Propulsion system

Abstract

A system and method for propelling an underwater diver provides for oral activation of a propulsion means. Specifically, the system includes a mouthpiece in fluid communication with an air tank and electrically connected to the propulsion means via a circuit. A switch is positioned in the mouthpiece such that the diver may bite the mouthpiece to selectively operate the switch and complete the circuit. When the circuit is completed, the propulsion means is activated to propel the diver via a motor that operates an impellor. Preferably, the motor and impellor are contained in a housing along with a power storage device and the air tank.

1 . A propulsion system for propelling an underwater diver which comprises:
 a power storage device carried by the diver;   a propulsion means connected to said power storage device;   a mouthpiece electrically connected to said propulsion means and adapted to be held in the mouth of the diver; and   a switch means supported on said mouth piece and connected to said propulsion means via an electrical circuit wherein said propulsion means is selectively activated by the diver.   
   
   
       2 . A propulsion system as recited in  claim 1  wherein the propulsion means is activated when the diver bites the mouthpiece. 
   
   
       3 . A propulsion system as recited in  claim 2  wherein the mouthpiece includes a passageway and a barrier around the passageway to prevent the passageway from collapsing during activation of the propulsion means. 
   
   
       4 . A propulsion system as recited in  claim 3  further comprising a tube defining a lumen, with said lumen providing fluid communication between the passageway of the mouthpiece and a reservoir of breathable gas housed in a tank, and wherein the circuit extends through the tube from the mouthpiece to the propulsion means. 
   
   
       5 . A propulsion system as recited in  claim 1  wherein the mouthpiece is in fluid communication with a reservoir of breathable gas housed in a tank. 
   
   
       6 . A propulsion system as recited in  claim 5  further comprising a means for housing the power storage device and the propulsion means, with the housing means being mounted to the tank. 
   
   
       7 . A propulsion system as recited in  claim 6  further comprising a means for securing the housing means and the tank to the diver. 
   
   
       8 . A propulsion system as recited in  claim 6  wherein the propulsion means includes an impellor seated in a passageway and the housing includes a fluid input and fluid output in communication with passageway. 
   
   
       9 . A propulsion system as recited in  claim 8  wherein the propulsion means includes a motor and a drive shaft, with said drive shaft connecting said impellor and said motor. 
   
   
       10 . A propulsion system as recited in  claim 9  wherein the power storage device is a battery. 
   
   
       11 . A propulsion system for propelling an underwater diver which comprises:
 a mouthpiece adapted to be held in the mouth of the diver;   a motor electrically connected to said mouthpiece;   a power storage device connected to said motor to provide power to said motor;   an impellor connected to said motor; and   a switch supported on said mouthpiece and connected to said motor via an electrical circuit, wherein said motor is selectively activated by the diver.   
   
   
       12 . A propulsion system as recited in  claim 11  wherein said motor is selectively activated by the diver when the diver bites the mouthpiece to cause the switch to complete the electrical circuit. 
   
   
       13 . A propulsion system as recited in  claim 12  further comprising a housing, with said housing containing said motor, power storage device and impellor. 
   
   
       14 . A propulsion system as recited in  claim 13  wherein said mouthpiece is in fluid communication with a reservoir of breathable gas housed in a tank, wherein said housing is mounted to said tank, and wherein said housing and said tank are secured to the diver. 
   
   
       15 . A method for propelling an underwater diver which comprises the steps of:
 providing a propulsion system including a power storage device, a propulsion means connected to said power storage device, a mouthpiece electrically connected to said propulsion means, and a switch means supported on said mouthpiece and connected to said propulsion means via an electrical circuit;   securing the propulsion system on the diver;   positioning the mouthpiece in the mouth of the diver; and   operating said switch means to selectively activate the propulsion means to propel the underwater diver.   
   
   
       16 . A method as recited in  claim 15  wherein the operating step is performed by the diver biting the mouthpiece. 
   
   
       17 . A method as recited in  claim 16  wherein the mouthpiece includes a passageway and a barrier around the passageway to prevent the passageway from collapsing during the operating step. 
   
   
       18 . A method as recited in  claim 17  wherein the propulsion system includes a tube defining a lumen, with said lumen providing fluid communication between the passageway of the mouthpiece and a reservoir of breathable gas housed in a tank, and wherein the circuit extends through the tube from the mouthpiece to the propulsion means, with the method further comprising the step of delivering the breathable gas to the diver through the mouthpiece. 
   
   
       19 . A method as recited in  claim 15  wherein the mouthpiece is in fluid communication with a reservoir of breathable gas housed in a tank, with the method further comprising the step of delivering the breathable gas to the diver through the mouthpiece. 
   
   
       20 . A method as recited in  claim 19  wherein the propulsion system includes a housing for the power storage device and the propulsion means, and wherein the securing step includes mounting the housing to the tank.