EP1194329B1 - Diving apparatus, in particular, a snorkel - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to diving apparatus, in particular, a snorkel, comprising a snorkel tube which extends from a mouthpiece (2') as an elastic breathing tube divided into two sections (14a, 14b), or which has the shape of a classic snorkel tube and is connected to a one-piece breathing tube. When the snorkel is used, the individual tubes, or the snorkel tube which extend from the mouthpiece run along the side or sides of the user's head and an air inlet is positioned behind the head. According to the invention, a non-return valve (15a, 15b) is located in the air supply tubes (14a, 14b), or in the main snorkel air supply tube which prevents the return flow of exhaled air into the individual tubes. A pressure-relief valve (17a, 17b) is also provided, so that when a predetermined air pressure for the exhaled air is reached, a connection is made to the exterior environment to release the flow. This prevents air which has already been consumed and exhaled from being re-supplied.

Description

The invention relates to a diving apparatus, in particular snorkel, with a snorkel tube, which from a mouthpiece as a two-part elastic air hose goes out, in the Usage state the individual hoses starting from the mouthpiece on the head of the user adjacent to this run and wherein an air inlet opening occupies a position at the back of the head.

From FR 736 745 A is already designed as a snorkel Diving equipment known. The known diving apparatus includes a Snorkel tube, which from a mouthpiece as a two-part Air hose goes out, wherein in the use state, the individual hoses starting from the mouthpiece on the head of the user essentially abut and wherein an air inlet opening a position at the back of the head.

In this known construction is in the region of the air inlet opening, so at the position of the back of the head, in the one Partial hose arranged a check valve, so that over this one partial hose fresh air can only be sucked, however spent, exhaled air in this tube part can not flow back. The other of the two part tubes is in the area of the air inlet opening with a pressure relief valve equipped, which is such that only exhaled air to flow through this partial tube, but not fresh air can be sucked from outside.

In this known construction becomes a fundamental problem dissolved in diving equipment of the present type, which It is that after exhaling at least sections of the Snorkel pipe or snorkel pipes with spent Exhaled air are filled the next time you inhale is inhaled again.

However, this known construction is relatively expensive and, above all, it does not offer the possibility to use both partial hoses for the intake of fresh air, so that each partial hose with a correspondingly large Cross section must be equipped.

From the FR 1 100 250 A is designed as a snorkel Diving equipment known, the snorkel as closed elastic air hose is formed and designed in such a way that it rests in use on the head of the user in about and runs along it.

From the German patent application DE 197 49 139 A1 Furthermore, a diving device, namely snorkel, previously known, comprising a snorkel tube with air inlet and outlet as well as a mouthpiece. The snorkel pipe there is outgoing divided in two parts from the mouthpiece as an elastic air hose, the individual tubes of the snorkel tube on a Snorkel nozzles are merged. The single hoses are in the state of use on both sides starting from the mouthpiece at the head of the user adjacent to this led along, the snorkel neck takes a position at the back of the head.

The problem underlying the invention is a Diving equipment, especially snorkel, indicate which at Prevent comparatively simple construction effectively can that sections of air hose or partial air tubes filled with expired air during the breathing process so that it is always ensured that when inhaling only fresh outside air is sucked in.

This object is achieved by the in claim 1 solved features.

In the construction according to the invention, that of a known two-part elastic air hose goes out, in the Usage state the individual hoses starting from the mouthpiece on the head of the user adjacent to this run and an air inlet opening occupying a position at the back of the head, is a check valve in each of the individual hoses arranged, which is a backflow of the exhaled air into the individual tubes prevented. In addition, it is arranged on the mouthpiece a pressure relief valve, which reach at a predetermined air pressure, a flow connection between the inside of the single tubes and the outside Environment (the surrounding water).

In contrast to the known construction is thus the consumed exhaled air does not have a separate return hose returned to the area of the air inlet, but the exhaled air leaves directly at the mouthpiece the diving equipment, so that the next time you breathe again full fresh air can be inhaled.

Furthermore, according to the invention in the area between the Mouthpiece and the air inlet opening in at least one of Single hoses at least one pressure relief valve arranged which upon reaching a predetermined air pressure a Flow connection between the interior of the individual hoses and the external environment (the surrounding water).

In particular, the invention can be advantageously designed be that at least one pressure relief valve at or arranged near the mouthpiece on one of the individual tubes is.

A particularly low resistance to exhalation is then achieved if according to another embodiment of the present Invention in each of the individual hoses a pressure relief valve is arranged.

Also in the latter embodiment, the pressure relief valves be arranged on or near the mouthpiece.

To prevent air bubbles from exhaling in the area of the Visual field ascend, which obstruct the view under water can, is further provided according to the invention that the or the pressure relief valves formed in the hose region is or are between the ear of the user and the Air inlet opening extends.

A particularly easy to manufacture construction is that the pressure relief valve as a coupling piece between the Mouthpiece and the respective single tube is formed.

On the basis of this construction exists as a coupling piece also the possibility of being already on the market Equip snorkel devices with appropriate valves afterwards, to re-inhale already used To effectively prevent respiratory air.

Said coupling piece can at one end in the manner of a Plug connection can be connected to the mouthpiece and can its other end a pipe socket for receiving the hose end exhibit.

Another particularly advantageous construction is further in that according to the invention the outlet opening of the pressure relief valve externally connected to a piece of tubing which the escaping air preferably out of sight leads outwards to the outside. This piece of tubing may be appropriate run parallel to the respective single tube and can also be associated with this.

However, since this "returning" hose piece fluidly located behind the pressure relief valve can over this Hose section only spent, expired air in the outside environment are dissipated.

The elastic air hoses can in cross section in the have essential ellipse shape or flat shape, wherein the main axis of the ellipse in the state of use almost parallel extends to the surface of the head.

By this latter embodiment of the air hoses is a Achieved construction with particularly low flow resistance.

Furthermore, a low flow resistance can also be realized thereby be that the cross section of the air hose a elongated wedge or channel shape, wherein the width of the channel or wedge by a factor of 1.5 to 2.5 greater than that maximum channel height is.

In addition, the mouthpiece, which with the pressure relief valve equipped with another water outlet. or Wasserausblasventil be equipped.

A particularly simple construction is characterized in that that the at least one pressure relief valve has the function of Water outlet or Wasserausblasventils takes over.

Another embodiment of the present invention is in that at least one of the air hoses or the Snorkel tube in its interior at least one in the longitudinal direction the tube or snorkel tube extending partition has, so that at least two parallel Hose channels or snorkel channels are formed, wherein at least one of the inner tube channels or snorkel channels can be connected to at least one pressure relief valve.

This connected to the pressure relief valve hose or Snorkel tube can do the function of the above take over said pipe section to the from the pressure relief valve to remove exhaled expired air from the field of vision, which, of course, requires that this hose channel or snorkel tube channel with the outer surrounding area (Water) communicates fluidly.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Draufsicht auf ein Tauchgerät in Form eines Schnorchels mit Merkmalen nach der Erfindung;

Fig. 2

eine Prinzipdarstellung des Schnorchels im Benutzungszustand;

Fig. 3

eine Draufsicht auf eine weitere Ausführungsform des Schnorchels nach der Erfindung und

Fig. 4

eine schematische Teilansicht des oberen Endes des Schnorchels in perspektivischer Darstellung.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail by means of exemplary embodiments and by means of drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic plan view of a diving device in the form of a snorkel with features according to the invention;

Fig. 2

a schematic representation of the snorkel in the state of use;

Fig. 3

a plan view of another embodiment of the snorkel according to the invention and

Fig. 4

a schematic partial view of the upper end of the snorkel in a perspective view.

As shown in FIG. 1, generally designated 1 Snorkel a mouthpiece 2, which biting plates 12 includes.

At the mouthpiece 2, in the embodiment shown has a T-shape, depending on a flange is present, the Attaching a two-part elastic air hose 4th serves. The air hose 4 can in the region of the curvature sections 13 provided with a stiffening casing 14 be such that an undesirable reduction of the cross-section by kinking or the like with subsequent obstruction of free breathing is excluded.

At the mouthpiece 2 opposite end is the two-part Air hose 4 at or in a snorkel stub 5 merged. The snorkel nozzle 5 has a head rest plate 8 on. In addition, the nozzle 5 has a receptacle (not shown) for attaching a suction extension tube 11, which is shown in Fig. 2.

In the embodiment shown is in the mouthpiece 2 a not shown in detail pressure relief valve 2a included, which upon reaching a certain air pressure within the Partial hoses 4 a flow connection through an opening 2b with the external environment (water) produces. At the opposite End with the snorkel nozzle 5 is preferably within the suction extension tube 11, a check valve 3, 3a (see Fig. 2) arranged. The check valve 3a interacts with the pressure relief valve 2 a such that Inhaled fresh air sucked in via the suction extension tube 11 can be and about the two partial tubes 4 for Mouthpiece 2 can flow, but when exhaling the check valve 3a is closed while the pressure relief valve 2a is opened is so that the exhaled air through the opening 2b can escape.

Due to this mode of action is prevented in the Partial hoses 4 exhaled air can flow back, which then inhaled with the next inhalation.

In other words, in the construction according to the invention ensure that you always inhale fresh air Air is available immediately.

In the construction according to the invention results in the particular Advantage that the flow cross-section of the two partial tubes 4 can be made relatively small because both partial hoses transmit 4 inhalation air.

As further shown in Fig. 2, is handling side taken the mouthpiece 2 of the snorkel 1 and the two-part Air hose 4 is moved over the head to the back of the head and there by the elastic effect and the head rest plate. 8 held.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2 is a bendable bellows 10 formed on the snorkel nozzle 5, in the Ansaugverlängerungsrohr 11 merges with the check valve 3a, so that, as indicated by the arrows, the angular position of the extension tube variable, that is adjustable, is.

In the representation of the snorkel of Fig. 1, this is in relaxed state, but with an elongation in the Arrow direction is possible to the desired seat and the ensure adequate attachment of the snorkel. The Elongation can be substantially in the longitudinal direction of the two-part Air hose 4 done, with the stiffening jacket 9 in the region of the curved sections 13 too contributes to a tight, sufficiently tight snorkel fit.

Fig. 3 shows a second embodiment of the invention Diving device in the form of a snorkel, generally 14 ' is designated. This diving device consists of particularly elastic Partial hoses 14a and 14b, which from a mouthpiece 2 'branch off laterally and in its upper part in a about T-shaped connector 18 open. In the upper one End portion of the partial tubes 14a and 14b are each check valves 15a and 15b used, which is a very specific Determine the flow direction of the T-shaped Connector 18 to the mouthpiece 2 'out goes, however can not run counter.

Inside the mouthpiece 2 'are inside pressure relief valves 17a and 17b formed, the pressure relief valve 17a the Partial hose 14a and the pressure relief valve 17b the partial hose 14b is assigned. When exhaling and thus when reaching a certain air pressure within the partial tubes 14a and 14b open the relief valves 17a and 17b so that the exhaled Air over openings 16a and 16b in the outer surrounding area (Water) is discharged. The entire valve arrangement is designated 16.

Fig. 4 shows a portion of an upper end of a snorkel, which is generally designated 14 "in broken-away Presentation. In this embodiment is an upper Connector 18 'T-shaped and has lateral connection areas for each one hose piece 19a and 19b.

The hose pieces 19a and 19b are made of a flat Hose with a substantially flat lower surface 23rd and an arcuate upper surface 24, wherein in Inside each tube piece or partial tube 19 a and 19 b extending in the longitudinal direction of the tube partitions 21, 22, through the individual compartments (hose channel) 20a, 20b and 20c are formed.

It should be noted that other divisions of the Interior of the partial hoses are possible, for example a Bifurcation, so that each partial tube two side by side contains parallel compartments.

At least one of the compartments leads either in the upper one T-shaped connector or in the region of a lower Mouthpiece (not shown) to a check valve, so that by a respective compartment only fresh sucked Air can flow, but no exhaled spent air flowing back.

One of the compartments or several can do so for the Exhaled air is provided and anywhere in the area between the mouth and the upper T-shaped fitting be connected to an outlet through which the exhaled Air can flow into the external environment. This opening may suitably also with a check valve (not shown) so that after exhaling prevents water from the environment in the relevant Compartment penetrates.

In Fig. 4, the partitions are respectively designated 21 and 22.

The detail shown in Fig. 4 embodiment the flat sub-hoses 19a and 19b offers the special Advantage of a very low flow resistance, too is further reduced that the T-shaped connectors 18 'is designed streamlined.

In an embodiment of the invention can at the air inlet opening an extension tube or extension hose attached, z. B. be coupled, so that penetration of water effectively is prevented and on the other hand snorkeled at greater depths can be.

In the same sense there is the possibility of a buoy or similar Float to use the one or more on / unwinding owns for a hose. The hose is on the one hand with the air inlet of the snorkel and on the other hand with an inhalation valve and a drainage opening in connection. The latter means are expediently provided at the top of the buoy.

The scuba device can by different means at the head of the user be attached. For one, here is the intrinsic elasticity of the material turned off, but also a supplementary elastic cruciate ligament can be provided to ensure safe Maintain hold especially on the back of the head. Also there is the possibility of diving equipment with a bathing cap connect or on a bathing cap a way to additional Provide attachment of the diving device. Likewise a diving suit head part, for example, from known neoprene with Means be provided to fix the snorkel. In the simplest Case, there is the possibility of so-called Velcro connections but also to use snaps, so that if necessary a slight release of the device from the bathing cap or from Tauchanzugkopfteil is possible.

Claims (7)

1. A diving apparatus, in particular a snorkel, with a snorkel tube which starts from a mouthpiece (2; 2') as a resilient air hose (4; 14a, 14b; 19a, 19b) divided into two, wherein the individual hoses - which start from the mouthpiece (2; 2') and rest against the head of the user - extend along the latter in the state of use and wherein an air-inlet opening occupies a position at the rear of the head,
   characterized in that

   a) a non-return valve (9; 15a, 15b), which prevents the exhaled air from flowing back into the individual hoses (4; 14a, 14b; 19a, 19b), is arranged in each of the individual hoses (4; 14a, 14b; 19a, 19b),

   b) a pressure control valve (2a; 17a, 17b), which forms a flow connexion to the outside environment (water) when a pre-determined air pressure is reached, is arranged on the mouthpiece (2; 2'), and

   c) the outlet opening or openings (16a, 16b) of the pressure control valve (17a, 17b) is or are connected on the outside to a hose member which preferably conveys the exhaled air laterally towards the outside from the region of the face.
2. A diving apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that the pressure control valve (2a; 17a, 17b) is constructed in the form of a coupling member between the mouthpiece (2; 2') and the individual hose (4; 14a, 14b; 19a, 19b).
3. A diving apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the hose member extends parallel to the respective individual hose and is preferably integrally joined to it.
4. A diving apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the resilient air hoses have a substantially elliptical shape in cross-section, wherein the main axis of the ellipse in the state of use extends virtually parallel to the surface of the head.
5. A diving apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cross-section of the air hose (4) has an elongate wedge or channel shape, wherein the width of the channel or wedge is greater by a factor of from 1-5 to 2-5 than the maximum height of the channel.
6. A diving apparatus according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that in its interior at least one air hose or snorkel tube has at least one partition wall (21, 22) which extends in the longitudinal direction of the air hose or snorkel tube and by which at least two hose compartments (20a, 20b, 20c) extending parallel are formed, wherein at least one of the inner hose compartments is connected in terms of the flow to at least one pressure control valve.
7. A diving apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that means for attaching an extension tube or hose are provided on the air-inlet opening.

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