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Monolithic paintball mask

a paintball mask and monolithic technology, applied in the field of goggles and face masks, can solve the problems of affecting the manufacturing cost, mask and goggles are often splattered with paint, and the stiffness of the mask material is not strong, so as to achieve convenient manufacturing, quick and thorough cleaning, and no kind of disassembly

Inactive Publication Date: 2006-04-27
JT USA
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] The principal and secondary objects of this invention is to provide paintball game players, motocross racers, skiers and other sport enthusiasts with an inexpensive and comfortable face mask, goggle, and ear cover device that can be conveniently manufactured in a simple injection molding or vacuum-forming process, and is devoid of any interconnecting structures so that it may be quickly and thoroughly cleaned without any kind of disassembling.

Problems solved by technology

The multiplicity of components and their complex shapes can seriously affect the manufacturing costs.
When used as a protective head gear in the game of paintball, the mask and goggle are often splattered with paint.
Cleaning often requires dismantling and subsequent reassembly.
The stiffness of the mask material does not conform intimately with the facial features of the wearers and can create uncomfortable pressure points.
In some cases, the stiffness of the material may limit the movements of the head.

Method used

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Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0011] Referring now to the drawing, there is shown a single piece face mask and goggle combination 1 according to the invention. The combination is molded from a relatively soft, pliable and transparent material such as polyurethane in a single cavity injection mold or vacuum form.

[0012] The mask portion comprises a frontal section 2 spanning the top of the goggle 3, a nose-and-mouth section 4, and a pair of ear covers 5 astride the goggle. Series of horizontal slots 6, 7 are provided for ventilation over the portion 8 covering the mouth and lateral portions 9 covering the cheeks for ventilation purpose. Each ear cover 5 terminates in a substantially vertical rear edge 11 along which is a cutout 12 engaged by a cinching elastic strap 13.

[0013] The goggle comprises a single arcuate lens 10 surrounded by a front-to-rear oriented flange 14 which meets along its peripheral rear edge 15, the frontal section 2, nose-and-mouth section 4, and ear covers 5.

[0014] A first series of triang...

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PUM

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Abstract

A combination wrap-around mask and goggle is made from a single transparent and flexible plastic material monolithically formed in a single cavity mold. The structure is devoid of any cavities or protrusions that could interfere with the easy withdrawal of the device from the mold. Front to back oriented ribs, gussets and fins are used to impart rigidity to various areas of the structure.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to goggles and face masks used by motorcycle riders, skiers, paintball game participants, and other sport enthusiasts. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Goggles and face masks used in connection with a variety of sporting activities, and particularly motocross races and paintball games have been traditionally made as separate components having mating interfaces as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,381,749 Cyr. The goggle itself is often made of a molded frame capturing a single lens as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,223 Dawson et al. The complex shapes of the various components requires that they be formed in separate molds, and incorporate interconnecting structures. [0003] A softer and opaque elastomeric material is usually used in forming the goggle frame, while the lens is made from a transparent, stiffer and more brittle plastic. The multiplicity of components and their complex shapes can seriously affect the manufacturing cost...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): A41D13/00A42B3/20A42B3/22A61F9/02A63B71/10
CPCA42B3/20A61F9/029A63B71/10
Inventor BROERSMA, LESTER V.
Owner JT USA