Mask for water activity

Abstract

To improve the miniaturization, the portability, and the use safety of a mask.SOLUTION: A mask for a water activity includes two lenses, a waterproof sealed skirt, and a fastening device. The waterproof sealed skirt forms integrally two lens frames, a nose mask, and its rear edge. The two lens frames are independent individually. Each lens frame has an inner part. Each of the two lenses is fitted into the two lens frame in a waterproof state. The nose mask protrudes forward from between the two lens frames. Its rear edge sticks to the user face part. The inner part of the two lens frames can be adjacent to the two orbital bones of the user when the user puts on the mask using the fastening device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to masks for water activities, in particular for water (including above and below water) activities such as swimming, snorkeling, free diving, bowfishing, and the like, and which typically cover the user's eyes and nose. [Background technology]

[0002] Current masks for water activities generally include, for example, swimming goggles that cover only the eyes, snorkel masks that cover both the eyes and nose, general diving masks with a structure similar to that of a snorkel mask, swimming goggles for training, masks for free diving and bow fishing, etc. Such masks can be broadly divided into two types: single-lens and twin-lens.

[0003] For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, the single-lens mask 1a includes a lens 11a, a lens frame 13a, a waterproof sealing skirt 15a, and a headband 17a. To assemble the single-lens mask 1a, the lens 11a, the waterproof sealing skirt 15a, and the headband 17a must all be connected to the lens frame 13a. As shown in FIG. 1B, the twin-lens mask 1b includes two independent lenses 11b that cover the left and right eyes separately, a lens frame 13b, a waterproof sealing skirt 15b, and a headband 17b. To assemble the twin-lens mask 1b, the lens 11b, the waterproof sealing skirt 15b, and the headband 17b must all be connected to the lens frame 13b. This is the same as the single-lens mask 1a. The only difference is that the central bridge portion of the single-lens mask 1a is formed by a direct and continuous connection of the lens 11a and the lens frame 13a, whereas the central bridge portion of the twin-lens mask 1b is formed only by the lens frame 13b.

[0004] However, regardless of whether the mask is a single-lens mask 1a or a twin-lens mask 1b, the lens area must be protruded forward and spaced a certain distance from the user's eyes to prevent the hard lens frame or lenses from touching the bridge of the nose when worn. Therefore, in terms of field of vision, the size of the lenses must be increased to a certain extent to ensure sufficient field of vision during water activities, otherwise they will be blocked by the lens frame. In addition, to prevent distortion of the field of vision, the left and right lenses must be connected by a hard lens frame and / or lens to ensure the unity between the two lenses. Otherwise, the left and right lenses will be subjected to water pressure and will be distorted relative to each other or warped, causing dizziness.

[0005] As for the waterproofing, taking the single-lens mask 1a as an example (although the twin-lens mask 1b has the same problem), as shown in FIG. 1C, the waterproof sealing skirt 15a must have a watertight rear edge 15a1. The rear edge 15a1 must be wide enough to form a waterproof ring that surrounds the user's forehead, both sides of the cheekbones, and the philtrum. However, in this structure, as shown in FIG. 1D, the lens frame 13a and the lens 11a are relatively heavy in the area and are far from the user's eyes UE. Therefore, a downward pulling force is generated due to the structure, which affects the watertight effect of the waterproof sealing skirt 15a. In this case, it is necessary to increase the wall thickness of the waterproof sealing skirt 15a (especially the wall thickness on both sides and the upper part) so that the mask 1a can exhibit better wearing balance and stability.

[0006] In addition, the face shape and contour vary greatly depending on the age and race of the user. In particular, since there is a large vertical drop from the upper region of the nose bone to the space between the eyebrows, in order to avoid this drop and to prevent the central region of the lens frame from contacting the space between the eyebrows, the design must be such that the lens frame 13a and the lens 11a are pushed outward, or the bridge portion between the left and right lenses is placed further upward, thereby avoiding the protruding space between the eyebrows (see FIG. 1E). However, these designs are clearly disadvantageous to making the mask smaller and lighter.

[0007] In addition, as can be understood, due to the above-mentioned structural constraints, when performing free diving, bow fishing, or swimming training, the user cannot breathe in the mask that covers the eyes and nose. Therefore, the user must inhale enough air and hold the breath before completing the required activity within a certain time. Also, if the volume inside the mask is too large, the space inside the mask will be compressed when water pressure is applied, and will press against the user's face. Therefore, the user must often exhale slightly to balance the pressure inside the mask. Thus, the breath that has been saved will be sacrificed, which will seriously affect the length of time the user can perform the activity.

[0008] In addition, in the case of a full-face mask, if the mask has an intake and exhaust structure that allows breathing, there is a drawback that if the volume inside the mask is too large, carbon dioxide will accumulate rapidly, and there are also safety concerns, according to the theory of ventilation volume and negative pressure. All of these problems are caused by the mask being too large. Therefore, as can be inferred, the current design is clearly disadvantageous to the miniaturization, portability, and safety of the mask. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] In view of the above, designing a mask for water activities that can partially or fully solve the above problems has become a goal that the industry is vigorously pursuing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a water activity mask in which the left and right lens frames are substantially independent of each other, and their installation positions correspond to the left and right orbital bones of the user, respectively, and the left and right lenses are also substantially independent of each other, and correspond to the left and right eyes of the user, respectively. In addition, there is no hard bridge member between the left and right lens frames, and a soft waterproof sealing skirt plays the main role of connecting the left and right lens frames.

[0011] In terms of visual field, the lenses of the mask can be brought fairly close to the eyes, so that a wide visual field can be obtained without making the lenses too large, and they are not blocked by the lens frame. In addition, in terms of preventing visual field distortion, even if there is no hard lens frame and no hard bridge member, when the mask is subjected to water pressure, the left and right lens frames can directly abut the left and right orbital bones of the user, so there is no relative displacement or warping between them, and phenomena such as visual field distortion and dizziness do not occur. In this structure, the weight of the lens frame and lens area is greatly reduced, and the distance from the eyes is also greatly reduced, so that the waterproof sealing skirt is not pulled by the lens frame or lens, and the burden on the watertightness is naturally reduced. Therefore, in terms of waterproofing, the central top of the waterproof sealing skirt of the present invention can be designed downward to the glabella area of ​​the user (optimally within a range of 1 cm above or below it). In addition, since the soft material fits the height difference in the relevant area of ​​each user, a very excellent watertight effect can be provided without changing the wall thickness of the waterproof sealing skirt. Both of these designs allow for a significant reduction in the overall mask volume and internal volume.

[0012] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention discloses a mask for water activities, including two lenses, a waterproof sealing skirt, and a fastening device. The waterproof sealing skirt is integrally formed with two lens frames, a nose mask part, and a rear edge. The two lens frames are independent of each other. Each lens frame has an inner part. The two lenses are respectively waterproofly fitted into the two lens frames. The nose mask part connects the two lens frames and protrudes forward from between the two lens frames. The rear edge can be closely attached to the face of the user. The fastening device is provided between the two outer ends of the waterproof sealing skirt. When the user wears the mask using the fastening device, the inner parts of the two lens frames can be respectively adjacent to the two orbital bones of the user.

[0013] In one example, the mask further includes two connection parts, one of which is formed between the nose mask part and one of the two lens frames, and the other of which is formed between the nose mask part and the other of the two lens frames. When the user wears the mask, the nose mask part can cover the entire nose of the user, and the two connection parts substantially cover the cheekbones of the face of the user.

[0014] In one example, the rear edge has a notch portion formed above the top of the nasal mask portion that protrudes slightly forward to form a raised area that can fit snugly along the contour of the user's face defined by the brow and nasal bone when the user wears the mask.

[0015] In one example, at least one of the upper, lower and inner portions of each of the lens frames is provided with a reinforcing structure that fits closely to at least a portion of the two orbital bones of the user when the user wears the mask.

[0016] In one example, the reinforcing structure is provided on at least one of the upper and lower portions of each of the two lens frames, and the reinforcing structure is a recessed area integrally molded with the waterproof sealing skirt.

[0017] In one case, the reinforcing structure is a reinforcing rib that is secured to the inside of the waterproof sealing skirt or is integrally molded with the waterproof sealing skirt.

[0018] In one embodiment, the reinforcing ribs are made of a different material than the waterproof sealing skirt and have a Shore A hardness of between 20-60.

[0019] In one example, the reinforcing ribs are formed by increasing the thickness of the waterproof sealing skirt and have a Shore A hardness of between 40-80.

[0020] In one case, the reinforcing structure is a gasket provided on the inner portion of each of the lens frames.

[0021] In either case, the fastening device is an elastic headband.

[0022] In either case, the mask further includes a snorkel that provides fluid communication with the interior space of the nasal mask portion.

[0023] In one example, the mask further includes a three-way tube having a mouthpiece portion, a drain valve portion, and a nasal communication portion in fluid communication with each other, the nasal communication portion providing fluid communication with the interior space of the nasal mask portion. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A shows a conventional single-lens mask. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B shows a conventional twin-lens mask. [Figure 1C]FIG. 1C is a schematic diagram of the mask of FIG. 1A when worn by a user. [Figure 1D] FIG. 1D is a schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 1A, illustrating the need for a thick waterproof sealing skirt due to the significant distance between the lens of a conventional single-lens mask and the user. [Figure 1E] FIG. 1E is another schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 1A, which explains that since a conventional single-lens mask is restricted by the gap between the user's eyebrows and nasal bone, it is necessary to extend the waterproof sealing skirt further upward or increase its width to move the lens frame and lenses further forward. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a schematic front perspective view of one embodiment of a mask for water activities in the present invention. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a front view of FIG. 2A without the fastening device. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram of the mask of FIG. 2A when worn by a user, with the mask shown in cross section taken along section line 2c-2c of FIG. 2B. [Figure 2D] FIG. 2D is a schematic rear perspective view of FIG. 2A without the fastening device. [Figure 2E] FIG. 2E is a schematic diagram of the mask of FIG. 2A when worn by a user, with the mask shown in cross section taken along section line 2e-2e of FIG. 2B. [Figure 2F] FIG. 2F is a schematic diagram showing a mask according to the present invention that can be folded in half for storage. [Figure 2G] FIG. 2G is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 2g-2g of FIG. 2B. [Figure 2H] FIG. 2H is a schematic rear perspective view of a mask without the fastening device in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a mask having a snorkel and a three-way tube in another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] The following description of the embodiments is merely for the purpose of explaining the contents of the present invention in detail, and is not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, components that are not directly related to the present invention are not shown. Furthermore, the size relationship between each component in the drawings is merely for ease of understanding, and is not intended to limit the actual ratio. In addition, the front, back, left, right, inside, outside, front, back, etc. in each description are merely relative relationships defined based on the user's orientation, and are not intended to be limiting.

[0026] The present invention relates to a mask for water activities, which may be (but is not limited to) swimming goggles, swimming masks, diving masks, or any type of breathable mask. All of these can adopt the mask structure of the present invention, but differ only in the manner in which the mask covers the user's eyes, covers the eyes and nose, and allows the nose to breathe freely when the mask covers the user's eyes and nose.

[0027] Next, referring to Figs. 2A to 2H, an embodiment will be described, which is typified by a mask (for example, a diving mask, a snorkel mask, or a bowfishing mask) that covers the user's eyes and nose. As shown in Fig. 2A, specifically, the water activity mask 2 includes two lenses 21, a waterproof sealing skirt 23, and a fastening device 25. The fastening device 25 is provided between two outer ends 23e of the waterproof sealing skirt 23 (only one outer end 23e of the waterproof sealing skirt 23 is shown in Fig. 2A due to the angle relationship). For example, the fastening device 25 may be an elastic headband, and preferably both ends are fixed to the two outer ends 23e of the waterproof sealing skirt 23 (usually, it is optimal that they correspond to the outside of the lens frame 23a). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any mechanism that can assist the user in wearing the mask 2 firmly can be implemented. For ease of explanation, the fastening device 25 is omitted from FIGS. 2B to 2E and 2H so that the main structure of the mask 2 can be described in detail without being obstructed by the fastening device 25.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2B, the waterproof sealing skirt 23 is preferably made of silicone rubber, which is a one-piece, soft material. However, other materials that are soft and have waterproof and stretch properties, such as thermoplastic rubber (TPR) (e.g., thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), may be used as the base material. In a specific structure, the waterproof sealing skirt 23 has two lens frames 23a, a nose mask portion 23b and a rear edge 23c integrally formed therewith. The two lens frames 23a are independent of each other. Each lens frame 23a has an inner portion 23a1. The two lenses 21 can be fitted into the two lens frames 23a in a waterproof manner. The nose mask portion 23b connects the two lens frames 23a and protrudes forward from between the two lens frames 23a. The rear edge 23c can be closely attached to the face of the user. As shown in Fig. 2C, when the user wears the mask 2 using the fastening device 25, the inner parts 23a1 of the two lens frames 23a can be adjacent to the two orbital bones UB1 of the user, respectively. Adjacent here includes being very close or already in contact.

[0029] The waterproof sealing skirt 23 further includes two connecting parts 23d formed between the nose mask part 23b and each lens frame 23a. That is, the left connecting part 23d is formed between the nose mask part 23b and the left lens frame 23a, and the right connecting part 23d is formed between the nose mask part 23b and the right lens frame 23a. When the user wears the mask 2, the nose mask part 23b can cover the entire nose of the user, and the nose of the user is accommodated in the internal space 220 of the nose mask part 23b. Moreover, the two connecting parts 23d substantially cover the position of the cheekbone UB2 of the user's face.

[0030] Unlike conventional masks, the rear edge 23c of the waterproof sealing skirt 23 may have a notch portion 23c1 formed above the upper portion 23b1 of the nose mask portion 23b. The notch portion 23c1 protrudes slightly forward to form a raised area. This is similar to forming an open portion in a plan view. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2E, when the user wears the mask 2, the raised area of ​​the notch portion 23c1 can fit closely along the contour defined by the glabella UG and the nasal bone UB3 on the user's face. With this design, the waterproof sealing skirt 23 of the present invention does not need to be designed with a large upper flat area at the rear edge 23c near the lens frame 23a. This allows the width of the rear edge 23c of the waterproof sealing skirt 23 to be significantly reduced, and the distance between the lens frame 23a and the lens 21 and the user can be clearly shortened. In addition, the left and right lens frames 23a are not obstructed by the glabella and nasal bone area, and are adjacent to the orbital bone UB1 of the user, so that the mask 2 can be more closely fitted to the face. Moreover, this structure has extremely small and separate lens frames 23a and lenses 21, and there is no hard connecting member between the two lens frames 23a. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2F, the mask 2 can be easily folded in half, and the storage volume can be extremely small, which greatly improves the convenience of packing and carrying.

[0031] More preferably, at least one of the upper, lower and inner parts of each lens frame 23a is provided with a reinforcing structure 23r, so that the reinforcing structure 23r can be in close contact with at least a part of the user's orbital bone UB1 when the user wears the mask 2. In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 2A to 2F, the reinforcing structure 23r may be a recess 231 provided in the lower part of each lens frame 23a and integrally molded with the waterproof sealing skirt 23.

[0032] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2G, the reinforcing structure 23r may be a reinforced rib 233 that is separately fixed to the outer or inner side of the waterproof sealing skirt 23 or is integrally molded with the waterproof sealing skirt 23. In one embodiment, the reinforced rib 233 may be made of a material different from that of the waterproof sealing skirt 23, and preferably has a Shore A hardness between 20 and 60. In a further embodiment, the reinforced rib 233 may be made of the same material as the waterproof sealing skirt 23. The reinforced rib 233 is formed by increasing the thickness of the waterproof sealing skirt 23. In this case, the hardness of the entire waterproof sealing skirt 23 is preferably between 40 and 80 Shore A hardness.

[0033] Further, in one embodiment, referring to FIG. 2H, the reinforcing structure 23r may be a gasket 235 provided on the inner portion 23a1 of each lens frame 23a and directly facing and adjacent to the user's orbital bone UB1.

[0034] When a user is engaged in water activities, water pressure presses the mask 2 toward the user's face. At this time, regardless of whether it is a recessed area, a reinforcing rib, or a gasket, the various reinforcing structures are pressed against and abut at least a part of the user's orbital bone UB1, thereby stably fitting the mask 2 to the face. In this case, the left and right lens frames 23a and the left and right lenses 21 do not cause relative displacement, so the waterproof effect is further enhanced. In particular, in the embodiment using the gasket 235 that entirely surrounds the orbital bone UB1, the surrounding gasket 235 is made into the reinforcing structure 23r, so that two layers of waterproof mechanism are provided on the inside and outside of the mask 2 in the same way (i.e., the inside is provided by the gasket 235, and the outside is provided by the waterproof sealing skirt 23), so that the waterproofness to the eyes is further improved.

[0035] In any of the embodiments, a groove 23ag for fitting the corresponding lens 21 in a waterproof manner may be provided on the inner edge of each lens frame 23a, or the two lens frames 23a may be integrally overmolded onto the two lenses 21, respectively. Any of these methods are feasible.

[0036] As described above, the gist of the present invention is that the mask 2 contacts the user and accommodates the facial organs (e.g., eyes and nose), and it does not matter what purpose or form the mask 2 is used for. For example, in a modified embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the mask 3 of the present invention further includes a snorkel 31 that allows fluid to communicate with the internal space 220 of the nasal mask portion 23b. The mask 3 may further include a three-way tube 33 having a mouthpiece portion 33a, a drain valve portion 33b, and a nasal communication portion 33c that allow fluid to communicate with each other. The mouthpiece portion 33a can be held in the mouth of the user. The nasal communication portion 33c allows fluid to communicate with the internal space 220 of the nasal mask portion 23b. This allows the user to inhale and exhale through the nose through the nasal communication portion 33c and to inhale and exhale through the mouth through the mouthpiece portion 33a, and allows water accumulated in the mask 3 to be discharged by the drain valve of the drain valve portion 33b. This structure allows the mask 3 to be a very small volume, highly portable and breathable mask.

[0037] The above embodiment is merely illustrative, and any modification is a viable alternative solution protected by the present invention. For example, in order to achieve a better waterproof effect and to suit more different face shapes of users, the notch part of the rear edge of the waterproof sealing skirt may not protrude forward, but may be flush with the other part of the rear edge. In this case, when the user wears the mask, the notch part may flexibly fit the contour defined by the user's eyebrows and nasal bone, blocking the communication between the internal space of the nose mask part and the outside. In addition, as shown in Figures 2H and 3, the nose mask part 23b may have recesses 23h on both sides below it, so that the user can insert his or her fingers to pinch the nose and perform Frenzel-like colization. This is also another preferred design and measure.

[0038] In summary, the water activity mask of the present invention can eliminate the need for a hard bridge member between the left and right lens frames and the left and right lenses by integrally molding the left and right lens frames, which are independent of each other and to which the left and right lenses are attached, with a soft waterproof sealing skirt. Furthermore, since the lenses can be brought fairly close to the eyes, a wide field of view can be obtained without making the lenses too large. In addition, the left and right lens frames can be directly abutted against the left and right orbital bones of the user, providing stability when worn. Furthermore, the weight of the lens frames and lens area is significantly reduced, and the distance from the eyes is also significantly reduced, so that the waterproof sealing skirt is not pulled by the lens frames or lenses, and a very excellent watertight effect can be provided. Therefore, based on these designs, the present invention can significantly reduce the volume and internal volume of the entire mask, providing advantages such as compactness, portability, and safety of use.

[0039] The above examples are merely intended to illustrate the embodiments of the present invention and to describe the technical features of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications or equivalent adjustments that can be easily completed by those skilled in the art are within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the rights of the present invention should be based on the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] 1a Mask 1b Mask 11a Lens 11b Lens 13a Lens frame 13b Lens frame 15a Waterproof Sealed Skirt 15a1 trailing edge 15b Waterproof sealed skirt 17a Headband 17b Headband 2. Mask 3. Mask 21 Lens 23 Waterproof Sealed Skirt 23a Lens Frame 23a1 Inside part 23ag groove 23b Nose mask part 23b1 Upper part 23c trailing edge 23c1 Notch 23d Connection 23e outer edge 23h Hollow 23r Reinforcement structure 25 Fastening device 31 Snorkel 33 Three-way tube 33a Mouthpiece section 33b Drain valve part 33c Nasal communication part 220 Interior Space 231 Concave area 233 Reinforcing rib 235 Gasket UE Eyes UB1 orbital bone UB2 Cheekbone UB3 nasal bone UG Brows

Claims

1. In masks for water activities, Two lenses and two independent lens frames, each having an inner portion, into which the two lenses are respectively fitted in a waterproof manner; a nose mask portion that connects the two lens frames and protrudes forward from between the two lens frames; a waterproof sealing skirt integrally formed with a rear edge adapted to fit closely to a user's face; A fastening device is provided between the two outer ends of the waterproof sealing skirt; Including, A mask in which, when the user wears the mask using the fastening device, the inner portions of the two lens frames can be adjacent to the two orbital bones of the user, respectively.

2. The mask further includes two connection parts, one of which is formed between the nose mask part and one of the two lens frames, and the other of which is formed between the nose mask part and the other of the two lens frames; When the user wears the mask, the nose mask portion can cover the entire nose of the user, The mask of claim 1 , wherein the two connecting portions substantially cover the cheekbones of the face of the user.

3. the rear edge has a notch formed above an upper portion of the nasal mask portion, the notch protruding slightly forward to form a raised area; 3. The mask of claim 2, wherein when the user wears the mask, the raised area can fit closely along a contour defined by the space between the eyebrows and the nasal bone of the user's face.

4. 2. The mask of claim 1, wherein at least one of the upper, lower and inner portions of each of the lens frames is provided with a reinforcing structure, and when the user wears the mask, the reinforcing structure fits closely to at least a portion of the two orbital bones of the user.

5. 5. The mask of claim 4, wherein the reinforcing structure is provided in at least one of the upper and lower portions of each of the two lens frames, and the reinforcing structure is a recessed area integrally molded with the waterproof sealing skirt.

6. 5. The mask of claim 4, wherein the reinforcing structure is a reinforcing rib that is secured to the inside of the waterproof sealing skirt or is integrally molded with the waterproof sealing skirt.

7. 7. The mask of claim 6, wherein the reinforcing ribs are made of a different material than the waterproof sealing skirt and have a Shore A hardness of between 20-60.

8. 7. The mask of claim 6, wherein the reinforcing ribs are formed by increasing the thickness of the waterproof sealing skirt and have a Shore A hardness of between 40 and 80.

9. The mask of claim 4 , wherein the reinforcing structure is a gasket provided on the inner portion of each of the lens frames.

10. 2. The mask of claim 1, wherein the inner edge of each of said lens frames is formed with an annular groove into which each of said lenses is fitted in a correspondingly waterproof manner.

11. The mask of claim 1 , wherein the two lens frames and the two lenses are integrally overmolded.

12. 10. The mask of claim 1, wherein the fastening device is an elastic headband.

13. The mask according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a snorkel that allows fluid to communicate with the internal space of the nose mask portion.

14. The mask according to claim 13, further comprising a three-way tube having a mouthpiece portion, a drain valve portion and a nasal communication portion which are fluidly connected to each other, the nasal communication portion providing fluid communication with the internal space of the nasal mask portion.

Images