AU2012342868B2

AU2012342868B2 - Breathing aid for swimmers

Info

Publication number: AU2012342868B2
Application number: AU2012342868A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Mathias Weigner
Original assignee: Powerbreather International GmbH
Current assignee: Powerbreather International GmbH
Priority date: 2011-11-22
Filing date: 2012-07-13
Publication date: 2016-09-22
Anticipated expiration: 2032-07-13
Also published as: DE102012008148A1; CN104066646A; US20140331997A1; WO2013075852A1; BR112014012336A2; JP2014533632A; ES2662376T3; EP2782823A1; AU2012342868A1; EP2782823B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a breathing aid for swimmers, having a mouthpiece (1) which has an exhalation valve, wherein, starting from the mouthpiece, a two-part air hose (9, 10) leads to a head part (2) which receives the respective hose ends of the two-part air hose. According to the invention, the head part (2) has a frame-like, resilient supporting surface (20) which, when used, rests against the back of the swimmer's head. Provided in the head part is a recess for an inhalation valve (7), wherein the recess having the inhalation valve is located opposite the supporting surface. Furthermore, in at least one of the air hoses there is an insert (8) for length adjustment, and the inhalation and exhalation valves are each embodied in the form of a flutter valve and are also preferably configured with identical structures.

Description

Breathing aid for swimmers Technical Field [0001] The invention described herein relates to a breathing aid for swimmers. In particular, the invention is directed to a breathing aid for swimmers, comprising a mouthpiece having an exhalation valve, wherein, starting from the mouthpiece, a two-part air hose leads to a head part which receives the respective hose ends of the two-part air hose, although the scope of the invention is not necessarily limited thereto.

Background Art [0002] A breathing aid, configured as a snorkel with a two-part air hose and a mouthpiece having an exhalation valve is described in US 2007/0267012. The air hose described in this document is configured to be flexible in the area adjacent to the mouthpiece and is formed of an injection-molded plastic part.

[0003] WO 01/05650 shows a swimming snorkel, comprising two air pipes which, starting from a mouthpiece, have an angled shape. In the area of the open ends of the pipe sections a connection bridge is provided.

[0004] The underwater breathing device according to US 2004/0035414 A1 is based on a one-part air hose. Both hose ends, i.e. the end of the hose near the mouthpiece and the end spaced from the mouthpiece, each have valve inserts.

[0005] The generic diving apparatus, in particular designed as a snorkel, according to EP 1 194 329 B1 comprises a snorkel tube which starts from a mouthpiece as a resilient air hose divided into two, wherein the individual hoses, which start from the mouthpiece 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. The construction proposed there is to prevent sections of the air hose or the partial air hoses from being filled with exhaled air during the exhalation. Thus, it is ensured that only fresh external air is sucked in during the inhalation.

[0006] According to this solution a non-return valve is arranged in each of the individual hoses, which prevents the exhaled air from flowing back into the individual hoses. In addition, a pressure control valve is arranged on the mouthpiece which, when a predetermined air pressure is reached, forms a flow connection between the interior of the individual hoses and the outside environment. Used, exhaled air is not conducted through a separate return hose to the area of the air inlet opening, but flows out of the diving apparatus directly at the mouthpiece so that completely fresh air is available again for the next inhalation.

[0007] According to an embodiment of EP 1 194 329 B1 it is proposed to connect the outlet opening of the pressure control valve on the outside to another hose member which preferably conveys the exhaled air laterally towards the outside from the field of vision.

[0008] Although the construction according to EP 1 194 329 B1 has proved itself in practice, there is a need for a further development in order to simplify the construction of the snorkel and, moreover, allow a longitudinal adjustment allowing the diving apparatus to be adapted to different situations of use.

[0009] It is a preferred aim of the invention to provide an improved breathing aid for swimmers.

Summary of the Invention [0010] In one broad form, the invention provides a breathing aid for swimmers, comprising a mouthpiece having an exhalation valve, a head part having a frame-like, resilient bearing surface which, in use, rests against the back of the swimmer's head, and a recess for an inhalation valve, the recess including the inhalation valve being located opposite the bearing surface, and a two-part air hose extending from the mouthpiece to the head part, each part of the two-part air hose having an end received in the head part.

[0011] Preferably, the resilient bearing surface of the head part has a contour which approximates or corresponds to the anatomical shape of the back of a human head.

[0012] The breathing aid also includes an insert for longitudinal adjustment in at least one part of the two-part air hose. The insert for longitudinal adjustment comprises a sleeve with an internal thread for receiving two pipe sections having external threads of opposite orientation. Due to the opposite thread orientations, rotation of the sleeve changes the distance between the pipe sections and ends of the air hose connected to them, to thereby achieve a longitudinal adjustment of the overall assembly of the breathing aid.

[0013] The inhalation valve and the exhalation valve are each configured as a flutter valve. Preferably, both valves are identical in construction so as to reduce the number of constructively different single components, and thus the production costs for the breathing aid.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the invention, the valves each comprise a valve support which receives a respective valve membrane, and a respective valve cap can be fixed to the valve support. The valve support on the one hand and the valve cap on the other hand limit the path of movement of the respective valve membrane, and thus act like a stop.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment the valve support comprises at least two intersecting webs, wherein one of the webs forms a fixing surface or a fixing edge for the respective valve membrane.

[0016] The valve cap may comprise a web-like projection pointing to the cap inside, which is located opposite one of the webs of the valve support in the assembled state and thus fixes the valve membrane in a clamping manner, wherein the valve membrane remains movable perpendicularly to the clamping axis.

[0017] In this embodiment the valve membrane can be fixed by the aforementioned clamping. Supplementing or alternative fixing methods, e.g. by form fit or material fit, are of course conceivable as well.

[0018] In a useful further development of the invention, it is possible to integrate the valve support for the inhalation valve in the head part.

[0019] However, the valve support is preferably inserted into the aforementioned recess in the head part, and a web is located in the area of the recess, which web is located opposite one of the webs of the valve support in the assembled state and thus fixes the valve membrane in a clamping manner. However, the membrane of the valve remains movable perpendicularly to the clamping axis so as to realize the effect of the flutter valve according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0020] In an embodiment, the valve membrane of the exhalation valve located in the mouthpiece abuts on the inside of the valve cap located there, thereby unblocking the flow path, wherein the membrane rests against a sealing edge of the valve support in the direction of air inhalation so as to block the flow path.

[0021] In an embodiment, in the inhalation valve, which is located in the head part of the breathing aid, the valve membrane moves, in the direction of air inhalation, to the inside of the recess, thereby unblocking the flow path. In the course of air exhalation the valve membrane moves to the sealing edge of the valve support provided there. Ultimately, the valve membrane rests against the sealing edge in the course of the air exhalation so as to block the flow path, so that the air exhalation can be carried out by blowing used air out through the valve in the mouthpiece.

[0022] Preferably the respective valve caps are at least partially closed on the front face and provided with opening slots on the edge or circumference. The arrangement of the opening slots in the exhalation valve allows the air to flow out without additional measures such that the field of vision of the swimmer will not be surrounded by air bubbles.

[0023] With regard to the inhalation valve the valve cap is preferably configured and arranged such that an undesired aspiration of water can be prevented.

[0024] The insert for longitudinal adjustment is preferably provided in both hose parts.

[0025] In one embodiment of the invention the valve support has a sleeve shape or cylinder shape including the aforementioned intersecting webs, wherein a sealing surface for the valve membrane is provided on or in one of the front faces of the cylinder.

[0026] In a further development of the invention the valve membrane has an approximate circular shape, or the shape of an oval, respectively, an ellipse.

[0027] The valve membrane may comprise a reinforcing section running through the center point, which defines an axis about which the valve membrane is moved. This axis may be, for example, one of the main axes of the aforementioned ellipse or correspond to one of the diameters of the valve membrane.

[0028] According to a further development of the invention the valve membrane has an angular offset on its circumferential outer edge. This angular offset substantially corresponds to a respective complementary shaped portion of the valve support.

[0029] The shaped portion of the valve support is preferably located on one of the front faces of the cylinder. If the valve membrane is subjected to a corresponding pressure load, it bears with its angular offset against the valve support, into the shaped portion area, thus resulting in an increased sealing area and the desired high tightness.

[0030] The materials to be used for the valve membrane may be silicone and caoutchoucs. The respective, quasi two valve flaps of the valve membrane allow, in terms of the respective unit of time, a greater air quantity to be sucked in or removed so that in total the size of the valves can be reduced, without limiting the air quantities required during the breathing process.

[0031] Furthermore, the breathing aid for swimmers may be integrated in a bathing cap. In this case, the bathing cap has to have an opening in the inhalation valve region for passing this inhalation valve there through, so that the air supply to the inhalation valve is guaranteed at all times. Also, earphones may be integrated in the bathing cap.

[0032] In another embodiment of the present invention at least one connection hose is provided between the mouthpiece and the nose. Two bellows-type hoses are conceivable, too. The connection hose allows nasal breathing. On the one hand, it would be possible that open nose plugs are formed on the at least one connection hose, the nose plugs being located on the end of the connection hose that is opposite the mouthpiece. On the other hand, a nose cover may be attached to the at least one connection hose. The nose cover, respectively, plastic nose can be adapted to different nose shapes by means of adhesive force or a vacuum, so as to ensure a sealed fit around the nose and prevent water from penetrating into the nose.

[0033] Basically, the valve introduced herein may also be used for other applications.

[0034] The invention will be explained in more detail below by means of an exemplary embodiment and with the aid of the accompanying drawing.

Brief Description of the Drawing [0035] The figure shows an exploded view of the breathing aid for swimmers according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiment(s) [0036] The breathing aid according to the embodiment is provided with four hose segments 9; 10, which form a two-part air hose in the assembled state that rests against the head of the swimmer.

[0037] Coupling sleeves 11 serve the attachment of the respective hose ends of the segments 9 and 10 on the head part 2 and the mouthpiece 1.

[0038] The head part 2 includes a frame-like, resilient bearing surface 20 forming a frame around a centric portion.

[0039] A recess for the inhalation valve is provided in the head part 2. This recess including the inhalation valve is located opposite the bearing surface 2.

[0040] The inhalation valve consists of a valve support 7, a valve cap 4 and a valve membrane 5 having a fixing and reinforcing web 51.

[0041] The valve support 7 has a cylinder, respectively, sleeve shape with two intersecting webs 71; 72.

[0042] The valve cap 4 is closed on the backside (41) and includes opening slots 42 on the edge.

[0043] The shape of the valve support 7 is adapted to the recess in the head part 2, which is not visible in the figure, so as to allow a, for example, locking connection.

[0044] In the assembled state, the valve membrane 5 can move about the axis on the web 51, either to rest against the valve insert 7 in a sealed manner or to unblock the flow path.

[0045] The mouthpiece 1 comprises two lateral connection pieces 100 serving to fix the corresponding ends of the pipe segments 9; 10, if applicable with the aid of the coupling sleeves 11.

[0046] In the front portion, the mouthpiece 1 has a flow opening into which the valve insert 6 of the exhalation valve is inserted.

[0047] The exhalation valve with the valve insert 6, too, comprises two webs 62 and 63 which are oriented substantially perpendicular to one another.

[0048] The valve membrane 5 of the exhalation valve likewise comprises a reinforcing web 51.

[0049] The valve cap 40 of the exhalation valve may be connected to the mouthpiece 1, respectively, the valve insert 6 in a material-fit manner, but also in a form-fit manner. The valve cap 40 includes several slot-shaped air outlet openings 42, which are arranged such that air flowing out does not surround the field of vision of the swimmer.

[0050] The mouthpiece 1 additionally includes a bite plate 110 which substantially corresponds to known snorkels.

[0051] To lengthen the air hose, i.e. for varying the position between the mouthpiece 1 and the head plate 2, adjusting means are provided each of which comprise a sleeve 8 with an internal thread. The sleeve 8 with the internal thread respectively receives threaded pipe sections 81 and 82. By means of an opposed thread orientation, and by rotating on the sleeve 8, the pipe sections 81; 82 move towards one another or away from one another so as to adjust the length, respectively, distance with regard to the position between the mouthpiece and the head plate.

[0052] The segments 9 and 10 may have a reinforcing profile 20, which also results in an improved handling of the breathing aid.

[0053] The respective valve membranes 5 of the inhalation and exhalation valves are identical in construction and are easy to exchange, when necessary.

[0054] Although the pipe segments in the embodiment shown have an approximate circular cross-section, shapes deviating from the circular shape may be used in order to minimize the flow resistance of the breathing aid, if desired.

[0055] The adjusting mechanism 8; 81; 82 also allows the disconnection of the air hose for cleaning it, if required.

[0056] The overall construction comprising a head plate, a mouthpiece and a longitudinally adjustable two-part air hose allows the breathing aid to be reliably fixed to the swimmer's head without requiring other technical means, without the risk that the breathing aid is lost or slips off even upon intense swimming movements.

[0057] Due to the fact that merely one single inhalation valve is provided, respectively, integrated in the head part, and same is configured as a double-wing flutter valve, the inhalation even of greater air volumes is not obstructed. The swimmer can thus refrain from carrying out lateral motions of rotation, or lifting and lowering the head, which is normally required for breast-stroke swimming or doing the crawl. By this, especially the cervical spine is relieved, and the swimming pleasure is improved.

[0058] The foregoing embodiment is intended to be illustrative of the invention, without limiting the scope thereof. The invention is capable of being practiced with various modifications and additions as will readily occur to those skilled in the art.

[0059] Accordingly, it is to be understood that the scope of the invention is not to be limited to the exact construction and operation described and illustrated, but only by the following claims which are intended to include all suitable modifications and equivalents permitted by the applicable law.

[0060] The term “comprise” and variants of that term such as “comprises” or “comprising” are used herein to denote the inclusion of a stated integer or integers but not to exclude any other integer or any other integers, unless in the context or usage an exclusive interpretation of the term is required.

[0061] Reference to background art or other prior art in this specification is not an admission that such background art or other prior art is common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere.

Claims

1. A breathing aid for swimmers, comprising a mouthpiece having an exhalation valve, a head part having a frame-like, resilient bearing surface which, in use, rests against the back of the swimmer's head, and a recess for an inhalation valve, the recess including the inhalation valve being located opposite the bearing surface, a two-part air hose extending from the mouthpiece to the head part, each part of the two-part air hose having an end received in the head part, an insert for longitudinal adjustment in at least one part of the two-part air hose, and the inhalation valve and the exhalation valve each being configured as a flutter valve and being preferably identical in construction, wherein the insert for longitudinal adjustment comprises a sleeve with an internal thread for receiving two pipe sections having external threads of opposite orientation, whereby due to the opposite thread orientations, rotation of the sleeve changes the distance between the pipe sections and ends of the air hose connected to them, to thereby achieve a longitudinal adjustment of the overall assembly of the breathing aid.

2. The breathing aid according to claim 1, wherein the valves each comprise a valve support which receives a respective valve membrane, wherein a respective valve cap can be fixed to the valve support, and wherein the valve support and the valve cap limit the path of movement of the respective valve membrane.

3. The breathing aid according to claim 2, wherein the valve support comprises at least two intersecting webs, wherein one of the webs forms a fixing surface or a fixing edge for the respective valve membrane.

4. The breathing aid according to claim 3, wherein the valve cap comprises a web-like projection pointing to the cap inside, which is located opposite one of the webs of the valve support in the assembled state and thus fixes the valve membrane in a clamping manner, and wherein the valve membrane remains movable perpendicularly to the clamping axis.

5. The breathing aid according to claim 2, wherein the valve support is integrated in the head part.

6. The breathing aid according to claim 3, wherein the valve support is inserted into the recess in the head part, wherein a web is located in the area of the recess, which web is located opposite one of the webs of the valve support in the assembled state and thus fixes the valve membrane in a clamping manner, and wherein the valve membrane remains movable perpendicularly to the clamping axis.

7. The breathing aid according to claim 4, wherein the valve membrane abuts, in the direction of air exhalation, on the inside of the valve cap, thereby unblocking the flow path, and wherein the membrane rests against a sealing edge of the valve support in the direction of air inhalation so as to block the flow path.

8. The breathing aid according to claim 6, wherein the valve membrane moves, in the direction of air inhalation, to the inside of the recess, thereby unblocking the flow path, and in the course of air exhalation moves to a sealing edge of the valve support provided there, and rests against the sealing edge so as to block the flow path.

9. The breathing aid according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the valve membrane is alternatively or supplementarily fixed to the valve insert in a form-fit manner.

10. The breathing aid according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the respective valve cap is at least partially closed on the front face or end face and provided with opening slots on the edge or circumference.

11. The breathing aid according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the valve support has a sleeve shape or cylinder shape including the intersecting webs, and wherein a sealing surface for the valve membrane is provided on or in one of the front faces of the cylinder.

12. The breathing aid according to claim 11, wherein the valve membrane has a circular shape or the shape of an ellipse.

13. The breathing aid according to claim 12, wherein the valve membrane comprises a reinforcing section or reinforcing web running through a center point, which defines an axis about which the valve membrane may be moved.

14. The breathing aid according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the valve membrane has an angular offset on its circumferential outer edge, which substantially corresponds to a respective complementary shaped portion of the valve support.

15. The breathing aid according to claim 11 or 14, wherein the shaped portion is formed on one of the front faces of the cylinder.

16. The breathing aid according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the breathing aid is integrated in a bathing cap.

17. The breathing aid according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one connection hose is provided between the mouthpiece and the nose.

18. The breathing aid according to claim 17, wherein open nose plugs are formed on the at least one connection hose on the end that is opposite the mouthpiece.

19. The breathing aid according to claim 17 or 18, wherein a nose cover is attached to the at least one connection hose on the end that is opposite the mouthpiece.

20. The breathing aid according to claim 19, wherein the nose cover can be adapted to different nose shapes by means of adhesive force and/or a vacuum.