SWIMMING SNORKELS

Abstract: One of the breathing passageways of a twin snorkel is blocked or absent, so that the snorkel retains the advantage of a twin-tube snorkel with respect to stability on the swimmer's head, and retains the advantage of a single-tube snorkel with respect to ease of clearing it of water. A breathing tube (2) of a snorkel has a bend (42) part-way along its length and is adjustable in angular position around its axis relative to a mouthpiece (8) so that the position of the tube alongside the swimmer's head (44) can be adjusted, and so that, in the case of a twin-tube snorkel, the spacing between the tubes (2, 10) can be adjusted.

Description: TITLE Swimming Snorkels DESCRIPTION This invention relates to a swimming snorkel for permitting a swimmer to breathe while their face is under water. A conventional swimming snorkel comprises a mouthpiece having a portion with a breathing hole which, in use, is held in the swimmer's mouth, and a breathing tube connected at its proximal end to the mouthpiece and arranged, in use, to extend alongside one side of the swimmer's head to its distal end above the swimmer's head. A breathing passageway is provided through the mouthpiece and the breathing tube between the breathing hole and the distal end of the breathing tube, so that, in use, the swimmer can breathe through the breathing passageway while swimming face down in the water. One problem with such a conventional snorkel is that, when used on its own, it is held in place merely by the grip of the swimmer's mouth on the mouthpiece, and the breathing tube tends to waggle about. Of course, if the distal end of the breathing tube goes underwater while the swimmer is breathing in, they will breathe in water, rather than air. In order to try to prevent the breathing tube moving about, the swimmer needs to clench the mouthpiece tightly, and this causes fatigue and/or discomfort. In the case where the swimmer wears a mask, it is known to attach the breathing tube to the mask strap. However, there is then a risk that the snorkel will disturb the seal between the mask and the swimmer's face, as a result of which water can enter the mask. Moreover, many swimmers dislike wearing a face mask. In order to deal with the above problems, a number of proposals have been made (for example, in patent documents GB-A-802,772, US-A-4,878,491, US-A-5, 199,421, US-A- 5,485,832, US-A-5, 697, 362 and DE-A-197 ,49,139), employing a pair of breathing tubes joined by the mouthpiece and arranged, in use, to extend alongside opposite sides of the swimmer's head. Movement of the breathing tubes can therefore be reduced. When using a snorkel with a single breathing tube, if water enters the breathing tube, it can be blown back out by the swimmer. Although water is less likely to enter one of the breathing tubes of a twin-tube snorkel during swimming, this may happen. Also, water is likely to be present in the breathing tubes before the mouthpiece is placed in the mouth while the swimmer is in the water. Clearing the tubes of a twin-tube snorkel of water presents a serious problem. This is because, when the swimmer blows to clear the water, due to an inevitable imbalance of pressures, air will pass up one tube to clear water from that tube, but when the swimmer stops blowing, the water in the other tube will part-fill both tubes so that the swimmer can cannot breathe air in. In order to clear a twin-tube snorkel, it is necessary for the swimmer to blow out with repeated bursts, without breathing in between the bursts. This is likely to leave the swimmer out of breath and will interrupt their normal swimming activity. Particularly when the swimmer is a child, it may cause them to panic. In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, one of the breathing passageways of a twin snorkel is blocked or absent, so that the snorkel retains the advantage of a twin-tube snorkel with respect to stability on the swimmer's head, and retains the advantage of a single-tube snorkel with respect to ease of clearing it of water. Alternatively stated, in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a swimming snorkel comprising a mouthpiece having a portion with a breathing hole which, in use, is held in the swimmer's mouth, and a pair of elongate members connected at their proximal ends to the mouthpiece and arranged, in use, to extend alongside opposite sides of the swimmer's head to their distal ends above the swimmer's head, a breathing passageway being provided through the mouthpiece and one of the elongate members between the breathing hole and the distal end of said one elongate member, so that, in use, the swimmer can breathe through the breathing passageway; characterised in that: the snorkel is devoid of an open passageway through the mouthpiece and the other of the elongate members between the breathing hole and the distal end of said other elongate member. A blocked passageway is preferably provided through the mouthpiece and said other elongate member between the breathing hole and the distal end of said other elongate member. This enables both elongate members to be generally similar, which simplifies manufacturing and provides a well-balanced snorkel. Indeed, the elongate members are preferably substantially identical. Preferably, the blocked passageway is blocked inside the mouthpiece. In this way, the breathing passageway can be a simple unbranched passageway, so making it easy to clear of water. The blocked passageway may have at least one drain hole so that any water entering it can easily drain away when the snorkel is taken out of the water Additionally or alternatively, the blocked passageway may be blocked adjacent the distal end of said other elongate member If the blocked passageway is blocked both inside the mouthpiece and adjacent the distal end of said other elongate member, air can be sealed in the blocked passageway In normal use, both elongate members therefore contain air so as to provide good balance of the snorkel Furthermore, the sealed, blocked passageway acts as a buoyancy chamber so that the snorkel will float, or sink only slowly, if it is dropped in the water Additionally or alternatively, the blocked passageway may be blocked by a buoyant float member (for example of closed-cell foam, or expanded polystyrene) disposed in the blocked passageway in said other elongate member Preferably, a flexible strap connects the elongate members and in use can engage behind the swimmer's head The strap may be adjustable in length, but preferably it is adjustable in position along one or both of the elongate members The strap can be used to assist m holding the elongate members against the sides of the swimmer's head and so hold the snorkel in the proper position with the distal end of the breathing passageway best placed above the water level Furthermore, when the snorkel is not m use, the strap enables the snorkel to be worn hung around the swimmer's neck Preferably, each elongate member has a bend part-way along its length, and so the elongate members can conform to some extent to the curvature of the sides of the swimmer's head. Especially in this case, the proximal end each elongate member is preferably adjustable m angular position around its axis relative to the mouthpiece This therefore enables adjustment of the conformance of the elongate members with the sides of the swimmer's head so that a proper and comfortable fit can be achieved for swimmer's with different sized or shaped heads These latter features may be provided independently of the first and second aspects of the invention Therefore, in accordance with a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a swimming snorkel comprising a mouthpiece having a portion with a breathing hole which, m use, is held in the swimmer's mouth, and an elongate member connected at its proximal end to the mouthpiece and arranged, in use, to extend alongside a side of the swimmer's head to its distal end above the swimmer's head, a breathing passageway being provided through the mouthpiece and the elongate member between the breathing hole and the distal end of the elongate member, so that, in use, the swimmer can breathe through the breathing passageway, characterised in that the elongate member has a bend part-way along its length, and the proximal end of the member is ad j ustable in angular position around its axis relative to the mouthpiece The snorkel may have only one such elongate member (I e a single-tube snorkel) so that the position of the tube alongside the swimmer's head can be adjusted Alternatively, the elongate member may be one of a pair of similar such elongate members arranged, in use, to extend alongside opposite sides of the swimmer's head, and so that the spacing between the elongate members can be adjusted. In the case of any of the aspects of the invention, the proximal end of each elongate member is preferably connected to the mouthpiece by being fitted into a respective socket in the mouthpiece. Preferably, the interengaging surfaces of the proximal end of each elongate member and its respective socket are provided with at least one annular groove and complementary ridge. This assists in achieving a good seal and also acts as a detent to reduce the risk of the elongate members accidentally being dislodged from the sockets. Preferably, the mouthpiece is relatively flexible, being made for example from silicone rubber. This not only provides a comfortable mouthpiece, but also enables the elongate members to be flexed towards and away from each other and enables the elongate members to grip the swimmer's head, at least to some extent, even without the above mentioned strap. Preferably, the elongate members are relatively stiff or rigid, being made for example from plastics pipe. In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a self-gripping snorkel comprising two tubes, a mouthpiece with a dam and a drain hole, and a strap attached between the two tubes. Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described, purely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an isometric view of a swimming snorkel; Figure 2 is a sectioned view of part of the snorkel of Figure 1 ; Figure 3 is a sectioned view of the snorkel of Figure 1 but showing a modification thereto and also showing a swimmer's head in phantom line; Figure 4 is a sectioned view of part of the snorkel of Figure 3, but showing some modifications thereto; and Figure 5 is a view, on an enlarged scale, of part of the snorkel of Figure 4. A snorkel has a self-securing design by creation of a gripping action around the sides of the user's head and face to wedge the snorkel in position, allowing it to be used on its own without the need for attachment to a secondary device. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the snorkel has a breathing tube 2 having a distal end 4 and a proximal end 6. The proximal end 6 is coupled to a flexible mouthpiece 8. A second tube 10 of similar dimensions to the breathing tube 2 has a proximal end 10 and a distal end 14. The proximal end 12 is also coupled to the mouthpiece 8. The tubes 2,10 are approximately parallel to one another, but they diverge away from each other at a relatively shallow angle. The tubes 2,10 are relatively rigid or stiff, being made of a suitable plastics material, and the mouthpiece 8 is relatively flexible, being made of a flexible plastics material or, for example, silicone rubber. The tubes 2,10 and mouthpiece 8 can be easily manufactured using conventional injection moulding or extrusion moulding techniques. Brightly coloured and fluorescent materials may be used to enhance the fashion appeal of the snorkel, particularly when it is being worn around the neck, out of the water. The mouthpiece 8 has a portion which is received in the swimmer's mouth comprising a flange 16, which is oval or similarly shaped, surrounding an opening 24. The flange 16 is curved to fit comfortably within the lips and in front of the teeth of the swimmer. Two generally triangular pylons 18 extend upwardly from an inner surface of the flange 16 and terminate in cylindrical protrusions 20 having axes running at right angles to the width of the mouthpiece 8 and at right angles to the plane of the pylons 18. In use, the swimmer bites on the pylons 18, and the cylindrical protrusions 20 lock behind the swimmer's teeth. Other designs of the portion of the mouthpiece 8 which fits in the mouth may alternatively be employed. The internal bore 22 of the breathing tube 2 is coupled via a U-shaped portion 23 of the mouthpiece 8 to the opening 24 to provide a smooth breathing passage. Although the other tube 10 is identical, with an open-ended internal bore 26, any water within this bore 26 is prevented from reaching the opening 24 by means of a dam 28 in the mouthpiece 8 which closes off the junction between breathing passage and the U-shaped portion 29 of the mouthpiece 8 which couples to the tube 10. At least one drainage hole 30 is formed in the U-shaped portion 29 to allow water from within the tube 10 to drain away when the snorkel is out of the water. A flexible, elastic strap 32 made from plastics material has apertures 34,36 at either end which are sized so that they can be passed over the distal ends 4,14 of the tubes 2,10 and provide a rela t ively tight fit which nevertheless permits the strap 32 to be moved up and down the tubes 2.10 to provide the appropriate fit of the snorkel on the swimmer's head. Once positioned, the strap 32 will not readily move up and down the tubes 2,10. Abutments 40 may be formed on the outer surface of the tubes 2.10 to limit the downward movement of the strap 32. The strap 32 functions to j oin the tubes 2.10 together and. in use, fits snugly over and around the back of the head of the swimmer. In use, the flange 16 of the mouthpiece 8 is placed into the swimmer's mouth in the normal way, and the flexible strap 32 is placed behind the head. The flexible strap 32 is then pulled down the tubes 2, 10 so that it fits securely over the crown of the head so that the snorkel is held in the correct position for comfort and use. In this position, the sides of the tubes 2, 10 grip the sides of the swimmer's head and face to wedge the snorkel in position. While the swimmer's head is submerged below the water level, the tube 2 and the mouthpiece 8 provide an airway for the swimmer to breathe through. If, during use, the tube 2 should fill with water, this can be blown clear from the tube 2 in the usual way. Water entering the tube 10 does not cause difficulty, as the tube 10 has no function in providing an airway. This water is prevented from entering the air passage by means of the dam 28. In a situation where the mouthpiece 8 comes out of the swimmer's mouth, the snorkel is unlikely to float away since it is still held in position on the swimmer's head by the flexible strap 32 and the gripping effect of the tubes 2, 10. When the swimmer leaves the water, any water in the tube 10 will drain through the hole(s) 30. When the user is out of the water, the snorkel may be lowered over the head with the strap 32 extending behind the neck to hold the snorkel around the neck in a necklace fashion. This makes the snorkel easy to carry and may help prevent it from becoming lost, particularly where the user is a child. Figure 3 shows a snorkel which is similar to the snorkel described above with reference to Figures 1 and 2 except in the following respects. First, the tubes 2, 10 are each formed with a bend 42 about one third of the way up from their proximal ends 6, 12 and through an angle in the range of about 5 to 20 degrees. Thus, the tubes 2, 10 conform better to the shape of the sides of the swimmer's head 44. Furthermore, as can be seen in Figure 3, the proximal ends 6, 12 of the tubes 2,10 are coupled to the mouthpiece 8 by being fitted into respective sockets 46,48 in such a way that the tubes 2, 10 can be twisted about their axes in the sockets 46,48. Accordingly, by twisting the tubes 2, 10, it is possible to adjust the spacing and divergence of the upper two-thirds of the tubes 2, 10, and thus adjust the fit of the snorkel on the swimmer's head 44. Second, the distal end 14 of the tube 10 is closed by a bung 50 or the like, and the drain hole 30 described above is omitted, so that air is sealed in the tube 10 and U-shaped portion 29 between the dam 28 and the bung 50. Accordingly, the tube 10 does not part-fill with water when the snorkel is used, so that the snorkel is well-balanced. Furthermore, the air sealed in the tube 10 and U-shaped portion 29 increases the buoyancy of the snorkel so that it is less likely to get lost if it is dropped in the water. Further modifications concerning the tube 10 will now be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Unlike the snorkel in Figure 3, the tube 10 shown in Figure 4 does not have a bung 50 at its distal end 14. However, the tube 10 is substantially filled with a cylindrical piece 52 of expanded polystyrene or closed-cell foam material. Again, this can improve the balance and the buoyancy of the snorkel. Figure 4 also shows that, instead of the abutments 40 described above, part of the outer surface of the tube 10 is formed with a series of annular ridges 54. The spaces between the ridges 54 provide a series of locations for holding the ends of the strap 32 more positively in position. Also, an annular ridge 56 is provided at the distal end 14 of the tube 10 to prevent the strap 32 from sliding off the end of the tube 14 when the snorkel is being worn as a necklace. The breathing tube 2 may also be provided with similar ridges 54,56. Figure 4, and more particularly Figure 5, furthermore show that the external surface of the proximal end 12 of the tube 10 is provided with a series of annular channels, and the internal surface of the socket 48 is provided with a complementary series of annular ridges 58. The channels and ridges 58 serves to improve the seal between the socket 48 and the tube 10 and also to hold the proximal end 12 of the tube 10 more positively in place in the socket 48, whilst still permitting the tube 10 to be rotated about its axis to adjust the fit of the snorkel. Similar formations may be provided between the proximal end 6 of the breathing tube 2 and the socket 46. Other formations, together with other elements such as O-rings may alternatively be provided. Figure 4 also shows that the tube 10 is provided with an eyed lug 60, with which a nose- clip and/or ear-plug may be attached to the snorkel using a length of cord so as to reduce the risk of losing the nose-clip or ear-plug. The other tube 2 may be provided with a similar lug. It will be appreciated that many other modifications and developments may be made to the embodiments of the invention described above. For example, the feature of the tube 2, 10 which has a bend 42 and which is rotatably coupled to the mouthpiece 8 by a socket 46,48 in the mouthpiece (as described above with reference to Figures 3 to 5) may be applied to a single-tube snorkel or to a twin-tube snorkel in which both tubes are breathing tubes. Also, whereas the buoyancy of the snorkel of Figure 3 is increased by sealing air in the tube 10, and the buoyancy of the snorkel of Figures 4 and 5 is increased by placing a buoyancy element 52 in the tube 10, other ways of increasing the buoyancy of the snorkel may be employed. For example, the strap 32 may be threaded through a buoyancy tube of flexible closed- cell foamed plastics. Such a buoyancy tube may also increase the comfort of the snorkel, and may be decorated as desired, for example with the name of the owner of the snorkel. Other forms of adjustable strap 32 may be employed, such as an adjustable length strap extending between a pair of lugs, one on each of the tubes 2,10. However, the form of adjustable strap 32 described with reference to the drawings is preferred because of the ease with which it can be adjusted. It should be noted that the embodiments of the invention have been described above purely by way of example and that many further modifications and developments may be made thereto within the scope of the present invention.

Claims: CLAIMS 1 . A swimming snorkel comprising a mouthpiece (8) having a portion (16) with a breathing hole (24) which, in use, is held in the swimmer's mouth, and a pair of elongate members (2,10) connected at their proximal ends (6,12) to the mouthpiece and arranged, in use, to extend alongside opposite sides of the swimmer's head (44) to their distal ends (4,14) above the swimmer's head, a breathing passageway being provided through the mouthpiece and one of the elongate members between the breathing hole and the distal end of said one elongate member, so that, in use, the swimmer can breathe through the breathing passageway; characterised in that: the snorkel is devoid of an open passageway through the mouthpiece and the other of the elongate members between the breathing hole and the distal end of said other elongate member. 2. A snorkel as claimed in claim 1, wherein a blocked passageway (29,26) is provided through the mouthpiece and said other elongate member between the breathing hole and the distal end of said other elongate member. 3. A snorkel as claimed in claim 2, wherein the blocked passageway is blocked (at 28) inside the mouthpiece. 4. A snorkel as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the blocked passageway has at least one drain hole (30). 5. A snorkel as claimed in any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the blocked passageway is blocked (at 50) adjacent the distal end of said other elongate member. 6. A snorkel as claimed in any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the blocked passageway is blocked by a buoyant float member (52) disposed in the blocked passageway in said other elongate member. 7. A snorkel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a flexible strap (32) connects the elongate members and in use can engage behind the swimmer's head. 8. A snorkel as claimed in claim 7, wherein the strap is adjustable in position along at least one of the elongate members. 9 . A snorkel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each elongate member has a bend (42) part- ay along its length. 10. A snorkel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the proximal end each elongate member is adjustable in angular position around its axis relative to the mouthpiece. 11. A swimming snorkel comprising a mouthpiece (8) having a portion (16) with a breathing hole (24) which, in use, is held in the swimmer's mouth, and an elongate member (2) connected at its proximal end (6) to the mouthpiece and arranged, in use, to extend alongside a side of the swimmer's head (44) to its distal end (4) above the swimmer's head, a breathing passageway being provided through the mouthpiece and the elongate member between the breathing hole and the distal end of the elongate member, so that, in use, the swimmer can breathe through the breathing passageway; characterised in that: the elongate member has a bend (42) part-way along its length; and the proximal end of the member is adjustable in angular position around its axis relative to the mouthpiece. 12. A snorkel as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the elongate member is one of a pair of similar such elongate members (2,10) arranged, in use, to extend alongside opposite sides of the swimmer's head. 13. A snorkel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the proximal end of the, or each, elongate member is connected to the mouthpiece by being fitted into a, or a respective, socket (46,48) in the mouthpiece. 14. A snorkel as claimed in claim 13, wherein interengaging surfaces of the proximal end of the, or each, elongate member and its, or its respective, socket are provided with at least one annular groove and complementary ridge (58). 15. A snorkel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the mouthpiece is relatively flexible. 16. A snorkel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the elongate members are relatively stiff. 17. A self-gripping snorkel comprising two tubes, a mouthpiece with a dam and a drain hole, and a strap attached between the two tubes .

Inventors: HIGGINS DAVID GRAHAM, HIGGINS, DAVID, GRAHAM
Applicants: HIGGINS DAVID GRAHAM, HIGGINS, DAVID, GRAHAM
Application year: 2000
Main classification: B63C11
IPC codes: B63C11