EP3237281B1 - Breathing aid for swimmers - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a respiratory aid for swimmers, comprising at least two snorkel tubes, according to claim 1.

Snorkel tubes for breathing aids for swimmers, which have a standard dimension, have hitherto been known from the prior art. These snorkel tubes are used for both children, women and men, who have different body measurements. This can lead to impairments during swimming, as these snorkel tubes are not adaptable to a head attachment system, for example.

Previously known snorkel tubes or respiratory aids for swimmers are fixed with the help of rubber bands on the head of a swimmer. Such rubber bands tend to tear with appropriate use in salt or chlorine water after a short period of use. In addition, the wearing comfort is very limited. The mouthpieces are pressed due to the known attachment systems to the teeth or the palate of a swimmer, so that the swimmer feels pain after a very short wearing time.

This is how the document shows US Pat. No. 6,820,615 B1 a diving mask having a mask tightening band, wherein a tightening device of a conventional diving mask or swimming goggles is configured to include a protective cover fixed to an inside of a tightening strap.

From the publication US 4,878,491 A1 There is a snorkel head attachment system that no longer forces the swimmer to turn his head to suck in air while swimming. The system has a mouthpiece in addition to the head attachment system. In addition, for the fixation of the system on the float, essentially spectacle-like elements are provided.

Due to the disadvantages associated with the known prior art, it is therefore an object of the present invention to develop a breathing aid for swimmers in such a way that the comfort of wear for the swimmer is improved and also the application of such a breathing aid is simplified.

From the prior art it is known to attach swimming and / or diving goggles with the help of rubber bands on the head of a swimmer. It turns out, however, that such rubber bands after a short period of use by use in salt and / or chlorine water tend to tear. This usually means that not only the headband of swimming goggles is replaced, but the swimming and / or diving goggles is completely replaced by the float. This leads to a significant cost burden.

According to the invention this object is achieved by a respiratory aid for swimmers according to claim 1.

Advantageous and expedient embodiments of the respiratory aid according to the invention are specified in the subclaims.

The swim aid according to the invention comprises at least two snorkel tubes, a mouthpiece system and a head attachment system.

According to the invention, the head mounting system comprises two elongate fastening elements, each having a first and a second end portion, wherein each snorkel tube, the first end portion of a fastener is fastened or fastened, wherein the position of the second end portions to each other by a latching system is adjustable. Such a locking system is to be understood as a system, for example Racks and gears has. Here it is conceivable that the second end portions of the elongate fastening elements have racks or toothed rack sections which are positioned relative to each other by means of a gear. Such a latching system may comprise, for example, a rotary knob and / or a ratchet lever.

The snorkel tubes can be rotatably mounted in a system housing of the mouthpiece system.

At least one of the two snorkel tubes can have a groove-shaped depression on a tube surface section facing the head of a float, wherein the first end section of a fastening element can be positioned rail-like in the depression. The recess of a tube surface section is to be understood as the formation of a groove without the material of the tube surface section having a recess. Such a depression may for example be introduced like a stamp in the snorkel tube. Preferably, the recess has a depth such that the first end portion of a fastener is flush with the remaining pipe surface portions, i. the tube surface portions, which have no groove-shaped depression completes. The material thickness or material thickness of the first end portion of the fastening element is therefore preferably adapted to the depth of the groove-shaped recess.

A rail-like positioning of the first end portion of the fastener in the groove-shaped recess is to be understood such that the first end portion in the direction of the mouthpiece system and in the direction of the opposite end of the tube is displaceable.

The first portion of a fastener may have a plurality of recesses, in particular a plurality of holes, wherein the first end portion in the recess by a, in at least one of the recesses insertable fastener is fastened or fastened.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that a plurality of recesses, in particular a plurality of holes, are also formed in the groove-shaped recess, so that a fastening means can be introduced both through a hole of an end section of the fastening element and through a hole of the recess. In a Another embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable that the recess has a plurality of fastening elements, for example in the form of push buttons or pins, so that the first end portion of a fastener can be placed clampingly on these push buttons or pins. The print buttons may also be referred to as rivet-like elements formed in the groove-shaped recess.

The latching system of the head mounting system may include a knob and / or a ratchet lever. With the aid of the rotary knob, the second end portions of the two elongated fastening elements can be positioned relative to each other. Such knobs are already known from other fastening systems, so that the head mounting system is easy to handle. Ratchet levers are known, for example, from snowboard bindings. Such a design is associated with a simple handling of the head mounting system.

On the head of a float facing side of the head mounting system may be formed in the region of the locking system, a head rest plate. Such a headrest plate improves comfort. In addition, it prevents, for example, that hair can get into the locking system. With the help of a head rest plate, the fastening forces are distributed, so that the fastening forces do not only act on a single point. The headrest plate may for example be curved and formed of soft plastic material, so that the wearing comfort is improved.

In the condition of use of the respiratory aid, ie in a state in which the head attachment system acts on the head of the float, the turret and / or the ratchet lever is in line with a dental rest plate of a mouthpiece at an angle of 30 ° -60 ° °, in particular of 40 ° - 50 °, in particular of 45 °, is arranged to the tooth support plate. This line can be seen in a side view of the head of the swimmer. The tooth pad serves as the first reference line, whereas the imaginary line from the pad plate to the center of the knob and to the center of the ratchet lever is the second reference line. The center of the ratchet lever, for example, by the turning of the ratchet lever, vorzusweise perpendicular run.

It is set an optimal angle at which despite attachment of the respiratory aid on the head no unpleasant pulling forces on the palate and / or on the gums arise for the swimmer. The ergonomics of the respiratory aid according to the invention is improved compared to known systems of the prior art by a multiple.

In addition, it is possible that the snorkel tubes have a D-shaped cross-section. Such a trained cross section is minimized especially in terms of water resistance. Preferably, the snorkel tubes are arranged to extend parallel over the cheeks of the float.

• Einführen eines Mundstücks in den Mund des Schwimmers,
• Verschwenken von mindestens einem Schnorchelrohr,
• Befestigen der Atemhilfe am Kopf des Schwimmers mittels eines Kopfbefestigungssystems.

Another unclaimed aspect of the invention relates to a method for applying a respiratory aid for swimmers, in particular a respiratory aid according to the invention described above. The method comprises the steps:

• Inserting a mouthpiece into the mouth of the swimmer,
• Pivoting at least one snorkel tube,
• Attach the respiratory aid to the head of the float using a head attachment system.

At least one snorkel tube is pivoted such that a knob and / or a ratchet lever of the head mounting system is in line with a tooth pad of the mouthpiece at an angle of 30 ° -60 °, especially 40 ° -50 °, in particular of 45 °, is arranged to the tooth support plate. In this context, the same explanations and advantages apply, as they are already mentioned with the respiratory aid according to the invention.

The fastening of the head mounting system can be done by turning a knob or by operating a ratchet lever.

Since in a first step only the mouthpiece is inserted into the mouth of the swimmer, the positioning of the snorkel tube or the snorkel tubes can be carried out in a comfortable manner in a subsequent step. The positioning is possible because the snorkel tube ends are rotatably mounted in the system housing of the mouthpiece. Only after an ideal positioning of the snorkel tubes has taken place, the fastening of the Respiratory aid on the head or back of the swimmer. The positioning of the mouthpiece in the mouth of the swimmer does not change during the pivoting of the snorkel tubes or during the attachment of the respiratory aid.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with these drawings.

Fig. 2a:

ein Mundstücksystem und Bauteile dieses Mundstücksystems;

Fig. 5:

eine erfindungsgemäße Atemhilfe;

Fig. 6a - 6c:

einzelne Schritte des Verfahrens zum Anlegen bzw. Befestigen einer Atemhilfe für Schwimmer

Show:

Fig. 2a:

a mouthpiece system and components of this mouthpiece system;

Fig. 5:

a respiratory aid according to the invention;

6a - 6c:

single steps of the procedure for attaching or attaching a breathing aid for swimmers

In the following, the same reference numerals are used for the same and like acting parts.

In Fig. 2a a mouthpiece system 20 is shown. This mouthpiece system 20 comprises a mouthpiece 21, a system housing 22, an exhalation valve 23 and an air outlet opening 24, wherein the air outlet opening is covered with a diffuser extension 25 comprising a diffuser plate 26 and the diffuser plate 26 has a plurality of openings 27.

In Fig. 5 For example, a breathing aid 60 for swimmers is illustrated wherein the breathing aid 60 includes two snorkel tubes 40, a mouthpiece system 20, and a head attachment system 61. The head mounting system 61 includes two elongate fasteners 62, each having a first end portion 63 and a second end portion 64, with each snorkel tube 40 having the first end portion 63 of a fastener 62 attached or secured thereto, the position of the second end portions 64 of the two Fastening elements 62 to each other by a locking system is adjustable.

The locking system may be a system consisting of rack-like and gear-like elements, wherein the rack-like elements are formed in connection with the fastening elements 62 and are arranged to be movable relative to one another. In particular, 64 rack-like portions are formed in the second end portions.

The snorkel tubes 40 are rotatably mounted in the system housing 22 of the mouthpiece system 20. Both snorkel tubes have a groove-shaped depression 66 on tube surface sections 65 which face the head of a float, wherein the respective first end section 63 can be positioned in the depression 66 in the manner of a rail. In other words, the first end portion 63 may be slid toward the mouthpiece system 20 or towards the valve system 10.

The first end portion 63 of the fastener 62 has a plurality of recesses 67 in the form of holes, wherein the illustrated first end portion 63 is secured in the recess 66 by a in one of the recesses 67 insertable fastener 68. The fastening means 68 may be formed as a rivet-like fastening element, which is fixed in the recess 66. Also, a separate embodiment of the fastener detached from the recess 66 is conceivable, in which case the recess 66 must also have a recess, so that the first end portion 63 can be secured in the recess 66. The not shown in detail locking system points in Fig. 5 a knob 69 on. In addition, on the head of a float facing side of the head mounting system 61 in the region of the locking system, in particular in the region of the knob 69, a head rest plate 80 is formed. The headrest plate 80 is curved. With the help of such a head rest plate 80 compressive forces are distributed to the head area. In addition, this prevents that, for example, hair can be wound around the knob 69.

In the Fig. 6a - 6c the individual method steps of a method for creating a breathing aid 60 are shown. As in Fig. 6a is shown, a mouthpiece 21 of a mouthpiece system 20 is first inserted into the mouth of the float. The mouthpiece 21 usually comprises a tooth support plate 82 or a bite rail, so that the mouthpiece 21 can be fixed in the mouth.

There is then a pivoting of the two snorkel tubes 40. The pivoting of the snorkel tubes 40 takes place in an arc, as in Fig. 6b is shown. Accordingly, the snorkel tubes are pivoted from front to back. The pivoting of the snorkel tubes 40 takes place while the mouthpiece 21 remains in the mouth of the swimmer.

After complete pivoting of the two snorkel tubes 40, the breathing aid 60 is attached to the head 81 of the float by means of a head mounting system 61. In the example shown, the attachment of the head mounting system 61 by turning a knob 69.

The snorkel tubes 40 are pivoted such that the rotary knob 69, in particular the center of the rotary knob 69, in relation to the Zahnauflageplatte 82 is located on a line which is disposed at an angle Ω of 40 ° - 50 ° to the horizontally disposed tooth support plate 82.

By combining a mouthpiece system 20 with snorkel tubes 40 rotatably mounted therein and the head mounting system 61, an optimal angle for the swimmer with respect to the knob 69 or a ratchet lever can be adjusted, in spite of fixed fixation of the breathing aid 60 on the head 81 of a float no unpleasant tensile forces on the palate and / or the gums arise. For example, in a ratchet lever, the line would pass through the axis of rotation of the ratchet lever.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

valve housing

10

valve system

18

Strut-like element

20

Mouthpiece System

21

mouthpiece

22

system Cabinets

26

diffuser plate

40

snorkel tube

42

mark

60

respiratory

61

Head mounting system

62

Elongated fastening element

63

First end section

64

Second end section

65

Pipe surface section

66

deepening

67

recess

68

fastener

69

knob

80

Head support plate

81

head

82

Dental support plate

91

first section

92

second part

Ω

Angle position knob

LE1

linear longitudinal extension first section

LE2

linear longitudinal extension second section

r1

Bending radius first section

r2

Bending radius second section

Claims (7)

1. A breathing aid (60) for swimmers, comprising at least two snorkeling tubes (40), a mouthpiece system (20) and a head attachment system (61),
   characterized in that
   the head attachment system (61) has two elongated fastening elements (62) each having a first end portion (63) and a second end portion (64), wherein at each snorkeling tube (40), in each case the first end portion (63) of a fastening element (62) is fastened, and the position of the second end portions (64) being mutually adjustable by a latching system.
2. The breathing aid (60) according to claim 1,
   characterized in that
   the snorkeling tubes (40) are mounted to be rotatable in a system housing (22) of the mouthpiece system (20).
3. The breathing aid (60) according to claim 1 or 2,
   characterized in that
   a snorkeling tube (40) has a groove-shaped depression (66) on a tube area section (65) facing the head of a swimmer, with the first end portion (63) of a fastening element (62) being positionable in the depression (66) in a rail-like manner.
4. The breathing aid (60) according to claim 3,
   characterized in that
   the first end portion (63) of a fastening element (62) has a plurality of recesses (67), in particular a plurality of holes, and the first end portion (63) is fastened or can be fastened in the depression (66) by a fastening means (68) that can be introduced into at least one of the recesses (67).
5. The breathing aid (60) according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
   characterized in that
   the latching system comprises a turning knob (69) and/or a ratchet lever.
6. The breathing aid (60) according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
   characterized in that
   on the side of the head attachment system (61) facing the head of a swimmer, a head contact plate (80) is formed in the area of the latching system.
7. The breathing aid (60) according to any one of claims 5 to 6,
   characterized in that
   in the breathing aid's (60) state of use, the turning knob (69) and/or the ratchet lever is/are situated in relation to a dental support plate (82) of a mouthpiece (21) on a line arranged at an angle (Ω) of 30° - 60°, in particular of 40° - 50°, in particular of 45° to the dental support plate (82).

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