Patent Application
20110250577
The present invention generally relates to an underwater breathing system for use in manmade bodies of water. The present invention also generally relates to a method of teaching individuals, including children, how to engage in underwater activities, as well as how to become comfortable with breathing through an assistance system regulator, in a calm environment such as a manmade body of water. The present invention also relates to a method of overcoming a fear of swimming and/or water.
One specific aspect of the learning period includes establishing a feeling of comfort while breathing through an assistance system while submerged underwater.
According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for teaching an adult or child how to breathe through an air regulator is provided. The method includes providing an air regulator and a first air pump positioned at a location proximate a residential pool, typically at about the water's edge, and outside of the residential pool, wherein the air regulator and the air pump are operatively connected with one another via a hose that allows air to flow from the air pump and be supplied to the air regulator in an amount sufficient for a human child or adult, which is capable of swimming, to breathe. The method further includes supplying the adult or child air from the air pump via the hose and through the air regulator to allow the adult or child to breathe underwater in the residential pool.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for establishing a feeling of comfort in an individual while breathing underwater through a pressure regulating device. The method includes providing an air supply device located outside a manmade swimming pool and proximate the perimeter of the manmade swimming pool. The method further includes connecting a hose to the pressure regulating device, wherein the hose includes a mouthpiece, initiating the air supply device causing the air supply device to move air through the hose and supply air to the individual via the mouthpiece. The method also includes inserting the mouthpiece into a user's mouth, submerging the user's mouth into in a manmade body of water, regulating the pressure of the air supplied to the individual and supplying the air at a pressure suitable for breathing by a human at various water depths, and the individual breathing as needed while the user's mouth and nose are underwater, and wherein the individual does not have a source of air underwater for the individual's use for breathing while in the manmade swimming pool.
According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method for learning how to engage in underwater activities is provided. The method includes providing an air pump that is connected to a flexible air supply hose, generating a flow of breathable air to a user that is at least partially submerged in a residential pool, connecting a mouthpiece to one end of the flexible air supply hose, initiating the air pump, and inserting the mouthpiece into the user's mouth to breathe air while engaging in an underwater activity.
These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.
For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as orientated in
The reference numeral 10 (
The system typically includes an air supply device 14, such as an air pump, that is located outside of the pool 16, but typically very close to the edge of the water, typically within about 5-10 feet. As an alternative to simply placing the air supply device 14 on the ground or on a stationary platform 60, the air supply device 14 may be conveniently placed on a movable cart 18, thereby allowing relative portability of the air supply device 14 (
Further, the anchor peg would optionally have a biased end, typically a spring biased end that would allow one end of the anchor peg to move between an elevated, upward position, and a retracted, downward position. When in the downward position, the anchor peg may be positioned within a cavity shell that optionally may be covered with a retractable covering portion, typically a plastic lid that can roll up like a typical garage door having connected segments, following a track on the opposing sides of the cavity shell. The cavity shell may be plastic or metal. The cavity shell may also have an aperture in the bottom that allows the anchor peg to pass through it. As a further alternative, the air supply device 14 may be secured atop a floatable structure, such as a raft.
Extending from the air supply device 14 is at least one hose 26 that runs from a first end 28 to a user 12 in the pool 16 at a second end 30 of the hose 26. The hose 26 may be made of a flexible elastomeric material, where the material may include, but is not limited to, a saturated rubber, an unsaturated rubber, a thermoplastic elastomer, or combinations thereof. Located proximate the first end 28 of the hose 26 may be a first air regulator 32 that reduces the air pressure in the air supply device 14, which is typically at least 200 psi, and even more typically may be between 2000 psi and 3000 psi, depending on the type of air supply device 14 employed. The first air regulator 32 reduces the air supply device 14 air pressure to a lower range prior to entering the hose 26, typically, but not limited to, 50 psi to 150 psi. Located at the second end 30 of the hose 26 is a mouthpiece 34 that may be configured to simply insert into the user's mouth or alternatively may include a more complicated mask, thereby allowing the user to breathe as needed. A second air regulator 36 is typically positioned proximate the second end 30 of the hose 26, in order to effectively further reduce the air pressure to a suitable breathable level for the user, which varies depending on the water depth of the user. Both the first and second air regulators 32, 36 may include one or a series of valves 38 to assist in the functioning of reducing air pressure, as well as ensuring that air is only delivered upon demand from the user.
The method of using the system includes providing the aforementioned system 10 at a location proximate the pool 16 and assembling the system in a manner consistent with the above description. The assembly step includes, but is not limited to, connecting the hose 26 to the air supply device 14 and initiating the air supply device 14, such that pressure regulated air is supplied to the hose 26. Prior to entering the pool 16, the user inserts the mouthpiece 34 into the user's mouth and/or placing the mask over the user's mouth. Once the mouthpiece 34 or mask is secure, the user submerges at least his/her mouth in the manmade body of water 16. Because of the flexible nature of the hose 26, the user is then free to engage in various underwater activities, while establishing a feeling of comfort breathing through an assistance system that regulates the pressure and availability of breathable air. This also allows the user to become familiar with breathing through the air regulator in the relatively significantly safer environment of a swimming pool instead of a large, natural body of water such as a lake or ocean, which has an entire ecosystem and uncontrolled water waves and water flow. This greatly assists the safety and learning speed when initially learning to use the regulator.
The method provides a single user 12 to engage in underwater activities independently, as described above, but also provides for a second individual 40, such as an instructor, to join the first user 12 in the pool 16 (
Irrespective of the embodiment employed, the second user 40 may teach the first user 12 how to engage in various underwater activities, and/or at least initially, be there to provide an even further level of comfort of being in the water to the first user. Such activities may include, but is not limited to, swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling. Additionally, the second user 40 may provide the first user 12 with assistance in establishing a feeling of breathing comfort by aiding in any required adjustments to the mouthpiece 34 and/or mask. This is particularly relevant when the first user 12 is a child that may be uncomfortable with breathing through such a system 10 and/or wearing equipment associated with activities like scuba diving or snorkeling. Equipment such as fins 50 and a face mask may initially feel cumbersome and the instructor 40 is present to assist in establishing a feeling of comfort. In addition, the present invention is directed toward use in manmade bodies of water, which are calm in nature, thereby providing a more conducive environment for learning to engage in the above described activities.
It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.
