A full-face diving mask includes a mask and a breathing tube. The mask includes an outer frame, a lens housing and a fitting mask. The fitting mask includes a partition plate. The partition plate and the inner surface of the lens housing define an observation chamber on the top and a breathing chamber below. The partition plate includes at least one air intake port to allow inhaled air to be guided and circulated through at least one air intake passageway from the observation chamber toward the breathing chamber. The breathing chamber is further provided with an air compartment partition plate connected to the partition plate to define an air discharge compartment. The air compartment partition plate is provided with at least one air discharge port to allow exhaled air to be guided through at least one air discharge passageway from the air discharge compartment and discharged along the breathing tube.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This U.S. patent application claims priority to and the benefit of Chinese patent application number 201821763012.X, filed Oct. 29, 2018, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to a diving mask, and more particularly, to a full-face diving mask having a breathing tube.

2. Related Art

Water bodies provide recreational and professional outlets in various climates and regions. Recreationally, the enjoyment of water is shared by both sports and outdoor enthusiasts, among others. Professionally, water bodies provide means of transportation and shipping and an entire ecosystem of natural resources. One activity that has been quickly gaining popularity is underwater diving or snorkeling. Improvements in accessibly and advancements in the art have made diving and snorkeling popular with a wide range of people both recreationally and professionally. Diving and snorkeling are typically synonymous activities that require a diving mask, which protects a user's eyes and allows them the ability to observe their surroundings when under water. In addition to allowing a user to open their eyes under water, many diving masks also cover a user's nose and/or mouth and provide a breathing tube, allowing the user to breath when underwater. Traditional diving masks for snorkeling are generally categorized into two groups: (1) diving masks that only cover a user's eyes (and sometimes both the user's eyes and nose) and have a separate mouthpiece connected to the breathing tube and (2) full-face diving masks that cover more than a user's eyes (e.g., the user's entire face, such as at least the user's eyes, nose and mouth) and are integrated with the breathing tube. When using a diving mask, only the user' eyes and nose are covered (and some diving masks cover only the user's eyes), and the breathing tube is held by the user's mouth. When using a full-face mask, the breathing tube is integrated with the top or the side of the mask to facilitate breathing. Since a full-face mask provides a close fit with a user's face and an independent space or cavity, the user's mouth and nose can breathe freely in the independent space.

The existing full-face diving masks provide exhalation channels and inhalation channels to improve the comfort of underwater breathing, and some of the masks are provided with separate structures for the intake and discharge of gas, such as air. However, in such masks, only a single one-way valve is provided, and the intake and discharge of air cannot be effectively separated. This results in most of the exhaled carbon dioxide remaining in the user's breathing space such that the remaining carbon dioxide is re-inhaled. In addition, since exhaled air is mixed with water vapor, and a mask is oftentimes used in low temperature water, the inner surface of the mask may fog up easily as condensation forms on the inner surface of the mask.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following outlines certain features of embodiments of the present invention such that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features of embodiments of the present invention will be described hereinafter. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the general concepts and the specific embodiments disclosed herein may be readily utilized as bases for modifying or designing other embodiments for carrying out the same or similar purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent embodiments do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention, as set forth in the appended claims.

According to one aspect of the disclosure, a full-face diving mask is provided. The full-face diving mask comprises a lens housing and a fitting mask sealed together at an interface. The lens housing includes a lens that is at least partially transparent and a cavity is formed by the lens housing and the fitting mask. The fitting mask includes a face opening for the placement of a portion of a user's face therethrough and into the cavity. The face opening is configured to seal against the portion of the user's face and prevent water from entering the cavity when the full-face diving mask is worn. A first partition plate divides the cavity between an upper air compartment located adjacent to the user's eyes and a lower air compartment located adjacent to the user's nose and mouth when the full-face diving mask is worn. At least one valve located on the first partition plate permitting the transfer of air from the upper air compartment to the lower air compartment and preventing the transfer of air from the lower air compartment to the upper air compartment. A second partition plate divides the lower air compartment into a front lower air compartment located between the second partition plate and the lens housing and rear lower air compartment located between the second partition plate and the face opening. At least one additional valve located on the second partition plate permitting the transfer of air from the rear lower air compartment to the front lower air compartment and preventing the transfer of air from the front lower air compartment to the rear lower air compartment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ENABLING EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. In general, the subject embodiments are directed to a full-face diving mask. However, the exemplary embodiments are only illustrative of the various features of the present invention, those skilled in the art understanding that various changes thereto may be made without departing from the full scope of the invention. Numerous specific details are set forth, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that exemplary embodiments may be altered in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some exemplary embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

The implementation and usage of the exemplary embodiments will be discussed in detail below. However, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to implement and use the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. In the description for the structural positions of various components, representations of directions such as “upper,” “lower,” “top” and “bottom” are not absolute, but relative.

Herein, “inner” or “inside” refers to a direction toward the user's face, and “outer” or “outside” refers to a direction away from the user's face when using the full-face diving mask. “Upper” or “Top” refers to a direction toward the top of the user's head, and “lower” or “bottom” refers to a direction toward the underside of the user's mouth and nose.

Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the views, the full-face diving mask100is intended for allowing a user to safely and comfortably breath underwater.

With initial reference toFIGS. 1 through 3, the full-face diving mask100is illustrated in a perspective view, a disassembled view, and a rear view, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The full-face diving mask100includes a mask101and a breathing tube6detachably connected to the mask101at a connection sleeve103(FIGS. 3 and 4). Typically, the breathing tube6is arranged on the top of the mask101to allow the user to breathe when the user has submerged into the water. The detachable connection allows for easy storage when the full-face diving mask100is not being used. In some embodiments and as best illustrated inFIG. 2, the mask101includes an outer frame7, a lens housing14and a fitting mask18. The edge of the fitting mask18may be sleeved to the edge of the lens housing14. For example, the edge of the fitting mask18may be fixed to the inner surface of the lens housing14by a press-fit connection via an edge-sleeve pressing member20. Further, the outer frame7may be attached to the lens housing14, for example, by snap connection. A screw8and a nut9can be provided at the lower side of the outer frame7to achieve tightened fixation, thereby forming an integral mask fitting the user's face. Furthermore, an elastic headband21may be adjustably attached to the outer frame7. For example, the elastic headband21may have a substantially X-shaped configuration with two connecting bands connectable to the top of the outer frame7and two connecting bands connectable to the bottom of the outer frame7to cover the back of the user's head, thus elastically and comfortably retaining the mask101on the user's head. To this end, both sides of the bottom of the outer frame7may be correspondingly provided with buckles10,11, which are connected to the connecting bands of the elastic headband21to adjust the connecting bands of the elastic headband21. A cavity102(a combination of A, B, and C, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 5) is formed by the lens housing14and the fitting mask18, the fitting mask18including a face opening for the placement of a portion of a user's face therethrough and into the cavity102.

With continued reference toFIGS. 1 through 3, the fitting mask18may include a partition plate181. The partition plate181and the inner surface of lens housing14define an observation chamber A (or upper compartment) and a breathing chamber B (or a rear lower compartment) below the observation chamber A. The observation chamber A corresponds to the position of the user's eyes, while the breathing chamber B corresponds to the position of the user's mouth and nose. In some embodiments, the partition plate181may include at least one air intake port (at least one of valves15,19) to allow inhaled air to be guided and circulated through at least one air intake passageway (24,524) from the observation chamber A toward the breathing chamber B. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a pair of air intake ports (e.g., valves15,19) is provided at positions on each of the two sides of the partition plate181corresponding to the user's cheek, and the air intake one-way valves15,19are respectively provided for the pair of air intake ports, as best shown inFIG. 3. Therefore, inhaled air can only enter the breathing chamber from the pair of air intake ports (e.g., valves15,19).

According one aspect of the disclosure, the breathing chamber B is further provided with an air compartment partition plate28. The air compartment partition plate28is connected to the partition plate181to define an air discharge compartment C (a front lower compartment). Discharge compartment C and breathing chamber B combine to form a lower air compartment (B, C). In some embodiments, a pair of air discharge ports (e.g., valves16,17) is provided on the air compartment partition plate28, and an air discharge one-way valve is provided at each air discharge port to allow exhaled air to be guided through at least one air discharge passageway (23,25,26,27,523, and525) from the air discharge compartment C and discharged along the breathing tube6. In other words, the observation chamber A is defined by the inner surface of the lens housing14and the upper surface of the partition plate181of the fitting mask18, and the breathing chamber B is defined by the inner surface of the air compartment partition plate28and the lower surface of the partition plate181of the fitting mask18. The air discharge compartment C is defined by the lower surface of the partition plate181of the fitting mask18and the outer surface of the air compartment partition plate28. In some embodiments, the partition plate181and/or the air compartment partition plate28of the fitting mask18may be integrally formed with the fitting mask18. In some embodiments, the fitting mask18may be a flexible silicone mask including a nose-fitting surface for sealing against the user's mouth and nose and a face-fitting surface182for sealing against the user's face, as best shown inFIG. 7. Likewise, the partition plate181and/or the air compartment partition plate28may also be made of flexible material, and the nose-fitting surface may be formed by means of the inner surface of the partition plate181. It should be appreciated, however, that the fitting mask18, the partition plate181and the air compartment partition plate28may also be made of any other flexible materials to make it comfortable for the user to wear the full-face diving mask100.

In some embodiments, the full-face diving mask100may include at least one air intake passageway (e.g., passageways24,524) and at least one air discharge passageway (e.g., passageways23,25,26,27,523, and525). In such instances, the breathing tube6may correspondingly be provided with at least one air intake channel524and at least one air discharge channel (e.g., channels523,525). The at least one air intake channel524may be coupled with the observation chamber A to form an air intake passageway (e.g., passageways24,524). The at least one air discharge channel (e.g., channels523,525) may be coupled with the air discharge compartment C via at least one air discharge conduit to form an air discharge passageway (e.g., passageways23,25,26,27,523, and525). The air discharge conduit may be provided at either side edge or both side edges of the fitting mask18and/or the lens housing14. The lens housing14is surrounded by a lens housing peripheral edge, and the fitting mask18is surrounded by a fitting mask peripheral edge, wherein the interface105(seeFIG. 3) between the lens housing14and the fitting mask18is adjacent to both peripheral edges. As such, the one or more air discharge conduits may extend adjacent to the interface105.

The breathing tube6may further include an elbow5provided with an air intake channel524and an air discharge channels (e.g., channels523,525). The proximal end of the elbow5is connected to the mask101, and the distal end of the elbow5is provided with an end cap1and an adjustment device107(seeFIG. 11) to allow air to enter and exit the breathing tube6through a breathing tube opening104, as will be described in greater detail below.

With reference nowFIGS. 6 through 11, the breathing tube6includes an air intake channel524, a first air discharge channel523and a second air discharge channel525. The air intake channel524can be coupled with the observation chamber A to form the air intake passageway (e.g., passageways24,524). The first air discharge channel523and the second air discharge channel525may be respectively arranged on both sides of the air intake channel524and coupled with the air discharge compartment C to form the air discharge passageways (e.g., passageways23,25,26,27,523, and525). Referring now back toFIGS. 3 and 4, the fitting mask18and/or the lens housing14may include a connecting sleeve103connected to the breathing tube6. The connecting sleeve103may include an air intake inlet24coupled with the air intake channel524, and a first air discharge outlet23and a second air discharge outlet25that are respectively coupled with the first air discharge channel523and the second air discharge channel525.

In certain arrangements, in order to realize coupling between the air discharge compartment C and the air discharge channels (e.g., channels523,525) of the breathing tube6, a first air discharge conduit and a second air discharge conduit may be respectively provided at both side edges of the fitting mask18and/or the lens housing14. As shown inFIG. 3by way of example, a first air discharge conduit26and a second air discharge conduit27may be provided at both side edges of the fitting mask18. One end of the first air discharge conduit26is coupled with the air discharge compartment C, and the other end thereof is coupled with a first air discharge conduit interface261(seeFIG. 4) of the connecting sleeve103to open to the first air discharge outlet23. One end of the second air discharge conduit27is coupled with the air discharge compartment C, and the other end thereof is coupled with a second air discharge conduit interface271(seeFIG. 4) of the connecting sleeve103to open to the second air discharge outlet25. In some embodiments, the air discharge conduits may be formed via recesses formed in both side edges of the fitting mask18near the connection interface105. The air discharge conduits may also be constituted by separate components and arranged in both side edges of the fitting mask18.

In an embodiment providing two air discharge conduits, a first air discharge port17and a second air discharge16port may be symmetrically provided at positions on both sides of the air compartment partition plate28corresponding to the user's cheek. The first and second air discharge ports16,17are respectively provided with a first air discharge one-way valve17and a second air discharge one-way valve16. As illustrated inFIG. 4, the connecting sleeve103may be provided with an air intake interface29coupled with the air intake inlet24. As such, air inhaled by the user can only enter the observation chamber A from the air intake inlet24and the air intake interface29, and enter the breathing chamber B via the air intake one-way valves15,19. Carbon dioxide exhaled by the user can only enter the air discharge compartment C from the breathing chamber B via the first air discharge one-way valve17and the second air discharge one-way valve16, and in turn enter the first air discharge conduit26and the second air discharge conduit27. Then the carbon dioxide or other exhaled gases can enter the first air discharge channel523and the second air discharge channel525of the breathing tube6via the first air discharge outlet23and the second air discharge outlet25of the connecting sleeve, and finally be discharged from the breathing tube6.

The air intake passageway (e.g., passageways24,524) and the air discharge passageway (e.g., passageways23,25,26,27,523, and525) of the full-face diving mask100of the present disclosure are separated from each other, and the intake and discharge of air can only be performed along the passageways in the fixed directions. The air discharge compartment C is closer to the user's mouth and nose, such that the air discharge process can be shortened. Thereby, the carbon dioxide or other exhaled gases can be discharged out of the full-face diving mask100more quickly and thoroughly, and accumulation of carbon dioxide or other exhaled gases inside the full-face diving mask100is greatly reduced, such that the discomfort caused by insufficient oxygen inhalation for the user is effectively avoided, and the formation of fog is reduced. This one-way design also avoids potential safety hazards from water flowing into the mask.

Various working principles and processes of the intake and discharge of air by means of the full-face diving mask100will be described with reference toFIGS. 6 through 11.

As described above, the distal end of the breathing tube6is provided with the adjustment device107that allows air to enter and exit the breathing tube6. As best seen inFIG. 11, the adjustment device107may include a sealing plate3corresponding to the sections of the air intake channel524, the first air discharge channel523and the second air discharge channel525of the elbow5. In other words, the sealing plate3has corresponding holes305,306,304. The adjustment device107also includes an air intake opening31coupled with the air intake channel524. The adjustment device107further includes air discharge openings30communicated with the first air discharge channel523and the second air discharge channel525. In the illustrated embodiment, the air intake opening31and the air discharge openings30may open into the atmosphere by a plurality of slits though the outer wall. As best shown inFIG. 6, the air intake opening31is formed by a plurality of slits31and the air discharge openings30are formed by a plurality of slits30located on both sides of the slits31. The slits30,31combine to form a breathing tube opening104. Accordingly, the sealing plate3has holes301,302,303(or entry control point301and exit control point302,303) corresponding to the air intake opening31and the air discharge openings30sized to seal against floaters4. Floaters4are located in a caged portion109(FIG. 9) defined by the breathing tube opening104, adjustment device107, and end cap1. Of note, the entry control point301is larger and so is the associated floater4than exit control point302,303and its associated floaters4. Further, the adjustment device107includes floaters or floater members4mated with the sealing plate3at an entry control point (e.g., hole301) and an exit control point (e.g., holes302,303). The floaters4bring the air intake channel524into or out of communication with the air intake opening31and bring the air discharge channel (e.g., channels523,525) into or out of communication with the air discharge opening30. For example, as shown inFIG. 11, the floaters4may include an air intake floater401provided at the air intake opening, and a first air discharge floater402and a second air discharge floater403provided at the air discharge openings. Thus, for example, when the air intake floater401abuts against the hole301on the sealing plate3, the air intake passageway (e.g., passageways24,524) can be sealed. Each floater4may be connected to one another or be separate.

As shown best inFIG. 11, the adjustment device107may further include an air permeable member2mated with the sealing plate3. The air permeable member2may be configured as a flow-guiding plate perpendicular to the sealing plate3to define a plurality of flow-guiding grooves201,202for guiding air to enter or exit. For example, an air intake flow-guiding groove201, a first air discharge flow-guiding groove202, and a second air discharge flow-guiding groove203may be provided.

The air flow path in the inhalation phase is shown in conjunction with directional arrows provided inFIGS. 8 and 9. When the user inhales, the air intake one-way valves15,19are opened and the air discharge one-way valves16,17are closed. Fresh air is inhaled in the direction of the arrows via the air intake opening, and enters the air intake flow-guiding groove201via the hole301of the sealing plate3. Then, the fresh air enters the air intake channel524of the elbow5via the hole305, enters the observation chamber A, and enters the breathing chamber B via the air intake one-way valves15,19. Thereby, the user can inhale fresh air.

The air flow path in the exhaling phase is shown in conjunction with directional arrows provided inFIGS. 8 and 10. When the user exhales, the air intake one-way valves15,19are closed, and the air discharge one-way valves16,17are opened. The discharged air can only be discharged into the air discharge compartment C from the breathing chamber B via the air discharge one-way valves16,17, and enter the air discharge conduit. The air discharge conduit26,27may be directly communicated with the air discharge compartment C.FIG. 10illustrates an embodiment wherein one end of the second air discharge conduit27may be communicated with the second air discharge channel525, and the other end272thereof may be communicated with the air discharge compartment C. It should be understood that the first air discharge conduit26may have the same structural arrangement. In this way, exhaled air can be discharged through the air discharge one-way valve16and enter the air discharge compartment C. Then, the exhaled air is discharged along the second air discharge conduit27, the second air discharge channel525and the hole304in the sealing plate3. In turn, the exhaled air is discharged along the second air discharge flow-guiding groove203of the air permeable member2, and finally discharged out of the full-face diving mask100via the hole303and the air discharge opening30. Thus, a breath cycle is formed in accordance with the above travel paths.

It should be understood that in the inhalation or exhalation state, the floaters4should be out of sealing engagement with the sealing plate3, such that the air intake opening is coupled with the air intake channel524or the air discharge opening is coupled with the air discharge channel (e.g., channels523,525) allowing the flow of air therethrough. With reference now toFIG. 12, when the breathing tube6is above the water surface, the floaters4move downward under the action of gravity to be out of sealing engagement with the sealing plate3. The air intake channel and the air discharge channels (e.g., channels523,525) are opened, and air can enter and exit the breathing tube. When the user has submerged (that is, the breathing tube is beneath the water surface, as shown inFIG. 13), the floaters4move upward under the action of buoyancy to be in close fit with the holes of the sealing plate3, such that the air intake channel524and the air discharge channels (e.g., channels523,525) are closed. As such, the full-face diving mask100is in a state of isolation from the outside environment during deeper dives to prevent water from entering the inside of the full-face diving mask100via the air intake channel524or the air discharge channel (e.g., channels523,525). However, it should be noted that, the user can still exhale smoothly when the breathing tube6is beneath the water surface, since the flow of the exhaled air can counteract the buoyancy acting on the floaters4and create a high pressure that prevents or slows water entry.

FIG. 14shows a state where the elastic headband21is connected to the outer frame7. In addition, in some embodiments (such as that presented inFIG. 2), a water discharge port may be provided at a position on the lens housing14corresponding to the mouth. A valve plate13, which is a one-way valve and a lower water discharge lid12, are provided at the water discharge port (valve13). When there is water within the mask101, the water can be discharged through the water discharge port by the user under the water; while water cannot enter the inside of the mask101from the outside through the water discharge port. In addition, since the breathing tube is detachably connected to the mask101, for example by snap connection, a sealing member such as an elastic ring is provided at a position where the breathing tube is connected to the mask101to prevent water from entering the mask101. As shown inFIG. 2, the breathing tube6may be connected to the top connecting portion of the lens housing14by snap connection, and a sealing ring22is provided at the connection, so that water from the outside is less likely to enter the inside of the mask101via the connection, thereby reducing potential safety hazard.

It should further be understood that the features illustrated inFIGS. 1 through 14only show the alternative shapes, sizes and arrangements of various alternative components of the full-face diving mask according certain exemplary embodiments, which are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Other shapes, sizes, and arrangements can be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

It should also be understood that the lens housing according to the present disclosure may include a lens. The lens may be made of a transparent plastic material to provide a clear view under the water or be made of other suitable materials known in the art. In some embodiments, the lens may be a Plano lens (i.e., a lens with no vision correction but possibly tints or reflective coatings) or a lens with vision correction properties. However, the lens may also be a lens for short-sightedness or long-sightedness to accommodate the needs of different users. In the illustrated embodiment, the breathing tube is shown and described to have a fixed extension length. However, the breathing tube may also be provided as a telescopic tube, such that dive depth can be adjusted to meet the needs of different users. Thereby, the full-face diving mask of the present disclosure has a better applicability.

The technical content and technical features of the present disclosure have been disclosed above. However, it should be understood that numerous variations and improvements to the above disclosed concepts fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure. The description for the above embodiments is illustrative and not restrictive, and the scope of protection of the present disclosure is determined by the claims.