Aquatic breathing apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides an underwater breathing apparatus that includes a canister with a built-in pump, a mechanism for communicating air outside the canister with the interior of the canister via the pump, a mouthpiece, and an extension tube connecting the interior of the canister to the mouthpiece. The present invention also discloses methods for manufacturing and using the apparatus.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This PCT patent application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 475,799, entitled "Underwater Breathing Apparatus," filed under 35 U.S.C. 111(a) on September 15, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 079,516, entitled "Underwater Breathing Apparatus," filed under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) on September 17, 2020. The contents of such related patent applications are incorporated herein for all purposes to the extent that their subject matter is not inconsistent with or does not limit the present specification. [Technical Field]

[0002] The present invention relates generally to underwater breathing devices and methods for making and using same. [Background technology]

[0003] Background information related to this disclosure may not constitute prior art.

[0004] Conventional underwater breathing devices known in the art are those used with scuba equipment and snorkels. Scuba equipment allows a user to breathe at a depth below the surface of the water, while snorkels allow a user to breathe just below the surface.

[0005] However, there is no intermediate equipment between scuba equipment and a snorkel.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for underwater breathing devices that are intermediate between scuba equipment and snorkels.

[0007] The embodiments described below address these challenges or problems. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an underwater breathing apparatus comprising: a canister incorporating a pump, and a configuration in which air outside the canister communicates with the inside of the canister via the pump; A mouthpiece and an extension tube connecting the inside of the canister to the mouthpiece; Includes.

[0009] In some embodiments of the device of the present invention, in combination with any or all of the embodiments disclosed herein, the underwater breathing apparatus comprises: a rigid frame to which the canister is mounted; a plurality of straps attached to the frame; Further includes:

[0010] In some embodiments of the device of the present invention, in combination with any or all of the embodiments disclosed herein, the pump includes a piston disposed within a cylinder, the cylinder being located inside the canister.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present device, in combination with any or all of the embodiments disclosed herein, the underwater breathing apparatus further comprises a one-way valve located within the cylinder.

[0012] In some embodiments of the device of the present invention, in combination with any or all of the embodiments disclosed herein, the canister further comprises a spring-loaded button forming a barrier between the interior of the canister and the interior of the tube.

[0013] In some embodiments of the device of the present invention, in combination with any or all of the embodiments disclosed herein, the canister further comprises a one-way valve located at the top of the canister.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present device, in combination with any or all embodiments disclosed herein, the canister is constructed from a plastic material.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present device, in combination with any or all embodiments disclosed herein, the canister is constructed from a metallic material.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present device, in combination with any or all embodiments disclosed herein, the canister is constructed from a ceramic material.

[0017] In another aspect of the present invention, a method of manufacturing is provided, the method comprising: A canister with a built-in pump; a configuration in which air outside the canister communicates with the inside of the canister via the pump; A mouthpiece and an extension tube connecting the inside of the canister to the mouthpiece; providing a design for an underwater breathing apparatus comprising: shaping the underwater breathing apparatus; Includes.

[0018] In some embodiments of the method of the present invention, in combination with any or all of the embodiments disclosed herein, the underwater breathing apparatus comprises: a rigid frame to which the canister is mounted; a plurality of straps attached to the frame; Further includes:

[0019] In some embodiments of the method of the present invention, in combination with any or all embodiments disclosed herein, the pump includes a piston disposed within a cylinder, the cylinder being located within the canister.

[0020] In some embodiments of the method of the present invention, in combination with any or all embodiments disclosed herein, the underwater breathing apparatus further comprises a one-way valve disposed within the cylinder.

[0021] In some embodiments of the method of the present invention, in combination with any or all embodiments disclosed herein, the canister further comprises a spring-loaded button forming a barrier between the interior of the canister and the interior of the tube.

[0022] In some embodiments of the method of the present invention, in combination with any or all embodiments disclosed herein, the canister further comprises a one-way valve located at the top of the canister.

[0023] In some embodiments of the present method, in combination with any or all embodiments disclosed herein, the canister is constructed from a plastic material.

[0024] In some embodiments of the present method, in combination with any or all embodiments disclosed herein, the canister is constructed from a metallic material.

[0025] In some embodiments of the present method, in combination with any or all embodiments disclosed herein, the canister is composed of a ceramic material. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of the underwater breathing apparatus. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a canister used in the underwater breathing apparatus shown in Figure 1, with the piston removed from the cylinder. [Figure 3] 3 is a side view of a frame used in the underwater breathing apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a top view of the frame shown in FIG. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A shows another embodiment of the underwater breathing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B shows another embodiment of the underwater breathing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 5C]FIG. 5C shows another embodiment of the underwater breathing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 5D] FIG. 5D shows another embodiment of the underwater breathing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 5E] FIG. 5E shows another embodiment of the underwater breathing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 5F] FIG. 5F shows another embodiment of the underwater breathing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 5G] FIG. 5G shows another embodiment of the underwater breathing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 5H] FIG. 5H shows another embodiment of the underwater breathing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 5I] FIG. 5I shows another embodiment of the underwater breathing apparatus of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] definition As used herein, "underwater breathing apparatus" refers to a device that supplies air to a user to enable the user to remain underwater for a period of time that exceeds the period that the user would be able to remain underwater without using the device.

[0028] As used herein, the term "canister" refers to an article capable of holding a volume of air at a pressure equal to or greater than ambient pressure. The canister may be constructed from a metal material, a ceramic material, a plastic material, a rubber material, or a mixture thereof. The canister may be rigid or collapsible. One embodiment of a canister of the present invention is shown in FIG. 2.

[0029] Underwater breathing apparatus In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an underwater breathing apparatus comprising: a canister incorporating a pump, and a configuration in which air outside the canister communicates with the inside of the canister via the pump; A mouthpiece and an extension tube connecting the inside of the canister to the mouthpiece; Includes.

[0030] In some embodiments of the device of the present invention, in combination with any or all of the embodiments disclosed herein, the underwater breathing apparatus comprises: a rigid frame to which the canister is mounted; a plurality of straps attached to the frame; Further includes:

[0031] In some embodiments of the device of the present invention, in combination with any or all of the embodiments disclosed herein, the pump includes a piston disposed within a cylinder, the cylinder being located inside the canister.

[0032] In some embodiments of the present device, in combination with any or all of the embodiments disclosed herein, the underwater breathing apparatus further comprises a one-way valve located within the cylinder.

[0033] In some embodiments of the device of the present invention, in combination with any or all of the embodiments disclosed herein, the canister further comprises a spring-loaded button forming a barrier between the interior of the canister and the interior of the tube.

[0034] In some embodiments of the device of the present invention, in combination with any or all of the embodiments disclosed herein, the canister further comprises a one-way valve located at the top of the canister.

[0035] In some embodiments of the present device, in combination with any or all embodiments disclosed herein, the canister is constructed from a plastic material.

[0036] In some embodiments of the present device, in combination with any or all embodiments disclosed herein, the canister is constructed from a metallic material.

[0037] In some embodiments of the present device, in combination with any or all embodiments disclosed herein, the canister is constructed from a ceramic material.

[0038] 1-3 illustrate one embodiment of underwater breathing apparatus 10. Apparatus 10 includes at least one canister 12 having opposed upper and lower ends 14 and 16. Canister 12 is preferably made of plastic, but may be constructed of any waterproof and rust-resistant material. A cylinder 18 with a reciprocating piston 20 is positioned within canister 12. Piston 20 protrudes from lower end 16 of canister 12 and includes a handle 22. As shown in FIG. 2, a one-way valve 24 is positioned near upper end 26 of cylinder 18.

[0039] 1 and 2, the canister 12 includes a connector 28 formed or attached to the top end 14. Housed within the connector 28 is a spring-loaded button 30, shown in Figure 2. A portion of the button 30 is located on the outer surface of the connector 28, as shown in Figure 1.

[0040] Located within the connector 28 is an extension tube 32 having opposed first and second ends 34, 36. As shown in Figure 2, the first end 34 of the tube 32 is connected to a spring-loaded button 30 within the connector 28. The button 30 forms a barrier between the interior of the canister 12 and the interior of the tube 32. As shown in Figure 1, the second end 36 of the tube 32 is connected to a mouthpiece 38. The tube 32 and mouthpiece 38 may be constructed from a flexible plastic or rubber material.

[0041] The embodiment of device 10 shown in Figure 1 includes three canisters 12. Each canister 12 is connected to its own tube 32. Each tube 32 is connected to and in fluid communication with the mouthpiece 38. Device 10 may be configured to include more or less than three canisters 12, as desired. Additionally, the size and shape of the canisters 12 may vary.

[0042] Air can be delivered to each canister 12 individually, or multiple pistons 20 can be linked together and actuated simultaneously. In yet another embodiment, a small motor can be used to deliver air to the canisters.

[0043] The canister 12 may be secured to the frame 40 using a strong, non-water-soluble adhesive. Alternatively, the canister 12 may be attached to the frame 40 with various fasteners known to those skilled in the art. The frame 40 is configured to be wearable on the body so that the user can easily use the mouthpiece 38. For example, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the frame 40 may be secured to the user's arm using a number of straps 42.

[0044] The frame 40 is constructed from a durable plastic material strong enough to withstand deformation when the piston 20 is actuated or breathing through the mouthpiece 38. Waterproof foam 44 may be attached to the back of the frame for added comfort, as shown in Figure 4. The straps 42 can be waterproof Velcro® straps or other straps designed to withstand an underwater environment.

[0045] Figures 5A-5I show another embodiment of underwater breathing apparatus 10. In this embodiment, underwater breathing apparatus 10 includes three canisters 12, and each component of apparatus 10 (Figures 5A-5D, 5F) is identical to that shown and described in Figures 1-4, with one exception: one-way valve 24 is located through base 24a at upper end 12a of canister 12, rather than near upper end 26 of cylinder 18 (Figures 5H and 5I).

[0046] The upper end 12a (FIG. 5H) of the canister 12 is formed with a plurality of threads designed to mate with the lower end 28b (FIGS. 5B and 5C) of the connector 28. FIG. 5C shows a connector 28 having an upper end 28a for receiving / connecting the tubing 32 and a lower end 28b that attaches to the upper end 12a of the canister 12 (FIGS. 5C and 5F).

[0047] FIG. 5E shows the mouthpiece 38 with a hollow interior 38a connectable and communicable with the extension tube 32 and two anchor points 32b for attaching a waterproof seal (not shown) over the mouth and nose.

[0048] FIG. 5F shows the canister 12 of the underwater breathing apparatus attached to the connector 28.

[0049] FIG. 5G shows the frame 40 which can be attached to the device 10 using a number of straps 42 (not shown) or the like.

[0050] In some embodiments, various O-ring seals (not shown) may be used to waterproof the device.

[0051] Manufacturing method In another aspect of the present invention, a method of manufacturing is provided, the method comprising: A canister with a built-in pump; a configuration in which air outside the canister communicates with the inside of the canister via the pump; A mouthpiece and an extension tube connecting the inside of the canister to the mouthpiece; providing a design for an underwater breathing apparatus comprising: shaping the underwater breathing apparatus; Includes.

[0052] In some embodiments of the method of the present invention, in combination with any or all of the embodiments disclosed herein, the underwater breathing apparatus comprises: a rigid frame to which the canister is mounted; a plurality of straps attached to the frame; Further includes:

[0053] In some embodiments of the method of the present invention, in combination with any or all embodiments disclosed herein, the pump includes a piston disposed within a cylinder, the cylinder being located within the canister.

[0054] In some embodiments of the method of the present invention, in combination with any or all embodiments disclosed herein, the underwater breathing apparatus further comprises a one-way valve disposed within the cylinder.

[0055] In some embodiments of the method of the present invention, in combination with any or all embodiments disclosed herein, the canister further comprises a spring-loaded button forming a barrier between the interior of the canister and the interior of the tube.

[0056] In some embodiments of the method of the present invention, in combination with any or all embodiments disclosed herein, the canister further comprises a one-way valve located at the top of the canister.

[0057] In some embodiments of the present method, in combination with any or all embodiments disclosed herein, the canister is constructed from a plastic material.

[0058] In some embodiments of the present method, in combination with any or all embodiments disclosed herein, the canister is constructed from a metallic material.

[0059] In some embodiments of the present method, in combination with any or all embodiments disclosed herein, the canister is composed of a ceramic material.

[0060] material The underwater breathing apparatus can be constructed from any material capable of withstanding a certain amount of pressure underwater. The material can be metal, ceramic, glass, clay, or plastic, rubber, or resin, or a combination thereof. The components of the apparatus can be formed from the same material or different materials. A preferred material is a plastic material.

[0061] Components of the devices disclosed herein can be formed by methods known to those skilled in the art, such as casting, molding, hot blow molding, hot press molding, 3D printing, or other methods known in the art.

[0062] How to use A method of using the underwater breathing apparatus disclosed herein will be described with reference to Figures 1-4 and 5A-5I. Briefly, in use, before submerging, a user manually reciprocates the piston 20 in the cylinder 18, forcing air through the one-way valve 24 and into the canister 12. Once underwater, the user inserts the mouthpiece 38 into their mouth and presses the button 30. When the button 30 is pressed, a portion of the button within the connector 28 moves and no longer forms a barrier between the interior of the canister 12 and the interior of the tube 32. After pressing the button 30, the user inhales through the mouthpiece 38, causing air to flow from the canister 12, through the tube 32, and into the mouthpiece 38.

[0063] Carbon dioxide absorbent In some embodiments of the device of the present invention, the device may be a closed system and may include a carbon dioxide (CO2) absorbent, which in some embodiments is a chemical that can react with CO2 exhaled by a user to produce an inert chemical, thereby reducing or maintaining a constant CO2 level in the gas within the closed system.

[0064] Examples of the CO2 absorbent include basic materials such as alkali or earth metal hydroxides (e.g., LiOH, NaOH, KOH, CsOH, Ca(OH)2, Mg(OH)2, Ba(OH)2), carbonates (e.g., Na2CO3, K2CO3), or elemental metals (e.g., Mg).

[0065] In some embodiments, the CO2 absorbent may be a polymeric material that absorbs or fixes CO2, for example, a polymer with basic groups such as a polyamine resin or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP).

[0066] Example An embodiment of an underwater breathing apparatus can be designed and constructed in accordance with Figures 5A-5I above.

[0067] Although the present invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the spirit and scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but extends to various modifications and equivalents as defined in the claims.

[0068] Furthermore, the construction, operation and arrangement of the parts, elements, steps and procedures described herein may be changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. An underwater breathing apparatus comprising: a configuration in which air outside the canister communicates with the inside of the canister via the pump; A mouthpiece and an extension tube connecting the inside of the canister to the mouthpiece; Underwater breathing apparatus including:

2. a rigid frame to which the canister is mounted; a plurality of straps attached to the frame; 10. The underwater breathing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

3. 2. An underwater breathing apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the pump includes a piston disposed within a cylinder, the cylinder being located within the canister.

4. 4. The underwater breathing apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a one-way valve located within the cylinder.

5. 2. An underwater breathing apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said canister further includes a spring-loaded button forming a barrier between the interior of said canister and the interior of said tube.

6. 10. The underwater breathing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a one-way valve located at the top of the canister.

7. 10. The underwater breathing apparatus of claim 1, wherein said canister is constructed from a plastic material.

8. 10. The underwater breathing apparatus of claim 1, wherein said canister is constructed from a metallic material.

9. 10. The underwater breathing apparatus of claim 1, wherein said canister is constructed from a ceramic material.

10. A manufacturing method comprising: A canister with a built-in pump; a configuration in which air outside the canister communicates with the inside of the canister via the pump; A mouthpiece and an extension tube connecting the inside of the canister and the mouthpiece; providing a design for an underwater breathing apparatus comprising: shaping the underwater breathing apparatus; A manufacturing method comprising:

11. The underwater breathing apparatus comprises: a rigid frame to which the canister is mounted; a plurality of straps attached to the frame; The method of claim 10 further comprising:

12. The method of claim 10 , wherein the pump includes a piston disposed within a cylinder, the cylinder being located within the canister.

13. The method of claim 12 further comprising a one-way valve disposed within the cylinder.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the canister further comprises a spring-loaded button that forms a barrier between the interior of the canister and the interior of the tube.

15. The method of claim 10 , wherein the underwater breathing apparatus further comprises a one-way valve located at the top of the canister.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein the canister is constructed from a plastic material.

17. The method of claim 10, wherein the canister is made of a metallic material.

18. The method of claim 10 wherein the canister is constructed from a ceramic material.

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