U.S. patent application number 11/745990 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-22 for rigid mask for skiing and snowboarding.
Invention is credited to Brian Hullinger Probst.
Application Number | 20070266483 11/745990 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38710588 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070266483 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Probst; Brian Hullinger |
November 22, 2007 |
Rigid Mask for Skiing and Snowboarding
Abstract
A facemask for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports
integrates with traditional goggles by use of a temple-trough
system that secures the goggle headband and places the goggle
headband on top the facemask headband. Diffusing foam
circumscribing voids at the cheek areas provides even ventilation
and prevents over chilling of the cheeks. Foam at the perimeter of
the mask and at the nose bridge area keep the mask off the user's
mouth and nose tip. The design at the jaw region allows movement of
the head and the use of a jacket collar or scarf. In an alternative
embodiment, a bridge-flare system at the nose area allows the mask
to conform to a wide variety of nose sizes and shapes.
Inventors: |
Probst; Brian Hullinger;
(Provo, UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STEVEN A. NIELSEN;ALLMAN & NIELSEN, P.C
100 Larkspur Landing Circle, Suite 212
LARKSPUR
CA
94939
US
|
Family ID: |
38710588 |
Appl. No.: |
11/745990 |
Filed: |
May 8, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60798394 |
May 8, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/424 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 13/11 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/424 |
International
Class: |
A42B 1/08 20060101
A42B001/08 |
Claims
1. A facemask for winter wear comprising: a) a semi-rigid face
covering fitting over the forehead, encircling the eyes, covering
the nose and mouth area with openings at the nose, mouth, and cheek
areas; b) diffusing foam placed on the user side of the face
covering and circumscribing the openings of the cheek areas; c) a
temple-trough structure on either side of the face covering with
each temple-trough structure having a valley section and two outer
wall sections; and d) an elastic head band attached to either side
of the face covering and attached adjacent to either temple-trough
structure.
2. The facemask of claim 1 with foam attached to the nose bridge
area so as to suspend the nose portion of the mask off of the tip
of the nose.
3. The facemask of claim 2 with foam attached to the perimeter of
the mask to create a gap between the mask and the user's face.
4. The facemask of claim 3 with flexibility at the temple-trough
structure area so as to allow the mask to flex and accommodate
different head sizes.
5. The facemask of claim 4 with a bridge -flare configuration at
the nose area to accommodate various sizes of nose bridges.
6. The facemask of claim 5 wherein the chin section of the mask
stops short of covering the neck of the user.
7. A method of using goggles with a facemask comprising: a)
attaching a facemask, such as the facemask of claim 1 to the head
of the user by use of a flexible headband, wherein the headband is
adjacent to a temple-trough structure on either side of the
facemask; b) placing goggles over the eyes of the user and
attaching the flexible headband of the goggles through the
temple-trough structure and over the headband of the facemask.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein the area of the temple-trough
structure on either side of the mask is flexed so as to accommodate
the head size of the user.
9. The method of claim 8 using foam to create and maintain a gap
between the user's face and the mask.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present invention claims the benefit of U.S. provisional
patent application No. 60/798,394 entitled "Rigid Snowboard/Ski
Mask" filed on or about May 8, 2006, the contents of which are
herein specifically incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] (1) Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates generally to face masks suitable for
winter sports such as snowboarding and skiing. More particularly,
the invention relates to face masks with means of allowing the use
of conventional goggles.
[0004] (2) Description of the Related Art
[0005] Several attempts to provide useful winter face masks are
known in the related art. However, the related art fails to provide
the advantages of the present invention. In the related art there
are very few ski masks available for snowboarders and alpine
skiers. Such masks include the Balaclava mask, Tri Hole mask,
Neoprene and Floprene Face masks. The Balaclava and Tri Hole ski
masks are traditional masks made of a knit material and are pulled
completely over the head. These masks are neither waterproof nor
windproof. They also fit tightly against the skin causing
discomfort when perspiring.
[0006] Neoprene and Floprene masks are wind proof and waterproof to
an extent, however, the user encounters the same discomfort as the
Balaclava and Tri Hole when using these masks. Neoprene and
Floprene fit tightly against the skin causing perspiration to be
trapped against the skin unable to evaporate. Thus, there is a need
in the art for a new mask that protects the user's face, but
provides ample ventilation.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention overcomes shortfalls in the related
art by providing means and methods of protecting a user's face from
the elements while concurrently providing adequate airflow and
comfort to the user. Unlike the related art, the structure of the
disclosed mask is designed to suspend the lower portion of the mask
off of the user's face and nostril area. The unique design provides
airflow, breathing room, and mobility at the nose and mouth. The
unique configuration of suspending the mask at the nose bridge and
cheekbone areas creates a "face gap" and keeps the body of the mask
from contacting the sensitive skin areas of the user. The face gap
and configuration of small openings at the mouth and high cheek
areas provide airflow to prevent the generation of perspiration and
skin irritation. The disclosed defusing foam placed around the
circumference of the vent openings of the mask prevents undue
chilling of the user's face and contributes to uniform airflow
within the mask.
[0008] The mask is secured upon the user's face by a flexible band
or headband that wraps around the back of the head similar to the
method used to secure conventional ski goggles. The disclosed mask
covers the facial portion of a user while leaving an opening in the
eye area to allow the use of conventional goggles. When worn in
conjunction with ski goggles, the disclosed mask completely blocks
out wind, snow, sun and other natural elements.
[0009] The invention provides a unique temple-trough system that
integrates the strap of the goggles with the disclosed mask. The
disclosed temple-trough system minimizes the head area of the user
covered by straps. The headband or strap of the goggle overlaps the
headband or strap of the facemask. A valley and two walls secure
the goggle strap over the facemask strap.
[0010] These and other objects and advantages will be made apparent
when considering the following detailed specification when taken in
conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 perspective view of the ski mask of the present
invention secured on a human head.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mask of the present
invention secured on a human head with goggles placed over the top
of the mask.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the mask of the present
invention with goggles secured by the temple-trough system of the
present invention.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a side view of the mask, with the disclosed mask
being transparent to show the disclosed design and placement of
foam around the temple and chin regions.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a side view of the disclosed mask with arrows
drawn to indicate the location and direction of airflow entering
the mask.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a top view of the disclosed mask with
bi-directional arrows drawn to show adjustment directions and
adjustment areas that allow the mask to be adjusted for different
sized users.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
the invention sometimes called the "bridge-flare" system that
allows the mask to fit a multitude of different users.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a back or inside view of the disclosed mask
illustrating the disclosed defusing foam placed around the
circumference of the vent openings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] In the following description, for purposes of explanation,
numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a
thorough understanding of the invention. It will be apparent,
however, to one skilled in the art that the invention can be
practiced without these specific details.
[0020] The reference in the specification to "one embodiment" or
"an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The
appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in
the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment nor are separate alternative embodiments mutually
exclusive of other embodiments.
[0021] In the following detailed description of embodiments of the
invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which
like references indicate similar elements, and in which is shown by
way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may
be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail
to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and
it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and
that logical, mechanical, electrical, functional, and other changes
may be made without departing from the scope of the present
invention. The flowing detailed description is, therefore, not to
be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present
invention is defined only by the appended claims.
[0022] The description, which follows, and the embodiments
described therein, are provided by way of illustration of an
example, or examples of particular embodiments of the principles of
the present invention. These examples are provided for the purposes
of explanation, and not of limitation, of those principles of the
invention. In the description, which follows, like parts are marked
throughout the specification and the drawings with the same
respective reference numerals. The drawings are not necessarily to
scale and in some instances, proportions may have been exaggerated
in order to more clearly depict certain features of the
invention.
[0023] The disclosed mask may be comprised of three main pieces or
sections, the mask generally 100, the band 103, and the underlying
foam padding 401 and 402. The mask has a visor section 101, around
the eyes, which allows the individual wearing the mask to see. This
visor section 101 is removed far enough from the eyes as to not
impede the wearer's peripheral vision. Above the visor section 101
is a portion of the mask that fits securely to the forehead 102,
Furthermore, the mask has an opening 106 for the nose.
[0024] The mouth portion of the mask has vents 107 to allow airflow
for breathing, speaking and other mouth functions. The vents are
also used to help facilitate the evaporation of moisture as air
moves 501 through the vents and into the mask. Vents holes 104 are
placed on the cheek portion of the mask as to allow air to flow
into the mask. This air 502 enters the mask chamber and helps
evaporate moisture caused by condensation or the user's
perspiration.
[0025] The mask 100 may include the "temple-trough design" shown
generally in FIG. 3 at 301 that allows conventional ski goggles 201
to be placed directly on top of the mask. The elastic band 203 of
the ski goggles is place directly on top of the mask's elastic band
302. The mask has a temple-trough design 301 that securely holds
the ski goggle straps 203 in place. Referring to FIG. 7, the
temple-trough design 301 is comprised of two elements: first the
trough or valley section 304, and the two walls 305 on either
side.
[0026] The perimeter of the visor 101 is of made thin so as to
taper into the forehead 102, cheek 109, and temples 108, of the
user. This design fits tight to the face to enable the user to wear
ski goggles over the top of the mask without compromising the
user's peripheral vision.
[0027] The inside of the mask may have foam, much like the foam
used in conventional ski goggles to suspend mask off and away from
the face around the lower cheek 405, mouth 404, and tip of nose 403
regions. These cavities allow air to flow throughout the mask
chamber enabling evaporation of moisture caused by condensation or
the user's perspiration. Foam around the bridge region 401, and jaw
and chin region 402 suspends mask off the face.
[0028] In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 7, the bridge of
the nose 730 is comprised of a fit-structure that is designed to
fit any type, size or shape nose. The design is comprised slits 720
that run vertically along side the nose. The slits can fan out or
retract in to accommodate different size and shape nose
bridges.
[0029] The mask may have mouth foam 801, cheek foam 802, and nose
foam 803 placed behind the mouth 107, cheek 104 vents and nose hole
106 that defuse air as it enters the mask cavity. This air helps
evaporate moisture caused by condensation or the user's
perspiration. The jaw 105 portion of the mask is cut so as to allow
movement of the head from side to side and left and right without
running into or getting in the way of a collar on a jacket.
[0030] The mask 100 is constructed of a plastic material that is
both rigid and flexible, much like that of modern conventional ski
goggles. The flexibility of this material allows the mask to
conform to faces of various shapes by flexing 601 at either side.
The mask is secured to the face and head by an adjustable elastic
band 103 that wraps around the back of a head much like that of a
conventional ski goggle.
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