IMPROVED DIVING MASK SYSTEM
FIG3A is an exploded view of a first embodiment of the snorkel and diving mask in FIG2
As shown in FIG3A, a flange 17 is formed along the entire outer periphery or rim 18 of the faceplate 10. The flange 17 is used as a bonding surface to affix the faceplate 10 to a rigid annular oblong-shaped support rib or frame 30 configured within the outer periphery 18 of the flange 17 of the faceplate 10. The rigid annular frame 30 is bonded or fused to the back side 17a (i.e., the rearward facing side of the flange 17). The rigid annular frame 30 provides structural support to the faceplate 10 while remaining contained within the circumference of the outer periphery 18 of the faceplate 10. Preferably, the rigid frame 30 is permanently bonded to the outer periphery flange 17 of the faceplate 10.
exploded view
17
flange
5
December region
30
frame
62
lower end
64
upper end
45
passageway
42
one end
27
passageway
50
skirt
10
faceplate
58
exhaust orifice exhaust orifices
59
inlet check valve
60
conduit
55
aperture apertures
68
outlet check valve device
["1. A diving mask comprising: a faceplate having partition delineating an upper and lower section, said upper section comprising a transparent lens section and said lower section comprising, at least one cutout section having a flexible insert, said faceplate having a flange formed along the outer periphery of said faceplate; a rigid annular support frame bonded to a backside of said flange, said frame being configured within the outer periphery of said flange; a flexible annular skirt fixed to said frame, the skirt being hollow and filled with a cushioning substance, the skirt comprising a lateral nose piece section attached to the partition and forming an upper chamber and a lower chamber, said lateral nose piece having a barrier wall section defining and sealing off the upper chamber from the lower chamber, said lateral nose piece being arranged for bearing upon the top of a user's nose when the mask is worn by the user so that the user's mouth and nose are located in the lower chamber wherein said at least one cutout section comprises a first cutout section having a complementary-shaped flexible insert comprising an outer peripheral edge bonded to the first cutout section, a thin-walled recessed portion and a thin-walled bulbous nose section that enables a user to grasp the nose, and a second cutout section having a flexible tubular insert defining a passageway extending through said faceplate to said lower chamber, said tubular insert having a distal end dimensioned to fit and seal onto the mouthpiece receiver tube of a scuba regulator.", '10. A faceplate for a full-faced diving mask, comprising: a rigid body having a lateral partition on an interior surface delineating an upper and lower section, said upper section comprising a transparent lens section and said lower section comprising region that extends away from the transparent lens section and includes at least one cutout section fitted with a complementary-shaped flexible insert, said faceplate having a flange formed along the outer periphery of said faceplate, said flange further comprising a protruding annular lip extending longitudinally away from the backside of the flange and configured within the outer periphery of the faceplate.']