MX2007014687A - Underwater recreation apparatus and method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

An underwater recreation apparatus and method therefor. The apparatus allows a diver to explore varying water depths with a minimal amount of equipment and with manageable equipment. The apparatus also allows the diver to cover substantial distances with minimal physical strain.

Description

UNDERWATER RECREATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR THE SAME CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED REQUESTS This application claims priority for a corresponding provisional application from the United States of America Serial No. 60 / 683,819, filed May 23, 2005 in the name of the applicant for this application.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to underwater recreation and, more specifically, to an underwater recreation apparatus that allows a diver to explore variable water depths with minimal and manageable equipment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Three well-known underwater recreational activities are diving with autonomous underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA), diving with snorkel and Snuba® diving. However, these underwater recreational activities require heavy equipment or in some way restrict the diver to reduced depths near the beach. A SCUBA diver is capable of reaching water depths of more than one hundred feet. Although the diver is allowed a large amount of mobility, the equipment involved with SCUBA diving is usually very heavy and uncomfortable. In common, a SCUBA diver will carry approximately sixty to seventy-five pounds of equipment in the water. Divers usually breathe compressed air or Nitrox that is contained in a cylinder carried on the diver's back. The common cylinder is made of aluminum and weighs approximately thirty-one pounds when empty. When filled with approximately 3,000 psi of gas, the cylinder can weigh up to seven pounds more. Divers usually transport smaller air tanks in preparation for any emergency that may arise. To control buoyancy, a SCUBA diver must carry a Buoyancy Control Device. The diver must also use additional lead weights, due to the natural buoyancy of the diver's wet suit. A SCUBA diver also commonly uses a mask, fins to be propelled and a regulator that allows the diver to breathe air from the cylinder. On the other hand, diving with a snorkel does not require as much equipment as SCUBA diving. A diver with a snorkel commonly uses only a mask, a snorkel and fins. A scuba diver uses a hollow J-shaped snorkel to breathe air directly from the atmosphere. Because the snorkel diver does not use cylinders with gas, the diver with the snorkel must keep one end of the snorkel above the water level at all times. Therefore, the scuba diver can not explore the deepest parts of the water in the way a SCUBA diver can. Snuba® is a combination of SCUBA diving and snorkeling. While underwater, a Snuba® diver breathes through a twenty-foot long air hose which is connected to a standard SCUBA cylinder placed in an inflatable raft. As the Snuba® diver swims, he pulls the raft along with him. Although Snuba® diving prevents the diver from carrying heavy SCUBA equipment, it is dangerous for a diver to be attached to a raft without attention. Strong winds and currents can overturn or drag the raft, pulling the Snuba® diver along with it. In addition, the Snuba® diver would not know if there are leaks or other problems with the cylinder, since no one is present in the raft to monitor or warn the diver. Additionally, a Snuba® diver can only explore those areas to which he can swim. If a Snuba® diver is not a very tough swimmer, he may not be able to venture too far from shore for fear he may not be able to swim the distance back. Therefore there is a need for an underwater recreation apparatus that allows a diver to explore varying depths of water with minimal and manageable equipment and which allows the diver to cover substantial distances with minimum physical effort.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an improved underwater recreation apparatus. Another object of the present invention is to provide an underwater recreation apparatus that allows a diver to explore varying depths of water with a minimum amount of equipment.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an underwater recreational apparatus that allows a diver to explore varying depths of water with manageable equipment. Even another object of the present invention is to provide an underwater recreational apparatus that allows the diver to cover substantial distances with minimal physical effort.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an underwater recreation apparatus is described. The underwater recreation apparatus comprises a structure, at least one handle pivotally coupled to the structure, and a rudder coupled to said at least one handle. According to another embodiment of the present invention, an underwater recreation apparatus is described. The underwater recreation apparatus comprises a substantially hollow structure, an air hose coupled to a first opening defined by the structure, a regulator coupled to a second opening defined by the structure, at least one handle pivotally coupled to the structure, and a rudder coupled to said at least one handle, the rudder that is sized to fit within an internal perimeter defined by the structure. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method for underwater recreation is described. The method comprises the steps of providing a vessel and providing an underwater recreational apparatus comprising a structure, at least one handle pivotally coupled to the structure, and a rudder coupled to said at least one handle. The method further comprises the steps of connecting the underwater recreational apparatus to the vessel, securing said at least one handle by a user, towing the user of the underwater recreational apparatus by means of the vessel, pivoting said at least one handle around the structure, and adjust a. rudder angle relative to the structure to affect at least one of an upward direction, a straight direction, and a downward direction of the user during towing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of the underwater recreation apparatus of the present invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the underwater recreation apparatus of Figure 1, shown with the rudder in an upward angled position. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the underwater recreation apparatus of Figure 1, shown during use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES Referring to Figures 1-3, there is described an underwater recreation apparatus, hereinafter "underwater recreation apparatus 10." The underwater recreation apparatus 10 comprises, in combination, a vessel 34 (see Figure 3), an air hose 12, a structure 14, and a regulator 22. As shown, both the air hose 12 and the regulator 22 are coupled to the structure 14. Preferably, the air hose 12 is coupled to a first opening 30 (see Figure 1). ) defined by the structure 14 and the regulator 22 is coupled to a second opening 31 (see Figure 1) defined by the structure 14. The structure 14 is substantially hollow so that air can pass from the air hose 12, through the first opening 30, through the structure 14, through the second opening 31, through the regulator 22, and towards the diver 36 (see Figure 3) It will be clear that for the purposes of this invention the word " air "includes all respirable gaseous combinations, including, but not limited to: pure oxygen, triple mixture (ie, a mixture of helium), oxygen and nitrogen) and a combination of oxygen-nitrogen. Preferably, the structure 14 is constructed of stainless steel tubing, although it will be clearly understood that an alternative material may be used as long as the structure 14 maintains its structural integrity. Although the structure 14 is shown to have a substantially square / rectangular configuration, it will be understood that the substantial benefit can be derived from the structure 14 having an alternative shape. The underwater recreation apparatus 10 preferably has a rudder 18 to assist the diver 36 to navigate underwater. Preferably, the rudder 18 is coupled to two handles 26 and is sized to fit within an internal perimeter 16 of the structure 14. However, it will be clear that the additional substantial benefit can be derived from just one handle 26. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the handles 26 can be coupled to one end 15 of the structure 14 next to the diver 36 or, as shown in Figure 3, the handles 26 can be coupled to the sides 17 of the structure 14. It will also be clearly understood that the additional substantial benefit can be derived from the rudder 18 which is coupled directly to the structure 14 and from the handles 26 which are coupled only to the rudder 18. Each handle 26 defines preferably an orifice 40 (see Figures 1 and 2) therethrough, the orifice 40 being dimensioned to be rotatably coupled about a portion of the structure 14. As the diver 36 rotates the handles 26 toward below, the rudder 18 moves to a downward angled position (not shown) and as the diver 36 rotates the handles 26 upward, the rudder 18 moves to an upward angled position (shown in Figures 2 and 3). In order to reduce drag on the diver 36 in the conduit while underwater, an edge 19 (see Figures 1 and 2) of the rudder 18 can preferably have a substantially V-shaped indentation 20 (see Figures). 1 and 2). However, it will be clearly understood that the substantial benefit can be derived from an alternate notch 20. In order to prevent the rudder 18 from angling upwards and downwards very rapidly, the structure 14 can have at least one restriction 25 (see Figures 1 and 2) coupled thereto which confines the movement of the rudder 18 within a certain range of angles. It is preferred that the restriction 25 comprises at least one opening 24 defined by a portion of the handle 26 proximate the rudder 18 and a ring 27 passing through the opening 24 and around a portion of the structure 14 proximate the opening 24. However, it will be clearly understood that the substantial benefit can be derived from an alternative form of restriction 25, while the restriction 25 prevents the rudder 18 from forming an upward or downward angle very quickly and / or at too large an angle. While it is preferred that the ring 27 be adjustable, it will be clearly understood that the substantial benefit can be derived from a ring 27 that is not adjustable. Preferably, the underwater recreation apparatus 10 is equipped with a fastener 28 (see Figures 1 and 2). The fastener 28 is sized to secure the ends of a body band 42 (see Figure 3) that is wrapped around the diver's body 36. The body band 42 and the fastener 28 allow the diver 36 to be pulled by the moving vessel 34. , thereby minimizing the amount of physical effort of the diver 36. Preferably, the body band 42 will be equipped with a quick release mechanism 44 (see Figure 3) that will allow the diver 36 to remove the body band 42 quickly around your body in case of an emergency or just for convenience.

Presentation of Operation The air hose 12 of the underwater recreation apparatus 10 is preferably coupled to at least one cylinder of. air (not shown) located on a vessel 34. Although it is preferred that the vessel 34 be an inflatable vessel with an electric motor, it will be clearly understood that the underwater recreation apparatus 10 can be towed by any vessel, so long as the vessel has sufficient power to tow the underwater recreational apparatus 10 and the divers 36 and be able to maintain a safe speed for the divers 36. The length of the air hose 12 may vary depending on the diver 36. For example, if a diver 36 does not is certified, it is legally required that the diver 36 use an air hose 12 of no more than twenty feet. If a diver 36 is certified, he can use an air hose 12 of any length. It will be clearly understood that the underwater recreation apparatus 10 can be used in order to allow the diver 36 to explore varying depths of water, depending on the capacity and certification of the diver 36. In the preferred embodiment, the air hose 12 supplies a Breathable gas mixture and also serves as a tow cable for towing the underwater recreation apparatus 10. However, it will be clear that the substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which two or more cables are used towing means, one or more for supplying the breathing gas and one or more for towing the underwater recreation apparatus 10. It will also be clearly understood that the substantial benefit can be derived in the same manner from the underwater recreation apparatus 10 where the air 12 was replaced by a towing cable, and diver 36 received air from an air bag carried over re his person. As the boat 34 moves, the divers 36 hold the handles 26 of the underwater recreation apparatus 10. If the diver 36 wants to maintain a straight course, the diver 36 will simply keep the rudder 18 level with the structure 14. If the diver 36 wants to ascend in the water, the diver 36 will rotate the handles 26 upwards so that the rudder 18 is angled upwards. As the diver 34 is pulled by the boat 34, the water pushes against a lower surface 21 (see Figures 2 and 3) of the rudder 18, thereby causing the diver 36 to ascend. And if the diver 36 desires to descend into the water, the diver 36 will turn the handles 26 downwards so that the rudder 18 is angled downwards. As the diver 36 is pulled by the boat 34, the water pushes against an upper surface 23 (see Figures 1 and 2) of the rudder 18, thereby causing the diver 36 to descend. The diver 36 can also tilt the structure 14 so as to be directed to the left or to the right. If the diver 36 wishes to maintain a straight course, the diver 36 will simply refrain from tilting the structure 14. Therefore, because it is pulled by the vessel 34, the diver 36 is not required to swim. While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that the foregoing and other changes may be made in the form and details thereof without departing from the spirit of the invention. spirit and scope of the invention. For example, while the divers 36 are shown using fins 38 (see FIG. 3) to help propel them through the water, it will be understood that the substantial benefit could be derived even without the use of the fins 38, since the moment of vessel 34 would be enough to move divers 36 through the water. While a safety vest 32 is recommended and possibly required (see Figure 3) for a diver 36, the safety vest 32 is not necessary for the operation of the underwater recreation apparatus 10. Finally, although it is preferred that a fastener 28 and body band 28, it will be clearly understood that the substantial benefit can be derived even if the fastener 28 were directly connected to the safety vest 32 of the diver 36 or if the underwater recreation apparatus 10 did not have a fastener 28 or body band 28.

Claims (20)

1. An underwater recreational apparatus comprising: an structure; at least one handle pivotally coupled to the structure; and a rudder coupled to said at least one handle.

2. The underwater recreation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the structure is substantially hollow and the underwater recreation apparatus further comprises: an air hose coupled at one end to a first opening defined by the structure; Y a regulator coupled at one end to a second opening defined by the structure.

3. The underwater recreational apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the rudder is sized to fit within an internal perimeter defined by the structure.

4. The underwater recreational apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the rudder defines at least one notch along an outer edge of said rudder.

5. The underwater recreation apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the notch is located opposite said at least one handle.

6. The underwater recreation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one restriction coupled to said structure, said at least one constraint confining the movement of said rudder within a preferred range.

The underwater recreation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a fastener coupled to said structure, the fastener dimensioned to be removably coupled to one of a body band worn by a wearer and a vest worn by a wearer.

8. The underwater recreational apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the body band used by a user has a quick release mechanism integrally coupled therewith.

9. The underwater recreation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the apparatus comprises two handles coupled to one end of the structure next to a user.

10. The underwater recreation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the apparatus comprises two handles, one of said two handles that is coupled to one side of the structure and the other of said two handles that is coupled to the other side of the structure.

11. An underwater recreation apparatus comprising: a substantially hollow structure; an air hose coupled at one end to a first opening defined by the structure; a regulator coupled at one end to a second opening defined by the structure; at least one handle pivotally coupled to said structure; and a rudder coupled to said at least one handle, the rudder that is dimensioned to fit within an internal perimeter defined by said structure.

The underwater recreation apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the rudder defines at least one notch along an outer rim of said rudder, the notch that is located along an outer rim of said rudder, said notch which is located opposite said at least one handle.

13. The underwater recreation apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising at least one restriction coupled to said structure, said at least one constraint confining the movement of said rudder within a preferred range.

The underwater recreation apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a fastener coupled to said structure, said fastener sized to be removably coupled to one of a body band worn by a wearer and a vest worn by a wearer.

15. A method for underwater recreation comprising the steps of: providing a vessel; providing an underwater recreation apparatus comprising: a structure; at least one handle pivotally coupled to said structure; and a rudder coupled to said at least one handle; connect the underwater recreational apparatus to said vessel; fastening said at least one handle by a user; towing the user of said underwater recreational apparatus by means of the vessel; pivoting said at least one handle around the structure; and adjusting an angle of said rudder relative to the structure to affect at least one of an upward direction, a straight direction, and a downward direction of said user during towing.

The method according to claim 15, further comprising the step of tilting the apparatus to affect at least one of a leftward direction, a straight direction, and a rightward direction of said user during towing.

The method for underwater recreation according to claim 15, characterized in that the structure is substantially hollow and the underwater recreation method further comprising the steps of: providing at least one air cylinder on board the vessel; connecting one end of an air hose to said at least one air cylinder and the other end of said air hose to a first opening defined by the structure; connecting one end of a regulator to a second opening defined by the structure; and that the user breathes through the other end of said regulator.

18. The method for underwater recreation according to claim 15, further comprising the steps of: providing a fastener coupled to the structure; and connecting said fastener to one of a body band worn by said user and a safety vest worn by said user.

19. The method for underwater recreation according to claim 15, characterized in that said underwater recreation apparatus has two handles coupled to one end of the structure.

20. The method for underwater recreation according to claim 15, characterized in that the underwater recreation apparatus further comprises at least one restriction coupled to said structure, said at least one restricting the movement of said rudder within a preferred range.