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Protective face guard with transparent shield

a technology of face guards and shields, applied in protective garments, headwear caps, hats, etc., can solve problems such as obstruction of clear viewing, and achieve the effects of enhancing visibility, minimizing flex, and clear line of vision

Inactive Publication Date: 2009-02-05
RAWLINGS SPORTING GOODS
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a protective face guard for sports that includes a shield with a transparent portion to enhance visibility. The shield has a height or vertical length greater than 44 mm for baseball play and 60 mm for softball play. The shield is made of a material that can withstand impact. The lower cage is optional and can be made of metal or a hard polymeric mask with ventilation. The upper transparent shield is secured to the helmet or other headgear to minimize flex. The invention provides better visibility and protection for wearers."

Problems solved by technology

While these various face guards provide protection to the wearer, portions of the face guard positioned in the line of sight of the wearer can create an obstruction to clear viewing.

Method used

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  • Protective face guard with transparent shield
  • Protective face guard with transparent shield
  • Protective face guard with transparent shield

Examples

Experimental program
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Embodiment Construction

[0021]A protective sports helmet having a two part face shield according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is depicted in FIGS. 1-3 and a full transparent shield face guard according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is depicted in FIG. 4. While the invention will be described in detail herein below with reference to these embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific constructions or configurations shown in the exemplary embodiments. Rather, one skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of configurations may be implemented in accordance with the present invention.

[0022]Looking to FIGS. 1 and 2, a protective catcher's helmet having a two-piece face guard in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is depicted generally by the designation 10. Helmet 10 includes a rigid shell 12 defining a cavity 14 configured to fit over a wearer's head, and further defining a face ...

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PUM

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Abstract

A protective face guard for use in playing sports. The guard includes a shield having a transparent portion extending over an unobstructed viewing area to enable the wearer to have a clear line of vision. The unobstructed viewing area is preferably greater in diameter than about 44 mm for baseball play and greater in diameter than about 60 mm for softball play so as to enhance visibility over more conventional face guards. The transparent portion of the shield is constructed of a material that will withstand the impact of a ball, and is preferably made of clear or tinted polycarbonate material. The guard is configured to be secured to a helmet or other headgear in a manner to further support the shield upon impact and minimize flex.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Not applicable.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not applicable.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]1. Field of the Invention[0004]The present invention relates to protective gear for sports, and is more particularly directed to a face guard having a transparent shield configured to extend over an unobstructed viewing area. The face guard is particularly adapted for use with a baseball or softball catcher's mask or batting helmet.[0005]2. Description of Related Art[0006]Protective helmets and face guards are commonly used by players in various sports, and are often required in league play and professional sports such as baseball, softball, and hockey. In baseball and softball for example, batters and catchers are required to wear protective headgear to protect their heads, with the catcher's headgear additionally required to have a face guard typically referred to as a catcher's mask. These face guards are ...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): A63B71/10A41D13/00A42B3/00
CPCA42B3/20
Inventor BROERSMA, LESTERHOYING, BRIANBOWMAN, KEVINGESSLEY, TRAVISCULLINANE, DAN
Owner RAWLINGS SPORTING GOODS