Snorkel system and flotation device

Abstract

The present application discloses a snorkel system and a flotation device for snorkeling. In certain embodiments, the snorkel system and flotation device comprise a buoyant flotation member for supporting a person in a body of water. The flotation member comprises a top, a bottom, and at least one opening extending through the flotation member from the top to the bottom. The opening is sized and configured to permit submersion of at least a portion of the face of a person positioned on the top of the flotation member in the water below the bottom of the flotation member.

1 . A snorkel system, comprising: a buoyant flotation member for supporting a person in a body of water, the flotation member comprising a top, a bottom, and at least one opening extending through the flotation member from the top to the bottom, wherein the opening is sized and configured to permit submersion of at least a portion of the face of a person positioned on the top of the flotation member in the water below the bottom of the flotation member. 
     
     
         2 . The snorkel system of  claim 1 , wherein the flotation member comprises at least one of a foam mat, polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam, fiberglass, and polyvinyl chloride. 
     
     
         3 . The snorkel system of  claim 1 , wherein the flotation member is configured to support at least about 250 lbs. without sinking. 
     
     
         4 . The snorkel system of  claim 3 , wherein the flotation member is inflatable and comprises a drop stitch polyvinyl chloride fabric. 
     
     
         5 . The snorkel system of  claim 3 , wherein the flotation member comprises a first portion and a second portion that are connected together to form the flotation member. 
     
     
         6 . The snorkel system of  claim 5 , wherein the first portion comprises the opening and an attachment portion and the second portion comprises a slot for receiving the attachment portion of the first portion to connect the first and second portions together. 
     
     
         7 . The snorkel system of  claim 6 , wherein the first and second portions are connected together with one or more fasteners. 
     
     
         8 . The snorkel system of  claim 1 , wherein the opening is sized and configured such that the person can use a snorkel mask and tube when positioned on the top of the flotation member. 
     
     
         9 . The snorkel system of  claim 1 , wherein the opening comprises at least one of a circular, rectangular, square, and oval cross sectional shape. 
     
     
         10 . The snorkel system of  claim 1 , wherein the flotation member has a thickness between about 5 and 7 inches, a width between about 18 and 32 inches, and a length between about 53 and 57 inches. 
     
     
         11 . The snorkel system of  claim 1  further comprising at least one handle formed in the flotation member. 
     
     
         12 . The snorkel system of  claim 11 , wherein the handle is located proximate the opening such that it is reachable by the person positioned on the top of the floatation member with at least a portion of his or her face in the water below the bottom of the flotation member. 
     
     
         13 . The snorkel system of  claim 1 , wherein the flotation member is flexible such that it may be collapsed and folded or rolled up. 
     
     
         14 . The snorkel system of  claim 1  further comprising a breathing tube having a substantially rigid first portion in fluid communication with a flexible second portion, wherein the first portion extends upward from the top of the flotation member and the second portion is fluidly connected to a mouthpiece, and wherein the second portion is configured such that the mouthpiece is accessible to a person positioned on the top of the flotation member and may be inserted into the person's mouth when his or her face is disposed in the opening. 
     
     
         15 . The snorkel system of  claim 14 , wherein the first portion of the breathing tube extends into the flotation member and the second portion is directly connected to the first portion. 
     
     
         16 . The snorkel system of  claim 14 , wherein the first and second portions of the breathing tube are fluidly connected to a second opening in the flotation member. 
     
     
         17 . The snorkel system of  claim 14 , wherein the second portion extends from the bottom and into the opening of the flotation member. 
     
     
         18 . The snorkel system of  claim 14 , wherein at least one of the first and second portions of the breathing tube comprises a first lumen and a second lumen. 
     
     
         19 . The snorkel system of  claim 18 , wherein the first lumen comprises one or more valves arranged such that the first lumen is a dedicated inhalation lumen, and wherein the second lumen comprises one or more valves arranged such that the second lumen is a dedicated exhalation lumen. 
     
     
         20 . The snorkel system of  claim 14 , wherein both the first and second portions of the breathing tube comprise first and second lumens, and wherein the first lumens are in fluid communication and are dedicated inhalation lumens and the second lumens are in fluid communication and are dedicated exhalation lumens. 
     
     
         21 . The snorkel system of  claim 14 , wherein at least part of the second portion of the breathing tube is submerged in the water during use of the snorkel system. 
     
     
         22 . The snorkel system of  claim 14 , wherein substantially the entire second portion of the breathing tube is submerged in the water during use of the snorkel system. 
     
     
         23 . A flotation device, comprising:
 a buoyant flotation member for supporting a person in a body of water, the flotation member comprising a top, a bottom, and at least one opening extending through the flotation member from the top to the bottom, wherein the opening is sized and configured to permit submersion of at least a portion of the face of a person positioned on the top of the flotation member in the water below the bottom of the flotation member; and   at least one handle formed in the flotation member, wherein the handle is located proximate the opening such that it is reachable by the person positioned on the top of the floatation member with at least a portion of his or her face in the water below the bottom of the flotation member; and   wherein the flotation member has a thickness between about 5 and 7 inches, a first width between about 28 and 32 inches, a second width between about 18 and 25 inches, and an overall length between about 53 and 57 inches and is configured to support at least about 250 lbs. without sinking, and wherein the opening is sized and configured such that the person can use a snorkel mask and tube when positioned on the top of the flotation member.   
     
     
         24 . The flotation device of  claim 23 , wherein the floatation member is inflatable and comprises a drop stitch polyvinyl chloride fabric. 
     
     
         25 . The flotation device of  claim 23 , wherein the flotation member comprises a first portion and a second portion that are connected together to form the flotation member, wherein the first portion comprises the opening and an attachment portion and the second portion comprises a slot for receiving the attachment portion of the first portion to connect the first and second portions together.