DEVICE FOR BREATHING UNDERWATER

Abstract

 An underwater breathing device (1) that includes a mask (2) designed to be watertight around most of a user's face, during use, and includes a rigid viewing portion (20) and a breathing hole (21) which allow the user to breathe through the mask (2) and spaced by the user when the mask (2) is in use, breathing apparatus (3) defining at least one rigid conduit (30) in fluid flow connection with the breathing hole (21) which allows the flow of air between the mask (2) and the external surroundings, in which, with the exception of the viewing portion (20) and the conduit (30), the device (1) includes material that is mainly elastically deformable so that almost the whole of the mask (2) can be deformed elastically, by hand, by the user.

Description

[0001] This invention concerns a device for breathing underwater, of the type specified in the preamble of the first claim.

[0002] In particular, this invention concerns an underwater breathing mask which is full-face, and which can be placed over most of the user's face.

[0003] As is well-known, there are currently several devices available on the market that enable breathing underwater and on the surface of the water.

[0004] Traditionally, underwater breathing is enabled through combined devices, including a snorkel and mask. The mask, which is equipped with a seal, includes at least one transparent portion, which acts as a visor and around which a seal is fitted to provide watertight sealing between the space enclosed by the mask and the exterior.

[0005] In this way, the inside of the mask will not be flooded by water during the diving stages and the user's eyes will remain dry. The mask also includes a rubber covering for the user's nose, so as to isolate this portion of the body from the external environment.

[0006] The user may then use the snorkel to breathe through the mouth.

[0007] Essentially, the mouthpiece of the snorkel is a conduit to allow air to be drawn from its top in such a way as to allow proper breathing even with most of the head immersed.

[0008] The technique described includes some significant drawbacks.

[0009] In particular, the use of the mouthpiece is impractical and very uncomfortable for users. Some users may suffer from joint pain of the facial muscles associated with the use of the mouthpiece

[0010] There are, however, other, more complex devices. Patent applications CN-U-204173146, CN-U-205707245, EP-A-3153400, WO-A-2015170013, for example, describe full face underwater breathing devices.

[0011] These devices solve the problem of condensation with the creation of two parallel circuits inside the mask.

[0012] Furthermore, they include mouthpieces that are connected directly to the mask and which include a float valve or another type of valve designed to allow immersion even beyond the extent determined by the snorkel itself.

[0013] This valve does not allow breathing; however, it prevents water from entering the mouthpiece.

[0014] However, even these devices have a number of drawbacks.

[0015] All the devices described in the aforementioned patent applications are extremely large.

[0016] These large dimensions are particularly significant if you intend to travel with the mask, for example, taking it onto an aeroplane.

[0017] Finally, these masks are very bulky and difficult to transport.

[0018] In this situation, the technical task underlying this invention is the design of an underwater breathing device capable of substantially remedying at least some of the aforementioned limitations.

[0019] As part of this technical task, one of the invention's important objectives is to provide an easily transportable device.

[0020] In addition, a further purpose of the invention is to create a device that is simple and does not include a complex, and therefore expensive, structure.

[0021] The technical task and the specified purposes are achieved by an underwater breathing device as claimed in Claim 1 attached.

[0022] Preferred technical solutions are highlighted in the derivative claims.

[0023] The features and advantages of the invention are clarified below with a detailed description of the preferred functions of the invention, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an underwater breathing device according to the invention;

Fig. 2 shows an exploded view of an underwater breathing device according to the invention;

Fig. 3 is a rear view, that is, from the point of view of the user's face, of an underwater breathing device according to the invention; and

Fig. 4 represents a frontal view of an underwater breathing device according to the invention;

Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a variation of an underwater breathing device according to the invention;

[0024] In this document, measurements, values, shapes and geometric references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism), when associated with words such as "about" or other similar terms, like "almost" or "substantially", are to be understood as being without measurement errors or inaccuracies due to production and/or manufacturing errors, and, above all, without slight divergences from the value, measurement, shape or geometric reference to which it is associated. For example, these terms, if associated with a value, ideally indicate a divergence of no more than 10% of the value.

[0025] Moreover, when used, terms such as "first", "second", "higher/upper", "lower", "primary" and "secondary" do not necessarily identify an order, a relationship priority or relative position, but can simply be used to more clearly distinguish between their different components.

[0026] The measurements and data reported in this text are to be considered, unless otherwise indicated, as carried out under the ICAO International Standard Atmosphere (ISO 2533:1975).

[0027] With reference to the Illustrations, the device for underwater breathing according to the invention is indicated throughout by the number 1.

[0028] The device 1 is essentially an apparatus that allows the coverage of a user's face and respiratory tract in order to allow breathing even when part of the user's head is immersed in a fluid, typically water, for example in the sea.

[0029] The device 1 is, therefore, integrated into a mask for underwater activities including, for example, snorkelling.

[0030] Preferably, therefore, the device 1 comprises at least one mask 2 and the breathing apparatus 3.

[0031] The mask 2 is preferably the device portion configured to provide watertight cover for most of a user's face when the device is in use.

[0032] Therefore, the mask 2 defines its own edging aimed at establishing the part in contact with the user's skin and a surface predominantly counter-shaped to the human features. In this sense, we mean that the mask 2 defines a shape that brings to mind generic human features in a stylised and adequate fashion such that it can provide cover for the face of any user.

[0033] Logically, if users have very different facial dimensions, as is the case with children and adults, it is essential to use the mask 2 correctly sized according to the user's age range.

[0034] The mask 2 is preferably integral and, therefore, covers almost the entire face enclosed within its own edges, providing a watertight seal that separates it from the external environment.

[0035] The mask 2, in any case, preferably includes a viewing portion 20 and a breathing hole 21.

[0036] The viewing portion 20 is the part of the mask arranged in correspondence with the user's eyes, and is made in such a way as to ensure correct visibility of the external environment while simultaneously ensuring that the viewing portion 20 is firmly held in position.

[0037] As far as this is concerned, it would be better for the viewing portion 20 to be rigid. For example, the viewing portion 20 could include rigid polymeric material. Preferably, this material should also be transparent, for example PMMA, Polycarbonate or even glass. Preferably, therefore, the viewing portion 20 should essentially be an element secured to the mask 2 and is, therefore, basically set inside it.

[0038] The securing between the viewing portion 20 and the mask 2 can be solved and, therefore, suitable locking systems can be provided which create a watertight coupling between the viewing portion 20 and the mask 2, or they can be irreversibly secured.

[0039] The breathing hole 21 is adapted to allow the user to breathe through the mask 2. As a result, it is preferable, but not essential, for this to be arranged close to the user's mouth.

[0040] This breathing hole 21 should, therefore, preferably be placed at a distance from the user when the mask 2 is in use. This means that the breathing hole 21 is arranged so that it does not adhere to the mouth, so that a situation cannot occur in which the user's face obstructs the breathing hole 21. Nor is provision made for spouts to be held in the mouth by the user, as occurs in common mouthpiece masks, since the device 1 in question is of a different type. The breathing hole 21, in particular, is set at a distance from the mouth preferably due to the shape of the mask 2.

[0041] The breathing apparatus 3 is preferably adapted to allow for correct breathing when the device 1 is in use in a liquid environment, that is, when, for example, the user's head is immersed, either partially or totally, in the water near the open surface of the water, as happens in common snorkelling activities.

[0042] The breathing apparatus 3, therefore, defines at least one conduit 30.

[0043] The conduit 30 can be more broadly interpreted, that is, it indicates a passage or path that can be rectilinear or curvilinear and which may have forks or, furthermore, can be achieved by a variety of mutually linked elements.

[0044] Essentially, the conduit 30 should be seen as an element suitable for making an air path from a point A to a point B and/or vice versa. Typically and preferably, point A is defined by the end or the ends of the conduit 30 which flow into the external environment, while point B is defined by the end or the extremities of the conduit 30 which flow close to the user's face, more specifically, the mouth, and therefore inside the mask 2.

[0045] Indeed, it is preferable for the conduit 30 to be in fluid flow connection with the breathing hole 21 and adapted to allow the flow of air between the mask 2 and the external environment.

[0046] Furthermore, it would be best for the conduit 30 to be rigid. In this case, it is understood that the conduit 30 is predominantly rigid and not strictly rigid. In fact, if the conduit were to include articulated parts, so not strictly rigid, it would fall within the inventive concept of this invention.

[0047] However, it would be preferable for most of the conduit 30 to be rigid to ensure that there are no bending areas in which the flow of air is obstructed.

[0048] Preferably and advantageously, therefore, with the exclusion of the viewing portion 20 and of the conduit 30, the device 1 includes material which is mainly elastically deformable. An example of this type is a material that allows almost the whole of the mask 2 to be deformed elastically, by hand, by the user.

[0049] The deformation is preferably elastic so that, if the mask 2 is deformed and the shape differs from the original one, it can return, in a period of time dependent on the characteristics of the material, to its former shape which is, essentially, the inverse of human features.

[0050] In order to guarantee such characteristics, the elastically deformable material should preferably be silicone.

[0051] The description above presents an essential embodiment of the device 1. However, the device 1 may have additional features.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, shown in Figs. 1-4, the breathing apparatus 3 includes two conduits 30. In particular, the two conduits 30 should preferably and respectively be designed so that one only allows air to enter the mask 2 and the other only allows air to flow out of the mask 2.

[0053] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, on the other hand, there is a single conduit 30 which only allows air to enter the mask 2, while the air flows out through an outlet hole 39 in correspondence with the connecting portion 31. As an alternative, the outlet hole 39 could be present only for the water and the single conduit 30 could be used for the air flowing in and out.

[0054] In this embodiment, preferably, the conduits 30 are configured to occupy a lateral position with respect to the mask 2 and, therefore, with respect to the user's face.

[0055] In order to carry out this function, each of the conduits should preferably have at least one check valve which allows air to flow in a single pre-set direction. Valves of this type are widely known in current technical circles and may be of various types and configurations which are not specifically dealt with in this invention.

[0056] In order to achieve part of the invention in the preferred but not exclusive embodiment, all that is needed is for the element described to be inserted into each conduit 30.

[0057] Furthermore, the breathing apparatus 3 can be split into several elements. Preferably, the breathing apparatus 3 includes a connecting portion 31 and, for each conduit, a coupling portion 32 and a protruding portion 33.

[0058] The connecting portion 31 should preferably be the part of the breathing apparatus 3 suitable for interfacing with the breathing hole 21. Looked at in detail, the connecting portion 31 should preferably include part of both the conduits 30 and place both the conduits 30 in a fluid flow connection with the breathing hole 21. Taking an even closer look, the mask 2 includes two breathing holes 21, respectively connected to a single conduit 30. If there are check valves inside the conduits 30, they should preferably be arranged close to the respective breathing hole 21.

[0059] The coupling portion 32 should preferably place the protruding portion 33 in a fluid flow connection with the connecting portion 31.

[0060] So, the coupling portion 32 should preferably and largely be a connecting element between the two parts, preferably interlockingly secured with the connecting portion 31 so that the reference conduit 30 is hermetically insulated from the outside and on which the protruding portion 33 is still interlockingly secured, with the watertight status maintained. The coupling portion 32 should preferably allow the constraint or release of the protruding portion 33 on demand, with respect to the connecting portion 31 for each conduit 30.

[0061] So, the coupling between the coupling portion 32 and the protruding portion 33 should preferably occur thanks to a quick release connection element, so if necessary, the protruding element 33 can easily be detached from the coupling element 32.

[0062] The protruding element 33 is, therefore, a conduit extending along a predetermined direction and is substantially similar to the rectilinear tubular part of the common mouthpieces.

[0063] It is not, however, necessarily straight, but rather preferably defines a curvilinear shape that follows the edge defined by the mask 2.

[0064] Moreover, in correspondence to the respective free end of the protruding element 33, each of the conduits 30 includes at least one float valve. This valve should preferably be adapted to obstruct the flow of fluid inside the conduit 30 when the conduit 30 is immersed in a liquid, typically water. This way, if the whole conduit 30 is immersed in water, the liquid is prevented from entering the mask 2.

[0065] The connecting portion 31 should, however, preferably include a valve 35 which allows the evacuation of fluid from one or more of the conduits 30, to prevent a situation arising in which, were the liquid to penetrate the conduit 30, even only partially, the mask 2 could drain off liquid through the conduits 30 anyway.

[0066] From a material point of view, at least part of the breathing apparatus 3, and in particular, the conduit 30, includes, as is the case with the viewing portion 20, rigid polymeric material. For example, the material for the breathing apparatus 3 may be PE, PP, ABS or even PMMA or PC.

[0067] In conclusion, the device 1 includes coupling apparatus 4.

[0068] The coupling apparatus 4 which allows the mask 2 to be locked onto the user's face. In the preferred embodiment, the coupling apparatus 4 should preferably be an elastic band constrained in two fixed points which do not coincide with the viewing portion 20. The viewing portion 20 and the coupling apparatus 4 should preferably provide a configuration very similar to that of standard goggles.

[0069] However, as is commonly known in current technical circles, many other coupling solutions could be adopted, for example, bands connected to the edges of the mask 2, but not specifically dealt with in this invention.

[0070] Moreover, the protruding element 33 can include a tab, or slot, which allows for part of the coupling apparatus 4 to be coupled with the protruding element 33. This way, it is preferable for the device 1 to be compact.

[0071] The operation of the underwater breathing device 1 previously described in structural terms is as follows.

[0072] The device 1 guarantees all the functions required to allow for underwater activities, but reduces the overall dimensions because, when not in use, it can easily be dismantled with a quick release of the breathing apparatus 3 which allows the protruding elements 33 to be removed, which, as defining the breathing tubes, are the most cumbersome.

[0073] Furthermore, the mask 2 is generally elastically deformable and, therefore, can easily be adapted to limited spaces.

[0074] According to the invention, the underwater breathing device 1 offers significant advantages.

[0075] In fact, the device 1 simultaneously allows for the adaptation of the device itself to faces of different sizes with different facial characteristics, as it can be elastically deformable, and can also be transported easily.

[0076] The mask 2 can be deformed to the point to of being easily adaptable to any facial conformation, and can easily absorb any deformations with respect to the original shape.

[0077] Moreover, the user can easily dismantle the device to store it inside backpacks or various containers, without its volume becoming a cumbersome load, as is the case with the well-known technology of integral masks.

[0078] Moreover, the structure of the device 1 achieves these advantages thanks to its simple construction, which makes it easily and economically reproducible.

[0079] The device 1, thanks to its deformability, is also placed on the user's skin, adapting to the shape of the face and not impacting the user's face.

[0080] The invention is susceptible to variants within the aim of the inventive concept defined by the claims. In this context, all details may be substituted by equivalent elements and the materials, shapes, and sizes may vary greatly.

Claims

1. Device (1) for breathing underwater includes:

- a mask (2) configured to provide watertight cover to most of a user's face, during use, and includes a rigid viewing portion (20) and a breathing hole (21) adapted to allow said user's breathing through said mask (2) and spaced by said user when said mask (2) is in use,

- breathing apparatus (3) defining at least one rigid conduit (30) in fluid flow connection with said breathing hole (21) and which allows the flow of air between said mask (2) and the external environment, and

- characterised by the fact that with the exclusion of said portion of vision (20) and said conduit (30), said device (1) includes material which is mainly elastically deformable such that almost all of said mask (2) can be deformed elastically, by hand, by said user.

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, in which said elastically deformable material is silicone.

3. Device (1) according to at least one previous claim, wherein said breathing apparatus (3) includes two of said conduits (30) which respectively allow the exclusive entry of air into said mask (2) and allow the exclusive flow of air out of said mask (2).

4. Device (1) according to at least one previous claim, wherein in each of said conduits (30), there is at least one check valve suitable for allowing air to flow in a single pre-set direction.

5. Device (1) according to at least one previous claim, wherein said breathing apparatus (3) includes a connecting portion (31) and, for each conduit, a coupling portion (32) and a protruding portion (33), said connecting portion (31) including part of both said conduits (30) and placing both said conduits (30) in fluid flow connection with said breathing hole (21), said coupling portions (32) placing said protruding portion (33) in fluid flow connection with said connecting portion (31) and which allows the constraint or release of said protruding portion (33) in relation to said connecting portion (31) for each said conduit (30).

6. Device (1) according to at least one previous claim, wherein said mask (2) includes two breathing holes (21) each respectively connected to a single conduit (30).

7. Device (1) according to at least one previous claim, wherein each of said conduits (30) includes, at the respective free end of said protruding element (33), at least one float valve which obstructs the flow of fluid inside said conduit (30) when said conduit (30) is immersed in a liquid.

8. Device (1) according to at least one previous claim, wherein said connecting portion (31) includes a valve suitable for allowing the evacuation of fluid from said conduits (30).

9. Device (1) according to at least one previous claim, including coupling apparatus (4) which allows said mask (2) to be sealed onto said face of said user, said coupling apparatus (4) being an elastic band constrained in two fixed points that do not coincide with said portion of vision (20).

10. Device (1) according to at least one previous claim, wherein said viewing portion (20) and said conduit (30) include rigid polymeric material.

Drawing