
operatively mounted on said flexible hose member at said outlet end
thereof, said diverter valve apparatus having an air inlet in fluid
communication with said outlet end of said flexible hose member, an
air outlet connectable in fluid communication with said snorkel, an
expired-air outlet in fluid communication with said air outlet, and
an air-pressure-operated valve means disposed between said air
inlet and said air outlet such that air flow from said air outlet
is precluded from travelling to said air inlet and is diverted to
said expired-air outlet; and, means for mounting said diverter
valve onto the top end of said snorkel such that said air outlet of
said diverter valve is in fluid communication with said snorkel.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to valves and valve systems
for use with snorkels, and more particularly to valves and valve
systems for use with snorkels, which valves and valve systems
permit a user to dive below the surface of the water and swim a few
feet below the surface of the water, while using a snorkel, without
inhaling water.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Snorkelling is a form of swimming that is enjoyed in many
areas of the world. While snorkelling, it is common to either dive
down a few feet or swim a few feet below the surface of the water
in order to see rock formations, fish, coral formations, and so on,
more closely. If a swimmer dives down from the surface while using
a conventional snorkel, he must hold his breath and preferably
remove the snorkel from his mouth. This is undesirable as it is
easy to inhale water while doing this. Further, it is not possible
to use a conventional snorkel while swimming a few feet below the
surface of the water.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 6,302,102 issued Oct. 16, 2001 to Giroux et al
discloses a Dual Air Passage Snorkel. This snorkel is used when
diving below the surface and has an elongate body with an air inlet
passage and an air outlet passage. The air inlet passage terminates
in an inlet port at the top end of the elongate body and the air
outlet passage terminates at an exhaust port at the top end of the
elongate body. A diaphragm valve is located within each port, with
each diaphragm valve biassed to a normally closed condition. The
diaphragm valves control the air flow in the air passages such that
air is inhaled through the air inlet passage and is exhausted
through the air outlet passage.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,622,165 issued Apr. 22, 1997 to Huang
discloses a Snorkel Diving Device. The snorkel diving device has a
floating disk, a hard snorkel passing through the floating disk, a
snorkel case in covering the upper end of the hard snorkel, and a
hose connecting the hard snorkel to a mouth piece joint. There is
no valve at the top end of the hard snorkel to preclude water from
travelling down the hose to the mouthpiece.
[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide an inlet
valve apparatus for use with a snorkel, which inlet valve apparatus
permits a swimmer to dive below the surface of the water without
inhaling water through the snorkel.
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a valve
system for use with the snorkel, which valve system permits a
swimmer to swim under water while using the snorkel.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there
is disclosed a novel inlet valve apparatus for use with a snorkel.
The inlet valve apparatus comprises a snorkel cap having an air
inlet and an air outlet. An air passageway connects the air inlet
and the air outlet in fluid communication one with another. A float
valve is movable between an open position whereat air can pass from
the air inlet to the air outlet and a closed position whereat air
and water are precluded from passing from the air inlet to the air
outlet. The float valve is buoyant in water. There is means for
mounting the inlet valve apparatus onto the top end of a snorkel
such that the air outlet is in fluid communication with the
snorkel.
[0008] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention
there is disclosed a novel valve system for use with for use with a
snorkel. The valve system comprises a flexible hose member having
an inlet end and an outlet end. A floating member is operatively
mounted on the flexible hose member adjacent the inlet end thereof.
An inlet valve apparatus is operatively mounted on the flexible
hose member adjacent the inlet end thereof. A diverter valve
apparatus is operatively mounted on the flexible hose member at the
outlet end thereof. The diverter valve apparatus has an air inlet
in fluid communication with the outlet end of the flexible hose
member, an air outlet connectable in fluid communication with the
snorkel, an expired-air outlet in fluid communication with the air
outlet, and an air-pressure-operated valve means disposed between
the air inlet and the air outlet such that air flow from the air
outlet is precluded from travelling to the air inlet and is
diverted to the expired-air outlet. There is means for mounting the
diverter valve onto the top end of a snorkel such that the air
outlet of the diverter valve is in fluid communication with the
snorkel.
[0009] Other advantages, features and characteristics of the
present invention, as well as methods of operation and functions of
the related elements of the structure, and the combination of parts
and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon
consideration of the following detailed description and the
appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, the
latter of which is briefly described herein below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The novel features which are believed to be characteristic
of the inlet valve apparatus and valve system according to the
present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and
method of operation, together with further objectives and
advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following
drawings in which a presently preferred embodiment of the invention
will now be illustrated by way of example. It is expressly
understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of
illustration and description only, and are not intended as a
definition of the limits of the invention. In the accompanying
drawings:
[0011] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of the preferred embodiment of
the inlet valve apparatus and valve system according to the present
invention, for use with a snorkel;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the inlet valve
apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the inlet valve apparatus of
FIG. 2;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the
inlet valve apparatus of FIG. 3, taken along section line 4-4 of
FIG. 3;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the
hollow stem and outer cap portion of the inlet valve apparatus of
FIG. 3, taken along section line 5-5 of FIG. 3;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the
float valve of the inlet valve apparatus of FIG. 3, taken along
section line 6-6 of FIG. 3;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the floating member of the
valve system of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the
floating member of the valve system of FIG. 7, taken along section
line 8-8 of FIG. 7;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the diverter valve apparatus of
the valve system of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the
diverter valve apparatus of the valve system of FIG. 9, taken along
section line 10-10 of FIG. 9;
[0021] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the
inlet valve apparatus of FIG. 4, with the float valve in an open
position;
[0022] FIG. 12 is a is a cross-sectional side elevational view
similar to FIG. 11, with the float valve in a closed position;
[0023] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the
diverter valve apparatus of FIG. 10, wherein air is travelling from
the air inlet to the air outlet;
[0024] FIG. 14 is a is a cross-sectional side elevational view
similar to FIG. 13, wherein air is travelling from the air outlet
to the expired-air outlet; and,
[0025] FIG. 15 is an elevational view of the inlet valve apparatus
of FIG. 4, mounted onto a snorkel.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0026] Reference will now be made to FIGS. 1 through 15, which show
a first preferred embodiment of the inlet valve apparatus and valve
system according to the present invention, as indicated by general
reference numeral 20. Reference will first be made to FIG. 1, which
shows a valve system, as indicated by the general reference numeral
20, for use with for use with a snorkel 22. The valve system 20
comprises a flexible hose member 30 having an inlet end 32 and an
outlet end 34. A floating member 40 is operatively mounted on the
flexible hose member 30 adjacent the inlet end 32 thereof. The
floating member 40 has an air passageway 42 having an air inlet 44
and an air outlet 46.
[0027] An inlet valve apparatus 50 is operatively mounted on the
flexible hose member 30 at the inlet end 32 thereof, as will be
discussed in greater detail subsequently.
[0028] A diverter valve apparatus 60 is operatively mounted on the
flexible hose member 30 at the outlet end 34 thereof. The diverter
valve apparatus 60 has an air inlet 62 in fluid communication with
the outlet end 34 of the flexible hose member 30 and an air outlet
64 connectable in fluid communication with the snorkel 22. The
diverter valve apparatus 60 also has an expired-air outlet 66 in
fluid communication with the air outlet 34. There is an
air-pressure-operated valve means 68 disposed between the air inlet
62 and the air outlet 64 such that air flow from the air outlet 64
is precluded from travelling to the air inlet 62 and is diverted to
the expired-air outlet 66. There is also means, as indicate by the
general reference numeral 61, for mounting the diverter valve
apparatus 60 onto the top end of a snorkel 22, as indicated by
general reference numeral 69, such that the air outlet 64 of the
diverter valve apparatus is in fluid communication with the snorkel
22. As illustrated, the means 61 for mounting the diverter valve
apparatus 60 comprises a slotted end portion 61a having four
vertically disposed slots 61b therein. The slotted end portion 61a
has exterior threads 61c and a co-operating threaded collar 61d is
used to tighten the slotted end portion 61a onto the snorkel
22.
[0029] As can be best seen in FIGS. 2 through 10, there is a novel
inlet valve apparatus 50 for use with the snorkel 22. The inlet
valve apparatus 50 comprises a snorkel cap 70 having an air inlet
71 and an air outlet 72. As can be best seen in FIGS. 2 through 4,
the snorkel cap 70 comprises a substantially vertically disposed
hollow stem 74 having a top end 75 and a bottom end 76, and an
outer cap portion 77 having a roof portion 78 and a sidewall
portion 79 and being secured to the hollow stem 74 in surrounding
relation over the top end 75 thereof. Preferably, the vertically
disposed hollow stem 74 and the outer cap portion 77 are each
substantially cylindrical. The outer cap portion 77 is secured to
the hollow stem 74 by means of an annular ring 73 having at least
one air passage aperture therein, and in the preferred embodiment
illustrated, having four air passage apertures 73a therein. The air
inlet 71 of the snorkel cap 70 is disposed in the sidewall portion
79 of the outer cap portion 77. The air outlet 72 of the snorkel
cap 70 is disposed at the bottom end 76 of the hollow stem 74.
There is also an air passageway 77 connecting the air inlet 71 and
the air outlet 72 in fluid communication one with another. As can
be best seen in FIG. 4, the air passageway 77 connecting the air
inlet 71 and the air outlet 72 in fluid communication one with the
other is disposed in the hollow stem 74.
[0030] The inlet valve apparatus 50 is mounted onto the floating
member 40, such that the air outlet 72 of the air passageway 77 is
in fluid communication with the air inlet 44 of the air passageway
42 in the floating member 40. The air outlet 46 of the air
passageway 42 in the floating member 40 is in fluid communication
with the flexible hose member 30.
[0031] A float valve 80 that is preferably substantially
cylindrical in shape is mounted in sliding relation on the hollow
stem 74 and substantially surrounds the hollow stem 74. The float
valve 80 is movable between an open position and a closed
position.
[0032] In the open position of the float valve 80, air can pass
from the air inlet to the air outlet, thus permitting air to be
supplied to a swimmer. The float valve 80 is shaped and dimensioned
to fit in close fitting relation within the outer cap portion 77,
to thereby cover the air inlet 71 disposed in the sidewall portion
79 of the outer cap portion 77. Accordingly, in the closed
position, the float valve 80 seals off the air inlet disposed in
the outer cap portion 77. Air and water are thereby precluded from
passing from the air inlet to the air outlet.
[0033] Further, the float valve 80 is buoyant in water, so that the
float valve 80 is biased to its closed position, as is best seen in
FIG. 12, when the float valve 80 is in water. In this manner,
although a swimmer must cannot receive further air and can stay
under water only for a limited period of time, water is also
precluded from entering the valve system 20 and therefore the
snorkel 22. Accordingly, a swimmer does not need to do anything
such as close his mouth or remove the snorkel 22 from his mouth
when diving under the surface of the water.
[0034] The float valve 80 also includes a tray portion 82 for
receiving water therein. The tray portion 82 is preferably disposed
at the bottom end of the float valve 80 and is annularly disposed
around the hollow stem 74. The weight of water within the tray
portion 82 causes the tray portion 82 to be biased to its open
position when the float valve 80 is above the water. In this
manner, the float valve 80 is readily returned to its open position
when a swimmer surfaces, thus allowing the swimmer to breath
through the snorkel 22 and valve system 20.
[0035] There is also means for mounting the inlet valve apparatus
50 onto the top end of the snorkel 22 such that the air outlet is
in fluid communication with the snorkel 22, as indicated by the
general reference numeral 90, and as can be best seen in FIGS. 2
and 4. This means 90 for mounting is also used to mount the inlet
valve apparatus 50 onto the floating member 40 at the top end 31 of
the flexible hose member 30 of the valve system 20. As illustrated,
the means for mounting 90 the inlet valve apparatus 50 comprises a
slotted end portion 92 having four vertically disposed slots 94
therein. The slotted end portion 92 has exterior threads 96 and a
co-operating threaded collar 98 is used to tighten the slotted end
portion 92 onto the snorkel 22 or a flexible hose member 30.
[0036] In use, when a swimmer is swimming along the water's
surface, the inlet valve apparatus 50 would be attached directly to
the snorkel 22, as is shown in FIG. 15. The float valve 80 in the
inlet valve apparatus 50 is in its open position, as can be best
seen in FIG. 11, due to the force of gravity. When a swimmer
inhales, the buoyant float valve 80 is in its open postion, and air
can travel through the inlet valve apparatus 50, as indicated by
arrows "A" in FIG. 11. When a swimmer submerges, the buoyant float
valve 80 moves upwardly to its closed position, as indicated by
arrow "B" in FIG. 12, thereby sealing off the air inlet 71 in the
outer cap portion 77 of the snorkel cap 70, and thus precluding
water from entering the snorkel 22.
[0037] In use, when a swimmer is swimming below the water level and
cannot use a conventional snorkel 22, even with the inlet valve
apparatus 50 attached directly to the snorkel 22, a swimmer can use
the entire valve system 20, as is shown in FIG. 1. The floating
member 40 keeps the inlet valve apparatus 50 above the surface of
the water. The float valve 80 in the inlet valve apparatus 50 is in
its open position, as can be best seen in FIG. 11, due to the force
of gravity. When a swimmer inhales, the air-pressure-operated valve
means 68 in the diverter valve apparatus 60 permits air to travel
from the inlet valve apparatus 50, through the hose, through the
diverter valve apparatus 60 and to the snorkel 22, as indicated by
arrows "C" in FIG. 13. When a swimmer exhales, the
air-pressure-operated valve means 68 in the diverter valve causes
the exhaled air to travel from the air outlet 64 of the diverter
valve to the expired-air outlet 66 of the diverter valve, and into
the surrounding water, as indicated by arrows "D" in FIG. 14.
[0038] In the event that a swimmer submerges too deep, the buoyant
float valve 80 moves upwardly to its closed position, as can be
best seen in FIG. 12, thereby sealing off the air inlet 71 in the
outer cap portion 77 of the snorkel cap 70, and thus precluding
water from entering the flexible hose member 30 and therefore the
snorkel 22.
[0039] As can be understood from the above description and from the
accompanying drawings, the present invention provides an inlet
valve apparatus for use with a snorkel, which inlet valve apparatus
permits a swimmer to dive below the surface of the water without
inhaling water through the snorkel, and a valve system for use with
the snorkel, which valve system permits a swimmer to swim under
water while using the snorkel, all of which features are unknown in
the prior art.
[0040] Other variations of the above principles will be apparent to
those who are knowledgeable in the field of the invention, and such
variations are considered to be within the scope of the present
invention. Further, other modifications and alterations may be used
in the design and manufacture of the inlet valve apparatus and
valve system for us with a snorkel, according to the present
invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the
accompanying claims.
* * * * *