U.S. patent application number 11/894042 was filed with the patent office on 2008-03-27 for pivoting snorkels.
Invention is credited to Peter T. McCarthy.
Application Number | 20080072897 11/894042 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39223601 |
Filed Date | 2008-03-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080072897 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McCarthy; Peter T. |
March 27, 2008 |
Pivoting snorkels
Abstract
Methods are disclosed for providing a snorkel with a pivotal
joint that is arranged to permit a pivoting lower portion of the
snorkel to pivot around an axis that is at a significant angle to
the longitudinal alignment of at least one portion of the upper
portion of the snorkel between the joint and the upper opening of
the snorkel. Methods are provided for providing a joint member
having an axially twisting connection that is arranged to permit
the lower portion of the snorkel to experience a predetermined
amount of pivotal motion within a plane that is substantially
parallel to the longitudinal alignment of the upper portion of the
snorkel above the joint. Methods are provided for providing a drop
away snorkel that has a greater freedom of movement in a lateral
direction than in a longitudinal direction relative to the face of
a swimmer. Methods are disclosed for providing reduced production
costs, reduced material costs, reduced mold cycle time, improved
ease of manufacturing, improved stability, improved comfort,
reduced jaw fatigue and other benefits. Methods are also provided
for arranging a snorkel to achieve a folded condition that is
substantially compact for traveling and storage.
Inventors: |
McCarthy; Peter T.; (Oxnard,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Peter T. McCarthy
2109 Spyglass Trail West
Oxnard
CA
93036
US
|
Family ID: |
39223601 |
Appl. No.: |
11/894042 |
Filed: |
August 15, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60838340 |
Aug 15, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
128/201.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63C 11/205
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
128/201.11 |
International
Class: |
B63C 11/16 20060101
B63C011/16 |
Claims
1. A method for providing a snorkel, comprising: (a) providing an
elongated conduit having an internal passageway, an upper opening,
a lower end and a mouthpiece near said lower end; (b) providing
said conduit with a predetermined rotational joint member in an
area between said mouthpiece and said upper opening so as to create
a pivoting lower portion between said joint member and said lower
end and to create an upper portion between said predetermined
rotational joint member and said upper opening, said upper portion
having a predetermined upper portion longitudinal axis, said lower
portion having a predetermined lower portion longitudinal axis,
said predetermined rotational joint member being arranged to permit
said pivoting lower portion to pivot around a predetermined
rotational axis that is at an angle to said predetermined upper
portion longitudinal axis, said predetermined rotational joint
member being arranged to maintaining a substantially water tight
seal for said internal passageway during said pivoting; and (c)
arranging said predetermined rotational joint member so that said
predetermined lower portion longitudinal axis along said lower
portion near said predetermined rotational joint member is axially
offset from said predetermined upper portion longitudinal axis
along said upper portion near said predetermined rotational joint
member.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein said predetermined lower portion
longitudinal axis is axially offset from said predetermined upper
portion longitudinal axis in a direction that is substantially
parallel to the direction of intended swimming.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein said predetermined rotational
joint member is arranged to permit said pivoting lower portion to
experience predetermined pivotal movement substantially within a
predetermined plane that is substantially parallel to at least a
portion of said predetermined upper portion longitudinal axis.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein said predetermined rotational
joint member is arranged to permit said pivoting lower portion to
pivot to a substantially folded position in which said pivoting
lower portion is substantially aligned with and substantially next
to said upper portion.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein said snorkel has a predetermined
extended length between said lower end and said upper opening said
predetermined rotational joint member is arranged to permit said
pivoting lower portion to pivot to a substantially folded position
in which said snorkel is able to achieve a predetermined folded
length that is at least 30% shorter than said predetermined
extended length.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein said snorkel has a predetermined
extended length between said lower end and said upper opening said
predetermined rotational joint member is arranged to permit said
pivoting lower portion to pivot to a substantially folded position
having a predetermined folded length that is at least 40% shorter
than said predetermined extended length.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein said snorkel has a predetermined
extended length between said lower end and said upper opening said
predetermined rotational joint member is arranged to permit said
pivoting lower portion to pivot to a substantially folded position
in which said snorkel is able to achieve a predetermined folded
length that is approximately 50% shorter than said predetermined
extended length.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein said snorkel has a predetermined
extended length between said lower end and said upper opening said
predetermined rotational joint member is arranged to permit said
pivoting lower portion to pivot to a substantially folded position
having a predetermined folded length that is at least 50% shorter
than said predetermined extended length.
9. A method for providing a snorkel, comprising: (a) providing an
elongated conduit having an internal passageway, an upper opening,
a lower end and a mouthpiece near said lower end; (b) providing
said conduit with a predetermined rotational joint member in an
area between said mouthpiece and said upper opening so as to create
a pivoting lower portion between said joint member and said lower
end and to create an upper portion between said predetermined
rotational joint member and said upper opening, said upper portion
having a predetermined upper portion longitudinal axis, said lower
portion having a predetermined lower portion longitudinal axis,
said predetermined rotational joint member being arranged to permit
said pivoting lower portion to experience pivoting around a
predetermined rotational axis that is at an angle to said
predetermined upper portion longitudinal axis while maintaining a
substantially water tight seal for said internal passageway during
said pivoting; and (c) arranging said predetermined rotational
joint member so that said pivoting lower portion is able to pivot
substantially within a predetermined plane of movement, said
predetermined plane being axially spaced from said at least one
portion of said predetermined upper portion longitudinal axis near
said predetermined rotational joint member.
10. A method for providing a snorkel, comprising: (a) providing an
elongated conduit having an internal passageway, an upper opening,
a lower end and a mouthpiece near said lower end; (b) providing
said conduit with a predetermined rotational joint member in an
area between said mouthpiece and said upper opening so as to create
a pivoting lower portion between said joint member and said lower
end and to create an upper portion between said predetermined
rotational joint member and said upper opening, said upper portion
having a predetermined upper portion longitudinal axis, said lower
portion having a predetermined lower portion longitudinal axis,
said predetermined rotational joint member being arranged to permit
said pivoting lower portion to experience pivoting around a
predetermined rotational axis that is substantially perpendicular
to at least one portion of said predetermined upper portion
longitudinal axis near said predetermined rotational joint member,
said predetermined rotational joint member being arranged to
maintaining a substantially water tight seal for said internal
passageway during said pivoting; and (c) arranging said
predetermined rotational joint member so that said pivoting lower
portion is able to experience a predetermined range of pivotal
motion substantially within a predetermined plane of movement that
is substantially parallel to at least one portion of said
predetermined upper portion longitudinal axis near said
predetermined rotational joint member.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein said snorkel has a predetermined
extended length between said lower end and said upper opening said
predetermined rotational joint member is arranged to permit said
pivoting lower portion to pivot to a substantially folded position
having a predetermined folded length that is at least 50% shorter
than said predetermined extended length.
12. The method of claim 10 further including arranging said joint
to provide said pivoting lower portion with a sufficient amount of
resistance to moving in an out of plane direction that is
substantially perpendicular to said predetermined plane of movement
to permit said predetermined range of pivotal motion of said
pivoting lower portion to be greater within said predetermined
plane of lateral movement than in said out of plane direction that
is substantially perpendicular to said predetermined plane of
lateral movement.
13. The method of claim 10 wherein said predetermined range of
pivotal motion is at least 10 degrees.
14. The method of claim 10 wherein said predetermined range of
pivotal motion is at least 20 degrees.
15. The method of claim 10 wherein said predetermined range of
pivotal motion is approximately 180 degrees.
16. The method of claim 10 wherein said predetermined range of
pivotal motion is at least 180 degrees.
17. The method of claim 10 wherein said predetermined range of
pivotal motion is approximately 360 degrees.
18. The method of claim 10 wherein said predetermined range of
pivotal motion is sufficient to permit said snorkel to be
substantially folded into a significantly smaller overall
length.
19. The method of claim 10 wherein said predetermined rotational
axis is substantially directed in the direction of intended
swimming.
20. The method of claim 10 wherein said predetermined rotational
axis is aligned in a substantially forward direction relative to
the swimmer.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 34 U.S.C. .sctn.
119(e) of U.S. Provisional application No. 60/838,340 filed Aug.
15, 2006, titled Pivoting Snorkels. The entire contents of this
provisional application is hereby incorporated by reference herein
and made part of this specification.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to snorkels, specifically to
such devices used for breathing while underwater.
[0004] 2. Description of Prior Art
[0005] Prior art attempts to permit the mouthpiece to be movable
relative to the upper portion of the snorkel typically involves a
soft tube section with thickened annular ribs. Such prior art
flexible tubes can laterally collapse when bent which can reduce
airflow capacity. Prior art flexible tubes that are intended to
drop away from the user's mouth when not in use such as while
switching to scuba equipment, can create bending tension that
requires the user to bite down on the mouthpiece in order to
prevent the mouthpiece from being pulled out of the mouth by
elastic tension in the flexible tube. This can increase jaw fatigue
during use. In addition, flexible tubing can reduce the stability
of the upper portion of the snorkel which can buffet and wiggle
during use due to turbulence. In addition, flexible tubing can
require expensive materials, increased product weight and increased
production time due to the thickened rib sections and these factors
can significantly increase production cost.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
[0006] Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the present
invention are:
[0007] (a) to provide increased flexibility for comfort;
[0008] (b) to provide reduced jaw fatigue;
[0009] (c) to provide reduced bending resistance;
[0010] (d) to provide improved structural integrity;
[0011] (e) to provide increased strength and durability;
[0012] (f) to provide increased breathing efficiency;
[0013] (g) to provide increased ease of manufacturing;
[0014] (h) to provide increased sales and marketing advantages;
[0015] (i) to provide methods for manufacture and assembly;
[0016] (k) to provide increased ease of assembly;
[0017] (l) to provide methods that can potentially be used to
reduce product weight, manufacturing time and material costs;
[0018] (m) to provide methods of manufacturing and design methods
that can greatly increase comfort and ease of use;
[0019] (n) to provide improved protection against deformation
during storage and packing;
[0020] (o) to provide efficient airflow;
[0021] (p) to provide improved material combinations and assembly
methods;
[0022] (q) to provide methods for allowing the snorkel to be folded
to a compact size for efficient packing or storage;
[0023] (r) to provide improved material combinations for increased
durability, protection against environmental conditions, and
extended product life; and, or
[0024] (s) to provide additional methods and designs for improved
performance and benefits.
[0025] Still further objects and objectives will become apparent
from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.
DRAWING FIGURES
[0026] FIG. 1 shows a side perspective view of an improved snorkel
being used by a swimmer for breathing.
[0027] FIG. 2 shows a side perspective view of the same snorkel
shown in FIG. 1 except that the mouthpiece is not in the mouth of
the user.
[0028] FIG. 3 shows a side perspective view of the snorkel shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2, except that in FIG. 3, the snorkel is in a folded
condition.
[0029] FIG. 4 shows a front perspective view of the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 as the snorkel is being used by a swimmer for
breathing.
[0030] FIG. 5 shows the same front perspective view as shown in
FIG. 4, except that the mouthpiece is not in the swimmer's
mouth.
[0031] FIG. 6 shows a front perspective view of an alternate
embodiment snorkel being used by a swimmer for breathing.
[0032] FIG. 7 shows a front perspective view of the same embodiment
shown in FIG. 6 except that in FIG. 7 the mouthpiece is out of the
swimmer's mouth.
[0033] FIG. 8a shows a font perspective view of the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 as the lower portion is pivoted to various
positions.
[0034] FIG. 8b shows a front perspective view of the same
embodiment of FIG. 8a in which the snorkel is shown in a folded
condition.
[0035] FIG. 9a shows a font perspective view of the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 as the lower portion is pivoted to various
positions.
[0036] FIG. 9b shows a front perspective view of the same
embodiment of FIG. 9a in which the snorkel is shown in a folded
condition.
[0037] FIG. 10 shows an exploded perspective view of one embodiment
of a pivotal joint prior to assembly.
[0038] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the pivotal joint shown
in FIG. 10, except that in FIG. 11, the parts of the pivotal joint
are assembled.
[0039] FIGS. 12a and 12b show alternate embodiment cross section
views taken along the line 12-12 in FIG. 11.
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
[0040] FIG. 1 shows a side perspective view of a snorkel 20 being
used by a swimmer for breathing. Snorkel 20 is seen to have a
conduit 22, a lower portion 24 having a lower end 26 and a purge
valve 28 (shown by dotted lines), a mouthpiece 30 (that is inside
the swimmer's mouth) connected to conduit 22 with a breathing tube
32, and an upper portion 34 with an upper opening 36. In this view,
opening 36 is facing into the page and away from the viewer.
Conduit 22 is seen to have a lateral pivotal joint 38 and an axial
pivotal joint 40.
[0041] In this example, the swimmer is wearing a mask 42 having a
mask strap 44. Snorkel 20 is preferably connected to mask strap 44
with a snorkel connection member 46. In this example, connection
member 46 is a loop type device; however, any suitable connection
method or device may be used to connect snorkel 20 to mask 42 in
any suitable manner. Conduit 22 along upper portion 34 above joint
38 has a predetermined upper portion longitudinal axis 48 that is
substantially parallel to the longitudinal alignment of conduit 22
near connection member 46 and, or in the area between connection
member 46 and opening 36 and, or is a substantially vertical axis
relative to the head of a swimmer. Lateral pivotal joint 38 is
arranged to permit lower portion 24 to pivot around a predetermined
lateral axis 50, which is preferably at an angle to longitudinal
axis 48. In this example, lateral axis 50 is substantially traverse
or transverse to longitudinal axis 48. Preferably, lateral axis 50
is at a significantly steep angle to longitudinal axis 48 or
substantially perpendicular to axis 48.
[0042] Preferably, lateral axis 50 is at a sufficient angle to
longitudinal axis 48 to permit lower portion 24 to be able to
experience a pivotal movement 52 that is arranged to permit the
position of mouthpiece 30 relative to be adjusted relative to upper
portion 34 for optimized comfort and positioning within the user's
mouth. Preferably, lateral axis 50 is at a sufficient angle to
longitudinal axis 48 to permit lower portion 24 to be able to
experience a pivotal movement 52 that can be arranged to permit
lower portion 24 to pivot between a breathing position 54 and a
drop away position 56 (shown by broken lines) that is laterally
spaced from the user's mouth when snorkel 20 is not being used for
breathing and mouthpiece 30 is not being held within the user's
mouth.
[0043] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, conduit 22 is seen to
have an upper portion bend 58 between joint 38 and upper portion 34
and a lower portion bend 60 between joint 38 and lower portion 24.
In alternate embodiments bends 58 and 60 can be made more
pronounced, less pronounced or eliminated if desired. In this
embodiment, snorkel 20 has an additional purge valve 28 (shown by
dotted lines) disposed near or within upper bend 58 to permit the
user to purge water from inside snorkel 20.
[0044] The side view in FIG. 1 permits one of the benefits of this
embodiment to be seen. While joint 38 is arranged to provide
pivotal motion 52 between breathing position 54 and extended
position 56 preferably with substantial ease and significantly low
resistance, pivotal joint member 38 is preferably arranged to be
substantially rigid so as to resist movement in a direction that is
substantially perpendicular to the plane of movement between
positions 54 and 56. In other words, while joint 38 preferably
provides lateral flexibility and movement of lower portion 24 along
the lateral direction of pivotal motion 52, joint 38 is preferably
arranged to substantially reduce, restrict or limit movement in a
forward or back ward direction relative to the intended direction
of swimming. This means that joint 38 provides lateral flexibility
and longitudinal rigidity and stability along the intended
direction of swimming or relative to the orientation of the head of
the swimmer. This can significantly increase the stability of
snorkel 20. While prior art universal ball joints or flexible hose
portions between snorkel connector 46 and mouthpiece 30 can allow
upper portion 34 between such prior art joints and upper opening 36
to become unstable and experience wobbling and buffeting in the
water and, or create twisting moments on the mouthpiece which can
increase jaw fatigue and reduce comfort, the methods of the present
invention can be used to permit comfortable adjustability of
mouthpiece 30 in breathing position 54 during breathing (as well as
drop away capability) while providing similar longitudinal
stability to a non-flexible snorkel having a rigid and not pivoting
lower portion 24 when mouthpiece 30 is in the user's mouth.
However, alternate embodiments of the present invention can be
arranged to also provide universal flexibility or additional
dimensions of flexibility or longitudinal flexibility and pivotal
movement of lower portion 24 when lower portion 24 is in breathing
position 54 while still offering significant improvements over the
prior art. The methods of the present invention can preferably be
used to substantially encourage pivotal movement 52 within a
predetermined plane that includes breathing position 54 and drop
away position 56, while significantly restricting, limiting,
reducing or preventing significant pivotal movement or bending
outside of such plane. Alternatively, the methods of the present
invention can also be used to permit any bending or pivoting that
occurs out of such plane, at an angle to such plane or away from
such plane to experience more resistance and, or have a reduced
range of movement in comparison to pivotal motion 52 substantially
that is arranged to occur with relatively greater ease within such
plane.
[0045] One of the benefits provided by the methods of the present
invention is the ability to permit lower portion 24 to drop away
from the user's face to drop away position 56 while preferably
using relatively stiff thermoplastic materials within joint 38 and,
or lower portion 24 which are much less expensive than
thermoplastic elastomers and thermoplastic silicone used in prior
art flexible tube drop away snorkels. This can greatly reduce
production costs of snorkel 20 both in material costs and
production costs as such stiffer materials are many times less
expensive and set up the mold with significantly reduced cycle
times during molding. However, in alternate embodiments, the
methods of the present invention can be used in combination with
flexible tube sections along lower portion 24 and still provide
significant benefits over the prior art.
[0046] FIG. 2 shows a side perspective view of the same snorkel 20
shown in FIG. 1 except that mouthpiece 30 is not in the mouth of
the user and lower end 24 has pivoted to drop away position 56. It
can be seen that drop away position 56 permits lower end 24 and
mouthpiece 30 to be substantially out of the user's face and off to
the side while not being used for breathing. This is a convenient
position when snorkel 20 is not being used or when the swimmer
switches to using scuba equipment or any alternative breathable gas
source while swimming or diving.
[0047] From the view in FIG. 2, it can be seen that lower portion
24 has a predetermined lower portion longitudinal axis 61 that is
axially spaced from predetermined upper portion longitudinal axis
48. In this example, longitudinal axis 61 is spaced apart from axis
48 in a front to rear direction relative to the swimmer, which is
substantially parallel to the intended direction of swimming.
Preferably, this method of positioning can permit joint 38 to have
a relatively narrow and streamlined profile in the intended
direction of swimming and, or can permit rotational motion 54 to
occur over a significantly wide range, including folding snorkel 20
substantially in half if desired, or a lesser or greater amount
than half. In this embodiment, axis 61 is forward of axis 48;
however, in alternate embodiments axis 61 can be positioned behind
axis 48, to either side of axis 48, substantially aligned with axis
48, or in any orientation or position relative to axis 48.
[0048] Preferably, the alignment of axis 61 is sufficiently offset
from the alignment of axis 48 in a substantially axial manner to
permit joint 38 to pivot around a plane that is substantially
parallel, or substantially close to being parallel to axis 48 and,
or axis 61.
[0049] Preferably, the alignment of axis 61 is sufficiently offset
from the alignment of axis 48 in a substantially axial manner to
permit lower portion 24 to pivot substantially around a
predetermined plane created by joint 38 that is axially spaced from
upper portion longitudinal axis 48.
[0050] FIG. 3 shows a side perspective view of the same snorkel 20
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, except that in FIG. 3, lower portion 24 has
been pivoted to a substantially folded position 62. Preferably,
axis 50 of joint 38, or any other alternate axis or axis on any
other alternate joint or combination of alternate joints, is
arranged to permit lower portion 24 to experience pivotal movement
52 between breathing position 54 and drop away position 56 and to
also experience folding pivotal motion 64 between breathing
position 54 and folded position 62 and, or between drop away
position 56 and folded position 62.
[0051] When lower portion 24 is in drop away position 56 (shown by
broken lines), snorkel 20 is seen to have a predetermined extended
length 66 substantially between opening 36 (shown by dotted lines)
and lower end 26. When lower portion 24 has experienced folding
pivotal motion 62 to folded position 62, snorkel 20 is seen to have
a predetermined folded length 68 between opening 36 (shown by
dotted lines) and the lower end of joint 38. Preferably, folded
length 66 is sufficiently shorter and more compact than extended
length 66 to permit snorkel 20 to be stored, stowed or packed with
significantly less space. This can make packing and traveling
easier and more convenient and can also permit a scuba diver to
fold snorkel 20 for storage in a pocket of their buoyancy
compensator jacket. This can also reduce packaging volume for
reduced production and shipping costs while also increasing the
number of products that can be transported and stored in a
warehouse palette or other enclosure. This can also permit travel
packs having a mask and snorkel, or mask fins and snorkel, to be
made smaller and more convenient for vacationers or beachgoers.
Preferably, folded length 68 is at least 20% shorter, at least 30%
shorter, at least 40% shorter, or at least 50% shorter than
extended length 66.
[0052] In FIG. 3, axial joint 40 is seen to permit lower portion 24
and mouthpiece 30 to experience axial rotation 70 about a
substantially longitudinal axis 72 that is substantially parallel
to lower portion longitudinal axis 61 and, or the longitudinal
alignment of conduit 22 along lower portion 24 near joint 40. As an
example, axial rotation 70 of mouthpiece 30 can permit mouthpiece
30 to be in a predetermined position 74 and move to a predetermined
rotated position 76 (shown with broken lines). Predetermined
position 74 and predetermined rotated position 76 can be arranged
to be a selection of a few positions with ratcheted methods of
adjustment or can be continuously adjustable to any desired angle
about axis 72. In predetermined position 74, mouthpiece 30 is seen
to have an opening 78 that is in fluid communication with an
internal passageway 80 within snorkel 20 that extends to upper
opening 36 (shown with dotted lines due to being on the other side
of conduit 22). Axial joint 40 may be made similar to joint 38 as
shown further below, or may use any suitable method of permitting
mouthpiece 30 to pivot relative to lower portion 24 about a
substantially longitudinal axis relative to lower portion 24.
[0053] The view in FIG. 3 shows that in this embodiment, joint 38
is arranged to permit lower portion 24 to pivot substantially in a
predetermined plane 81 that is illustrated by pivotal movements 52
and 64. Preferably, predetermined plane 81 is axially spaced from
at least one portion of predetermined upper portion longitudinal
axis 48. This method of offsetting and, or axially spacing plane 81
from axis 48 permits lower portion 24 to pivot to folded position
62 that is laterally spaced (or axially spaced) from at least one
portion of upper portion 34 without lower portion 24 being stopped
or excessively blocked by conduit 22 along upper portion 34. In
alternate embodiments, plane 81 can be arranged to be aligned with
axis 48 so that lower portion 24 contacts upper portion 34 in
folded position 62 within the same plane 81. In such an example,
axis 48 can be arranged to exist substantially close to or within
plane 81. Such a method of arrangement can include arranging joint
38 to provide a substantially water tight seal while being
positioned substantially within or close to plane 81 with any
suitable arrangement. Any suitable form of pivotal joint may be
used for such method of positioning.
[0054] Preferably, pivotal motion 52 is arranged to occur within a
range that is between 10 degrees to 60 degrees, between 20 degrees
and 50 degrees, between 10 degrees and 90 degrees, at least 5
degrees, at least 10 degrees, at least 20 degrees, at least 30
degrees, at least 40 degrees, approximately 45 degrees,
approximately 50 degrees, approximately 60 degrees, or
approximately 70 degrees. Preferably, rotational movements 52 and
64, or 64 alone between extended position 56 and folded position 62
are arranged to be approximately 180 degrees, at least 100 degrees,
at least 120 degrees, at least 140 degrees, or at least 160
degrees. Preferably, pivotal movements 52 and 64 permit rotation
through a range of approximately 360 degrees; however, any suitable
range may be used for pivotal movement 52 and, or 64.
[0055] FIG. 4 shows a front perspective view of the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 as snorkel 20 is being used by a swimmer for
breathing. In this front view, axis 50 is seen as a dot to show
that in this example, axis 50 is aiming substantially toward the
viewer and out of the page, and is substantially perpendicular to
axis 48; however, in alternate embodiments, axis 50 can be oriented
at any desired or suitable angle. In FIG. 4, mouthpiece 30 is in
the mouth of the swimmer while lower portion 24 is in breathing
position 54. Axis 50 and, or lateral pivotal joint 38 is arranged
to permit lower portion 24 to experience pivotal motion 52 between
breathing position 54 and drop away position 56 (shown by broken
lines). Lower portion 24 in drop away position 56 is seen to be
significantly to the side and out of the way of the user's
face.
[0056] In FIG. 4, the underside of lower portion 24 is seen to have
a substantially concave down curvature, bend or inclination when
oriented in breathing position 54, and the upper region of lower
portion 24 is seen to have a substantially convex up curvature,
bend or inclination while in breathing position 54. In alternate
embodiments, lower portion 24 between joint 38 and lower end 26 can
have any desired curvatures, contours, bends, inclinations,
orientations, shape, configuration or arrangement.
[0057] FIG. 5 shows the same front perspective view as shown in
FIG. 4, except that mouthpiece 30 is not in the swimmer's mouth and
lower portion 24 is in drop away position 56 that is significantly
out of the way of the user's face to permit comfortable use of
alternate underwater breathing supplies such as scuba equipment,
and is also out of the way of the user's face when the user does
not need or desire lower portion 24 to be in breathing position 54
(shown in FIG. 4).
[0058] FIG. 6 shows a front perspective view of an alternate
embodiment being used by a swimmer for breathing. In FIG. 6, lower
portion 24 between joint 38 and lower end 26 is seen to have a
substantially S-shaped contour having a first bend 82 near joint 36
and a second bend 84 between first bend 82 and lower end 26. In
this embodiment, first bend 82 is concave inward toward the user's
face so that joint 38 can be positioned closer to upper end 34
(compared to FIG. 4) because such concave inward contour of first
bend 82 can permit conduit 22 along first bend 82 to not press
against mask 42 when lower portion 24 is in breathing position 54.
Positioning joint 38 closer to upper portion 34 can permit snorkel
20 to be folded substantially in half, or at least close to or
closer to an approximate 50% reduction in length if desired. Second
bend 84 is seen to be concave downward relative to the user's face
in this embodiment so that the region of lower end 24 between
mouthpiece 30 and lower end 26 that forms a purge reservoir 86 can
be oriented substantially downward or at least partially downward
in order to hold an increased amount of water and, or saliva in an
area that is vertically spaced from mouthpiece 30. In alternate
embodiments, first bend 82, second bend 84 and or any portion of
lower portion 24 can have any suitable contour, bend, degree of
bend, type of bend, direction or directions of bend shape, angle,
orientation, configuration, arrangement, inclination or any
combination of such characteristics.
[0059] FIG. 7 shows a front perspective view of the same embodiment
shown in FIG. 6 except that in FIG. 7 mouthpiece 30 is out of the
swimmer's mouth and lower portion 24 is in drop away position 56,
which is seen to be comfortably spaced away from the user's face
when snorkel 20 is not needed or is not desired to be used for
supplying breathable air to the swimmer.
[0060] FIG. 8a shows a font perspective view of the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 as lower portion 24 is pivoted to various
positions. In this view, lower portion 24 is seen to be in folded
position 62. Lower portion 24 between joint 38 and lower end 26 is
seen to have a predetermined lower portion contour 88 and upper
portion 34 is seen to have a predetermined upper portion contour
90.
[0061] The methods of the present invention including providing
lower portion 24 with a predetermined lower portion contour 88
substantially between joint 38 and lower end 26, providing upper
portion 34 with a predetermined upper portion contour substantially
between joint 38 and upper opening 36, and arranging predetermined
lower portion contour 88 to substantially conform to, align with,
match or be similar to predetermined upper portion contour 38 when
lower portion 24 is at or near folded position 62.
[0062] In this example, predetermined contours 88 and 90 have one
bend each; however, in alternate embodiments, any number of bends,
combinations of bends, directions of bends or variations in
contours can be used.
[0063] Folded position 62 is seen to cause folded length 68 to be
approximately 60% of extended length 66. In alternate embodiments,
the percentage of folded length 68 to extended length 66 can be
approximately 80%, 75%, 70%, 65%, 60%, 65% or approximately
50%.
[0064] In alternate embodiments, the methods of the present
invention includes using more than one pivotal joint 38 which can
be arranged to permit snorkel 20 to be folded in thirds or quarters
if desired so that the percentage of folded length 68 to extended
length 66 is arranged to be less than 50%, less than 40%, less than
30%, less that 25% or less than 20%.
[0065] In FIG. 8a, lower portion 24 is seen to be able to
experience pivotal rotation 52 between extended position 56 (show
with broken lines) and breathing position 54 (show with broken
lines). In this example, lower portion 24 is also seen to be
arranged to experience a predetermined pivotal adjustment range 92
between breathing position 54 (show with broken lines) and a
different predetermined breathing position 54' that is spaced from
breathing position 54. Pivotal adjustment range 92 permits the user
to adjust the position of mouthpiece 30 and lower portion 24 (show
with broken lines) to best suit their individual preferences
throughout predetermined pivotal adjustment range 92.
[0066] In alternate embodiments, the methods of the present
invention can be used to arrange joint 38 to only permit lower
portion 24 to pivot through predetermined adjustment range 92, with
or without experiencing pivotal motion 52 to extended position 56
and, or folding pivotal motion 64 to folded position 62.
[0067] In other alternate embodiments, the methods of the present
invention can include providing joint 38 with ratcheted portions or
predetermined incremental adjustments in any suitable manner that
lock in position or have stops that permit pivotal range 92 and, or
pivotal motion 52 and, or pivotal motion 64 to occur with ease over
a certain predetermined range, and restrict, slow, resist or stop
pivotal movement outside of such predetermined ranges unless an
increased force is applied. For example, the methods of the present
invention can include providing stops or restrictions for movement
beyond predetermined pivotal adjustment range 92 so that lower
portion 24 can pivot along range 92 without significant resistance,
but encounters resistance to pivoting outside of predetermined
range 92. In such examples, an increase in pressure provided by the
user can cause lower portion 24 to pivot beyond such region of
increased resistance or stopping member so that lower portion 24
can then experience pivotal motion 52 to extended position 56 and,
or experience pivotal motion 64 to folded position 62. In addition,
the methods of the present invention can also include providing
joint 38 with a suitable locking mechanism or ratcheted portion
that can permit lower portion 24 to become substantially locked in
extended position 56 so that it can substantially avoid or reduce
swinging back and forth when not in use. In such situations, the
suitable locking mechanism or ratcheted portion in joint 38 can be
arranged to have a significantly low level of resistance to
unlocking so that the user can apply a predetermined pressure, such
as a significantly gentle pressure for example, to lower portion 24
capable of moving lower portion 24 to breathing positions 54 or 54'
(which can be any suitable position capable of being used for
breathing) or to folded position 62.
[0068] FIG. 8b shows a front perspective view of the same
embodiment of FIG. 8a in which snorkel 20 is shown in a horizontal
orientation to view the compact condition of snorkel 20 in folded
position 62.
[0069] FIG. 8c shows a front perspective view of the same
embodiment of FIGS. 8a and 8b, except that in FIG. 8c, upper
portion 34 has been arranged to experience folding pivotal motion
64 to a further folded position 93 having a bend 93'. The methods
of the present invention can include providing an additional joint
38 along upper portion 34 to permit upper portion to folded to
further folded position 38 and, or providing conduit 22 along upper
portion 34 with sufficient flexibility to form bend 93' around a
substantially transverse axis relative to the longitudinal
alignment of upper portion 34 and achieve further folded position
93 from such bending. When conduit 22 is made sufficiently flexible
to bend around a transverse axis to achieve further folded position
93, it is preferred that conduit 22 be made with a substantially
resilient material such as a suitable resilient thermoplastic
elastomer that is capable of recovering from such folded position
93 without experiencing excessive deformation or kinking that could
potentially restrict air flow when snorkel 20 is being used for
breathing rather than being folded for storage. In alternate
embodiments, an additional joint 38 can be used instead of or in
addition to bend 93'.
[0070] FIG. 8c shows that folded position 93 can permit snorkel 20
to achieve a predetermined further folded length 68'. Preferably,
further folded length 68' can be arranged to be approximately 50%,
40%, 30% or less than 30% of extended length 66. In alternate
embodiments, upper portion 34 and, or lower portion 24 can be
arranged to be made with sufficiently flexible material to permit
further compacting through additional folds and, or bending. In
this example, internal passageway 80 and opening 36 are visible at
upper portion 34 in this view of folded position 93.
[0071] FIG. 9a shows a font perspective view of the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 that shows lower portion 24 being pivoted to
various positions including folded position 62. In this embodiment,
snorkel 20 is seen to have a folded length 68 that is approximately
50% of extended position 66.
[0072] FIG. 9b shows a front perspective view of the same
embodiment of FIG. 9a in which snorkel 20 is shown in a horizontal
orientation to view the compact condition of snorkel 20 in folded
position 62.
[0073] FIG. 10 shows an exploded perspective view of one embodiment
of pivotal joint 38 prior to assembly. Lower portion 24 is seen to
have a lower portion joint opening 94 at joint 38 that is arranged
to mate with an upper portion joint opening 96 of upper portion 34.
In this embodiment, lower portion joint opening 94 has a
predetermined lower portion connection member 98 and upper joint
opening 96 has a predetermined upper portion connection member 100.
In this example, upper portion connection member 100 is arranged to
have male connection member 102 that is arranged to be inserted
into lower connection member 100 having a female connection member
104; however, in alternate embodiments, any suitable method of
pivotally connecting lower portion 24 to upper portion 38 around an
axis that is at a significant angle to the longitudinal alignment
of conduit 22 near upper portion 34 may be used. In the embodiment
in FIG. 10, male connection member 102 is seen to have at least one
predetermined locking member 106, which in this example includes a
prong shaped member. Locking member 106 is preferred to laterally
contract when inserted into lower joint opening 96 and female
connection member 104 and then laterally expand within internal
passageway after passing an inner recessed edge 108 and then hook
against inner recessed edge 108. However, in alternate embodiments,
an suitable method of locking joint 38 together may be used. In
this embodiment, inner edge 108 is arranged to permit locking
member 106 to rotate and slide along edge 108 so as to permit joint
38 to rotate to various desired positions.
[0074] In this example, a predetermined ratchet member 110 is
provided along female connection member 104 as well as along male
connection member 102. Ratchet member 110 can be provided in any
suitable form including at least one protrusion and, or recess, or
mating protrusions and recesses. In alternate embodiments, any
number, size, positioning on or near any portion of joint 38,
configuration, shape, contour, arrangement or form of any suitable
ratchet type device, pivot range limiting device or position
locking device may be used at or near any portion of joint 38 in
order to provide predetermined resistance to pivoting beyond a
predetermined rotational range, to provide predetermined stopping
points or locking points, or to provide predetermined rotational
range limits for joint 38.
[0075] In FIG. 10, a sealing member 112 is seen to be positioned
within joint 38 for providing or improving a water tight seal. In
this example, sealing member 112 is an O-ring made with a relative
soft resilient material such as a silicone rubber, thermoplastic
elastomer or thermoplastic rubber; however, in alternate
embodiments, any suitable form of sealing member 112 may be used
within joint 38. In other embodiments, connection members 98 and
100 can be arranged to create a substantially water tight seal
without using a separate sealing member 112.
[0076] In the embodiment of FIG. 10, locking members 106 extend
forward of an end 114; however, any suitable method of locking on a
temporary, removably attached, or permanent basis may be used to
connect any parts or members of any suitable form of joint 38. For
example, while FIG. 10 shows locking members 106 having relatively
sharp corners for hooking around inner recessed edge 108, locking
members can alternatively have rounded shapes that can permit a
predetermined holding strength that can permit disconnection of
joint 38 after assembly if desired with a predetermined amount of
force or effort. In alternate embodiments, joint 38 can be easily
disconnected for enabling compact storage and if desired, a tether
can be used to connect upper portion 34 to lower portion 24 so that
one of the two separated parts are less likely to be lost.
[0077] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the same pivotal joint
38 shown in FIG. 10, except that in FIG. 11, the parts of pivotal
joint 38 are show as having been assembled. The dotted lines show
the locking members 106 and connection member 102 within lower
portion joint opening 94 and bend 60 of lower portion 24.
[0078] FIGS. 12a and 12b show alternate embodiment cross section
views taken along the line 12-12 in FIG. 11.
[0079] In FIG. 12a, sealing member 112 is preferably compressed
between joint openings 94 and 96 as locking member 106 locks around
inner recessed edge 108. The methods of the present invention
include preferably providing a predetermined amount compression to
sealing member 112 by joint 38 that is arranged to provide a
substantially water tight seal during at least some phases of use.
In addition, the methods of the present invention may include
arranging such predetermined compression to sealing member 112 to
be sufficiently low enough to permit rotation of joint 38 to occur
with substantially unrestricted, substantially unrestrained and, or
substantially low levels of friction so that pivoting about joint
38 can occur with substantially low levels of effort by the user.
In some embodiments, it is preferable that joint 38 is arranged to
have sufficiently low levels of rotational friction or resistance
to rotation to permit lower portion 24 to automatically pivot away
from the user's face (not shown) to drop away position 56 (not
shown) when the user removes mouthpiece 30 (not shown) from the
mouth. In other embodiments, rotational friction or predetermined
restraints can be arranged to be sufficiently high enough to
substantially maintain a predetermined position of rotation until
the user applies a predetermined amount of pressure to lower
portion 24 and, or joint 38 and or any suitable portion of snorkel
20 that can cause joint 38 to rotate to a new predetermined rotated
position as desired by the user. Any suitable method may be used to
provide any degree of rotational friction, restraint, limits of
rotation, ranges of rotation, freedom of rotation, or ease of
rotation within or near joint 38.
[0080] In FIG. 12a, broken lines show the orientation of lower
portion 24 in folded position 62 after lower portion experiences
folding pivotal motion 64. In folded position 62, a gap 115 is seen
to exist between upper portion 34 and lower portion 24 which is
substantially created by bends 58 and 60. Bends 58 and 60 can be
arranged in any suitable manner to create any desired size of gap
11. Preferably, gap 15 is made sufficiently small enough to
improved or maximize the overall compact size of snorkel 20 in
folded position; however, any size of gap 115 may be used.
[0081] In the embodiment of FIG. 12a, purge valve 28 is seen to be
positioned along the lower region of bend 58 on upper portion 34.
This can permit improved clearing of water within internal
passageway 80 of snorkel 20. Purge valve 28 includes vents 116 in
upper portion 34. The outer surface of vents 116 are covered by a
membrane 118 that is attached to snorkel 20 with a knob 120.
Membrane 120 is preferably made with a resilient material such as a
silicone rubber and is arranged to be able to flex between a closed
position 122 that seals vents 116 during normal use and an open
position 124 (shown by broken lines) that opens vents 116 as the
user exhales with a predetermined force into snorkel 20 to drive
water out of internal passageway 80 through purge valve 28. The
placement of purge valve 28 along bend 58 can preferably permit
water or spray dripping down internal passageway 80 of upper
portion 34 to collect and be purged out of snorkel 20 with a
reduced amount of water reaching lower portion 24. In addition,
purge 28 near joint 38 can preferably permit water to be cleared
from snorkel 20 with increased efficiency and ease, especially in
preferred embodiments in which another purge valve 28 (not shown)
is positioned near lower end 26 (not shown) of snorkel 20 so that
water may be purged out both purge valves 28 simultaneously if
desired.
[0082] FIG. 12b, shows an alternate embodiment cross section view
of joint 38 taken along the lines 12-12 in FIG. 11. In FIG. 12b,
gap 115 is seen to be much smaller than shown in FIG. 12a, between
upper portion 34 and lower portion 24 in folded position 62 (shown
by broken lines). In the embodiment of FIG. 12b, the inner portion
of bend 58 along upper portion 34 and the inner portion of bend 60
on lower portion 24 along joint 38 are seen to be relatively sharp
so that gap 115 is significantly reduced. This can further improve
the compact size of snorkel 20 in folded position 62. Gap 115 may
have any desired size or may even be eliminated entirely in folded
position 62.
[0083] FIG. 12b also shows sealing member 112 being disposed within
joint 38. In this example, sealing member 112 is positioned between
connection members 102 and 104; however, any form of sealing member
112 may be used along any position or region of any suitable
configuration of joint 38. In this example, sealing member 112 is
seen to be relatively planar in cross sectional shape; however, any
shape may be used. Sealing member 112 may be a resilient band
disposed within joint 38 or may be a thermoplastic material
connected to connection member 102, connection member 104, or any
other portion of any suitable configuration of joint 38 with any
suitable chemical and, or mechanical bond.
[0084] In the embodiment of FIG. 12b, end 114 of male connection
member 102 is substantially flush with locking members 106. In such
an embodiment, locking member 106 can be a substantially circular
rim with a predetermined mechanical bond or locking mechanism such
as an extended hook-like or rib-like feature that can lock against
inner recessed edge 108.
[0085] FIGS. 12a and 12b show that one of the advantages of joint
38 is its substantially large internal volume which provides
excellent flow capacity and volume with a rotational joint having
preferably at least two separate parts. Preferably, joint 38 will
be arranged to have a predetermined cross sectional size that is
significantly similar the cross sectional size of conduit 22 on at
least one side of joint 38 or on both sides of joint 38 in an area
that is spaced from joint 38. This can provide a significant
improvement over prior art mechanical joints having at least two
mechanically joint parts such as ball joints, which cause the
internal cross sectional area of the ball joint passageway to be
much smaller than the cross sectional area of the conduit spaced
from such ball joint. Such restricted cross sectional area within a
ball joint internal passageway can significantly limit, restrict,
impede or reduce flow capacity through the snorkel and increase the
work of breathing as well as the ventilation capacity of the
snorkel for the user, especially during high levels of exertion
while swimming. However, in alternate embodiments the methods of
the present invention can be used to create joint 38 with a
significantly reduced internal cross sectional area, volume, flow
capacity or any other source of resistance or reduction to flow
capacity because the methods of the present invention can provide
other benefits and improvements over the prior art as shown and
described in this description.
SUMMARY, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE
[0086] Accordingly, the reader will see that the designs and
methods of the present invention offer advantages in that they
can:
[0087] (a) provide increased flexibility and, or adjustability for
comfort;
[0088] (b) provide reduced jaw fatigue;
[0089] (c) provide reduced bending resistance;
[0090] (d) provide improved structural integrity;
[0091] (e) provide improved range of movement;
[0092] (f) provide increased breathing efficiency;
[0093] (g) provide increased ease of manufacturing;
[0094] (h) provide increased sales and marketing advantages;
[0095] (i) provide new methods for manufacture and assembly;
[0096] (k) provide new methods for achieving a full drop away
snorkel that can pivot out of the way of the user's face when not
being used for breathing;
[0097] (l) provide methods that can potentially be used to reduce
product weight, manufacturing time and material costs;
[0098] (m) provide methods of manufacturing and design methods that
can greatly increase comfort and ease of use;
[0099] (n) provide improved protection against deformation during
storage and packing;
[0100] (o) provide improved internal cross sectional area for
efficient airflow;
[0101] (p) provide improved material combinations and assembly
methods;
[0102] (q) provide methods for allowing the snorkel to be folded to
a more compact size for efficient packing or storage;
[0103] (r) provide improved stability;
[0104] (s) provide controlled lateral flexibility; and, or
[0105] (s) provide additional methods and designs for improved
performance and benefits.
[0106] Still further benefits are apparent from a consideration of
the ensuing description and drawings.
[0107] Any combination of features in one or more embodiments can
be combined in any order with other embodiments, features or
variations and all such embodiments are incorporated by reference
to each other embodiment, feature and embodiment described.
[0108] In alternate embodiments, any number of joints 38 may be
used that pivot around any desired pivotal axis or multiple
different axis. In other embodiments, any number of joints 38 may
be used in combination with any other type or method of pivot
connection or flexible connection.
[0109] In other embodiments, lower portion 24 may also be made with
a flexible material that permits at least one portion of lower
portion 24 to flex or bend relative to upper portion 34 with or
without any pivotal motion occurring within joint 38. This method
can be used to further improve the flexibility, adjustability and
comfort of snorkel 20 for the user if desired. In some embodiments,
the methods of the present invention can include providing at least
one portion or all portions of conduit below joint 38, including
bend 60 and, or predetermined connection member 98 if desired, in
which portion or portions are made with a significantly flexible
material capable of bending under moderate or light loading
conditions during use.
[0110] Although the description above contains many specificities,
these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the
invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the
presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Accordingly, the
scope of the invention should not be determined not by the
embodiments illustrated and described, but by the appended claims
and their legal equivalents.
* * * * *