EP3727613B1 - Diving mask enabling pressure equalisation at the ears - Google Patents

Description

Background of the invention

The present invention relates to the field of diving masks, and in particular the masks used for underwater hiking, also called PMT (Fins-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 under water while breathing.

Generally, the underwater hiker is equipped 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 mouth of the user, and an upper end allowing both the admission of fresh air and exhaled air exhaust.

It is known that such material has many drawbacks. First, because breathing through the mouth is unnatural, some people find it difficult to breathe orally using a snorkel. Another is that it is not possible to speak underwater when you have a snorkel in your mouth.

Yet another drawback, related to the use of the mask, is that the inner wall of the visor generally tends to become covered with fog, which impairs good visibility, and which forces the user to regularly clean his mask. The appearance of fog is due to the fact that the user's nose opens into the vision chamber located between the visor and the user's eyes, and generally to any hot air produced in the vision chamber without being renewed by fresh air.

Also, the use of this mask-snorkel device is not very comfortable.

To remedy this drawback, the document FR 3 020 620 B1 offers a diving mask allowing you to breathe through your nose and mouth.

However, this type of improved snorkel mask does not allow the user to compensate for the pressure when descending in depth. To carry out this operation, it is necessary to pinch the nose in order to block the nostrils and balance the pressures at the level of each of the ears (in particular between the external ear and the middle ear of a given ear).

There is thus a need for a mask-snorkel allowing to breathe indifferently through the nose and/or the mouth, to avoid the formation of fog in the vision compartment and allowing a pressure equalization operation to be carried out as many times as necessary.

EP3246242 a the subject of a diving mask comprising a lens arranged opposite the eyes, and a flexible integral face mask comprising a housing for the nose, accessible from the outside of the mask and arranged under the lens.

The document CN107235129 discloses a face mask comprising an air-filled airbag structure to adjust to different face sizes and shapes.

There is also a need for such a mask-snorkel which is light, easy to position on the face of the user, and comfortable.

Subject matter and summary of the invention

1. a. Un corps muni d'une visière comprenant une partie supérieure, et d'une jupe souple 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 frais entre la chambre supérieure et la chambre inférieure lors d'une phase d'inspiration de l'utilisateur,
2. b. un tuba disposé en prolongement d'une partie supérieure du corps, le tuba comprenant au moins un conduit d'air ;
3. c. le corps comporte un dispositif d'échappement d'air expiré qui relie fluidiquement la chambre inférieure avec le conduit d'air du tuba.

Avantageusement, le corps comprend une partie principale nasale souple et déformable dont le bord supérieur est solidarisé de manière étanche au bord inférieur de la partie supérieure de la visière, et la visière comprend une partie inférieure, et la partie principale nasale comprend un bord inférieur solidarisé de manière étanche au bord supérieur de la partie inférieure de la visière, et la partie principale nasale comprend un logement principal recevant au moins en partie le nez et configuré de manière à permettre le pincement du nez de l'utilisateur. De plus, la jupe comprend une partie auxiliaire nasale, dans le prolongement de la cloison, ladite partie auxiliaire nasale comprend un logement auxiliaire recevant le nez et configuré de manière à permettre le pincement du nez de l'utilisateur.The present invention overcomes the aforementioned problems in that it relates to a diving mask comprising:

1. has. A body provided with a visor comprising an upper part, and with a flexible skirt comprising a partition delimiting an upper chamber for vision from a lower chamber for breathing, the partition being arranged to bear above the nose of the user so that the user's mouth and 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 fresh air between the upper chamber and the lower chamber during an inspiration phase of the user,
2. b. a snorkel arranged as an extension of an upper part of the body, the snorkel comprising at least one air duct;
3. vs. the body has an exhaled air exhaust device that fluidically connects the lower chamber with the snorkel's air duct.

Advantageously, the body comprises a flexible and deformable nasal main part, the upper edge of which is secured in leaktight manner to the lower edge of the upper part of the visor, and the visor comprises a lower part, and the main nasal part comprises a lower edge secured sealingly to the upper edge of the lower part of the visor, and the main nasal part comprises a main housing receiving at least partly the nose and configured so as to allow pinching of the user's nose. In addition, the skirt comprises an auxiliary nasal part, in the extension of the partition, said auxiliary nasal part comprises an auxiliary housing receiving the nose and configured in such a way as to allow pinching of the user's nose.

It is understood that the visor is arranged so as not to cover the nose, and possibly the mouth of the user, so that the user can pinch his nose, pinching the main housing of the nasal main part.

It is understood that the tuba is in fluidic connection with the upper chamber. For this purpose, the body advantageously includes a fresh air inlet device which communicates fluidly with the snorkel and with the upper air chamber.

Preferably, the upper edge of the main nasal part comprises a projection having a recess, in particular L-shaped, arranged so as to receive the lower edge of the upper part of the visor. In this case, the upper edge of the nasal main part engages with the upper or lower face, and the edge of the lower edge of the upper part of the visor.

The upper edge of the nasal main part may comprise, alternatively, a U-shaped projection receiving the lower edge of the upper part of the visor. In this case, the upper edge of the nasal main part is in engagement with the upper and lower faces, and the edge, of the lower edge of the upper part of the visor.

Preferably, the flexible skirt is attached to the visor. In addition, the visor is at least partially transparent. Preferably, the visor has a flat transparent portion which is located opposite the upper chamber.

Preferably, the flexible skirt comprises a sealing lip arranged to bear against the face of the user.

Preferably, the flexible skirt (and therefore said partition) and the main nasal part, and optionally the auxiliary nasal part defined below, are each made of a polymeric material, which materials may be different or identical (in terms of their compositions, their aesthetic (shapes, colors, etc.), their mechanical properties (mechanical tensile strength, tensile elongation at break, etc.).

Said polymeric material preferably has an elongation at break, in particular in tension, greater than or equal to 100%, more preferably greater than or equal to 300%, preferably greater than or equal to 400%.

Preferably, the polymeric material is an elastomer.

The flexible skirt, the main nasal part, and optionally the auxiliary nasal part, are thus deformable and conform flexibly, on the one hand, to the face of the user, thus improving his comfort, and on the other hand, to the parts of the masks rigid or semi-rigid which improves sealing.

In a variant, the exhaled air exhaust device comprises a first exhaled air exhaust channel which extends along one of the two side edges of the body, in particular first and second exhaled air channels extending on either side of the two side edges of the visor, the flexible skirt having a first side part which covers the first exhaust channel exhaled air, and possibly a second lateral part which covers the second exhaled air exhaust channel.

The first air exhaust channel, and optionally the second air exhaust channel, preferably comprises two side walls and a bottom wall, in particular said walls form a U in cross section said first channel, and optionally said second channel.

The first channel, and optionally the second channel, can thus be constituted (each) of two adjacent ribs, which project from a first lateral edge of the visor, and optionally a second lateral edge of the visor respectively.

The first exhaled air exhaust channel, and optionally the second exhaled air exhaust channel, can form a single piece with the visor, again preferably both (sets of two) adjacent ribs form a single piece with the visor.

The first exhaled air exhaust channel, and possibly the second exhaled air exhaust channel, can be one (or more) part(s) different from the visor, secured ( s), removably or not, to one of the two edges (or both edges) side of the visor. Said part having a U-shape in cross-section.

The first side part, and optionally the second side part, of the skirt has a side edge in which the first (or second) air exhaust channel is engaged in order to prevent water from entering the first (or second) air exhaust channel.

To do this, the side edge of the skirt comprises an upper wall and at least one side wall, preferably two side walls. Said side wall(s) flank(s) the rib(s) of the first (or second) exhaust channel while the top wall covers the first (or second) exhaust channel to to ensure tightness.

Preferably, said lateral edge is located on the outer periphery of the sealing lip of the skirt which is arranged to bear against the user's face.

In one embodiment, the body of the mask further comprises a strapping, in particular rigid or semi-rigid, which surrounds the visor. Preferably, the peripheral edge of the skirt (in particular the first side part and/or the second side part of the skirt) is clamped between the strapping and the first (or second) exhaled air exhaust channel. This has the effect of preventing the peripheral edge of the skirt from uncoupling from the first (or second) exhaled air exhaust channel.

Preferably, the first exhaled air exhaust channel, and optionally the second exhaled air exhaust channel, comprise(d)(nnent) a lower end portion comprising at least one opening opening into the lower chamber , and optionally an upper end portion in fluid connection with the tuba.

In one embodiment, the exhaled air exhaust device includes a second exhaled air exhaust channel equivalent to the first exhaled air exhaust channel. The first and second exhaled air channels are preferably arranged on either side of the plane of symmetry of the mask.

In the present text, “plane of symmetry (S) of the mask” is understood to mean any plane of the mask passing substantially through the sagittal section plane of the user's face.

Preferably, the lower part of the visor at least partially covers the user's chin, and even more preferably the mouth.

Advantageously, the main nasal part extends, at least in part, between the lower edge of the upper part of the visor, and the upper edge of the lower part of the visor.

The main nasal part is therefore not flattened, glued to the face of the user, in particular to the mouth or the nose, which facilitates breathing.

In a variant, the visor comprises a central opening having an upper edge and a lower edge between which the main nasal part extends at least in part.

Preferably, the visor extends over the entire circumference of said central opening.

Preferably, the central opening is configured so as to cover the user's nose.

In a variant, the visor, in particular the lower part of the visor, extends in front of the mouth of the user.

This arrangement facilitates breathing through the mouth since the main nasal part is not pressed against the latter.

In a variant, the main nasal part comprises at least one lateral projection projecting along one side of the plane of symmetry S of the mask, preferably two lateral projections projecting on either side of the plane of symmetry S of the mask.

Preferably, said lateral projection(s) extend(s) under the housing receiving at least part of the nose.

Preferably, said lateral projection(s) extend(s) over the outer face of the visor, in particular over the outer face of the lower part of the visor.

In a variant, said at least one lateral projection of the main nasal part comprises a distal end secured in leaktight manner along a lateral edge of the visor, in particular said lateral edge is arranged between the upper and lower parts of the visor.

The lateral end may comprise a U-shaped or L-shaped projection as defined above with reference to the projection arranged along the upper edge and/or the lower edge of the nasal main part.

Preferably, the mask includes a first side projection including a first distal end, and a second side projection including a second distal end. The first lateral end is secured in sealed manner along a first lateral edge of the visor, and the second lateral projection is secured in sealed manner along a second lateral edge of the visor.

Again preferably, the first and second side edges of the visor are arranged on either side of the plane of symmetry S of the mask.

Preferably, the first and second side edges are arranged between the upper and lower parts of the visor.

In a variant, the main nasal part, and/or the nasal auxiliary part defined below, comprise(d)(ne) an external face and an internal face, the internal face being oriented facing the breathing chamber, and the main nasal part, and/or the nasal auxiliary part defined below, comprise(d)(ne) two protrusions projecting from said internal face and arranged on either side of the plane of symmetry S of the mask.

The external face of the main nasal part opens outside the mask, it is therefore accessible to the user when the mask is worn.

The two protuberances of the main nasal part, and/or of the nasal auxiliary part defined below, are arranged to delimit between them said main housing, and/or said auxiliary housing defined below, receiving at least in part the nose.

The two protuberances of the main nasal part, and/or of the nasal auxiliary part defined below, comprise first and second side walls between which the corresponding walls of the nose are housed.

The two protrusions preferably have a substantially wing-like shape, in particular in the shape of a triangle in their longitudinal section plane.

Preferably, the main housing, and/or the auxiliary housing defined below, receiving the nose does not comprise a lower wall coming against the lower edge of the user's nose, which facilitates breathing.

Preferably, the main housing, and/or the auxiliary housing defined below, is/are in fluid communication with the lower chamber.

In a variant, at least one of the two protrusions has an increasing thickness from its upper portion towards its base.

Advantageously, the base being thicker than the upper part, the pinching of the nose is facilitated by pressing the two bases of the two protrusions against the nostrils.

In a variant, the main nasal part, and/or the nasal auxiliary part defined below, comprise(d)(ne) an external face and an internal face, the internal face being oriented facing the breathing chamber, and the main nasal part, and/or the nasal auxiliary part defined below, comprise(d)(ne), according to its outer face, two recesses arranged on either side of the main housing(s), and /or auxiliary, for the nose.

This arrangement guides the placement of the user's fingers to pinch the nose.

In a variant, the main nasal part is molded over the upper part of the visor, and optionally over the lower part of the visor and/or the side edges of the visor.

Advantageously, the upper and lower edges and possibly the lateral end(s) of the lateral projection(s) are molded over the corresponding edges of the visor (and therefore engaged with the latter tightly).

It is understood by overmolding that the main nasal part is obtained by an injection process (molding) (or extrusion molding), in particular on an opening made in the visor.

In a variant, the main nasal part comprises a platinum portion projecting under the main housing and extending against the visor, in particular on the external face of the visor, in particular extending between said two lateral projections.

Preferably, said plate portion extends under the housing receiving at least part of the nose.

Again preferably, the plate portion extends over the outer face of the lower part of the visor.

Alternatively, the lower edge of the nose main portion is disposed between the nose main housing and the plate portion.

In a variant, the skirt and the main nasal part are two separate parts.

This arrangement facilitates the manufacture of the mask according to the invention.

In a variant, the nasal auxiliary part comprises an auxiliary plate portion extending under the auxiliary housing receiving at least part of the nose, said plate being secured to the visor, in particular to the lower part of the visor.

Preferably, the plate portion extends over the internal face of the lower part of the visor.

Again preferably, the upper edge of the lower part of the visor is arranged between the platinum portion of the main nasal part and the platinum portion of the nasal auxiliary part.

Preferably, the auxiliary plate is secured to the lower part of the visor by means of a rigid or semi-rigid fastening part secured, in particular riveted or clipped, to the lower part of the visor, the auxiliary plate being disposed at least in part between said fastening part and the lower part of the visor.

Advantageously, this attachment part makes it possible to secure the nasal auxiliary part to the visor in a leaktight manner. Thus, air exhaled through the nose and/or mouth does not flow to the upper chamber for vision.

Preferably, the rigid attachment piece has a substantially V-shape, more preferably the tip of the V is oriented towards the lower part of the visor.

In a variant, the auxiliary housing of the auxiliary nasal part receiving at least partly the nose is nested in the main housing receiving at least partly the nose of the main nasal part.

This arrangement improves comfort and facilitates pinching of the nose.

In a variant, the nasal auxiliary part comprises an external face and an internal face, the internal face being oriented facing the breathing chamber, and the nasal auxiliary part comprises two protuberances projecting from said internal face and arranged on either side of other from the plane of symmetry S of the mask.

These protrusions of the auxiliary housing can take up all or part of the characteristics defined above with reference to the protrusions of the main housing.

The auxiliary housing may also comprise two recesses arranged on either side of the plane of symmetry of the mask.

In one variant, the nasal main part is made of a different or identical polymeric material from the polymeric material of the nasal auxiliary main part.

The polymeric material of the nasal main part may be different from the polymeric material of the nasal auxiliary main part by its nature, its thickness, its aesthetics (color(s), pattern(s), relief(s) or not) or else its hardness, in particular its shore A hardness.

The polymeric material can be a silicone polymer or an elastomer of the SEBS (styrene-butylene-ethylene) type or in any equivalent polymer.

In one embodiment, the nasal main part is made of a polymeric material having a Shore A hardness greater than or equal to the Shore A hardness of the nasal auxiliary main part.

In a variant, the nasal main part has a thickness (mm) greater than the thickness of the nasal auxiliary main part, in particular said thicknesses are measured outside the auxiliary and main housings.

In a variant, the upper edge of the lower part of the visor is arranged between the nasal main part and the nasal auxiliary part, in particular between the main plate portion and the auxiliary plate portion.

In a variant which does not form part of the invention, the skirt and the main nasal part are in one and the same piece. Preferably, in this case, the mask does not include a nasal auxiliary part.

In a variant, the skirt comprises at least first and second separate parts, a first part sealing the first and/or second air exhaust channel(s) and contributing to the sealing with the face of the "user, and a second part ensuring the seal with the face of the user, in particular comprising the sealing lip, the second part comprises the nasal auxiliary part and the partition separating the upper and lower chambers.

In this case, the mask does not include a nasal auxiliary part.

In a variant, the exhaled air exhaust device comprises at least a first non-return valve arranged to allow a flow of exhaled air directed from the lower chamber towards the air duct of the snorkel during an exhalation phase of the user, the first non-return valve being closed during an inspiration phase of the user .

Preferably, the first non-return valve is located on the body of the mask.

Preferably, the first non-return valve is arranged to close off the exhaled air exhaust device during an inspiration phase.

During an inspiration phase, the closing of the first non-return valve has the effect that the fresh air does not flow via the air exhaust device. One benefit is to avoid inhaling air which has just been exhaled and which is still in the exhaled air exhaust device or in the air duct of the tube.

Advantageously, the first non-return valve is arranged to close said at least one opening (of the first exhaled air exhaust channel) during an inspiration phase of the user.

Preferably, the first non-return valve comprises at least one flexible membrane located inside the first exhaled air exhaust channel, facing said opening.

According to one embodiment, said at least one flexible membrane consists of a part of the flexible skirt.

Preferably, the lower end portion of the first or second exhaled air exhaust channel comprises two adjacent openings that can be closed by one or more flexible membrane(s) of the first non-return valve.

In an alternative embodiment, the snorkel comprises a single air conduit which is in fluid communication with the lower chamber and the upper chamber.

This arrangement makes it possible to simplify the design and the manufacture of the snorkel, compared to the snorkels of the prior art comprising several channels. Advantageously, the entire interior volume of the snorkel is available during the inspiration and expiration phases, which makes it possible to substantially increase the flow of incoming and outgoing air, thus improving comfort and facilitating mouth-nose breathing.

The single air duct is therefore in fluid communication with the exhaled air exhaust device, and also with the fresh air inlet device.

Preferably, the single air conduit is in fluid communication with the first and second exhaled air exhaust channels.

Alternatively, the snorkel used in the mask according to the invention can comprise several channels, although this is not preferred.

In a variant, the partition comprises at least one non-return valve, in particular a non-return valve, arranged to only allow a flow of fresh air directed from the upper chamber to the lower chamber during a cooling phase. inspiration from the user.

It is understood that the non-return valve, in particular the non-return valve, opens during an inspiration phase and closes during an expiration phase.

The non-return valve or non-return valve thus has the function of preventing exhaled air from flowing to the upper chamber, thus preventing the appearance of fogging on the underside of the upper part of the visor .

According to one embodiment, the non-return valve comprises a flexible flap consisting of a part of the flexible skirt.

Preferably, the flexible flap of the non-return valve consists of a portion of the partition.

The flexible flap is preferably delimited between a free edge of the partition and a cutout made in the partition.

This cutout gives the flexible flap mobility allowing it to bend during an inspiration phase so as to open the passage and allow fresh air to enter the lower chamber.

Preferably, during an exhalation phase, the flexible flap bears against the visor in order to close said passage.

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1 est une vue de face du masque selon l'invention;
• la figure 2 est une vue arrière du masque de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3 est une vue éclatée du masque de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 4 est une vue en coupe du masque selon le plan de coupe IV-IV représenté à la figure 1, correspondant au plan de symétrie S du masque, illustrant la superposition de la partie principale nasale et de la partie auxiliaire nasale ;
• la figure 5 est une vue en coupe du masque selon le plan de coupe IV-IV représenté à la figure 1, sans visière, ni tuba;
• la figure 6 représente la partie inférieure du masque une fois la jupe souple et la visière assemblées ;
• la figure 7A est une vue de face de la partie principale nasale du masque de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 7B est une vue arrière de la partie principale nasale du masque de la figure 1.

The invention and its advantages will be better understood on reading the detailed description of a particular embodiment, taken by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the appended drawings in which:

• there picture 1 is a front view of the mask according to the invention;
• there figure 2 is a rear view of the mask of the figure 1 ;
• there picture 3 is an exploded view of the mask of the figure 1 ;
• there figure 4 is a sectional view of the mask according to sectional plane IV-IV shown in figure 1 , corresponding to the plane of symmetry S of the mask, illustrating the superposition of the main nasal part and the nasal auxiliary part;
• there figure 5 is a sectional view of the mask according to sectional plane IV-IV shown in figure 1 , without visor or snorkel;
• there figure 6 represents the lower part of the mask once the flexible skirt and the visor are assembled;
• there Figure 7A is a front view of the nasal main portion of the mask of the figure 1 ;
• there figure 7B is a rear view of the nasal main portion of the mask of the figure 1 .

Detailed description of the invention

There picture 1 illustrates a first example of a diving mask 1 comprising a body 10 provided with a visor 20 comprising at least an upper part 21, and a flexible skirt 30 comprising a partition 40 delimiting an upper chamber 45 for the vision of a chamber lower 50 for breathing, the partition 40 being arranged to bear above the nose of the user so that the nose, and in this specific example also the mouth, of the user are in the lower chamber 50 , while the user's eyes are in the upper chamber 45, the partition 40 comprising at least one passage 55 to allow circulation of fresh air between the upper chamber 45 and the lower chamber 50 during a cooling phase. inspiration from the user.

The visor 20 is made of a rigid and transparent material, for example polycarbonate.

The flexible skirt 30 is made of a flexible material, for example a silicone elastomer.

The body 10 comprises a strapping 25 which is shaped to surround the visor 20. This strapping 25 has the function of ensuring, or at the very least of improving, the fixing of the skirt 30 to the visor 20.

The upper part 21 of the visor 20 covers the upper vision chamber 45 and comprises a flat transparent portion 19 intended to be located substantially at the user's eye level.

A snorkel 70 is arranged as an extension of an upper part 10a of the body, the snorkel 70 comprising at least one air duct 72, in this specific example a single air duct. In this example, the snorkel 70 is removably mounted to the body 10 .

The body 10 comprises an exhaled air exhaust device 80 which fluidically connects the lower chamber 50 with the air duct 72 of the snorkel 70. The body 10 comprises a flexible and deformable nasal main part 15 whose upper edge 15a is secured in leaktight manner to the lower edge 21a of the upper part 21 of the visor 20.

In this example, the upper edge 15a of the nasal main part 15 comprises a projection 8 shown in figure 4 having a recess, in particular L-shaped, arranged so as to receive the lower edge 21a of the upper part 21 of the visor 20.

The nasal main part 15 comprises a housing 16 receiving the nose and configured in such a way as to allow the user's nose to be pinched.

The main nasal part 15 comprises two lateral projections 17,18 projecting on either side of the plane of symmetry S of the mask 1.

The visor 20 comprises a lower part 22, and the main nasal part 15 comprises a lower edge 15b secured in leaktight manner to the upper edge 22a of the lower part 22 of the visor 20.

The lateral projections 17 and 18 each comprise a distal end 17a and 18a respectively secured in a sealed manner on either side of the visor, along its lateral edges, the lateral edge 20d of which shown in picture 3 . The said side edges (including the side edge 20d ) are arranged between the upper 21 and lower 22 parts of the visor 20.

The main nasal part 15 comprises an outer face 13 and an inner face 14, the inner face 14 being oriented facing the breathing chamber 50. The main nasal part 15 comprises two protrusions 5 and 6 projecting from said inner face 14 and arranged on either side of the plane of symmetry S of mask 1.

In this specific example, the two protuberances 5 and 6 (see figures 7A and 7B ) have an increasing thickness of their bases 5a and 6a towards their upper portions 5b and 6b.

The main nasal part 15 comprises, along its outer face 13, two recesses 31, 32 arranged on either side of the main housing 16 for the nose. The main nasal part 15 is molded over the upper part 21 of the visor 20, and optionally over the lower part 22 of the visor 20 and/or the side edges 20d of the visor 20.

The visor 20 thus comprises a central opening 4 having an upper edge 4a and a lower edge 4b between which the main nasal part 15 extends.

The visor 20 is arranged so that the lower part 22 covers the user's chin and mouth.

The main nasal part 15 further comprises a platinum portion 35, in particular extending between said two lateral projections 17 and 18. The skirt 30 and the main nasal part 15 are two separate parts.

The skirt 30 comprises an auxiliary nasal part 60, in the extension of the partition 40, said auxiliary nasal part 60 comprises an auxiliary housing 62 receiving the nose and configured in such a way as to allow the user's nose to be pinched.

The nasal auxiliary part 60 comprises a plate portion 65 projecting below the auxiliary housing 62, said plate portion 65 being secured to the visor 20, in particular to the lower part 22 of the visor 20 by a fixing part 66. The fixing piece 66 is secured, for example clipped, to fixing lugs 67 projecting from the internal face of the lower part 22 of the visor 20.

The plate portion 65 comprises two orifices 68 and 69 which engage with the fixing lugs 67 before the positioning of the fixing part 66, which also comprises two orifices to cooperate with the fixing lugs 67.

Advantageously, the auxiliary housing 62 is configured to be fitted into the main housing 16.

Preferably, the auxiliary housing 62 also comprises two protrusions 90 and 91 projecting onto the internal face of the nasal auxiliary part 60, opposite the lower chamber 50 for breathing. In this specific example, the protuberances 90 and 91 each have an increasing thickness going from its upper part towards its base.

The upper edge 22a of the lower part 22 of the visor 20 is thus arranged between the main plate portion 35 overmolded on the external face of the visor 20, and the auxiliary plate portion 65 fixed to the internal face of the visor 20 by through the fixing piece 66.

The main nasal part 15 can be in a polymeric material different from or identical to the polymeric material of the auxiliary nasal part 60.

Advantageously, the exhaled air exhaust device 80 comprises at least one first non-return valve 43 arranged to allow a flow of exhaled air directed from the lower chamber 50 towards the air duct 72 of the snorkel 70 during a user exhalation phase, the first non-return valve 43 being closed during a user inspiration phase.

Preferably, the first non-return valve 43 comprises a flexible membrane 142 which, in this specific example, consists of a portion of the flexible skirt 30. As can be seen in figure 6 , the first side portion of the peripheral edge 124 of the skirt 30 comprises an upper wall 126 and two side walls of which only the side wall 128 is clearly visible. The side walls, including the side wall 128, flank the two ribs, including the visible rib 105 , of the first exhaled air exhaust channel 81 in order to ensure sealing. The flexible membrane 142 is in the form of a substantially rectangular portion which protrudes from an internal face of the upper wall 126. On the figure 6 , the first non-return valve 43 is illustrated in solid lines in the closed position, and in dotted lines in the open position.

The exhaled air exhaust device 80 also comprises a first air exhaust channel 81 and a second exhaled air exhaust channel 82 which extend along a first side edge 2 and a first side edge respectively. a second lateral edge 3 of the body 10, in particular on either side of the two lateral edges of the visor 20.

The first non-return valve 43 also comprises a valve seat 144 arranged to cooperate with the flexible membrane 142, the valve seat being integrated into the visor 20. In the closed position, the flexible membrane 142 rests on the valve seat 144 to close said at least one opening made in the first exhaled air exhaust channel 81.

The exhaled air exhaust device 80 further comprises a second non-return valve 160, similar to the first non-return valve 43, which is arranged to allow a flow of exhaled air directed from the lower chamber 50 towards the air duct 72 of the snorkel 70 during a phase user expiration. The second check valve 160 functions like the first check valve 43.

The flexible skirt 30 having first 51 and second 52 lateral parts arranged so as to cover the first and second exhaled air exhaust channels 81 and 82 in a sealed manner.

In operation, the user places the mask 1 on his face, which may include fastening means such as elastic straps adjustable in length. When the user inhales, the fresh air inspired passes through the duct 72 of the snorkel 70 and opens into the upper vision chamber 45 then passes through the passage arranged by means of the non-return valve 55 in the partition 40 to open into the lower breathing chamber 50 in which the user's nose and mouth are located. The non-return valve 55 is configured to allow inspired air from the vision chamber 45 to the breathing chamber 50 and prevent any return of exhaled air in the opposite direction. During an exhalation phase, the air passage in the partition 40 is closed off so that the air is forced into the first and second air exhaust channels 81 and 82 arranged along the side edges 2 and 3 of the body 10, in particular arranged along the side edges of the visor 20 and closed in a sealed manner by the corresponding side edges of the flexible skirt 30.

The first and second exhaled air exhaust channels 81 and 82 are in fluidic connection in their upper parts with the snorkel 70, in particular with the single air duct 72.

The exhaled air is therefore evacuated towards the snorkel 70 without passing through the upper vision chamber 45.

In order to balance the pressures, the user pinches his nose, placing his fingers in the recesses 31 and 32 of the main housing 16. The auxiliary housing 62 being nested in the main housing 16, the pressure exerted on the main housing 16 is transmitted to the auxiliary housing 60, which transmission is facilitated due to the protrusions 5 and 6 of the main housing pressing against the protrusions 90 and 91 of the auxiliary housing 60.

The interlocking of the main 16 and auxiliary 62 housings facilitates pinching the nose.

In addition, the arrangement of the visor 20 in front of the mouth, as well as the molding of the main nasal part 15 on the opening 4, and its arrangement with respect to the auxiliary nasal part 60 allow the nasal parts 15 and 60 are not found against the mouth of the user which facilitates breathing.

The main nasal part 15 being overmolded on the lower edge 21a of the upper part 21 of the visor 20 on the one hand, and on the upper edge 22a of the lower part 22 of the visor 20 on the other hand, and possibly on the side edges 20d of the visor 20, there is no risk when the user handles it that it separates from the visor 20.

The mask 1 according to the invention thus makes it possible to combine the advantages of an anti-fog mask allowing breathing indifferently through the nose and the mouth, while being able to balance the pressures at the level of the ears.

Claims (14)

1. A diving mask (1) comprising:

   a. A body (10) provided with a faceplate (20) comprising an upper part (21), and a flexible skirt (30) including a partition (40) delimiting an upper chamber (45) for viewing from a lower chamber (50) for breathing, the partition (40) being arranged to be supported above the nose of the user in such a way that the nose, and optionally the mouth, of the user are located in the lower chamber (50), while the eyes of the user are located in the upper chamber (45), the partition (40) including at least one passage arranged (55) to allow the circulation of fresh air between the upper chamber (45) and the lower chamber (50) during a phase of inhalation of the user,

   b. a snorkel (70) disposed in the extension of an upper part (10a) of the body (10), the snorkel (70) comprising at least one air duct (72);

   c. the body (10) includes an exhaled air expelling device (80) which forms a fluid connection of the lower chamber (50) to the air duct (72) of the snorkel (70);
   characterized in that:

   - the body (10) comprises a flexible and deformable main nasal part (15), the upper edge (15a) of which is secured in a sealed manner to the lower edge (21a) of the upper part (21) of the faceplate (20),

   - in that the faceplate (20) comprises a lower part (22), and in that the main nasal part (15) comprises a lower edge (15b) secured in a sealed manner to the upper edge (22a) of the lower part (22) of the faceplate (20),

   - in that the main nasal part (15) comprises a main housing (16) receiving the nose and configured in such a way as to allow the pinching of the nose of the user, and

   - in that the skirt (30) comprises an auxiliary nasal part (60), in the extension of the partition (40), said auxiliary nasal part (60) comprises an auxiliary housing (62) receiving the nose and configured in such a way as to allow the pinching of the nose of the user.
2. The mask (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the auxiliary housing (62) at least partly receiving the nose of the auxiliary nasal part (60) is nested into the main housing (16) at least partly receiving the nose of the main nasal part (15).
3. The mask (1) according to either one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the faceplate (20) comprises a central opening (4) having an upper edge (4a) and a lower edge (4b) between which the main nasal part extends at least partly (15).
4. The mask (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the faceplate (20), particularly the lower part (22) of the faceplate (20), extends in front of the mouth of the user.
5. The mask (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the main nasal part (15) comprises at least one lateral projection (17,18) projecting along one side of the plane of symmetry S of the mask (1).
6. The mask (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the main nasal part (15) comprises an outer face (13) and an inner face (14), the inner face (14) being oriented facing the breathing chamber (50), and in that the main nasal part (15) comprises two protuberances (5,6) projecting from said inner face (14) and disposed on either side of the plane of symmetry S of the mask (1).
7. The mask (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the main nasal part (15) comprises an outer face (13) and an inner face (14), the inner face (14) being oriented facing the breathing chamber (50), and in that the main nasal part (15) comprises, along its outer face (13), two recesses (31,32) disposed on either side of the main housing (16) for the nose of the main nasal part (15).
8. The mask (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the main nasal part (15) is overmolded on the upper part (21) of the faceplate, (20), and optionally on the lower part (22) of the faceplate (20) and/or on the lateral edges of the faceplate (20).
9. The mask (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the main nasal part (15) comprises a plate portion (35) projecting under the main housing (16) and extending against the faceplate (20), in particular extending between said two lateral projections (17,18).
10. The mask (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the lower edge (15b) of the main nasal part (15) is disposed between the main housing (16) for the nose and the plate portion (35).
11. The mask (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the skirt (30) and the main nasal part (15) are two separate parts.
12. The mask (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the auxiliary nasal part (60) comprises a plate portion (65) projecting under the auxiliary housing (62), said plate portion (65) being secured to the faceplate (20), in particular to the lower part (22) of the faceplate (20).
13. The mask (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper edge (22a) of the lower part (22) of the faceplate (20) is disposed between the main nasal part (15) and the auxiliary nasal part (60), in particular between the main plate portion (35) and the auxiliary plate portion (65).
14. The mask (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the skirt and the main nasal part (15) are made of one and the same part.

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