Face Patents (Class 2/9)
  • Patent number: 7594278
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a face protector having a protective shade that enables the worker to perform welding as well as grinding while wearing the multi-function face protector and that can be used with safety glasses, goggles and a mask. The multi-function face protector includes a head band, a forehead cover, and a face shield. The face shield comprises resilient hooks formed at its upper central portion, and engaging portions formed at its opposite ends respectively. The forehead cover comprises shield couplings formed at the central portion of its inner surface, and projections formed at the opposite ends of its inner surface respectively. The resilient hooks of the face shield are engaged with the respective shield couplings of the forehead cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: OTOS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Moon Young Huh
  • Publication number: 20090183291
    Abstract: The art of boxing has become stagnated. On a professional level the protection of the boxers is not even considered about from calls made by referees. My invention will give boxers state of the art equipment that will help reduce short term injuries and help prevent long term damage. Moreover, fairness of actual contests will be addresses with its advanced sensor scoring mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventor: Vincent Demorris McCall
  • Patent number: 7562658
    Abstract: A holding device for a respiratory mask, especially for use in the field of sleep medicine, includes a headband which, in an application position, extends from the forehead area of the patient to behind the ear area of the patient, whereby the headband is provided with a flexible reinforcing insert for reinforcing the headband in a lateral direction. This makes it advantageously possible to provide the mask retention forces, which are necessary for reliably applying a respiratory mask, in a manner that is very compatible with regard to ergonomics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: MAP Medizin Technologie GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Madaus, Harald Vögele
  • Publication number: 20090178185
    Abstract: The eye guard, while complying with ASTM F803-03, has been ergonometrically designed to comfortably fit on the user's face, and to provide openings for the eyes allowing clear vision while at the same time protecting the eyes from impacts from a lacrosse ball. The eye openings are completely open and have dimensions intended to preclude a lacrosse ball from passing therethrough. The upper edges of the eye openings are displaced rearwardly with respect to the lower edges a sufficient distance to preclude a lacrosse ball from striking the two edges simultaneously in a direction that could possibly cause an eye impact. That displacement is specifically devised to cause a lacrosse ball striking one or the other of the edges to be deflected away from the eyes of the player. The upper edge of the eye openings also defines the lower edge of a visor surface. That visor surface transitions from the openings to the rearward edge of the eye guard where it engages the face of the user above the eyes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: William H. Brine, III, Jonathan Baker, Eric Darnell, Steve Moore, Joel Robinson, Barclay Moore
  • Patent number: 7540034
    Abstract: The present invention is dedicated to a face mask for a sporting helmet, the face mask being an integral one-piece cast metal comprising a plurality of curved longitudinal members and a plurality of rising members joining each other thereby defining a plurality of apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Sport Maska Inc.
    Inventor: Vittorio Bologna
  • Patent number: 7540039
    Abstract: A face and eye covering device includes a face cover configured for covering the nose and mouth of a wearer. The face cover is air permeable to allow the passage of air therethrough to facilitate breathing when worn over the wearer's nose or mouth. An eye shield is coupled to the face cover. The eye shield includes a lens and a lens protector releasably coupled to the lens. At least a portion of the lens and lens protector are transparent to allow visual perception therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Inventor: Brian K. Reaux
  • Publication number: 20090126064
    Abstract: A mask and shield assembly for protecting the face of a user may include A reversible mask having an attachment device and a frame member for detachably connecting to the attachment device of the reversible mask. The frame member may include an outwardly extending projection, and the reversible mask includes an aperture, and the outwardly extending projection may cooperate with the aperture to hold the reversible mask in position. The reversible mask may include a first surface of the reversible mask including camouflage indicia, and the reversible mask includes a second surface including hunter orange indicia. The attachment device may include an expandable aperture and the expandable aperture may include a slit. The outwardly extending projection may include an enlarged end, and the frame member may include a concave curved portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Brian K. Reaux
  • Publication number: 20090113590
    Abstract: A mask includes a body with a goggle engaged connected thereto and the goggle includes a first connection portion and a second connection portion on an inside of a frame of the goggle. A first connection plate and a second connection plate each have a pad connected on an inside thereof. The first and second connection portions each include holes and the two connection plates have protrusions which are removably engaged with the holes in the first and second connection portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: Sheng-Jen Lian
  • Publication number: 20090107514
    Abstract: A chin pad assembly and method of construction thereof provides an outer shell of plastics material having straps attached thereto and an inner cushion member attached to the shell independently of the straps. The shell has an outer surface and an inner surface providing a pocket with a pair of openings formed in the shell between the outer and inner surfaces. The inner cushion member is received in the pocket of the shell and provides a pocket to receive a wearer's chin. An attachment mechanism has a pair of elongate members extending from an outer surface of the cushion member. Each of the elongate members is received through a separate one of the openings in the shell and coupled outwardly from the outer surface of the shell to releaseably attach the cushion member to the shell independently of the straps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: Warrior Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew M. Winningham
  • Publication number: 20090106882
    Abstract: A helmet having a shell configured to fit about a head of a wearer of the helmet. The shell includes a top portion that defines a front edge and a bottom portion adjoining the top portion. The bottom portion defines a first side edge integral with a first end of the front edge and a second side edge integral with a second end of the front edge. The front edge, first side edge, and second side edge define a segment of a circumference of the shell. The helmet includes a faceguard comprising a faceguard assembly formed in a substantially closed loop. A top portion of the faceguard assembly overlies the top portion of the shell and substantially overlies and coincides with an entire shape of the front edge. At least a segment of a top portion of the faceguard assembly makes direct contact with the top portion of the shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Nimmons, David Rogers, Duco Noordzij, Eduard Milea, Larry Maddux, Ray Drake
  • Publication number: 20090100558
    Abstract: Beauty Tape is a flexible BAND-AID type material cut and shape to protect the forehead, temples, neck and ears from accidental burns by hot utensils during the toilet process. The tape would not contain the medicated center found in BAND-AID type bandages. BEAUTY TAPE can be made from the same conforming materials currently marketed by the makers CURAD and BAND-AID. The strips of tapes can be contoured and made easy to apply to the desired area. The strips of tapes can be used one at a time or uniformly to form a preventative layer of tape on the head, neck and ears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Louis Benjamin Smith
  • Publication number: 20090100576
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for opening/closing a chin protection bar installed in a helmet cap having a front opening, the apparatus including: a fixing unit which is fixed to the helmet cap and includes a movable shaft guide having an elongated hole shape and a pivoting guide formed approximately vertical to the movable shaft guide; and a pivoting unit which is fixed to the chin protection bar and includes a first connecting unit slidably inserted into the movable shaft guide and a second connecting unit slidably inserted into the pivoting guide, wherein the pivoting guide has a straight line shape, and the second connecting unit moves back and forth in a straight line in the pivoting guide and the first connecting unit moves back and forth in a straight line in the movable shaft guide according to the straight-line back-and-forth movement of the second connecting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: HJC Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Youngil Kim
  • Publication number: 20090083891
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: Jean Charles Cote
  • Publication number: 20090044316
    Abstract: A sports helmet, such as a batting helmet, includes a shell and a facemask that is removably attached to the shell with at least one fastening component that is integral with the facemask and at least one mating fastening component that is integral with the shell. The facemask may have at least one integral fastening component at each distal end of the facemask. Correspondingly, the shell may have at least one mating fastening component on each of two opposing interior surfaces of the shell. The fastening components can be removably connected to the mating fastening components on the interior surface of the shell. The helmet may include an ear guard attached to the facemask and removably attached to the shell with at least one fastening component that is integral with the ear guard and at least one mating fastening component that is integral with the shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Patrick Udelhofen
  • Patent number: 7490359
    Abstract: A lightweight face shield which protects the face of the wearer from debris and/or hazardous materials, such as biological materials, and is particularly well suited for medical and dental applications. The face shield utilizes a two-piece tiered structure with a preferably canted retention frame joined through an inclined structure member to a shield frame member below which is retained a transparent shield, and above which a minishield. The shield frame member is retained forward of the retention frame member so as to retain the peripheral portions of the shield separated from the face of the user, providing improved ventilation and reduced fogging of the transparent shield. A trampoline style support arm is described that provides solid retention, compliant comfort, and reduced material requirements. Optional locking hinge assemblies for the support arms and a nose bridge are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: OP-D-OP, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy J. Landis
  • Publication number: 20090031485
    Abstract: A substantially clear cycle face shield adapted for use with a cycle helmet comprised of: a mesh face cover adapted to be secured to the cycle helmet, either temporarily or permanently, for protecting the user's face when bicycling, which is manufactured using a process having a bleed rate of no more than 0.1 centimeter and which is anthropometrically designed to conform to the face and head of a user. The cycle face shield can be rigid or flexible, flat or arcuate, and can cover just the face or extend downward to protect the throat and/or extend rearward along the sides of the helmet to protect the ears and neck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Robert Prusinski, Gail Prusinski, Nikolaus Zen Prusinski
  • Publication number: 20090031479
    Abstract: An improved athletic helmet comprises an outer shell having an interior and an exterior surface, an inner liner attached to the interior of the outer shell, and a face mask attached to the exterior of the outer shell. In an embodiment, the face mask engages within a recess in the exterior surface of the outer shell for receiving the face mask. The face mask may comprise a flange for engaging the recess and attaching the face mask to the outer shell. Preferably, the flange of the face mask is substantially flush with the exterior of the outer shell. In one embodiment, the inner liner comprises a viscoelastic foam. In another embodiment, the face mask comprises a lightweight magnesium material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: Dr. Gus A. Rush III
    Inventor: Gus A. Rush, III
  • Publication number: 20090031484
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Lester Broersma, Brian Hoying, Kevin Bowman, Travis Gessley, Dan Cullinane
  • Publication number: 20090007927
    Abstract: The technological development advances offered by Nail Care Originalis is that due to its sanitized condition and protective coverage for the person who is performing the service and the public that is receiving the service offer public health benefits to all by it's one usage then discard functions. The nail care industry productivity is such where the health and hygiene sanitize and maintenece system principles is needed for the preservation of the public health and the prevention of the spread of disease and practical combination in a manner unified and easy to access, which Nail Care Originalis are designed to do.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: Maxine P. Davis
  • Publication number: 20080301846
    Abstract: Herein described is an adjustable protective panel for the face, attachable to the left and right shafts of any eyewear. Said adjustable panels are shaped to shield across the left and right cheeks of the wearer. Such said adjustable panels attach to the left and right support shafts of typical eyewear. The panel may have from a pair to pluralities of fasteners to attach to the shaft of eyewear and fastening mechanisms may be varied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Yong Chu K. Brillouet
  • Patent number: 7451498
    Abstract: A face mask for diving includes a distal edge of a face-contactable section of a skirt attached to a lens frame are made roundly bulge so as to have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Tabata Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuji Kuroda
  • Patent number: 7434268
    Abstract: A protective headgear specifically for rodeo rough stock riding competition that protect the riders from serious injuries to the head and neck area. The protective headgear includes a helmet, a detachable face guard having horizontal bars spaced no more than approximately 1?, and preferably, ?? apart, and a hard shell chin guard that preferably is loosely and adjustably attached to the face guard. Features of the protective headgear that make it suitable for rodeo competition include a detachable face guard that does not protrude below the chin to permit the rider to assume the required rough stock riding position in which the rider tucks his chin firmly down into his chest and horizontal bars with spacing that does not exceed approximately 1?, and preferably, ?? apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Dura Bull, Inc.
    Inventor: Morris E. Futch
  • Patent number: 7430763
    Abstract: A face protector with at least three curved rigid members perpendicularly mounted to two lateral rigid members. A compartment or space is defined by two spaced apart T-shaped guiding members that receive the bill of a cap. One of the legs of the T-shaped guiding members are commonly mounted to a central portion of the uppermost rigid member. The bill of a cap, with an adjustable head strap, keeps the face protector in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Inventor: Jorge Santos
  • Publication number: 20080189821
    Abstract: Disclosed is a protective mask of the kind having particular application for covering the eyes, ears, nose and chin of one playing the game of paintball. The protective mask has a lens that can be quickly and easily removed for replacement as a consequence of paint splatter or cracking such as that caused by the impact thereagainst of a paintball traveling at high speed. The protective mask also has a detachable head strap that is coupled to the lens through the mask. More particularly, a hole formed through an ear covering section of the mask is axially aligned with a hole formed through an ear covering section of the removable lens. One end of the detachable head strap is tied to a first connector. The first connector includes an upstanding locking catch that is moved into the axially aligned holes formed through the mask and the lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Kenneth K. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20080163410
    Abstract: A facemask coupled to a sports helmut such that it will absorb a very high percentage of the impact energy from a ball or other oncoming force. The shock-absorbing facemask attachment assembly includes a housing attached to a helmet. An insert may be coupled to the facemask and the housing such that the insert is pushed further into the housing in response to an applied force. Alternatively, one or more springs may be coupled to the facemask and the housing such that the springs are compressed further toward the housing in response to an applied force. As another alternative, a spring assembly may include at least one spring coupled to the helmet and the housing and at least one spring coupled to the facemask and the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Patrick Udelhofen
  • Patent number: 7395554
    Abstract: A mask for eyes is disclosed to include a mask body, a support member formed of an elastic material and fixedly fastened to the mask body at the back, the support member having a thin flap containing a natural mineral stone powder or blocks that emits negative ions, far infrared rays, electrons and radioactive rays to produce Holmishis Effect, and two fastening members for securing the mask body to the user's ears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Nawari Trading Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hidehiro Kitayama
  • Patent number: 7389543
    Abstract: A face protector includes a one piece shield in which an optical center is displaced away from the normal straight ahead line of sight toward an activity specific line of sight to minimize image shift that occurs when a direction of gaze passes across the edge of the shield. An apex of the shield is formed at a forwardmost point of the shield, or a virtual extension of the shield, when the shield is in an as worn position on a wearer. In particular examples, an optical axis extends through the optical center, at a non-zero angle to the normal straight ahead line of sight and substantially parallel to the activity specific line of sight, with the optical center being placed away from the apex. In particular examples, the optical axis is closer to (or coincident with) an activity specific line of sight of one of the right or left eye. The face protector is particularly useful in activities such as sports, for example hockey, football, or baseball which involve activity specific lines of sight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan W. Reichow, Karl Citek
  • Publication number: 20080134402
    Abstract: A sports apparatus for covering a user's mouth. Such sports apparatus includes a shield member. A securing device attached at a first end thereof to a back side of the shield member at a predetermined location thereon. A second predetermined end of such securing means is removably securable to a boom microphone arm extending from a user's audio headset communication apparatus to a space in front of a mouth of such user such that when the shield member is secured to such boom microphone arm such user's mouth will be entirely hidden by the shield member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: William R. Bailey
  • Publication number: 20080127400
    Abstract: A protective facemask for use in simulated combat with nonlethal ammunition is modular in form. Its primary elements including a mouthpiece protecting portion with cheek guards, a lower bridge connected along the upper edge of the mouthpiece to serve as the deflector against projectiles penetrating between the mouthpiece and eye goggles, and a forehead bridge to serve as a deflector against projectiles penetrating between the eye goggles and a helmet to be worn by the user. These components are held in place by being fastened to around the chin and neck of a wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: SNC TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventor: Yves Dupuis
  • Publication number: 20080086795
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective mask adapted to be worn by a person engaging in the game of paintball. The mask has a main body to cover the front, sides, mouth and ears of a user's face. It also has a removable flexible transparent lens that locks into a rigid support frame formed in the mask. The mask also has a strap to securely support the mask on a wearer's head, and a removable face engaging element provided to accommodate a face of the wearer. This face engagement element evenly engages around the wearer's face in a cushioned manner because its face engagement portion is made of foam that engages the user's face along the entire perimeter of the face engagement element. The face engagement element is securely locked onto the mask by locking clips that fit into openings on both sides of the face engagement element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventors: Raymond Cyr, Richmond Ilalia, Zbigniow Migos, Marie-Pierre Gendron
  • Patent number: 7350241
    Abstract: A bandana device for use by a vehicle rider wearing a helmet, to protect against dust impingement on the face, whereby when the bandana is applied to the wearer's face and the corners are brought together at the rear of the wearer's neck and below the lowermost rear edge of the helmet, the components are then positioned to be pressed together to retain the bandana tensioned over the wearer's face, and to exclude entrance of dust and dirt beneath the bandana.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventor: Alex K. Gendall
  • Publication number: 20080034458
    Abstract: A mask structure includes a body, two bands and a warming device. The bands attach to either side of the body. The warming device is mounted on the body. The warming device includes at least an illuminator and a sounding device that are driven to emit light and sound. The illuminator and sounding device help rescuers to easily and timely find users who faints because intakes of excess of smokes in a fireplace, increasing the possibility to survive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Tsung-Yuan Ku
  • Patent number: 7320144
    Abstract: A protective mask and method, comprising a face mask having a body shaped so as to generally cover a face of the user person. The body defines an opening opposite the eyes of the user person when the face mask is worn. A removable lens has a lens portion of see-through material covering the opening so as to protect the eyes of the user person while allowing visibility of the user person therethrough, and connector portions at opposed ends of the lens portion. Clamping devices are positioned in the face mask at opposed ends of the opening. The clamping devices each have a clip with a catch pivotally mounted to the face mask so as to be displaceable to a locking position, in which the catch engages with the respective connector portion to releasably secure the removable lens to the face mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Procaps LP
    Inventors: Robert Katz, Sylvain Duchesne
  • Patent number: 7308721
    Abstract: A facemask assembly includes a cloth panel that has a front side, a back side, a bottom edge, an upper edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The front side has a generally convex shape. The panel has a plurality of apertures extending therethrough. The apertures are positioned generally between the first and second lateral edges and nearer to the bottom edge than the upper edge. A securing apparatus is attached to the panel and is configured to releasably secure the back side of the panel to an outer surface of a hardhat liner strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Inventor: Angel R. Rivera, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20070220649
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a face protector having a protective shade that enables the worker to perform welding as well as grinding while wearing the multi-function face protector and that can be used with safety glasses, goggles and a mask. The multi-function face protector includes a head band, a forehead cover, and a face shield. The face shield comprises resilient hooks formed at its upper central portion, and engaging portions formed at its opposite ends respectively. The forehead cover comprises shield couplings formed at the central portion of its inner surface, and projections formed at the opposite ends of its inner surface respectively. The resilient hooks of the face shield are engaged with the respective shield couplings of the forehead cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: OTOS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Moon Young HUH
  • Patent number: 7272860
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for protecting the face of a user while allowing for adjustment of the size of the protected area are described. A protective face shield includes a substantially flat, at least partially transparent, waterproof sheet material of a shape configured to extend over the face of a user, where the sheet material includes a portion configured to assist in the modification of the size of the sheet material. The portion may include predefined lines and notches corresponding to different sizes that the sheet material may be trimmed to achieve. An adhesive component secures the sheet material to the face of the user. The sheet material also may include indicium corresponding to a size of the face shield, user specific information, and/or other information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventors: Anthony Vega, Alvaro Aburto-Garcia
  • Patent number: 7266787
    Abstract: A method (300) for optimising transistor performance in semiconductor integrated circuits built from standard cells (12), or custom transistor level layout, is disclosed. An active area of NMOS diffusion is extended with a joining area (102) between two adjacent cells (112) having the same net on diffusion at the adjacent edges of each cell. The diffusion area is extended to limit the occurrence of active and nonactive interface to minimise lattice strain effects and improve transistor performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Icera, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter William Hughes, Shannon Vance Morton, Trevor Kenneth Monk
  • Patent number: 7255627
    Abstract: A garment device convertible to one or more facemasks wherein the garment device has a plurality of detachable cup sections. Each of the cup sections has a filter device, an inner portion positionable adjacent to the inner area of the user's chest, and an outer portion positionable adjacent to the outer area of the user's chest. The garment device has at least one securing device detachably coupling the inner portions of the cup sections to one another, and the garment device has at least one other securing device attached to the outer portion of at least one of the cup sections. This other securing device is operable to: (a) detachably couple the outer portions of the cup regions to one another; and (b) for each one of the cup sections, attach the outer portion of said cup region to the inner portion of said cup region after said cup region is detached from the other cup region, thereby converting the garment device to a plurality of facemasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Avocet Polymer Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Elena N. Bodnar, Raphael C. Lee, Sandra Marijan
  • Patent number: 7246384
    Abstract: One embodiment of an apparatus includes a headgear, a chin strap and a magnetic fastener including a slide socket and a stud. The slide socket is attached to the chin strap and the stud is attached to the headgear. The slide socket is configured to be magnetically attracted to the stud to secure the chin strap to the headgear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: William George Bentz
  • Patent number: 7228858
    Abstract: A protective garment incorporates a face and neck mask adapted to filter out airborne particulates. The protective garment outwardly has the appearance of a conventional shirt, sweater or jacket, yet incorporates a convenient, easy to use, and readily accessible mask that is always available to the wearer and is ready for use on short notice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: Stephen G. Baker
  • Patent number: 7222370
    Abstract: Protective eyewear for protecting a wearer's eyes during a sporting event. The protective eyewear comprises a frame and a metal protective section. The frame includes a top support, a pair of armatures, and a grooved opening traversing the top support and each armature. The metal protective section includes a perimeter and a flat extension attached to the perimeter and shape to be removably engaged to the grooved opening in the frame. Additionally, the metal protective section includes a plurality of substantially aligned elongated bars horizontally segmenting the metal protective section. A plurality of cross members is vertically positioned to connect the elongated bars of the metal protective section and protect the eyes of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Gait
  • Patent number: 7210482
    Abstract: A face mask structure has an upper mask portion, a middle mask portion, and a lower mask portion, which are formed integrally. The upper mask portion has an upper metal stripe disposed at a proper position thereof. The lower mask portion has a lower metal stripe disposed at a proper position thereof. The upper and lower mask portions are folded in opposite directions. When in use, the upper and lower mask portions are spread out to support the middle mask portion. In this way, the face mask structure becomes fitting in with the shapes of human faces. Furthermore, the middle mask portion has multiple folding portions. When in use, the folding portions are stretched out to increase filtering area. Thereby, the inner space of the face mask structure is increased, the air-invasion rate is reduced, and the filtering efficiency is thus improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignees: Taiwan Textile Research Institute, Champak Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Po-Hsiung Huang, Cheng-Kun Chu, Hung-En Chen, Jing-Tyr Lin, Jen-Hsiung Lee
  • Patent number: 7168095
    Abstract: A method of using a face protector includes providing a face protector including a lens and a face plate configured to protect the forehead, eyes, cheeks, jaw, chin, mouth, ears, and nose of a user without protecting substantially the remainder of the user's head; applying the face protector to the user's head; wearing the face protector during an activity; and removing the face protector after the activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Jerry D. Wright
  • Patent number: 7152252
    Abstract: An enhanced mask system including a mask portion, for covering the nose, mouth and lower face of a wearer. The mask portion has an inner surface for being closer to the wearer and an outer surface for being further from the wearer. A head covering or balaclava is secured to the mask portion and a pocket secured to the inner surface of the mask portion removably contains the head covering or balaclava when in its secured position. The mask can be worn by the wearer either with the head covering or balaclava on the wearer's head in a deployed position or without the head covering or balaclava on the wearer's head and stowed in the pocket in the secured position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Gordini U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: David Gellis, Gad Shaanan, Francois Duval, Serge Debeau, Ivan Brousseau
  • Patent number: 7146652
    Abstract: The present invention provides a face guard connector assembly for a sports helmet, such as a football, hockey or lacrosse helmet. The face guard includes a plurality of elongated bar members that intersect to define a grid. The connector assembly removably connects the face guard to the helmet shell. The connector assembly includes a bracket having at least one channel configured to receive a portion of the face guard. The connector assembly further includes a shock absorber assembly that distributes an impact force at the face guard to the shell in an omni-directional manner. The shock absorber assembly includes an elastomeric grommet, a bushing, and a nut, each have an opening. When aligned, the openings collectively define a passageway configured to receive a fastener that secures the connector assembly to the sports helmet. The helmet shell has opposed side portions with each side portion having a mounting aperture that receives an extent of the shock absorber assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Riddell, Inc.
    Inventors: Thad M. Ide, Nelson Kraemer, Ralph J. Infusino
  • Patent number: 7127747
    Abstract: A protective eye mask for sports use, without a helmet, includes one or more substantially horizontal frame members forming an eye mask frame, defining a cage to protect an area around a user's eyes, the eye mask frame having at least an upper frame segment and a lower frame segment, the frame members having an inside facing towards the user's eyes and an outside facing away therefrom; one or more substantially horizontal frame members arranged between the upper and lower frame segments; one or more substantially vertical frame members continuous with or rigidly attached to one or more of the substantially horizontal frame members; a contact material for contacting the user's face area, attached to the eyewear frame; and a mechanism for securing the protective eye mask to the user's face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Sport Helmets, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Darnell, Jonathan Baker, William H. Brine, Timothy Ellsworth, Stephen D. Moore, Joel Robinson
  • Patent number: 7117543
    Abstract: A nose protection shield designed to be custom fitted to the exterior shape of a nose which is constructed of a hydrophilic thermoplastic having a thickness of between one-half millimeter to one millimeter. The nose protection shield is constructed by making a cast of the person's nose by applying a first hardenable material onto the nose, causing this first hardenable material to harden, removing the cast after such is hardened, filling of the cavity of the cast with a second hardenable material, permitting the second hardenable material to harden to form a model, removing the model from the cast, placing a thin, flexible plastic sheet on the model, drawing a vacuum in proximity of the model which causes the sheet to be drawn tightly against the model, apply heat for a short period of time to the sheet to a sufficient level to cause the at-rest shape of the sheet to be deformed and assume the new configuration of the model, and then removing of the sheet from the model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventor: Angel Gunnarshaug
  • Patent number: 7093302
    Abstract: A helmet assembly includes dedicated features that are configured to matingly engage with a mating structure attached to a distinct accessory unit. The corresponding mating configurations enable the operable securement of one or more of such distinct accessory units to the helmet body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventor: James A. Burns
  • Patent number: 7051371
    Abstract: A sun mask towel is provided, made from a planar section of fabric for blocking or reflecting the ultraviolet rays of the sun. By including eye, nose, and mouth slits, the sun mask towel allows users see, speak, and breathe easily. The sun mask towel effectively shields a user's face, head, neck, and in one embodiment, a user's entire body from the harmful rays of the sun. Further, the sun mask towel is easy to use and easy to carry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventors: Joan Mullen Tobin, Katharine Born McAndrews
  • Patent number: 7036151
    Abstract: The present invention provides a face guard for a sports helmet having at least two ear holes. The face guard includes a main body having an arrangement of elongated members. The face guard also includes a pair of quadrilateral projections for securing the face guard to the helmet, wherein the projections are integral with and extend from the main body. The projections are positioned below the ear holes in the helmet when the face guard is secured to the helmet. Also, the projections are positioned adjacent a lower edge of the helmet when the face guard is secured to the helmet. The projections are positioned below a rear lower edge of the helmet when the face guard is secured to the helmet. Each projection has first and second vertical members that are configured to engage a connector that secures the face guard to the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Riddell, Inc.
    Inventors: Thad M. Ide, Ralph J. Infusino, Nelson Kraemer