Protective face mask

Abstract

Disclosed is a face mask for use with a sports helmet. The face mask comprises a frame which is sized and shaped to surround at least a portion of the face of a user, and is connectable to the helmet. A shielding member is connected to the frame, and has a plurality of wires arranged in a grid, which define a plurality of openings therebetween. At least a portion of the wires are made from high tensile strength transparent wires.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention concerns protective face masks, and more particularly a protective facemask for use with a sports helmet.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Protective headgear is now commonplace in many sports. In sports which involve the use of projectiles such as, for example, hockey, lacrosse, cricket and ringette, protective face masks are often incorporated into the protective head gear. The headgear and facemask combination provide a user with a physical barrier, which protects the face and head from injury. The masks are typically cage-like and concave away from the user's face and provide protection from impact of the projectiles and sticks. The cages are typically made from stainless steel wires which are manufactured to form a grid-like pattern, the wires being connected such that they define a number of openings. The openings provide the user with largely unrestricted air flow, yet are small enough to prevent the passage of the projectile t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004]The present invention reduces the difficulties and disadvantages of the prior art by providing a protective face mask with a transparent wire grid that is able to withstand high velocity impact from sporting projectiles. The transparent wires significantly reduce, or essentially eliminate, the vision problems associated with the standard metal grid systems. Furthermore, the problems of visor fogging and air flow, which reduces the effectiveness of full face or half face visors, are essentially eliminated. The facemask can be retrofitted onto existing helmets and maybe easily replaceable if damaged. The facemasks are made from lightweight material and provide protection to the face.

Problems solved by technology

While these designs are simple and straightforward, they suffer from an important drawback.

Generally, the wires are made of a material which obstructs the users vision such that he or she is constantly aware of the metallic grid in the field of vision.

In sports which rely on being able to view a fast moving projectile, such as in ice hockey, this can impair a user's effectiveness as a player.

The visors tend to fog with condensation from the breath of the user, which over time reduces the transparency of the visor.

The full visors also restrict air flow and the half visors do not provide full protection to the eyes and mouth.

Furthermore, condensation must them be removed which can be distracting to the user and temporarily remove him / her from the game.

Moreover, the visors are prone to surface scratching which also causes impairment of the field of vision.

More importantly, scratches on the visor's surface may compromise its ability to withstand impact.

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