The present inventions relate to devices for underwater breathing equipment (including snorkels, scuba regulators, and scuba equipment) and to related methods, in particular to devices and methods intended to increase performance, enhance comfort and/or improve breathing while immersed or submersed in water.
The basic snorkel, which facilitates breathing atmospheric air while the face is submersed in a body of water, has been present for centuries of time. In a common and simple form, the snorkel includes a breathing conduit. The breathing conduit typically has a mouthpiece connected to one end of the conduit. The other end of the conduit is positioned in the air above the water and the user's head to allow inhalation of air while the user's face or mouth is underwater.
The basic snorkel has been improved, enhanced and built upon over the years. Many designs, structures and modifications to snorkels have been created to improve or enhance the experience of the user while swimming and/or diving. Some of the more relevant patents and published patent applications include:
As is evident from the above patents, numerous problems have been addressed by various snorkel designs. However, to the best of this inventor's knowledge, no attention has been given to the physiologic impact of the compressive forces of ambient water on the respiration, specifically in exhalation, of the user of a surface-breathing, or near-surface breathing, snorkel.
Scuba regulators, scuba equipment, snuba tubes and other snuba equipment are well known to persons of ordinary skill in the art. Embodiments of my invention can be adapted for use with the foregoing as well as new innovations in these areas.
Several devices in the related field of “snuba” have confirmed that pressure-assistance is necessary to facilitate inhalation at the modest depths achieved with snuba. But once again, to the best of this inventor's knowledge, no attention has been given to the expiratory flow rate at such depths. Even scuba regulators, which facilitate inhalation at much greater depths, have not, to the best of this inventor's knowledge, specifically addressed the greatly increased expiratory flow rates that naturally occur at these even greater depths.
In the case of the snorkel the user is typically in either a state of immersion (meaning that the body is within the water, while the airways communicate at atmospheric pressure) or in a state of submersion (meaning that both the body and the airways are exposed to ambient water pressure). From a practical standpoint for a snorkel user, most respiration necessarily occurs while surface swimming in the state of immersion. In this state, the conventional snorkel exchanges air at atmospheric pressure with the lungs, which lungs are acted upon by the greater compressive pressures of ambient water. Hence, compared to being completely out of the water, a greater effort is required to expand the lungs in inspiration and a lesser effort is required for exhalation, i.e., the expiratory flow rate is faster than the inhalation flow rate. Inasmuch as inhalation occupies only a small temporal component of the complete respiratory cycle, this faster exhalation component also results in a substantially shorter respiratory cycle and more inhalations per minute. In addition, as the user is exposed to the compressive effects of the ambient water pressure, during inhalation, a greater work of breathing is incurred and, over time, his or her inspiratory muscles progressively fatigue, resulting in smaller functional lung capacity, a relatively greater adverse contribution of the snorkel and bronchial dead spaces with each breath, and the possibility of atelectasis (collapse of the alveolar/gas exchange sacs).
Embodiments of the snorkel presented herein can serve to substantially reduce the overall work of breathing by balancing the expiratory forces, slowing the respiratory cycle, reducing the repetitive work of inhalation against compressive ambient water pressures, and/or minimizing the risk of developing atelectasis.
Furthermore, several other benefits may be realized by embodiments of my invention. By increasing the pressure within the snorkel's main (inhalation) tube, the inhalation valve at the top end of tube can be maintained in a closed position, except during active inhalation, thereby significantly reducing the internal exposure to splash water, and even reducing the internal exposure to flood water upon submersion; however, the inhalation valve does not absolutely close while submersed, beneficially allowing the user to voluntarily draw on a small amount of residual air. The pressure amounts to positive end-expiratory pressure (“PEEP”) which may result in physiologic benefit to some users, particularly those with obstructive lung diseases, such as asthma and emphysema.
Many aspects of human physiology become involved here, but in a simplistic overview, PEEP slows respiratory rate and tends to increase functional lung volumes, but also tends to slow venous blood return to the heart. In the water, however, venous blood return to the heart is already greatly improved simply by the compressive forces of ambient water. A slowed respiratory rate is preferred as each inhalation must displace water, significantly increasing the work of breathing, inspiratory muscle fatigue, and the associated anxiety that accompanies many skin divers. Furthermore, the increase in lung volume, time-averaged over the complete respiratory cycle, enhances the buoyancy of the user.
It is an object of the present inventions to provide devices that effect an improved balance between the intrinsic airway pressures of physiologic exhalation and the competing extrinsic pressures of ambient water acting on the chest wall. Embodiments of these inventions can be incorporated in or used in conjunction with underwater breathing equipment such as snorkels, scuba regulators and snuba equipment.
It is a further object of the present inventions to provide devices that minimize the re-breathing of exhaled air. Unidirectional air flowing into the snorkel via one conduit and exiting the snorkel via a separate conduit can be employed for this purpose. Unique to the present invention is the use of ambient water pressure and/or other counter pressure to maintain a pressure and to retain exhaled air until the airway exhalation forces are adequate to overcome the compressive forces of ambient water pressure on the user.
It is yet another object of the present inventions to provide snorkel devices that maintain internal dryness while swimming in turbulent water and while diving. Splash water is blocked from entering the snorkel, except during inhalation; and any water that accumulates in the purge reservoir is purged from the snorkel during normal, relaxed exhalation, even before any exhaled air is positioned to leave the snorkel.
Through embodiments of my invention many tangible benefits are provided to the user including a reduction in resting respiratory rate with a resultant reduction in the work of breathing, reduction in anxiety, improvement in the sense of safety and well-being, longer dive times, and a drier snorkel.
It is also another object of certain embodiments of my invention to similarly balance the exhalation rate of the underwater scuba diver by attaching a device patterned after the exhalation valve of this snorkel to the exhalation port of the scuba regulator to similarly regulate the natural exhalation rate of the scuba diver or snuba diver.
These objects and other objects, purposes and advantages of my invention are apparent from the descriptions and drawings herein. My inventions are not limited to or by these objects and not every embodiment of my invention necessarily incorporates or provides every such object, purpose or advantage.
This summary provides a general description of different aspects of my invention, including certain embodiments or elements of my invention. This summary is not intended to limit the scope of my invention, nor is there any implication that my invention requires all of the described or identified aspects or elements. Various options and alternatives are described and are not intended to limit the scope of my invention or claims.
The invention provides positive end-expiratory pressure to the respiratory passages of a user of underwater breathing equipment. The underwater breathing equipment can be, for example, a snorkel, a scuba regulator or snuba equipment. My invention can be adapted for use with, or to be incorporate in, these and similar underwater breathing equipment.
The invention includes a chamber into which air is exhaled by the user and a means for releasing the exhaled air from the chamber and away from the user when exhalation pressure within the chamber exceeds a counter pressure exerted on the exhalation pressure. The chamber can be any conduit, vessel, container or other space where exhaled air can be received and contained, at least temporarily. An exhalation pressure within the chamber is created, i.e., exhalation pressure is the pressure in the chamber into which the air is exhaled. This inventive device can provide positive end-expiratory pressure to the respiratory passages of the user during exhalation.
The means for releasing the exhaled air can include a valve adapted to open when the exhalation pressure exceeds the counter pressure. The valve can be any valve, nozzle or other device for regulating or controlling the release of exhaled air from the chamber. This valve may include a pressure member against which the counter pressure acts; whereby exhaled air is released from the chamber when the exhalation pressure acting against the pressure member exceeds the counter pressure. The counter pressure is (or defines) the resistance which the exhalation pressure must overcome in order to provide or allow a release of exhaled air from the chamber.
The counter pressure can be a pressure (predetermined or not) created or dictated by mechanical means, such as a spring, a biased structure, or other physical structure adapted to provide the resistance which the exhalation pressure must overcome for a release of exhaled air from the chamber. Although not preferred, pneumatic, hydraulic or other forces or devices for applying or creating this counter pressure against the exhalation pressure can be used. Most preferably the counter pressure is created or provided in whole or in part by ambient water pressure. Ambient water pressure can act directly or indirectly against a pressure member to provide a counter pressure against the exhalation pressure in the chamber. The pressure member can be a disk, plate, ring, or other physical structure exposed directly or indirectly to the ambient water pressure and/or other counter pressure. The pressure member applies the counter pressure against the exhalation pressure in the chamber.
In an alternative embodiment of this invention, the exhaled air is not released until the exhalation pressure in the chamber exceeds a threshold pressure. The threshold pressure may be pre-determined or may vary depending on conditions such as ambient water pressure. When the exhalation pressure in the chamber exceeds the threshold pressure, the exhaled air is released. Although not preferred, a sensor or other device can determine if or when the threshold pressure has been exceeded by the exhalation pressure, and when exceeded the exhaled air is released from the chamber.
The release of exhaled air from the chamber can be prevented or inhibited until the counter pressure or threshold pressure is exceeded or overcome by the exhalation pressure. Although it is preferred that the release be prevented, the invention retains some of its advantages and benefits even if the release is just substantially inhibited, i.e., release of exhaled air from the chamber is substantially inhibited, but not totally prevented. This inhibited release may occur when the valve is in the form of a nozzle or other device that allows for a very limited release of exhaled air from the chamber when the exhalation pressure does not exceed or overcome the counter pressure or threshold pressure, but the inhibition is sufficient to provide additional pressure and PEEP.
The invention may include a pressure system that provides additional pressure or the counter pressure. The pressure system may include the pressure member described above and further described below. The pressure system is the means by which the counter pressure is applied to the exhalation pressure in the conduit. It may also be the means by which a threshold pressure may be established.
Preferably, the pressure member moves in response to a difference in pressure between the exhalation pressure in the chamber and the counter pressure. A counter pressure such as pressure from ambient water may act directly or indirectly on the pressure member.
Preferably, a sealing member may be connected to or be part of the pressure member or may through other means be controlled by or responsive to the pressure member or movement of the pressure member. The sealing member acts to regulate the release of exhaled air from the chamber by closing or sealing an exit from the chamber. When the chamber is connected to an exhalation conduit (see description below), the sealing member can act to close or seal the entrance to the exhalation conduit when the exhalation pressure does not exceed the counter pressure or threshold pressure. When the counter pressure or threshold pressure is exceeded, the sealing member can open the entrance to the exhalation conduit allowing exhaled air to enter the exhalation conduit. The sealing member can be any shape suited for the closing or sealing purpose. Preferably, the sealing member is dome shaped or similarly shaped to provide for a gradual, rather than sudden, release of exhaled air until the sealing member is sufficiently separated from the exhalation conduit's entrance, thereby preventing or reducing vibration or buzz that would otherwise occur.
My invention can be applied to snorkels. The snorkels of my invention can include (a) an inhalation conduit adapted to receive inhaled air upon inhalation by a user of the snorkel, and (b) an exhalation conduit adapted to receive exhaled air from the user and to direct the exhaled air under additional pressure out of the snorkel, and (c) a pressure system to apply the additional pressure. This can achieve PEEP for the user.
Preferably the inhalation conduit has an inhalation valve (diaphragm, butterfly, umbrella, or otherwise). The inhalation valve is adapted to open to allow inhalation of air, but at other times is closed to maintain pressure within the snorkel. This inhalation valve and the associated inhalation conduit should be adequately sized to minimize inhalation resistance and the valve should close tightly during exhalation to maintain pressure within the snorkel and directional airflow through the snorkel.
The snorkel may also have an exhalation valve which is adapted to be acted upon by a counter pressure to regulate the receipt of exhaled air by the exhalation conduit. The exhalation valve may be adapted to provide exhaled air into the exhalation conduit when the pressure of the exhaled air exceeds the counter pressure. Preferably this counter pressure is generated in whole or in part by ambient water pressure.
The snorkel may include the pressure system or pressure member described above. The counter pressure acts against this pressure member to provide the additional pressure. Alternatively, the counter pressure can act as the pressure member to provide the additional pressure.
Preferably, the exhalation conduit is within the inhalation conduit, but alternatively may be outside of or external to the inhalation conduit. The exhalation conduit preferably originates near the lower end of the snorkel, in sealing proximity to a sealing member of the exhalation valve.
The inhalation and exhalation conduits are preferably tubes of plastic, rubber or other material. Plastics or other materials commercially used in snorkels can be used. The conduit may be any conduit, tube, passageway or other means of conveyance through which inhaled air or exhaled air can flow. Conventional tubes used for snorkels are generally suitable.
A preferred exhalation valve useful in the practice of this invention includes the following:
1. A sealing member, which facilitates a physical closure or seal against the release of exhaled air from the chamber. This closure or seal may be applied directly against the exhalation conduit or against some connection or intermediary between the chamber and exhalation conduit. For example, the seal may be applied to a mount to which the exhalation conduit is attached. This sealing member has a preferred dome shape which gradually increases the escape of the pressurized air within the snorkel at the opening pressure of the valve, thereby minimizing or eliminating the vibratory buzz that would otherwise be experienced. Alternative shapes for the sealing member include that of a teardrop, a cone, or similar shape such that elimination of the vibratory buzz is accomplished.
2. A rigid support disk, which provides structural support to the softer sealing member and provides a rigid surface upon which ambient water pressure can act to generate a counter pressure.
3. A convoluted membrane, which is generally annular in shape and serves to flexibly attach the rigid support disk/sealing member assembly to the rigid and stationary lower housing an example of which is described below. The convoluted cross-section of this membrane allows sufficient non-impeded axial travel of the sealing member such that the sealing member can both tightly seal against the exhalation conduit mount and can also move outwardly sufficient to non-obstructively open the valve at the mount.
A purge valve is preferably included for purging water from the snorkel. The purge valve can be used with or can be incorporated into the exhalation valve apparatus. The purge valve provides for the purging of water from the snorkel. To accomplish this, an excessive exhalation pressure is required. For example, normal exhalation may result in an exhalation pressure that exceeds the counter pressure or threshold pressure, but is insufficient to exceed or overcome the pressure required for a purge. To purge, the user must exert an excessive exhalation pressure sufficient to exceed or overcome the pressure required for purging of water through the purge valve. In other words, the purge pressure is greater than the counter pressure such that the exhalation pressure required to purge water from the snorkel is greater than the exhalation pressure required to exceed the counter pressure for a release of exhaled air from the chamber into the exhalation conduit.
A preferred purge valve includes:
1. Rapid purge channels in the exhalation valve's rigid support disk.
2. A purge membrane, which is materially contiguous with the exhalation valve's sealing member and which covers the underside of the rapid purge channels of the rigid support disk, thereby preventing ambient water entry into the snorkel. This purge membrane also has a molded bias for closure to remain closed at normal exhalation pressures, but to open with the greater pressures of rapid purging operations. To purge, the user must exert an excessive exhalation pressure sufficient to exceed or overcome the pressure required for purging of water through the rapid purge channels.
3. Purge membrane ribs which orient radially and which provide circumferentially non-uniform pressure release across the Rapid Purge Channels, thereby minimizing the buzz or vibration that otherwise would be experienced
In another exemplary embodiment of my invention, the exhalation valve apparatus and the purge valve are molded together into a single piece of flexible rubber or plastic, comprising a cylindrical wall shaped as an accordion, which allows compressible axial movement, and a circular diaphragm, which is molded to be contiguous with the cylindrical accordion wall that it closes. A central dome is molded into the upper surface of the circular diaphragm area, which serves as the sealing member of the exhalation valve. The outer folds on the cylindrical accordion wall have several small slits, which effectively function as small duck valves for rapid purging when the accordion wall is extended, as in higher pressure purge operations.
Portions of the above described snorkel (e.g., exhalation valve) can be applied or adapted to a scuba regulator or snuba equipment (e.g., snuba tube), i.e., used in conjunction with the scuba regulator or snuba equipment. The user breathes air from the scuba regulator or snuba tube (inhalation), but exhalation of air by the user encounters a counter pressure to create PEEP in the respiratory system of the user. The exhaled air from the user enters a chamber and there is an exhalation pressure. A pressure system provides a counter pressure. The exhaled air is released from the chamber when the exhalation pressure exceeds the counter pressure (or a threshold pressure). The exhalation valve with sealing member and pressure member can be adapted and used for this purpose.
To facilitate understanding of the flow through the snorkel, inhalation goes through an inhalation conduit 1 to the mouthpiece of the user, and exhalation goes from the mouthpiece to an exhalation conduit from which exhaled air exits the snorkel. The inhalation valve 3 includes all parts necessary to make a functioning valve; and the exhalation valve 4, which is a complex structure, refers to the valvular action of these parts as they functionally come together. The Purge Valve 5 is also shares structures of the Exhalation Valve 4 and is best thought of as a functional aspect of the snorkel that allows rapid purging. Although these items are best thought of in terms of their function, rather than graphically on paper, the individual components of these various structures are supplied in the drawings.
Three mounts are integral to the Junction 22 including the Connecting Tube Mount 24 with its attachment Ribs 60, the Mouthpiece Mount 25 with its attachment Ribs 61, and the Purge Cap Mount 29 with its External Threads 64.
The Junction 22 houses a small volume Chamber 23, which receives inhaled air from the Central Channel 20 of the Connecting Tube 19 (shown in
Importantly, the Junction 22 also houses the functional Exhalation Valve 4 and Purge Valve 5. In the preferred embodiment, these two valves share three structural elements which, taken together, are simply referred to as the Combined Sealing Assembly 6. The structures of this assembly are depicted for the preferred embodiment in
The Exhalation Tube Lower Mount 44 is statically attached, via its spoke and rim-like Supporting Structure 46, to the Junction 22 at said junction's Snap Mount for Exhalation Tube Lower Mount 26 (which is shown in
The Exhalation Valve 4 is comprised of elements of the Combined Sealing Assembly 6 and the Sealing Ring 47, which items are described in more detail in
The Combined Sealing Member 30, which is a one-part structure, provides the Exhalation Valve Sealing Member 31 and the Purge Valve Sealing Member 32. In the preferred embodiment, the Exhalation Valve Sealing Member 31 is dome-shaped in order to very gradually open exit flow and reduce vibration as exhaled air escapes across the Exhalation Valve 4 when just minimally open. Other shapes that could similarly result in dampening include teardrop or cone. The contiguous Purge Valve Sealing Member 32 notably has Dampening Ribs 33 that project out radially in various lengths from the underside of the Purge Valve Sealing Member 32 and serve to reduce or eliminate the buzz that would otherwise occur while purging. The Combined Sealing Member 30 also has an Attachment Groove 34 around its midsection that provides secure attachment to the Rigid Support Disk 36. The Hollow Region 35 allows the Combined Sealing Member 30 to be compressed for assembly purposes, and provides a recess mount for an optional Spring 68 (
The Rigid Support Disk 36 provides several functions: It supports the Combined Sealing Member 30 that allows the Exhalation Valve Sealing Member 31 to form a stable seal with the Sealing Ring 47 (shown in
The Convoluted Membrane 40 is a flexible, annular structure that has transverse sectional convolutions to allow axial travel of the Rigid Support Disk 36 and the Combined Sealing Member 30. This functionally allows the Exhalation Valve Sealing Member 31 to appropriately open and close its seal against the Sealing Ring 47 (shown in
While the present inventions have been described and illustrated in conjunction with a number of specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the principles of the inventions as herein illustrated, described and claimed.
The present inventions may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from their spirit or characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as only illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the inventions is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing descriptions. All changes and variations that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims and their elements or limitations are to be embraced within their scope.
This application claims the benefit of the following provisional patent application: U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/385,327, filed Jun. 3, 2002. This provisional patent application and its disclosures and drawings are incorporated by reference herein.
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