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US 7,621,267 B1Granted
Scuba mask purging apparatus and method
OwnerPhillip M. Adamsinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A scuba mask purging apparatus and method providing selective introduction of pressurized air into a scuba mask to initiate purging, pressure balancing, and de-fogging. An inlet valve, typically positioned conveniently on the top or the side of the mask may control the release of pressurized air into the mask. A pressure-sensitive outlet valve releases the pressurized air to force water from the mask. The outlet valve may be positioned on the lower portion of the mask or at a location where water is likely to collect.
Claims21
An apparatus comprising:
- an underwater mask comprising a lens and skirt combining to form a substantially sealed cavity over a portion of a user's face;
- a source of air;
- a delivery system delivering air from the source of air to the substantially sealed cavity;
- an outlet valve controlling the escape of fluids from the substantially sealed cavity, through the mask, to a surrounding environment;
- and
- a breathing apparatus comprising a regulator connected to the source of air and a mouthpiece extending from the regulator into the mouth of the user, the breathing apparatus positioned outside the substantially sealed cavity.
3 more elements
An apparatus comprising:
- a mask comprising a transparent lens positioned in front of at least one eye of a user, a skirt surrounding the lens and having a proximal edge sealing against the face of the user, and an inlet formed in at least one of the lens and the skirt to allow passage of fluid therethrough, the mask forming a cavity over the face of the user;
- a tank containing air;
- a breathing apparatus receiving air from the tank and comprising a regulator and a mouthpiece extending from the regulator into the mouth of the user, the breathing apparatus being positioned outside the cavity;
- a supply tube delivering air from the tank to the inlet;
- an inlet valve controlling the flow of air through the inlet;
- and
- an outlet valve formed in at least one of the lens and the skirt to selectively allow passage of fluid therethrough.
4 more elements
A method comprising:
- providing an underwater mask having an exterior and comprising a transparent lens, a skirt, and a securement strap;
- providing an inlet in at least one of the lens and the skirt;
- providing an outlet in at least one of the lens and the skirt;
- providing a tank containing pressurized air;
- positioning the mask on the face of a user to cover the user's eyes and nose and leave uncovered the user's mouth;
- breathing, by the user through the user's mouth, using a mouthpiece held in the user's mouth, the mouthpiece connected to a regulator receiving air from the tank;
- submerging, after the positioning, the user and mask underwater such that water contacts the exterior of the mask;
- supplying a volume of air from the tank, through the inlet, to a space defined by the mask and the face of a user;
- and
- exhausting the volume of air out through the outlet.
7 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.