BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a conventional diving mask;
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a first preferred embodiment of diving mask according to the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the brace of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a central portion of the frame with the brace formed therein; and
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a second preferred embodiment of diving mask according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to FIG. 2, a diving mask in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. While the diving mask is taken as an exemplary example of the invention throughout the description, it is understood that the invention also applies to other types of mask (e.g., breathing masks, sports masks, etc.).
The mask comprises a soft flirt 10, a pair of lenses 30, a frame 20, a strap (not shown) interconnected both ends of the frame 20, a pair of auxiliary eye frames 40, and a brace 50. The flirt 10, the lenses 30, and the auxiliary eye frames 40 are well known devices. Accordingly, further description thereof is omitted for purposes of brevity and convenience only, and is not limiting.
The brace 50 is made of a material (e.g., metal or the like) harder than that of the frame 20 which is made of plastic as detailed later.
Referring to FIG. 3, the brace 50 is shaped to be formed with the frame 20 of the invention. Note that the brace 50 may be shaped other than above in other embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. The brace 50 is formed on a central portion (i.e., bridge) of the frame 20. The brace 50 comprises a plurality of holes 51, a plurality of latches 52, and two opposite nose recesses 53. In a manufacturing process (e.g., injection molding) of the frame 20, liquid plastic is poured either into the holes 51 and the recesses 53 or around the latches 52. Thus, the frame 20 and the brace 50 can be formed as a whole after cooling.
Referring to FIG. 4, it shows the integrally formed frame 20 and the brace 50. As shown, the holes 51 are filled with plastic material which forms the frame 20. Also, the brace 50 can be either fully formed in the frame 20 or partially formed therein.
Referring to FIG. 5, a second preferred embodiment of diving mask according to the present invention is shown. The brace 60 is formed in a connecting portion (e.g., bridge) of a pair of auxiliary eye frames 70. Likewise, the brace 60 and the auxiliary eye frames 70 are formed as a whole after subjecting to injection molding and cooling processes.
In brief, either (i) the brace 50 is integrally formed with the frame 20 in the first preferred embodiment or (ii) the brace 60 is integrally formed with the auxiliary eye frames 70 in the second preferred embodiment after subjecting to injection molding and cooling processes. As a result, the structural strength of the mask is greatly increased.
It is to be understood that the present invention is by no means limited only to the particular constructions herein disclosed and shown in the drawings, but also comprises any modifications or equivalents within the scope of the claims.
Patent Application
20080086797
