SnorkellingBreathing Tube

Abstract

The present invention relates to a technical concept that is detachably attached to the breathing tube of a snorkel, effectively blocking the inflow of external water when moving below the water surface with the breathing tube, and allowing some of the inflowing water to be easily discharged with minimal breathing. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary breathing tube is attached in a detachable manner at the end of the snorkel to prevent the inflow of water when descending below the water surface. It includes an air tube that moves up and down within the auxiliary breathing tube and is configured to rise upward due to buoyancy when descending below the water surface to block water entering from the outside. When ascending above the water surface, the air passage of the breathing tube is configured to open due to the elasticity of a restoring spring and the reduction of buoyancy of the air tube. It has a structure that discharges some of the water that has entered the breathing tube to the surface through the breathing tube when ascending after descending below the water surface.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technical concept that is detachably attached to the breathing tube of a snorkel, effectively blocks the inflow of external water when moving below the water surface with the breathing tube, and allows some of the inflowing water to be easily expelled with minimal breathing. Background Technology

[0002] A snorkel is a piece of equipment that helps you breathe comfortably near the surface of the water while swimming or snorkeling. A snorkel basically consists of a long, curved tube and a mouthpiece. The tube extends out from the side of the user's face and stretches above the water, allowing you to inhale and exhale even underwater.

[0003] The main components of a snorkel consist of a breathing tube, a mouthpiece, a drain valve, etc.

[0004] A breathing tube is a long tube connected to the user's mouth that allows them to inhale and exhale air underwater. The tube is designed in a curved shape to fit the user's face well.

[0005] The mouthpiece is the part that rests in the user's mouth and is made of soft silicone, making it comfortable to use for extended periods.

[0006] The drain valve is located at the bottom of the snorkel and helps to easily drain water when it enters the tube.

[0007] The primary function of a snorkel is to allow the user to breathe near the surface while keeping their face submerged underwater. The user bites the mouthpiece and takes care to prevent water from entering through the nose. While snorkeling, the top of the tube must always remain above the water to supply fresh air.

[0008] Snorkels are widely used in activities such as swimming practice, snorkeling, and scuba diving. They are particularly important equipment for snorkeling in the clear waters of tropical regions to observe underwater ecosystems.

[0009] One of the most common problems encountered while snorkeling is water entering the tube. When water enters the snorkel, it obstructs breathing and causes discomfort to the user. Various technologies and designs have been developed to address this issue.

[0010] If the top of the snorkel goes below the water surface, water can enter the tube.

[0011] If the user lowers their head slightly into the water, water may enter the tube due to waves or ripples on the water surface.

[0012] Water can enter the snorkel and then the mouthpiece, especially when the user surfaces.

[0013] The drain valve located at the bottom of the snorkel is designed to quickly expel water that has entered the tube. After the user breathes underwater, shaking the tube upward or forcefully exhaling air opens the valve, allowing the water to drain out.

[0014] Water can be easily expelled, allowing the user to breathe without discomfort.

[0015] The automatic locking system installed at the top of the snorkel has a structure that automatically closes when the tube enters the water. This minimizes water entering the tube.

[0016] It operates automatically, so the user does not need to operate it separately.

[0017] Attach a float to the top of the snorkel tube to allow it to stay above the water surface. The float helps the snorkel stay afloat at all times.

[0018] Designs that integrate the snorkel and mask into a single unit facilitate smoother airflow and are effective in preventing water ingress. Some integrated designs feature a function that automatically drains water if it enters the snorkel.

[0019] It can minimize water ingress issues and enhance user comfort. Prior art literature

[0020] Korean Published Patent No. 10-2005-0018557 "Water inflow prevention device for a snorkel" Korean Published Patent No. 10-2012-0113020 "Snorkel combined with a water inflow prevention unit" International Published Patent No. WO2019 / 239089 "Tracheostomy tube water guards and assemblies" The problem to be solved

[0021] The present invention aims to provide a device that, through a restoring spring and an air tube, causes the air tube to rise upward due to buoyancy when descending below the water surface, thereby blocking the air passage, and allows the air passage to reopen when ascending above the water surface due to the elasticity of the spring and the decrease in buoyancy of the air tube.

[0022] The present invention aims to provide a breathing tube that can be attached as an extension to an existing snorkeling tube product, which effectively blocks the inflow of external water when moving below the water surface and allows some of the inflowing water to be easily expelled with minimal breathing. means of solving the problem

[0023] An auxiliary breathing tube according to one embodiment is attached to the end of a snorkel in a detachable manner to prevent water from entering when descending below the water surface. It includes an air tube that moves up and down within the auxiliary breathing tube and is configured to rise upward due to buoyancy when descending below the water surface to block water entering from the outside. When ascending above the water surface, the air passage of the breathing tube is configured to open due to the elasticity of a restoring spring and the reduction of buoyancy of the air tube. It has a structure that discharges water partially entered into the breathing tube to the surface through the breathing tube when ascending after descending below the water surface.

[0024] The auxiliary breathing tube according to one embodiment is characterized by a structure that forms a vortex along a groove formed in a screw type to discharge water through the air passage.

[0025] In the auxiliary breathing tube according to one embodiment, at least one rubber ring-shaped protrusion may be formed on the inner diameter to compensate for the difference in inner and outer diameters at the part connected to the end of the snorkel.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the air tube can be implemented in a shape where the diameter of the middle portion is narrower than the diameters of both ends.

[0027] A snorkel device for preventing water inflow when descending below the water surface according to one embodiment includes an air tube that moves up and down within a breathing tube, implemented in such a way that the diameter in the middle section becomes narrower than the diameters at both ends, and is configured to rise upward due to buoyancy when descending below the water surface to block water entering from the outside; when ascending above the water surface, the air passage of the breathing tube is configured to open due to the elasticity of a restoring spring and the reduction of buoyancy of the air tube; and has a structure that discharges water partially inflowed into the breathing tube to the surface through the breathing tube when ascending after descending below the water surface, and has a structure that discharges water through the air passage in the middle section by forming a vortex along a groove formed in a screw type. Effects of the invention

[0028] According to one embodiment, a device can be provided that, through a restoring spring and an air tube, when descending below the water surface, the air tube rises upward due to buoyancy to block the air passage, and when ascending above the water surface, the air passage is reopened due to the elasticity of the spring and the decrease in buoyancy of the air tube.

[0029] According to one embodiment, a breathing tube that can be attached as an extension to an existing snorkeling tube product can be provided, which effectively blocks external water from entering when moving below the water surface and allows some of the incoming water to be easily expelled with minimal breathing. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0030] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a structure for preventing the inflow of water from the outside based on the buoyancy of an air tube by additionally mounting it on the breathing tube of a snorkel according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 relates to a breathing tube of a snorkel device according to one embodiment, and is a drawing illustrating a structure for preventing the inflow of water from the outside based on the buoyancy of an air tube located inside the breathing tube. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0031] Specific structural or functional descriptions of embodiments according to the concept of the present invention disclosed herein are provided merely for the purpose of explaining embodiments according to the concept of the present invention, and embodiments according to the concept of the present invention may be implemented in various forms and are not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0032] Embodiments according to the concept of the present invention may be subject to various modifications and may take various forms; therefore, embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in this specification. However, this is not intended to limit the embodiments according to the concept of the present invention to specific disclosed forms, and includes modifications, equivalents, or substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0033] Terms such as "first" or "second" may be used to describe various components, but said components should not be limited by said terms. For the sole purpose of distinguishing one component from another, for example, without departing from the scope of rights according to the concept of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component.

[0034] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. Conversely, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between. Expressions describing the relationships between components, such as "between," "exactly between," or "directly adjacent to," should be interpreted in the same way.

[0035] The terms used herein are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to specify the existence of the described features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this specification.

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the scope of the patent application is not limited or restricted by these embodiments. Identical reference numerals in each drawing indicate identical components.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a structure for preventing the inflow of water from the outside based on the buoyancy of an air tube by additionally mounting it on the breathing tube of a snorkel according to one embodiment.

[0039] An auxiliary breathing tube (100) according to one embodiment relates to a breathing aid tube that can be additionally attached to existing snorkeling equipment. This auxiliary breathing tube (100) is designed to allow users or professional divers who enjoy snorkeling to breathe more conveniently and safely during surface activities.

[0040] Looking at the structure and function of the auxiliary breathing tube (100), when the auxiliary breathing tube (100) descends below the water surface, the air tube (102) rises upward due to buoyancy. At this time, the air tube (102) blocks water from entering from the outside, preventing water from entering the snorkel. This function of the air tube (102) can help users move more freely underwater.

[0041] The auxiliary breathing tube (100) is used during the water and is designed to breathe underwater, primarily during water activities such as snorkeling or free diving. The main function of this tube is to assist with underwater breathing below the surface.

[0042] The auxiliary breathing tube (100) may consist mainly of two parts. The first part is a mouthpiece that is placed in the mouth, and the second part is an air tube (102) that is placed on the head. The air tube is usually made of plastic or silicone, and its length may vary depending on the user's body height.

[0043] When the user uses the auxiliary breathing tube while floating in water, the air tube (102) rises above the water due to buoyancy. This is a mechanism that causes the tube to float above the water without being submerged. During this process, the inside of the tube is designed to prevent water from penetrating.

[0044] The air tube (102) plays a particularly important role. This tube floats on the water and seals the top opening of the tube to prevent external water from entering. This prevents the user from accidentally inhaling water while breathing underwater.

[0045] This structure offers significant advantages when users are snorkeling or free diving. Since breathing is freely possible underwater, it provides a comfortable experience not much different from breathing on the surface. In particular, it offers a safer and more pleasant environment for beginners or those unfamiliar with underwater life.

[0046] Due to this design and function, the auxiliary breathing tube (100) enables underwater breathing below the water surface, allowing the user to enjoy comfortable and safe water activities.

[0047] When the user comes back up to the surface, the air passage (103) is reopened due to the elasticity of the restoring spring (101) and the reduction in buoyancy of the air tube (102). This allows the user to resume breathing smoothly and significantly reduces breathing problems underwater.

[0048] The restoring spring (101) is located at the bottom of the tube and serves to automatically open the top opening of the tube when the user comes up to the water. This spring is generally made of a material such as stainless steel, and naturally opens as the tube rises to the water due to its elasticity.

[0049] As the air tube (102) rises above the water surface, it rises due to buoyancy. The buoyancy varies depending on the material and volume of the tube, and generally, a tube made of silicone provides sufficient buoyancy to float without being submerged in water.

[0050] The elasticity of the restoring spring (101) and the buoyancy of the air tube (102) act to open the air passage (103) again. In this process, the air inside the tube is freely connected to the outside, allowing the user to breathe smoothly again.

[0051] The elastic constant (kspring) of the restoring spring (101) is set to 200 N / m. This provides the force required for the tube to float on the water.

[0052] The buoyancy of the air tube (102) can be calculated as 2 N. This provides the necessary buoyancy for the tube to float on water, keeping the top opening of the tube free from water.

[0053] The air passage (103) opens smoothly due to the action of the spring and buoyancy, and the user can resume breathing.

[0054] As such, the present invention is designed with a structure that allows the user to naturally resume breathing when surfacing. Due to the combination of the restoring spring and the air tube, breathing problems underwater are significantly reduced, enabling the user to enjoy safer and more comfortable water activities.

[0055] The selection of the return spring significantly impacts tube opening and the user's breathing comfort. Springs of various types and materials can be used, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

[0056] Compression springs are commonly used. They provide the compressive force required for the tube to float above the water surface. These springs are designed to allow the tube to move freely underwater while operating stably.

[0057] An expansion spring can be used as a restoring spring.

[0058] It operates as a spring that extends the length required for the tube to float on the water, and has the advantage of being able to respond flexibly, especially when the length of the tube changes.

[0059] Stainless steel springs may be used. They offer excellent durability and strength, making them suitable for long-term use. However, since they may corrode if submerged in water, proper coating may be required.

[0060] Silicone springs can be used. As a lightweight material that provides buoyancy, it offers the elasticity necessary for the tube to float on the water. It also has the advantage of being usable for a long time without corrosion or deformation.

[0061] Nylon springs can be used. They are economical, lightweight, and strong, allowing them to properly maintain the tube's buoyancy. However, this must be taken into consideration, as they may absorb water and swell if submerged.

[0062] Each spring type and material is selected based on the usage environment and user preferences. It is important to select the optimal spring considering safety and convenience.

[0063] Looking at the water discharge structure, when ascending after descending below the water surface, some of the water that enters the snorkel tube can be discharged upward through the tube.

[0064] At this time, a vortex is formed along the screw-type groove with a small amount of breath, easily discharging water out of the air passage (103). This structure eliminates the need for the user to exert excessive force to discharge water.

[0065] The screw threads (104) aerodynamically form a vortex to help easily expel residual water to the outside. This feature is particularly useful for divers who are active underwater. By effectively removing residual water in the area (106), the breathing passage can always be kept clean.

[0066] The auxiliary breathing tube (100) according to one embodiment has the effect of stably blocking water from the outside and rapidly discharging water inside through a screw type.

[0067] In addition, the auxiliary breathing tube (100) according to one embodiment is easily detachable from the breathing tube of a general snorkel device.

[0068] To this end, the auxiliary breathing tube (100) according to one embodiment facilitates the connection of the heterogeneous tubes through a coupling structure of the heterogeneous tubes.

[0069] An auxiliary breathing tube (100) according to one embodiment is designed to be easily combined with existing snorkel breathing tubes of various sizes and shapes. By utilizing the difference in inner and outer diameters between the different types of tubes, a rubber ring-shaped protrusion is formed on the inner diameter side of the connecting part (105) to ensure a strong connection and prevent detachment. This protrusion makes the connection more secure and prevents the tube from separating during use.

[0070] The rubber ring-shaped protrusion on the connecting portion (105) of the auxiliary breathing tube (100) plays an important role in maintaining the connection of the tube firmly and preventing the tube from coming off during use. This rubber ring protrusion can be described through various embodiments.

[0071] In terms of material and shape, silicone rubber protrusions can be used.

[0072] This is one of the most commonly used joining methods, in which protrusions made of silicone rubber are formed on the inner diameter side. These silicone rubber protrusions have excellent elasticity and provide stability during joining. They also provide flexibility, allowing the user to easily separate the tube.

[0073] Rubber-nylon composite protrusions can be used. This material possesses both durability and elasticity, making the tube's connection more robust. The rubber and nylon blend is water-resistant and highly wear-resistant, extending its service life.

[0074] Titanium protrusions can be used, especially in environments requiring high strength. By leveraging titanium's lightweight nature and corrosion resistance, the durability of the joints is significantly enhanced. This inherent advantage enables outstanding performance even in extreme conditions.

[0075] For example, the auxiliary breathing tube (100) can be combined with existing snorkel breathing tubes of various sizes and shapes. For example, when a tube with an inner diameter of 20 mm and an auxiliary breathing tube (100) with an inner diameter of 22 mm are combined, a silicone rubber protrusion of 21 mm can be formed inside the connecting part (105). This protrusion securely fixes the tube while allowing it to be easily detached when necessary.

[0076] As such, the rubber ring-shaped protrusion plays an important role in the joint portion of the auxiliary breathing tube (100) and can be implemented in various materials and shapes. This contributes to providing the user with a better breathing experience and ensuring the stability and durability of the tube.

[0077] In the auxiliary breathing tube (100) according to one embodiment, the part identified by reference numeral 107 is designed to have a threaded inner diameter in order to assemble the product made of parts after production. This allows users to easily assemble and disassemble parts and perform maintenance easily.

[0078] The auxiliary breathing tube (100) according to one embodiment is an innovative product that makes snorkeling and diving activities safer and more convenient, and incorporates various technologies such as a combination of an air tube and a restoring spring, a screw-type water discharge structure, and a rigid connection structure between different types of tubes. These technologies allow the user to maintain smooth breathing underwater and effectively block the inflow of water.

[0079] FIG. 2 relates to a breathing tube of a snorkel device according to one embodiment, and is a drawing illustrating a structure for preventing the inflow of water from the outside based on the buoyancy of an air tube located inside the breathing tube.

[0080] FIG. 1 illustrates an auxiliary breathing tube (100) that is attached to and detached from the breathing tube of a conventional snorkel device, whereas FIG. 2 illustrates a structure (200) that prevents water from entering from the outside through a structure such as an air tube or screw threads on the snorkel device and can rapidly discharge water from the inside through a vortex.

[0081] The components of Fig. 2 are mostly the same as the components of Fig. 1, but the connecting part (105) for attaching and detaching to the breathing tube of the snorkel equipment may be omitted.

[0082] That is, the components corresponding to each reference numeral in FIG. 1 may correspond to the reference numerals at the same location in FIG. 2.

[0083] Ultimately, by utilizing the present invention, a device can be provided that, through a restoring spring and an air tube, causes the air tube to rise upward due to buoyancy when descending below the water surface to block the air passage, and allows the air passage to reopen when ascending above the water surface due to the elasticity of the spring and the decrease in buoyancy of the air tube.

[0084] In addition, a breathing tube that can be attached as an extension to existing snorkeling tube products can be provided, which effectively blocks external water from entering when moving underwater and allows some of the incoming water to be easily expelled with minimal breathing.

[0086] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the limited drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations from the description above. For example, suitable results can be achieved even if the described techniques are performed in a different order than described, and / or the components of the described system, structure, device, circuit, etc. are combined or assembled in a form different from described, or replaced or substituted by other components or equivalents.

[0087] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims also fall within the scope of the claims set forth below.

Claims

Claim 1 An auxiliary breathing tube that is detachably coupled to the end of a snorkel to prevent water from entering when descending below the water surface, wherein the auxiliary breathing tube is configured to move up and down within the auxiliary breathing tube, with the diameter of the middle section becoming narrower than the diameters of both ends, and rises upward due to buoyancy when descending below the water surface to block water entering from the outside; and an auxiliary breathing tube characterized by having a structure in which, when ascending above the water surface, the air passage of the snorkel is opened due to the elasticity of a restoring spring and the reduction of buoyancy of the air tube, and when ascending after descending below the water surface, water partially entered into the snorkel forms a vortex along a screw-type groove to discharge through the air passage. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 The auxiliary breathing tube according to claim 1, characterized in that the auxiliary breathing tube has at least one rubber ring-shaped protrusion formed on its inner diameter to compensate for the difference in inner and outer diameters at the portion connected to the end of the snorkel. Claim 4 delete Claim 5 delete

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