Patent Application
20110197881
This invention to an underwater breathing apparatus and more particularly to an underwater breathing apparatus that provides fresh breathable air to one or more divers.
Underwater breathing devices are well known and have been in use for many years. For example, breathing devices were disclosed by Jacque Cousteau in the 1950s (see Cousteau U.S. Pat. No. 2,953,988) that incorporates a pressurized tank of air worn by a diver on their back that lead to “SCUBA” gear (self contained underwater breathing apparatus). In such systems, the air pressure is regulated according to the demand and depth and is supplied to the diver through a hose or mouth piece. The diver can swim freely and breath at depths well below the surface with tank pressure significant to compensate for water pressure. However, there is extensive training required for such devices and the time underwater is limited by the capacity of the air tank.
In an effort to combine the advantages of SCUBA equipment and surface-supply systems while maintaining the ability to swim more or less freely a number of products have been developed. For example, a U.S. Pat. No. 5,327,849 of Miller discloses an underwater breathing apparatus that provides a floating apparatus for providing pressurized air to a submerged swimmer. As disclosed, the floatation device supports a combination of two containers above the surface of the water. The top container, in the form of an inverted box holds one or more electrically powered compressors. The bottom container holds a battery for powering the compressors. Water ingestion by the compressors is prevented by placing the air intake inside the upper box which forms an air trap. The air intake and compressors are isolated from any possible contamination or explosion risk from the battery out gassing which is safely vented to the outside air from the lower compartment. Battery life is extended by a pressure switch control of the air compressors running them on demand instead of continuously.
A more recent U.S. patent of Hilliker, U.S. Pat. No. 7,159,528 discloses a snorkel apparatus and methods of use. As disclosed, the apparatus and methods are applicable for a plurality of users to work and/or play underwater with a supply of breathable air. The breathable air is taken from the atmosphere above the surface of the water. The air is sent to one or two submerged users. The apparatus and its components are enclosed in a water resistant enclosure encapsulated by an inner tube which floats on the surface of the water. The apparatus provides breathable air to one or two users from a flexible air supply line which runs from the apparatus to each submerged user. The air pumps of the apparatus push a constant flow of breathable air to each user. Each user inhales air from the apparatus with a mouth piece that is connected to the air supply line which is connected to the air pumps. The equipment such as regulators, tanks or reservoirs are not needed. The apparatus is powered by a dry cell battery and does not require fuel to operate.
Notwithstanding the above it is presently that there is a need and a potential market for an improved device of the type disclosed in the aforementioned patents. It is believed that there is a potential market for the improved apparatus in accordance with the present invention because such apparatus offers means for readily relocating the platform and diver and for automatic means for reeling out an air hose when the diver descends and reeling in the air hose when the diver ascends. A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a program for automatically preparing an ascent to include stops in the ascent in accordance with recommended scheduling set forth in diving tables.
Further, the apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention are durable, easily assembled using many conventionally available components, can be assembled at a competitive cost and is easier to use than presently available apparatus.
In essence the underwater breathing apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises and/or consists of a water resistant enclosure for floating on the surface of a body of water and an air collection header together with an air pump for generating a constant flow of breathable air through an air supply line for delivering a flow of breathable air to a user. The system also includes a check valve for exhausting air while eliminating leakage of water into the system. At least one mouth piece is connected to the air supply line and to a user's mouth while a solar powered rechargeable battery is connected to the air pump that enables the air pump to supply breathable air to the users for an extended period of time. In addition, a safety flag is mounted on the water resistant enclosure and extends upwardly therefrom to indicate the presence of an individual below the surface of the water. A safety warning light is also mounted on top of the water resistant enclosure that can be turned on by a user when the device is used in darkness. Further a fresh air tube that supplies air to the air pump and prevents water from entering into the water resistant enclosure is provided together with a jet ski fixed to an underside of the water resistant enclosure and guided by a user for moving the water resistant enclosure and user by means of a tether line connecting the user to the jet ski. In addition, the apparatus includes a retractable hose mechanism for automatically reeling out the air hose when a diver descends and reeling in the air hose when the diver ascends.
The invention will now be described in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like elements are identified by like numbers.
As illustrated in
The flotation device 24 is inflated with air in a conventional manner and is secured to the water resistant enclosure 22 by conventional means and as illustrated surrounds the water resistant enclosure 22. An air supply line runs from the water resistant enclosure 22 to the one or more users (not shown) mouth pieces 27. An important aspect of the invention resides in a small jet ski 30 that is used by a diver in the event that the current moves the apparatus 20 away from a pre-selected area. The diver merely activates the jet ski then guides the direction of movement.
Another important feature of the present invention resides in a mechanism 32 (see
As shown in
Referring now to
The apparatus of the invention can be used by one or more divers to enjoy a pleasant underwater experience and provide each of the divers with breathable air. The breathable air is untreated surface air and does not require compressed storage tanks, regulators or cumbersome underwater breathing gear. This is accomplished by the following method:
While the invention has been described in connection with its preferred embodiments it should be recognized that changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the appended claims.
