Breathable mask

Abstract

To provide a mask allowing a user's nose freely breathing inside the mask as well as separating the fresh air inhaled and the dirty air exhaled.SOLUTION: A breathable mask includes a body and a snorkel, a main frame, lenses fitted to the main frame, and a waterproof sealing skirt. The waterproof sealing skirt separates inside of the body into an upper chamber covering eyes and a lower chamber covering a nose by a spacer, and arranges independent air intake passages and exhaust passages to separate the fresh air inhaled and the dirty air exhaled. Alternatively, a nasal connecting portion having a drain valve is provided in fluid communication with the lower chamber. It is also possible to provide a three-way pipe 680 having the nasal connecting portion, a mouth portion, and a drain portion in fluid communication with one another, wherein the nasal connecting portion is in fluid communication with the lower chamber, and the mouth connecting portion is adapted to be contained in the user's mouth when the user well wears the breathable mask.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mask for water activities, and more particularly to a mask for snorkeling that allows breathing through the nose or both the nose and mouth. [Background technology]

[0002] As shown in FIG. 1, in the current snorkeling activities, the majority of people use a mask 1 that covers the eyes and nose, and combine it with a snorkel 2. In this case, the user cannot breathe through the nose at all, and can only breathe through the mouth through the snorkel 2. In addition, since the snorkel 2 extends from one side of the mask 1, it is not well balanced when used. In addition, the snorkel 2 must be connected to the mask 1, and the connection position generally passes near the headband 3 of the mask 1. However, since hair is easily entangled in the headband 3, such a snorkeling device increases the trouble for the user when wearing it. In addition, humans still have the habit of breathing through their noses in the air. Therefore, when using such a device, the user is forced to breathe through their mouth, which goes against the user's natural breathing method.

[0003] Based on the above drawbacks, the industry has begun to assume that the snorkel 4 fixed to the top of a full face mask (FFSM) can be directly used as a conventional diving mask 5 and communicated with the inside of the mask 5 to allow the user to breathe through the nose. In other words, the conventional mouthpiece-type snorkel 2 as shown in FIG. 1 is changed to a design as shown in FIG. 2A. Naturally, this has a smaller volume than a full face snorkel mask (FFSM) and can maintain a good degree of adhesion to the face. However, the snorkel 4 of this design communicates with the nose bag 7 inside the mask 5 through a tunnel 6, allowing the user to breathe through the nose (see also FIG. 2B). In this design, the airflows of inhalation and exhalation are not separated, so clean air and dirty air are rapidly mixed in the nose bag 7 of the mask 5 during breathing, causing the carbon dioxide concentration in the mask 5 to rise rapidly. Therefore, the user is likely to become oxygen-deficient without realizing it in a short period of time, which is very dangerous. Moreover, the user cannot change to mouth breathing even if he / she feels unwell. In addition, if the shape and material of the nose mask part 8 designed in this way are inappropriate, the result in the actual use test is that the nose is automatically pinched by the water pressure P (see FIG. 2C), preventing nasal breathing and increasing the chance of danger. Furthermore, the water in the mask 5 is concentrated in the nose bag 7 inside the nose mask part 8, and is very close to the user's nostrils. This causes discomfort to the user, and ultimately causes choking on the water.

[0004] Moreover, such a mask 5 can only cover the eyes and nose, and the user's mouth is exposed to the water, so the user unconsciously closes their mouth tightly to avoid accidentally drinking water, which is very unsatisfying.

[0005] Therefore, providing a design that partially or fully addresses the above problems would be a major breakthrough and has become a goal that the industry is eager to pursue. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The problem to be solved is that the user's nose is not able to breathe freely inside the mask, or that the airflow between inhaled fresh air and exhaled dirty air is not separated, resulting in a build-up of carbon dioxide concentration inside the mask. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] As a first aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems, a breathable mask including a body and a snorkel is provided. The snorkel and the body are capable of passing through the interiors thereof. The snorkel includes an intake pipe and an exhaust pipe adjacent to the intake pipe. The body includes a main frame, a lens that fits within the main frame, and a waterproof sealing skirt that fits partially within the main frame and the lens and can be properly fitted to the face of a user. The waterproof sealing skirt has a spacer that divides the interior of the body into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. When the user wears the breathable mask using a fastening device, the spacer is positioned at the nose of the user, the user's eyes are accommodated within the upper chamber, and the user's nose is accommodated within the lower chamber. As a feature, the main body further includes an intake passage formed between the intake pipe and the lower chamber, the intake passage being provided with a first check valve, the first check valve being provided on the spacer, and the first check valve being used only to allow fresh air entering from the outside to enter the lower chamber through the intake passage, and an exhaust passage formed between the exhaust pipe and the lower chamber, the exhaust passage being used only to exhaust dirty air exhaled by the user to the outside through the exhaust passage. Fluids are isolated between the intake passage and the exhaust passage.

[0008] As a second means for solving the problem, a nose communication part is extended outward below the mask and a drain valve is provided, so that accumulated water in the mask can be accumulated and moved away from the nostrils while being effectively discharged through the drain valve. The present invention mainly provides a breathable mask including a main body and a snorkel. The inside of the snorkel and the main body are fluid-permeable. The snorkel includes an intake pipe and an exhaust pipe adjacent to the intake pipe. The main body includes a main frame, a lens that fits into the main frame, and a waterproof sealing skirt that fits partly into the main frame and the lens and can be properly fitted to the face of the user. The waterproof sealing skirt has a spacer that divides the inside of the main body into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. When the user wears the breathable mask using a fastening device, the spacer is located at the nose of the user, the user's eyes are accommodated in the upper chamber, and the user's nose is accommodated in the lower chamber. As a characteristic, the main body further includes: an intake passage formed between the intake pipe and the lower chamber, the intake passage having a first check valve provided therein, the first check valve being used only for allowing fresh air entering from the outside to enter the lower chamber through the intake passage; an exhaust passage formed between the exhaust pipe and the lower chamber, the exhaust passage being used only for discharging dirty air exhaled by the user to the outside through the exhaust passage; and a nasal communication portion, one end of which allows fluid to pass between the lower chamber and the main chamber, and the other end of which is provided with a drain valve.

[0009] As a third means for solving the problem, a three-way tube is extended outward from below the mask. One of the three-way tubes is connected to the nose mask portion, and the other is provided with a drain valve. This allows accumulated water in the mask to be accumulated and moved away from the nostrils, and allows the accumulated water to be effectively discharged through the drain valve. In addition, a mouthpiece to be held in the mouth of the user is connected to one of the three-way tubes. This improves the stability of the mask when worn, and allows the user to breathe not only through the nose but also through the mouth. The mask that allows breathing of the present invention includes a main body and a snorkel. The snorkel and the main body are capable of passing fluid through the inside. The snorkel includes an intake pipe and an exhaust pipe adjacent to the intake pipe. The main body includes a main frame, a lens that fits into the main frame, and a waterproof sealing skirt that fits partly into the main frame and the lens and can be appropriately fitted to the user's face. The waterproof sealing skirt has a spacer that divides the inside of the main body into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. When the user wears the breathable mask using a fastening device, the spacer is located on the user's nose, the user's eyes are accommodated in the upper chamber, and the user's nose is accommodated in the lower chamber. As a feature, the main body further includes an intake passage formed between the intake pipe and the lower chamber, the intake passage being provided with a first check valve, the first check valve being used only for allowing fresh air entering from the outside to enter the lower chamber through the intake passage, an exhaust passage formed between the exhaust pipe and the lower chamber, the exhaust passage being used only for discharging dirty air exhaled by the user to the outside through the exhaust passage, and a three-way pipe having a nasal communication part, a mouth communication part, and a drainage part through which fluids pass among them, the nasal communication part and the lower chamber, and a fluid passing between the nasal communication part and the lower chamber, allowing the user to properly hold the mouth communication part to the mouth of the user when wearing the breathable mask.

[0010] In order to achieve the above three objectives, the nasal mask part of the present invention can be designed with a specific hardness material or a specific shape, so that the water pressure during use will not affect normal nasal breathing. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of prior art snorkeling equipment as worn by a user. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of another prior art snorkel mask. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a partial schematic rear view of FIG. 2A showing the intake and exhaust airflow. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C is a partial schematic front view of FIG. 2A, showing a state in which the nose bag is pressed and deformed by water pressure (P). [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a rear perspective view of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a sagittal cross-sectional view taken along line 3B-3B in FIG. 3A. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C is a coronal cross-section taken along line 3C-3C in FIG. 3A, showing the inspiratory airflow. [Figure 3D] FIG. 3D is similar to FIG. 3C, but shows the exhaust airflow. [Figure 3E] FIG. 3E is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3E-3E in FIG. 3A, showing the cross-sectional shape of the nasal mask portion. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a rear perspective view of FIG. 4A. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C is a coronal cross-section taken along line 4C-4C in FIG. 4A, showing the inspiratory airflow. [Figure 4D] FIG. 4D is similar to FIG. 4C, but shows the exhaust airflow. [Figure 4E] FIG. 4E is a sagittal cross-sectional view taken along line 4E-4E in FIG. 4A. [Figure 4F] FIG. 4F is a cross-sectional view of a cross section taken along line 4F-4F in FIG. 4A. [Figure 5A]FIG. 5A is a front perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a rear perspective view of FIG. 5A. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a sagittal cross-sectional view taken along line 5C-5C in FIG. 5A, showing the inspiratory airflow. [Figure 5D] FIG. 5D is a coronal cross-sectional view taken along line 5D-5D in FIG. 5A, illustrating the exhaust airflow. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a modified embodiment of a three-way pipe in the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows another modified embodiment of the three-way pipe in the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is a further expanded modified embodiment of the three-way pipe in the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a rear perspective view of FIG. 8A. [Figure 8C] FIG. 8C is a sagittal cross-sectional view taken along line 8C-8C in FIG. 8A, showing the inspiratory airflow. [Figure 8D] FIG. 8D is a coronal cross-sectional view taken along line 8D-8D in FIG. 8A, showing the exhaust airflow. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] A first embodiment of the present invention provides a breathing mask that primarily covers the user's eyes and nose, allowing the user's nose to breathe freely within the mask, and separates the airflow between inhaled fresh air and exhaled dirty air.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 3A to FIG. 3E, the mask 10 that allows breathing includes a main body 11 and a snorkel 12. The snorkel 12 and the main body 11 are configured so that a fluid can pass through the inside of the mask. The mask 10 includes an intake pipe 121 and an exhaust pipe 122 adjacent to the intake pipe 121. The mask 10 is preferably made of a hard material. The mask 10 includes two exhaust pipes 122, which are located on both the left and right sides of the intake pipe 121 and are formed in the mask 10 together with the intake pipe 121. The mask 10 includes a main frame 13, a lens 14 that fits in the main frame 13, and a waterproof sealing skirt 15 that fits in part of the main frame 13 and the lens 14 and can be properly fitted to the face of a user. The waterproof sealing skirt 15 includes a spacer 16 that divides the inside of the mask 10 into an upper chamber 17 and a lower chamber 18. When the user wears the breathing mask 10 using a fastening device (i.e., an elastic headband, not shown), the spacer 16 is located at the user's nose, the user's eyes are accommodated in the upper chamber 17, and the user's nose is accommodated in the lower chamber 18. As a feature, the main body 11 further includes an intake passage formed between the intake pipe 121 and the lower chamber 18, which is provided with a first check valve 161, the first check valve 161 being provided on the spacer 16, and the first check valve 161 being used only to allow fresh air entering from the outside to enter the lower chamber 18 through the intake passage, and an exhaust passage formed between the exhaust pipe 122 and the lower chamber 18, which is used only to exhaust dirty air exhaled by the user to the outside through the exhaust passage. Fluids are isolated between the intake passage and the exhaust passage.

[0014] A second check valve 162 may be provided separately to prevent a small amount of dirty air in the exhaust passage from flowing back into the lower chamber 18 and mixing with fresh air inhaled by the user in the next breathing cycle, resulting in a small amount of carbon dioxide accumulating in the mask. The intake passage is defined by the upper chamber 17 and the first check valve 161, and the exhaust passage is defined by the second check valve 162 and the exhaust tunnel 19. As shown in Figs. 3A to 3C, the exhaust tunnel 19 is jointly formed by the waterproof sealing skirt 15 and the periphery 141 of the lens 14. Also, as shown in Fig. 3C, the second check valve 162 is provided on the spacer 16 and is located below the first check valve 161. When the user's nose (N) inhales, fresh air can properly pass through the upper chamber 17 from the intake pipe 121, the first check valve 161, and enter the lower chamber 18, thereby allowing the user to inhale air through the nose. Also, as shown in FIG. 3D, when the user's nose (N) exhausts, dirty air can properly pass through the second check valve 162, pass through the exhaust tunnel 19, and enter the exhaust pipe 122 to be exhausted.

[0015] The waterproof sealing skirt 15 further includes a nose mask portion 151 that defines the lower chamber 18 together with the spacer 16. As shown in FIG. 3B, the nose mask portion 151 has a protruding region 152 and a bottom region 153. The bottom region 153 can appropriately correspond to the nostrils of the user. In order to prevent the nose mask portion 151 from being deformed by the influence of water pressure, the nose mask portion 151 is preferably made of a hard material selected from polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS), or a combination thereof, and has a Shore D hardness of 50 to 90. 3B and 3E, the nasal mask portion 151 may be made of a relatively soft material and have a Shore A hardness of 30 to 95, and is configured in a specific shape. More specifically, the protruding region 152 gradually rises forward from the rear edge of the main frame 13 to form a cross-sectional shape having a single peak. The maximum height (Nh) of the cross-sectional shape of the single peak is between 20 and 35 mm. Alternatively, the maximum degree (Nt) by which the protruding region 152 rises forward from the rear edge of the main frame 13 and exceeds the lower outer edge of the main frame 13 is between 5 and 20 mm.

[0016] The second embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment mainly in the following points. That is, in the second embodiment, the fluid in the lower chamber of the mask further passes through the nasal passage. The nasal passage is provided with a drain valve. This allows water inside the mask to have an accumulation space and can be discharged via the drain valve. In addition, a portion of the gas exhaled from the nose can also be discharged from the drain valve. This makes both drainage and exhaust smoother.

[0017] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 4A to Fig. 4F, the breathable mask 20 includes a body 21 and a snorkel 22. The snorkel 22 and the body 21 are configured so that a fluid can pass through the inside of the body. The snorkel 22 includes an intake pipe 221 and an exhaust pipe 222 adjacent to the intake pipe 221. The body 21 includes a main frame 23, a lens 24 that fits into the main frame 23, and a waterproof sealing skirt 25 that is partially fitted into the main frame 23 and the lens 24 and can be properly fitted to the face of a user. The waterproof sealing skirt 25 has a spacer 26 that divides the inside of the body 21 into an upper chamber 27 and a lower chamber 28. When the user wears the breathable mask 20 using a fastening device (i.e., an elastic headband, not shown), the spacer 26 is located at the user's nose, the user's eyes are accommodated in the upper chamber 27, and the user's nose is accommodated in the lower chamber 28. As a characteristic feature, the main body 21 further includes: an intake passage formed between the intake pipe 221 and the lower chamber 28, which is provided with a first check valve 261 and is used only for allowing fresh air entering from the outside to enter the lower chamber 28 through the intake passage; an exhaust passage formed between the exhaust pipe 222 and the lower chamber 28, which is used only for discharging dirty air exhaled by the user to the outside through the exhaust passage; and a nasal communication portion 280, one end of which allows fluid to pass between the lower chamber 28 and the lower chamber 28 and the other end of which is provided with a drain valve 284.

[0018] Preferably, as shown in Figures 4C and 4D, the breathable mask 20 further includes a second check valve 262. The inhalation passage is defined by the upper chamber 27 and the first check valve 261, and the exhaust passage is defined by the second check valve 262 and the exhaust tunnel 29. The exhaust tunnel 29 is jointly formed by the waterproof sealing skirt 25 and the periphery 241 of the lens 24. In this embodiment, the first check valve 261 is provided on the side wall 292 of the inlet 291 of the exhaust tunnel 29, and the second check valve 262 is provided on the inside of the inlet 291 of the exhaust tunnel 29. As shown in Figure 4C, when the user inhales, fresh air can properly pass through the inhalation pipe 221, the upper chamber 27, the first check valve 261, and the inlet 291 of the exhaust tunnel 29, and enter the lower chamber 28, so as to be inhaled into the nose (N) of the user. Also, as shown in FIG. 4D, when the user's nose (N) exhausts, some of the dirty air properly passes through the second check valve 262, passes through the exhaust tunnel 29, and enters the exhaust pipe 222 so that it can be exhausted.

[0019] Also, please refer to Fig. 4D and Fig. 4E. The waterproof sealing skirt 25 further includes a nose mask portion 251 that defines the lower chamber 28 together with the spacer 26. The nose mask portion 251 has a protruding region 252 and a bottom region 253. The bottom region 253 can appropriately correspond to the user's nostrils. The nose communication portion 280 and the lower chamber 28 allow fluid to pass through the bottom region 253. In order to reliably ensure that dirty air and accumulated water can be retained at the bottom of the nose communication portion 280 without returning to the lower chamber 28, more preferably, a third check valve 263 is provided in the bottom region, and fluid is only allowed to pass from the lower chamber 28 through the third check valve 263 and enter the nose communication portion 280. When the user's nose is exhausted, some dirty air can appropriately pass through the third check valve 263 and be discharged via the drain valve 284 of the nose communication portion 280.

[0020] Both the nasal mask part 251 and the nasal communication part 280 are made of a hard material selected from polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or a combination thereof, and have a Shore D hardness of 50 to 90. As shown in FIG. 4F, the nasal mask part 251 and the nasal communication part 280 may be made of a soft material and have a Shore A hardness of 30 to 95. The protruding area 252 gradually rises forward from the rear edge of the main frame 23, and has a cross-sectional shape with a single peak. The cross-sectional shape with the single peak has a maximum height (Nh) of 20 to 35 mm. Alternatively, the maximum degree (Nt) by which the protruding region 252 protrudes forward from the rear edge of the main frame 23 beyond the lower outer edge of the main frame 23 is between 5 and 20 mm.

[0021] The third embodiment of the present invention is different from the first embodiment mainly in the following points. That is, in the third embodiment, the fluid in the lower chamber of the mask further passes through a three-way tube. The three-way tube is provided with a mouthpiece and a drain valve. This not only allows the user to feel more comfortable by holding the mouthpiece in his mouth, but also allows water in the mask to have an accumulation space and to be discharged via the drain valve. In addition, a portion of the gas exhaled from the nose can also be discharged from the drain valve. This makes both drainage and exhaust smoother.

[0022] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 5A to Fig. 5D, the breathable mask 30 includes a body 31 and a snorkel 32. The snorkel 32 and the body 31 are configured so that fluid can pass through the inside of the body. The snorkel 32 includes an intake pipe 321 and an exhaust pipe 322 adjacent to the intake pipe 321. The body 31 includes a main frame 33, a lens 34 that fits into the main frame 33, and a waterproof sealing skirt 35 that is partially fitted into the main frame 33 and the lens 34 and can be properly fitted to the face of a user. The waterproof sealing skirt 35 has a spacer 36 that divides the inside of the body 31 into an upper chamber 37 and a lower chamber 38. When the user wears the breathable mask using a fastening device (i.e., an elastic headband, not shown), the spacer 36 is located at the user's nose, the user's eyes are accommodated in the upper chamber 37, and the user's nose is accommodated in the lower chamber 38. As a feature, the main body 31 further includes an intake passage formed between the intake pipe 321 and the lower chamber 38, the intake passage being provided with a first check valve 361, the first check valve 361 being used only to allow fresh air entering from the outside to enter the lower chamber 38 through the intake passage, an exhaust passage formed between the exhaust pipe 322 and the lower chamber 38, the exhaust passage being used only to exhaust dirty air exhaled by the user to the outside through the exhaust passage, and a three-way pipe 380 having a nose communication part 381, a mouth communication part 382, ​​and a drainage part 383 which allow fluid to pass between them, and allowing a mouthpiece 398 provided in the mouth communication part 382 to be appropriately held in the mouth of the user when the user wears the mask 30 that enables breathing. In addition, the drainage part 383 drains and exhausts air downward and forward. In order to isolate the dirty air more effectively, this embodiment may further include a second check valve 362. The intake passage is defined by the upper chamber 37 and the first check valve 361, and the exhaust passage is defined by the second check valve 362 and an exhaust tunnel 39. The exhaust tunnel 39 is jointly formed by the waterproof sealing skirt 35 and the periphery 341 of the lens 34.

[0023] Preferably, as shown in Figs. 5B to 5D, the first check valve 361 is provided on the spacer 36, and the second check valve 362 is provided at the inlet 391 of the exhaust tunnel 39. When the user's nose (N) inhales (Fig. 5C), fresh air can properly pass from the intake pipe 321 through the upper chamber 37, pass through the first check valve 361, and enter the lower chamber 38, thereby being inhaled into the user's nose. Also, when the user's nose (N) exhales (Fig. 5D), some dirty air can properly pass through the second check valve 362, pass through the exhaust tunnel 39, and enter the exhaust pipe 322 to be discharged. The waterproof sealing skirt 35 further includes a nose mask portion 351 that defines the lower chamber 38 together with the spacer 36. The nose mask portion 351 has a protruding region 352 and a bottom region 353. The bottom region 353 can appropriately correspond to the user's nostrils. The nasal communication portion 381 and the lower chamber 38 pass fluid through the bottom region 353. More preferably, the nasal mask portion 351 is made of a hard material selected from polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or a combination thereof, and has a Shore D hardness of 50 to 90. Also, as shown in FIG. 5C, the nasal mask portion 351 may be made of a soft material and has a Shore A hardness of 30 to 95. Also, the protruding region 352 gradually rises forward from the rear edge of the main frame 33 to form a cross-sectional shape having a single peak. The cross-sectional shape of the single crest has a maximum height (Nh) between 20 and 35 mm, or a maximum degree (Nt) that the protruding region 352 protrudes forward from the rear edge of the main frame 33 beyond the lower outer edge of the main frame 33 is between 5 and 20 mm.

[0024] In order to further adapt to different face shapes of users and to allow the user to wear it more comfortably, a flexible portion 385 is provided between the nasal communication portion 381 and the bottom region 353 so that the movable range of the three-way tube is expanded. In addition, a third check valve 363 is provided in the bottom region, and only allows fluid to pass through the third check valve 363 from the lower chamber 38 and enter the nasal communication portion 381. When the user's mouth (M) inhales (FIG. 5C), fresh air can be supplied to the user by passing through the third check valve 363 and the mouth communication portion 382. When the user's nose (N) exhales (FIG. 5D), dirty air can be discharged by passing through the third check valve 363 and passing through the nasal communication portion 381. In addition, when the user's mouth (M) is exhausted (FIG. 5D), the dirty air flows directly to the drain 383 and can be discharged from the drain valve 384 together with the accumulated water in the three-way pipe 380 (usually concentrated mainly in the drain 383). Moreover, the dirty air and accumulated water exhaled from the mouth are blocked by the third check valve 363, so they are not back-sprayed into the lower chamber 38.

[0025] The design of the flexible portion 385 is not limited to the above, and as shown in Fig. 6, it is possible to further expand the movable range of the three-way tube 480 by designing it to be longer and using an independent flexible joint 485 having a pleated portion 486. The design of the three-way tube is also not limited to the above, and as shown in Fig. 7, it is possible to expand the internal space of the drainage portion 583 in the three-way tube 580 to allow more water that has entered the mask to be accumulated. In this case, the drainage portion 583 drains and exhausts water downward.

[0026] The third embodiment of the present invention may be expanded to modify the three-way pipe design as shown in Figures 8A to 8D. In this case, when a user exhausts air underwater, the air bubbles generated during exhaust and discharge are directed toward both sides of the user's face, rather than upward, so that the user's line of sight is not obstructed when appreciating underwater scenery.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 8A to FIG. 8D, the breathable mask 60 includes a body 61 and a snorkel 62. The snorkel 62 and the body 61 are configured to allow fluid to pass through their interiors. The snorkel 62 includes an intake pipe 621 and an exhaust pipe 622 adjacent to the intake pipe 621. The body 61 includes a main frame 63, a lens 64 that fits into the main frame 63, and a waterproof sealing skirt 65 that partially fits into the main frame 63 and the lens 64 and can be properly fitted to the face of a user. The waterproof sealing skirt 65 has a spacer 66 that divides the interior of the body 61 into an upper chamber 67 and a lower chamber 68. When the user wears the breathable mask 60 using a fastening device (i.e., an elastic headband, not shown), the spacer 66 is positioned at the user's nose, the user's eyes are accommodated in the upper chamber 67, and the user's nose is accommodated in the lower chamber 68. As a feature, the main body 61 further includes an intake passage formed between the intake pipe 621 and the lower chamber 68, the intake passage being provided with a first check valve 661, the first check valve 661 being used only to allow fresh air entering from the outside to enter the lower chamber 68 through the intake passage, an exhaust passage formed between the exhaust pipe 622 and the lower chamber 68, the exhaust passage being used only to exhaust dirty air exhaled by the user to the outside through the exhaust passage, and a three-way pipe 680 having a nose communication part 681, a mouth communication part 682, and a drainage part 683 which allow fluids to pass between them, and through which fluid passes between the nose communication part 681 and the lower chamber 68, and which allows the user to appropriately hold the mouth communication part 682 in his mouth when wearing the mask 60 that enables breathing. In addition, the drainage part 683 drains and exhausts air downward and forward. An intake passage is defined by the upper chamber 67 and the first check valve 661, and the exhaust passage is defined by the second check valve 662 and an exhaust tunnel 69. The exhaust tunnel 69 is jointly formed by the waterproof sealing skirt 65 and the periphery 641 of the lens 64.

[0028] The above means are almost the same as those in the embodiment of Fig. 5A to Fig. 5D, but in this expanded third embodiment, only a part of the three-way tube 680 is changed. Specifically, the drainage portion 683 of the three-way tube 680 includes a base 685 extending downward from the nasal communication portion 681. The base 685 has a first connection portion 687 and a second connection portion 688 facing the first connection portion 687. The first connection portion 687 can appropriately accommodate the drainage valve 684 and be fixed therein. The mouth communication portion 682 is jointly defined by the second connection portion 688 and a mouthpiece 698. The drainage portion 683 further includes a blocking plate 690. The blocking plate 690, the drainage valve 684, and the first connection portion 687 jointly define the drainage portion 683. The blocking plate 690 extends downward from the nasal communication portion and faces the drainage valve 684. In addition, the blocking plate 690 and the drain valve 684 are connected by a hook 691 to form a gap 692. When the user exhausts air, dirty air or accumulated water can be discharged from the side through the gap 692. More preferably, flow guide vanes 695 for assisting the drainage and exhaust and directing them in the desired direction may be added on both sides of the blocking plate 690. This provides a better effect of preventing air bubbles from going directly upward.

[0029] The following is a further description of the flow of intake and exhaust. A first check valve 661 is provided on the spacer 66. When the user's nose (N) inhales (FIG. 8C), fresh air can properly pass from the intake pipe 621 through the upper chamber 67, pass through the first check valve 661, and enter the lower chamber 68, thereby being inhaled into the user's nose. Also, when the user's nose (N) exhales (FIG. 8D), some dirty air can properly pass through the second check valve 662 provided at the entrance of the exhaust tunnel 69, pass through the exhaust tunnel 69, enter the exhaust pipe 622, and be discharged. The waterproof sealing skirt 65 further includes a nose mask portion 651 that defines the lower chamber 68 together with the spacer 66. The nose mask portion 651 has a protruding region 652 and a bottom region 653. The bottom region 653 can properly correspond to the user's nostrils. The nasal passages 681 and the lower chamber 68 allow fluid to pass through the base region 653 .

[0030] More preferably, a third check valve 663 is provided in the bottom region, and allows fluid to only pass from the lower chamber 68 through the third check valve 663 and enter the nasal communication part 681. When the user's mouth (M) inhales (FIG. 8C), fresh air can be supplied to the user by passing through the third check valve 663 and the mouth communication part 682. When the user's nose (N) exhales (FIG. 8D), dirty air can pass through the third check valve 663 and pass through the nasal communication part 681 to reach the drain part 683 and be discharged. When the user's mouth (M) exhales (FIG. 8D), dirty air can be directed directly to the drain part 683 and discharged from the drain part 683 together with accumulated water in the three-way pipe 680 (usually mainly concentrated in the drain part 683). The air and water discharged from the drainage section 683 first collide with the blocking plate 690, and then are discharged downward and outward along the guide vanes 695 on both sides. Moreover, the dirty air and water discharged from the mouth are blocked by the third check valve 663, and therefore are not back-sprayed into the lower chamber 68.

[0031] The range of material selection and cross-sectional shape of the nasal mask part 651 in this extended third embodiment is similar to the above several embodiments. Specifically, when the nasal mask part 651 is made of a hard material and has a Shore D hardness of 50 to 90, it is selected from polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS) or a combination thereof. When the nasal mask part 651 is made of a soft material and has a Shore A hardness of 30 to 95, the protruding area 652 gradually rises forward from the rear edge of the main frame 63 to form a cross-sectional shape with a single peak. Moreover, the cross-sectional shape with the single peak has a maximum height (Nh) between 20 to 35 mm. Alternatively, the maximum degree (Nt) that the protruding region 652 protrudes forward from the rear edge of the main frame 63 beyond the lower outer edge of the main frame 63 is between 5 and 20 mm.

[0032] In the above preferred embodiment, the structure and operation method of the technical means of the present invention are described in detail, but in the following, in order to make the scope of the present invention more clearly understood, the convertible forms are separately listed, but still should not be construed as limiting the claims of the following claims.

[0033] For example, the first check valve, the second check valve, the intake passage, the exhaust passage, the exhaust tunnel, the exhaust pipe, and the like in each of the above embodiments are optimally arranged symmetrically in the mask, and therefore only one of them is selected for explanation only for the sake of convenience, and is not intended to limit the number.

[0034] The snorkel can exchange air with the outside through the tip when above the water surface, but the exchange of air with the outside is blocked when below the water surface. For example, a dry snorkel is the optimal choice, but there is no particular restriction on the type or position of the snorkel.

[0035] The headbands are all similar to those shown in Fig. 2A, but are not limited in type, and are not shown in the drawings of the present invention to avoid hindrance to the description.

[0036] The two first check valves are preferably provided symmetrically on the spacer or on both sides of the spacer. The purpose of providing a second check valve is to allow the intake and exhaust air to be separated more completely, so that the small amount of dirty air accumulated in the exhaust passage during the user's breathing does not mix with clean air during the next intake circulation, but this is not essential.

[0037] The main frame and the lens are not limited to those that cover only the eyes of the user, but may be modified to cover both the eyes and nose of the user at the same time. Also, the lens that covers only the eyes is not limited to a single lens that is connected on the left and right, but may be two independent lenses on the left and right.

[0038] The third check valve need not necessarily be provided in the bottom region, but may be provided in any position in the nasal passage, as long as it is a means capable of preventing the fluid in the nasal passage from flowing back into the lower chamber. Also, the provision of a third check valve is not essential.

[0039] The three-way pipe and the blocking plate are not limited to any particular type.

[0040] The first, second, and third check valves are not limited to any particular type and may be mushroom type (circular), pivot type (mostly square), or any other valve device that allows fluid to pass in only one direction.

[0041] The waterproof sealing skirt does not necessarily have to be integrally formed, for example, the protruding region and the bottom region of the nasal mask part may be separate parts, or the three-way tube and the nasal mask part may also be separate parts, as long as they have a reasonable degree of waterproofness after assembly.

[0042] The nose mask portion made of the soft material is mainly intended to add a function that allows the user to pinch their nose to equalize their ears (for example, Frenzel equalizing). [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 60 Mask 2, 4, 12, 22, 32, 62 Snorkel 3. Headband 6. Tunnel 7 Nose Bag 8, 151, 251, 351, 651 Nose mask part 11, 21, 31, 61 Main unit 121, 221, 321, 621 Intake pipe 122, 222, 322, 622 exhaust pipe 13, 23, 33, 63 Mainframe 14, 24, 34, 64 Lenses 141, 241, 341, 641 Periphery 15, 25, 35, 65 Waterproof sealed skirt 152, 252, 352, 652 protruding area 153, 253, 353, 653 bottom area 16, 26, 36, 66 spacer 161, 261, 361, 661 First check valve 162, 262, 362, 662 Second check valve 263, 363, 663 Third check valve 17, 27, 37, 67 Upper chamber 18, 28, 38, 68 lower chamber 19, 29, 39, 69 Exhaust tunnel 280, 381, 681 Nasal communication part 284, 384, 684 Drain valve 291, 391 entrance 292 Side wall 380, 480, 580, 680 three-way tube 382, 682 Port communication part 383, 583, 683 Drainage section 385 Flexible part 485 Flexible Joint 486 Pleats 685 Base 687 First Connection 688 Second Connection 690 Blocking Plate 691 Hook 692 Gap 695 Guide vane 398, 698 Mouthpiece (N) User's nose (nostrils) (M) User's mouth (P) Water pressure

Claims

1. A breathable mask comprising a body and a snorkel, the snorkel and the body having interiors through which fluid can pass, the snorkel comprising an intake pipe and an exhaust pipe adjacent to the intake pipe, the body covering a user's eyes and nose but not covering the mouth, a main frame, a lens fitted within the main frame, and a waterproof sealing skirt a portion of which fits within the main frame and the lens and can be fitted appropriately against the user's face, the waterproof sealing skirt having a spacer dividing the interior of the body into an upper chamber and a lower chamber, when the user wears the breathable mask using a fastening device, the spacer being positioned on the user's nose, the user's eyes being accommodated within the upper chamber, and the user's nose being accommodated within the lower chamber; The body further comprises: an intake passage formed between the intake pipe and the lower chamber, the intake passage being provided with a first check valve, the first check valve being used only for allowing fresh air that has entered from the outside to enter the lower chamber through the intake passage; an exhaust passage formed between the exhaust pipe and the lower chamber, the exhaust passage being used only for discharging dirty air exhaled by the user to the outside through the exhaust passage; a nasal communication portion, one end of which allows fluid to pass between the lower chamber and said waterproof sealing skirt, and the other end of which is provided with a drain valve; and a nasal mask portion which, together with the spacer, defines the lower chamber, said nasal mask portion having a protruding region and a bottom region, said bottom region being capable of appropriately corresponding to the nostrils of the user.

2. 2. The breathable mask of claim 1, further comprising a second check valve, wherein the intake passage is defined by the upper chamber and the first check valve, and the exhaust passage is defined by the second check valve and an exhaust tunnel, the exhaust tunnel being collectively defined by the waterproof sealing skirt and a periphery of the lens.

3. The first check valve is provided on the side wall of the entrance of the exhaust tunnel, and the second check valve is provided on the inside of the entrance of the exhaust tunnel, so that when the user inhales, fresh air can properly pass from the intake pipe through the upper chamber, pass through the first check valve, pass through the entrance of the exhaust tunnel, and enter the lower chamber, thereby being inhaled into the nose of the user, and when the user's nose exhales, some dirty air can properly pass through the second check valve, pass through the exhaust tunnel, enter the exhaust pipe and be discharged.

4. 2. The breathable mask of claim 1, wherein the nasal passages and the lower chamber allow fluid to pass through the base region.

5. 5. A breathable mask as described in claim 4, wherein a third check valve is provided in the bottom region, which only allows fluid to pass from the lower chamber through the third check valve and enter the nasal communication section, and when the user's nose is exhaling, some of the dirty air passes through the third check valve appropriately and can be discharged via the drain valve of the nasal communication section.

6. The breathable mask according to claim 1, wherein the nasal mask portion and the nasal communication portion are both made of a hard material selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS), or a combination thereof, and have a Shore D hardness of 50 to 90.

7. 2. The breathable mask according to claim 1, wherein the nose mask portion is made of a soft material and has a Shore A hardness of 30 to 95, and the protruding region gradually rises forward from the rear edge of the main frame to form a cross-sectional shape having a single peak.

8. 8. A breathable mask as claimed in claim 7, wherein the single crest cross-sectional shape has a maximum height (Nh) between 20 and 35 mm.

9. 8. The breathable mask of claim 7, wherein the maximum degree (Nt) that the protruding region extends forward from the rear edge of the main frame beyond the lower outer edge of the main frame is between 5 and 20 mm.

10. A breathable mask comprising a body and a snorkel, the snorkel and the body having interiors through which fluid can pass, the snorkel comprising an intake pipe and an exhaust pipe adjacent to the intake pipe, the body covering a user's eyes and nose but not covering the mouth, a main frame, a lens fitted within the main frame, and a waterproof sealing skirt a portion of which fits within the main frame and the lens and can be fitted appropriately against the user's face, the waterproof sealing skirt having a spacer dividing the interior of the body into an upper chamber and a lower chamber, when the user wears the breathable mask using a fastening device, the spacer being positioned on the user's nose, the user's eyes being accommodated within the upper chamber, and the user's nose being accommodated within the lower chamber; The body further comprises: an intake passage formed between the intake pipe and the lower chamber, the intake passage including a first check valve, the first check valve being provided on the spacer, and the first check valve being used only to allow fresh air that has entered from the outside to enter the lower chamber through the intake passage; an exhaust passage formed between the exhaust pipe and the lower chamber, the exhaust passage being used only for discharging dirty air exhaled by the user to the outside through the exhaust passage; a three-way tube having a nasal communication section, a mouth communication section and a drainage section which allow fluid to pass between each other, and through which fluid passes between the nasal communication section and the lower chamber, and which enables the mouth communication section to be properly placed in the user's mouth when the user wears the mask; and wherein the waterproof sealing skirt further includes a nasal mask section which, together with the spacer, defines the lower chamber, the nasal mask section having a protruding region and a bottom region, the bottom region being capable of properly corresponding to the user's nostrils.

11. 11. The breathable mask of claim 10, wherein the drainage section drains and exhausts air in a downward and forward direction.

12. 11. The breathable mask of claim 10, further comprising a second check valve, wherein the intake passage is defined by the upper chamber and the first check valve, and the exhaust passage is defined by the second check valve and an exhaust tunnel, the exhaust tunnel being collectively defined by the waterproof sealing skirt and a periphery of the lens.

13. The breathable mask of claim 12, wherein the first check valve is provided on the spacer, and the second check valve is provided at the entrance of the exhaust tunnel, so that when the user inhales through the nose, fresh air can properly pass from the intake pipe through the upper chamber, pass through the first check valve and enter the lower chamber, thereby allowing the user to inhale air, and when the user exhales through the nose, some dirty air can properly pass through the second check valve, pass through the exhaust tunnel, enter the exhaust pipe and be discharged.

14. 11. The breathable mask of claim 10, wherein the nasal passages and the lower chamber allow fluid to pass through the base region.

15. 15. The breathable mask according to claim 14, wherein a flexible section is provided between the nasal communication section and the bottom region to increase the range of movement of the three-way tube.

16. 16. The breathable mask of claim 15, wherein a third check valve is provided in the bottom region, which only allows fluid to pass from the lower chamber through the third check valve and enter the nasal communication section, so that when the user's mouth inhales, fresh air passes through the third check valve and the mouth communication section to be supplied to the user, and when the user's nose exhales, dirty air passes through the third check valve and passes through the nasal communication section to reach the drain section and be discharged, and when the user's mouth exhales, dirty air passes directly to the drain section and is discharged together with the water accumulated in the three-way pipe.

17. 11. The breathable mask of claim 10, wherein the drainage section drains and vents downward.

18. 11. The breathable mask of claim 10, further comprising a second check valve, wherein the intake passage is defined by the upper chamber and the first check valve, and the exhaust passage is defined by the second check valve and an exhaust tunnel, the exhaust tunnel being collectively defined by the waterproof sealing skirt and a periphery of the lens.

19. 18. The breathable mask of claim 17, wherein the drainage portion includes a base extending downward from the nasal communication portion, the base having a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion opposite the first connecting portion, the first connecting portion being capable of being fixed therein while appropriately accommodating a drainage valve, and the mouth communication portion being jointly defined by the second connecting portion and a mouthpiece.

20. The drainage section further includes a blocking plate, the blocking plate, the drainage valve and the first connection section collectively define the drainage section, the blocking plate extends downward from the nasal communication section and faces the drainage valve, and the blocking plate and the drainage valve are connected by a hook to form a gap, and when the user exhales, dirty air or accumulated water can be discharged from the side through the gap.

21. The breathable mask according to claim 10, wherein the nose mask portion is made of a hard material selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS), or a combination thereof, and has a Shore D hardness of 50 to 90.

22. The breathable mask according to claim 10, wherein the nose mask portion is made of a soft material and has a Shore A hardness of 30 to 95, and the protruding area gradually rises forward from the rear edge of the main frame to form a cross-sectional shape having a single peak.

23. 23. A breathable mask as claimed in claim 22, wherein the single crest cross-sectional shape has a maximum height (Nh) between 20 and 35 mm.

24. 23. A breathable mask as claimed in claim 22, wherein the maximum degree (Nt) that the protruding region extends forward from the rear edge of the main frame beyond the lower outer edge of the main frame is between 5 and 20 mm.

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