Protective mask for paintball

Abstract

The present invention relates to a protective mask adapted to be worn by persons engaging in the game of paint ball comprising a main body formed of rigid plastic material, and adapted to cover the front, sides, chin and cheek portions. A removable flexible transparent lens is adapted to be locked into a housing formed in the mask. The invention also comprises a strap supporting the mask on a wearer's head and a face engaging portion comprising a gasket-shaped element. The gasket-shaped element is provided to securely support and anchor the mask on the wearer's face in the forehead, temple and nose areas. It is made of a resilient rubber-like material having a sufficient rigidity to withstand a high impact of projectiles. The invention also comprises a lens locking assembly comprising a lens locking means adapted to simultaneously lock the strap to the mask and to lock the lens within the housing in a positive immobilizing manner thus preventing any disengagement of the lens from the housing caused by high impact of projectiles striking the mask.

Description

[0001] The present application is based on provisional applications 60 / 622940 filed Oct. 29, 2004 and 60 / 663256 filed Mar. 21, 2005.[0002] The present invention is related to a protective mask for high-impact games such as paint ball, and more particularly to a construction of a new face-engaging portion and new lens locking assembly protecting the user's eyes and face from projectiles. [0003] A removable lens on a facemask is preferred by consumers because one can purchase the style of face mask that appeals or fits most comfortably, and simply change the lens once it wears out, becomes damaged or must have different characteristics (e.g.: tinted for bright sunlight applications). This solution is economical, environmentally-friendly, and practical. Instead of having several masks, the user has one mask and several lenses depending on the desired application. [0004] The lens locking mechanism must be designed so that the lens cannot detach from the facemask by accident. Such accide...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0020] It is an object of the present invention to overcome the above described problems. It is still another object of the present invention to eliminate the problem of poor adhesion and to improve the durability of the product. It is yet another object of the present invention to facilitate easier cleaning after use.

Problems solved by technology

This invention's defect was that the facemask was useable without engagement of the anchor clamps; it is impossible to ensure that every user will engage the anchor clamps before putting on the mask, which constitutes a major disadvantage.

In essence, the user cannot wear the facemask without the strap attached to both sides of the mask, and the strap cannot be properly attached without the lens being correctly immobilized.

However, all these foam designs have the following disadvantages:

they are not easy to clean for hygiene needs;

they require labor-intensive gluing process.

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