Snorkels, flexible tubes, mouthpieces and methods

Abstract

Methods are disclosed for designing improved flexible tubes and production methods which have improved flexibility and resistance to collapsing under load or during bending. Methods for injection molding a flexible tube () and providing at least one support member () that is arranged to provide improved lateral support to reduce lateral collapsing of the flexible tube (). Methods for using and fabricating flexible tubes () are also provided for various shapes of support members () including annular ribs, helical ribs, spaced apart coils (), narrow ribs, wide supports, as well as for various cross sectional shapes of flexible tubes (), including streamlined elongated hydrofoil shaped cross sectional shapes relative to the longitudinal axis of flex tube (). Methods and designs are disclosed for providing an improved diving mouthpiece () used for diving snorkels or other underwater breathing equipment which can reduce jaw fatigue, reduce chaffing to the soft tissues of the mouth and provide increased structural integrity. Methods are provided for reducing collapsing of the mouthpiece () around a transverse axis under load created during use. Molding methods and designs are also disclosed for reducing material costs, material weight, fabrication time, manufacturing costs and improving function, structure and/or styling for diving mouthpieces (). Other methods also disclosed.