FACE MASK FOR HOCKEY HELMET OR THE LIKE

Abstract: A mesh face mask (10) for attachment to a hockey helmet is formed of a series of horizontal and vertical wires (12H, 12V) forming a frontwardly bulged grid. The horizontally spaced vertical wires (12H) are generally straight while some of the vertically spaced horizontal wires (12V) define a wave-like configuration to improve the lateral vision of the masked helmet wearer.

Description: - 1 - TITLE OF THE INVENTION Face mask for hockey helmet or the like FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a wire mesh face mask for use with a hockey helmet or to similar face masks used in certain sports. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Wire mesh face masks are known and used on the market. They are found attached to a helmet in the sport of hockey or without a helmet, such as in the sport of baseball. Contrary to transparent plastic faceguards, these masks allow a direct flow of air to the user's face while still offering adequate protection against impact from hockey sticks, pucks, player's elbows or similar impact particular to sports where a face mask must be used by certain players. These face masks are formed of a series of horizontal wires overlaid by generally vertical wires, the space between the wires being so dimensioned as to prevent the ingress of a hockey blade or stick end to reach the user's face. However, it has been observed that these wires, especially the horizontal wires, hinder the lateral vision of the user during the game of hockey especially. OBJECT AND STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to obviate to the above described problem with presently known wire mesh face masks. This is achieved by providing a novel configuration to the horizontal wires. It has been found that by forming the horizontal wires with a wave-like configuration, the lateral vision of the user is greatly improved. The present invention therefore relates to a mesh face mask for attachment to a hockey helmet which is defined by a bulged body formed - 2 - of a series of horizontal and vertical wires; the vertical wires are horizontally spaced from one another and generally straight while some of the horizontal wires are vertically spaced from one another and define a wave-like configuration. In one form of the invention, the wave-like configuration consists of two concave portions adjacent the cheek areas of the user and a convex portion in the nose area thereof. Other objects and further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. It should be understood, however, that this detailed description, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, is given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art. IN THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a face mask made in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a side elevation thereof; Figure 3 is a front elevation thereof; Figure 4 is a rear elevation thereof; Figure 5 is a top view thereof; and Figure 6 is a rear view thereof. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Figures 1-6 show a wire face mask 10 which is adapted to be installed on a hockey helmet (not shown). The face mask is formed of a number of wires 12v, 12h, which are welded together at their intersecting points and also to a peripheral frame 12p. Although not shown, the face mask is pivotally mounted to a helmet by means of rear attachments 14, 16 which, in some cases, permanently secure the mask to the helmet or, in other cases, allow the grid - 3 - to be pivoted upwardly away from the face of the user. In the mask illustrated, these attachments are welded to horizontal wires 12h that extend beyond the peripheral frame 12p. Also, a chin guard (not shown) may be mounted to the lower portion of the mask. The mask defines a bulged grid consisting, in the embodiment illustrated, of a series of vertical wires 12v which are horizontally spaced generally evenly from one another and of a series of horizontal wires 12h which are vertically spaced from one another also at a substantially constant distance. The vertical wires, being straight in the verticality, are rearwardly bent in the upper and lower portions to contact the peripheral wire 12p. However, the present invention pertains particularly the configuration given to some of the horizontal wires which define a wave-like configuration. As it can be better seen in figures 3 and 4, the wave-like configuration consists of two lateral cheek portions 20, 22 and one central nose portion 24. The cheek portions 20, 22 are generally concave while the nose portion 24 is generally convex. The lowermost horizontal wire 12h' does not have a wave-like configuration as it is generally out of the user's vision. The results of the particular wave-like configuration allows the user to have an improved lateral vision when wearing a helmet equipped with the face mask of the present invention during the game of hockey, for example. Since the particular method of construction of the face mask wires does not form part of the present invention, one may refer to the description given in U.S. patent No. 5,249,347 issued October 5, 1993 to Martinitz for an example of such method. Although the invention has been described with respect to one specific embodiment, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that it may be modified and refined in various ways. Also, it will be understood from the above that the face mask is also adaptable for use with headgears used in other sports, such as baseball and softball catchers mask. It is therefore - 4 - wished to have it understood that the present invention should not be limited in scope, except by the terms of the following claims.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A mesh face mask for attachment to a hockey helmet comprising a body formed of a series of horizontally spaced vertical wires and vertically spaced horizontal wires defining a grid having a bulged configuration; said vertical wires being generally straight; some of said horizontal wires defining a wave-like configuration to thereby improve lateral vision of a user of said mask. 2. A face mask as defined in claim 1 , wherein said some of said horizontal wires define a concave cheek portion on each side of a central convex nose portion. 3. A face as defined in claim 1 or 2, wherein said horizontal wires are overlaid by said vertical wires and are connected thereto by welding.

Inventors: PERNICKA MARTIN, PERNICKA, MARTIN
Applicants: LEADER IND INC, PERNICKA MARTIN, LEADER INDUSTRIES INC., PERNICKA, MARTIN
Application year: 1999
Main classification: A42B3
IPC codes: A42B3