FR2720950A1 - Diving mask with quick release strap attachment. - Google Patents

Abstract

Diving mask (10) comprising a frame (12) with a front portion (14) and first and second side portions (16, 18) and surrounding at least one lens (20), a flexible rim (24) attached to the frame and arranged to form a watertight seal between the frame and the user's face, at least one of the side portions comprising a first (30) and a second connection portions of a quick release buckle (28), and a mask strap (40) having a first and a second end, at least one of its ends being engaged with the other of the first and second connection portions to make a connection with the possibility of locking and releasing from the strap to the frame (12). An important feature of the present invention is that the mask strap (40) is adjustable in length independently of its attachment to the mask frame, while being easily detachable from the mask frame.

Description

DIVING MASK WITH FAST RELEASE STRAP FIXING

  The present invention relates to diving masks used

  for scuba diving, snorkelling

  glasses and diving with bottles, and, in particular, a diving mask in which the mask strap can be quickly released from the mask frame. Classic diving masks are attached to the head of the diver with an elastic strap. Each end of the strap

  mask is threaded in a ratchet located on a corresponding side

  in front of the mask frame. Various metal snap-in devices

  10 canics are used to hold the strap in place, while pre-

  with manual adjustment of the strap length.

  A conventional mask strap snap system includes a mask strap having a series of generally vertical ribs spaced apart on one side. The strap is distributed around at least one vertical rod in a ratchet frame in the manner of a coil. A security element requested

  engages one of the ribs on the strap to prevent the strap from

  re relaxes. One tab in one piece with the security element

  reté allows the diver or user to overcome with one hand

  the biasing force or pressure exerted by the safety element

  reté while the strap is pulled with the other hand to undo the

  strap adjustment. The same operation is performed for ex-

  milk the strap completely on a selected side of the chassis

  mask in order to put in place the clamp for fixing a class tuba

if that.

  A major drawback of such arrangements for fixing the

  mask is the obligation to use both hands to adjust the length of the strap, which makes the operation often

  difficult when the diver or mask is wet.

  Another disadvantage of the classic mask strap attachments

  The problem is that the diver's hair often gets caught or tangled in the strap and that it is difficult to remove it without undoing at least one end of the strap on the corresponding side of the mask frame. Another disadvantage also of the classic mask strap attachments is that when used with a snorkel having a loop-shaped fixing strap, the mask strap must be undone from the pawl in order to be able to slip into it.

  last the snorkel fixing flange. This operation is tedious-

  often frustrating, especially when it has to be done

with wet hands.

  Another drawback related to that mentioned above is that

  when the dive is finished and the diver stores his material

  1 5 riel, the mask must again be separated from the snorkel when the latter

  this has a loop type mounting flange, which requires

  another extraction of the mask strap from the tube attachment

  ba, as well as the mask latch ratchet. This threading and this

  repeated extraction of the mask strap relative to the frame

  mask settings also make the mask setting more diff-

  difficult, in that the mask strap must be adjusted each time it is used, and the strap adjustment must be carried out precisely in water. A strap that is too loose can allow water to enter the mask, which affects the diver's vision and comfort. On the other hand, an excessively tight mask strap can be uncomfortable, and can also prevent the diver from removing his ears for equalization of the pressure on each side of the eardrums for a progressive habituation to more

great depths.

  Therefore, the main object of the present invention is to provide a diving mask with a mask strap which

  can be detached from the mask frame without changing the setting

  the length of the mask strap.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a

  diving mask with a mask strap that is easy to put on

  glide when the plunger or mask is wet. The present invention also aims to provide a diving mask with a strap connection mechanism

  mask that allows you to quickly detach the mask strap

than the mask frame.

  Consequently, the aforementioned objectives are achieved by the present diving mask, in which at least one end of

  the strap is attached to one end of a quick release buckle

  of. In the preferred embodiment, a portion of the loop

  has a strap length adjustment ratchet, so

  re that the length of the mask strap can be adjusted independently of the separation of the strap from the mask frame. Thus, the length of the mask strap can be easily changed when the plunger or mask is wet by using a large tongue with grooves which easily pulls away from the head of the plunger to release the strap at

  adjustment purposes. Another advantage of the present lanyard attachment

  mask re is that a loop type snap-on snap can be quickly attached and separated from the mask strap without

  modify the often precise setting of the mask strap.

  More particularly, the present diving mask includes a frame with a front portion, a first and a second

  side portions and surrounds a glass. A soft border is fi

  attached to the chassis and is constructed and arranged to constitute a

  watertight seal between the frame and the user's face.

  At least one of the lateral portions has a first and

  a second connection portion of a quick release loop.

  Also provided is a mask strap comprising a pre-

  first and second ends, at least one of its ends being engaged with the other of the first and second portions of

  fitting to make a connection with possibility of locking

  lage and release of the strap to the chassis. An important feature of the present invention is that the mask strap is adjustable in length regardless of its attachment to the mask frame. Another characteristic of the present invention is that the adjustment portion of the mask strap, the portion of

  claw or male portion of the quick release buckle, and

  tongue release strap type are formed by

  a single block which can be molded from a suitable plastic material

  own. Preferred embodiments of the present invention

  are now described by way of example, with reference to the

  attached sins, in which: FIG. 1 is a front perspective elevation of the present diving mask; Figure 2 is a side elevation of the mask of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a top plan view of this mask;

  Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of the mask of the figure

gure 1;

  Figure 5 is a bottom plan elevation of a first

  re connection portion of an ap-type quick release loop

  suitable for use with this diving mask; Figure 6 is a side elevation of the connector portion of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a top plan elevation of the first connector portion illustrated in Figure 5; Figure 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Figure 7 and in the direction generally indicated; and FIG. 9 is a rear elevation of the mask of FIG. 1,

  with parts omitted for clarity.

  Referring now to Figures I to 4, the present diving mask is generally indicated at 10, and comprises a frame 12 comprising a front portion 1 4 and a first and second side portions 16, 18, respectively. At least the front portion 1 4 surrounds a glass 20, and it is envisaged that at least one

  first and second side portions 16, 18 may also

  each surround a relatively smaller glass 22 to increase the peripheral underwater vision of the diver. In the preferred embodiment, the lateral portions 1 6, 1 8 of the chassis 12 are curved towards the rear at approximately right angles to the longitudinal axis of the chassis to give a shape

  generally U-shaped in a top or bottom view (ap-

  appearing better in Figures 3 and 4).

  The mask 10 also includes a flexible border 24 fixed

  to the chassis and constructed and arranged to constitute a watertight seal

  water in between the chassis and the face of the diver or user

  sator. The edge 24 is preferably made of a flexible, transparent material, which resists chemical degradation of the type caused by salt water. A particularly preferred material

  for the border is silicone. The border 24 has a pale edge.

  ripherique 26 sized to define a line extending around the forehead, temples, upper cheeks and under the nose of the user, so that once in place, the area of the face located the interior of the line is isolated in

  any tightness of the surrounding water.

  Each of the first and second side portions 16, 18 is

  now described in more detail. For simplicity

  specification of the description below, the two side portions

  are considered identical, unless otherwise stated. In the preferred embodiment, each side portion is provided with a half of quick-release buckle generally indicated at 28, the loop being composed of first and second connector portions 30, 32, respectively, which can also called male and female loop portions, respectively. Referring now to Figures 1 to 8, the first connector portion 30 comprises at a first end a claw portion 34 for engaging the second connector portion 32, and a strap retaining portion 36 opposite the portion of claw for retaining one end 38 of a mask strap 40. On the claw portion 34 is included a pair of elastic snap-in arms 42 generally equidistant from each side of an axially extending guide arm 44. The latching arms 42 have an inherent biasing force so that when pressed together in the direction of the guide arm 44, and then released, the arms return to their original position or

  rest position illustrated in Figures 5 and 7. The ground force

  licitation facilitates release as well as commitment to

  rusting of the first connection portion 30 and of the second

fitting portion 32.

  Each click arm has a shaped end

  in a locking lobe 46 with an oblique point 48. At the op-

  laid with the oblique point, the locking lobe 46 forms a

  retaining shoulder 49. The point 48 of each latching arm

  tage and one end of the guide arm 44 generally end

  along a common transverse axis.

  At opposite ends, the latching arms 42 and the guide arm 44 are fixed to a generally concave edge 50 of the first connector portion 30. Behind the concave edge 50 and opposite the latching arms 42 and the guide 44 is located

  the latch retaining portion 36. A pivoting rod

  generally transverse aunt 52 is rotatably supported at

  each end by a bore 53 in a pivot rod support

  aunt 54. The two pivoting rod supports extend in a parallel position generally offset with respect to the latching arms 42 and to the guide arm 44 (as best represented

  in Figure 5). The pivot rod supports 54 are preferably

  molded in one piece with the fitting portion 30.

  On the first connection portion 30 is also a handle or gripping tab 56 which is in one piece with a ratchet or a safety tooth 58 (as best represented

  in Figure 8). The tongue 56 has a relatively large surface.

  of, is curved for better grip, and is connected to the fitting portion along a base line indicated at 60 which

  is generally adjacent to the concave edge 50. In addition, the lan-

  lookout 56 can be provided with a plurality of grooves or quadril-

  lages 66 (as best shown in Figure 3) to facilitate direct gripping by the diver even when the diver

or the mask is wet.

  The tooth 58 is in one piece with the connector portion, is disposed between the pivot rod supports 54 and is also generally parallel to the pivot rod 52. An acute front edge 62 of the tooth 58 points towards the rod 52. In addition, the tooth 58 is spaced parallel to the pivoting rod 52 rotating on its axis so as to allow sliding of one of the ends 38 of

  the mask strap 40 therebetween.

  Thus, the claw portion 34, the pivot rod supports 54, the gripping tab 56 and the safety tooth 58 are of

  preferably integrally formed, for example by injection molding

  jection of a suitable plastic. Given the "me-

  moire "inherent form of the plastic used to mold the first connector portion 30, and the connection of the

  tongue 56 at the baseline, tooth 58 has a biasing force

  inherent position which brings the tooth into the resting position il-

  glossy in FIG. 8. The biasing force exerted by the tooth 58 is increased by a thinned lateral articulation surface.

  63 (as best shown in Figure 8) on the first

  first fitting portion 30 which defines a pivot axis for

  the tooth 58 as well as for the tongue 56. A pull of the tongue

  is watching 56 in the direction of arrow 64 temporarily pulls the

  tooth 58 away from the pivot rod 52, and loosening of the lan-

  watching brings the tooth back to its "rest" position.

  Referring now to Figures 1, 2 and 9, the release loop

  quick ration 28 also includes the second portion of rac-

  cord 32, which is configured to house with the possibility of ver-

  rusting and releasing the first fitting portion 30 described

  te above. Therefore, the second portion of the fitting comprises

  takes a housing 68 which forms a pair of arm receptacles

  latching 70 (as best shown in Figure 9) laterally

  spaced from each other, and being separated by a receptacle

  guide arm key 72. The guide arm receptacle is

  formed by a pair of partitions projecting substantially verti-

  generally parallel, 74 which are preferably

  mées in one piece with the housing 68.

  An important feature of the second portion of rac-

  cord 32 is the formation of at least one opening and preferably

  this two release openings 76 (as best shown on

  Figure 2) to access one of the corresponding locking lobes

  dants 46, each lobe being located at a latching arm 42 cor-

  respondent. Each release opening 76 is dimensioned to allow the passage of a finger of the plunger to press

  the locking lobe 46 towards the guide arm 44 and, consequently

  quence, overcoming the biasing force of the enclosure arms

  quetting, release the first connection portion 30 from the second connection portion 32. It should be noted that while in the preferred embodiment, the second connection portion 32 is fixed and

  formed in one piece in the first and second portions la-

  16, 18 of the mask frame 12, the connector portion 32, and in particular the housing 68, can be fixed so as to

  pivot on the lateral portions of the body mask frame

  respondents. It is also envisaged that the orientation of the

  claw portion 34 of the first connector portion 30 relative to

  port at the second connection portion 32 is reversed, with the

  connector portion attached to the strap retaining portion

  36, and the claw portion 34 fixed to the first and second doors

  lateral positions 16, 18 of the chassis 12.

  Referring now to FIG. 8, the mask strap 40 is provided with a plurality of locking projections 78 for engaging the tooth 58 and fixing the adjusted length of the strap which

  adapts to the diver. In the preferred embodiment, the pro-

  Locking junctions 78 are in the form of elongated, generally parallel, spaced ribs or grooves. The spacing between the ribs along the strap 40 can vary depending on

  the use and size of the mask. In addition, the specific form

  ribs may also vary, provided that the ribs

  res are large enough to engage the tooth 58. In addition, it is preferred that the two ends 38 of the mask strap are provided with a plurality of locking projections

78 similar to ribs.

  In use, at least one lateral portion 16, 18 of the mask frame 12 and preferably the two lateral portions are

  provided with a quick release buckle 28 comprising a first

  re and a second connector portion 30, 32 engaged one with

  the other. Each end 38 of the mask strap 40 is fitted

  lée in a corresponding strap retention portion 36. In particular, the end of the strap 38 is passed between the rod

  voting 52 and safety tooth 58. During this threading operation

  lage, the plunger must pull the tongue 56 in the direction of arrow 64, that is to say away from his head, so that the tooth does not engage one of the locking projections 78 on the strap

  40. The end of the strap 38 is then pulled into the portion of re-

  holding strap so that the end of the strap is located

  on the same side of the pivoting rod 52 as the tongue 56.

  Once the appropriate length setting for each ex-

  end of the strap 38 is made, and it is understood that this regulation

  strap age can be achieved with the mask worn by the diver

  gor, the tongue 56 is released, and the tooth 58 engages the projection

  next, adjacent 78 lock position on the masthead

  than 40. The biasing force exerted by the tooth prevents any movement of the strap relative to the loop 28 other than over the distance between the adjacent projections 78 on each side of

  tooth 58. In addition, the size, shape and quadrilateral area

  the tongue 56 facilitate handling when the

geur or the mask is wet.

  When the plunger wishes to connect a snorkel attachment flange, he simply accesses the release openings 76 and jointly presses the two locking lobes 46 until the lobes can be axially withdrawn from the snap-arm receptacles 70. the mask strap 40 can then be released from the mask frame 12 without modifying the setting of the

  mask strap. Another example in which he may have been born

  how quickly the mask strap is released from the i1 mask frame is when the diver's hair gets caught

in the strap.

  To attach the mask strap 40 to the mask frame 12, the plunger simply inserts the claw portion 34 into the second connector portion 32 so that the snap arms

  42 and the guide arm 44 are aligned with the receptacles

  corresponding keys 70, 72. The first connection portion is

  then urged axially towards the housing 68 of the second door

  connection until the locking lobes click into place

  beg in the release openings 76. The latching of the lobes is due to their inherent biasing force and also to the configuration of the housing 68 which is slightly narrowed to

  that an inwardly directed pressure be applied to the lo-

  locking bes before they reach the release openings

  1 5 ration. The retaining shoulders 49 are then engaged in the

  release openings to avoid axial separation

  cidentelle of the first and second fitting portions.

  Therefore, a major advantage of the present invention

  is the formation of a diving mask with a fixation of the

  Quick release mask strap to allow quick release of the mask strap from the frame without changing the setting

  length of the strap. Another advantage of the present invention

  tion is that the first fitting portion can be molded in a single block the mask strap attachment, the claw portion, the gripping tab 56 and the safety tooth 58, without the need for an assembly of parts or tools Manufacturing

  complex. The only additional part is the swivel rod 52.

  While a specific embodiment of the mask

  Quick release strap attachment dive of this in-

  vention has been described and illustrated, it will appear to those skilled in the art

  that modifications and transformations can be made

  carried without departing from the present invention in its aspects

  the widest and as claimed.

Claims (10)

Claims   1. Diving mask, characterized by   a frame (12) comprising a front portion (14) and a pre-   first and second side portions (16, 18) and surrounding at least one glass (20); a flexible border (24) fixed to said chassis and constructed and   arranged to constitute a watertight seal between said frame   sis and the diver's face; at least one of said side portions having first and second connector portions (30, 32) of a quick release buckle (28); and a mask strap (40) having first and first   second ends, at least one of said ends being engaged   connected with the other of said first and second connector portions to make a connection with the possibility of locking and   release of said strap to said chassis.   2. Mask according to claim 1, further characterized by the-   said fitting portion which is engaged with said end of said mask strap being provided with a ratchet for adjusting strap length (56, 58).   3. Mask according to claim 2, further characterized by said adjustment pawl being integral with said connector portion and comprising a biased pawl element (58) which is   normally biased against said strap, and a portion of pre-   hension (56) to exert a liberating force to overcome   ter said biasing force and release said strap.   4. Mask according to claim 3, further characterized by the-   said strap being provided with a plurality of locking projections   spaced apart beams (78) configured to engage said click member   quet. 5. Mask according to claim 1, further characterized by said first connector portion comprising a claw portion (34) for engaging said second connector portion and a portion   strap retainer (36) for retaining said mask strap.   6. Mask according to claim 5, further characterized by the-   said claw portion comprising a pair of latching arms   elastic, spaced apart (42) arranged on each side of a guide arm axially extending dage (44).   7. Mask according to claim 6, further characterized by cha-   each of said latching arms comprising a lobe of lock   lage (46) disposed on a corresponding end of said latching arm.   8. Mask according to claim 6, further characterized by the-   said second connector portion comprising a housing (68)   finishing at least one receptacle (70) dimensioned to accommodate the-   said snap-on arms (42) and said guide arm (44).   9. Mask according to claim 8, further characterized by said   receptacle housing (68) further comprising at least one or   release groove (76) for accessing one of said locking arms   corresponding quetting (42) in order to overcome said biasing force and to release said first connector portion (30)   of said second connector portion (32).   10. Mask according to claim 1, further characterized by one of said first and second connecting portions (30, 32) being   formed integrally with said corresponding lateral portion te said chassis.