Face Guard Frame, System And Method

Abstract

A face guard frame having a forehead support extending laterally across a forehead of a wearer during use, a connection point on the forehead support, side supports extending downwardly from the forehead support and extending about a face of a wearer during use, an upper crossbar, a lower crossbar, at least one blocking bar, and a chin plate. The upper crossbar may extend from a first side support to a second side support thereby forming a viewing region with the forehead support. The lower crossbar may extend from the first side support towards a chin area of a wearer during use of the face guard and to the second side support. The blocking bar may extend from the upper crossbar to the lower crossbar and the chin plate may be centrally located on an interior portion of the lower crossbar.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 12/977,857, filed Dec. 23, 2010, which itself claims priority to provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/340,381, filed Mar. 17, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference hereinto.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to face masks used in various sports to prevent injury, and more particularly, to a safety mask operable for use in baseball or softball by an infielder, outfielder or other defensive player.

BACKGROUND

[0003] The sports of baseball and softball have evolved over time so as to address safety issues. For instance, helmets and face guards (also referred to as face masks) have undergone various changes throughout the years so as to provide greater safety for and reduce injury to a wearer.

[0004] Certain of these changes may affect the performance of a wearer. For example, the size, shape, and weight of face guards could potentially affect a wearer's performance in baseball and/or softball. For instance, if the size of the face guard is too large or too small, slippage of the face guard may result, thereby comprising the wearer's performance and possibly subjecting the wearer to injury. Further, the shape of the face guard may fully or partially obstruct a wearer's view, thereby comprising the wearer's performance. Finally, the weight of the face guard may affect the wearer's performance as added weight on a wearer's body may slow his/her speed.

[0005] Further, under certain circumstances, individuals may desire to share a face guard. In such circumstances, versatility in size and fit of a face guard may be desired.

SUMMARY

[0006] In accordance with the teaching disclosed herein, embodiments related to a face guard frame, system, and method are disclosed.

[0007] One embodiment is directed to a face guard frame having a unitary facial support, an upper crossbar, a lower crossbar, at least one blocking bar, and a chin plate. The facial support may comprise a forehead support extending laterally across a forehead of a wearer during use of the face guard frame, at least one connection point located on the forehead support, side supports extending downwardly from the forehead support and extending about a face of a wearer during use of the face guard frame, and at least one connection point located on the first side support. The upper crossbar may extend from the first side support to the second side support. The unitary facial support and upper crossbar may be connected so as to form a viewing region. The lower crossbar may extend from the first side support towards a chin area of a wearer during use of the face guard and to the second side support. The at least one blocking bar may extend from the upper crossbar to the lower crossbar so as to form at least one mouth region. The chin plate may be centrally located on an interior portion of the lower crossbar.

[0008] Another embodiment is directed to a face guard having a frame and a head strap. a unitary facial support, an upper crossbar, a lower crossbar, at least one blocking bar, and a chin plate. The facial support may comprise a forehead support extending laterally across a forehead of a wearer during use of the face guard frame, at least one connection point located on the forehead support, side supports extending downwardly from the forehead support and extending about a face of a wearer during use of the face guard frame, and at least one connection point located on the first side support. The upper crossbar may extend from the first side support to the second side support. The unitary facial support and upper crossbar may be connected so as to form a viewing region. The lower crossbar may extend from the first side support towards a chin area of a wearer during use of the face guard and to the second side support. The at least one blocking bar may extend from the upper crossbar to the lower crossbar so as to form at least one mouth region. The chin plate may be centrally located on an interior portion of the lower crossbar.

[0009] The head strap may include a rear strap, a top strap, and at least two retaining straps connecting the top strap to the rear strap to form an opening. The rear strap may extend from the first side support to the second side support, while the top strap may extend from the forehead support.

[0010] Other embodiments include a method of using a face guard.

[0011] Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the disclosure as described herein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.

[0012] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present example embodiments of the disclosure, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the disclosure as it is claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the disclosure, and together with the detailed description, serve to explain the principles and operations thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The present subject matter may take form in various components and arrangements of components, and in various steps and arrangements of steps. The appended drawings are only for purposes of illustrating example embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a face guard in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a rear view of a head strap in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a head strap secured to a face guard in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of a chin pad in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a rear view of an embodiment of a chin pad in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a forehead support pad in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a front view of an embodiment of a side support pad in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a rear view of an embodiment of a side support pad in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a face guard system in use.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a face guard system in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0024] A detail description of exemplary embodiments for a face guard frame, system, and method will now be presented with reference to FIGS. 1-10. The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which example embodiments of the disclosure are shown. However, this disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be both thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the various drawings. Further, as used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "a", "an", and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0025] Under certain circumstances, it may be desirable for a person to wear a face guard to minimize and/or prevent injury to the wearer's face during certain activities. Under certain circumstances, it may also be desirable for a user of a face guard to adjust a position of a chin pad secured thereto. Under certain circumstances, it may also be desirable to interchange chin pads of varying shapes, sizes, styles, etc. on a face guard. Under certain circumstances, it may also be desirable to interchange chin pads so as to obtain a custom fit, for sanitary purposes, or for any other purpose. Under certain circumstances, it may also be desirable to provide a lighter, less bulky face guard that may be utilized in conjunction with a chin pad. Under certain circumstances, it may also be desirable to provide a surface on a face guard for securing a chin pad thereto, wherein the surface is of minimal visual obtrusion. Under certain circumstances, it may also be desirable for a user to wear his/her hair in certain style and wear a face guard at the same time.

[0026] Therefore, it would be beneficial to provide face guard and system that may be worn to aid in protecting a wearer's face from impact and injury. In certain embodiments, a surface is provided on a face guard for securing a chin pad thereto. In certain embodiments, a chin pad is provided wherein the chin pad is removable and attachable from a surface of a face guard. In certain embodiments, a strap may be secured to the face guard, wherein the strap provides an opening to permit a user to wear a desired hairstyle.

[0027] In one exemplary embodiment and as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 9 and 10, a face guard frame 1 is disclosed. The frame 1 may include a unitary facial support 32, an upper crossbar 3, a lower crossbar 4, and at least one blocking bar 5. The unitary facial support 32 may comprise a forehead support 2 and side supports 7a,b which extend from respective distal ends of the forehead support 2 and downwardly about a portion of a face of a wearer during use. The forehead support 2 may include a forehead support ridge 17 located thereon. The side supports 7 may connect the forehead support 2 to the lower crossbar 4. The downwardly extending side supports 7a,b may also be in the form of an extension of the lower crossbar 4.

[0028] The at least one blocking bar 5 may extend from the upper crossbar 3 to the lower crossbar 5 in a substantially vertical manner as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 9. However, the blocking bar 5 may extend from the upper crossbar 3 to the lower crossbar 4 at varying angles. By way of non-limiting example, the blocking bar 5 may extend from the upper crossbar 3 to the lower crossbar 4 at a substantially 45 degree angle from the upper crossbar 3.

[0029] In one embodiment, a chin plate 6 may be provided on a frame 1. The chin plate 6 may be located on an interior portion 24 of the lower crossbar 4. The chin plate 6 may be permanently or removably secured to the lower crossbar 4. In addition or in the alternative, the chin plate 6 may be permanently or removably secured to the blocking bar(s) 5. Certain means for permanently securing the chin plate 6 to the lower crossbar 4 and/or blocking bar(s) 5 include, but are not limited to, welding. In the alternative, the entire frame 1 may be formed via injection or other types of molding. In such manner, the entire frame 1 may be of a single construction.

[0030] The chin plate 6 may be of a certain size and shape so as to minimize the overall weight of the frame 1, and may provide a strong base for attachment of a chin pad 18.

[0031] In one embodiment and as shown in FIGS. 4-6, a chin pad 18 may be of a certain size and shape, and include a concave side surface 25 and convex side surface 26. The chin pad 18 may include a recessed portion 19 for accommodation of a user's chin. The chin pad 18 may comprise any material or combination of materials, including, but not limited to, foam and/or cloth. Further, the concave side surface 25 and the convex side surface 26 may be of the same material or combination of materials, or may differ. By way of non-limiting example the convex side surface 26 may comprise a rigid material, including, but not limited to, a resin or resin-based material, to provide support, while the concave side surface 25 may comprise a foam material.

[0032] In one embodiment and as shown in FIGS. 3-4, a means for fastening the chin pad 18 to the chin plate 6 may be provided. A fastening means 14a may be located on a chin plate 6. In addition or in the alternative, a fastening means 14d may be located on a convex side surface 26 of a chin pad 6. The fastening means 14a,d may include, but need not be limited to, adhesive, hook and loop type fastening means, and/or snaps.

[0033] In one embodiment and as shown in FIGS. 2-3 and 10, a head strap 9 having an opening 27 may be provided such that a user may wear a frame 1 while wearing certain hairstyles. The head strap 9 may include a rear strap 10 and a top strap 11. The top strap 11 may extend over a top portion of a user's head when the frame 1 is worn, while the rear strap 10 may extend across the rear portion of a user's head when the frame 1 is worn. The rear strap 10 and top strap 11 may be connected via retaining straps 12a,b so as to form an opening 27. By way of non-limiting example and as shown in FIGS. 3 and 10, the opening 27 may be formed by the retaining straps 12a,b and the rear strap 20, thereby creating a triangular-shaped opening 27. The opening 27 permits a user to wear the frame 1 while wearing a hairstyle in which his/her hair and/or hair accessory 24 may extend through the opening 27. Such hairstyle may include, but need not be limited to, a ponytail 24 as shown in FIG. 10, bun, and hairstyles in which hair is tied back. Although a triangular-shaped opening 27 is shown, other shaped openings 27 may be utilized.

[0034] In the alternative, a head strap 9 without an opening 27 may be utilized in conjunction with the face guard 1 (not shown). By way of non-limiting example, the head strap 9 may be formed by the top strap 11 and rear strap 10 intersecting at a substantially 90 degree angle to form a "T".

[0035] Further, although the opening 27 is shown as being formed by two retaining straps 12a,b, the opening 27 may be formed by the top strap 11 extending directly to the rear strap 10 and a retaining strap 12a extending from the top strap 11 to the rear strap 10 as shown in FIG. 2.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 2-3 and 9, the head strap 9 may include an adjuster 13 so as to permit a user to create a customized fit of the face guard system 20. For example, a user may place the frame 1 about his/her head and tighten and/or loosening the rear strap 10 and/or top strap 11 as desired. In the alternative, a user may elect to tighten and/or loosen the rear strap 10 and/or the top strap 11 prior to placing the face guard system 20 about his/her head. Although FIGS. 2-3 and 9 depict an adjuster 13, other means for adjusting the head strap 9 may be utilized.

[0037] The head strap 9 may be removably secured to the frame 1 at a variety of locations on the frame 1. Such points of connection between the head strap 9 and the frame 1 may also be referred to as connection points 28. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 9, a top strap end 29 may be threaded through an aperture 8c located on the frame 1 so as to create a connection point 28. Similarly, a first and second rear strap ends 30a,b may be threaded through apertures 8a,b located on the side supports 7a,b. However, other means for securing the head strap 9 to the frame 1 may be utilized.

[0038] For example, the head strap 9 may be removably secured to the frame 1 utilizing varying securing means including, but not limited to, clips, clamps, snaps, buttons, brackets, adhesive, and/or hook and loop type fastening means. The head strap 9 may include a securing means located on a top strap end 29 and/or rear strap end 30. In addition or in the alternative, the securing means may be located on the frame 1. Finally, the head strap 9 may be permanently secured directly to the frame 1 at desired connection points 28.

[0039] Moreover, the head strap 9 may be secured to the frame 1 via various methods at various connection points 28. For instance and as shown in FIGS. 3, 9 and 10, the head strap 9 may be threaded through apertures 8a,b,c located on the frame 1. In addition or in the alternative, the head strap 9, or portions thereof, may wrap around one or more portions of the frame 1, thereby forming a connection point 28. By way of non-limiting example, the rear strap ends 30a,b may wrap around a side support 7a,b of the frame 1. In addition or in the alternative, a top strap end 29 may wrap around a forehead support 2 of the frame 1.

[0040] The head strap 9 may be of any material or combination of materials, including, but not limited to, elastic, cloth, fabric, foam, plastic, rubber, paper, and/or cardboard.

[0041] In one embodiment and as shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, a forehead support interior surface 31 may include a means for fastening 14c a forehead support pad 23 to the forehead support interior surface 31. The fastening means 14c may include, but need not be limited to, adhesive, hook and loop type fastening means, and/or snaps. In addition or in the alternative, a fastening means 14e may be located on the forehead support pad 23, as shown by way of non-limiting example in FIG. 6. The forehead support pad 23 may include raised portions 31 thereon.

[0042] In one embodiment and as shown in FIG. 3, an interior portion of a side support 7b may include a means for fastening 14b a side support pad 22 to the interior portion of the side support 7b. The fastening means 14b may include, but need not be limited to, adhesive, hook and loop type fastening means, and/or snaps. In addition or in the alternative, a fastening means 14f may be located on the side support pad 22, as shown by way of non-limiting example in FIG. 8.

[0043] In one embodiment, the forehead support pad 23 and/or side support pad 22 may include raised portions 31. However, various shapes, sizes, and constructions of a forehead support pad 23 and/or side support pad 22 may be utilized.

[0044] The embodiments described above provide advantages over conventional devices and associated systems and methods. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover the modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the disclosure and best mode for practicing the disclosure are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation--the disclosure being defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A face guard frame comprising: a unitary facial support comprising a forehead support configured to extend laterally across a forehead of a wearer and having a connection point for receiving a head strap, first and second side supports extending downwardly from the distal ends of the forehead support and about a portion of the wearer's face, each of said first and second side supports having at least one connection point for receiving a head strap; an upper crossbar extending from the first side support to the second side support, wherein the unitary facial support and upper crossbar form a viewing region; a lower crossbar extending from the first side support towards a chin area of a wearer during use of the face guard and to the second side support; at least one blocking bar extending from the upper crossbar to the lower crossbar to form at least one mouth region; and a chin plate centrally located on an interior portion of the lower crossbar.

2. The face guard frame of claim 1, further comprising: a chin pad removably securable to the chin plate.

3. The face guard frame of claim 1, further comprising: a forehead support pad removably securable to an interior surface of the forehead support.

4. The face guard of claim 1, further comprising: side support pads removably securable to an interior surfaces of the first and second side supports.

5. The face guard of claim 1, wherein the forehead support connection point for receiving a head strap is an aperture.

6. The face guard of claim 1, wherein the first and second side support connection points for receiving a head strap is are apertures.

7. A face guard system comprising: a frame comprising: a unitary facial support comprising: a forehead support extending laterally across a forehead of a wearer during use of the face guard frame; at least one connection point located on the forehead support; a first side support extending downwardly from the forehead support and extending about a face of a wearer during use of the face guard frame; a second side support downwardly extending downwardly from the forehead support and extending about a face of a wearer during use of the face guard frame; and at least one connection point located on the first side support; an upper crossbar extending from the first side support to the second side support, wherein the unitary facial support and upper crossbar form a viewing region; a lower crossbar extending from the first side support towards a chin area of a wearer during use of the face guard and to the second side support; at least one blocking bar extending from the upper crossbar to the lower crossbar to form at least one mouth region; a chin plate centrally located on an interior portion of the lower crossbar; and a head strap comprising: a rear strap extending from the first side support to the second side support; a top strap extending from the forehead support; and at least one retaining strap connecting the top strap to the rear strap so as to form an opening.

8. The system of claim 6 further comprising: a chin pad removably securable to the chin plate.

9. The system of claim 6 further comprising: A fastening means located on the chin plate for removably securing a chin pad thereto.

10. The system of claim 8 further comprising: A fastening means located on the chin pad for removably securing the chin pad to the chin plate.

11. The system of claim 6 wherein the rear strap is removably connected to the first side support.

12. The system of claim 6 further comprising: an aperture located on the first side support sized and shaped for insertion of at least a portion of the rear strap therethrough.

13. The system of claim 6 wherein the top strap is removably connected to the forehead support.

14. The system of claim 6 further comprising: an aperture located on the forehead support sized and shaped for insertion of at least a portion of the top strap therethrough.

15. The system of claim 6 further comprising: a means for adjusting a length of the rear strap.

16. The system of claim 6 further comprising: a means for adjusting a length of the top strap.

17. A method of using a face guard system comprising a frame comprising: a unitary facial support comprising a forehead support configured to extend laterally across a forehead of a wearer and having a connection point for receiving a head strap, first and second side supports extending downwardly from the distal ends of the forehead support and about a portion of the wearer's face, each of said first and second side supports having at least one connection point for receiving a head strap; an upper crossbar extending from the first side support to the second side support, wherein the unitary facial support and upper crossbar form a viewing region; a lower crossbar extending from the first side support towards a chin area of a wearer during use of the face guard and to the second side support; at least one blocking bar extending from the upper crossbar to the lower crossbar to form at least one mouth region; and a chin plate centrally located on an interior portion of the lower crossbar;r a head strap comprising: a rear strap extending from the first side support to the second side support; a top strap extending from the forehead support; and at least one retaining strap connecting the top strap to the rear strap so as to form an opening; and a chin pad removably securable to the chin plate, the method comprising the steps of: positioning the head strap over a user's head, such that the top strap extends over at least a top portion of the user's head and the rear strap extends laterally across a rear portion of the user's head; and positioning the frame over a user's face, such that the chin pad is adjacent to a user's chin.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising a step of: adjusting the chin pad to a desired position on the chin plate.