Face Patents (Class 2/9)
  • Patent number: 6490737
    Abstract: A protective helmet apparatus of modular construction to be worn by anesthetized patients for facial support during surgery. The helmet apparatus is assembled using one of a plurality of interchangeable, substantially transparent helmet casings, which are removably attachable to a plurality of dismountable facial cushions providing even support to the facial surface of a patient. The removable facial cushions are dimensioned on and interior surface to accommodate different sized facial structures of different patients to yield maximum pressure diffusion on the face and chin of the patient and are replaceable when worn. The exterior surface of the facial cushions are dimensioned for cooperative engagement with the interior surface of the helmet casing. A plurality of different facial cushions and helmet casings are modular in design and dimension to be interchangeable with each other thus providing accommodate the broad differences in facial structure and size of patients using them for surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Dupaco, INC
    Inventors: William Mazzei, Gregory P. Jordan, An P. Vu
  • Publication number: 20020178481
    Abstract: A heat shield protecting the face, forehead, ears, and neck and to promote medical safety for users of hooded hair dryers and other heated hair appliances. The shield includes a face shield holder being generally unshaped in construction and adapted to from around the front and side of the user's face. The holder has a pair of retainer elements adapted for holding said face shield around said user's head. A face visor is attached to the face shield and generally extending downward to cover the user's face when said face shield holder is held around the user's head. A forehead protector shield also is attached to the face shield holder. for shielding the user's forehead from air blown by said hooded hair dryer. A neck shield cape has a pair of handles for attaching in front of a user's neck and the ends of the cape rests on a user's shoulders or are attachable to the sides and rear of a hooded hair dryer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: Elsie C. Evans
  • Patent number: 6481024
    Abstract: A protective chin strap device for use in securing a helmet to a wearer's head. The chin strap includes a hard outer shell, an inner member made of a self-supporting cushioned material and straps attached to the outer shell for securing the chin strap to a helmet. The inner member is secured with respect to the outer shell so as to contact the outer shell adjacent the wearer's chin yet form at least one cavity between the outer shell and inner member. This combination of elements serve to deflect impact forces applied to the chin strap and further serve to absorb and laterally dissipate those impact forces. The chin strap is comfortable to wear because the wearer's chin is cushioned by the inner member, because a soft liner is provided adjacent the wearer's skin to wick perspiration and moisture from the wearer's chin and because the chin strap is ventilated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Athletic Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen P. Grant
  • Publication number: 20020148028
    Abstract: A mouth protector assembly comprising a grid-like mouth protector, defined by a top bar contoured to engage the area above the upper lip and below the nose of a user, a series of spaced bars depending from the upper bar and a pad which underlies the chin of a user, a strap system for supporting the grid over the mouth including straps connected to the grid and encircling the head to support the grid over the mouth of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventor: David Bush
  • Publication number: 20020095708
    Abstract: A full face mask with a strap, which is fastened to a mask body (15) by clamping action by means of eyes can be removed from the face of the user of the full face mask in a simple manner. Two holding grips are connected to eyes located adjacent to one another. The holding grips are located on a side area (18) of the full face mask (14). A pulling device (19) brings the holding grips (4, 41) into the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Stephan Wiegand
  • Patent number: 6421829
    Abstract: A method of making a face mask including the steps of providing a plurality of lengths of Grade 2, commercially pure titanium wire, having a diameter of from about 0.21 to about 0.24 inches; forming each length at room temperature to a desired bend angle by bending the member at room temperature using rotary bending apparatus to a first bend angle that is from about 1.25 to about 1.35 times greater than the desired bend angle; and welding each of the thus formed lengths to at least one other of the lengths in an ambient, oxygen containing environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Mad Partners
    Inventors: P. David Halstead, Garry W. McNabb, David E. Wright
  • Publication number: 20020088043
    Abstract: The present invention is a face mask suitable for application to a person's skin. The mask comprises a mask segment of flexible sheet material and a screen element. The mask segment is conformable to at least a portion of the surface of the person's skin. The mask segment has a first surface, a second surface, and a shaped peripheral margin. The screen element also has a first surface. A decoration embellishes the first surface of the mask segment and the first surface of the screen element. A first fastener on the second surface of the mask segment attaches the segment to the person's skin. A second fastener attaches the screen element to the mask segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Applicant: Health & Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel G. Cook
  • Publication number: 20020059673
    Abstract: A heat shield protecting the face, forehead, ears, and neck and to promote medical safety for users of hooded hair dryers and other heated hair appliances. The shield includes a face shield holder being generally u-shaped in construction and adapted to from around the front and side of the user's face. The holder has a pair of retainer elements adapted for holding said face shield around said user's head. A face visor is attached to the face shield and generally extending downward to cover the user's face when said face shield holder is held around the user's head. A forehead protector shield also is attached to the face shield holder. for shielding the user's forehead from air blown by said hooded hair dryer. A neck shield cape has a pair of handles for attaching in front of a user's neck and the ends of the cape rests on a user's shoulders or are attachable to the sides and rear of a hooded hair dryer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventor: ELSIE C. EVANS
  • Patent number: 6381749
    Abstract: A protective mask adapted to be worn by persons engaging in physical games comprises a body consisting of a lens receiving portion, a nose portion, a chin portion, a brow portion, opposite cheek portions and opposite side temple portions; the lens receiving portion displays an opening which is covered by a removable flexible transparent lens having its opposite extremities configured with engagement portions that mount the lens to the body. A pair of anchor clamps are inserted at each opposite end of the lens to further secure the engagement of the lens to the mask body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Leader Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond Cyr
  • Patent number: 6378133
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a visor for intercepting laser light for medical treatment, which is worn by a surgical operator or an assistant in conducting a surgical operation or diagnosis using the laser light. The visor has a frame which is provided with a shield in such a manner that the shield covers at least both eyes, and the shield is a thin plastic molded article having a reflective film on its surface for reflecting the laser light. Said shield may be detachable from a visor main body. Said reflective film comprises a multi-layered vacuum deposited film made of silicon dioxide, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: S.L.T. Japan Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Norio Daikuzono
  • Patent number: 6374424
    Abstract: A protective face mask with a concavo-convex shield of methyl methacrylate that covers the wearer's entire face. A nose piece at the concave face of the shield presents laterally spaced fingers to engage the wearer's nose on opposite sides for spacing the shield from the face. Temple sidepieces hinged to the shield on opposite sides are engageable over the wearer's ears to hold the nose piece against the wearer's nose, thus securely positioning the mask on the wearer's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas R. Tredup
  • Patent number: 6367085
    Abstract: A head suspension for use with a flexible hood is disclosed. The hood is used with supplied air sources in situations when a full face or half face respirator is inconvenient. The head suspension includes a headband that is preferably adjustable in circumference and a lens mount attached to the headband at the ends of the lens mount and with at least two braces. The braces are positioned to be non-parallel to each other. The lens of the hood is mounted from the lens mount. The brace provides added stability to the lens and hood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Richard C. Berg
  • Patent number: 6363528
    Abstract: A protective mask adapted to be worn by persons engaging in physical games comprises a body formed of rigid plastic material including a nose portion, a chin portion, a brow portion, opposite cheek portions and opposite side temple portions; an opening is provided between the brow portion and the nose portion and cheek portions to be covered by a flexible transparent lens. A throat guard is pivotally mounted to the opposite cheek portions and extends inwardly of the chin and cheek portions; the throat guard is pivotal between two vertical positions relative to the chin and cheek portions and includes a tongue that extends towards the inner face of the mask and is adapted to contact an inner lower edge area of the mask to define the lowermost vertical position; the throat guard further includes a lower outwardly projecting area to contact the lower edge of the mask to define the uppermost vertical position for the throat guard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Leader Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond Cyr
  • Patent number: 6338165
    Abstract: A headgear assembly for enhanced vision comprising of a guard assembly having an inner surface and outer surface. The inner surface includes a vision enhancing substance while the outer surface includes a light absorbing substance. The guard assembly is mounted to a helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Paul Timothy Biondich
  • Publication number: 20010054189
    Abstract: A method of making a face mask including the steps of providing a plurality of lengths of Grade 2, commercially pure titanium wire, having a diameter of from about 0.21 to about 0.24 inches; forming each length at room temperature to a desired bend angle by bending the member at room temperature using rotary bending apparatus to a first bend angle that is from about 1.25 to about 1.35 times greater than the desired bend angle; and welding each of the thus formed lengths to at least one other of the lengths in an ambient, oxygen containing environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventors: P. David Halstead, Garry W. McNabb, David E. Wright
  • Patent number: 6308330
    Abstract: A smoke mask includes a moistened generally planar mask constructed of a moisture absorbing material that is sized to cover the nose and mouth of a user. A peripheral edge of the mask includes a pressure sensitive adhesive for securing the mask to the face of the user. At least one slit in the peripheral edge of the mask enables the mask to adapt to the contour of the face of the user for obtaining a tight fit of the mask. The mask is used in combination with a pull apart storage structure having first and second generally planar sealing sheets. The sealing sheets are attached to each other along an outer peripheral edge for forming a moisture impermeable hollow interior in which the moistened mask is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: The Fire Drill Company, Inc.
    Inventors: David Hollander, Anthony F. Pisani
  • Patent number: 6298492
    Abstract: A net headgear including an eye cover frame and a net hood with eye openings therethrough to fit over the head of a user, the eye cover frame having a surrounding frame extending around lens areas through the eye cover frame and with the lens areas separated by a nose bridge and aligned with the eye openings through the hood and being open or covered with plain lenses or prescription lenses, and clip means on the surrounding frame to secure prescription glasses to the surrounding frame, with the lenses of the prescription glasses aligned with the lens areas and with removable temple pieces attached to opposite ends of the eye cover frame and temple pieces of the eyeglasses to cooperate with the nose bridge and a bridge of the eyeglasses to stabilize the net headgear on a user's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: William H. Stirling
  • Patent number: 6298483
    Abstract: Protective headgear comprises a rigid shell with face pads which may be released and removed while the headgear is still on a person's head. A protective chin guard may be attached to the headgear by way of the face pads. The chin guard comprises a substantially rigid shell with a removeable insert made of a flexible bladder filled with a shock absorbing fluid. The headgear may comprise a shell made of an inner and outer material layered over an internal foam core to effect both strength and lightweight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventors: Paul Schiebl, Marshall F. Holtsclaw, II
  • Patent number: 6292954
    Abstract: Protective headgear in the form of a helmet (1) and a face mask (2) of a cage-like construction connected to the helmet (1) by loop straps. The face mask (2) is formed from rigid bars (7,8). The bars (7,8) are of a fiber reinforced polymer composite material co-consolidated at a number of intersections. The fibers forming one bar are physically anchored to the fibers of another bar at the intersection (9) by interleaving, knotting, stitching, stapling, etc. The anchoring of the fibers gives considerable added strength at the intersections (9) as the integrity of the joint is not dependent on the properties of a thermosetting or thermoplastics polymer material. Helmets are made in the same way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventors: Conchur O'Bradaigh, Patrick Feerick
  • Patent number: 6272690
    Abstract: An article of clothing includes a mask member with a head member joined together to define an opening that registers with the eyes. The mask member is formed of neoprene with a fleece material laminated to the interior thereof. The head member is formed of a fleece material and has a scarf portion extending below the head to surround the neck area of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventors: Michael J. Carey, Joseph H. Edwards
  • Patent number: 6216695
    Abstract: A surgical mask adapted to cover the nose, mouth and eyes of the wearer is disclosed. A transparent lens component is positioned to cover the eyes of the user. A light-transmitting filter element being hingably connected to the upper edge of the transparent lens. The filter may be positioned selectively into overlapping relation of the lens to provide a filtering function or folded 180° to remove the filter from overlapping relation of the lens panel. The filter and lens panel are connected such that a degree of relative lateral movement between the components is provided whereby the filter may be moved between overlapping and non-overlapping conditions of the lens without removing the mask from the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Softy-Flex Inc.
    Inventor: Philip H. Ruben
  • Patent number: 6213125
    Abstract: A device for protecting the face of a wearer is provided and includes a gas pervious mask dimensioned to fit over the nose and mouth of a wearer. A shield is coupled to the gas pervious mask. The shield is at least partially transparent over the eyes of the wearer. The shield is dimensioned to cover the gas pervious mask and the eyes of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: George D. Reese, Kevin K. Brunson
  • Patent number: 6189156
    Abstract: A catcher's helmet is provided with a front portion including a top extent and a pair of side extents. The front extent forms a face opening there between. Also included is a rear portion. At least one strap is mounted between the front portion and rear portion. A transparent shield is positioned over the face opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Spalding Sports Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: John T. Loiars
  • Patent number: 6185740
    Abstract: A tissue face mask similar to that used by a dentist but placed in covering relation over the face of a patient preparatory to an abrasive dental procedure in which mask there are shaping stays that are manually conformed to the facial features of the patient to prevent harm to the patient from the particulate fall out of the abrasive dental procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventors: Peter J. Zegarelli, Mitchell Steinberg
  • Patent number: 6178552
    Abstract: A welding helmet of thermosetting plastic material having an exterior in the form of a mammalian head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Steven Robinson
  • Patent number: 6154881
    Abstract: An improved face protector of a type having a head-engaging strap, a forehead engaging-stiffening member, a facing protecting-lens, and pivoting apparatus. The improvement includes the pivoting apparatus including a pair of studs that extend outwardly through associated pivoting-throughbores in the head-engaging strap, outwardly through associated pivoting-throughbores in the forehead engaging-stiffening member, and outwardly through associated pivoting-throughbores in the facing protecting-lens, and a pair of flat-head screws threadably engaging in the associated shafts of the studs from a direction of the facing protecting-lens and having heads disposed adjacent to the facing protecting-lens for setting friction level of the pivoting apparatus. The shafts of the studs have flats along a portion of their lengths extending from ends thereof so as to form flat portions having D-shaped lateral profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: Yhan G. Lee
  • Patent number: 6148820
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for inhibiting nocturnal drying of the oral cavity from breathing through a person's mouth. More particularly, the invention is directed to an apparatus comprising an air permeable cover, an elastic strap attached to the cover for securing the cover to a person's face, and a cup attached to the lower region of the cover for securing a person's chin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University of Texas System
    Inventor: Hermon K. Herrin
  • Patent number: 6131203
    Abstract: A transport hood for protecting personnel from exposure to the bodily fluids of a detainee includes a top portion, a bottom portion joined to the top portion and a cinching grommet. The top portion is made of a transparent, fine mesh material and has a continuous lowermost edge. The bottom portion is made of a breathable, fluid impervious material and has a continuous uppermost edge and a continuous lowermost edge. Preferably, a first length of elastic is sewn to the lowermost edge of the top portion and to the uppermost edge of the bottom portion to gather the bottom portion of the transport hood below the eyes of the detainee. A second length of elastic is preferably sewn to the lowermost edge of the bottom portion to gather the bottom portion just below the chin of the detainee. Preferably, the cinching grommet is a thin disk having an opening formed therethrough for grasping and securing a variable amount of the excess material of the top portion of the transport hood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: John C. Cominsky
  • Patent number: 6112333
    Abstract: A protective helmet apparatus of modular construction to be worn by anesthetized patients during surgery . The helmet is assembled using one of a plurality of interchangeable helmet casings which is removably attached to one of a plurality of dismountable chin supports. Removable ocular and chin support cushions chosen from a set of interchangeable ocular and chin support cushions are mountable to the interior face of the helmet casing and chin support. The removable cushions contact the allow for optimum sizing of the apparatus to face of the patient providing padding and maximum disbursement of weight and pressure of the head over a wide area of the patient's face and head. The cushions and helmet casing and chin support are modular in design and dimension to be interchangeable with each other thus providing accommodation for broad differences in facial structure and size of patients using them for surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventor: William Mazzei
  • Patent number: 6102033
    Abstract: A replaceable lens attachment system for respiratory devices and methods of use. The replaceable lens attachment system includes a face shield having rotatable attachment members and a replaceable lens. The rotatable attachment members include cams and flanges. The attachment system may further comprise a helmet respirator with support elements disposed thereon. The method includes bowing the lens and inserting it into the frame. The rotatable attachment members are rotated to urge the lens into the frame and cover the frame. The flanges and support elements provide impact resistance to the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Gary A. Baribeau, James A. Burns, William A. Mittelstadt, William J. Swanson
  • Patent number: 6098201
    Abstract: A face-mask which is made of a plastic sheet in which is embedded a deformable skin-colored, plastic-coated wire mesh. The plastic sheet is moldable and has an octagonal shape that will fit over the face of a wearer to cover the wearer's nose and mouth with tabs to fit under the chin. A trapezoidal opening is formed in the plastic sheet at a location that will overlie the nose and mouth of the wearer. A fastener system, located at the perimeter of the opening, surrounds the opening to fasten detachably a filter element in a position that covers the opening. The filter element is in sheet form having a shape complementary to the shape of the opening. Elastic cords hold the face-mask on the head of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Richard T. Weisenburger
    Inventor: Henry R. Boros, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6098196
    Abstract: An extendable neck/face protecting ballistic shield attached to a ballistic vest for rapid deployment between storage and neck/face protecting positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: Michael Logan
  • Patent number: 6095143
    Abstract: A face mask (10) covers the nose and mouth of the wearer and includes a band (24) to retain the mask member (12) in position. The band attaches at the sides (20) of the mask and extends around the ears of the wearer and loops through orifices (32). The band (24) extends around the back of the neck and provides for retaining the mask (10) at the front of the wearer when not worn. Ends (26) of the band (24) are elastic to provide a snug fit for the mask (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: James F. Dyrud, Cynthia Y. Tamaki, Isao Kuniya
  • Patent number: 6093475
    Abstract: A costume element having an inner layer and an at least in part transparent outer layer forming a passage therebetween, the passage having an upper opening. A fluid visible in at least a part of the passage is injected into the passage through the upper opening. A lower opening to the passage can be coupled to the upper opening by one or more tubes providing fluid communication and a pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Easter Unlimited Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Geller
  • Patent number: 6079980
    Abstract: Disclosed is a protective, disposable dental patient face mask that covers the patient's entire face, extending partially around the patient's head and secured by a pair of ear bands. A mouth aperture allows access to the patient's mouth and a nose mask that allows the patient to breathe freely while the air is filtered of impurities and flying debris. The face mask is constructed of a material that protects the patient's face from projected liquid and solid materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventor: Cecile M. Durand
  • Patent number: 6079053
    Abstract: A facemask clip assembly includes a clip member, a movable member within the clip member, a screw, a nut, and a post member. The clip member has a base portion and a flexible arm portion bendable to lie under the base portion. The base portion includes a circular bore sized to permit the screw head to pass therethrough. The movable member, in a `secure` position obstructs the bore to a first degree such that the head of the screw is not passable therethrough, and in a `free` position permits passage of the head of the screw through the bore. The arm portion includes an opening which is alignable with the bore of the base portion when the arm portion is bent under the first portion. The screw shaft is extendable through the bore and the opening, and the nut threadably mates with the screw shaft to secure the base and arm portions of the clip member together. In assembling a facemask to a helmet, the clip member, with movable member in the `secure` position, is bent about a portion of the facemask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventors: James B. Clover, Jr., Charles W. Erichsen, Jerome F. Wall
  • Patent number: 6070265
    Abstract: A apparatus for warning a person's nose which is made from porous fleece fabric and contains a cup portion attached to two straps, each of which are then attached to each other. The straps have a width of at least about 1.0 inch, and an elastic band is connected to the inner surface of each of the straps. Each of the elastic bands extends from about 50 to about 95 percent of the length of the inner surface of the strap but does not extend to the ends of such inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Hedy T. Tasbas
  • Patent number: 6055666
    Abstract: A face shield to be placed in front of the face of a wearer includes at least one light transparent part and a holding device for holding on to the face shield, the face shield includes at least one air deflecting device which is arranged, with the help of the directional effect and kinetic energy of the exhalation air to lead away the exhalation air from the region where the nose and mouth of the wearer are to be positioned, and that the inhalation air is supplied to the region where the nose and mouth of the wearer are to be positioned in essentially different directions to those in which the exhalation air is led away, so that a separation of the inhalation air and exhalation air is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventors: Jorgen Eklund, Kjell Mases
  • Patent number: 6047400
    Abstract: A detachable face mask assembly for a helmet includes upper and lower mask assemblies removably secured over the helmet face opening with a series of clips. The upper mask assembly includes a first outer component and a first inner component concentrically received therewithin. The inner component may be pivoted upwardly or laterally to provide temporary access to a user's eyes or nose. The lower mask assembly likewise includes a second inner and a second outer component with the inner component pivotable to either side to provide temporary access to a user's mouth or chin. Each of the components are readily and independently detachable from their respective clips upon a predetermined amount of force being applied thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: James E. Spencer
  • Patent number: 6038705
    Abstract: An impact resistant face shield that includes a single formed arcuate lens portion that, in a first orientation, has a first curvature extending in a horizontal direction and a second curvature extending in a vertical direction. The lens portion has a top portion and a bottom portion that extends relatively inwardly towards the face of the wearer relative to an intermediate portion disposed between the top and bottom portions. Each curvature of the lens defines an arc of a circle having a substantially uniform radius to produce nominal levels of distortion, thereby reducing the prism effects created by the lens, and providing an optically corrected viewing window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Oakley, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward C. Jarvis
  • Patent number: 6032292
    Abstract: An improved bandanna or scarf is formed with holding elements thereon, and may include a number of flexible layers which provide protection from the elements. A top portion of the improved bandanna or scarf may include elastic elements to aid in securing the bandanna or scarf in place on the nose of a wearer, or may have a pair of drawstrings with locking elements to enable the bandanna or scarf to be adjustably tightened when wearing. The drawstrings may also include loops for supporting glasses thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventors: Chester James Wood, Betty Jane Wood
  • Patent number: 6029271
    Abstract: A facial sun block mask having a lens that is resistant to ultraviolet radiation. The lens is formed to protect most, if not all, of the face of the wearer. The lens is attached to a main body or visor that seat firmly against the upper forehead region of the wearer. The main body may also have vents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventor: Isabel M. Banuchi
  • Patent number: 6026511
    Abstract: A shield that is configured for use with a mask to form a protective article. The mask includes (i) a central portion having a pair of opposed edges, (ii) a first portion joined to an edge of the central portion, and (iii) a second portion joined to the other edge of the central portion. At least one of the central, upper and lower portions is formed from filter media. The shield is flexible and transparent, having upper and lower edges, with the lower edge having at least one projection. It is dimensioned to cover the portion of the wearer's face not covered by the mask. The shield is adapted to be attached to the mask and moved between a first position in which the shield lower edge and the lower edge projection lies in front of the mask central portion, and a second position in which the lower edge projection engages the mask such that at least a portion of the shield lower edge lies behind the central portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Nicholas R. Baumann, Shannon L. Dowdell Browne, Michael P. Moulsoff, Jane K. Peterson, Nicole V. McCullough
  • Patent number: 6023784
    Abstract: A cap with a hinged ultraviolet ray visor is disclosed. The ultraviolet ray visor or a main visor is made of a transparent or translucent material capable of intercepting ultraviolet rays, and is rotatably attached to both sides of an elastic head band at both ends thereof by two joint pins. In an embodiment, an auxiliary visor is attached to both sides of the head band at both ends thereof by the two joint pins so as to be positioned between the head band and the main visor. The angular position of the main visor relative to the head band is easily adjusted by a user when necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Il Sung International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jung Jin Yeal
  • Patent number: 6016808
    Abstract: A face shield frame apparatus having a head worn frame assembly to which a face shield can be detachably coupled. The frame assembly includes a pair of generally parallel, spaced apart side members which are joined to a front member, which is supported by the wearer's nose or forehead. One or more receptacles are provided on the frame assembly which slidably engage one or more latch arms associated with the face shield support, or conversely, the receptacle may be attached to the face shield support and the latch arm attached to the frame assembly. The latch arm has a locking tab which fits within a slot on the receptacle to lock the latch arm to the receptacle when the latch arm is inserted into the receptacle. The latch arm can also be removed from the receptacle by depressing the locking tab so that it disengages from the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: OP-D-OP, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy J. Landis
  • Patent number: 6012171
    Abstract: An apparatus for protection of the scalp, facial skin, eyes, mouth and nostrils from hair dye, coloring and other chemical products for hair treatment. The covering includes an absorbent pad designed to be worn against the wearer's forehead so that any liquid runoff from hair treatment is absorbed by the pad. The apparatus preferably includes a substance or device to hold the pad in place, such as an adhesive which attaches the pad to the forehead, or ear handles wherein the pad may be worn as one might wear a pair of goggles. Additionally the pad may be enclosed in an impermeable lining such that any liquid absorbed by the pad may not later escape. Several of these pads may be constructed together to form a continuous series or strip of pads. Each pad is then designed to be easily detachable from the remainder of the series. This facilitates convenient storage and removal of the pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Inventor: Jason S. Altman
  • Patent number: 6012164
    Abstract: A light weight protective face mask comprising an integrally molded shell of high impact plastic having a convex curvature for glancing deflection of impacting objects. Unobstructed vision is afforded by a generous vision aperture shaped like a pair of ski goggles. The mask has a projecting prow overlying and protecting the mouth of the wearer but allowing freedom of movement of the chin and jaw. An arched nose bridge overlies and protects the nose. Cushioning pads are attached to the inside surface of the mask overlying and engaging the face on the natural hard points of the bone structure of the skull. An elastic strap which has divergent bands cradling the back of the head holds the mask against the face of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Apex Sports, LLC
    Inventor: James F. Deal, III
  • Patent number: 6010217
    Abstract: Disclosed is an optically corrected shield for unitary lens eyeglasses or safety helmets. The shield is characterized by an optical centerline and a mechanical centerline, which intersect each other at an angle. The lens is oriented on the head of the wearer by a frame or helmet that maintains the lens in a position such that the optical centerline is maintained substantially in parallel to the normal sight line of the wearer. Lenses are thus provided which have improved optics when mounted in an as-worn orientation such that they exhibit both vertical "rake" and horizontal "wrap." Methods of making the lenses, and eyewear incorporating the lenses, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Oakley, Inc.
    Inventors: Malcolm Neal Houston, James H. Jannard, Carlos D. Reyes, Ryan Saylor
  • Patent number: 6003524
    Abstract: A hair spray shield has two flexible sides permanently joined together by a hinge at one point and releasably joined at another point by a releasable fastening device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Irene T. Gravelle
  • Patent number: 5991915
    Abstract: A protective article for use as headwear including: a flexible support (4) and a shield (2) able to be removably secured to the flexible support (4), wherein both the flexible support (4) and the shield (2) are of a substantially flat configuration, and in use, the flexible support (4) is able to be configured to surround the forehead of a user, and the shield (2) is able to be configured to shield the eyes of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Gerard Maxwell Moorhouse