GB2526425A

GB2526425A - A face guard

Info

Publication number: GB2526425A
Application number: GB1505686.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sean Moore
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-04-01
Filing date: 2015-04-01
Publication date: 2015-11-25
Anticipated expiration: 2035-04-01
Also published as: GB2524760A; GB201505686D0; GB2526425B; GB201405836D0

Abstract

A sports face guard 1, for sports such as wrestling, boxing and martial arts, comprising: a padded mask section 2, arranged in use such that an inner side is positioned against the face of the wearer and an at least one open front section 3 is aligned with the eyes of the wearer, and the padded mask section 2 covers and extends from at least part of the brow and cheekbone of a wearer such that the padded mask section 2 covers and extends from directly above and below and to the outside of the eye sockets. The face guard may include a mesh guard to be placed over the eyes, which preferably prevents fingers from getting into eyes. The mesh may be detachable. There may be at least one sweat drainage channel included in the mask.

Description

A face guard

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a face guard for wearing during participation in sports. More particularly, the present invention relates to a sports face guard that particularly provides protection for the brow and cheekbones of a wearer.

Background

Injuries to participants are common in many sports. In particular, eye injuries can be caused by inadvertent striking to the eye or surrounding socket during ball sports such as for example squash, or by striking or gouging during contact sports such as wrestling or other martial arts.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of types of eyewear have been developed in order to resolve the problem. Some of these are described in the following publications.

Canadian Patent Application CA 2571435 (Wilson) discloses an improved nose guard to protect an injured nose from further injury during sport activities.

German Patent DE2201945 (Klaus) discloses a head and neck protection for the protection of boxers shaped so that it rests on the forehead, nose, cheekbones and ears while a cushion is provided at the rear to protect the neck.

United Kingdom Patent Application GB 2493156 A (Swanborough) discloses a frame Japanese Patent Application JP20091 78191 A (Nakamura Brace Co Ltd) discloses a face guard with a non-foam silicone rubber layer, a main portion made of metal or rigid plastic and fixing bands.

United States Patent US1716550 (Hart) discloses a head protection comprising a crown piece formed of crossed leather stiaps conforming generally to the shape of the head.

United States Patent US 6397 399 Bi (Lampe et al) discloses a protective head guard including a protective central pad, a rear pad, a sleeve for interconnecting the central and rear pads.

United States Patent Application US2006!0132704 Al (Gait) discloses a protective eyewear for protecting a wearer's eyes during sport. The protective eyewear comprises a frame and metal protective system.

United States Patent Application US-A-20110078847 (Hahn et al) discloses a protective eyewear apparatus including a base substantially oval in shape, an upper bar connected to the base. A lower bar is connected to the base, and a main support bar is connected to the upper bar and the lower bar. Another embodiment includes two eyepieces connected by a flexible bridge member in which an eyepiece comprises a base generally oval in shape and defining an opening, and an upper and lower bar spanning the opening and connected to the base.

United States Patent Application US-A-20110145982 (Fine et al) discloses a protective eyewear system suitable for use during athletic competitions that includes a hybrid frame that features an elastomeric flexible portion and a rigid portion. A pair of lenses is supported within the rigid portions.

The lenses are generally concave with respect to the eyes. The rigid portions that support and surround the lenses are generally convex with respect to the eyes.

The rigid portions also include armatures that confine interaction between the rigid portions and the eye sockets to certain specific areas that are more likely to be able to withstand impact. The flexible portion provides padding and comfort. Various ventilation measures prevent fogging of the lenses and sweat retention.

United States Patent US 6227664 (Pavlak) discloses a protective eyewear comprising a standard pair of conventional prescription glasses, protective eyewear, or sunglasses to which a brow bar is attached. The brow bar contains means allowing the attachment of an absorbent insert to be attached, with the insert contacting the wearer's forehead during use. The brow bar contains a plurality of evaporation windows permitting continual evaporation of perspiration generated by the user during activity.

In contrast the present invention provides a sports eye guard that protects the eyes and the surrounding sockets, which provides adequate ventilation to prevent fogging or misting, and which fastens securely to a wearers face so that it does not easily become dislodged during sports activity.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a face guard, comprising: a padded mask section having at least one open front section and an inner side, in which the mask section is arranged in use such that the inner side of the mask section is positioned against the face of the wearer, the at least one open front section is aligned with the eyes of the wearer, and the padded mask section covers and extends from at least part of the brow and cheekbone of a wearer such that the padded mask section covers and extends from directly above, below and to the outside of the eye sockets; and a strap having at least one padded portion, configured to extend rearward from the sides of the padded mask section around the head of a user to hold the face guard securely in position and shaped to extend over and cover at least a portion of the ears of a user.

The face guard or sports eye protection mask is intended for use in contact sports enabling the wearer to participate in full contact sports such as boxing, martial arts, rugby and mixed martial arts. It is suitable for use in various other sports such as hockey, football and any sport where there is a risk of injury to and around the eyes, Advantageously the face guard is suitable for use in close contact sports such as grappling and rugby tackles without becoming dislodged as the face guard is close fitting. In this way the face mask does not cause discomfort to the user but offers protection from full force blows to the areas in and around the eyes.

Advantageously as the face guard is close fitting to a wearer's face and has no sharp exposed edges the face guard poses minimal risk of injury to other participants.

Ideally a sweat drainage system prevents the face guard and in particular the padded mask section becoming uncomfortable and slippery. Typically the sweat drainage system includes at least one drainage channel to collect the sweat and channel it towards at least one vent to allow the sweat to flow out from the face guard.

The vents may be arranged on a side and or lower portion of the face guard to assist in dispelling excess sweat away from the eye region and may also serve to permit flow of air around the eyes so as to minimise sweating. The vents also help to ensure against build-up of compressed air between the face guard and wearer's face, with consequential risk of eye damage, in the event of full force impact.

The construction of the face guard is ideally so that it is formed as a single unit. In this way the face guard is located on the user and is adjusted by inflation or deflation of the inflatable sections and does not require fastening means.

The face guard may include a fastener so as to enable the face guard to be easily fitted to a wearer. Preferably the fastener may be concealed so as to not be visible during use.

The fastener may be adjustable so as to aid with fitting the face guard to the wearer and to permit adjustment during use.

For example the fastener may comprise a Velcro (RTM) fastening means, at a rearward portion or side portion of the face guard.

Ideally the padded mask section is constructed from a soft pliable material, such as a synthetic rubber, plastics or a cellular structure such as foam rubber with a moulded interior covered with a softer material such as neoprene or a similar type of material.

In some embodiments the face guard may be formed from a plurality of layers of different materials, such as those mentioned above.

Ideally the neoprene or a similar type of material is also provided at the front and sides of the face guard together with a layer of absorbent foam covered with a layer of wick away material at the rear (the wick away material positioned against the wearer in use). The absorbent foam cover and/or wick away material may be replaceable for hygiene purposes.

Alternatively the absorbent layer and/or wick away material may be displaceable so that it may be removed for cleaning and then reattached. For example the absorbent layer and wick away material may be washable.

The absorbent foam covered with a layer of wick away ensures a comfortable fit and reduces risk of injury to other participants during close contact.

The fitting of the face guard/mask to the wearer is eased by way of it being elasticated and pliable therefore allowing it to be readily fitted and adjusted on the wearer.

Preferably the face guard has at least one inflatable insert. Preferably the inflatable insert is built in so as to remain in situ.

In some embodiments the inflatable inserts may be removable. In this way it may be possible to replace or exchange the inflatable inserts. Furthermore inflatable inserts of different sizes may be provided.

Ideally the insert can be inflated and deflated in order to alter fit of the face guard so that it fits snugly and comfortably to the wearer.

Ideally the inflatable insert is within the length of the rear of the face guard, which adds to the secure fitting and enables the face guard to be tailored to each user's requirements. The thin tapered edges make it difficult to dislodge the face guard during play.

Preferably the face guard may be provided with interchangeable lenses.

Various interchangeable lenses may be provided for example the lenses may be formed from plastic coated steel mesh or can be formed from shatterproof, strengthened prescription lenses which fit directly into preformed slots on the face guard.

Close fitting of the face guard also ensures the secure fitting of the lenses.

Padding is ideally provided by padded mask sections which help prevent the wearer from being hit or knocked in vulnerable areas around the eyes when playing sports.

For example padding may be provided around the temple.

An open front section allows unobstructed vision during play.

Advantageously the face guard further comprises at least one mesh guard. The mesh guard and padded mask section may be mutually configured so that the at least one mesh guard attaches to the padded mask section to close the at least one open front section.

Interlacing of the mesh of the mesh guard may be performed so that the user has a substantially unobstructed view through the mesh, and so that fingers cannot pass between the mesh elements. The mesh guard helps to prevent contact with the eyes from other players or game implements when playing sports.

The at least one mesh guard may clip into slots in the padded mask section. This allows the mesh guard to be quickly and easily connected or disconnected from the padded mask section as required.

The sports face guard may further comprise a strap configured to extend rearwardly from the sides of the padded mask section around the head of a user to hold the sports face guard securely in position. This assists with holding the face guard in position, by holding and keeping the inner surface of the mask section in close against the face of a user.

The strap may be at least partly flexible and resilient. This allows the strap to be positioned as required against the head of a user.

The strap may comprise two sections, extending rearwardly one from each side of the padded mask section and configured for mutual connection at their free ends.

This allows adjustment of the length of the strap to accommodate the different sized heads of different users.

The free ends may overlap and may further comprise a hook and loop fastener configured to releasably connect the ends. A hook and loop fastener is a simple, inexpensive and readily available type of fastener.

The strap may be formed as an extension of the padded mask section. This helps to simplify construction of the sports face guard and allows the strap to be used to provide extra padding for the front, sides and rear of the head of a wearer.

The strap may be shaped to extend over and cover at least the top part of a users ears when worn. The shaped strap provides additional protection for vulnerable areas when playing contact sports.

The sports face guard may further comprise one or more gel pad portions within the strap adjacent to the ears of a user. These help to provide cushioning against impacts.

Optionally the sports face guard may further comprise one or more gel pad portions within the padded mask section outwardly adjacent to the brow of a user. These help to provide cushioning against impacts.

The sports face guard may further comprise a moisture wicking fabric on at least a portion of the inner surface of the padded mask section. This helps to wick and direct moisture such as sweat away from the face of a wearer during use.

At least the padded mask section may comprise fabric covered foam padding. This provides a simple and inexpensive construction from readily available materials.

The foam may be shaped to angle outwards from the eyes of a wearer around the perimeter or perimeters of the at least one open front section. This helps to provide unobstructed viewing over the depth of padding used to create the padded mask section.

The padded mask section may have substantially the shape of a domino mask. This provides a simple and unobtrusive shape that does not interfere with play during participation in sports, but which has a shape suitable for providing padding in vulnerable areas around the eyes of a user.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view from above and to a wearers front and left of a face guard according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective view from the rear and to a wearer's right of the face guard of figure 1; Figure 3 shows a perspective view from the rear and to a weareis right of a variation of the face guard of figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 shows a side view from a wearer's left of the face guard of figures 1 and 2; Figure 5 shows a perspective view from slightly below and to a wearer's front and left of the face guard of figures 1 and 2; Figure 6 shows a side view of another embodiment of a face guard; Figure 7 is a rear plan view of the face guard of Figure 6; and Figure 8 is a diagrammatical sectional view depicting the location of drainage channels.

Detailed Description of Figures

A face guard according to an embodiment of the present invention is now described with reference to the Figures. Referring to Figure 1 there is shown an exploded perspective view from above and to a wearer's front and left of a sports face guard according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The face guard has a padded mask section with a pair of open eye sections, the padding of the mask section resting against the face of a user and covering at least part of the brow and cheekbone of a user directly above, below and to the outside of the eye socket, the inner side resting against the face of the wearer, a strap section formed as an extension of the padded mask section extending from each side of the a mask section around the back of the head of a wearer, the strap formed as a closed loop, a pair of mesh guards that clip into and close the open eye sections shown to the front of the padded mask section.

The sports face guard 1 has a padded mask section 2 that generally has a shape of a domino mask, covering those parts of the face that immediately surround the eye sockets of a wearer. This shape is suitable for providing padding in vulnerable areas around the eyes of a user, and is also unobtrusive so that it does not have to extend large distances from the face of a user and does not get in the way during participation in sports (it does not have to extend far to provide suitable protection, and there are no protruding parts that can catch in clothing or equipment during play).

The mask section 2 has a pair of eye sections 3 or open front sections that are directly in front of the eyes of a wearer when wearing the sport face guard 1 so that the users view is unobstructed and they can play their sport. Each of the open front sections 3 has an internal perimeter that generally follows the perimeter of a wearers eye sockets. Although in this embodiment, a pair of open front eye sections 3 are described, the padded mask section 2 could have a single opening or slot across the front.

The padded mask section 2 is formed from cloth-covered foam padding with an inner side that rests against the face of a user over substantially the entire surface area of the padded mask section, the inner surface of the mask section 2 pressed against and conforming to the face of a wearer.

The padding has a depth so that it extends a short distance from the face of a wearer -substantially between around 5 -10mm. This depth of padding is sufficient to provide a good degree of protection, but so that a wearer's vision is not impeded. If required, the padding around the eye can be angled outwards (so that a funnel shape into the eye is formed) to help prevent the vision of a wearer being impeded and to improve comfort.

The inner surface of the mask is optionally covered in or formed from a moisture wicking fabric on at least a portion of the inner surface of the padded mask section.

This helps to wick and direct moisture such as sweat away from the face of a wearer during use.

Referring to Figure 3, the strap is shows comprised of two sections, extending rearwardly one from each side of the padded mask section and configured for mutual connection at their free ends via a hook and loop fastener.

The mask section 2 is configured so that when the sports face guard 1 is worn with the inner side of the mask section positioned against the face of the wearer and a wearer looking through the eye sections 3. The padding that forms part of the mask section 2 covers those parts of the face that immediately surround the eye sockets of a wearer; that is the brow (from the outside, and above and across the top of the eyes of a wearer); and the cheekbones of a user directly below and to the outside of the eye socket.

The padding extends to the upper sides of the nose of a wearer and across the bridge of the nose to provide protection for the upper sides and bridge of the nose.

The depth of the padding helps to ensure that balls or other objects are kept away from the eyes of a user. Most balls have a diameter insufficient to allow them to pass through the eye section or sections 3 to contact the eye. Padding also assists with protecting a user from strikes or knocks from other players or equipment in vulnerable areas around the eyes when playing sports. The open front section allows unobstructed vision during play.

The padded mask section 2 is held in position on the face of a wearer by a strap portion 4 that extends from each side of the mask section 2 rearwardly around the back of the head of a wearer, to hold the sports face guard 1 securely in position. In this embodiment, the strap 4 is formed as an extension of the padded mask section, from the same material.

This helps to simplify construction of the sports face guard and allows the strap to be used to provide extra padding for the front, sides and rear of the head of a wearer for additional protection. In the embodiment shown in figures 1 and 2, the strap 4a is a closed loop that extends from one side of the mask section 2 to the other with no opening. However, in a variation, as shown in figure 3, the strap 4b comprises two sections, extending rearwardly one from each side of the padded mask section. The free ends overlap and further comprise a hook and ioop fastener, one part on each of the ends, to releasably connect the ends. These fasteners enable adjustment of the length of the strap 4b to accommodate the different sized heads of different users.

The strap 4 is shaped so that as it passes along the side of the head of a wearer, it extends over and covers at least the top part of a weareis ears. This provides additional protection for vulnerable areas when playing contact sports. The strap 4 has a gel pad 5 within the strap that extends across the top of the ear of a wearer adjacent to the ear. These gel pads help to provide additional cushioning against impacts. Further gel pad portions 6 are provided embedded within the padded mask section 2 outwardly adjacent to the brow of a user. These help to provide cushioning against impacts to the front-side of the face of a wearer.

Although the shape and depth of the padding around the eyes of a user helps to prevent most direct impacts against the eye of a user, in some circumstances further protection may be required.

Figure 5 shows a pair of mesh guards 7 fit within the open front sections 3 in front of each eye, clipping into the padded mask section 2.

Interlacing of the mesh is formed so that the user has a substantially unobstructed view through the mesh, and so that fingers cannot pass between the mesh elements.

The principle is similar to that used for a fencing mask. The mesh guards 7 help to prevent contact with the wearer's eyes from other players or game implements when playing sports.

Referring to Figure 6 there is shown a side view the face guard in which the face guard includes a sweat outlet and vent 57 that enable sweat to be drained away from the face and air to circulate around the eye for improved comfort.

The sweat outlet and vent 57 is an aperture that passes through the face guard so as to enable through flow or sweat andlor air.

The face guard includes two gel inserts 56 on each side of the face guard for added protection to the ears and temple.

Figure 7 shows a rear plan view of the face guard of Figure 6. The rear plan view shows a pair of sweat drainage channels 62A, 62B that allow sweat to collect and be directed away from the eyes to the sweat drainage vent 57. In this way sweat is prevented from dripping into the eyes that may cause discomfort and restrict visibility.

Three additional vents 57A are position on a lower portion of the padded mask section corresponding to each eye so as to allow sweat from around the eyes to drain downwards and away from the eye region through the additional vents 57A.

Figure 8 shows a side view of a section of the face guard shown in Figure 6. Figure 8 shows a cross section of the sweat channels 62A, 62B. The sweat channels are shaped so as to encourage sweat to enter the channels 62A, 62B. The channels 62A, 62B have a sloping lower surface so as to allow sweat to readily drip into the channels 62A, 62B. Once in the channels 62A, 62B the sweat travels to the drainage vents 57.

The portion of the face guard including the sweat channels 62A, 62B is formed from an absorbent cellular layer, such as memory foam. In this way the face guard fits comfortably to the users face. The drainage channels are defined in the cellular layer.

In inner face of the face guard also includes a wicking layer 58 to assist with wicking sweat away from a wearer's skin.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

It will also be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A face guard, comprising: a padded mask section having at least one open front section and an inner side, in which the mask section is arranged in use such that the inner side of the mask section is positioned against the face of the wearer, the at least one open front section is aligned with the eyes of the wearer, and the padded mask section covers and extends from at least part of the brow and cheekbone of a wearer such that the padded mask section covers and extends from directly above, below and to the outside of the eye sockets; and a strap having at least one padded portion, configured to extend rearward from the sides of the padded mask section around the head of a user to hold the face guard securely in position and shaped to extend over and cover at least a portion of the ears of a user.
2. A face guard as claimed in claim 1 further comprising at least one mesh guard, the mesh guard and padded mask section being mutually configured so that the at least one mesh guard attaches to the mask section to close the at least one open front section.
3. A face guard as claimed in claim 2 wherein the interlacing of the mesh in the mesh guard is formed so that the aperture of the mesh is smaller than the width of a human finger.
4. A face guard as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the at least one mesh guard clips into slots in the padded mask section.
5. A face guard as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least one padded portion within the strap comprises a gel pad adjacent to the ears of a user.
6. A face guard as claimed in claim 1 wherein the strap is at least partly flexible and resilient.
7. A face guard as claimed in claim 1 or claim 6 wherein the strap comprises two sections, extending rearwardly one from each side of the padded mask section and configured for mutual connection at their free ends.
8. A face guard as claimed in claim 7 wherein the free ends overlap and further comprise a hook and loop fastener configured to releasably connect the ends.
9. A sports face guard as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8 wherein the strap is formed as an extension of the padded mask section.
10. A face guard as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising gel pad portions within the padded mask section outwardly adjacent to the brow of a user.
11. A face guard as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a moisture wicking fabric on at least a portion of the inner surface of the padded mask section.
12. A face guard as claimed in any preceding claim wherein at least the padded mask section comprises fabric covered foam padding.
13. A face guard as claimed in claim 12 wherein the foam is shaped to angle outwards from the eyes of a wearer around the perimeter or perimeters of the at least one open front section.
14. A face guard according to any preceding claim including at least oneinflatable insert.
15. A face guard according to any preceding claim including at least one sweat drainage channel.
16. A face guard according to any preceding claim including at least one vent.
17. A face guard as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the padded mask section has substantially the shape of a domino mask.
18. A face guard substantially as described herein with reference to the figures.