U.S. patent application number 11/206134 was filed with the patent office on 2006-02-23 for integrated snorkel mask front-mounted snorkel.
Invention is credited to Cesar Trujillo.
Application Number | 20060037607 11/206134 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35908509 |
Filed Date | 2006-02-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060037607 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Trujillo; Cesar |
February 23, 2006 |
Integrated snorkel mask front-mounted snorkel
Abstract
An integrated snorkel mask includes a front, center-mounted
snorkel wherein the snorkel is attached to the center of the front
of the mask frame. The snorkel preferably has a teardrop cross
sectional shape. The snorkel and mask are integrated and, in some
embodiments, are integral.
Inventors: |
Trujillo; Cesar; (Los
Cedros, HN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Patent Group;DLA PIPER RUDNICK GRAY CARY US LLP
1200 Nineteenth Street, N.W.
Washington
DC
20036-2412
US
|
Family ID: |
35908509 |
Appl. No.: |
11/206134 |
Filed: |
August 18, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60602654 |
Aug 19, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
128/201.11 ;
128/201.27 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63C 11/16 20130101;
F16J 1/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
128/201.11 ;
128/201.27 |
International
Class: |
B63C 11/16 20060101
B63C011/16; B63C 11/02 20060101 B63C011/02 |
Claims
1. An integrated snorkel mask comprising: a frame, the frame having
at least one opening for receiving a lens, the frame having a
center indentation for receiving a user's nose; a strap attached to
the frame for securing the mask to the user's head; at least one
lens disposed in the opening; a skirt surrounding the at least one
opening, the skirt forming a seal between a portion of the user's
face around the user's eyes and a portion of the frame in which the
at least one opening is formed; and a snorkel attached to the frame
such that the snorkel is positioned between the user's eyes and
extends over the user's nose and forehead.
2. The mask of claim 1, further comprising a second lens, wherein
the frame has a second opening formed therein for receiving the
second lens.
3. The mask of claim 1, wherein the snorkel has a teardrop cross
sectional shape.
4. The mask of claim 1, wherein the snorkel has an inward bend
formed therein, the snorkel being positioned such that the inward
bend is positioned at a point where the bridge of the user's nose
connects to the forehead.
5. The mask of claim 1, wherein the snorkel is formed from an upper
section and a lower section, the lower section having an opening
for a user's mouth formed therein, the upper section being attached
to the mask, the upper and lower sections being sized such that one
section fits inside the other, thereby allowing the upper and lower
sections to telescope so that a distance between the frame and the
opening in the lower section can be adjusted to accommodate users
with faces of different lengths.
6. The mask of claim 1, wherein the skirt includes a pocket for
covering the user's nose.
7. The mask of claim 1, wherein the frame and the snorkel are
integral.
8. The mask of claim 1, wherein the frame has a cavity formed
therein for receiving the snorkel.
9. The mask of claim 8, wherein snorkel has a non-circular cross
sectional shape and the cavity has a corresponding non-circular
cross sectional shape sized to accept the snorkel such that the
snorkel is prevented from rotating when disposed in the cavity.
10. The mask of claim 9, wherein the non-circular cross-sectional
shape is a teardrop shape.
11. The mask of claim 1, wherein the snorkel has a clip attached
thereto for attaching the snorkel to the frame.
12. A snorkel comprising: a breathing tube, the breathing tube
having a teardrop cross sectional shape; and a mouthpiece in fluid
communication with the breathing tube.
13. The snorkel of claim 12, wherein the breathing tube includes an
upper section and a lower section, the upper and lower sections
being sized such that the upper and lower sections can telescope,
the mouthpiece being in fluid communication with the lower
section.
14. The snorkel of claim 12, further comprising a purge valve in
fluid communication with the mouthpiece.
15. The snorkel of claim 12, further comprising a mask, the mask
being attached to the snorkel.
16. The snorkel of claim 15, wherein the mask is integral with the
snorkel.
17. The snorkel of claim 12, wherein the snorkel has an inward bend
formed therein, the inward bend being positioned at a point where
the bridge of the user's nose connects to the forehead.
Description
CROSS REFERENCES
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/602,654, entitled "Integrated Snorkel Mask
Front-Mounted Snorkel," filed Aug. 19, 2004, the contents of which
are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0002] The invention relates generally to masks for water sports
and more particularly to a mask with a front-mounted snorkel for
use in swimming, snorkeling and other water sports.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In products available today for swimming, snorkeling and
other water sports where a snorkel and eye protection is used, the
mask or goggles are always separate from the snorkel. Therefore, a
user must attach the mask or goggles to his or her head and then
attach the snorkel separately. Each item has its own, separate
adjustment requirements.
[0004] In the case of recreational snorkeling equipment, most
snorkel products are designed to be side-mounted and attached to
the strap on the side of the mask. Traditional, side-mounted
snorkels have several disadvantages. First, they are not
hydrodynamic because they are positioned on the side of the face
where they create drag as the person swims along. Second, they are
hard to fix in one place because they move along the strap on the
mask as the person swims. This requires the user to adjust the
snorkel constantly so that it is in a comfortable position in
relation to the mouth. Third, existing snorkels are not
bio-mechanically correct because the human's breathing function is
in the front of the face and not on the side of the face. Fourth,
the cross section of the snorkel tube is typically round,
rectangular, flattened oval, or elliptical, which are not optimal
designs for reduction of hydrodynamic drag.
[0005] For swimmers, there are two options currently available--the
traditional side-mounted snorkel as described above or a
front-mounted snorkel designed especially for swimmers. One example
of a front-mounted snorkel is disclosed in U.S. Design Patent No.
Des. 406,333 to Garraffa. This snorkel uses a silicone rubber strap
and hard plastic head bracket covered with urethane foam rubber to
attach the snorkel to the user's head. A second example of a
front-mounted snorkel is disclosed in U.S. Design Patent No. Des.
350,379 to Kirchner. All drawbacks discussed below in connection
with the Garraffa snorkel apply to the Kirchner device as well.
[0006] The Garraffa snorkel has the following drawbacks:
[0007] 1. Because of its design, the head bracket does not conform
in a contoured manner to the shape of the forehead and thus
concentrates most of the pressure on two spots in the center front
of the forehead. This concentration of extreme pressure causes
capillary shutdown and the resulting lack of blood circulation
causes significant discomfort on the forehead. The longer you use
the Garraffa snorkel, the more uncomfortable it becomes.
[0008] 2. The Garraffa front-mounted snorkel is a separate item
from the goggles or mask. Therefore, if the user wants to wear eye
protection he must attach two items to his head--the goggles or
mask plus the snorkel. Each item has its own strap that the user
must adjust to their own comfort level. It takes longer to attach
and adjust two separate items. Furthermore, the straps typically
overlap on the back of the head. Thus, if a user wants to remove
the mask to clear his eyes or nose, he must first remove the
snorkel and then remove the mask.
[0009] 3. The Garraffa device is positioned at a distance far
enough away from the face that it significantly obstructs the field
of vision between the eyes. Therefore, it is not suitable for a
recreational snorkeling application where good visibility is
essential.
[0010] 4. The Garraffa snorkel, like existing snorkels, has a shape
that not does not have optimal hydrodynamic properties. The upper
section of the snorkel tube has a flattened oval cross section and
the lower section of the snorkel has a round cross section.
[0011] 5. The lower portion of the Garraffa snorkel tube and head
bracket opening in which this lower snorkel tube fits are both
round in cross-sectional shape. The tube, therefore, cannot be
fixed in place by the bracket and it is common for the tube to
rotate inside the head bracket while the user is swimming. This
causes the top tube opening (air intake) to get close to the water
and allows water to enter the snorkel tube.
SUMMARY
[0012] The present invention addresses the above-mentioned issues
to a great extent by providing a combination swimming/snorkeling
mask with a front, center-mounted snorkel wherein the snorkel is
attached to the center of the front of the mask frame. The
integrated snorkel mask preferably has a silicone rubber skirt that
provides a seal to keep the water out and make the snorkel mask
more comfortable by distributing the pressure around the periphery
of the mask. By integrating the snorkel with the mask, the
discomfort associated with known separate snorkels such as the
Garaffa snorkel is eliminated. In preferred embodiments, the skirt
includes a nose pocket that covers the nose.
[0013] In one aspect of the invention, the snorkel preferably has a
teardrop cross sectional shape and is oriented such that the
narrower edge of the teardrop points forward. This provides two
benefits. First, it improves vision. Second, it reduces
hydrodynamic drag relative to known snorkels with round, oval,
rectangular and elliptical cross sectional shapes.
[0014] In another aspect of the invention, the snorkel includes an
inward bend at a point where the bridge of the user's nose connects
to the forehead so that the snorkel follows the form of the face.
This inward bend allows the snorkel to be positioned closer to the
face than existing snorkels, which also improves visibility.
[0015] In highly preferred embodiments having a snorkel with an
inward bend, the snorkel also includes a telescoping section
located below the bend to which a mouthpiece is attached. The
telescoping section allows the distance between the bend and the
mouthpiece to be adjusted for users having faces of different
lengths so that the mouthpiece always enters the mouth at a
preferred angle which improves user comfort.
[0016] In other embodiments having a snorkel with an inward bend,
the mouthpiece is connected to the snorkel with a flexible section
to accommodate users with different face sizes. The flexible
section is oriented such that it automatically swings downward away
from the mouth when released. This allows a user to talk when out
of the water without having to manually move the mouthpiece away
from the mouth.
[0017] In another aspect of the invention, the snorkel includes a
purge valve located at the bottom for clearing water that enters
the snorkel.
[0018] In some embodiments of the invention, the snorkel and the
mask are physically separate devices and the snorkel is attached to
the mask by inserting the snorkel tube inside of a teardrop shaped
opening located on the top-center of the mask frame. Since the
snorkel is removable in such embodiments, the mask can be used with
or without the snorkel. In other embodiments of the invention, the
snorkel is integral with the frame of the mask.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an integrated snorkel mask
according to a first embodiment of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a front view of the integrated snorkel mask of
FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a side view of the integrated snorkel mask of FIG.
1.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a top view of the integrated snorkel mask of FIG.
1.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a side view of the integrated snorkel mask of FIG.
1 showing a telescoping section of the snorkel completely
contracted.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a side view of the integrated snorkel mask of FIG.
1 showing a telescoping section of the snorkel partially
extended.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a side view of the integrated snorkel mask of FIG.
1 showing a telescoping section of the snorkel fully extended.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a telescoping section of
the snorkel of the mask of FIG. 1 at 0% extension.
[0027] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a telescoping section of
the snorkel of the mask of FIG. 1 at 100% extension.
[0028] FIG. 10a is a view illustrating a teardrop cross-sectional
shape of the snorkel of the mask of FIG. 1.
[0029] FIG. 10b is a cross-sectional view of the snorkel of the
mask of FIG. 1 relative to a user's head.
[0030] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the mask portion of the
integrated snorkel mask of FIG. 1.
[0031] FIG. 12 is a front view of the mask portion of the
integrated snorkel mask of FIG. 1.
[0032] FIG. 13 is a side view of the mask portion of the integrated
snorkel mask of FIG. 1.
[0033] FIG. 14 is a top view of the mask portion of the integrated
snorkel mask of FIG. 1.
[0034] FIG. 15 is a side view of the snorkel portion of the
integrated snorkel mask of FIG. 1.
[0035] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of integrated snorkel mask
according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 17 is a front view of the integrated snorkel mask of
FIG. 16.
[0037] FIG. 18 is a side view of the integrated snorkel mask of
FIG. 16.
[0038] FIG. 19 is a side view of the snorkel portion of the
integrated snorkel mask of FIG. 16.
[0039] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an integrated snorkel mask
with an integral mask and snorkel according to a third embodiment
of the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 21 is a front view of the integrated snorkel mask of
FIG. 20.
[0041] FIG. 22 is a side view of the integrated snorkel mask of
FIG. 20.
[0042] FIG. 23 is a top view of the integrated snorkel mask of FIG.
20.
[0043] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of integrated snorkel mask
with an integral mask and snorkel according to a fourth embodiment
of the present invention.
[0044] FIG. 25 is a front view of the integrated snorkel mask of
FIG. 24.
[0045] FIG. 26 is a side view of the integrated snorkel mask of
FIG. 24.
[0046] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of integrated snorkel mask
according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[0047] FIG. 28 is a front view of the integrated snorkel mask of
FIG. 27.
[0048] FIG. 29 is a side view of the integrated snorkel mask of
FIG. 27.
[0049] FIG. 30 is a top view of the integrated snorkel mask of FIG.
27.
[0050] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the mask portion of the
integrated snorkel masks of FIGS. 27 and 35.
[0051] FIG. 32 is a front view of the mask portion of the mask
portion of FIG. 31.
[0052] FIG. 33 is a side view of the mask portion of FIG. 31.
[0053] FIG. 34 is a top view of the mask portion of FIG. 31.
[0054] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of an integrated snorkel mask
according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
[0055] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of integrated snorkel mask
according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
[0056] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of integrated snorkel mask
according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
[0057] FIGS. 38 a, b and c are top, side and front views,
respectively, of an integrated snorkel mask according to a ninth
embodiment of the present invention.
[0058] FIG. 39 is a cross sectional view of a portion of the
integrated snorkel mask of FIG. 38.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0059] The present invention will be discussed with reference to
various preferred embodiments of snorkel masks. Specific details,
such as methods for attaching the snorkel to the mask, will be set
forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present
invention. The specific embodiments described below should not be
understood to limit the invention.
[0060] An integrated snorkel mask 100 according to a first
embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 (perspective
view), FIG. 2 (front view) and FIG. 3 (side view), FIG. 4 (top
view). The integrated snorkel mask 100 includes a mask portion 101
with a silicone rubber skirt 102 including a nose pocket 107 that
forms a watertight seal around a user's eyes and nose. The mask
portion 101 has a frame 103 and a pair of transparent lenses 106.
In preferred embodiments, the frame 103 is comprised of molded
plastic; however, any suitable material including plastic resin,
carbon fiber, fiberglass or synthetic resin may be used. (Although
a pair of lenses 106 are illustrated, those of skill in the art
will recognize that a single lens that covers both eyes and the
bridge of the user's nose could also be used.) The lenses 106 can
be transparent, tinted or mirrored, and may be formed of any
suitable glass, plastic, or polycarbonate materials. A front,
center-mounted snorkel 104 is attached to the center of the front
of the molded plastic frame 103 of the mask portion 101. An
adjustable silicone rubber strap 105 attaches the integrated
snorkel mask 100 to a user's head. Because the snorkel 104 and mask
portion 101 are integral, only a single strap 105 is necessary.
[0061] The snorkel 104 is generally J-shaped, and as shown in FIG.
15 is comprised of two parts: an upper portion 1510 and a lower
portion 1512. The upper portion 1510 has an inward bend 104a. The
inward bend 104a is positioned at the point where the bridge 1501
of a user's nose 1502 connects to the forehead 1503 so that the
snorkel 104 follows the form of the user's face for superior
ergonomic properties. The upper portion 1510 has an open top end
1511. The lower portion 1512 has a silicone rubber mouthpiece 109
through which the user breathes. The lower portion 1512 has a
narrow top 1513 that fits into an opening 1514 on the bottom of the
upper portion 1512 such that the upper and lower portions 1510,
1512 "telescope." (Those of skill in the art will recognize that
the narrow top 1513 could also be sized such that it fits over the
bottom of the lower portion 1510.) This telescoping arrangement
allows the lower portion 1512 to be moved relative to the upper
portion 1510 as shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 to adjust the distance D
between the frame 103 and the mouthpiece 109 for different face
sizes so that the angle of entry of the mouthpiece 109 into the
user's mouth is the same for users with different face sizes.
[0062] A more detailed view of the telescoping portion of the
snorkel 104 is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8 depicts the
telescoping portion at 0% extension and FIG. 9 depicts the
telescoping portion at 100% extension. An o-ring 802 is disposed in
the opening 1514 of the bottom of the upper portion 1510. The
o-ring 802 forms a water-tight seal around the narrow top 1513 of
the lower portion 1512. The opening 1514 has a shoulder 804 and the
narrow top portion 1513 has a flange 806 that engages the shoulder
804 to prevent the upper and lower portions 1510, 1512 of the
snorkel 104 from becoming separated.
[0063] Referring back to FIGS. 1-4, the snorkel 4 also has a purge
valve 110 located at the bottom end of the lower portion 1512 of
the snorkel 104. The purge valve 110 includes a small rubber
diaphragm that only opens one way, preventing water from entering
the snorkel 104 through the bottom. Any water that gets into the
snorkel 104 flows downwards towards the purge valve 110. When the
user exhales forcefully, any accumulated water is forced out of the
purge valve 110.
[0064] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the snorkel 104
has a tear-shaped cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 10a.
Preferably, both the upper and lower portions 1510, 1512 of the
snorkel have this teardrop shape; however, in some embodiments of
the invention, only the upper portion 1510 (or some part of the
upper portion 1510) has this cross-sectional shape. As used herein,
a teardrop cross sectional shape means a two dimensional shape that
is generally symmetrical about a center axis, is wider and rounded
in the back and narrower in the front. The front of the teardrop
shape is pointed in some embodiments and slightly rounded in
others. The sides of the teardrop shape may be straight, deflected
slightly toward the center axis, or deflected slightly outward.
This cross-sectional shape provides superior hydrodynamic
properties to reduce vibration and water resistance as compared to
the round, rectangular, oval, flattened oval, and elliptical
snorkel cross-sectional shapes found in the prior art.
[0065] The teardrop shape of the snorkel 104 also has the
capability of improving visibility. This can be accomplished by
making the sides 104c of the teardrop roughly parallel to a line
between the front 104d of the teardrop and the user's pupil 1001 as
shown in FIG. 10b. It should be noted, however, that this parallel
relationship between the sides of the teardrop and the line between
the user's pupils and the front of the teardrop is not present in
all embodiments.
[0066] The snorkel 104 attaches to the mask portion 103 by
inserting the top part of the snorkel 104 upwards into the
teardrop-shaped opening 1103 on the front of the frame 103 of the
mask 100. The mask portion 101 and the snorkel 104 become one
integrated unit when the snorkel 104 is attached to the frame 103.
Since the snorkel 104 is removable in this embodiment, the mask
portion 101 can be used without the snorkel 104 as illustrated in
FIGS. 11 (perspective view), 12 (front view), 13 (side view), and
14 (top view).
[0067] An integrated snorkel mask 200 according to a second
embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 16-19. The mask
200 is similar to the mask 100, except that the mask 200 does not
have a purge valve at the bottom of the snorkel 204. A mouthpiece
209 is attached to the lower portion by a flexible portion 209a.
The flexible portion 209a allows the height of the mouthpiece to be
adjusted for users with different face sizes. However, the flexible
portion 209a can change the angle at which the mouthpiece 209 is
disposed in a user's mouth, which some users (though not all) may
find uncomfortable. Alternatively, the lower portion 212 of the
snorkel 204 may telescope into the upper portion 210 similar to the
manner illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 discussed above.
[0068] An integrated snorkel mask 300 according to a third
embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 20-23. In this
embodiment the snorkel 304 is integrated into the frame 303 of the
mask 301 and is therefore permanently attached to the mask 301 to
form a single monolithic structure. This embodiment does not
provide the ability to use the mask 301 without the snorkel 304 as
can be done with the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-4.
[0069] An integrated snorkel mask 400 according to a fourth
embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 24-26. The
integrated snorkel mask 400 is similar to the integrated snorkel
mask 300 in that the frame 404 of the mask 401 is integral with the
snorkel 404, except that the integrated snorkel mask 400 does not
have a purge valve at the bottom of the snorkel 404. Rather, the
bottom of the snorkel 404 includes a flexible section 409a attached
to a mouthpiece 409 similar to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS.
16-19.
[0070] The integrated snorkel masks 100, 200, 300 and 400 are
believed to be well-suited for use by competitive swimmers in a
training application, by fitness lap swimmers, recreational
swimmers and in a snorkeling application. In addition to the
variations among embodiments discussed above, other elements of the
integrated snorkel mask may also be varied. For example, the
silicone rubber skirt 2 and nose portion 6 of the mask 100 vary in
different embodiments of the invention as described below.
[0071] An integrated snorkel mask 500 according to a fifth
embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 27-34. The mask
500 is similar to mask 100 except that, on mask 500, the silicone
rubber skirt portion 502 does not have a nose portion to cover the
nose. Like the embodiment 100 of FIGS. 1-4, the snorkel 504 is
detachable from the mask 501 as illustrated in FIGS. 31-34.
[0072] An integrated snorkel mask 600 according to a sixth
embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 35. The mask 600
is similar to the mask 500, except that the 600 does not have a
purge valve at the bottom of the snorkel 604 but rather has a
mouthpiece 609 connected to the snorkel 604 by a flexible portion
609a.
[0073] An integrated snorkel mask 700 according to a seventh
embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 36. The mask 700
is similar to the mask 300 except that mask 700 includes a rubber
skirt portion 702 that does not have a nose portion to cover the
nose.
[0074] An integrated snorkel mask 800 according to an eighth
embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 37. The mask 800
is similar to the mask 700, except that the mask 800 does not have
a purge valve at the bottom of the snorkel 804.
[0075] The integrated snorkel masks 500, 600, 700 and 800 are
believed to be particularly well-suited for competitive swimming
applications, for use by fitness lap swimmers and monofin
swimmers.
[0076] An integrated snorkel mask 900 according to a ninth
embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 38 a, b and c.
The snorkel 904 attaches to the frame 903 of the mask 901 with a
clip 990. Since the snorkel 904 is removable in this embodiment,
the mask 901 can be used with or without the snorkel 904. A more
detailed view of the attachment of the snorkel 904 to the mask 903
is illustrated in FIG. 39. The frame 903 includes a recess 992 into
which the clip 990 is received. The walls of the recess 992 include
a number of detents 994 which cooperate with protrusions 996 on the
clip 990 to firmly anchor the clip 990 in the recess 992. The mask
901 and the snorkel 904 become one integrated unit when the snorkel
904 is attached to the frame 903 of the mask 901.
Aspects
[0077] Various embodiments of integrated snorkel masks according to
the present invention have been illustrated above. Some or all of
the following aspects can be found in these various
embodiments.
[0078] 1. The invention combines a mask and front-mounted snorkel
into a one-piece, integrated (and, in some embodiments, integral)
unit. This is in contrast to known products in which a front
center-mounted snorkel is separate from the mask.
[0079] 2. The integrated snorkel mask is more convenient and quick
to use because it requires putting only one item on a user's head.
Furthermore, it feels better on the head and face because the user
feels only one item instead of two.
[0080] 3. The integrated snorkel mask is more comfortable to use
because the snorkel is integrated into the frame of the mask, which
distributes the pressure of the mask-snorkel combination over the
whole frame of the mask and cushioned by the silicone rubber skirt,
thereby providing a much higher level of comfort as compared to
prior art devices such as the Garraffa device discussed above.
Other than the mouthpiece and skirt, no portion of the snorkel will
come into contact with the user's face.
[0081] 4. The integrated snorkel mask is more hydrodynamic as
compared to known snorkels because the snorkel has a
teardrop-shaped cross section. The sharp edge of the tear drop
faces forward for superior hydrodynamic properties (less resistance
and less vibration) since the sharp edge will slice through the
water better than known snorkels with round or elliptical
cross-sectional shapes. It will be understood by those of skill in
the art that known snorkels such as the Garaffa center-mounted
snorkel discussed above as well as a conventional side-mounted
snorkel can also be modified to have a teardrop-shaped cross
section and such a device is within the scope of the present
invention.
[0082] 5. In embodiments in which the snorkel is detachable, the
teardrop cross sectional shape of the snorkel cooperates with a
similarly shaped opening on the upper front of the mask frame into
which the snorkel is inserted to create a mechanical lock that
prevents rotation of the snorkel in the opening. This is in
contrast to the Garraffa snorkel tube discussed above, which tends
to rotate while in use and let water into the top opening of the
snorkel tube.
[0083] 6. The integrated snorkel mask provides significantly
improved visibility because the snorkel will be positioned close to
the face between the user's eyes. The snorkel will have an inward
bend at the point where the bridge of the nose connects to the
forehead so that it follows the form of the face. Therefore, the
field of vision will be significantly improved over existing
front-mounted snorkels such as the Garraffa device where there is a
significant gap between the face and the snorkel. The closer the
snorkel is to the face, the wider the field of vision is. Also, the
teardrop shape of the snorkel contributes to widening the field of
vision because the cross section of the snorkel narrows as it
extends outwards from the face.
[0084] 7. The integrated snorkel mask has a snorkel with upper and
lower sections that telescope to fine tune fit and enhance comfort
in some embodiments. The lower portion can be extended or retracted
to allow users with different distances from the eyes to the mouth
to adjust it to their own personal comfort level.
[0085] 8. The design and function of the one-piece mask/snorkel
unit is bio-mechanically correct as compared to other products in
the market because the snorkel is integrated into the front section
of the frame of the mask where the human's breathing function
occurs. Furthermore, since the upper section of the snorkel tube
bends inward toward the user's face where the bridge of the nose
meets the forehead, the snorkel follows the outline of the face,
thereby providing superior ergonomics.
[0086] 9. The snorkel is detachable in some embodiments of the
integrated snorkel mask. This allows the mask to be used for
multiple applications with or without the snorkel.
[0087] 10. The integrated snorkel mask is also lighter weight than
the combination of a Garraffa snorkel with a swim mask because such
a combination includes the additional weight of the snorkel's
forehead brace and strap.
[0088] The invention can be made cost-effectively by using the same
types of materials (plastics, silicone, lens materials, etc.) and
injection-mold technology being used for existing mask and snorkel
products. The difference lies in that the design of the molds for
the invention will integrate the snorkel and mask into one piece
allowing for significant savings. Less raw materials will be
required as the invention does not require a separate head brace
and strap as the Garraffa snorkel.
Benefits of the Invention when Used for Different Applications
For Beginning and Recreational Swimmers:
[0089] Allows concentration on stroke technique and body position.
No need to worry about turning the head to breathe. [0090] A
snorkel allows you to conserve your energy because you needn't
raise your head for breathing. [0091] Uninterrupted breathing
reduces fatigue while swimming [0092] Silicone rubber nose pocket
helps keep water out of nose for more comfort [0093] Easy to attach
and use [0094] A snorkel also lets you enjoy an uninterrupted view
of the activities below. [0095] A front-mounted snorkel is more
comfortable because it is bio-mechanically correct. Side mounted
snorkels tend to move around requiring frequent adjustment of
position. Also, when not in use they hang there loose and swing
around uncomfortably. [0096] The silicone rubber nose pocket keeps
water out of the nose and is large enough to help with the
equalization of ear pressure when the swimmer submerges below the
water surface. [0097] The teardrop shaped cross-section of the
snorkel tube provides superior hydrodynamic properties because it
reduces vibration in the upper section of the snorkel tube and
minimizes resistance since it slices through the water more
effectively. For Fitness Lap Swimmers: [0098] Uninterrupted
breathing with the snorkel gives you more power which allows you to
swim harder, swim longer and swim faster for a more thorough
workout. [0099] Not having to turn your head to breathe reduces
fatigue and strain on the shoulder, neck and back muscles. This
allows you to focus on stroke technique and proper body position
and reduces hip rotation. [0100] A front center-mounted snorkel is
more comfortable because it is bio-mechanically correct.
Side-mounted snorkels tend to move around requiring frequent
adjustment of position. Also, when not in use they hang there loose
and swing around. [0101] The teardrop shaped cross-section of the
snorkel tube provides superior hydrodynamic properties because it
reduces vibration in the upper section of the snorkel tube and
minimizes resistance since it slices through the water more
effectively. For Monofin Swimmers and Competitive Swimmers [0102]
Monofin swimmers currently use goggles separate from a
front-mounted snorkel such as that disclosed in Garraffa.
Therefore, the invention is faster to attach, easier to adjust,
significantly more comfortable and lighter weight. It also provides
significantly improved visibility over existing front
center-mounted snorkels. [0103] The teardrop shaped cross-section
of the snorkel tube provides superior hydrodynamic properties
because it reduces vibration in the upper section of the snorkel
tube and minimizes resistance since it slices through the water
more effectively. For Snorkelers: [0104] A front, center-mounted
snorkel is more comfortable because it is bio-mechanically correct.
Side mounted snorkels tend to move around requiring frequent
adjustment of position. Also, when not in use they hang there loose
and swing around. [0105] The silicone rubber nose pocket keeps
water out of the nose and is large enough to help with the
equalization of ear pressure. [0106] The ergonomic positioning of
the snorkel tube close to the face as well as the teardrop shape
cross section of the snorkel tube allow for great visibility.
[0107] It should be understood that the various features of the
invention described herein are not all present in all embodiments
of the invention. For example, some embodiments of the invention
use a snorkel with a conventional cross-sectional shape rather than
the teardrop cross-sectional shape disclosed herein. Conversely,
the teardrop cross-sectional shape may be employed with an
otherwise conventional side-mounted snorkel or a snorkel of the
type disclosed in Garraffa.
[0108] It will be recognized that many changes and modifications
can be made to the preferred embodiments discussed above without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The preferred
embodiments discussed above and illustrated in the attached
drawings are illustrative only and should not be understood to
limit the invention.
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