DE102012106317A1 - Respiratory aid for swimmers, especially snorkels - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a breathing aid for swimmers, especially snorkels, with a snorkel tube, which emanates from a mouthpiece as a two-part air hose. According to the invention, in the state of use, at least two individual hoses emanating from the mouthpiece run along the neck below the ears and are connected via a connecting hose to an air inlet opening which assumes a position at the back of the head.

Description

The invention relates to a breathing aid for swimmers, especially snorkels, with a mouthpiece, from which a two-part air hose emanates, according to claim 1.

A respiratory aid, designed as a snorkel with a two-part air hose and a mouthpiece with exhalation valve shows the US 2007/0267012 A1 , The local air hose is made flexible in the area adjacent to the mouthpiece and consists of a plastic injection molded part.

The WO 01/05650 A1 shows a swimming snorkel with two trachea tubes, which have starting from a mouthpiece an angled shape, wherein in the region of the open ends of the tube pieces a connecting web is provided.

The scuba device after US 2004/0035414 A1 is based on a one-piece air hose, both hose ends, ie the mouthpiece near end of the hose and the mouthpiece remote end have valve inserts.

The generic diving device, in particular designed as a snorkel, after EP 1 194 329 B1 has a snorkel tube, which emanates from a mouthpiece as a two-part elastic air hose, wherein in the use state, the individual tubes, starting from the mouthpiece at the user's head adjacent to this along and with an air intake opening occupies a position at the back of the head. The design presented therein is intended to prevent sections of the air hose or the partial air tubes from being filled with expired air during the respiratory process. This ensures that inhaled fresh fresh air is sucked.

After the local solution, a check valve is arranged in each of the individual tubes, which prevents a backflow of the exhaled air into the individual tubes. Furthermore, a pressure relief valve is arranged on the mouthpiece, which establishes a flow connection between the interior of the individual tubes and the external environment upon reaching a predetermined air pressure. Spent exhaled air is not routed through a separate return hose to the area of the air inlet opening, but leaves directly at the mouthpiece of the diving device, so that the next inhalation full fresh air is available again.

In one embodiment according to EP 1 194 329 B1 It is proposed to connect the outlet opening of the pressure relief valve externally with a further piece of hose, which preferably directs the exiting air laterally away from the visual field.

Although the construction after EP 1 194 329 B1 has proven in practice, there is a need for further development that the construction of the snorkel is improved so that the flow resistance during swimming and especially at a start jump and / or a Saltowende and / or traversing a wave decreases.

From the foregoing, it is therefore an object of the invention to provide an advanced respiratory aid for swimmers with a mouthpiece, starting from the mouthpiece an at least two-piece air hose leads to a headboard, the flow resistance during swimming and especially at a start jump and / or a Saltowende and / or is reduced when crossing a shaft.

The object of the invention is achieved by a respiratory aid for swimmers according to the combination of features according to claim 1, wherein the dependent claims represent at least expedient refinements and developments.

It is therefore assumed that a breathing aid for swimmers, especially a snorkel, with a snorkel tube, which emanates from a mouthpiece as a two-part air hose.

According to the invention, at least two individual tubes of the two-part air tube extend from the mouthpiece below the ears along the neck in the state of use and are connected via a connecting tube to an air inlet opening which assumes a position at the back of the swimmer. In this context, the term mouthpiece is understood to mean not only the bite splint to be introduced into the mouth, but also a complete appliance located in the mouth area.

The individual hoses are connected, for example with the help of a T-piece with the connecting hose, so that among other things a simple and quick installation of the parts of the respiratory aid can be performed. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the individual tubes and the connecting tube are made in one piece, so that there is a single component. In such a production of the snorkel is to ensure that the individual tubes are attached to the connection tube T-piece, so that the individual tubes can run along the neck below the ears and the connection tube can rest centrally on the back of the head and thus a connection of the individual tubes with the back of the head positioned air inlet opening is made possible. The connection point of the individual hoses with the connecting hose is located in the neck of the float.

The at least two existing individual tubes are guided substantially horizontally starting from the mouthpiece below the ears along the neck of the float, the individual tubes are bent in the neck or can be bent due to elastic materials to guide the individual tubes in this area horizontally. In the middle of the neck is above-mentioned connection point of the individual tubes with the connecting tube, wherein the connecting tube is guided perpendicular to the individual tubes along the head upwards.

Since the individual hoses are guided from the mouthpiece to the opposite side of the neck, the flow resistance during swimming and especially during a start jump and / or a saltow end and / or when crossing a shaft, is reduced compared to known snorkelling systems.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the individual tubes can be guided from the mouthpiece under the chin of the swimmer or the respiratory aid user. The further guidance of the individual tubes follows below the ears along the neck.

Since the at least two existing individual tubes pass into a connecting tube, there are several ways to attach the snorkel so that with the snorkel Saltowenden and start jumps can be performed.

Due to the fact that the respiratory aid or the snorkel offers hardly any water resistance, you can swim with a slight tension of the single tubes. Thus, it is possible in a dangerous situation spit out the mouthpiece as in a conventional snorkel.

In this snorkel, the air is inhaled from above through the air inlet and exhaled down through the mouthpiece. Optionally, two further individual tubes may be provided, which may be formed, for example, as attachable air hoses and can discharge the exhaled air upwards. The individual tubes are preferably provided with a check valve.

Also, the mouthpiece is expediently provided with a check valve and / or a drain valve, wherein the drain valve is located at the lowest point of the mouthpiece, so on of the nose at the farthest point of the mouthpiece and is installed in a water trap.

At least one of the individual hoses has an adjusting mechanism for length adjustment or length adjustment. This may be a clamping mechanism and / or a telescopic adjustment mechanism and / or a stretchable bellows and / or an expansion piece and / or a grid adjustment.

Thus, the snorkel or respiratory aid to any head shape and to all environmental conditions such. B. be adapted to a strong swell.

The individual tubes and the connecting tube can have a cross-sectional shape which minimizes the flow resistance. The cross sections are, for example, round, flattened, rounded or polygonal. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the individual tubes are round and guided at the back of the head connection hose is provided with a flattening, the flattening abuts the back of the head.

The air inlet opening is to be understood as an inhalation valve, which is designed for example as a check valve. The non-return valves provided in the mouthpiece and / or in the air inlet opening and / or in the individual hoses may be a flutter valve and / or a flap valve and / or a valve plate held by a spring mechanism, whereby it is possible to work with different pressure settings ,

In the area of the air inlet opening and / or on the connecting tube, a headband is preferably fastened, which guarantees a firm fit of the respiratory aid. Preferably, the headband is variably adjustable.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the respiratory aid or the snorkel is integrated in a bathing cap. The bath cap must have an opening in the region of the air inlet opening for passing through this air inlet opening. Furthermore, headphones can be integrated into the bathing cap.

The air inlet opening may be located in a head part, wherein the head part has a frame-like, resilient support surface, which has such a contour that comes close to or corresponds to the anatomical conditions of the human back of the head. This measure will the wearing comfort of the respiratory aid significantly improved.

Furthermore, a recess for an inhalation valve is provided in the head part, wherein the inhalation valve represents the air inlet opening. The recess with the inhalation valve is opposite to the aforementioned bearing surface.

Both the inhalation valve of the head part and the exhalation valve of the mouthpiece are each preferably designed as a flutter valve. Preferably, both valves can be realized identically to reduce the number of structurally different items and thus the manufacturing cost of the respiratory aid. The valves have a valve carrier which receives in each case a valve membrane, wherein a valve cap can be fastened to the valve carrier. The valve carrier on the one hand and the valve cap on the other hand limit the path of movement of the respective valve diaphragm and act in this regard as a stop.

The fact that only a single inhalation valve is provided in the head part and is integrated and this is designed as a two-leaf flutter valve, the inhalation of larger amounts of air is not hindered. The swimmer may refrain from lateral rotation or lifting and lowering of the head that would otherwise be required for breaststroking or crawling. As a result, especially the cervical spine is relieved and increases the swimming pleasure. Of course, the air inlet opening or the inhalation valve may be connected to a snorkel tube protruding from the water.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, at least one connecting tube between mouthpiece and nose is provided. Also two bellows-shaped hoses are conceivable. Nasal breathing is possible with the help of the connecting tube. On the one hand, it would be possible for open nose catches to be formed on the at least one connecting tube, whereby they are located on the end of the connecting tube opposite the mouthpiece. On the other hand, a nose cover may be attached to the at least one connecting tube. This nose cover or plastic nose is adaptable by means of adhesive force or a vacuum to different nose shapes, so that a sealed fit around the nose is ensured and thus no water can penetrate into the nose.

The invention will be described with reference to embodiments, which are explained in more detail with reference to the figures. Hereby show:

1 a front view of the mouthpiece,

2 a side view of the respiratory aid with connection tube,

3 an occiput view of the respiratory aid with connecting tube and headband,

4 a front view with headband and adjustment of the headband,

5 an occipital view with drawn air streams,

6 a side view with detailed views with respect to the mouthpiece and

7 an exploded view of the respiratory aid related items. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same and like parts.

1 shows in a front or face view of the mouthpiece 1 and the single hoses communicating with the mouthpiece 2 , which can also be referred to as a two-part air hose. The single hoses 2 be below the two ears 3 led back towards the neck. Preferably, the single hoses are made of flexible material to facilitate the necessary bends.

As in 2 shown, the individual tubes 2 below the ears 3 along the upper neck 13 guided substantially horizontally to the rear in the direction of the neck, wherein the individual tubes are shaped or malleable according to the anatomy of the human neck. The single hoses 2 be in the direction of a connecting hose 4 guided. This connection hose 4 runs essentially perpendicular to the individual tubes 2 toward the upper skullcap and midway along the back of the head. The connection point of the individual hoses 2 with the connection hose 4 is at the neck and at about the same height as the mouthpiece 1 or the mouth of the swimmer.

Both the individual hoses 2 as well as the connecting hose have adjustment mechanisms 5 z. B. in the form of Dehnstücken so that the individual parts of the respiratory aid can be adapted to the individual head shape of the swimmer / user. At the upper end of the connecting hose 4 is the air inlet opening, which in this case as a headboard with inhalation valve 6 is executed. The headboard 6 has a frame-like, resilient support surface, which has such a contour, which comes close or corresponds to the anatomical conditions of the human occiput. This measure considerably improves the wearing comfort of the respiratory aid.

In 3 becomes the connection of the single hoses 2 with the connection hose 4 shown in more detail, wherein the connection by means of a T-connector 8th he follows. Because of this mated connection of the individual tubes 2 and the connection tube 4 is a simple assembly and disassembly, as it is necessary, for example, for cleaning the respiratory aid, given.

In the area of the air inlet opening, so in the example shown on the headboard 6 , is a headband 7 attached, which ensures an improved hold of the respiratory aid. This headband 7 Can be put on like a headband.

In 4 becomes the headband 7 shown in a front view. Furthermore, there is an adjustment 9 of the headband 7 shown. By arranging a plurality of holes a predetermined distance, different tape lengths can be adjusted by means of a connection button.

In 5 the path of the sucked air is shown. About the headboard 6 located inhalation valve 12 air flows into the connection hose 4 , By connecting the hose 4 with the individual hoses 2 by means of a T-connector 8th the incoming air enters the single hoses 2 and then into the mouthpiece 1 or in the mouth.

How out 6 will be apparent is on the mouthpiece 1 an exhalation valve 10 attached, over which the spent and exhaled air can escape. Furthermore, a drain valve 11 at the lowest point of the mouthpiece 1 intended. Furthermore, a special form of individual hoses 2 shown, which do not run horizontally but along the chin shape of the float. The connection point with the connection hose 4 is in this case also at the same height of the mouth.

In 7 are parts of the respiratory aid according to the invention shown in the disassembled state. The individual components are the mouthpiece 1 with the exhalation valve 10 , the single tubes 2 , the connection hose 4 , the T-connector 8th and the headboard 6 with inhalation valve 12 , Furthermore, coupling parts 14 for connecting the mouthpiece 1 with the individual hoses 2 be provided.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 mouthpiece

2

 Single tube

3

 ear

4

 connecting hose

5

 adjustment

6

 Headboard with inhalation valve

7

 headband

8th

 T-connector

9

 Adjustment of the headband

10

 exhalation valve

11

 drain valve

12

 inhalation valve

13

 Upper part of the neck

14

 coupling part

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 2007/0267012 A1 [0002]
• WO 01/05650 A1 [0003]
• US 2004/0035414 A1 [0004]
• EP 1194329 B1 [0005, 0007, 0008]

Claims (21)

Respiratory aid for swimmers, in particular snorkels, with a mouthpiece, of which one ( 1 ) divided air hose in the form of at least two individual hoses ( 2 ) emanates, characterized in that in the state of use of the mouthpiece ( 1 ) outgoing single hoses ( 2 ) below the ears ( 3 ) On neck ( 13 ) and via a connecting tube ( 4 ) with an air inlet opening, which occupies a position at the back of the head, are connected. Respiratory aid according to claim 1, characterized in that the individual tubes ( 2 ) by means of a T-connector ( 8th ) with the connection hose ( 4 ) are connected. Respiratory aid according to claim 1, characterized in that the individual tubes ( 2 ) and the connection hose ( 4 ) are made in one piece. Respiratory aid according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the mouthpiece ( 1 ) an exhalation valve ( 10 ) and / or a check valve and / or a drain valve. Respiratory aid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two further individual tubes are provided for the transport of exhaled air. Respiratory aid according to claim 5, characterized in that the two further individual tubes each have a check valve. Respiratory aid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the individual tubes ( 2 ) and / or the connecting tube ( 4 ) an adjusting mechanism ( 5 ) for length adjustment. Respiratory aid according to claim 7, characterized in that it is in the adjustment mechanism ( 5 ) is a clamping mechanism and / or a Teleskopverstellmechanismus and / or a stretchable bellows and / or a Dehnstück and / or a raster adjustment. Respiratory aid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one single tube ( 2 ) and / or the connecting tube ( 4 ) have a flow resistance minimizing cross-sectional shape. Respiratory aid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting tube ( 4 ) and / or at least one single tube ( 2 ) has a flattening applied to the head. Respiratory aid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air inlet opening has a check valve. Respiratory aid according to claim 4 or 6 or 11, characterized in that the check valve is a flutter valve and / or a flap valve and / or held by a spring mechanism valve plate. Respiratory aid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air inlet opening as an inhalation valve on a head plate ( 6 ) is trained. Respiratory aid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the region of the air inlet opening and / or on the connecting tube ( 4 ) a headband ( 7 ) is attached. Respiratory aid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the individual tubes ( 2 ) from the mouthpiece ( 1 ) are led out under the chin. Respiratory aid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respiratory aid is integrated in a bathing cap. Respiratory aid according to claim 16, characterized in that in the bath cap headphones are integrated. Respiratory aid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mouthpiece ( 1 ) at least one connecting hose to the nose emanates. Respiratory aid according to claim 18, characterized in that on the at least one connecting hose on the mouthpiece ( 1 ) opposite end open nose plugs are formed. Respiratory aid according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that on the at least one connecting hose on the mouthpiece ( 1 ) opposite end of a nose cover is attached. Respiratory aid according to claim 20, characterized in that the nose cover is adaptable by means of adhesion force and / or a vacuum to different nose shapes.

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