Dive mask safety strap

Abstract

A dive mask safety strap prevents the displacement or loss of a mask while diving into the water or at other times of vigorous activity while diving. Loss of a mask can subject the diver to danger, especially while in turbulent or murky waters, or in enclosed underwater places. The safety strap extends from one side of the dive mask to the other and is tightened under the user's chin, thereby preventing upward displacement and loss of the mask In addition, the strap extends around the user's neck to provide additional protection against mask displacement. The safety strap is contained to the diver's head and neck area and does not require attachment to an article of clothing.

1 . A safety strap and a dive mask comprising: 
 in combination,    a dive mask and    a flexible lanyard having a first and a second end,    safety lock having a first and a second end,    the safety lock adjustably attached by a latching mechanism to the lanyard at each end of the safety lock forming an upper loop and a lower loop in the lanyard, and    a keeper at the bottom of the lower loop which adjusts the size of the lower loop,    the lanyard removably attached by the lanyard ends to the dive mask or the mask strap at each side of the front of the mask.    
   
   
       2 . The safety strap of  claim 1  wherein the lanyard is removably attached 
 to the dive mask or the mask retainer strap by a loop which is adjusted by a slider and secured by an adjustable stop.    
   
   
       3 . The safety strap of  claim 1  wherein the lanyard is removably attached 
 to the dive mask or the mask retainer strap by a loop which is formed using a snap or a hook.    
   
   
       4 . The safety strap of  claim 1  wherein the safety lock is fabric.  
   
   
       5 . The safety strap of  claim 4  wherein the safety lock is a unitary strap having hook and loop fasteners on the strap surface.  
   
   
       6 . The safety strap of  claim 1  wherein the safety lock is comprised of two interacting elements each of which is movably secured to the lanyard.  
   
   
       7 . The safety strap of  claim 1  wherein the keeper is a barrel stopper.  
   
   
       8 . A safety strap and a dive mask comprising: 
 in combination,    a dive mask and    flexible lanyard means for securing the dive mask against accidental displacement,    safety lock means for forming an upper loop in the lanyard for surrounding the user's face and a lower loop in the lanyard for surrounding the user's neck, and    keeper means at the bottom of the lower loop for adjusting the size of the lower loop, and    attachment means for removably attaching the lanyard to the dive mask or the mask strap at each side of the front of the mask.    
   
   
       9 . The process of using a diving mask safety strap comprising the steps: 
 a. attaching a safety strap lanyard to the diving mask strap,    b. mounting the dive mask in place over the user's eyes,    c. looping the lanyard around the back of the user's neck,    d. securing the lanyard sides with a safety lock, forming an upper loop surrounding the user's face and a lower loop surrounding the user's neck, and    e. adjusting the size of the lower loop with a keeper, the keeper located at the bottom of the lower loop.    
   
   
       10 . A safety strap for a dive mask comprising: 
 a flexible lanyard having a first and a second end,    safety lock having a first and a second end,    the safety lock adjustably attached by a latching mechanism to the lanyard at each end of the safety lock forming an upper loop and a lower loop in the lanyard, and    a keeper at the bottom of the lower loop which adjusts the size of the lower loop,    the lanyard removably attached by the lanyard ends to the dive mask or the mask strap at each side of the front of the mask wherein the safety lock is fabric and the safety lock is a unitary strap having hook and loop fasteners on the strap surface.    
   
   
       11 . A safety strap for a dive mask comprising: 
 a flexible lanyard having a first and a second end,    safety lock having a first and a second end,    the safety lock adjustably attached by a latching mechanism to the lanyard at each end of the safety lock forming an upper loop and a lower loop in the lanyard, and    a keeper at the bottom of the lower loop which adjusts the size of the lower loop,    the lanyard removably attached by the lanyard ends to the dive mask or the mask strap at each side of the front of the mask and the safety lock is comprised of two interacting elements each of which is movably secured to the lanyard.