Snorkelling device
US5893362A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 11, 1996 |
| Grant date | Apr 13, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 11, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63C11/207
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A snorkelling device for supplying air to a person by unassisted lung function to a depth of approximately one meter. The device may be used upon or below the surface of the water. It comprises an air intake incorporating a float valve (14) for closing the air intake when it becomes submerged. A mouthpiece (16) is connected to the air intake by a flexible hose (18). The mouthpiece (16) has an inlet valve (20) to prevent the return of expelled gases up the flexible hose (18) during exhalation, and an outlet valve (22) to allow expelled gases to escape to ambient water during exhalation. A float (24) is provided adjacent the air intake to normally hold the air intake above the surface of the water. A weight (28) is provided in connection with the flexible hose (18) and is sufficiently heavy to exert a downward force on the flexible hose (18) so as to cause the float (24) and air intake to maintain a generally upright position. The device allows a person to breathe air at atmospheric pressure whilst submerged at depths of up to approximately one meter, and to descend without breathing to free diving depths.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.