WO2016043677A1

WO2016043677A1 - Novelty in diving mask

Info

Publication number: WO2016043677A1
Application number: PCT/TR2015/000237
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mustafa Murat KIZILDAGLI
Original assignee: Kizildagli Mustafa Murat
Priority date: 2014-09-19
Filing date: 2015-05-27
Publication date: 2016-03-24

Abstract

The invention is a diving mask (1) which comprises a mask frame (1.1) and a soft body (1.1.1) in the section of the mask frame (1.1) in the side of the face, which stabilizes the pressure, which is fit for every face and provides a convenient, practical, and comfortable use, and which does not sink in water, wherein it comprises a sponge layer (1.1.2) which provides the diving mask (1) with the property of not sinking in water and stabilizes the pressure in the section of the soft body (1.1.1) contacting with the face, forehead, and head.

Description

DESCRIPTION

NOVELTY IN DIVING MASK TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a diving mask which allows a convenient, practical, and comfortable use; which is fit for every face; which stabilizes water pressure; and which does not sink in water.

STATE OF THE ART

People have long tried to stay underwater for a longer time using different apparatuses. People were urged to go deeper due to need of taking out the loads in shipwrecks, when the ships, especially the ones carrying valuable cargo from the colonies in America to Europe, were sunk by pirates, who were getting more and more interested in these ships. Later on, the desire to dive to the bottom of the water resulting from these requirements emerged as a sport. Due to all of the things mentioned above, people were urged to make novel inventions in order to stay longer at the bottom of the water.

Water is much denser medium than air. Since the refractive index of the light in water is different from that in air, the shape of the object is not properly reflected on the retina, thereby creating a blurry vision. The mask, or more precisely the air between the mask glass and the eye, provides a clear vision. Therefore, diving mask is one of the most important basic requirements of the diving sport.

Diving mask was first produced of rubber in 1930s by a former American airman who lived in the south of France. In middle 1930s, masks, swim fins, and snorkels were started to be used commonly.

The most important thing to take into account while choosing a mask is to place the mask on our face without using the straps and gently inhale; the mask needs to stay on in a vacuumed manner upon exhaling. There must be no air entry as the inhalation continues, if the mask falls or air entry continues when the mask is in this position, then this mask is not a good fit for our face. Because the area allowing air entry will also allow water entry during diving, the mask will take on water while we are diving. That is to say, one of the required characteristics regarding the diving masks is to fit for every type of face. However, the existing face masks are not fit for every face. One needs to try on the masks one by one in order to find the mask which is fit for them. This, in turn, means loss of time for them. The ones who do not want to spend time on this pick any one the diving masks randomly, and so they may experience water leakage into the mask while they are diving.

Another disadvantage of the existing diving masks is that the face-contacting sections of the diving masks used today are made of rubber, silicone, or PVC. The sections fitted on (contacting) the face, albeit flexible, are neither soft enough, nor suitable for the face. Moreover, the sections contacting with the face are rather narrow. Each 10 meters, pressure increases approximately by 1 bar. In other words, the pressure applied by the water to the mask increases as the depth increases, e.g. 2 bars in 10 meters, 3 bars in 20 meters, 4 bars in 30 meters. It is directly transmitted to the forehead, face, and head of the one wearing the mask. As a result, a disturbing pressure, force, and pain are felt in forehead, face, and head parts in case of diving for a long duration. Furthermore, the mask leaves a mark on the face when it is taken off after getting out of the water.

Another disadvantage of the existing diving masks is that the diving masks sink in water. Since the density of the existing diving masks is more than the water, a diving mask which accidentally dislodges or falls into the sea is lost in deep water.

Another disadvantage of the existing diving masks is that the mask straps are made of rubber, silicone, or PVC, as a result of which they contact with the head in a hard manner. In long use, they might cause headache.

The invention with the application No. US2006162055, which is a document related to the subject matter in literature, discloses a "Face Mask for Diving", wherein the face-contactable section of a skirt attached to a lens frame has a roundly bulge so as to have a have a circular cross-sectional shape. As seen, the mask is intended to be suited for face by providing a circular cross-section.

The aforementioned invention aims to eliminate several disadvantages regarding the subject matter. However, it fails to make the diving mask suitable for every face, to eliminate the pressure applied by the water to the face and head, and to make a development for overcoming the problem of sinking in water. As a consequence, developments have been made on diving masks; thus, new configurations that will eliminate the above disadvantages and offer solutions to the existing systems are needed.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a diving mask which meets all the requirements mentioned above, eliminates all the disadvantages, and offers some other advantages.

An object of the invention is to eliminate the negative effects of the pressure applied to the forehead, face, and head. The balance applied to the forehead, face, and head by the water is stabilized thanks to a flexible, closed porous sponge layer added to the face-contacting sections of the diving masks. Thanks to this flexible, closed porous sponge layer having been added therein, the diving mask distributes the pressure by springing like a damper. This, in turn, reduces the felt pressure and force.

Another object of the invention is to increase the face-contacting area and decrease the pressure per unit surface by means of large sponge layers.

Another object of the invention is to provide a comfortable use without disturbing the user and without leaving any mark by means of the sponge suspension support in case of long use or diving for a long duration, e.g. underwater rugby and underwater hockey, underwater repair and maintenance of ships and boats, long duration diving for sportive purposes, deep diving, controlling nets in fish farms, and collecting mussels, feeds, sponges, etc. for a long time under water. Another object of the invention is to overcome the problem that the diving mask does not fit in every face. It is fit for every face thanks to the flexible sponge layer. Thus, it eliminates water leakage possibility in diving masks. Another object of the invention is to overcome the problem of sinking of the diving mask in water. As the density of all the diving masks used in the state of the art is more than that of the water, they sink in water. Since the density of the elastic, closed porous, and water-proof sponge material which is added in the mask strap section and the body of the diving mask according to the invention is lower than that of the water, the diving mask according to the invention does not sink in water, but stays on water surface. As a result, the possibility of losing the diving mask which falls into deep water, or into shallow but turbid water such as lake and river, is eliminated because it does not sink in water. It can be easily retaken since it is on water surface. Thus, they are not lost and they do not cause water pollution, which is a problem eliminated hereby.

Furthermore, the mask does not sink even in the presence of an accessory attached thereto, e.g. an expensive camera, which in turn eliminates the risk of losing the camera, and this is an important characteristic. Thus, it can hold a snorkel, equipment attached to the mask but not very heavy, on water surface and prevents the same from being lost since the mask itself does not sink.

Another object of the invention is, in an alternative embodiment, to join the two ends of the soft sponge material with a single velcro in an adjustable manner from the back of the head, without requiring the mask strap and mask buckle. Thus, the sponge layer not only serves as a strap, but it also allows for a convenient and comfortable diving by grasping the head circumference gently. It does not apply pressure on the forehead, head, and face; and it does not sink in water since the material used therein has a lower density than the water.

In an alternative embodiment, a strap system is used. However, it wraps the whole face and back of the head with the soft sponge material. Thus, it does not apply pressure on the forehead, head, and face; and it does not sink in water since the material used therein has a lower density than the water. And another object of the invention is to provide a sponge system that is applicable to all of the known diving mask models and existing diving mask molds, e.g. the existing single glass, double glass, big and small ones. Thus, the new system can be easily applied to the existing mask models without requiring to make a new mold.

The structural and distinctive characteristics and ail advantages of the invention will be better understood with the figures below and the detailed description written by referring to these figures; therefore, the invention should be evaluated taking these figures and the detailed description into account.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In order for the embodiment of the invention and the advantages thereof together with additional components to be better understood, the below explained figures should be taken into account while making evaluation.

Fig. 1 is the front perspective view of the single-piece diving mask when lodged on the head.

Fig. 2 is the side three-dimensional view of the single-piece diving mask when lodged on the head.

Fig. 3 is the rear perspective view of the single-piece diving mask when lodged on the head.

Fig. 4 is the rear view of the velcro of the single-piece diving mask when lodged on the head.

Fig. 5 is the three-dimensional view of the single-piece diving mask.

Fig. 6 is the interior view of the single-piece diving mask in an open state.

Fig. 7 is the front perspective view of the modularly detachable diving mask when lodged on the head.

Fig. 8 is the side three-dimensional view of the modularly detachable diving mask when lodged on the head.

Fig. 9 is the three-dimensional view of the modularly detachable diving mask.

Fig. 10 is the rear three-dimensional view of the modularly detachable diving mask. Fig. 11 is the top three-dimensional view of the modularly detachable mask frame. Fig. 12 is the three-dimensional view of the modularly detachable mask strap from the side facing outwards. Fig. 13 is the three-dimensionai view of the modularly detachable mask strap from the side contacting with the head.

Fig. 14 is the three-dimensional view of the mask frame sponge layer located on the modularly detachable mask frame.

Fig. 5 is the three-dimensional view of the mask strap sponge layer located on the modularly detachable mask strap.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

Diving mask

1.1. Mask frame

1.1.1. Soft mask body

1.1.2. Sponge layer

1. .2.1. Mask frame sponge layer

1 Λ .2.2. Mask strap sponge layer

1.1.3. Adjustment buckle strap

1.1.3.1. Adjustment buckle

1.1.4. Adjustment strap

1.1.4.1. Velcro fabric

1.1.4.1.1. Hook surface

1.1.5. Mask strap

1.1.5.1. Mask strap adjustment strap

1.1.5.1.1. Toothed surface

1.1.6. Mask frame adjustment buckle

1.1.6.1. Mask strap adjustment strap belt

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION fn this detailed description, the preferred embodiments of the diving mask (1) according to the invention which stabilizes water pressure, is fit for every face, and does not sink in water, are described only for a better understanding of the subject matter without any limitations. The present invention relates to a diving mask (1) which particularly stabilizes water pressure, is fit for every face, and does not sink in water for use in the field of diving.

Given in Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the diving mask (1) according to the invention. The invention, as seen in Fig. 1 , comprises a soft mask body (1.1.1 ) in the section of the mask frame (1.1) in the side of the face. A soft, flexible, water-proof sponge layer (1.1.2) with closed pores is incorporated in the face-contacting section of the soft mask body (1.1.1). This joining can be achieved by attaching, stitching the sponge layer (1.1.2) to the soft mask body (1.1.1), or by welding together by means of frequency welding. The sponge layer (1.1.2) is located such that it will wrap the head all around.

As seen in Fig. 2, the invention, in this alternative embodiment thereof where the diving mask (1) wraps the head all around as a single-piece, comprises at least one adjustment buckle strap (1.1.3) in the right or left side of the sponge layer (1.1.2). Disposed in the end portion of said adjustment buckle strap (1.1.3) is an adjustment buckle (1.1.3.1). As seen in Fig. 3, at least one adjustment strap (1.1.4) is disposed again in the right or left side of the sponge layer (1.1.2). As seen in Fig. 4, a velcro fabric (1.1.4.1) is disposed in the end portion of this adjustment strap (1.1.4). When the diving mask (1) is lodged on the face, this velcro fabric (1.1.4.1) having hook surface (1.1.4.1.1) is passed through the adjustment buckle (1.1.3.1). After the length of the velcro fabric (1.1.4.1 ) is adjusted according to the head size, the hook surface (1.1.4.1.1) is fastened on the adjustment strap (1.1.4). Thus, the sponge layer (1.1.2) on the diving mask (1) which wraps the head all around allows for getting ready for a convenient and comfortable diving. Since the sponge layer (1.1.2) is flexible, it can be readily adjusted to any type of face. Since it has closed pores and fits perfectly in the face, no water leakage to the inside occurs. Moreover, the mask does not sink in water as the sponge layer (1.1.2) has a lower density than the water. Another important issue is that it does not hurt and apply pressure on the head due to the soft structure thereof. At the same time, since it stabilizes, i.e. balances, the external pressure and the internal pressure, it eliminates headache.

Moreover, the overall view of the single-piece diving mask is given in Fig. 5, while the interior view of the single-piece diving mask is given in Fig. 6; as can be seen here, there is no need for the mask strap in the embodiment where the diving mask is single-piece. Since the body is single-piece, it also serves as the mask strap.

In another alternative embodiment of the invention, as seen in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, a system which is modularly detachable, not single-piece, is disclosed. In this system, as seen in Fig. 9, a soft body (1.1.1) is provided in the section of the mask frame (1.1) in the side of the face. In the face-contacting section of this soft body (1.1.1), as in Fig. 10, is a mask frame sponge layer (1.1.2.1). This sponge layer (1.1.2.1) covers the forehead and face entirely. As seen in Fig. 11 , at least one mask frame adjustment buckle (1.1.6) is disposed in the sides of the mask frame (1.1).

The invention comprises a mask strap sponge layer (1.1.2.2) in the side of the mask strap (1.1.5) facing the head. Mask strap sponge layer (1.1.2.2) covers the back of the head entirely. As seen in Fig. 12, at least one mask strap adjustment strap (1.1.5.1 ) is disposed in the sides of the mask strap (1.1.5).

Mask frame (1.1) is connected to the mask strap (1.1.5) by means of the mask frame adjustment buckle (1.1.6). That is, at least one mask strap adjustment strap (1.1.5.1) disposed in both sides of the mask strap (1.1.5) is passed through the mask frame adjustment buckle (1.1.6). After adjusting the mask strap adjustment straps (1.1.5.1) according to the head size, the mask frame adjustment buckle (1.1.6) is passed through the mask strap adjustment strap belt (1.1.6.1). As in Fig. 13, a toothed surface (1.1.5.1.1) is provided on the mask strap adjustment straps (1.1.5.1). The toothed surface (1.1.5.1.1) allows the diving mask (1) to be locked when passed through the mask strap adjustment strap belt (1.1.6.1) in accordance with the head size.

In this system with two layers that are modularly detachable, the negative effects of the water is minimized by the sponge layer (1.1.2) as the mask frame sponge layer (1.1.2.1) covers the face (Fig. 14) and the mask strap sponge layer (1.1.2.2) covers the head (Fig. 15) all around. The felt pressure and force are substantially reduced.

In the modularly detachable and two-layer embodiment, the mask frame sponge layer (1.1.2.1) and the mask strap sponge layer (1.1.2.2) are joined with the soft mask body (1.1.1) and the mask strap (1.1.5) by means of frequency welding, attaching or stitching method.

Both of the embodiments are fit for every face conveniently and do not leak water owing to the close porous structure, thanks to the sponge layer (1.1.2) (mask frame sponge layer (1.1.2.1) and mask strap sponge layer (1.1.2.2)) comprised thereby. Thanks to the wide surface of the sponge layer (1.1.2) (mask frame sponge layer (1.1.2.1) and mask strap sponge layer (1.1.2.2)), water pressure is stabilized and a convenient and comfortable diving is ensured for a long duration, without leaving any mark on the face and without hurting the face and the head.

This system is applicable to all diving masks subsequently. Moreover, it does not sink in water as the sponge layer (1.1.2) (mask frame sponge layer (1.1.2.1) and mask strap sponge layer (1.1.2.2)) has a lower density than the water. Thus, the risk of losing the expensive accessories attached thereto (snorkel, camera, etc.) is eliminated as well.

Claims

1. A diving mask (1) which comprises a mask frame (1.1) and a soft body

(1.1.1) in the section of the mask frame (1.1) in the side of the face, which stabilizes the pressure, and which does not sink in water due to the lower density thereof than that of the water, characterized in comprising

• a sponge layer (1.1.2) which provides the diving mask (1) with the property of not sinking in water due to having lower density than the water and which stabilizes the pressure in the section of the soft body (1.1.1) contacting with the face, forehead, and head.

2. The diving mask (1) as in Claim 1 , characterized in that the sponge layer

(1.1.2) is soft, flexible, water-proof, and has closed pores.

3. The diving mask (1) as in Claim 1, characterized in comprising at least one adjustment strap (1.1.4) which allows the diving mask (1) to be adjusted according to the head size and which can be disposed in the right or left side of the sponge layer (1.1.2) in the single-piece embodiment.

4. The diving mask (1) as in Claim 3, characterized in comprising a velcro fabric (1.1.4.1) having a hook surface (1.1.4.1.1) which allows locking by passing through the adjustment buckle (1.1.3.1) and is disposed in the end portion of the adjustment strap (1.1.4) in the single-piece embodiment.

5. The diving mask (1) as in Claim 4, characterized in comprising at least one adjustment buckle (1.1.3.1) which allows the diving mask to be adjusted according to the head size and which can be disposed in the right or left side of the sponge layer (1.1.2) and is located in the end portion of at least one adjustment buckle strap (1.1.3) in the single-piece embodiment.

6. The diving mask (1) as in Claim 1 , characterized in comprising a mask frame sponge layer (1.1.2.1) in the face-contacting section of the soft body (1.1.1) in the modularly detachable and two-layer embodiment.

7. The diving mask (1) as in Claim 1 , characterized in comprising a mask strap sponge layer (1.1.2.2) in the head-contacting section of the mask strap

(1.1.5) in the modularly detachable and two-layer embodiment.

8. The diving mask (1) as in Claim 7, characterized in comprising at least one mask frame adjustment buckle (1.1.6) which is in connection with the mask frame (1.1) and which enables the mask frame (1.1) having mask frame sponge layer (1.1.2.1) and the mask strap (1.1.5) having mask strap sponge layer (1.1.2.2) to be joined together and placed on the body in the modularty detachable and two-layer embodiment.

9. The diving mask (1) as in Claim 8, characterized in comprising at least one mask strap adjustment strap (1.1.5.1) which is located in the side end of the mask strap (1.1.5), passes through the mask frame adjustment buckle

(1.1.6) , and thus adjusts the width of the diving mask (1) according to the head size in the modularly detachable and two-layer embodiment.

10. The diving mask (1) as in Claim 9, characterized in comprising a toothed surface (1.1.5.1.1) which is disposed on the mask strap adjustment strap (1.1.5.1), passes through the mask strap adjustment strap belt (1.1.6.1), and thus allows the diving mask (1) to be locked according to the head size in the modularly detachable and two-layer embodiment.

11. The diving mask (1) as in Claim 1 , characterized in comprising the process step of attaching, stitching, or frequency welding for joining together the sponge layer (1.1.2) on the soft mask body (1.1.1) in the single-piece embodiment.

12. The diving mask (1) as in Claim 1, characterized in comprising the process step of attaching, stitching, or frequency welding for joining together the mask frame sponge layer (1.1.2.1) and mask strap sponge layer (1.1.2.2) on the soft mask body (1.1.1) and mask strap (1.1.5) in the modularly detachable and two-layer embodiment.