U.S. patent application number 11/888816 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-05 for protective face guard with transparent shield.
Invention is credited to Kevin Bowman, Lester Broersma, Dan Cullinane, Travis Gessley, Brian Hoying.
Application Number | 20090031484 11/888816 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40304876 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090031484 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Broersma; Lester ; et
al. |
February 5, 2009 |
Protective face guard with transparent shield
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.
Inventors: |
Broersma; Lester; (San
Diego, CA) ; Hoying; Brian; (St. Louis, MO) ;
Bowman; Kevin; (Hermann, MO) ; Gessley; Travis;
(St. Peters, MO) ; Cullinane; Dan; (Maryland
Heights, MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STINSON MORRISON HECKER LLP;ATTN: PATENT GROUP
1201 WALNUT STREET, SUITE 2800
KANSAS CITY
MO
64106-2150
US
|
Family ID: |
40304876 |
Appl. No.: |
11/888816 |
Filed: |
August 2, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/424 ; 2/410;
2/425; 2/9 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/424 ; 2/410;
2/425; 2/9 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/10 20060101
A63B071/10; A41D 13/00 20060101 A41D013/00; A42B 3/00 20060101
A42B003/00 |
Claims
1. A sports helmet comprising: a rigid shell configured to cover a
portion of the head of a wearer, wherein said shell defines a face
opening; a face guard secured to said rigid shell configured to
cover at least a portion of said face opening, said face guard
comprising a shield having a substantially transparent region
configured to fully cover an unobstructed viewing area within said
face opening, the unobstructed viewing area having a vertical
dimension generally greater than about 44 mm, wherein portions of
an outer periphery of said shield are engaged with supports.
2. A sports helmet in accordance with claim 1, wherein said face
guard additionally comprises a lower face cage secured to said
rigid shell and configured to cover a lower portion of said face
opening below the unobstructed viewing area.
3. A sports helmet in accordance with claim 1 or 2, wherein said
supports are selected from the group consisting of: corresponding
portions of the rigid shell, intermediate supports secured to and
extending from the rigid shell, corresponding portions of the lower
face cage, and combinations thereof.
4. A sports helmet in accordance with claim 1, wherein top, side,
and bottom portions of an outer periphery of said shield are
positioned in overlapping relationship with corresponding portions
of said protective helmet adjacent said face opening.
5. A sports helmet in accordance with claim 2, wherein said bottom
portion of an outer periphery of said shield is positioned in
overlapping relationship with an upper portion of said lower face
cage.
6. A sports helmet in accordance with claim 1, wherein said helmet
additionally comprises cushioning provided between at least some of
said top, side, and bottom portions of said outer periphery of said
shield and said supports.
7. A sports helmet in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
substantially transparent region is formed by a substantially
transparent material that will withstand the impact of a ball.
8. A sports helmet in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
substantially transparent region is formed by a polycarbonate
material.
9. A sports helmet in accordance with claim 7, wherein said
substantially transparent region is formed by a material that is
clear.
10. A sports helmet in accordance with claim 7, wherein said
substantially transparent region is formed by a material that
tinted.
11. A sports helmet in accordance with claim 7, wherein said
substantially transparent region is formed by a polycarbonate
material.
12. A sports helmet in accordance with claim 1 or 2, wherein said
sports helmet comprises a catcher's helmet.
13. A sports helmet in accordance with claim 2, wherein said sports
helmet comprises a batter's helmet.
14. A sports helmet in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
unobstructed viewing area has a vertical dimension greater than
about 60 mm.
15. A sports helmet in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
unobstructed viewing area extends horizontally a distance beyond
the outer edge of each eye of the wearer and extends vertically a
distance at least as great as 44 mm.
16. A sports helmet in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
unobstructed viewing area extends horizontally a distance beyond
the outer edge of each eye of the wearer and extends vertically a
distance at least as great as 60 mm.
17. A sports helmet in accordance with claim 1 or 2, wherein said
unobstructed viewing area has a width or horizontal length ranging
from about 125 to 250 mm and a height or vertical length ranging
from about 45 to 150 mm.
18. A sports helmet in accordance with claim 1 or 2, wherein said
unobstructed viewing area has a width or horizontal length ranging
from about 170 to 240 mm and a height or vertical length ranging
from about 55 to 125 mm.
19. A sports helmet in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
unobstructed viewing area has a width or horizontal length ranging
from about 125 to 225 mm and a height or vertical length ranging
from about 45 to 250 mm.
20. A sports helmet in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
unobstructed viewing area has a width or horizontal length ranging
from about 170 to 215 mm and a height or vertical length ranging
from about 55 to 185 mm.
21. A sports helmet in accordance with claim 2, wherein said lower
cage is formed of tubular metal.
22. A sports helmet in accordance with claim 2, wherein said lower
cage is formed of a hard polymeric mask having vent holes.
23. A catcher's helmet, said catcher's helmet comprising a rigid
shell configured to cover a portion of the head of a wearer,
wherein said shell defines a face opening; and a face guard secured
to said rigid shell configured to cover at least a portion of said
face opening, said face guard having a substantially transparent
region formed of a material that will withstand the impact of a
ball and having a width or horizontal length ranging from about 125
to 225 mm and a height or vertical length ranging from about 55 to
185 mm, wherein top, side and bottom portions of an outer periphery
of said shield are engaged with corresponding portions of the rigid
shell.
24. A catcher's helmet in accordance with claim 23, wherein said
helmet additionally comprises cushioning provided between at least
some of said top, side, and bottom portions of said outer periphery
of said shield and said rigid shell.
25. A catcher's helmet in accordance with claim 23, wherein said
substantially transparent region is formed by a polycarbonate
material.
26. A catcher's helmet in accordance with claim 23, wherein said
substantially transparent region has a width or horizontal length
ranging from about 170 to 215 mm and a height or vertical length
ranging from about 80 to 155 mm.
27. A sports helmet, said helmet comprising a rigid shell
configured to cover the head of a wearer, wherein said shell
defines a face opening; a substantially transparent shield
configured to cover an unobstructed viewing area within said face
opening, the unobstructed viewing area having a vertical dimension
generally greater than about 44 mm; a lower face cage secured to
said rigid shell and configured to cover a lower portion of said
face opening below the unobstructed viewing area.
28. A sports helmet in accordance with claim 27, wherein said
substantially transparent region is formed by a substantially
transparent material that will withstand the impact of a ball.
29. A sports helmet in accordance with claim 27, wherein said
substantially transparent region is formed by a polycarbonate
material.
30. A sports helmet in accordance with claim 27, wherein said
sports helmet comprises a catcher's helmet.
31. A sports helmet in accordance with claim 27, wherein said
sports helmet comprises a batter's helmet.
32. A sports helmet in accordance with claim 27, wherein said
unobstructed viewing area has a vertical dimension generally
greater than about 60 mm.
33. A sports helmet in accordance with claim 27, wherein said
unobstructed viewing area has a width or horizontal length ranging
from about 125 to 250 mm and a height or vertical length ranging
from about 45 to 150 mm.
34. A sports helmet in accordance with claim 27, wherein said
unobstructed viewing area has a width or horizontal length ranging
from about 170 to 240 mm and a height or vertical length ranging
from about 55 to 125 mm.
35. A sports helmet in accordance with claim 27, wherein said lower
cage is formed of tubular metal.
36. A sports helmet in accordance with claim 27, wherein said lower
cage is formed of a hard polymeric mask having vent holes.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates to protective gear for sports,
and is more particularly directed to a face guard having a
transparent shield configured to extend over an unobstructed
viewing area. The face guard is particularly adapted for use with a
baseball or softball catcher's mask or batting helmet.
[0005] 2. Description of Related Art
[0006] Protective helmets and face guards are commonly used by
players in various sports, and are often required in league play
and professional sports such as baseball, softball, and hockey. In
baseball and softball for example, batters and catchers are
required to wear protective headgear to protect their heads, with
the catcher's headgear additionally required to have a face guard
typically referred to as a catcher's mask. These face guards are
required to protect the wearer against being hit in the face with a
ball.
[0007] Conventional catcher's masks include a padded frame that
surrounds the catcher's face, with a single-piece metal face cage
attached to the front of the frame to cover and protect the
catcher's face. The padded frame is attached to a helmet or straps
which secures the frame to the catcher's head. More recently, it
has been known to securely affix metal face cages directly to the
helmet alone and/or combined with a high strength polymer lower
mask to the helmet to serve as a face guard.
[0008] The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic
Equipment (NOCSAE) has established various standard performance
specifications that must be met by batter's and catcher's helmets
including specifications for helmets with face guards. Under these
specifications, the face guards are required to protect against any
contact in the ocular area and limited specified contact on other
portions of the face. See NOCSAE (ND)072-04m05a and (ND)024-03m05.
In order to comply with these specifications, the largest opening
in the face guard for baseball play is typically no greater than
about 44 mm and the largest opening in the face guard for softball
play is typically no greater than about 60 mm in order to protect
against any portion of the ball passing through the opening.
[0009] While these various face guards provide protection to the
wearer, portions of the face guard positioned in the line of sight
of the wearer can create an obstruction to clear viewing. Thus,
there remains a need in the art for a protective face guard that
provides adequate protection to the wearer, but does not obstruct
the view of the wearer.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention is directed to 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 has a height or vertical length greater than about 44
mm for baseball play and greater 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. Thus, the wearer
has a better viewing area and remains protected.
[0011] In one embodiment, a two-piece face guard comprising an
upper transparent shield and a lower cage is secured to a
protective helmet. The helmet includes a rigid shell configured to
fit over a portion of a wearer's head, with top, rear, and side
portions to protect the top, rear, and sides of a wearer's head.
The top and side portions of the rigid shell define an opening in
the area of the wearer's eyes and upper face. This opening presents
an unobstructed viewing area extending horizontally a distance
beyond the outer edge of each eye and extending vertically a
distance greater than 44 mm for baseball play, and greater than
about 60 mm for softball, so as to provide a clear line of sight.
In a most preferred embodiment, the unobstructed viewing area has a
width or horizontal length (measured along a straight horizontal
axis at the vertical mid-point of the viewing area) ranging from
125 to 250 mm, preferably 170 to 240 mm. The unobstructed viewing
area has a height or vertical length (measured along a straight
vertical axis at the center front of the viewing area) ranging from
about 45 to 150 mm, preferably 55 to 125 mm, and most preferably 65
to 100 mm. The upper transparent shield of the face guard is
configured to fit over and cover the unobstructed viewing area.
[0012] The lower cage is configured to fit over and cover a lower
portion of the wearer's face and mouth below the unobstructed
viewing area. The lower cage is not required to be transparent and
may be formed of any material suitable for protecting the wearer
while permitting proper ventilation in the area of the lower nose
and/or mouth. In a preferred embodiment, the lower cage is formed
of tubular metal or a hard polymeric mask having vent holes.
[0013] At least a portion of the outer periphery of the upper
transparent shield is engaged with a support. Preferably, top,
side, and/or bottom portions of the outer periphery are secured in
overlapping contact with corresponding portions of the rigid shell
and lower cage. Alternatively, top and/or side portions of the
outer periphery of the transparent shield are secured to
intermediate supports such as metal bars or brackets that are
likewise secured to the rigid shell. Rubber pads or other
cushioning may be provided between the shield and the support to
further reduce stresses on the shield at impact. In this manner,
the shell, lower cage or intermediate support provide support to
the shield to minimize flex upon impact.
[0014] In an alternative embodiment, a one-piece face guard is
specifically adapted for use on a catcher's helmet, wherein the
entirety of the face guard is made of a transparent shield. The
catcher's helmet comprises a rigid shell configured to fit over a
portion of a wearer's head, with top, rear, and side portions to
protect the top, rear, and sides of the wearer's head. The sides
extend downward from the top and wrap around to meet in the lower
center front of the helmet to cover the lower face, chin, and/or
neck of the wearer. The top and side portions of the rigid shell
define an enclosed opening that presents an unobstructed viewing
area extending horizontally a distance beyond the outer edge of
each eye and extending vertically a distance from above and below
the eyes to provide a clear line of sight. In a most preferred
embodiment, the opening has a width or horizontal length (measured
along a straight horizontal axis at the vertical mid-point of the
viewing area) ranging from 125 to 225 mm, preferably 170 to 215 mm.
The opening has a height or vertical length (measured along a
straight vertical axis at the center front of the viewing area)
ranging from 45 to 250 mm, preferably 55 to 185 mm, and most
preferably 80-155.
[0015] In this embodiment, the transparent shield is configured to
fit over and cover the entirety of the opening. Top, side, and
bottom portions of the outer periphery of the shield are secured in
overlapping relationship with corresponding portions of the top and
side portions of the shell that serve as a support for the shield.
Alternatively, top, side, and/or bottom portions of the outer
periphery are secured to intermediate supports that are secured to
the shell for this purpose. Rubber pads or other cushioning may be
provided between the shield and the support to further reduce
stresses on the shield at impact. In this manner, the supports
serve to support the shield to reduce flex upon impact.
[0016] Additional aspects of the invention, together with the
advantages and novel features appurtenant thereto, will be set
forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will
become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the
following, or may be learned from the practice of the invention.
The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and
attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations
particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a catcher's helmet having a
two-piece face shield in accordance with a first embodiment of the
present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the catcher's helmet of FIG.
1.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a batter's helmet having a
two-piece face shield in accordance with a first embodiment of the
present invention.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a catcher's helmet with a
full transparent shield serving as a face guard in accordance with
a second embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0021] A protective sports helmet having a two part face shield
according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention
is depicted in FIGS. 1-3 and a full transparent shield face guard
according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention
is depicted in FIG. 4. While the invention will be described in
detail herein below with reference to these embodiments, it should
be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific
constructions or configurations shown in the exemplary embodiments.
Rather, one skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of
configurations may be implemented in accordance with the present
invention.
[0022] Looking to FIGS. 1 and 2, a protective catcher's helmet
having a two-piece face guard in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention is depicted generally by the
designation 10. Helmet 10 includes a rigid shell 12 defining a
cavity 14 configured to fit over a wearer's head, and further
defining a face opening 16 in the area of the wearer's face. Face
opening 16 is substantially covered by face shield 18 secured
(directly or indirectly) to rigid shell 12. Face shield 18
comprises a lower cage 20 and an upper transparent shield 22. Lower
cage 20 is secured to rigid shell 12 to cover a portion of the
wearer's lower face and mouth. Upper transparent shield 22 attaches
to rigid shell 12 to cover an unobstructed viewing area adjacent
the wearer's eyes and upper to mid-face. The top and upper side
peripheral edges of shield 22 are secured in overlapping contact
against a portion of rigid shell 12 adjacent opening 16. The bottom
and lower side peripheral edges of shield 22 overlap and rest
against corresponding portions of lower cage 20.
[0023] Rigid shell 12 comprises a front shell 28 configured to fit
around the front head, face, and neck of the wearer and a rear
shell 30 configured to protect the back of the head. Front shell 28
comprises a top portion 32 and side portions 34 extending downward
from each side of top portion 32 and wrap around to join at a lower
front center of the helmet to cover the wearer's chin and/or neck.
Top and side portions 32, 34 are preferably formed as a unitary
piece of material.
[0024] Rear shell 30 is attached to front shell 28 with elastic
straps (not shown) as is known in the art. The straps allow rear
shell 30 to be pulled slightly away from front shell 28 to allow
easily fitting the rigid shell over the wearer's head. Once in
place, the straps pull rear shell 30 snugly against the back of the
wearer's head to keep the protective helmet securely in place. The
straps may be secured via slots or other attachment means to the
front and rear shells 28, 30 as is well known in the art.
Ventilation openings 38 are formed through rigid shell 12 to allow
air flow to cool the wearer's head and also reduce the overall
weight of the protective helmet. The configuration and positioning
of openings 38 may vary as is known in the art.
[0025] Rigid shell 12 may be constructed of any sturdy material
capable of withstanding a strike from a baseball or bat.
Preferably, rigid shell 12 is constructed of a rigid plastic
material such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) or
Polycarbonate. Rigid shell 12 may be custom manufactured to
accommodate head sizes from extra small (63/8) to extra large
(71/2), or may be manufactured to an intermediate one-size-fits-all
configuration with various sizes of removable pads or straps
attached to the interior cavity side of rigid shell 12 to size the
protective helmet to a particular wearer. Rigid shell 12 may
include padding at locations along the interior cavity side to
provide a snug, comfortable fit to the wearer's head as is well
known in the art.
[0026] Looking still to FIG. 2, lower face cage 20 comprises an
upper bar 40 having a central portion extending in an outward arc
to generally conform to the shape of the lower front face and
opposite ends extending vertically upward a distance along the side
of the cage and secured to attachment plate 42. A lower u-shaped
bar 44 has upper ends secured to attachment plate 42 and extends
downward to generally conform with the shape of the chin.
Intermediate bars 46a, 46b, 46c extend generally horizontally in an
outward arc positioned at various distances between upper and lower
bars 40, 44. Opposite ends of intermediate bars are secured along
respective sides of lower bar 42. As best seen in FIG. 2, upper bar
40 and intermediate 46a preferably are affixed in side-by-side
relationship to provide added strength to the members. Vertical
struts 48a, 48b, 48c, 48d positioned at various distances extending
between the sides of lower bar 44 and are secured along the back of
bars 40, 42, and 46.
[0027] Bars 40, 44, 46 and vertical struts 48 are preferably
constructed from a rigid tubular metal such as steel, aluminum, or
titanium and, most preferably, from solid tubular steel. The bars
and vertical struts may be joined or affixed to each via welding,
soldering, gluing, or any other manner of adhesion known in the
art. In addition, the bars and struts may be coated with a plastic
or rubber coating to protect the metal members from the elements,
and to improve the appearance of the face guard.
[0028] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the lower cage may
be formed of a solid mask having vent holes to enable the user to
breathe easily. This mask may be formed of any polymeric material
having sufficient tensile strength, impact resistance, and other
properties to achieve a face cage that complies with applicable
performance requirements and is preferably formed of nylon or
polycarbonate materials.
[0029] Other materials and configurations for lower cage 20 will be
apparent to those skilled in the art, and are within the scope of
the present invention so long as the face guard 18 complies with
the applicable NOCSAE standard performance specifications.
[0030] As seen in FIG. 2, rigid shell 12 includes apertures 50 for
securing lower cage 20 to the rigid shell. Any type of fastener
such as clips, screws, or rivets may be utilized for this purpose
as is known in the art. Alternatively, the lower cage 20 may be
secured to rigid shell 12 using other means such as ultrasonic
welding or gluing.
[0031] Upper shield 22 comprises an inner transparent sheet 52
configured to fit over and cover an unobstructed viewing area
formed in face opening 16. An outer frame 56 extends around the
periphery of sheet 52 and is thicker than sheet 52 to provide
additional strength and rigidity to the sheet. The frame is
configured to overlap portions of the rigid shell 12 and is secured
thereto by rivets 58 presented along the upper top and sides of
frame 56 configured to extend through corresponding apertures 50 in
shell 12. It should be understood that other materials or fastening
methods for securing upper shield 22 will be apparent to those
skilled in the art, and are within the scope of the present
invention. Upper shield 22 is also configured to overlap and rest
upon lower cage 20 along the sides and lower front of the upper
shield. The support provided by the underlying portions of rigid
shell 12 and lower cage 20 provide support to the shield to
minimize flex upon impact. Rubber pads (not shown) or other
cushioning means may be provided between upper shield 22 and rigid
shell 12 and/or lower cage 20 respectively in order to further
reduce stresses on the shield upon impact with a ball.
[0032] It is anticipated that upper shield 22 could alternatively
be positioned such that the outer periphery of the shield engages
the interior side of rigid shell 12 and/or lower cage 20. In this
manner, the outer periphery of the shield would be positioned in
overlapping relationship behind the support supplied by the shell
and/or lower cage. It is also anticipated that portions of the
outer periphery of upper shield 12 may instead be secured to an
intermediate support such as metal bars, brackets or fasteners that
are likewise secured to the rigid shell 12 and/or lower cage 20 to
provide the necessary support to the shield and prevent excessive
flex upon impact.
[0033] The unobstructed viewing area covered by transparent sheet
52 allows wearers to have an unobstructed view from the protective
helmet along their entire horizontal viewing field, even in the
peripheral vision areas at the sides of their head. The
unobstructed viewing area covered by sheet 52 extends horizontally
a distance beyond the outer edge of each eye and extends vertically
a distance greater than about 44 mm for baseball play, and greater
than about 60 mm for softball play, so as to provide a clear line
of sight. In a most preferred embodiment, the unobstructed viewing
area has a width or horizontal length (measured along a straight
horizontal axis at the vertical mid-point of the viewing area)
ranging from 125 to 250 mm, preferably 170 to 240 mm. The
unobstructed viewing area has a height or vertical length (measured
along a straight vertical axis at the center front of the viewing
area) ranging from 45 to 150 mm, preferably 55 to 125 mm, and most
preferably 65 to 100 mm.
[0034] Sheet 52 is formed of a relatively transparent material,
such that the wearer can see through the sheet. Sheet 52 may be
clear or tinted. Preferably, sheet 52 and frame 56 are integrally
formed as a single piece of material wherein the frame has greater
thickness. The shield is preferably made of a strong polymeric
material that will not shatter or measurably deflect upon impact
with a ball. The shield may be made of a clear or tinted
polycarbonate material for this purpose. A polycarbonate material
well-suited to this purpose is available from BASF as Makrolon.TM.
PC No. 3103. Upper face shield 18 is preferably configured and made
from materials so as to comply with the performance requirements
set forth in the applicable NOCSAE specifications.
[0035] The upper transparent shield provides a strong protective
guard, while also providing an unobstructed viewing area for the
wearer. The lower face cage provides strong protection to the
wearer, while still allowing ventilation and breathability. Thus,
the protective sports helmet having a two-piece face shield of the
present invention provides improved comfort and viewability to the
wearer without sacrificing safety.
[0036] Looking to FIG. 3, a batter's helmet having a two-part face
guard in accordance with the first embodiment of the present
invention is generally denoted as 110. This embodiment is the same
as the first embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 1
and 2, except that the rigid shell 112 is configured as a batter's
helmet rather than a catcher's helmet. The face guard 118 is
similarly configured differently to correspond with the shape of a
batter's helmet. Thus, helmet 110 includes a rigid shell 112
configured to cover the top, sides and back of the head and
defining a face opening in the area of the wearer's face. The face
opening is substantially covered by face guard 118 secured
(directly or indirectly) to rigid shell 112. Face guard 118
comprises a lower cage 120 and an upper transparent shield 122.
Lower cage 120 is similar in construction to lower cage 20
described with respect to the first embodiment except the cage is
not elongated and is secured to the interior of the rigid shell.
Upper transparent shield 122 has a slightly different shape, but
the materials and dimensions are the same as described with respect
to the first embodiment.
[0037] Looking to FIG. 4, a catcher's helmet having a full
transparent face guard in accordance with a second embodiment of
the present invention is denoted as numeral 210. In this
embodiment, the rigid shell 212 is the same as rigid shell 12
described with respect to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and
2. Face guard 218 is different in that it comprises a single
transparent shield that attaches to rigid shell to cover the
entirety of the face opening 16 (See FIG. 2) defined by the rigid
shell. The top, side and bottom peripheral edges of shield 218 are
secured in overlapping contact against a portion of rigid shell 212
adjacent opening 16. The support provided by the underlying
portions of rigid shell 212 provide support to the shield to
minimize flex upon impact. As described above, the shield could
alternatively be positioned such that all or portions of the
peripheral edges of shield 218 extend along the interior of, and in
overlapping relationship with, corresponding portions of rigid
shell 212. In another alternative, portion of the peripheral edges
may instead be secured to an intermediate support such as metal
bars, brackets or fasteners which are secured to corresponding
portions of rigid shell 212. Rubber pads (not shown) or other
cushioning means may be provided between guard 218 and rigid shell
212 in order to further reduce stresses on the shield upon impact
with a ball.
[0038] Guard 218 comprises an inner transparent sheet 252
configured to fit over and cover the face opening 16. An outer
frame 256 extends around the periphery of sheet 252 and is thicker
than sheet 252 to provide additional strength and rigidity to the
sheet. Sheet 252 is formed of a relatively transparent material,
such that the wearer can see through the sheet. Sheet 252 may be
clear or tinted. Preferably, sheet 252 and frame 256 are integrally
formed as a single piece of material wherein the frame has greater
thickness. The shield is preferably made of a strong polymeric
material that will not shatter or measurably deflect upon impact
with a ball. The shield may be made of a clear or tinted
polycarbonate material for this purpose. A polycarbonate material
well-suited to this purpose is available from BASF as Makrolon.TM.
PC No. 232103.
[0039] Top, side, and bottom portions of frame 256 are configured
to overlap corresponding portions of rigid shell 212. Shield 218 is
secured to the rigid shell via rivets 258 extending along the top
and upper sides of the shield into corresponding apertures 50 (See
FIG. 2) in the shell 212. It should be understood that other
materials or fastening methods for guard 218 will be apparent to
those skilled in the art, and are within the scope of the present
invention. Guard 218 is otherwise configured and made from
materials so as to comply with the applicable NOCSAE
specifications.
[0040] The opening covered by sheet 252 extends horizontally a
distance beyond the outer edge of each eye and extends vertically a
distance greater than 44 mm for baseball play, and greater than 60
mm for softball play, so as to provide a clear line of sight. In a
most preferred embodiment, the opening has a width or horizontal
length (measured along a straight horizontal axis at the vertical
mid-point of the viewing area) ranging from 125 to 225 mm,
preferably 170 to 215 mm. The opening has a height or vertical
length (measured along a straight vertical axis at the center front
of the viewing area) ranging from 45 to 250 mm, preferably 55 to
185 mm, and most preferably 80 to 155 mm.
[0041] From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is
one well adapted to attain all ends and objectives herein above set
forth, together with the other advantages which are obvious and
which are inherent to the invention.
[0042] Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention
without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood
that all matters herein set forth or shown in the accompanying
drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative, and not in a
limiting sense.
[0043] While specific embodiments have been shown and discussed,
various modifications may of course be made, and the invention is
not limited to the specific forms or arrangement of parts and steps
described herein, except insofar as such limitations are included
in the following claims. Further, it will be understood that
certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be
employed without reference to other features and subcombinations.
This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.
* * * * *