Rigid Mask for Skiing and Snowboarding

Abstract

A facemask for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports integrates with traditional goggles by use of a temple-trough system that secures the goggle headband and places the goggle headband on top the facemask headband. Diffusing foam circumscribing voids at the cheek areas provides even ventilation and prevents over chilling of the cheeks. Foam at the perimeter of the mask and at the nose bridge area keep the mask off the user's mouth and nose tip. The design at the jaw region allows movement of the head and the use of a jacket collar or scarf. In an alternative embodiment, a bridge-flare system at the nose area allows the mask to conform to a wide variety of nose sizes and shapes.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present invention claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 60 / 798,394 entitled “Rigid Snowboard / Ski Mask” filed on or about May 8, 2006, the contents of which are herein specifically incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002](1) Field of the Invention[0003]The invention relates generally to face masks suitable for winter sports such as snowboarding and skiing. More particularly, the invention relates to face masks with means of allowing the use of conventional goggles.[0004](2) Description of the Related Art[0005]Several attempts to provide useful winter face masks are known in the related art. However, the related art fails to provide the advantages of the present invention. In the related art there are very few ski masks available for snowboarders and alpine skiers. Such masks include the Balaclava mask, Tri Hole mask, Neoprene and Floprene Face masks. The Balaclava and Tri Hole ski masks are tr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The present invention overcomes shortfalls in the related art by providing means and methods of protecting a user's face from the elements while concurrently providing adequate airflow and comfort to the user. Unlike the related art, the structure of the disclosed mask is designed to suspend the lower portion of the mask off of the user's face and nostril area. The unique design provides airflow, breathing room, and mobility at the nose and mouth. The unique configuration of suspending the mask at the nose bridge and cheekbone areas creates a “face gap” and keeps the body of the mask from contacting the sensitive skin areas of the user. The face gap and configuration of small openings at the mouth and high cheek areas provide airflow to prevent the generation of perspiration and skin irritation. The disclosed defusing foam placed around the circumference of the vent openings of the mask prevents undue chilling of the user's face and contributes to uniform airflow within the mask.

[0008]The mask is secured upon the user's face by a flexible band or headband that wraps around the back of the head similar to the method used to secure conventional ski goggles. The disclosed mask covers the facial portion of a user while leaving an opening in the eye area to allow the use of conventional goggles. When worn in conjunction with ski goggles, the disclosed mask completely blocks out wind, snow, sun and other natural elements.

[0009]The invention provides a unique temple-trough system that integrates the strap of the goggles with the disclosed mask. The disclosed temple-trough system minimizes the head area of the user covered by straps. The headband or strap of the goggle overlaps the headband or strap of the facemask. A valley and two walls secure the goggle strap over the facemask strap.

Problems solved by technology

However, the related art fails to provide the advantages of the present invention.

These masks are neither waterproof nor windproof.

They also fit tightly against the skin causing discomfort when perspiring.

Neoprene and Floprene masks are wind proof and waterproof to an extent, however, the user encounters the same discomfort as the Balaclava and Tri Hole when using these masks.

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