MASK FOR AQUATIC ACTIVITY

Abstract

A mask (2, 3) for aquatic activity is provided which comprises two lenses (21), a waterproof skirt (23) and a fixing device (25). The waterproof skirt (23) is integrally formed with two frames (23a), a nose covering portion (23b) and a rear edge (23c). The two frames (23a) are independent of each other and each of them has an inner portion (23a1), in which the two lenses (21) are respectively integrated into the two frames (23a) in a waterproof manner. The nose covering portion (23b) protrudes forward between the two frames (23a). The rear edge (23c) is configured to fit closely on a face of a user. When the user wears the mask (2, 3), the two inner parts (23a1) of the two frames (23a) are configured to be respectively adjacent to the two orbital bones (UB1) of the user. Figure: [FIG. 2A]

Description

Title of the invention: MASK FOR AQUATIC ACTIVITY

[0001] CONTEXT OF THE INVENTION Field of invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a mask for aquatic activity, in particular a mask used for swimming, scuba diving, free diving, spearfishing or other aquatic activities (including both surface and underwater activities), wherein the mask usually covers the eyes and nose of the user.

[0003] Descriptions of the Related Art

[0004] Current masks for aquatic activities commonly include, for example, swimming goggles that cover only the eyes or diving masks that cover both the eyes and the nose. There are also other masks with structures similar to snorkel masks, such as general diving masks, training goggles, and masks for free diving and spearfishing. These masks can be generally classified into two categories: monocular types and binocular types.

[0005] For example, as shown in [Fig.lA], a monocular mask 1a comprises a lens 11a, a frame 13a, a waterproof skirt 15a and a head strap 17a. The lens 11a, the waterproof skirt 15a and the head strap 17a must all be assembled to the frame 13a in order to form the monocular type mask 1a. In addition, as shown in [Fig.lB], the binocular mask 1b comprises two independent lenses 11b covering the left and right eyes of a user respectively, a frame 13b, a waterproof skirt 15b and a head strap 17b. Similar to monocular mask 1a, lenses 11b, waterproof skirt 15b and head strap 17b of binocular type mask 1b must all be assembled to frame 13b to form binocular mask 1b.The only difference between these two types of masks is that the central bridge of the binocular mask 1b is formed solely by the frame 13b, while that of the monocular mask 1a is formed integrally from the continuous glass 11a and the frame 13a.

[0006] However, whether it is the monocular mask 1a or the binocular mask 1b, in order to prevent the rigid frame or the lens(es) from touching the bridge of the user's nose when wearing, the region of the lens(es) must protrude forward in order to establish a certain distance away from the user's eyes. Therefore, in In terms of field of vision, in order to ensure the proper field of vision for water activities, the lens size must be large enough, by nature, so that the user's view is not obstructed by the frame. In terms of preventing visual distortion, the left and right lenses must be bridged by a rigid frame and / or lens to ensure integrity between the two lenses on the left and right. Otherwise, the left and right lenses may experience excessive relative displacement or excessive relative bending due to water pressure, leading to visual distortion for the user underwater, and even causing dizziness.

[0007] Furthermore, in terms of waterproofness, taking the monocular mask 1a as an example (similarly, the binocular mask 1b also has the same problem), the waterproof skirt 15a must have a rear edge 15al to provide waterproofness. The rear edge 15al must have sufficient width to form a waterproof ring around the user's forehead, both sides of the cheekbones and the philtrum, as shown in [Fig.lC]. However, in such a structure, since the frame 13a and the lens 11a are relatively heavy and at a distance from the user's eyes UE, a downward pulling force is structurally generated by the frame 13a and the lens 11a. This affects the waterproof effect of the waterproof skirt 15a.Therefore, it is necessary to increase the thickness of the waterproof skirt 15a (especially the thickness at both sides and its top) to provide the mask 1a with better balance and wearing stability, as shown in [Fig.lD].

[0008] Furthermore, due to differences in age and race, users may have significantly different face shapes and profiles. There is a huge difference in the region between the top of the nasal bone and the glabella. In order to avoid contact between the central part of the frame and the glabella, the mask 1a must be provided by designing its frame 13a and the lens 11a more outward or mounting its bridge part between the left and right lenses to avoid the protruding glabella (as shown in [Fig.lE]). However, these designs are obviously not conducive to making the mask compact and lightweight.

[0009] Furthermore, due to the structural limitations mentioned above, it is understandable that when free diving, spearfishing or swimming training, the user cannot breathe while wearing the mask that covers the eyes and nose. The user must take a deep breath and hold it to complete the required activities within a certain period of time. If the internal volume of the mask is too large, the space inside the mask is compressed by the water pressure, pressing against the user's face. Therefore, users often need to exhale a small amount of air in order to compensate for the pressure inside the mask. Such a compromise on apnea seriously affects the duration of underwater activities.

[0010] In addition, in the full face mask structure, if the inside of the mask has an intake and exhaust structure that can provide breathing, based on the theory regarding breathing volume and negative pressure, the oversized internal volume in the mask also has the disadvantage of rapidly accumulating carbon dioxide, which leads to safety problems. These problems are all caused by the excessively large design of the mask. It is conceivable that current designs are obviously not conducive to miniaturization, portability, and safety when using the mask.

[0011] Taking this into consideration, the industry is striving to design a mask for aquatic activity that can solve some or all of the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0012] An objective of the present invention is to provide a mask for aquatic activities, in which its left frame and right frame are substantially independent of each other and their positions correspond to the user's left and right orbital bones, respectively. Furthermore, the left lens and the right lens are also substantially independent of each other and correspond to the user's left and right eyes, respectively. In addition, there is no rigid bridge between the left and right frames; instead, the flexible waterproof skirt plays the main role in bridging the left and right frames.

[0013] In terms of field of vision, since the lenses of the mask can be quite close to the eyes, they do not need to be too large, and a wide field of vision can be easily obtained without being obstructed by the frame. In terms of preventing visual distortion, even if there are no rigid frames or rigid bridges, the left and right frames of the mask can directly abut against the orbital bones of the user's left and right eyes under water pressure without causing relative displacement or relative bending. Therefore, visual distortion and dizziness do not occur. With this structure, the weight of the frame and the lens is significantly reduced, and the distance from the eyes is greatly shortened. This prevents the waterproof skirt from being pulled away by the frame and the lens, effectively reducing its waterproof load.Therefore, in terms of waterproofness, the middle uppermost part of the waterproof skirt of the present invention can be designed downward toward the glabella region of the user (preferably within a range of 1 cm above or below the most prominent part of the glabella). With its soft material, it can better adapt to conform to the difference of the . contours for different users in this region, and it can provide a very good waterproof effect without changing the thickness of the waterproof skirt. These designs can significantly reduce the overall volume and internal volume of the mask.

[0014] In order to achieve the above objective, the present invention discloses a mask for aquatic activity, which comprises two lenses, a waterproof skirt and a fixing device. The waterproof skirt is integrally formed with two frames, a nose covering portion and a rear edge. The two frames are independent of each other and each has an inner portion, in which the two lenses are respectively integrated into the two frames in a waterproof manner. The nose covering portion connects to the two frames and protrudes forward between the two frames. The rear edge is configured to fit the face of a user. The fixing device is disposed between two outer ends of the waterproof skirt.When the user wears the mask through the attachment device, the two inner parts of the two frames are configured to be respectively adjacent to the two orbital bones of the user.

[0015] In one example, the mask further includes two connecting portions, one of which is formed between the nose covering portion and one of the two frames and the other of which is formed between the nose covering portion and the other of the two frames. When the user wears the mask, the nose covering portion is configured to cover the user's entire nose and the two connecting portions are configured to substantially cover the cheekbones of the user's face.

[0016] In one example, the rear edge has a notch portion formed on an upper portion of the nose covering portion. The notch portion bulges slightly forward to form a boss, whereby when the user wears the mask, the boss is configured to fit along a contour defined by a glabella and a nasal bone of the user's face.

[0017] In one example, at least one of an upper portion, a lower portion, and the inner portion of each of the two frames is provided with a reinforced structure, whereby when the user wears the mask, the reinforced structure is configured to abut at least a portion of the two orbital bones of the user.

[0018] In one example, the reinforced structure is provided on at least one of the upper portion and the lower portion of each of the two mounts, and the reinforced structure is a recess formed, integrally, with the waterproof skirt.

[0019] In one example, the reinforced structure is a reinforced rib, which is attached to an inner side of the waterproof skirt or is integrally formed with the waterproof skirt.

[0020] In one example, the reinforced rib and the waterproof skirt are made of different materials and have a Shore A hardness of between 20 and 60.

[0021] In one example, the reinforced rib is formed by thickening the waterproof skirt and has a Shore A hardness of between 40 and 80.

[0022] In one example, the reinforced structure is a seal provided on the internal part of each of the two mounts.

[0023] In any of the above examples, the securing device is an elastic head strap.

[0024] In any of the above examples, the mask further comprises a breathing tube that is in fluid communication with an internal cavity defined by the nose covering portion.

[0025] In one example, the mask further includes a three-way connector having a mouthpiece portion, a drain valve portion, and a nose connecting portion, which are in fluid communication with each other. The nose connecting portion is in fluid communication with the internal cavity of the nose covering portion. Brief description of the drawings

[0026] [Fig.lA] represents a conventional monocular mask.

[0027] [Fig.lB] represents a conventional binocular mask.

[0028] [Fig. IC] is a schematic view of a user wearing the mask of [Fig. 1A],

[0029] [Fig.lD] is a partial sectional schematic view of [Fig.lA], illustrating that there is a large distance between the lens and the user of a conventional mask, and the waterproof skirt must be thickened.

[0030] [Fig.lE] is another partial sectional schematic view of [Fig.lA], illustrating that the waterproof skirt of the conventional monocular mask must be further extended upward or its width increased so that the frame and lenses are positioned forward to accommodate the varying distances between the glabella and the nasal bone among different users.

[0031] [Fig.2A] is a schematic front perspective view of an embodiment of a mask for aquatic activity of the present invention.

[0032] [Fig.2B] is a front view of [Fig.2A], in which the fixing device is omitted.

[0033] [Fig.2C] is a schematic view of a user wearing the mask of [Fig.2A], in which the mask is represented by a sectional view taken on line 2c-2c of [Fig.2B].

[0034] [Fig.2D] is a rear schematic perspective view of [Fig.2A], in which the fixing device is omitted.

[0035] [Fig.2E] is a schematic view of a user wearing the mask of [Fig.2A], in which the mask is represented by a sectional view taken on line 2e-2e of [Fig.2B].

[0036] [Fig.2F] is a schematic view showing the mask of the present invention folded for storage.

[0037] [Fig.2G] is a sectional view taken on line 2g-2g of [Fig.2B].

[0038] [Fig.2H] is a schematic rear perspective view of a mask according to a another embodiment of the present invention, in which the fixing device is omitted.

[0039] [Fig. 3] is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the present invention, in which the mask has a breathing tube and a three-way connector.

[0040] DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0041] It should be noted that the following description of the embodiments is only intended to explain the contents of the present invention, but not to limit the invention as claimed. Elements not directly related to the present invention are omitted in the description and the dimensions as illustrated for all elements in the drawings are just intended to facilitate understanding and are not intended to limit their actual scales. In addition, the terms "front", "back", "left", "right", "inner", "outer", "front", "rear" or the like as defined in the descriptions are designated by the direction of the user himself / herself. There are only relative relationships and they are not limiting.

[0042] The present invention relates to a mask for aquatic activities, which may be (but is not limited to) swimming goggles, swimming masks, diving masks or any other form of breathable masks. All of these types may adopt the structure of the mask described in the present invention. The differences lie in whether the mask covers the user's eyes, or both the eyes and the nose, and in the case in which it covers both the eyes and the nose, lie in the fact that the nose can breathe freely.

[0043] The following Figures 2A-2H illustrate representative embodiments using masks that cover the user's eyes and nose (such as a diving mask, snorkel mask, or spearfishing mask). In a manner specific, as shown in [Fig.2A], the mask 2 for aquatic activity comprises two lenses 21, a waterproof skirt 23 and a fixing device 25. The fixing device 25 is provided between the two outer ends 23e of the waterproof skirt 23 (due to the limited viewing angle, [Fig.2A] shows only the outer end 23e of one side of the waterproof skirt 23). For example, the fixing device 25 may be an elastic head strap, the two ends of which are preferably fixed to the two outer ends 23e of the waterproof skirt 23 (preferably corresponding to the outer sides of the frames 23a in practice), but not limited to it. Any mechanism that helps the user to wear the mask 2 safely is feasible.For the sake of simplicity and clarity, the fixing device 25 is omitted in FIGS. 2B to 2E and 2H to prevent the detailed structure of the mask 2 from being blocked by the fixing device 25.

[0044] As shown in [Fig.2B], the waterproof skirt 23 is preferably integral and made of a flexible material such as silicone rubber, but it can also be made of other flexible materials having waterproof and stretching properties, for example the material using thermoplastic rubber, thermoplastic rubber (TPR) (such as thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as its base material. In the specific structure, the waterproof skirt 23 is integrally formed with two mounts 23a, a nose covering portion 23b and a rear edge 23c. The two mounts 23a are independent of each other and each mount 23a has an inner portion 23al. The two glasses 21 can be suitably integrated into the two frames 23a respectively in a waterproof manner.The nose covering portion 23b connects the two frames 23a and projects forward between the two frames 23a. The rear edge 23c is configured to fit over the user's face. When the user wears the mask 2 via the attachment device 25, the inner portions 23al of the two frames 23a may be configured to be adjacent to the user's two orbital bones UB1, respectively, as shown in [Fig.2C]. The expression "to be adjacent to" shall include "to be fairly close to" or "to be already in contact with".

[0045] The waterproof skirt 23 also comprises two connecting portions 23d, which are respectively formed between the nose covering portion 23b and each frame 23a. That is, the connecting portion 23d on the left is formed between the nose covering portion 23b and the frame 23a on the left, and the connecting portion 23d on the right is formed between the nose covering portion 23b and the frame 23a on the right. When the user wears the mask 2, the nose covering portion 23b is configured to cover the entire nose of the user, whereby the user's nose is housed in the internal cavity 220 of the nose covering portion 23b. Meanwhile, the two connecting portions 23d substantially cover the user's face where the cheekbones UB2 are positioned.

[0046] Unlike commercially available masks, the rear edge 23c of the waterproof skirt 23 may have a notch portion 23cl formed above an upper portion 23b 1 of the nose covering portion 23b. The notch portion 23c 1 bulges slightly forward to form a boss and appears as an open portion from a top viewing angle. Therefore, when the user wears the mask 2, the boss of the notch portion 23cl is configured to fit along a contour defined by a glabella UG and a nasal bone UB3 of the user's face, as shown in [Fig.2E]. By virtue of this design of the present invention, the rear edge 23c of the waterproof skirt 23 near the frames 23a no longer needs to be designed as a large flat area.The width of the rear edge 23c of the waterproof skirt 23 can be greatly reduced, and the distances of the frames 23a and the lenses 21 to the user can be shortened. In addition, the frames 23a on the left and right are proportionally adjacent to the orbital bones UB1 of the user without being obstructed by the glabella and the nasal bone, allowing the mask 2 to fit more closely on the face. In addition, in this structure, the frames 23a, as well as the lenses 21, are extremely small and are separated from each other, and there is no rigid connector between the two frames 23a. This allows the mask 2 to be easily folded, thereby minimizing and greatly reducing its storage volume, as shown in [Fig.2F]. This greatly improves the convenience of packaging and transportation.

[0047] Preferably, at least one of the upper, lower, and inner portions of each frame 23a is provided with a reinforced structure 23r. Therefore, when the user wears the mask 2, the reinforced structures 23r are configured to abut against at least a portion of the user's orbital bones UB1. In one embodiment, each reinforced structure 23r is provided at the lower portion of each frame 23a and may be a recess 231, which is integrally formed by the waterproof skirt 23, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2F.

[0048] In another embodiment, the reinforced structure 23r may also be a reinforced rib 233, which is attached to the outer side or the inner side of the waterproof skirt 23 or is integrally formed with the waterproof skirt 23, as shown in [Fig.2G]. In one embodiment, the reinforced ribs 233 and the waterproof skirt 23 may be made of different materials, and preferably have a Shore A hardness of between 20 and 60. In yet another embodiment, the reinforced ribs 233 and the waterproof skirt water 23 can be made of the same material, and the reinforced ribs 233 are formed by thickening the waterproof skirt 23. In this case, the entire waterproof skirt 23 preferably has a Shore A hardness of between 40 and 80.

[0049] In another embodiment, with reference to [Fig.2H], the reinforced structure 23r may be a seal 235 disposed on the internal portion 23al of each mount 23a in order to directly face and abut against the orbital bone UB1 of the user.

[0050] When the user performs aquatic activities, the water pressure compresses the mask 2 against the user's face. At this time, the various reinforced structures, such as recesses, reinforced ribs, or gaskets, abut against at least a portion of the user's orbital bones UB1 so that the mask 2 fits securely and stably to the face. At this time, the frames 23a on the left and right, as well as the lenses 21 on the left and right, do not cause relative displacement with respect to each other, further improving the waterproof effect. This is particularly effective in the embodiment that uses a gasket 235 encircling each orbital bone UB1 in its entirety.When the annular-shaped seal 235 is implemented as the reinforced structure 23r, it provides a two-layer waterproofing mechanism for the mask 2 (i.e., internal waterproofing by the seal 235 and external waterproofing by the waterproof skirt 23), resulting in improved waterproofing for the eyes.

[0051] In all embodiments, each mount 23a may have an annular groove 23ag formed on its inner edge, allowing each corresponding lens 21 to be integrated therein in a waterproof manner. Alternatively, the two mounts 23a may be injection molded integrally with the two lenses 21, respectively. Both are possible implementations.

[0052] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the critical aspect of the present invention is that the mask 2 is in contact with the user and accommodates the user's facial organs (such as the eyes and nose). The purpose and shape of the mask 2 are not the focus of concern. For example, in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, as shown in [Fig. 3], the mask 3 further comprises a breathing tube 31, which is in fluid communication with the internal cavity 220 of the nose covering portion 23b. The mask 3 may further comprise a three-way connector 33. The three-way connector 33 may have a mouthpiece portion 33a, a drain valve portion 33b, and a nose connecting portion 33c in fluid communication with each other, wherein the mouthpiece portion 33a is provided for the user's mouth to contain it.Further, the nose connecting portion 33c and the inner cavity 220 of the nose covering portion. 23b are in fluid communication with each other. With this design, the user can inhale and exhale through the nose via the nose connecting portion 33c and through the mouth via the mouthpiece portion 33a. In addition, the user can discharge the water accumulated inside the mask 3 to the outside via the drain valve provided on the drain valve portion 33b. Therefore, the mask 3 can be a breathing mask having a very compact size and being extremely convenient for carrying.

[0053] The above embodiments are purely illustrative. Any modifications of these embodiments to achieve a better waterproof effect and to accommodate a wider range of face shapes are feasible alternatives and within the scope of the present invention. For example, instead of obviously bulging forward, the notch portion at the rear edge of the waterproof skirt may be relatively flat to be flush with the other portions of the rear edge, as long as the notch portion can flexibly adapt to the contour defined by the glabella and nasal bone of the user to prevent communication between the internal cavity of the nose covering portion and the outside when the user wears the mask.In addition, there may be yet another preferred embodiment that both lower sides of the nose covering portion 23b may also be provided with recesses 23h, respectively. With this design, the user's fingers may be placed in the recesses 23h to pinch the nose and achieve Frenzel compensation, as shown in [Fig.2H] and [Fig.3].

[0054] In summary, the water sports mask of the present invention may have left and right frames, which are independently formed and integrally formed from the flexible waterproof skirt, for the left and right lenses respectively integrated therein. This design eliminates the need for a rigid bridge between the left and right frames or the right and left lenses. This allows the lenses to be very close to the eyes while still providing a sufficiently wide field of view without being oversized. In addition, the left and right frames may directly abut the user's left and right orbital bones, respectively, to provide wearing stability.Since the weights of the frames and lenses are greatly reduced, and the distances from the frames and lenses to the eyes are greatly reduced, the waterproof skirt will not be detached by the frames and lenses and can provide an excellent waterproof effect. Therefore, based on these designs, the present invention can greatly reduce the overall volume and internal volume of the mask, and has the advantages of miniaturization, portability and safety of use.

[0055] The above embodiments are used only to illustrate the implementations of the present invention and to explain the technical features of the present invention and are not used to limit the scope of the present invention. Modifications or equivalent arrangements which can be readily made by those skilled in the art are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is to be limited by the claims of the patent application.

Claims

Claims

1. A mask (2, 3) for aquatic activity, comprising: two lenses (21); a waterproof skirt (23); and a fixing device (25), disposed between two outer ends (23e) of the waterproof skirt (23); characterized in that the waterproof skirt (23) is integrally formed with: two frames (23a) which are independent of each other and each having an inner portion (23al), in which the two lenses (21) are suitably integrated into the two frames (23a) in a waterproof manner, respectively; a nose covering portion (23b) connecting the two frames (23a) and projecting forward between the two frames (23a); and a rear edge (23c) which is configured to fit a face of a user;wherein when the user wears the mask (2,3) by means of the attachment device (25), the two inner parts (23al) of the two frames (23a) are configured to be adjacent to the two orbital bones (UB1) of the user, respectively.;

2. The mask (2, 3) of claim 1, further comprising two connecting portions (23d), one of which is formed between the nose covering portion (23b) and one of the two frames (23a), and the other of which is formed between the nose covering portion (23b) and the other of the two frames (23a), whereby when the user wears the mask (2, 3), the nose covering portion (23b) is configured to cover the entire nose of the user and the two connecting portions (23d) are configured to substantially cover the cheekbones (UB2) of the user's face.

3. A mask (2, 3) according to claim 2, wherein the rear edge (23c) has a notch portion (23c 1) formed on an upper portion (23b 1) of the nose covering portion (23b), wherein the notch portion (23cl) bulges slightly forward to form a boss, whereby when the user wears the mask (2, 3), the boss is configured to fit along a contour defined by a glabella (UG) and a nasal bone (UB3) of the user's face.

4. The mask (2, 3) of claim 1, wherein at least one of an upper portion, a lower portion, and an inner portion of each of the two frames (23a) is provided with a reinforced structure (23r), whereby when the user wears the mask (2, 3), the reinforced structure (23r) is configured to abut against at least a portion of the two orbital bones (UB1) of the user.

5. A mask (2, 3) according to claim 4, wherein the reinforced structure (23r) is provided on at least one of the upper portion and the lower portion of each of the two frames (23a), and the reinforced structure is a recess (231) formed integrally with the waterproof skirt (23).

6. A mask (2, 3) according to claim 4, wherein the reinforced structure (23r) is a reinforced rib (233), which is attached to an inner side of the waterproof skirt (23) or is formed integrally with the waterproof skirt (23).

7. Mask (2, 3) according to claim 6, wherein the reinforced rib (233) and the waterproof skirt (23) are made of different materials and have a Shore A hardness of between 20 and 60.

8. A mask (2, 3) according to claim 6, wherein the reinforced rib (233) is formed by thickening the waterproof skirt (23), and has a Shore A hardness of between 40 and 80.

9. Mask (2, 3) according to claim 4, wherein the reinforced structure (23r) is a seal (235) provided on the internal part (23al) of each of the two frames (23a).

10. A mask (2, 3) according to claim 1, wherein each of the two frames (23a) has an annular groove (23ag) formed on its inner edge for each of the two lenses (21) intended to be respectively integrated therein in a waterproof manner.

11. Mask (2, 3) according to claim 1, in which the two frames (23a) are injection molded integrally with the two lenses (21).

12. Mask (2, 3) according to claim 1, wherein the fixing device (25) is an elastic head strap.

13. A mask (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a breathing tube (31) which is in fluid communication with an internal cavity (220) defined by the nose covering portion (23b).

14. The mask (3) of claim 13, further comprising a three-way connector (33) having a mouthpiece portion (33a), a drain valve portion (33b) and a nose connecting portion (33c), which are in fluid communication with each other, wherein the nose connecting portion (33c) is in fluid communication with the internal cavity (220) of the nose covering portion (23b).

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