Abstract: Mask-type goggles used for swimming and diving includes a soft rubber mask, a lens, a transparent frame, a decorative strip, and a lens fixing frame. A decorative strip is embedded in the inner side of a transparent frame so that the color of the decorative strip can be displayed through a frame, and the transmission of light of the frame makes the goggles as a whole colorful to improve the aesthetics of the goggles. Besides, the decorative strip is fixedly embedded in the frame, which can effectively prevent the decorative strip from falling off, such that the goggle structure is more stable and durable.

Abstract: Diving goggles having a detachable camera bracket includes a frame, a pair of lenses, and a mask. The lenses and the mask are mounted to the frame. The camera bracket is detachably mounted on the frame. A lower end of the camera bracket is secured to the frame by means of clipping and hooking, and an upper end of the camera bracket is provided with a retaining seat for mounting a camera. The camera bracket connects the camera with the frame stably. During diving, the diver can take a picture for the underwater scenery conveniently, enhancing the diving entertainment.

Abstract: An air flow control system for a respirator (10) is described which includes a shell that defines a breathable air zone for a user (18) wearing the respirator (10), an air delivery conduit (27) within the shell of the respirator, and a valve member (557) moveable relative to the air delivery conduit and within the shell to vary the air flow through the air delivery conduit. The air flow control system also includes an outer device (46) outside of the shell of the respirator that is rotatable by a user (18) of the respirator while wearing the respirator to control movement of the valve member.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system, apparatus and methods for underwater voice communication between a diver and an underwater electronic device. In many embodiments, the system includes a dive computer which generates audio signals corresponding to spoken messages and a mouthpiece apparatus having an acoustic transducer that conducts sound via conduction through the diver's teeth and skull to the cochlea so as to allow the diver to hear the messages and other sounds and a microphone for sensing the diver's voice. The mouthpiece is adapted to be easily attached to portions of a SCUBA or other underwater breathing apparatus. It may also be attached or integral to a snorkel or similar apparatus.

Abstract: A diving mask including at least one lens, a facepiece made of a soft and elastically yielding material, provided with at least a front positioning opening that positions the at least one lens, and a rear profiled element that rests on a user's face. Also included is a rigid frame that includes a first frame element and a second frame element anterior to the first frame element, fixed to one another such as to guarantee a seal between the facepiece and the lens. The front positioning opening of the facepiece can exhibit, along a perimeter edge thereof, a hollow positioning flange for the first frame element, the hollow positioning flange extending from an internal side of, and at least partially posteriorly to, the front positioning opening of the facepiece.

Abstract: To reduce or eliminate the startle response in aquatic life, embodiments of the present invention alter the sound produced by a diver's exhaled bubbles by adjusting up or down the frequency of the sound produced by the bubbles.

Abstract: Apparatus for use during open system diving to support underwater human respiration. In accordance with various embodiments, an air supply provides a supply of air along a supply conduit. A regulator is adapted for engagement with a diver's mouth to receive air from the supply during an inhale cycle and to direct a mixture of water and exhaust air away from the diver along an exhaust conduit during an exhale cycle. An air/water separator separates the exhaust air from the water in said mixture and directs the separated exhaust air through an exhaust air port. In some embodiments, a one-way stop valve is provided within the air/water separator to prevent back flow. In further embodiments, a bubble diffuser emits the exhaust air as a fine mist of bubbles into the surrounding water.

Abstract: To reduce or eliminate the startle response in aquatic life, embodiments of the present invention alter the sound produced by a diver's exhaled bubbles by adjusting up or down the frequency of the sound produced by the bubbles.

Abstract: A headgear (200) for a respiratory mask (202) of a ventilator or CPAP device is provided. The headgear includes a strap portion (204, 206) formed of a substantially inextensible material. The strap portion has formed on one end thereof a connecting structure configured to connect to a mask of the ventilator or CPAP device. One advantage is that the mask will not or at least will be less inclined to lift off the face as mask pressure is increased.

Abstract: To reduce or eliminate the startle response in aquatic life, embodiments of the present invention alter the sound produced by a diver's exhaled bubbles by adjusting up or down the frequency of the sound produced by the bubbles.

Abstract: Apparatus for use during open system diving to support underwater human respiration. In accordance with various embodiments, an air supply provides a supply of air along a supply conduit. A regulator is adapted for engagement with a diver's mouth to receive air from the supply during an inhale cycle and to direct a mixture of water and exhaust air away from the diver along an exhaust conduit during an exhale cycle. An air/water separator separates the exhaust air from the water in said mixture and directs the separated exhaust air through an exhaust air port. In some embodiments, a one-way stop valve is provided within the air/water separator to prevent back flow. In further embodiments, a bubble diffuser emits the exhaust air as a fine mist of bubbles into the surrounding water.

Abstract: Device comprising a demand valve (1) for delivering breathable gas to a diver and a fluidic connector (2, 5) that can be selectively connected to the demand valve (1), the demand valve (1) comprising a breathable gas supply inlet (3, 13), characterized in that the demand valve (1) and/or the fluidic connector (2, 5) comprise a blocking device (6, 7, 8, 9; 6, 7, 66, 50) for selectively blocking the connector (2, 5) on the demand valve (1) when the connector (2, 5) is fastened to the demand valve (1) via the catching members (103, 12; 213, 5), the blocking device (6, 7, 8, 9; 7, 66, 50) being selectively moveable and/or deformable between a first configuration of blocking relative movement between the demand valve (1) and the connector (2, 5), and a second configuration of unblocking, allowing relative movement between the demand valve (1) and the connector (2, 5).

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for improving the performance and design of snorkels (20) that are arranged to reduce splashes of water from entering the snorkel (20) during use. Methods including providing a non-floating active portion (72) and a spring member (54) to move active portion (72) to a closed position (68). Methods are provided for using weighted members (94) and, or floats (44) in conjunction with biasing members (54) exerted with torque across pivoting arms (42) and along longitudinal directions of motion (100). Methods are provided for enabling dry top snorkel devices (38) to automatically achieve, maintain or reestablish a closed position (68) at depth even if little or no pressure differential exists between the inside and outside of the snorkel (20) or if the sealed connection is disengaged at depth, such as can occur during a firm exhale at depth.

Abstract: A snorkel is provided on an upper end section of a conduit with an opening for breathing and a valve adapted to open and to close the opening. The valve is pivotally mounted on an upper end section of the conduit via arms integral with the valve. Below the valve, there are provided two or more floats. The respective floats are housed inside an annular housing defined outside the upper end section of the conduit in a manner that these floats may move up- and downward. When any one of these two or more floats is given buoyancy and moves upward, the arms are reliably actuated upward and thereby the valve reliably closes the opening.

Abstract: To reduce or eliminate the startle response in aquatic life, embodiments of the present invention alter the sound produced by a diver's exhaled bubbles by adjusting up or down the frequency of the sound produced by the bubbles.

Abstract: A face mask (10) mechanically coupled to a lung demand valve (LDV) (12). The face mask (10) comprises a main mask and an inner mask (15) which fits over the wearer's mouth and nose. The interior of the inner mask (15) is in fluidic communication with the interior of the main mask (10) by means of non-return valves (16). The interior of the main mask is in fluidic communication with an inlet port (18) which is mechanically and fluidically coupled to a supply port (20) of an LDV. The LDV (12) includes a diaphragm and a cover (44) which comprises three parts (44a, 44b) and (44c). Exhaled air is used to flush the space around the diaphragm. Thus, any toxic or undesirable gas in the vicinity of the diaphragm is pushed out to atmosphere by the exhaled air flowing past and around the diaphragm.

Abstract: A conjoined tube within a tube located inside a lower section of a snorkel designed to steer water droplets away from the snorkel diver's breathing path. The lower section of the snorkel has two valves. One is the scupper valve positioned at the lowest point of the inside tube. The scupper valve is a light duty valve or a low resistance one-way watertight passage intended to allow droplets of water to drain into the main reservoir. The outer tube lower section contains a reservoir for holding residual water that travels down to the bottom of the snorkel and is contained therein. During the normal clearing operation, the reservoir can be emptied and water will exit out of the lower section and into the surrounding water.

Abstract: An underwater breathing device, such as a snorkel, may include an exhalation valve. The exhalation valve is configured to produce positive end-expiratory pressure in the airway of a user of the underwater breathing device in order to reduce the overall work of underwater breathing. The exhalation valve includes a plate defining an exhalation port. The exhalation valve also includes a flexible membrane that is sealable against a surface of the plate and is sized and positioned to be capable of sealing the exhalation port. The flexible membrane is configured to have a sealed position in which the flexible membrane seals the exhalation port such that substantially no exhaled air escapes the snorkel. The flexible membrane is also configured to have an unsealed position in which exhaled air escapes the snorkel.

Abstract: To reduce or eliminate the startle response in aquatic life, embodiments of the present invention alter the sound produced by a diver's exhaled bubbles by adjusting up or down the frequency of the sound produced by the bubbles.

Abstract: The instant invention incorporates an asymmetrical purge valve tilted to fit within the confines of a chamber having a substantially elliptical cross-section. The elliptical cross-section is oriented to minimize the frontal area presented in the direction of swimming movement. The reduced cross-section results in a corresponding reduction of drag when the diver is swimming underwater.

Abstract: A swim and skin-dive snorkel for providing positive end-expiratory pressure for pressure-balanced exhalation. The snorkel may include inhalation and exhalation conduits. Air can be exhaled into a chamber and released when exhalation pressure within the chamber exceeds a threshold pressure. The threshold pressure that must be overcome to achieve exhalation may be balanced against the compressive forces of the ambient water pressure acting against the user's chest and lungs, which may greatly reduce the resting expiratory flow rate, the minute respiratory rate, and therefore the overall work of breathing. The exhalation pressure may be linearly matched to the ambient water pressure as a function of dive depth, thereby discouraging exhalation while diving. A purge valve may also be placed at the lower aspect of the snorkel.

Abstract: A breathing regulator having a non-linear positive pressure spring is provided for use in an air supplied respirator. The regulator includes a housing formed from a regulator body and a cover sub-assembly, a diaphragm assembly, and the non-linear spring. The spring holds the diaphragm assembly closed and resists the force applied by air pressure during exhalation by the user, but collapses once a sufficient amount of force has been applied, thereby permitting the user to exhale freely.

Abstract: A scuba mask purging apparatus and method providing selective introduction of pressurized air into a scuba mask to initiate purging, pressure balancing, and de-fogging. An inlet valve, typically positioned conveniently on the top or the side of the mask may control the release of pressurized air into the mask. A pressure-sensitive outlet valve releases the pressurized air to force water from the mask. The outlet valve may be positioned on the lower portion of the mask or at a location where water is likely to collect.

Abstract: A rebreather apparatus having a gas scrubber canister with a generally oval or elliptical cross section. The canister being configured so that exhaled gases pass through the adsorbent in a radial manner through a generally hollow tube having the same cross sectional shape as the canister. The shape of the canister allows for increasing the volume of the canister relative to round cylinder shaped canisters without making it too cumbersome such that it effects the efficiency of a diver. The canisters have at least one removable end cap and the end caps are configured for housing gas addition and control systems. The rebreather apparatus can be rapidly reconfigured to provide a variety of fully closed or semi closed circuit configurations and it can be reconfigured to be worn in a variety of ways based on tasks to be performed and diver preference.

Abstract: A diving helmet bubble diverter comprises a front skirt portion and a rear skirt portion attached to the front skirt portion at one end. The rear skirt portion is configured for mounting onto the diving helmet breathing regulator assembly. The attached front and rear skirt portions form side pockets that divert exhaust air bubbles away from the diver's mask when the rear skirt portion is mounted onto the regulator assembly. The mounted rear skirt portion forms a protective barrier between the exterior wall of the diving helmet and the exhaust whisker of the breathing regulator assembly that prevents air bubbles exiting the whisker from coming into contact with the diving helmet during diving activities.

Abstract: An improved underwater breathing apparatus includes a gas- and liquid-tight helmet, with an attached air valve, tank coupling and tank bracket. The helmet further includes a flange generally conforming to the shoulders of a user, and incorporates ballast material. The air valve is attached to the helmet with the tank coupling and the tank bracket is attached to the tank coupling. When worn, the tank bracket is oriented substantially parallel to, and a finite distance away from, the user, whereby only the flange contacts the user. In other embodiments the helmet further includes an optically transparent face shield, or the entire helmet is may be manufactured from an optically transparent material. A handle may be attached to the helmet to aid in lifting and storage. The air valve may include an air flow regulator, a compressed air supply coupling or an air flow gauge.

Abstract: A diving snorkel assembly includes a snorkel tube and a casing. The snorkel tube includes a first portion and a second portion telescopically disposed relative to each other. The snorkel tube further includes an inner surface that defines an air passageway. The air passageway extends through the first portion and the second portion between a first end and a second end of the snorkel tube. A casing surrounds at least part of the first portion and the second portion. An interior of the casing is in fluid isolation from the air passageway. Due to the fluid isolation between the air passageway and the interior of the casing, mechanical mechanisms are sufficient to secure the casing in place such that the diving snorkel assembly may be made without the use of glue.

Abstract: A valve-leaf protective structure for pressure regulator of air tank used in diving mainly includes a valve-leaf seat being provided at a lower center with a retaining hole and at two sides with two raised supports, each of which is provided at an upper inner surface with a rotary shaft hole; and a valve-leaf protective cover located between the two raised supports of the valve-leaf seat, and provided at two upper outer ends with two sideward projected rotary shafts for rotatably mounted in the two rotary holes on the raised supports. A lower side of the protective cover is formed into a tongue having a hook provided at a lowermost end thereof to detachably engage with the retaining hole at the lower center of the valve-leaf seat. Therefore, the protective cover may be pivotally turned about the rotary shafts between the raised supports to close or open the valve-leaf seat.

Abstract: A front-worn respiratory tube without fastening assemblies namely fastening rings, hooks, buttons, clamps, sheaths or strips, includes a head-top-portion tube, a forehead-portion tube, a mouth-eyebrow-portion tube, a mouthpiece and a fish-mouth-shaped mouthpiece in a downward direction in sequence. Wherein, the aforesaid five parts are either wedge-type structures or join-type structures at three parts (from the head-top-portion tube to the forehead-portion tube, from the forehead-portion tube to the mouth-eyebrow-portion tube, and from the mouth-eyebrow-portion tube to the mouthpiece portion). The forehead-portion tube utilizes water drag force to have the tube steadily staying close to the user's head. A water-drop-shaped sectional area at the head-top-portion tube is capable of minimizing water drag. The aforesaid structure according to the invention is adaptable to head dimensions and a height of a nose tip of the user.

Abstract: A swim and skin-dive snorkel is presented which uniquely provides positive end-expiratory pressure for pressure-balanced exhalation. The inventions include both devices and methods for providing positive end-expiratory pressure to the respiratory passages of a user of underwater breathing equipment. The inventive snorkel includes inhalation and exhalation conduits. Air can be exhaled by a user into a chamber from which exhaled air is released when exhalation pressure within the chamber exceeds a threshold pressure. In this manner the device provides positive end-expiratory pressure during exhalation. In an embodiment of the invention, upon receiving adequate exhalation pressure from the swimmer's airways, a sealing member is outwardly displaced against the ambient water pressure, thereby opening the exhalation conduit to receive exhaled air. The pressure maintained within the snorkel is adequate to keep the inhalation valve closed, except when the swimmer is actively inhaling.

Abstract: An air guide tube 62 is mounted within a tubular portion 42 formed in a housing 13 of a regulator 1 for diving. One end of the tube 62 is formed with a valve seal 63A against which a valve 72 is pressed and another end opposite to this end is formed on its inner surface with threads 67.

Abstract: An automatic water stopper for snorkel mainly includes from bottom to top a lower case having radially equally spaced upright air tubes, a float and a water-stopping diaphragm having corresponding radiated cross section, an air path disk, and an upper case. The air path disk includes a plurality of alternately arranged valve openings and air paths. The air paths are aligned with and therefore always communicable with the air tubes for air to flow into and out of the snorkel while the valve openings are closed or opened depending on positions of the float in the lower case. When the valve openings are opened, air flows into or out of the snorkel along a path defined by the valve openings, the air paths, and the air tubes. When the float contacts with water and moves upward to close the valve openings, external water is prevented from flowing into the snorkel.

Abstract: A scuba diving bubble diverter adapted for use by a diver wearing a diving mask and air regulator and employing a skirt system for diverting bubbles emanating from the breathing regulator away from the diver's head.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water preventing equipment fo a snorkel, that attaches to the end of a snorkel, which includes an embodiment and a cover. The embodiment contains a first room and a second room, which is divided by a baffle. The first room connects to the conduit. The cover is located above the end opening and it is an active structure that can flip up and down. The cover covers the end opening and is located above the first room. By using this active cover, this equipment can easily prevent large amounts of water from splashing into the conduit, and can still remain the smoothness of the airway for exhaling water and exhausting air.

Abstract: A draining structure for diving mask includes a soft head cover fixedly connected to a rigid skirt framing a lens. The soft head cover includes a forward projected nose portion having a draining valve provided at a bottom thereof to be openable only in an outward direction. A draining guide is provided below the nose portion and has a hole formed directly below the draining valve to prevent water from sideward flushing open the draining valve when a diver jumps into water in a vertical position. An upward projected flange is provided at a rear end of the draining guide to guide air bubbles produced by the diver's expiration to two side outlets of the draining guide. The flange also reinforces the two side outlets and prevents them from deformation when the head cover is put on the diver's head and presses against the side outlets.

Abstract: Embodiments of improved snorkeling equipment are disclosed, each enabling a swimmer to submerge his or her head and body a few feet beneath the water surface, to swim freely beneath the water surface without concern for the position of the air tube, and to draw in and expend out air with ease.

Abstract: A swim mask apparatus having a mask equipped with a floating air-suction device is provided. The mask includes a plurality of straps extending from two lateral sides thereof to firmly attach the mask to a wearer's head and thereby provide watertight protection for the wearer's eyes and nose. The mask is provided with a one-way exhaust valve and a one-way sniffing valve. The floating air-suction device includes a float and an air hose extending therefrom. A terminal end of the air hose is connected to the one-way sniffing valve to form an inhalation airway between the float and the mask. The buoyancy of the float normally maintains the open end of the air hose coupled thereto above the water surface. When it is pulled sufficiently below the water surface by the air hose, the buoyant float is resistive to the displacement to the extent that compressing members formed therein constrictively engage the end of the air hose to prevent water from entering therethrough.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus adapted for use in combination with a tube for swimming, the breathing apparatus includes a floatable body having a hollow case for floating over water level and an opening; and a breathing assembly mounted detachably. The breathing assembly has a connector inserted within the opening of the floatable body; a fixing cap mounted on the floatable body for preventing separation of the breathing assembly from the floatable body, and for providing fresh air from the outside to the breathing assembly; a mouth connecting member connected to the connector and providing air to the swimmer's mouth; an air intake check member having an inlet check valve opened only in one direction for preventing upward flow of exhausted air; and a water intake check member having an outlet check valve also opened only in one direction for discharging exhausted air and for preventing entry of water into the breathing assembly.

Abstract: The instant invention is a skin diving snorkel having a conduit with an end above the water surface, and an underwater end that terminates in a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece provides a flow path between the conduit and the interior of the diver's mouth. A buoyant chamber, separate from the conduit, surrounds and is coaxial with the conduit above water end. A lower opening in the chamber is joined to the conduit by a convoluted diaphragm. The convoluted diaphragm provides a flexible and watertight barrier that enables the chamber to be easily buoyed a short distance upward, guided by the snorkel conduit. The conduit's open end protrudes loosely through an upper opening in the chamber. The conduit open end carries a flexible circular diaphragm which, when it makes contact with the upper opening of the buoyed chamber, serves as a check valve allowing exhalation flow from the conduit to ambient, but blocks the flow of water into the snorkel.

Abstract: A snorkel with a unique strap hook and snorkel tube arrangement which permits both selective release and adjustment of the strap hook, but only when release or adjustment is desired and not by inadvertence. In a preferred embodiment, the snorkel tube is provided with a hook slide region enclosed along the tube surface by an elongated border. Inside each side of the border there is a recess for receiving rails of a strap hook having dove tail cross-section rails. The dove tail relationship between the recesses and the rails prevents inadvertent release of the strap hook from the snorkel tube. However, an opening at one end of each such recess, permits selective removal of the strap hook from the snorkel tube.

Abstract: A second stage diving regulator of the type used by scuba divers is provided. The regulator comprises a regulator housing and a mouthpiece. The regulator housing includes an inhalation chamber having a port, and a demand valve that releases air to the port in response to inhalation through the port. The mouthpiece comprises a unitary housing attachable to the regulator housing and includes a one-way exhalation pathway, thus obviating the need for an exhalation pathway in the regulator housing itself. Inhalation no-return valves can be additionally incorporated into the fluid pathway from the regulator housing to the diver to prevent fluids from flowing into the regulator housing through the mouthpiece. Saliva and exhaled air with its attendant moistures and pathogenic entities can thus be prevented from entering the regulator housing. The mouthpiece can be made easily detachable and can be sanitized between uses, making it particularly well suited for rental and instructional purposes.

Abstract: Aeration tube provided on its lower end with a mouthpiece (2) and on its upper end with an air intake hole (41), such tube consisting in its length of two or more tubular elements (1, 3) connected in such a way that the tube can be folded two or more times on itself.

Abstract: A mouthpiece is provided having a quick connect coupler to facilitate the rapid replacement of mouthpieces for use with breathing devices that may be used by many different individuals, such as in diver training classes and rental operations. In a preferred embodiment, the mouthpiece has a coupler including a pin to engage and lock with a slot in an opening of the regulator housing. The mouthpiece can further include one-way inhalation and exhalation pathways to prevent pathogenic entities in the exhalation and saliva of the diver from contaminated the body of the regulator. An exhaust tee is provided to direct bubbles away from the diver's line of vision. The regulator housing can further include an independent exhaust valve opening. A seal is provided to prevent the regulator body from flooding through the exhaust valve opening when the regulator is used with a mouthpiece having its own exhalation pathway.

Abstract: The invention is a special modified scuba diving apparatus intended for use by an animal, and more specifically the famous diving dog “Shadow.” The invention includes a helmet, a harness for supporting the helmet and a source of breathable gas, a special regulator providing a supply of breathable gas to the interior of the helmet, an exhaust for withdrawing exhaled air and residue water from the helmet without depressurizing the helmet, and a system of weights to compensate for the buoyancy of the user, and to counteract a net moment created about the center of buoyancy. The breathing system includes a muffler. An intercom system for providing voice instructions to Shadow can also be included.