Underwater breathing apparatus and method of use

Abstract

An underwater breathing apparatus has a flotation device; and an air conduit comprising at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet in fluid communication with each other; at least two one-directional air valves oriented in the same direction and disposed between the at least one air inlet and the at least one air outlet, and a mouthpiece disposed between the air valves, wherein the at least one air inlet is mounted to the flotation device. During operation, the at least one or more air inlets are maintained above water by the flotation device while a submerged user breathes through the mouthpiece.

1 . An underwater breathing apparatus, the apparatus comprising an air conduit comprising at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet in fluid communication with each other; at least two one-directional air valves disposed between the at least one air inlet and the at least one air outlet; a mouthpiece disposed between the air valves; and flotation means; wherein upon activation by a user breathing using the mouthpiece, only one of the at least two one-direction air valves is open at any given time. 
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one air inlet is configured and disposed to remain in substantially continuous communication with air above the water surface when the device is in use by a submerged user. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the apparatus further comprises a counterweight for maintaining the flotation means in a desired orientation. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the counterweight is configured and disposed to further maintain the air inlet in a desired orientation. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the flotation means includes means for engaging the air conduit. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the means for engaging the air conduit is comprised of at least one of elastic members, tethers, grooves in a flotation device, or apertures through a flotation device. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the flotation device comprises a buoyant gas. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the flotation device comprises a buoyant liquid. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the flotation device comprises a buoyant solid. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the flotation means is configured and disposed to function as a reverse anchor. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the flotation means and the length of the air conduit are selected to allow an user to remain submerged at desired constant depth. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the device further includes means for preventing water from entering an air intake opening associated with any air inlet. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the means for preventing water from entering an air intake opening include at least one of a hood portion, ball valve, flap, or a membrane. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the overall length of the apparatus between the air intake opening and the mouthpiece is between about 2 feet to about 12 feet. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the air conduit comprises flexible hosing. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the hosing is substantially non-compressible. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least two one-directional valves include an intake valve and an exhaust valve. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the intake valve is closer to the mouthpiece than to the inlet opening. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the intake valve is less than about 3 inches from the mouthpiece, and wherein the exhaust valve is less than about 3 inches from the mouthpiece. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the exhaust valve is configured and disposed to allow a higher passage of air flow than the intake valve.