EP3140186B2 - Diving mask having a built-in snorkel - Google Patents

Description

Background of the invention

The present invention relates to the field of diving masks, and in particular masks used for underwater hiking, also called PMT (Palmes-Masque-Tuba), in English “snorkeling”.

This underwater hiking activity allows you to observe the seabed while swimming on the surface of the water. The underwater hiker must therefore be able to keep his head underwater while breathing.

Generally, the underwater hiker equips himself with a mask for vision, and a snorkel for breathing. The snorkel consists of a tube whose lower end is provided with a mouth portion which is housed in the user's mouth, and with an upper end allowing both the admission of fresh air and the escape of exhaled air.

It is known that such material has numerous disadvantages. First, because breathing through the mouth is unnatural, some people have difficulty breathing orally using a snorkel. Another disadvantage is that it is not possible to talk underwater when you have a snorkel in your mouth.

Yet another disadvantage, linked to the use of the mask, is that the interior wall of the visor generally tends to fog up, which harms good visibility, and which forces the user to regularly clean their mask. The appearance of fogging is due to the fact that the user's nose opens into the vision chamber located between the visor and the user's eyes.

Also, using this mask-snorkel device is not very comfortable.

To remedy this drawback, the document FR 2,720,050 offers a diving mask allowing you to breathe through your nose and mouth.

• un cadre ayant une partie supérieure ;
• une visière fixée au cadre ;
• une jupe souple fixée au cadre, la jupe comportant une cloison délimitant une chambre supérieure pour la vision d'une chambre inférieure pour la respiration, la cloison étant agencée pour être en appui au-dessus du nez de l'utilisateur de manière que la bouche et le nez de l'utilisateur se trouvent dans la chambre inférieure, pendant que les yeux de l'utilisateur se trouvent dans la chambre supérieure, la cloison comportant au moins un passage agencé pour permettre une circulation d'air inspiré dirigée de la chambre supérieure vers la chambre inférieure lors d'une phase d'inspiration de l'utilisateur ;
• un tuba ayant un canal d'admission d'air inspiré et au moins un premier canal d'échappement d'air expiré, ledit tuba étant dans le prolongement de la partie supérieure du cadre, le canal d'admission d'air inspiré débouchant dans la chambre supérieure, tandis que le premier canal d'échappement d'air expiré communique avec la chambre inférieure.

To do this, the diving mask includes:

• a frame having an upper part;
• a visor attached to the frame;
• a flexible skirt fixed to the frame, the skirt comprising a partition delimiting an upper chamber for vision from a lower chamber for breathing, the partition being arranged to rest above the user's nose so that the mouth and the user's nose are in the lower chamber, while the user's eyes are in the upper chamber, the partition comprising at least one passage arranged to allow circulation of inspired air directed from the upper chamber towards the lower chamber during a user inspiration phase;
• a snorkel having an inspired air intake channel and at least a first exhaled air exhaust channel, said snorkel being in the extension of the upper part of the frame, the inspired air intake channel opening into the upper chamber, while the first exhaled air exhaust channel communicates with the lower chamber.

According to this document, the exhaled air circulates in the skirt made up of a flexible hollow seal which adheres between the mask and the face.

However, such a mask has a drawback. If the user uses the mask fixing system too hard, the flexible hollow seal will crush against the face, which will cause obstruction of the conduit through which the flow of exhaled air flows. On the other hand, if the user does not use the fixing system sufficiently, there will not be a perfect seal between the face and the skirt, as a result of which water may enter the interior of the chambers. lower or higher, which is not desirable.

Object and summary of the invention

An aim of the invention is to propose a diving mask which in particular overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks.

• le cadre est rigide, et
• dans le cadre est ménagé au moins un premier conduit interne pour l'air expiré, ledit premier conduit interne présentant une extrémité supérieure débouchant dans le canal d'échappement d'air expiré, et une extrémité inférieure communiquant fluidiquement avec la chambre inférieure.

The invention achieves its aim by the mask of claim 1 in which:

• the frame is rigid, and
• in the frame is provided at least one first internal conduit for exhaled air, said first internal conduit having an upper end opening into the exhaled air exhaust channel, and a lower end communicating fluidly with the lower chamber.

To the extent that the frame is rigid, we understand that the first internal conduit cannot be crushed on itself, unlike the hollow joint of the prior art.

The frame therefore has at least a dual function, namely holding the visor and providing a means of air circulation.

The connection between the frame and the flexible skirt is preferably obtained by a flexible junction between the flexible skirt and the lower end of the first internal conduit.

Preferably, the frame comprises an upper portion and a lower portion assembled with the upper portion, and the first internal conduit is provided in the upper portion. More preferably, the first internal conduit opens at the lower end of the upper portion.

Advantageously, the flexible skirt further comprises at least a first sleeve projecting from a first lateral edge of the flexible skirt extending towards the upper part of the mask, the first sleeve having a lower end opening into the lower chamber and a lower end upper, opposite the lower end, fluidly connected with the lower end of the first internal conduit.

In addition, since the sleeve projects from the first lateral edge of the flexible skirt, it does not risk being crushed on itself in the event of significant tightening of the fixing system.

Preferably, the flexible skirt is made of silicone, while the frame is made of rigid plastic, such as polypropylene or polycarbonate.

Advantageously, the frame comprises at least one first lateral connection engaged in the upper end of the first sleeve.

Preferably, this first side connection extends towards the lower part of the mask. This first lateral connection is preferably curved towards the inside of the mask.

More preferably, the upper end of the first sleeve has a lower cross section smaller than the cross section of the first side connection. An advantage is to improve the seal between the upper end of the first sleeve and the first lateral connection.

Preferably, the upper end of the first sleeve is flush with a lateral side of the frame, which makes it possible to obtain a frame having a lateral side devoid of roughness. Thanks to this arrangement, the sleeve does not offer a grip, and therefore does not risk being uncoupled inadvertently from the first side connection.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first lateral connection comprises at least one rib on its exterior face, said rib cooperating with the interior face of the upper end of the first sleeve. The upper end of the first sleeve deforms on contact with the rib. This makes it possible to improve the seal between the first sleeve and the first lateral connection, while improving the anchoring of the first sleeve to the first lateral connection.

Advantageously, the frame comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, the first internal conduit is provided in the upper portion of the frame, the first internal conduit extends between the top of the frame and a lower end of the upper portion of the frame, and the first side connection projects from the lower end of the upper portion.

According to a preferred embodiment, the lower portion of the frame has an upper end assembled with the lower end of the upper portion. In this embodiment, the frame is made up of at least two parts, namely the upper portion constituting an upper hoop surrounding the upper periphery of the flexible skirt, and the lower portion, formed of one or more elements, constituting a lower strapping surrounding the lower periphery of the flexible skirt.

Such an arrangement is advantageous since it allows the mask to be manufactured in a minimum of parts.

The upper portion, constituting an upper strapping, is preferably molded in one piece.

According to a variant, the lower portion and the upper portion form one and the same part.

According to a preferred assembly mode, the flexible skirt is fixed to the upper and lower portions of the frame.

Advantageously, the skirt comprises a peripheral sealing lip arranged to bear against the user's face, and the first sleeve flanks said peripheral sealing lip.

Thus, the first sleeve extends outside the flexible skirt going up towards the upper part of the mask. This makes it possible to avoid crushing of the first sleeve on itself, and therefore obstruction of the sleeve, while promoting a flow of exhaled air flow towards the upper portion of the frame, which promotes the evacuation of air stale.

Advantageously, the partition forms a single piece with the flexible skirt. The flexible skirt is therefore a single piece, it being understood that the first sleeve forms a single piece with the flexible skirt.

Advantageously, the flexible skirt comprises a top sleeve cooperating with a top connection of the frame into which the air intake channel inspired by the snorkel opens, said top sleeve opening into the upper chamber.

Preferably, the top sleeve forms a single piece with the flexible skirt. More preferably, the top sleeve is placed between the peripheral lip and the upper portion of the frame.

Preferably, the top connector projects from an upper portion of the frame, while the top sleeve projects from an upper edge of the flexible skirt, the top connector engaging inside the top sleeve.

The cross section of the top sleeve is slightly less than the cross section of the top connection in order to ensure a seal between the two elements. Still preferably, the top sleeve comprises at least one rib projecting from its exterior face, said rib cooperating with an internal wall of the top connection, in order to further improve the seal between the two elements connected to one another. 'other.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the snorkel further comprises a second channel for exiting exhaled air, the frame further comprises a second internal conduit for exhaled air, which has an upper end opening into the second exhaled air channel, and a lower end fluidly communicating with the lower chamber.

Thus, the mask according to the invention comprises two independent circuits for exhaled air. Such an arrangement has several advantages. First of all, it facilitates breathing, in particular by allowing stale air to be expelled more quickly, which is particularly necessary when the user makes a muscular effort, for example by swimming more quickly. Second, the underwater hiker can continue to breathe Even if one of the two exhaled air circuits, for example the first internal conduit, becomes blocked.

Advantageously, the flexible skirt comprises a second sleeve projecting from a second side edge of the skirt, opposite the first side edge, said second sleeve having a lower end opening into the lower chamber and an upper end, opposite the lower end, fluidly connected with the lower end of the second internal conduit.

According to the invention, the snorkel has an upper part provided with an air-permeable cage, the snorkel further comprising a movable float in said cage, said float comprising an upper end provided with a closing device, said float being arranged in such a way that when the snorkel is immersed in water, the float moves so that the closing device closes the inlet of the snorkel. revert even one of the two exhaled air circuits,

Preferably, the float is a hollow element containing a volume of air, while the closing device consists of a flexible membrane. More preferably, the float comprises a body in which the flexible membrane is fitted, which gives the float very good robustness.

The air-permeable cage is preferably constituted by an upper portion of the snorkel in which slots are provided.

Preferably, the cage has holes in its lower part for draining water which could enter the latter.

The cage is also arranged on one side of the upper part of the body of the snorkel in which the intake and exhaust channels extend.

• un orifice principal communiquant avec l'entrée du tuba ;
• un orifice d'entrée communiquant avec l'entrée du canal d'admission d'air inspiré ;
• au moins un premier orifice de sortie communiquant avec la sortie du premier canal d'échappement ;
• un premier clapet anti-retour agencé pour obturer l'orifice d'entrée lors d'une phase d'expiration ;
• un deuxième clapet anti-retour agencé pour obturer le premier orifice de sortie lors d'une phase d'inspiration ;
• le tuba comportant en outre une chambre de communication fluidique dans laquelle débouchent l'orifice principal, l'orifice d'entrée et le premier orifice de sortie.

According to the invention, the snorkel further comprises a plate comprising:

• a main orifice communicating with the inlet of the snorkel;
• an inlet port communicating with the inlet of the inspired air intake channel;
• at least one first outlet port communicating with the outlet of the first exhaust channel;
• a first non-return valve arranged to close the inlet orifice during an expiration phase;
• a second non-return valve arranged to close the first outlet orifice during an inspiration phase;
• the snorkel further comprising a fluid communication chamber into which the main orifice, the inlet orifice and the first outlet orifice open.

It is understood that the closing device is configured to close the main orifice in the case where the snorkel is immersed in water. To do this, the submerged float, undergoing an Archimedean thrust, moves until the closing device, preferably a flexible membrane, closes the main orifice. In this case, the snorkel entrance is blocked. The user therefore does not risk inhaling water. It can, however, expire because the flow of exhaled air can counteract the Archimedean thrust acting on the float.

When the snorkel is out of the water, and during an inspiration phase, fresh air enters the fluid communication chamber through the main orifice as soon as the float, in the low position due to the use of gravity, does not obstruct the entry of the snorkel. The second check valve is closed while the first valve allows fresh air from the fluid communication chamber to pass through the inlet port, the fresh air then flowing successively into the intake channel of inspired air, in the upper chamber via the top connection and the top sleeve, then in the lower chamber where it is inspired by the user. It is specified that the non-return valve of the partition allows the inspired air to pass through the partition.

When the snorkel is out of the water, and during an exhalation phase, the air exhaled by the user in the lower chamber flows successively into the first sleeve (as well as into the second sleeve when it is present), then in the first internal conduit, (and in the second internal conduit when it is present), then in the first exhaust channel of exhaled air, (and in the second exhaust channel of exhaled air when present). The exhaled air then flows into the fluid communication chamber via the first outlet port and then exits the fluid communication chamber via the main port. The stale air then escapes out of the snorkel.

Preferably, the snorkel comprises a body having an upper end, the inspired air intake channel and the first exhaled air exhaust channel extend into the body, and the fluid communication chamber is provided in a cover tightly fixed to the upper end of the body.

According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the snorkel is removable or tiltable. This helps reduce the bulk of the mask when it is not in use.

Advantageously, the mask according to the invention further comprises an elastic retaining strap which extends between an upper portion of the frame and a lower portion of the frame.

Preferably, the elastic strap comprises at least one connection point with one or other of the lower or upper portions of the frame, said connection point being constituted by the cooperation of a beaded end of the elastic strap with a slot formed in the lower or upper portion of the frame.

An advantage is to facilitate the operation of mounting the elastic strap, its maintenance in relation to the frame.

Preferably, the slot is formed by a loop fixed to the frame.

Still preferably, the elastic strap has two upper connection points with the portion upper part of the frame, and two lower connection points with the lower portion of the frame.

Thus, the elastic strap has the shape of an "X" which makes it possible to cover the rear part of the user's head, which has the effect of offering a stable hold of the mask on the user's head.

In addition, the upper portion of the frame advantageously has a triple function, namely maintaining the visor, forming a means of flow of exhaled and inspired air, and allowing the fixing of the elastic strap.

The diving mask according to the invention further comprises a purge valve arranged in the breathing chamber for the evacuation of liquid from the mask. By exhaling sharply, any water contained in the lower chamber will be expelled out of the mask via the purge valve.

Preferably, to make wearing the mask more comfortable, the partition includes a fold forming a lip intended to come into contact with the user's nose.

Advantageously, the passage of the partition comprises a non-return valve arranged to authorize a circulation of inspired air directed only from the upper chamber towards the lower chamber during a phase of inspiration of the user.

Thanks to the presence of the non-return valve, the flow of exhaled air does not return to the upper chamber, which improves the effectiveness of the mask's anti-fog system.

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un masque de plongée selon l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une vue éclatée du masque de plongée de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3 est une vue de dos de la jupe souple du masque de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 4 est une vue de dessus de la jupe souple de la figure 3 ;
• la figure 5 est une vue de face de la jupe souple assemblée avec le cadre ;
• la figure 6 représente le tuba du masque de la figure 1 , vu depuis son extrémité inférieure ;
• la figure 7 est une vue de dessus de la jupe souple assemblée avec le cadre ;
• la figure 8 est une vue de détail de la connexion du manchon sommital de la jupe souple avec le raccord sommital du cadre ;
• la figure 9 est une vue de dos du masque de la figure 1 , sans la sangle de fixation ;
• les figures 10A et 10B sont des vues de détail de la connexion du premier manchon de la jupe souple avec le premier raccord latéral du cadre ;
• la figure 11 est une vue éclatée de la partie supérieure du tuba du masque de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 12 illustre le circuit d'entrée d'air dans le tuba ;
• la figure 13 montre la situation dans laquelle le flotteur obture l'entrée du tuba lorsque ce dernier est immergé dans l'eau ; et
• la figure 14 est une vue de dos du masque de la figure 1 , avec la sangle de fixation.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of an embodiment of the invention given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• there figure 1 is a perspective view of a diving mask according to the invention;
• there figure 2 is an exploded view of the diving mask of the figure 1 ;
• there Figure 3 is a back view of the flexible skirt of the mask of the figure 1 ;
• there Figure 4 is a top view of the soft skirt of the Figure 3 ;
• there figure 5 is a front view of the flexible skirt assembled with the frame;
• there Figure 6 represents the snorkel of the mask of the figure 1 , seen from its lower end;
• there figure 7 is a top view of the flexible skirt assembled with the frame;
• there figure 8 is a detailed view of the connection of the top sleeve of the flexible skirt with the top connection of the frame;
• there Figure 9 is a back view of the mask of the figure 1 , without the fixing strap;
• THE Figures 10A and 10B are detailed views of the connection of the first sleeve of the flexible skirt with the first lateral connection of the frame;
• there Figure 11 is an exploded view of the upper part of the snorkel of the mask of the figure 1 ;
• there Figure 12 illustrates the air entry circuit into the snorkel;
• there Figure 13 shows the situation in which the float blocks the inlet of the snorkel when the latter is immersed in water; And
• there Figure 14 is a back view of the mask of the figure 1 , with the fixing strap.

Detailed description of the invention

On the figure 1 , there is shown an exemplary embodiment of a diving mask 10 according to the present invention. The diving mask 10 comprises a frame 12 of generally oblong shape having an upper part 12a and a lower part 12b .

In this example, the frame 12 comprises an upper portion 14 forming an upper strapping and a lower portion 16 constituting a lower strapping.

The upper 14 and lower 16 portions of the frame are fixed to each other in order to form a hoop surrounding the user's face.

The diving mask 10 also includes a visor 18 which is fixed to the frame 12 . In this example, the visor 18 is made of a transparent hard plastic material.

As we understand using the figure 1 , the frame 12 surrounds the visor 18 . This mask also includes a purge valve 17 for evacuating water which could have entered the mask.

The diving mask 10 also includes a snorkel 20 which has a lower part 20a connected to the upper part 12a of the frame. In this example, the snorkel 20 is removable. It can be unclipped from the frame 12 , which reduces the bulk of the mask when the latter is not used. The 20 tuba, better visible on the figure 2 , also has an upper part 20b which is provided with an air-permeable cage 22 .

As will be described in more detail below, the snorkel 20 further comprises a cover 24 which cooperates with the cage 22 .

Referring now to the exploded view, we see that the lower portion 16 of the frame 12 comprises a first element 16' and a second element 16" which are fixed to each other in order to form the lower portion.

We also note that the snorkel 20 comprises a slender body 26 whose lower end 26a fits with an extension 28 of the upper portion 14 of the frame 12 which projects from the upper end 12a of the frame.

Furthermore, the snorkel 20 comprises a float 30 which is movable in the cage 22 , the float comprising a upper end 30a provided with a shutter device 32 . As will be explained in more detail below, the float 30 is arranged in such a way that when the snorkel 20 is immersed in water, the float moves so that the shutter device 32 , in this case a flexible membrane, closes the entrance to the snorkel.

Referring to the figures 3, 4 And 5 , we see that the flexible skirt 40 has a general oblong shape of substantially the same dimension as the frame 12 and the visor 18 . The flexible skirt 40 is arranged between the visor 18 and the frame 14 .

More precisely, the flexible skirt has a periphery 42 which has an upper part which is fixed with the lower portion of the frame.

The flexible skirt 40 further comprises a peripheral sealing lip 44 which is arranged to bear against the user's face, so as to prevent water from penetrating between the user's face and the visor.

The flexible skirt 40 also includes a partition 46 which is arranged to rest above the user's nose. This partition 46 thus delimits an upper chamber 50 for vision, from a lower chamber 52 for breathing. As we can see using the Figure 5 , which illustrates the frame 12 assembled with the visor 18 and the skirt 40 , the mouth and nose of the user are in the lower chamber 52 , while the eyes of the user are in the upper chamber 50 .

In other words, the upper chamber 50 is delimited by the visor, the user's eyes, the upper wall 46a of the partition 46 , and the part of the flexible skirt which extends above the partition 46 .

Furthermore, the lower chamber 52 is delimited by the visor 18 , the mouth and nose of the user, the lower part 46b of the partition 46 , and by the part of the flexible skirt which extends below the partition 46 .

In this example, the partition comprises a pair of passages provided with non-return valves 54 which are arranged to authorize a circulation of inspired air directed only from the upper chamber 50 towards the lower chamber 52 during an inspiration phase of the user. In this example, the flexible skirt is made of silicone, and forms a single piece with the partition 46 , the sealing lip 44 and the perimeter 42 .

On the Figure 6 , we have illustrated the snorkel 20 , seen from its lower portion 20a .

It can be seen that the snorkel 20 comprises an inspired air intake channel 60 which extends between the lower end of the snorkel 20a and the upper end 20b of the snorkel. This inspired air intake channel thus extends in the longitudinal direction of the body 26 . As will be explained in more detail below, the inspired air intake channel opens into the upper chamber.

The snorkel 20 also comprises a first exhaled air exhaust channel 62 , which also extends in the longitudinal direction of the body 26 between the lower part 20a and the upper part 20b of the snorkel 20 . This first exhaled air exhaust channel 62 communicates with the lower chamber 52 .

In this example, the snorkel 20 includes a second exhaled air exhaust channel 64 similar to the first exhaled air intake channel.

As we see on the Figure 6 , the inspired air intake channel 60 is separated from the first and second air exhaust channels 62 , 64 by two longitudinal walls 66 , 68 .

As we see on the figure 7 , which represents the frame 12 assembled to the flexible skirt 40 in top view, the extension 28 also includes a central channel 70 arranged to communicate with the inspired air intake channel 60 when the snorkel is fixed to the frame, and two exhalation channels 72 , 74 arranged to communicate respectively with the first and second exhaled air exhaust channels 62 , 64 .

Referring now to the figure 8 , we see that the frame 12 further comprises a top connection 80 which projects from the upper portion 14 of the frame 12 . The flexible skirt 40 comprises a top sleeve 82 which projects from an upper part of the flexible skirt 40 , opening into the upper chamber 50 . We see that the top connector 80 engages inside the top sleeve 82 in order to create a watertight connection between these two elements. On the figure 8 , the arrow F1 symbolizes the flow of fresh inspired air.

We understand that during an inspiration phase, fresh air enters the snorkel, flows into the inspired air intake channel, then into the upper chamber 50 passing through the summit sleeve 82 .

We will now focus on the exhaled air circuit.

In accordance with the invention, in the frame 12 , and more particularly in the upper part 14 of said frame, a first internal conduit 90 is provided for the exhaled air, and a second internal conduit 92 for the exhaled air. As we see on the Figure 9 , these first and second internal conduits are arranged on either side of a longitudinal plane P of the mask. This plane P here constitutes the plane of symmetry of the mask.

To the extent that the first and second internal conduits 90 , 92 are identical, we will only describe the first internal conduit 90 . The latter has an upper end 90a which corresponds to the outlet of channel 72 illustrated in figure 7 . The first internal conduit 90 also has a lower end 90b .

Furthermore, in accordance with the invention, the flexible skirt 40 further comprises a first sleeve 100 projecting from a first lateral edge 41 of the flexible skirt 40 extending towards the upper part 12a of the frame 12 . The first sleeve, which forms a single piece with the flexible skirt, has a lower end 100a opening into the lower chamber 52 and an upper end 100b opposite the lower end, which is fluidly connected with the lower end of the first internal conduit. We understand that the sleeve forms a conduit for exhaled air.

The flexible skirt further comprises a second sleeve 200 , identical to the first sleeve 100 , the second sleeve 200 projecting from a second side edge 43 of the skirt 40 , opposite the first side edge. The second sleeve has a lower end 200a opening into the lower chamber 52 and an upper end 200b opposite the lower end which is fluidly connected with the lower end 92b of the second internal conduit 92 .

Referring to the Figure 9 , we see that the first internal conduit 90 extends between the top of the frame and a lower end 14a of the upper portion 14 of the frame.

Referring to the figures 9 , 10A and 10B , we see that the frame 12 , and more precisely the lower end of the upper portion 14 of the frame 12 , comprises a first lateral connection 110 which is engaged in the upper end 100b of the first sleeve. To improve the hold and the seal, the first lateral connection 110 has ribs 112 on its exterior face 110a , the ribs 112 cooperate with the interior face 101 of the upper end of the first sleeve. Referring again to the Figure 9 , we see that the upper end of the first sleeve is flush with a lateral side 12c of the frame 12 .

We therefore understand that the exhaled air flows successively through the first sleeve 100 , through the first internal conduit 90 then through the first exhaled air exhaust channel 62 . This outgoing air flow is illustrated by arrow F2 . Arrow F3 illustrates the other outgoing air circuit which flows via the second sleeve 200 and the second internal conduit 92 .

With the help of figures 11 to 13 , we will now describe in more particular the upper portion of the snorkel 20.

The snorkel 20 of the mask according to the invention comprises at its upper end means for regulating the air inlets and outlets in the snorkel. For this purpose, the snorkel 20 comprises a plate 300 which is arranged in a sealed manner between the cover 24 and the upper end 26b of the body 26 of the snorkel 20 .

This plate has a main orifice 302 communicating with the inlet E of the snorkel. In this example, the entrance E of the snorkel is made using slots 23 provided in the cage 22 .

The plate 300 further comprises an inlet orifice 304 communicating with the inlet 60a of the inspired air emission channel 60 .

The plate 300 further comprises a first outlet orifice 306 which communicates with the outlet 62a of the first exhaust channel 62 .

The plate 300 further comprises a second outlet orifice 308 which communicates with the outlet 64a of the second exhaled air exhaust channel.

As can be seen using the Figure 11 , the sections of the main orifice 302 , the inlet orifice 304 and the two outlet orifices 306 , 308 , correspond substantially to the cross sections of the inspired air intake channel 60 and the exhaust channels d exhaled air 62, 64 .

The plate 300 further comprises a first non-return valve 310 arranged opposite the first inlet orifice 304 , in order to close said inlet orifice during an expiration phase. The plate 300 further comprises a second non-return valve 312 , arranged opposite the first outlet orifice in order to close said first outlet orifice during an inspiration phase. And, in this example, the plate 300 also includes a third non-return valve 312 which is arranged to close the second outlet orifice during an inspiration phase.

The snorkel 20 further comprises a fluid communication chamber 350 into which the main orifice 302 , the inlet orifice 304 , the first outlet 306 and the second outlet 308 open. The fluidic communication chamber 350 is provided in the cover 24 which is sealed in a sealed manner to the upper end of the body 26 .

On the Figure 12 , we illustrated the configuration of the tuba during an inspiration phase. We understand that the fresh inspired air illustrated by the arrow F1 , enters the cage 22 via the slots 23 , then enters the fluidic communication chamber 350 via the main office 302 then enters the air intake channel inspired 60 passing through the inlet orifice 304 , the first non-return valve 310 then being open to allow the air flow to pass.

On the Figure 13 , we have illustrated the case in which the snorkel is immersed in water. The float 30 , under the action of Archimedes' thrust, rises in the cage 22 until the closing device 32 closes the main orifice 302 , which has the effect of closing the entrance to the tuba.

As illustrated in Figure 14 , according to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the diving mask 10 further comprises an elastic retaining strap 400 which extends between the upper portion 14 of the frame and the lower portion 16 . The elastic strap 400 has two connection points 402, 404 with the upper portion 14 and two connection points 406, 408 with the lower portion 16 . We then see that the elastic strap forms an X.

The upper portion 14 of the frame 12 also comprises two loops 410, 412 in which the ends of the two upper portions of the strap portions 414, 416 are engaged. It can be seen that the ends of these two strap portions 414, 416 form beads 418, 420 which are wider than the slots 422, 424 provided in the loops, which has the effect of ensuring that the elastic strap 400 is held in place on the frame. .

Claims (17)

1. A water-sport mask (10) comprising:

   a visor (18);

   a frame (12) having an upper part (12a) and surrounding the visor (18);

   a flexible skirt (40) mounted on the frame, the skirt comprising a partition (46) delimiting an upper chamber (50) for the vision and a lower chamber (52) for the respiration, the partition being arranged to bear upon the top of the user's nose so that the user's mouth and nose are positioned within the lower chamber, while the user's eyes are positioned within the upper chamber, the partition (46) having at least one passageway arranged to allow circulation of ambient air directed from the upper chamber (58) to the lower chamber (52) during an inhalation phase;

   a conduit (20) having an inlet channel enabling entry of ambient air (60) and at least a first escape channel enabling exit of exhaust air (62), said conduit extending at an upper part of the frame, the inlet channel opening into the upper chamber, while the first escape channel (62) communicates with the lower chamber (52);

   the water-sport mask being characterized in that:

   the frame is rigid; in that

   the frame (12) comprises at least one first inner duct (90) enabling exit of exhaust air, said first inner duct having an upper end opening into the first escape channel, and a lower end in fluid communication with the lower chamber; in that

   the water-sport mask further comprises a purge valve (17) positioned in the lower chamber (52) to evacuate liquid to outside the water-sport mask ; in that

   the conduit (20) has an upper part (20b) provided with an air-permeable cage (22), the conduit further comprising a float (30) movable within said cage (22), said float comprising an upper end (30a) provided with a shut-off device (32), said float being arranged such that when the conduit is submerged in the water, the float is caused to move so that the shut-off device (31) closes the conduit intake ; and in that

   the conduit (20) further comprises a plate (300) comprising:

   - a main orifice (302) communicating with the intake (E) of the conduit;

   - an inlet orifice (304) communicating with the inlet (60a) of the inlet channel (60);

   - at least one first outlet orifice (306) communicating with the outlet (620) of the first escape channel (62);

   - a first check valve (310) arranged to close the inlet orifice during an exhalation phase;

   - a second check valve (310) arranged to close the first outlet orifice during an inhalation phase;

   the conduit further comprising a fluid communication chamber (350) into which open the main orifice, the inlet orifice and the first outlet orifice.
2. The water-sport mask according to claim 1, characterized in that the flexible skirt (40) further comprises at least one first sleeve (100) projecting from a first side edge (41) of the flexible skirt (40) while extending towards the upper part of the frame, the first sleeve having a lower end (100a) opening into the lower chamber (52) and un upper end (100b), opposite the lower end, in fluid connection with the lower end of the first inner duct.
3. The water-sport mask according to claim 2, characterized in that the frame (12) comprises at least one first side connector (110) engaged in the upper end (100b) of the first sleeve (100).
4. The water-sport mask according to claim 3, characterized in that the frame comprises an upper portion (14) and a lower portion (16), in that the first inner duct (90) is formed in the upper portion of the frame, in that the first inner duct extends between the top of the frame and a lower end (14a) of the upper portion (14) of the frame, and in that the first side connector projects from the lower end of the upper portion.
5. The water-sport mask according to claim 4, characterized in that the lower portion and the upper portion form one and the same part.
6. The water-sport mask according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the flexible skirt (40) is mounted to the upper (14) and lower (16) portions of the frame.
7. The water-sport mask according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the flexible skirt has a peripheral sealing lip (44) arranged to bear against the user's face, and in that the first sleeve flanks said peripheral sealing lip.
8. The water-sport mask according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flexible skirt (40) comprises a top coupling sleeve (82) cooperating with a top connector (80) of the frame in which opens the inlet channel (60) of the conduit (20), said top coupling sleeve opening into the upper chamber.
9. The water-sport mask according to claim 8, characterized in that the top connector (80) projects from an upper portion (14) of the frame (12), while the top coupling sleeve projects from an upper edge of the flexible skirt, the top connector (80) being engaged inside the top coupling sleeve (82).
10. The water-sport mask according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conduit (20) further comprises a second escape channel (64), in that the frame further comprises a second inner duct (92) enabling exit of exhaust air, having an upper end opening into the second escape channel, and a lower end in fluid communication with the lower chamber.
11. The water-sport mask according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conduit (20) is removable or can be tilted.
12. The water-sport mask according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises an elastic retaining strap (400) which extends between an upper portion (14) of the frame and a lower portion (16) of the frame.
13. The water-sport mask according to claim 12, characterized in that the elastic retaining strap (400) comprises at least one link point (402, 404, 406, 408) with one or other of the lower or upper portions of the frame, said link point being formed by the cooperation between one folded end of the elastic retaining strap with a slot formed in the lower or upper portion of the frame.
14. The water-sport mask according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the elastic retaining strap (400) comprises two upper link points (402, 404) with the upper portion of the frame, and two lower link points with the lower portion of the frame.
15. The water-sport mask according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the partition (46) comprises a fold (47) forming a lip intended to come into contact with the user's nose.
16. The water-sport mask according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the passageway of the partition (46) comprises a check valve (54) arranged to allow circulation of ambient air directed solely from the upper chamber (58) to the lower chamber (52) during an inhalation phase.
17. The water-sport mask according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conduit (20) comprises an elongated body (26), the lower end (26a) of which press-fits with an extension (28) of the upper portion (14) of the frame (12) projecting from the upper end (12a) of the frame.

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