Patent Publication Number: US-11655011-B2

Title: Snorkel with buoyant support

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present specification relates generally to snorkels and, in particular, to a snorkel with an integrated buoyant support. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Snorkeling is a common recreational activity for both adults and children. A snorkel generally consists of a breathing tube and mouthpiece connected to a transparent swim mask or goggles. The breathing tube extends above the surface of the water when the user places their face with the mouthpiece below the surface. Thus, the user can explore and see objects underwater without have to break the surface to breath. 
     However, the user must exercise caution to avoid bringing the end of the breathing tube below the surface of the water, which would compromise the airway and pose a dangerous safety hazard to the user. Particularly when the snorkel tube is rigidly attached to the mask or goggle assembly, then as the user descends or turns, it may be relatively easy for the user to inadvertently pull the end of the breathing tube below the surface of the water. Another potential risk is water splashing into the breathing tube and interfering with the user&#39;s breathing, especially when snorkeling in bodies of water with waves or ripple effects, as in oceans and lakes. 
     It would be preferable to provide a snorkel with a reduced risk of inadvertent tube flooding. It would also be preferable to provide a snorkel that enables the user to operate with a greater degree of freedom of movement without concern for the position and movement of the breathing tube. 
     Accordingly, there remains a need for improvements in the art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a snorkel with a buoyant support. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided a snorkel, comprising a breathing hose, the breathing hose having a mouthpiece at one end and connected to a buoyant rigid body at the other end, the rigid body comprising an internal cavity, with the breathing hose connected to the internal cavity; a first opening into the internal cavity disposed at a top end of the rigid body, the first opening having a first cover with a diameter greater than the diameter of the opening, and the first cover extending over the first opening; and a weighted ring secured to a bottom end of the rigid body, the weighted ring surrounding the end of the breathing hose connected to the rigid body, wherein the breathing tube and the first opening define an airway permitting a user to breathe through the snorkel. 
     Additionally, the snorkel may further comprise a tube disposed within the internal cavity, the tube connected to the breathing hose at one end, and having a second opening inside the internal cavity, the second opening having a second cover with a diameter greater than the diameter of the second opening, and the second cover extending over the second opening, wherein the breathing hose, the first opening and the second opening define an airway permitting the user to breathe through the snorkel 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a buoyant support attachment for a snorkel, comprising a rigid body with an internal cavity, with a connection at the base of the rigid body permitting a breathing hose to be connected to the internal cavity; a first opening into the internal cavity disposed at a top end of the rigid body, the first opening having a first cover with a diameter greater than the diameter of the opening, and the first cover extending over the first opening; and a weighted ring secured to a bottom end of the rigid body, the weighted ring surrounding the end of the breathing hose connected to the rigid body, wherein the first opening and the breathing hose define an airway for the user. 
     Additionally, the buoyant support may further comprise: a tube disposed within the internal cavity, the tube connected to the breathing hose at one end, and having a second opening inside the internal cavity, the second opening having a second cover with a diameter greater than the diameter of the second opening, and the second cover extending over the second opening, wherein the breathing hose, the first opening and the second opening define an airway permitting the user to breathe through the snorkel. 
     Other aspects and features according to the present application will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which show, by way of example only, embodiments of the invention, and how they may be carried into effect, and in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a side view of a rigid body for a snorkel according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  2    is a cut-away view of  FIG.  1    along line A-A; 
         FIG.  3    is a cut-away view of a snorkel according to an embodiment with a breathing hose at full extension; 
         FIG.  4    is a cut-away view of the snorkel of  FIG.  3    with the breathing hose at minimum extension; and 
         FIG.  5    is a simulated perspective view of the snorkel of  FIG.  3    in use. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals indicated like or corresponding elements in the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention relates to snorkels, and in particular, to a snorkel with an integrated buoyant support to maintain the opening of the snorkel above the surface of the body of water in which the user is snorkeling. 
     According to an embodiment as shown in  FIGS.  1 - 4   , snorkel  100  may be formed from a rigid body  120  in a substantially bulbous shape with the top of the body having a narrow section  110  with an opening  115  to permit the passage of air. Opening  115  is surmounted by a cover  125 , which has a diameter greater than that of opening  115  and extends partially over the narrow section  110 . The base of rigid body  120  is wider than the top, for increased buoyancy and to permit flotation such that opening  115  remains above the water line while in use. Rigid body  120  may further include a tube  130  which extends upwards into the internal cavity  160  of rigid body  120 . Tube  130  has an opening  135  to permit the passage of air, and a cover  140 , which has a diameter greater than that of opening  135  and extends partially over tube  130 . The hollow internal cavity  160  enables rigid body  120  to float on the surface of water. 
     Tube  130  is coupled to a flexible, extendible breathing hose  150 , which is then coupled to a mouthpiece  155  to enable the user to breathe through the snorkel  100 . A weighted ring  170  is secured to the base of rigid body  120  around the tube  130  and/or breathing hose  150  to maintain rigid body  120  in an upright position while floating in water, keeping opening  115  above the waterline. 
     Breathing hose  150  may be both flexible and extendible, to enable freedom of movement underwater for the user while snorkeling. The maximum extension of breathing hose  150  is limited by the maximum recommended snorkeling depth (around 36 inches underwater), accounting for some movement, and the minimum extension is limited by the materials used. For example, a breathing hose formed from flexible plastic with an internal wire coil for extension/compression may have a maximum extension of 40 inches and a minimum extension of 10 inches.  FIGS.  3  and  4    show the snorkel  100  with breathing hose at maximum and minimum extension, respectively. 
     The flexibility and extendibility of breathing tube  150  may permit the user to swim and change depth to a certain extent without interface from snorkel  100  and with a reduced concern of overcoming the resistance of the buoyancy of rigid body  120  and pulling the opening  115  under the surface of the water. 
     The mouthpiece  155  may be formed from two one-way air valves, such that the user breathes in oxygenated air through one valve engaged with breathing hose  150  and expels carbon dioxide contaminated air through the other valve into the water. Using two valves reduces carbon dioxide buildup in the breathing hose, which permits longer submersion without loss of oxygen. In an embodiment, the mouthpiece may be formed from a rigid body with a softer bite plate (e.g. silicone), and the valve connecting to the breathing hose  150  located at the top of the mouthpiece and the other valve at the bottom of the mouthpiece. 
     When snorkel  100  is in use, as shown in the simulated view in  FIG.  5   , rigid body  120  floats on the surface of the water, with breathing hose  150  extending under the water. Weighted ring  170  assists to hold rigid body  120  in an upright position, keeping opening  115  (covered by cover  125 ) above the surface of the water and permitting the user to breathe. Cover  125  generally inhibits water from entering opening  115  via splashing or wave movement or other incidents. If water does penetrate through opening  115 , cover  140  protects opening  135 , acting as a failsafe to prevent the user from breathing in water. Additionally, the cavity  160  of rigid body  120  may hold a small amount of water without compromising its buoyancy characteristics. 
     The snorkel  100  may be used on its own, or with swim goggles or a diving mask. By detaching the snorkel from a mask or similar equipment, the user may be provided with greater freedom of movement while snorkeling, as well as a reduced risk of inadvertently flooding the openings  115  and  135  during movement. Alternatively, breathing hose may include clips or straps near mouthpiece  155  to permit it to be secured to a diving mask or equivalent. Where such clips are included, breathing hose  150  may be rigid (i.e. non-extendible) at that point. 
     The dimensions of snorkel  100  and the components may vary, depending on construction materials, and intended use by an adult or child. In the embodiment herein, for an adult-sized snorkel, rigid body  120  may be eight inches in height, with a 1.5-inch external diameter (a 1.25-inch internal diameter) for opening  115 , and a 3-inch maximum diameter. As discussed above, mouthpiece  155  may be formed with two one-way air valves, such that the user breathes oxygenated air in through one valve through the snorkel  100  and expels carbon dioxide contaminated air through the other valve into the water. 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Certain adaptations and modifications of the invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the presently discussed embodiments are considered to be illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.