Air bubble

Abstract

An apparatus that stores air for underwater use in an emergency. The device includes an air and water impermeable reservoir having reinforcing ribs each with a hole to allow air flow within the reservoir. The reservoir is filled with air through a mouthpiece via an air pump. The mouthpiece is fluidly connected to the reservoir with an air transfer channel to allow a user to take several breaths of air when underwater.

Claims

1. An apparatus to store air for underwater use, the apparatus comprising: an air and water impermeable reservoir comprising reinforcing ribs, the reinforcing ribs each comprising a hole to allow air flow within the reservoir; a mouthpiece for releasing air stored within the reservoir in response to pressure being applied to exterior walls of the mouthpiece; an air transfer channel providing fluid communication between the reservoir and the mouthpiece; wherein the reservoir is configured to be filled with air through the mouthpiece via an air pump so that a user can take several breaths of air from the reservoir when the user is underwater.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the reservoir is located within a backpack, wetsuit, or floatation device.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hole in each reinforcing rib is one of three evenly spaced holes in each reinforcing rib.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 depicts a top view of the Air Bubble and its interior and exterior components.

(2) FIG. 2 depicts a cut-through-section view of the air- and water-impermeable reservoir.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(3) In order for the advantages of the invention to be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which the reference characters refer to the following elements:

(4) 1. Mouthpiece

(5) 2. Air-Transfer Channel

(6) 3. Air- and Water-Impermeable Reservoir

(7) 4. Reinforcing Ribs

(8) 5. Evenly-Spaced Holes

(9) The mouthpiece (1) is made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which is a commercially available material. The mouthpiece (1) will release air stored in the reservoir when pressure is applied to the exterior walls of the mouthpiece (1) by a user's mouth. The mouthpiece (1) is in fluid communication with the air- and water-impermeable reservoir (3) via an air transfer channel (2) so that the mouthpiece (1) releases stored air through the air transfer channel (2) upon applied pressure to the mouthpiece's exterior walls via the user's mouth.

(10) The air transfer channel (2) is made of TPU and is coupled to the mouthpiece (1) and the air- and water-impermeable reservoir (3), allowing air to pass from the reservoir (3) to the mouthpiece (1).

(11) The air- and water-impermeable reservoir (3) is made of TPU and stores air when filled with a commercially available air pump (not shown). The air- and water-impermeable reservoir may be located within a backpack, wetsuit, or floatation device (not shown).

(12) The reinforcing ribs (4) are made of TPU and are impact-resistant. The ribs each have evenly spaced holes (5) that allow airflow within the air- and water-impermeable reservoir (3). The reinforcing ribs (4) also shape the air- and water-impermeable reservoir (3) to the user's body, and add an impact-resistant capability to the Air Bubble. The three evenly-spaced holes (5) allow air flow within the air- and water-impermeable reservoir (3).