SNORKEL SYSTEM AND FLOTATION DEVICE
The present application discloses a snorkel system and a flotation device for snorkeling. In certain embodiments, the snorkel system and flotation device comprise a buoyant flotation member for supporting a person in a body of water. The flotation member comprises a top, a bottom, and at least one opening extending through the flotation member from the top to the bottom. The opening is sized and configured to permit submersion of at least a portion of the face of a person positioned on the top of the flotation member in the water below the bottom of the flotation member.
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This application is a U.S. Non-Provisional Application which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/941,041, filed on Feb. 18, 2014 and titled “Snorkel System,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUNDSnorkeling is a popular recreational activity wherein a person swims on or through a body of water while equipped with a diving mask and a shaped tube called a snorkel. Snorkeling permits the person to observe underwater life in a natural setting without complicated equipment and training required for scuba diving. Snorkeling appeals to all ages and all types of swimmers.
The present application discloses a snorkel system and a flotation device for snorkeling. In certain embodiments, the snorkel system comprises a buoyant flotation member for supporting a person in a body of water. The flotation member comprises a top, a bottom, and at least one opening extending through the flotation member from the top to the bottom. The opening is sized and configured to permit submersion of at least a portion of the face of a person positioned on the top of the flotation member in the water below the bottom of the flotation member. The snorkel system may further comprise a breathing tube having a substantially rigid first portion in fluid communication with a flexible second portion. The first portion extends upward from the top of the flotation member and the second portion is fluidly connected to a mouthpiece. The second portion is configured such that the mouthpiece is accessible to a person positioned on the top of the flotation member and may be inserted into the person's mouth when his or her face is disposed in the opening.
In certain embodiments, the flotation device comprises a buoyant flotation member for supporting a person in a body of water. The flotation member comprises a top, a bottom, and at least one opening extending through the flotation member from the top to the bottom. The opening is sized and configured to permit submersion of at least a portion of the face of a person positioned on the top of the flotation member in the water below the bottom of the flotation member. The flotation may comprise at least one handle formed in the flotation member. The handle is located proximate the opening such that it is reachable by the person positioned on the top of the floatation member with at least a portion of his or her face in the water below the bottom of the flotation member. Further, in certain embodiments, the flotation member has a thickness between about 5 and 7 inches, a first width between about 28 and 32 inches, a second width between about 18 and 25 inches, and an overall length between about 53 and 57 inches and is configured to support at least about 250 lbs. without sinking. The opening may also be sized and configured such that the person can use a snorkel mask and tube when positioned on the top of the flotation member.
DESCRIPTIONThe present application discloses a snorkel system and a flotation device for snorkeling. The snorkel system and flotation device are designed such that it may be used by people of all ages and swimming abilities. The system and device may also be configured for use by multiple people at the same time. Furthermore, the system and device of the present application provides the ability for the user(s) to snorkel while only being partially submerged in the water (e.g., greater than 50% of the their body remains out of the water, greater than 60% of their body remains out of the water, greater than 75% of their body remains out of the water, or greater than 85% of their body remains out of the water). This is desirable for users who do not wish to be engulfed by the water or when the water is cold.
The snorkel system of the present application generally comprises a flotation portion (e.g., a foam mat, board or inflatable) for supporting a person in a body of water and having an opening for the user's head. The opening extends through the flotation portion and is sized and configured to permit the user to put his or her face through the opening and into the water. The snorkel system also generally comprises a breathing tube having a substantially rigid first portion extending upward from the top of the flotation portion and a second flexible portion fluidly connected to a mouthpiece. The second portion is configured such that the mouthpiece is accessible to the user positioned on the top of the flotation portion and may be inserted into the person's mouth when his or her face is disposed in the opening.
As illustrated in Figures lA and 1B, the flotation member 102 of the snorkel system 100 comprises a top 110, a bottom 112, and at least one opening 114 extending through the flotation member from the top to the bottom. As illustrated in
The flotation member of the present application may comprise about any buoyant material capable of supporting a person in a body of water including, but not limited to, a foam mat, polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam, fiberglass, or the like. In certain embodiments, the flotation member may be inflatable. Further, the flotation member may be flexible or substantially rigid depending on the material and application (e.g., how flotation member will be used, the type of water (rough or flat), storage, whether a propulsion system will be used, whether the flotation member will carry equipment, etc.). In certain embodiments, the flotation member is a flexible foam mat that may be collapsed, folded, and/or rolled for storage and transport. The flotation member may also have a friction or non slip surface. The flotation member may also be shaped such that the snorkel system remains stable in the water (e.g., hull shaped). Further, the flotation member may comprise stabilizing components, such as enlarged outer portions, for stabilizing the flotation member in the water.
The flotation member of the present application may be a variety of shapes and sizes. For example, in certain embodiments, the flotation member is configured to support at least about 250 lbs. without sinking. However, the flotation member may be configured to support more or less weight depending on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the number and size of the people supported by the flotation member (e.g., adults or children) and how the flotation member will be used (e.g., as a full body length member or kick board type member). In certain embodiments, the flotation member has a thickness between about 1 and 3 inches, a width between about 24 and 32 inches, and a length between about 32 and 64 inches. However, the thickness, width, and the length of the flotation member may be more or less depending on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the size and number of people using the flotation member, the material of the flotation member, and how the flotation member will be used.
For example, the flotation member 102 shown in
As another example,
Similarly,
As another example,
The openings in the flotation member extend through the flotation member and are sized and configured to permit submersion of at least a portion of the face of a person positioned on the top of the flotation member in the water below the bottom of the flotation member. The openings may be any size and cross sectional shape capable of accomplishing this including, but not limited to, circular (e.g., opening 114 in
The flotation member may comprise one or more handles for the user. The handle may take a wide variety of different forms including, but not limited to, one or more members extending from the top of the flotation member (e.g., a bar or tube), one or more members laminated to the top of the flotation member, openings formed in the flotation member, formed recessed portions on the edge of the flotation member, or the like. For example, the snorkel system 100 illustrated in
In certain embodiments, the snorkel system may comprise one or more propulsion systems for propelling the flotation member through water such as, for example, a motor/propeller or jet pump. The snorkel system may also comprise a rudder or fin extending below the flotation member that is operatively connected to a handle such that movement of the handle moves the rudder or fin to steer the flotation member. The rudder or fin may be used with or without the propulsion system, and may be separate from the propulsion system or integral with the propulsion system. Furthermore, the propulsion system may be operatively connected to a handle such that movement of the handle moves the propulsion system to steer the flotation member.
For example, as illustrated in
However, in certain embodiments, the propulsion system (or rudder or fin) is operatively connected to a controller (e.g., a handle, joystick, buttons, etc.) such that manipulation of the controller moves the propulsion system (or rudder or fin) to steer the flotation member. For example, the controller may be mechanically connected to the propulsion system, such as with a flexible member (e.g., wire) or rigid member, such that movement of the controller moves the propulsion system. Further, the controller may be electrically connected to the propulsion system (e.g., with a wire or wirelessly) such that manipulation of the controller will control a motor configured to turn the propulsion system.
For example, as illustrated in
In certain embodiments, the snorkel system may comprise a camera and/or video recorder for capturing images in the water beneath the flotation member. For example, as illustrated in
The breathing tube of the snorkel system generally has a substantially rigid first portion in fluid communication with a flexible second portion. The first portion of the breathing tube extends upward from the top of the flotation member and the second portion is fluidly connected to a mouthpiece. The second portion is sized and configured such that the mouthpiece is accessible to a person positioned on the top of the flotation member and may be inserted into the person's mouth when his or her face is disposed in the opening.
As illustrated in
In certain embodiments, the breathing tube has at least two separate lumens valved for inhalation and exhalation. Air enters the inhalation lumen and exhaled CO2 exits the exhalation lumen. As such, the user does not continuously breathe in his or her exhaled CO2. Furthermore, because of the double lumen and the ability of the exhaled CO2 to escape, the first portion of the breathing tube extending from the flotation member can be longer and permit snorkeling in rougher waters.
For example,
The lumens of the first and/or second portions of the breathing tube may comprise valves (e.g., one-way, pressure or demand valves) arranged such that the lumen is a dedicated inhalation and/or exhalation lumen. For example, as illustrated in
The flotation member of the snorkel system described herein may be used with or without the breathing tube. For example, the flotation member may be configured such that a user may use flotation member with conventional snorkeling equipment (e.g., a mask and snorkel tube attached to the head of the user) to act as an aid during snorkeling.
The shape of the flotation member 702 facilitates stability and navigation of the flotation device 700 in the water and waves. For example, As shown in
The shape of the flotation member 702 also facilitates maneuverability of the flotation device 700. For example, the arrow shaped upper portion of the flotation member 702 creates an area for the user's arms (e.g., to grip) while snorkeling. The indents after the curved upper portion on the left and right sides of the flotation member 702 allow the arms of the user to be free to take pictures, paddle, etc. Further, the lower portion of the flotation member 702 narrows to facilitate use of the user's legs to propel and maneuver the flotation member through the water.
The flotation member 702 may be shaped in a variety of different ways and comprise a variety of other components that facilitate stabilization, navigation and maneuverability of the flotation device 700 in the water and waves. For example, the lower portion of the flotation member may comprise left and right extensions that facilitate stability of the flotation device. Further, the upper portion of the flotation member may comprise left and right extensions that facilitate stability of the flotation device. As shown in
The flotation device 700 may comprise one or more handles for the user. The handles may take a wide variety of different forms including, but not limited to, one or more members extending from the top of the flotation member (e.g., a bar or tube), one or more members laminated to the top surface of the flotation member, openings or the like formed in the flotation member, formed recessed portions on the edge of the flotation member, or the like. As shown in
The flotation device 700 is generally configured to support at least about 250 lbs. without sinking. However, the flotation device 700 may be configured to support more or less weight depending on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the size of the person supported by the flotation member (e.g., adults or children) and how the flotation member will be used (e.g., as a full body length member or kick board type member).
The thickness, width, and the length of the flotation member 702 may vary depending on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the size of the people using the flotation member (e.g., adult or children), the material of the flotation member, and how the flotation member will be used. For example, as shown in
As shown in
The opening is generally located between the middle and a upper end of the flotation member and is generally centered on the longitudinal axis of the flotation member. As shown in
The flotation member 702 may comprise about any buoyant material capable of supporting a person in a body of water including, but not limited to, a foam mat, polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam, fiberglass, poly vinyl chloride (PVC), hard plastic, or the like. In certain embodiments, the flotation member may be inflatable. Further, the flotation member may be flexible or substantially rigid depending on the material and application (e.g., how the flotation member will be used, the type of water (rough or flat), storage, whether a propulsion system will be used, whether the flotation member will carry equipment, etc.). The flotation member may also wrapped in one or more materials for wear resistance or strength. For example, the flotation member may be wrapped in a Kevlar to increase rigidity or nylon sheets to increase abrasion resistance.
The flotation member may also have a friction or non slip surface. For example, as shown in
In certain embodiments, the flotation device 700 may be disassembled, collapsed, folded, and/or rolled for storage and transport. For example.
In certain embodiments, the flotation member 902 may be made of drop stitch PVC fabric. This material permits the flotation member to be filled to a higher pressure (e.g., between 10-18 psi) than more conventional inflatables made of PVC material. The drop stitch fabric also makes the flotation member hard and rigid when inflated. PVC drop stitch fabric generally comprises sheets of PVC connected together with tens of thousands of polyester threads. The PVC drop stitch fabric of the flotation member may be a variety of thicknesses, e.g., 75, 100, 120, and 150 mm. As shown in
As described herein, when one or more components are described as being connected, joined, affixed, coupled, attached, or otherwise interconnected, such interconnection may be direct as between the components or may be in direct such as through the use of one or more intermediary components. Also as described herein, reference to a “member,” “connector,” “component,” or “portion” shall not be limited to a single structural member, component, or element but can include an assembly of components, members or elements.
While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the invention to such details. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. For example, where components are releasably or removably connected or attached together, any type of releasable connection may be suitable including for example, locking connections, fastened connections, tongue and groove connections, etc. Still further, component geometries, shapes, and dimensions can be modified without changing the overall role or function of the components. Therefore, the inventive concept, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept.
While various inventive aspects, concepts and features of the inventions may be described and illustrated herein as embodied in combination in the exemplary embodiments, these various aspects, concepts and features may be used in many alternative embodiments, either individually or in various combinations and sub-combinations thereof. Unless expressly excluded herein all such combinations and sub-combinations are intended to be within the scope of the present inventions. Still further, while various alternative embodiments as to the various aspects, concepts and features of the inventions—such as alternative materials, structures, configurations, methods, devices and components, alternatives as to form, fit and function, and so on—may be described herein, such descriptions are not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of available alternative embodiments, whether presently known or later developed. Those skilled in the art may readily adopt one or more of the inventive aspects, concepts or features into additional embodiments and uses within the scope of the present inventions even if such embodiments are not expressly disclosed herein. Additionally, even though some features, concepts or aspects of the inventions may be described herein as being a preferred arrangement or method, such description is not intended to suggest that such feature is required or necessary unless expressly so stated. Still further, exemplary or representative values and ranges may be included to assist in understanding the present disclosure; however, such values and ranges are not to be construed in a limiting sense and are intended to be critical values or ranges only if so expressly stated. Moreover, while various aspects, features and concepts may be expressly identified herein as being inventive or forming part of an invention, such identification is not intended to be exclusive, but rather there may be inventive aspects, concepts and features that are fully described herein without being expressly identified as such or as part of a specific invention, the inventions instead being set forth in the appended claims. Descriptions of exemplary methods or processes are not limited to inclusion of all steps as being required in all cases, nor is the order that the steps are presented to be construed as required or necessary unless expressly so stated.
Claims
1. A snorkel system, comprising: a buoyant flotation member for supporting a person in a body of water, the flotation member comprising a top, a bottom, and at least one opening extending through the flotation member from the top to the bottom, wherein the opening is sized and configured to permit submersion of at least a portion of the face of a person positioned on the top of the flotation member in the water below the bottom of the flotation member.
2. The snorkel system of claim 1, wherein the flotation member comprises at least one of a foam mat, polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam, fiberglass, and polyvinyl chloride.
3. The snorkel system of claim 1, wherein the flotation member is configured to support at least about 250 lbs. without sinking.
4. The snorkel system of claim 3, wherein the flotation member is inflatable and comprises a drop stitch polyvinyl chloride fabric.
5. The snorkel system of claim 3, wherein the flotation member comprises a first portion and a second portion that are connected together to form the flotation member.
6. The snorkel system of claim 5, wherein the first portion comprises the opening and an attachment portion and the second portion comprises a slot for receiving the attachment portion of the first portion to connect the first and second portions together.
7. The snorkel system of claim 6, wherein the first and second portions are connected together with one or more fasteners.
8. The snorkel system of claim 1, wherein the opening is sized and configured such that the person can use a snorkel mask and tube when positioned on the top of the flotation member.
9. The snorkel system of claim 1, wherein the opening comprises at least one of a circular, rectangular, square, and oval cross sectional shape.
10. The snorkel system of claim 1, wherein the flotation member has a thickness between about 5 and 7 inches, a width between about 18 and 32 inches, and a length between about 53 and 57 inches.
11. The snorkel system of claim 1 further comprising at least one handle formed in the flotation member.
12. The snorkel system of claim 11, wherein the handle is located proximate the opening such that it is reachable by the person positioned on the top of the floatation member with at least a portion of his or her face in the water below the bottom of the flotation member.
13. The snorkel system of claim 1, wherein the flotation member is flexible such that it may be collapsed and folded or rolled up.
14. The snorkel system of claim 1 further comprising a breathing tube having a substantially rigid first portion in fluid communication with a flexible second portion, wherein the first portion extends upward from the top of the flotation member and the second portion is fluidly connected to a mouthpiece, and wherein the second portion is configured such that the mouthpiece is accessible to a person positioned on the top of the flotation member and may be inserted into the person's mouth when his or her face is disposed in the opening.
15. The snorkel system of claim 14, wherein the first portion of the breathing tube extends into the flotation member and the second portion is directly connected to the first portion.
16. The snorkel system of claim 14, wherein the first and second portions of the breathing tube are fluidly connected to a second opening in the flotation member.
17. The snorkel system of claim 14, wherein the second portion extends from the bottom and into the opening of the flotation member.
18. The snorkel system of claim 14, wherein at least one of the first and second portions of the breathing tube comprises a first lumen and a second lumen.
19. The snorkel system of claim 18, wherein the first lumen comprises one or more valves arranged such that the first lumen is a dedicated inhalation lumen, and wherein the second lumen comprises one or more valves arranged such that the second lumen is a dedicated exhalation lumen.
20. The snorkel system of claim 14, wherein both the first and second portions of the breathing tube comprise first and second lumens, and wherein the first lumens are in fluid communication and are dedicated inhalation lumens and the second lumens are in fluid communication and are dedicated exhalation lumens.
21. The snorkel system of claim 14, wherein at least part of the second portion of the breathing tube is submerged in the water during use of the snorkel system.
22. The snorkel system of claim 14, wherein substantially the entire second portion of the breathing tube is submerged in the water during use of the snorkel system.
23. A flotation device, comprising:
- a buoyant flotation member for supporting a person in a body of water, the flotation member comprising a top, a bottom, and at least one opening extending through the flotation member from the top to the bottom, wherein the opening is sized and configured to permit submersion of at least a portion of the face of a person positioned on the top of the flotation member in the water below the bottom of the flotation member; and
- at least one handle formed in the flotation member, wherein the handle is located proximate the opening such that it is reachable by the person positioned on the top of the floatation member with at least a portion of his or her face in the water below the bottom of the flotation member; and
- wherein the flotation member has a thickness between about 5 and 7 inches, a first width between about 28 and 32 inches, a second width between about 18 and 25 inches, and an overall length between about 53 and 57 inches and is configured to support at least about 250 lbs. without sinking, and wherein the opening is sized and configured such that the person can use a snorkel mask and tube when positioned on the top of the flotation member.
24. The flotation device of claim 23, wherein the floatation member is inflatable and comprises a drop stitch polyvinyl chloride fabric.
25. The flotation device of claim 23, wherein the flotation member comprises a first portion and a second portion that are connected together to form the flotation member, wherein the first portion comprises the opening and an attachment portion and the second portion comprises a slot for receiving the attachment portion of the first portion to connect the first and second portions together.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 18, 2015
Publication Date: Aug 20, 2015
Applicant: ERICKA NICOLE MALONE ENTERPRISES, LLC (Union, KY)
Inventor: Phillip Robinson (Knoxville, TN)
Application Number: 14/624,923