5,216,454 DATED JUNE 1, 1993

WATER SPORTSMAN'S FACE MASK FOR VIEWING OBJECTS IN THE
OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF THE NORMAL LINE OF VISION

This invention relates to face masks for water sportsmen and more particularly to a water sportsman's face mask for viewing objects in the opposite direction to a swimmer's normal forward line of vision.

Diving masks and swimmer's goggles are exemplary of face masks used by water sportsmen, including, recreational swimmers, scuba divers, snorkelers, surfers and spear fishermen. They seal tightly against a sportsman's face and prevent water from contacting his eyes. Some masks also cover his nose and prevent water from entering his nose. They frequently include attached snorkels or are used with mouthpieces, breathing regulators and air tanks.

In many instances, while swimming on the surface or under the surface, hazards are present which can threaten the safety of a swimmer. These hazards include boats, debris, sharks, electric eels, men-of-war, rocks, reefs and the like and are potentially dangerous because of poor lighting and the reduced mobility of a swimmer over his mobility on dry land. Consequently it is desirable for a swimmer to become aware of hazards as soon as possible.

Inasmuch as a person generally swims facing forward with his head erect to observe objects directly ahead, he is especially vulnerable to hazards which are out not in his forward field of vision. He is especially vulnerable to hazards behind him because, to view the area behind him, he must stop and rotate his entire body to face rearwardly.

Repetitive body movements for rearward viewing are tiresome, impede a swimmer's forward progress and detract from his enjoyment of the sport. They also interfere with his use of snorkels by limiting his positions and may cause him to intake water. From the foregoing, it is apparent that a need exists for enabling a swimmer to view the area behind him while facing forward.

The present invention satisfies this need by providing a face mask with optical elements, each having a pair of complementary faces which cooperate to enable a swimmer to view objects in a direction opposite to his normal forward line of vision without requiring him to stop and rotate his body. The invention resides in the application of the optional elements to a face mask as well as the arrangement of the complementary faces for rearward viewing.

One benefit of the invention is that it is adaptable to a variety of face masks including divers' masks and swimmers' goggles. Another benefit is that it can be marketed as an accessory for current masks.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one prism is mounted on the front of a water sportsman's face mask. The prism has a pair of complementary faces which are included in opposite directions to the lens. The complementary faces internally reflect light rays from objects behind the swimmer into this forward field of vision. The internal reflection is due to the geometrical relationships of the prism faces and/or the mirrorizing of the inclined faces.

In a second embodiment, a modular unit having a pair of single reflecting prisms is mounted on the front of a face mask. The single reflecting prisms have complementary inclined faces which enable the swimmer to view objects behind him while facing forward.

The foregoing features and benefits of the invention, together with additional aspects features and benefits will be more apparent from the ensuing description and accompanying drawings which describe the invention in detail.