Pivoting snorkels
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.
This application claims the benefit under 34 U.S.C. § 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.
BACKGROUND1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to snorkels, specifically to such devices used for breathing while underwater.
2. Description of Prior Art
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 ADVANTAGESAccordingly, several objects and advantages of the present invention are:
(a) to provide increased flexibility for comfort;
(b) to provide reduced jaw fatigue;
(c) to provide reduced bending resistance;
(d) to provide improved structural integrity;
(e) to provide increased strength and durability;
(f) to provide increased breathing efficiency;
(g) to provide increased ease of manufacturing;
(h) to provide increased sales and marketing advantages;
(i) to provide methods for manufacture and assembly;
(k) to provide increased ease of assembly;
(l) to provide methods that can potentially be used to reduce product weight, manufacturing time and material costs;
(m) to provide methods of manufacturing and design methods that can greatly increase comfort and ease of use;
(n) to provide improved protection against deformation during storage and packing;
(o) to provide efficient airflow;
(p) to provide improved material combinations and assembly methods;
(q) to provide methods for allowing the snorkel to be folded to a compact size for efficient packing or storage;
(r) to provide improved material combinations for increased durability, protection against environmental conditions, and extended product life; and, or
(s) to provide additional methods and designs for improved performance and benefits.
Still further objects and objectives will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.
DRAWING FIGURES
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.
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.
In the embodiment shown in
The side view in
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.
From the view in
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.
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.
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.
In
The view in
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.
In
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.
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.
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%.
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%.
In
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.
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.
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.
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In the embodiment of
Accordingly, the reader will see that the designs and methods of the present invention offer advantages in that they can:
(a) provide increased flexibility and, or adjustability for comfort;
(b) provide reduced jaw fatigue;
(c) provide reduced bending resistance;
(d) provide improved structural integrity;
(e) provide improved range of movement;
(f) provide increased breathing efficiency;
(g) provide increased ease of manufacturing;
(h) provide increased sales and marketing advantages;
(i) provide new methods for manufacture and assembly;
(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;
(l) provide methods that can potentially be used to reduce product weight, manufacturing time and material costs;
(m) provide methods of manufacturing and design methods that can greatly increase comfort and ease of use;
(n) provide improved protection against deformation during storage and packing;
(o) provide improved internal cross sectional area for efficient airflow;
(p) provide improved material combinations and assembly methods;
(q) provide methods for allowing the snorkel to be folded to a more compact size for efficient packing or storage;
(r) provide improved stability;
(s) provide controlled lateral flexibility; and, or
(s) provide additional methods and designs for improved performance and benefits.
Still further benefits are apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 15, 2007
Publication Date: Mar 27, 2008
Inventor: Peter McCarthy (Oxnard, CA)
Application Number: 11/894,042
International Classification: B63C 11/16 (20060101);