Snorkel mask

Abstract

Snorkel mask (1) with a large visor (3), a face seal (9) attached to a circumferential edge of the visor (3) and a snorkel (5), wherein the face seal (9) seals the visor (3) against the face of the person wearing the snorkel mask (1) when the snorkel mask (1) is used, wherein the snorkel mask (1) further comprises a separating element (11) configured such that, when the snorkel mask (1) is used, the separating element (11) also rests against the person's face and divides an area between the visor (3) and the person's face into a viewing area (13) and a breathing area (15), wherein the person's eyes are located in the viewing area (13) and the person's nostrils and mouth are located in the breathing area (15), wherein the snorkel mask (1) further comprises at least one privacy check valve (31) configured such that an airflow from the viewing area (13) to the breathing area (15) is possible through the at least one privacy check valve (31), while an airflow from the breathing area (15) to the viewing area (13) is prevented by the at least one privacy check valve (31), wherein the snorkel (5) is connected to the snorkel mask (1) at a connection area (17) formed by the visor (3) in such a way that fresh air can flow into the breathing area (15) via a fresh air channel (23) formed in the snorkel (5), the viewing area (13) and the at least one non-return valve (29, 31), wherein at least one exhalation opening (37) is formed in the connection area (17) of the visor (3), which is connected to the breathing area (15) via at least one exhalation channel (35) in such a way that, when the mask (1) is used, air exhaled by the person can flow through the at least one exhalation channel (35) to the exhalation opening (37) and can be released directly into the environment of the mask (1) through the exhalation opening (37).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a snorkel mask with a large visor, a face seal attached to a circumferential edge of the visor and a snorkel.

[0002] A snorkel mask with a large visor that covers not only the wearer's eyes but also their mouth and nose is known, for example, from European patent EP 3 178 735 B1. The snorkel mask disclosed therein comprises, in addition to the large visor, a face seal that fits around the edge of the visor and a snorkel.

[0003] The face seal seals the visor against the wearer's face when the snorkel mask is worn. This creates a separate area between the visor and the face, isolated from the surrounding environment of the mask, preventing water from filling up even when the wearer submerges underwater while snorkeling.

[0004] To allow breathing while snorkeling, a snorkel is permanently attached to the snorkel mask. The snorkel disclosed in EP 3 178 735 B1 has one inhalation channel and two exhalation channels. The inhalation channel and the exhalation channels are structurally separated from each other, so that exhaled air cannot mix with freshly inhaled air inside the snorkel. Accordingly, an inhalation opening and two exhalation openings are provided at the end of the snorkel facing away from the visor. The inhalation opening is connected to the inhalation channel, and the exhalation openings are each connected to one of the exhalation channels.

[0005] Inside the snorkel mask, the inhaled air from the inhalation channel is first directed into a viewing area of ​​the mask, where, among other things, the wearer's eyes are located when the mask is in use. The viewing area of ​​the mask is spatially separated from the breathing area below it by a partition. The wearer's nostrils and mouth are located in the breathing area when the mask is in use. The partition has at least one non-return valve that allows airflow from the viewing area to the breathing area. The non-return valve blocks airflow in the opposite direction. When the wearer of the mask known from EP 3 178 735 B1 inhales, the inhaled air flows accordingly through the inhalation channel in the snorkel, the viewing area, and the at least one non-return valve in the partition into the breathing area of ​​the mask.

[0006] To prevent the inhaled air from mixing with the exhaled air, separate feedthrough devices are provided in EP 3 178 735 B1, through which the exhaled air is guided along the outer edge of the visor to at least one exhalation channel in the snorkel.

[0007] However, the snorkel design known from EP 3 178 735 B1 has the disadvantage that the cross-section available for inhalation and exhalation is limited, since several parallel channels must be accommodated within the snorkel. This increases the wearer's breathing resistance during both inhalation and exhalation.

[0008] Based on the state of the art described above, the task for the person skilled in the art is therefore to provide an improved snorkel mask that avoids at least some of the disadvantages described at the outset.

[0009] To solve the problem, a snorkel mask according to claim 1 is provided. Preferred embodiments of the snorkel mask are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] The present invention relates to a snorkel mask with a large visor, a face seal resting against a circumferential edge of the visor, and a snorkel. The face seal seals the visor against the wearer's face when the snorkel mask is used. The snorkel mask further comprises a separating element configured such that it also rests against the wearer's face when the snorkel mask is in use. This separating element divides the area between the visor and the wearer's face into a vision area and a breathing area. The wearer's eyes are located in the vision area, while the nostrils and mouth are located in the breathing area.The snorkel mask also features at least one non-return valve, configured to allow airflow from the viewing area to the breathing area through the non-return valve, while preventing airflow from the breathing area to the viewing area through the non-return valve. The snorkel is connected to the snorkel mask at a connection point formed by the visor, such that fresh air can flow into the breathing area via a fresh air channel formed in the snorkel, the viewing area, and the non-return valve.In the connection area of ​​the visor, at least one exhalation opening is formed, which is connected to the breathing area via at least one exhalation channel in such a way that, when the mask is used, air exhaled by the person can flow through the at least one exhalation channel to the exhalation opening and be released directly into the environment of the mask through the exhalation opening.

[0011] In other words, the snorkel mask in question is a so-called full-face mask, whose large, transparent visor, when used, covers not only the eye area of ​​the wearer, i.e., the person using the mask, but also the mouth and nose area of ​​the face.

[0012] To prevent water from entering the space between the wearer's face and the visor when using the mask for snorkeling, a circumferential face seal is provided, which rests against the edge of the visor. The face seal can be made of, for example, an elastic plastic and is preferably manufactured as a single piece.

[0013] The area between the wearer's face and the mask is divided into an upper viewing area and a lower breathing area by a separating element. When the mask is in use, the wearer's eyes are positioned in the viewing area. The breathing area below is designed to accommodate the wearer's nostrils and mouth. Accordingly, the separating element preferably rests against the bridge of the nose and the wearer's cheeks. The separating element is generally designed to create an airtight barrier between the viewing area and the breathing area, preventing unwanted airflow from the breathing area into the viewing area.

[0014] To allow air to flow from the viewing area into the breathing area in the opposite direction, the snorkel mask has at least one, and preferably two, non-return valves. These non-return valves can, for example, be integrated into the separating element and are configured to allow airflow from the viewing area into the breathing area while preventing airflow from the breathing area into the viewing area. The at least one non-return valve thus advantageously prevents the exhaled air from accumulating in the viewing area of ​​the snorkel mask and fogging the visor from the inside.

[0015] To supply fresh air to the viewing area, a connection point is formed at the upper end of the visor, facing away from the breathing area, where the snorkel is connected to the snorkel mask. This connection is designed such that the fresh air channel formed in the snorkel is in fluid contact with the viewing area. The air flowing in through the snorkel can therefore enter the viewing area directly and, via the at least one non-return valve, into the breathing area. A non-return valve is preferably also arranged at the free end of the snorkel, which closes the free end of the snorkel if it should become submerged. This prevents water from entering the viewing area.

[0016] The connection area of ​​the visor, where the snorkel is attached to the visor, additionally features at least one exhalation opening. This exhalation opening allows air exhaled by the wearer into the breathing area to be released into the surrounding environment. For this purpose, at least one exhalation channel can be provided, for example, in the edge area of ​​the visor. Preferably, U-shaped exhalation channels are formed on both lateral edges of the visor. These channels are sealed by the face seal and direct the exhaled air from the breathing area to the one or more exhalation openings located in the connection area of ​​the visor.

[0017] The present snorkel mask, like masks known from the prior art, advantageously separates the inhaled airflow from the exhaled airflow. While the inhaled air flows in a known manner through the snorkel, the viewing area, and the non-return valves provided between the viewing area and the breathing area, the path for the exhaled air ends at the visor connection point and is not routed through the snorkel. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide separate areas for inhaled and exhaled air within the snorkel. Rather, the entire cross-sectional area of ​​the conduit inside the snorkel can be used for inhaled fresh air. This significantly reduces breathing resistance during inhalation.

[0018] At the same time, the exhalation ports are positioned laterally next to the transition between the snorkel and the visor, meaning they are located above the visor during normal use of the mask. Consequently, exhaled air underwater does not flow over the visor and therefore does not obstruct the wearer's vision. Furthermore, the air is exhaled sufficiently far from the wearer's ears to prevent any disturbing noises that could spoil the snorkeling experience.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the connection area protrudes from the visor on the side of the viewing area facing away from the breathing zone. In other words, the visor is designed such that, when the mask is worn, the connection area extends from the top of the visor. The connection area thus extends beyond the portion of the visor through which the user can see their surroundings underwater. This further ensures that the exhaled air from the exhalation ports does not obstruct the user's vision.

[0020] It is preferable if the connection area is formed as a single piece with the visor. This simplifies the manufacturing of the snorkel mask and also ensures an airtight seal for exhaled air from the breathing area to the exhalation opening.

[0021] In a further preferred embodiment, a central channel is formed within the visor to extend the snorkel's fresh air duct and connect it to the viewing area. The central channel is surrounded at its end facing the snorkel by a circumferential rim. An edge of the connection area surrounding at least one exhalation opening projects further out of the visor, at least in some sections, than the circumferential rim of the central channel.

[0022] In other words, the preferred embodiment provides for an air guide, referred to as a central channel, in the connection area, which is directly connected to the fresh air channel of the snorkel. For example, the central channel can be formed by a nozzle protruding from the top of the visor. The snorkel can then be inserted into the central channel. In another exemplary embodiment, the snorkel is simply slipped over the central channel.

[0023] The exhalation opening, also located in the connection area, is designed so that it extends further away from the visor's field of vision, at least in some sections, than the surrounding edge that defines the end of the central channel facing away from the field of vision. The connection area thus protrudes, at least partially, beyond the coupling point where the snorkel is connected to the visor. This protects the coupling point from damage. Furthermore, this arrangement ensures that exhaled air is expelled as far away from the mask as possible, eliminating the need for a snorkel.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one exhalation channel formed in the visor is separated from the environment of the snorkel mask by at least one exhalation check valve in such a way that no water from the environment of the mask can enter the at least one exhalation channel.

[0025] In other words, the preferred embodiment provides that the snorkel mask has at least one exhalation check valve that prevents water from entering the exhalation channels formed laterally in the visor. At the same time, the exhalation check valve allows exhaled air to be expelled through the exhalation openings into the environment surrounding the snorkel mask.

[0026] It is preferred that the at least one exhalation check valve closes the at least one exhalation opening from the surroundings of the mask. Thus, in the preferred embodiment, the exhalation check valve is arranged on the side of the at least one exhalation opening facing away from the exhalation channel. In this embodiment, an exhalation check valve is provided for each exhalation opening, which advantageously prevents any ingress of water from the surroundings of the snorkel mask into the snorkel mask area and, in particular, into the connection area.

[0027] In an alternative or supplementary embodiment, the at least one exhalation check valve is arranged in a cavity formed in the connection area of ​​the visor, and thus between the at least one exhalation opening and the at least one exhalation channel. In other words, in the alternatively preferred embodiment, the at least one exhalation check valve is arranged on a side of the exhalation opening facing away from the environment within the connection area. This makes it possible, for example, to provide the exhalation opening with a protective grille that protects the exhalation check valve from damage. In this embodiment as well, exactly one exhalation check valve can be provided for each exhalation opening. However, it is also conceivable that, in the case of a combined cavity in the connection area for two or more exhalation channels, each of the exhalation channels could have its own exhalation check valve vis-à-vis the cavity.the exhalation opening is sealed.

[0028] For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that the combination of several exhalation check valves connected in series is also conceivable. For example, a first exhalation check valve could close the exhalation openings to the surrounding environment of the mask, and a further exhalation check valve could seal each of the one or more exhalation channels against a cavity formed between the exhalation channels and the exhalation opening in the connection area.

[0029] In a further preferred embodiment, the snorkel is detachably connected to the visor. In this embodiment, the at least one exhalation check valve is integrated into a snorkel gasket that seals the connection between the snorkel and the visor. Integrating the exhalation check valve, which is particularly advantageous when the check valve is designed to close the exhalation opening from the outside, reduces the number of parts required to manufacture the snorkel mask.

[0030] It is further preferred if the snorkel seal is part of the face seal. Therefore, it is intended that only a single large seal is used, which seals both the visor against the face and the connection between the snorkel and the visor.

[0031] In a further preferred embodiment, the snorkel mask has a frame that extends laterally around the visor. The connecting element projects out of the frame on the side of the viewing area facing away from the breathing area. The frame can, for example, serve to seal and secure the transition between the visor and the face seal. In any case, the frame is designed such that the connecting element projects beyond the frame with respect to both the viewing area and the breathing area. The frame is thus positioned between the free end of the connecting element and the part of the visor that covers the viewing area.

[0032] In a further preferred embodiment, the frame is interrupted in the area of ​​the connecting element and rests at least partially laterally against the connecting element. It is preferred if the frame is made in one piece. Particularly in this latter embodiment, the frame can secure the face seal to the visor solely through elastic deformation.

[0033] The present invention is described in more detail below with reference to the figures. These show, Fig. 1 a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a snorkel mask, Fig. 2 a perspective front view of the visor of the exemplary embodiment from Fig. 1 with snorkel inserted, Fig. 3 a side view of the visor of the exemplary embodiment Fig. 1 with snorkel inserted, Fig. 4 another perspective view of the sight of the exemplary embodiment from Fig. 1 with snorkel inserted, Fig. 5 a detailed view of the connection area of ​​the visor of the exemplary embodiment Fig. 1 with snorkel inserted Fig. 6 a detailed view of the connection area of ​​the exemplary embodiment Fig. 1 without snorkel inserted and Fig. 7 a rear view of the embodiment from Fig. 1 with circumferential face seal.

[0034] Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a snorkel mask 1 with a large visor 3, a snorkel 5 and a frame element or frame 7. The visor 3 with the inserted snorkel 5 is also in the Fig. 2 to 5 shown, with in Fig. 4 of the snorkel 5 is only shown in sections. Fig. Figure 6 shows a section of the visor 3 without the snorkel 5 inserted. Fig. Figure 7 showed a rear view of the snorkel mask 1 with the snorkel inserted and the surrounding face seal 9.

[0035] The large visor 3 is made of a transparent plastic material and is designed to completely cover the face of the person wearing the snorkel mask 1 when in use. In particular, in addition to the eye area, the nose and mouth area are also positioned in the area formed between the visor 3 and the face of the mask user.

[0036] The snorkel mask 1 includes a circumferential face seal 9, which is in Fig. 1. This is not apparent due to the way the mask is displayed, but in Fig. Figure 7 shows the face seal 9. This seal is designed to seal the visor 3 against the face of the mask 1 user when the mask 1 is worn. This prevents water from the area around the mask 1 from flowing into the space formed between the mask 1 and the face while snorkeling.

[0037] Part of the facial seal 9 is a separating element 11, which is shown in the illustration in Fig. 1 is visible through the transparent visor 3. In Fig. Figure 7 clearly shows the separating element 11. The separating element 11 is designed so that, when the mask 1 is in use, it lies over the bridge of the user's nose and along the user's cheeks. This divides the area formed between the visor 3 and the user's face into an upper viewing area 13 and a lower breathing area 15. The seal provided by the separating element 11 between the viewing area 13 and the breathing area 15 is preferably so tight that the exhaled air in the breathing area 15 cannot flow into the viewing area 13, thus preventing the visor 3 from fogging up in the viewing area.

[0038] At the end of the visor 3 pointing away from the breathing area 15, a connection area 17 is formed to which the snorkel 5 is detachably connected. When the snorkel mask 1 is worn, the connection area 17 thus projects upwards, that is, towards the back of the head, away from the wearer's face. As can be seen particularly in the Fig. 4, Fig. 5 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 6, the connection area 17 has a central nozzle 19 to which the snorkel 5 can be connected to the visor 3. The nozzle or connection nozzle 19, as well as the remaining part of the connection area 17, is formed integrally with the visor 3. The connection area 17 and the nozzle 19 are thus made of a transparent material.

[0039] In the present embodiment, the snorkel 5 is inserted into the connecting piece 19. The central channel 21 surrounded by the piece 19 thus forms an extension of a fresh air channel 23, which is guided inside the snorkel 5. At its free end 25, the snorkel 5 has a float 27 which closes an inhalation opening 33 formed at the free end 25 of the snorkel 5 if the free end 25 of the snorkel 5 should fall below the water surface. The float 27 thus forms an inhalation check valve 29.

[0040] To allow a user of the mask 1 to breathe through the snorkel 5, two privacy check valves 31 are formed in the separating element 11. The privacy check valves 31 allow airflow from the viewing area 13 into the breathing area 15, but prevent airflow in the opposite direction. Thus, if a user of the mask breathes in through the mouth or nose, air can flow into the breathing area 15 through the inhalation opening 33 located at the free end 25 of the snorkel 5, the inhalation channel formed in the snorkel 5, the central channel 21 formed in the connection area 17, the viewing area 13, and the two privacy check valves 31.

[0041] To expel exhaled air, the mask 1 has two exhalation channels 35 formed in the edge of the visor 3. Each of the exhalation channels 35 is connected to an exhalation opening 37, which is also formed in the connection area 17 of the visor 3. The air exhaled by a user of the mask 1 is thus discharged through the lateral exhalation channels 35 and cavities 39 formed in the connection area 17, via the exhalation openings 37, into the surrounding area of ​​the snorkel mask 1. The exhalation openings 37 are arranged such that the exhaled air is discharged backwards over the head of the mask user, parallel to the direction of extension of the snorkel 5. When the user of the snorkel mask 1 is underwater, the exhaled air thus flows out of the visor 3 above the field of vision 13 and also behind the user's field of vision.This prevents the bubbles forming in the water from obstructing the user's field of vision. Furthermore, the position of the exhalation openings 37 above the face avoids noise pollution from the bubbles, which is clearly noticeable when the exhalation openings are located closer to the ears.

[0042] To prevent water from entering the exhalation channels 35 or the cavities 39, the exhalation openings 37 are covered by exhalation check valves 41, which are only located in the Fig. Figures 4 and 5 are shown. The exhalation check valves 41 extend completely above the exhalation openings 37 and, in particular, the rim 43 surrounding the exhalation openings 37.

[0043] How to especially Fig. As can be seen from Figure 6, the rim 43 surrounding the exhalation openings 37 extends at least in sections further away from the viewing area 13 of the visor 3 than the rim surrounding the nozzle 19. The part of the connection area 17 forming the exhalation openings 37 and cavities 39 thus forms, together with a shield 47, a protective structure that safeguards the transition between the snorkel 5 and the connection nozzle 19 from damage. To clarify the illustration, the following are shown in Figure 6: Fig. 6 the exhalation check valves and the covers of the cavities 39 not shown.

[0044] The in the Fig. Visor 3, shown in Figures 2 to 5, also features a drainage valve 49. Water that has entered the breathing area 15 can be expelled from the breathing area 15 by the user of the mask 1 through the drainage valve 49 when they exhale forcefully. The drainage valve 49 is therefore a non-return valve that prevents water from entering the breathing area 15 but allows water that has entered to flow out.

[0045] How to simply in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the frame 7 completely surrounds the field of vision of the visor 3, but essentially covers the breathing area 15. The frame 7 also extends essentially around the outside of the visor 3 and can, for example, serve to secure the face seal 9 to the visor 3. As can be seen particularly in the Fig. 1 and Fig.As can be seen in Figure 7, the connection area 17 is designed in such a way that it protrudes completely from the frame 7. The frame 7 therefore does not extend over the connection area 17 and also has no openings through which exhaled air could be released into the environment of the mask 1. Reference symbol list 1 snorkel mask 3 Visor 5 snorkels 7 frames 9 Facial Seal 11 Separating element 13 Viewing area 15 Respiratory area 17 Connection area 19 nozzles, connecting nozzles 21 Center channel 23 Fresh air duct 25 free end of the snorkel 27 swimmers 29 Inhalation check valve 31 Privacy screen check valve 33 Inhalation opening 35 exhalation channels 37 Exhalation opening 39 cavities 41 Exhalation check valves 43 Edge of the exhalation opening 45 Edge of the nozzle 47 sign 49 Drain valve QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3 178 735 B1 [0002, 0004, 0005, 0006, 0007]

Claims

[1] Snorkel mask (1) with a large visor (3), a face seal (9) attached to a circumferential edge of the visor (3) and a snorkel (5), wherein the face seal (9) seals the visor (3) against the face of the person wearing the snorkel mask (1) when the snorkel mask (1) is used, wherein the snorkel mask (1) further comprises a separating element (11) configured such that, when the snorkel mask (1) is used, the separating element (11) also rests against the person's face and divides an area between the visor (3) and the person's face into a viewing area (13) and a breathing area (15), wherein the person's eyes are located in the viewing area (13) and the person's nostrils and mouth are located in the breathing area (15), wherein the snorkel mask (1) further comprises at least one privacy check valve (31) configured such that an airflow from the viewing area (13) to the breathing area (15) is possible through the at least one privacy check valve (31), while an airflow from the breathing area (15) to the viewing area (13) is prevented by the at least one privacy check valve (31), wherein the snorkel (5) is connected to the snorkel mask (1) at a connection area (17) formed by the visor (3) in such a way that fresh air can flow into the breathing area (15) via a fresh air channel (23) formed in the snorkel (5), the viewing area (13) and the at least one non-return valve (29, 31), wherein at least one exhalation opening (37) is formed in the connection area (17) of the visor (3), which is connected to the breathing area (15) via at least one exhalation channel (35) in such a way that, when the mask (1) is used, air exhaled by the person can flow through the at least one exhalation channel (35) to the exhalation opening (37) and can be released directly into the environment of the mask (1) through the exhalation opening (37). [2] Snorkel mask (1) according to claim 1, wherein the connection area (17) protrudes from the visor (3) on a side of the viewing area (13) pointing away from the breathing area (15). [3] Snorkel mask (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connection area (17) is formed integrally with the visor (3). [4] Snorkel mask (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a central channel (21) is formed to continue the fresh air channel (23) of the snorkel (5) in the visor (3), which connects the fresh air channel (23) of the snorkel (5) with the viewing area (13), wherein the central channel (21) is surrounded at an end (25) pointing towards the snorkel (5) by a circumferential edge, wherein an edge of the connection area (17) surrounding the at least one exhalation opening (37) projects at least partially further out of the visor (3) than the circumferential edge of the central channel (21). [5] Snorkel mask (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one exhalation channel (35) formed in the visor (3) is separated from the environment of the snorkel mask (1) by at least one exhalation check valve (41) in such a way that no water from the environment of the mask (1) can enter the at least one exhalation channel (35). [6] Snorkel mask (1) according to claim 5, wherein the at least one exhalation non-return valve (41) closes the at least one exhalation opening (37) to the surroundings of the mask (1). [7] Snorkel mask (1) according to claim 5, wherein the at least one exhalation non-return valve (41) is arranged in a cavity (39) formed in the connection area (17) of the visor (3) and thus between the at least one exhalation opening (37) and the at least one exhalation channel (35). [8] Snorkel mask (1) according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the snorkel (5) is detachably connected to the visor (3) and the at least one exhalation non-return valve (41) is integrated into a snorkel seal sealing the connection between the snorkel (5) and the visor (3). [9] Snorkel mask (1) according to claim 8, wherein the snorkel seal is part of the face seal (9). [10] Snorkel mask (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the snorkel mask (1) further comprises a frame (7) extending laterally around the visor (3), wherein the connecting element protrudes from the frame (7) on the side of the viewing area (13) facing away from the breathing area (15). [11] Snorkel mask (1) according to claim 10, wherein the frame (7) is interrupted in the area of ​​the connecting element and preferably rests at least partially laterally against the connecting element. [12] Snorkel mask (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the frame (7) is formed in one piece.

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