Rigid Element Patents (Class 405/187)
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Patent number: 11401016Abstract: A diving suit waterproof connector having a lighting device, includes: a fixing tube part watertightly connected to an end of each of sleeves of the diving suit; and a fastening tube part connected to a neck portion of an underwater work glove, wherein the fixing tube part includes fastening protrusions; a rubber ring press-fitted thereto; and a first contact terminal, and the fastening tube part includes coupling protrusions; a second contact terminal; and a lighting part electrically connected to the second contact terminal.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2017Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Inventor: Un Gyun Yeo
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Patent number: 8844116Abstract: A method of manufacturing a harness for a buoyancy control device, and a harness manufactured by such method. There is provided a method of manufacturing a harness for a buoyancy control device for use in a diving application, the method including the steps of: providing polymeric material; molding the polymeric material into separate components of the harness; and connecting the components to one another so as to form the harness. A harness including a plurality of molded polymeric components interconnected is also described.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2008Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Inventor: Rhys James Couzyn
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Patent number: 8398337Abstract: A system to permit a diver to quickly adjust a one-piece continuous piece of webbing by simply pushing or pulling the webbing in the desired direction. The system includes accessory plate which is fixed to an existing diving backplate, which allows the webbing to slide on through the attached accessories without affecting the location of the accessories with respect to the diver's body. An improved adjustable crotch strap is also secured to the backplate. An ergonomic backplate frame is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Halcyon Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: Jarrod Jablonski
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Patent number: 8166968Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2006Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Atomic Aquatics, LLCInventor: Dean R. Garraffa
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Patent number: 8011364Abstract: 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. The exhalation valve includes a plate defining an exhalation port and at least one chamber port, an exhalation conduit connected to the exhalation port, and a flexible membrane that is sealable against a surface of the plate. A lower portion of the exhalation conduit is divided by a septum which divides the exhalation conduit and the exhalation port into a first exhalation port connected to a first exhalation conduit and a second exhalation port connected to a second exhalation conduit. The flexible membrane is sized and positioned to be capable of sealing the first exhalation port and the second exhalation port.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2008Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Inventor: Mark R. Johnson
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Patent number: 8011363Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2006Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Inventor: Mark Johnson
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Patent number: 7954489Abstract: A waterproof structure of a respiratory tube is provided. The waterproof structure comprises a hollow body and a lid. The hollow body has a first opening end and a second opening end opposing to the first opening end. The lid pivots onto the hollow body at the first opening end. Before the lid is immersed into liquid, the gravity of the lid can keep the lid at a certain position so that the respiratory tube is well-ventilated. After a part of the lid is immersed into the liquid, the buoyancy provided by the liquid forces the closing surface thereof to substantially seal the first opening end and prevent liquid from going into the tube.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2007Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Qbas Co. Ltd.Inventor: Chih-Cheng Shiue
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Patent number: 7946290Abstract: An underwater exhaust system and method which includes an exhaust valve having a sealing edge, an exhaust outlet for exiting an exhaust gas, and a projection for directing water flow away from the exhaust valve. The exhaust valve includes a valve head and a valve stem, the valve stem being coupled with the valve head. The system and method prevent a siphoning effect, whereby leakage of water into the exhaust valve is minimized or prevented.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2007Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc.Inventors: William B. Morgan, Peter M. Ryan, Connie L. Morgan, Trent M. Schultz
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Patent number: 7909030Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2005Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Inventor: Tony Christianson
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Patent number: 7854568Abstract: Diving equipment easily operable by disabled persons, aged persons, etc. and wearable by oneself. The diving equipment such as buoyancy controlling device (BCD) has the function to hold a tank on the shoulder of a wearer and the function as a life jacket providing buoyancy to the wearer. In the diving equipment (BCD) of which the overall is formed in a vest-like shape, a tank holding part (2), shoulder parts (3) positioned at the both shoulder portions of a diver, and the portion (4) positioned at the center of the thoracabdominal part of the diver are formed continuously to each other so as to constitute rigid structural members. Most or all operating portions (5) are installed at the portion (4) positioned at the center of the thoracoabdominal part of the diver.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2007Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Nihon UniversityInventors: Shoji Ekuan, Masayuki Kurokawa, Atsushi Tashiro
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Patent number: 7823585Abstract: A snorkel clip made up of two substantially rigid elements, which are designed to wrap at least half way around a snorkel tube, overmolded with a substantially flexible element to create a simple, aesthetically pleasing device. The snorkel clip also includes a hinge region created as part of the substantially flexible element. This hinge region allows the snorkel clip to flex or bend so that one of the rigid elements may be disengaged and pulled away from the riser tube of the snorkel, so that a mask strap may be attached to and removed from the snorkel, while the other rigid element remains attached to the riser tube in a generally secure manner. The substantially flexible portion may also include several cut out sections to provide visual and tactile access to portions of the substantially rigid elements for utility and aesthetic design.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2005Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Inventor: Mark Johnson
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Patent number: 7793656Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2003Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.Inventor: Mark Johnson
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Patent number: 7621268Abstract: A snorkel has an inhalation tube and a check valve near a mouthpiece which allows air to flow toward the mouthpiece, and a float valve which closes the inhalation tube. An exhalation tube has a second check valve also located near the mouthpiece which only allows air to flow into the exhalation tube. The snorkel has a purge valve positioned below the mouthpiece. A further check valve is positioned between the inhalation tube and the exhalation tube to allow air or water in the exhalation tube to pass to the inhalation tube placed as close to the first check valve as possible. The exhalation tube outlet orifice may be closed by a simple gravity actuated valve which will float open during a dive. Alternatively the exhalation tube outlet orifice may be closed by a float valve.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2004Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Inventor: Anthony D. Junck
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Patent number: 7163012Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2006Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Inventor: John B. Delphia
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Patent number: 7134433Abstract: Here is disclosed a snorkel clip comprising a first clip member attached to a strap of a face mask for swimming or diving and a second clip member to which a breathing conduit of the snorkel is attached. The first clip member has a guide enabling the second clip member coupled to the first clip member to be moved in a longitudinal direction of the strap. The first and second clip members are formed with stopper means adapted to retain the second clip member at a desired position in the guide.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2003Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Tabata Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiromasa Sato
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Patent number: 7083361Abstract: An aquatic breathing apparatus includes a buoyancy vest for aquatic breathing. The vest includes a weight-bearing back portion positionable adjacent a back of a user and a front portion positionable adjacent the chest. The front portion includes a support element adapted for removably affixing an air tank thereto. The support element is positioned for resting adjacent a sternum. A buoyancy element is housed within the front portion, and a pair of side straps is provided wherein each side strap is affixable to connect the front and the back portion to respective opposed sides thereof. A system for aquatic breathing includes the buoyancy vest and an air tank and a regulator. The regulator comprises a hose that is connected in fluid communication at a first end to the air tank and at a second end to a mouthpiece. The hose is supported by a second support element on the vest.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2005Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignees: Aquaturis, Inc., Zeagle Systems, Inc.Inventor: Christopher J. De Felice
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Patent number: 6983746Abstract: Provided are exemplary embodiments of an underwater breathing exhaust system configured to lower the exhalation, effort and to direct water adjacent an exhaust valve to reduce the likelihood of water entering the system and/or gas free flowing from the system.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2004Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc.Inventors: William B. Morgan, Connie L. Morgan, Trent M. Schultz, Peter M. Ryan
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Patent number: 6857820Abstract: A diving back plate designed with independent shoulder and waist straps. The diving back plate accommodates either a single tank or double tank configuration without the need for an adapter. The independent straps are self-fastening to the back plate through a series of throughslots on the back plate. Items and accessories may be permanently attached to the independent straps while the straps remain fully adjustable and removable. The configuration of the back plate, throughslots, and throughbores eliminate the need for adapters when changing between a single tank configuration and a double tank configuration.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2003Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: Deepoutdoors, LLCInventors: William W. Jacoway, Robert B. Jacoway
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Publication number: 20040258481Abstract: A counterweight assembly is provided to enhance heads up surface positioning of a person. The assembly includes a weight/ballast member strategically disposed on a cylinder/tank worn by a diver during a dive. The weight member can be attached by several different embodiments. Preferably, the weight member is attached such that the diver cannot release or adjust the weight member while he or she is diving. The weight member rotates the person to ensure heads up surface positioning in the event the person becomes incapacitated. Also provided are several other water safety and survival devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2003Publication date: December 23, 2004Inventors: William L. Courtney, Robert Manuel Carmichael
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Publication number: 20040082238Abstract: A diving back plate designed with independent shoulder and waist straps. The diving back plate accommodates either a single tank or double tank configuration without the need for an adapter. The independent straps are self-fastening to the back plate through a series of throughslots on the back plate. Items and accessories may be permanently attached to the independent straps while the straps remain fully adjustable and removable. The configuration of the back plate, throughslots, and throughbores eliminate the need for adapters when changing between a single tank configuration and a double tank configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: William W. Jacoway, Robert B. Jacoway
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Patent number: 6295983Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2000Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Scubapro Europe S.r.l.Inventor: Roberto Semeia
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Patent number: 5902073Abstract: A support garment for diving equipment includes several subassemblies for providing comfortable support of diving equipment, such as a tank of pressurized breathing gas, a buoyancy compensating air cell and a ballast weight pocket assembly. A frame is adjustably secured to a shoulder support assembly that includes adjustment straps for accommodating various body sizes. A belt assembly is pivotally secured to the lower portion of the frame. A bust or chest panel extends between shoulder supports, providing a secure and comfortable fitting structure for divers of various body types, particularly women. Elements of the garment are secured to one another via rivets placed at predetermined locations, thereby facilitating assembly and servicing of the garment.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 1997Date of Patent: May 11, 1999Assignee: Johnson Worldwide AssociatesInventors: William C. Eungard, Thomas R. Swetish
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Patent number: 4889306Abstract: A SCUBA tank mounting adapter, for mounting two SCUBA tanks to a single tank SCUBA backpack is presented. The adapter has two tank acceptors, a mounting bracket and straps to hold tanks in place. The tank acceptors are attached to the mounting bracket and the straps surround the acceptors. In accordance with this invention, the tanks can be of different sizes and diameters and still fit onto the same adapter.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1988Date of Patent: December 26, 1989Inventor: Robert C. Boucher