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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The mask 100 may include the “temple-trough design” shown generally in
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.
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.
In an alternative embodiment, shown in
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.
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.
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.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60798394 | May 2006 | US |