BACKGROUND—FIELD OF THE INVENTION
1 2
FACIAL SUNSHIELD WITH HINGED under part of the eyes, but not the cheeks. Because the shield
VISOR/CAP must be used with ski goggles, it is not at all versatile.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,669,717 to Diggs (1954), 3,298,031 to Morgan (1967) and 4,944,039 to Dietrich (1990) show face
This invention relates generally to protective devices for 5 shields that are attached to ordinary eye glasses. Intended for
shielding the face and head from solar radiation, wind, use in workshops or industrial situations for protection
water, snow, flying objects, caustic liquids, and other forces. against nying debris or caustic liquids, the shields hang from
Specifically, it relates to a facial sunshield that provides the glasses to cover the whole front of the face down to the
more effective protection against these forces. chin, but not the sides or cheeks.
10 All these devices cover portions of the face or shield the
BACKGROUND—DISCUSSION OF PRIOR ART eyes but none cover the entire front of the face including the
Sunshields currently used to protect the face and head of forehead, eyes, nose, cheeks, and chin. None are versatile
people being exposed to the sun are hats, caps, visors, and enough to act as a vlsor or Protect the toP of the heacL
ultraviolet blocking sunglasses. Due to raised health con- ^ OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES scienceness and increased leisure time, more people are
spending increasing amounts of time outdoors, leading to Several objects and advantages of the present invention
exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation. With more knowl- are:
edge gained regarding the harmful effects of ultraviolet (a) to protect the eyeS; front; and sides of the face and
radiation, protective devices gain importance. 20 forehead from sun radiation, wind, water, and dust.
Hats, caps, and visors protect the area near the top of the (b) to pr0vide a swing up shield that will turn into a visor
head but do not protect the front or side of the face and do to shield the top of the head and front top of the face
not directly shield the eyes. Ultraviolet blocking sunglasses , ,, . , . , ,. , , , .
, , , . ,. , ,? , (c) the one piece lens is less complicated and inexpensive
protect the eyes and the area immediately surrounding the , £ , , , , , ,
r J . to manufacture compared to two piece lens assemblies,
eyes. Larger sportglasses may protect more of the facial area 25
but do not cover the entire facial area. (d) the one Plece lens Provides substantially more cover
T,7. , r , , , , r , , age than two (or more) piece lens shields, including covering
With recent concern tor the health hazards of extended r , , , r
. , . , , the nose, mouth, forehead and face sides.
periods in the sun, many products are available to help
protect our faces from the sun's rays. Sunglasses are used to (e) the swlng UP shleld provides convenience when
protect the eyes from the sun. The glasses composed of 30 shielding is not desired, as in entering a shaded building. The
ultraviolet protective lenses do an effective job but do not shleld does not have to be removed to see in shaded areas,
protect the face aside from the immediate area around the to converse, or to eat.
eyes and eyelids. (f) the sunshield is aesthetic to the eye and compliments
A number of attempts have been made to provide facial
protection above that provided by ordinary sunglasses. U.S. 35 (g) the one piece lens provides unobstructed viewing.
Pat. No. 5,220,689 to Miller (1993) shows sportglasses (h) the lens can be adjusted for a comfortable distance
composed of two lenses with a separate nosepiece and from the wearer's face and can be worn over conventional
exposed lips, mouth, chin, and top of the face. These glasses.
sportglasses leave the entire forehead area exposed. These (j) the one piece lens can be optically correcting if desired
sportglasses do not cover the total facial area and attach to accommodate the wearer's vision.
similar to conventional glasses. This patent specifically r i • . . . . . c ■ ^
. . , r r t r . Further object and advantages are to provide a facial
warns against covering the whole front of the face due to , • , . . .. r
, , . , , . „ „, , , sunshield that is aesthetic, provides protection from the
impaired breathing and speaking . Ihese attach to the ears , , (,, .• c • ... , •
. .\, , , , , , elements of the entire face, is convenient to use as a shield
rigidly as do normal glasses and do not provide any protec- , , . . r . F .,
r r,,, • %„, 45 or a cap, and easy and inexpensive to manufacture. Further
tion to the top or front of the head or act as a visor. Ihese , • . , , . c • .• •„ ,
, ,. \ , ,. . , , , . , , objects and advantages of my invention will become appar
do not adjust tor the distance of the lens to the face and do , c ituj • j
J ,. , , . , ent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing
not rotate up. In addition, these cannot be worn with , . ..
, , description, conventional glasses.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,012,528 to Pernicka et al. (1991) shows a 5Q DRAWING FIGURES visor attachment for safety helmets. This device is not
intended for use as a sunshield and is used in conjunction FIG- 1 ls a front vlew of the sunshield.
with a safety helmet and is not versatile. FIG. 2 is a left side view of the sunshield.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,037,772 to Everett et al (1936) and FIG. 3 is a left side view of the sunshield in the raised 4,786,159 to Piazza et al (1988) show eyeglasses of average 55 position.
size with nosepieces which shield the nose. However the FIG. 4 is the top view of the sunshield. extra coverage provided over simple sunglasses is minimal.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,385,405 to Crowther (1945), 2,395,297
to Shock (1946), 3,705,760 to Langendorfer et al (1972), 10 top cap and 5,012,527 to Michel (1991) show goggles which are go 12 lens
fitted closely with the face. They wrap around the eyes and 14 headstrap
cover the cheeks down to the level at about the base of the 16 hinges with friction mechanism
nose. Some cover the nose, while some do not, but all leave 18 forehead
the sides or cheeks of the face exposed. 20 eyes
U.S. Pat. No. Design 274,385 to Newcomb (1984) shows 65 22 nose
a face shield which attaches to ski goggles with hook and 24 mouth
loop fasteners. The shield covers the nose, upper lip, and 26 head
REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS
3
28 face
30 chin
32 lens assembly
34 adjustment hooks
36 lens adjustment slot 5 Description—FIG. 1
A typical embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 (front view). The sunshield has a large lens 12 of tinted transparent material covering the face 28 of the wearer. Lens 12 can be rotated and flipped up. Lens 12 can 10 also be adjusted in the distance from face 28 to ensure comfort for the wearer. This front and back adjustment will provide a comfortable distance of lens 12 from the wearer's nose 22, mouth 24, or other facial features. In the preferred embodiment, lens 12 is a ultraviolet coated polycarbonate 15 plastic. However lens 12 could be made of any tinted plastic that is transparent and that can be formed or molded into shape. A top cap 10 piece is molded as part of lens 12 or as an additional piece attached to lens 12 and covers the front of wearer's head 26 and forehead 18. Top cap 10 can be 20 transparent or opaque since it is out of direct view of the wearer's eyes 20. Lens 12 is curved in shape to conform with face 28 and is sufficiently large to cover forehead 18, eyes 20, nose 22, mouth 24, and chin 30.
Hinges 16 are used to allow lens 12 and top cap 10 assembly 25 to swing up to expose face 28 for eating or to view the scene without having to look through tinting or to use as a visor. Hinges 16 contain a ratchet or friction mechanism to hold lens assembly 32 in any rotated position. Lens 12 and hinge 16 assembly contain a lens adjustment slot 36 30 to allow adjusting lens 12 closer or farther from face 28. This provides a comfortable distance for lens 12 from face 28, fits various head 26 sizes, and accommodates the wearing of conventional glasses. Description—FIG. 2 35 FIG. 2 is a left hand view of the sunshield of FIG. 1. The left
and right views are symmetrical. Lens 12 is sufficiently large to cover eyes 20 and a large portion of the sides of face 28 and forehead 18. In the preferred embodiment, lens 12 is ultraviolet coated to 40 block harmful radiation. Lens 12 is curved in shape to conform with face 28 and is sufficiently large to cover forehead 18, eyes 20, nose 22, mouth 24, and chin 30. Lens 12 uses hinges 16 to allow lens 12 and top cap 10 assembly to rotate and a friction or ratchet mechanism 45 holds lens assembly 32 at any desired rotated position. Lens adjustment slot 36 enables lens 12 to be adjusted to a comfortable distance from face 28. Lens assembly 32 is attached to wearer's head 26 by an adjustable flexible head strap 14. Flexible headstrap 14 surrounds the top of 50 wearer's head 26 to hold the sunshield securely. Headstrap 14 uses a quick attachment technique such as adjustment hooks 34 into various holes in headstrap 14 or a hook and loop method. Headstrap 14 is adjustable to fit various head 26 sizes and holds snugly to keep the 55 sunshield in place during movement by the wearer and in windy conditions. Description—FIG. 3
FIG. 3 is another left hand view with lens assembly 32 in a flipped up mode. The left and right views are symmetrical. 60
Lens assembly 32 uses hinges 16 to allow lens 12 and top cap 10 assembly to rotate up and over head 26. Hinges 16 uses a friction mechanism or ratchet to hold lens assembly 32 in place in multiple or varying rotated positions. Lens adjustment slot 36 enables lens 12 to be adjusted to a 65 comfortable distance from face 28. Top cap 10 is shaped to clear the top of wearer's head 26. Headstrap 14 fits around
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the front of head 26 at the top of wearer's forehead 18. Headstrap 14 uses a quick attachment technique such as adjustment hooks 34 into various holes in headstrap 14 or a hook and loop method. Headstrap 14 is adjustable to fit various head 26 sizes and holds snugly to keep the sunshield in place.
Description—FIG. 4
FIG. 4 is the top view with lens assembly 32 in the rotated down position.
Top cap 10 covers the front portion of wearer's head 26 and forehead 18. Lens 12 is curved in shape to conform with face 28. Flexible headstrap 14 encircles head 26 with adjustment hooks 34 at the rear of head 26. Headstrap 14 holds lens assembly 32 securely to head 26.
From the description above, a number of advantages of my sunshield become evident:
(a) the sunshield protects a large area of the face with the eyes, front, and sides of the face and forehead protected from sun radiation, wind, water, and dust.
(b) the swing up feature of the sunshield turns the sunshield into a visor that protects the top of the head and front top of the face.
(c) the one piece lens is less complicated and less expensive to manufacture compared to two piece lens assemblies.
(d) the one piece lens provides more coverage than two (or more) piece lens shields, including covering the nose, mouth, forehead and face sides.
(e) the swing up shield provides convenience when shielding is not desired, as in entering shaded or darker areas. The swing up feature allows the wearer to speak or to eat easily without removing the sunshield.
(f) the sunshield is aesthetic to the eye and compliments the wearer.
(g) the one piece lens provides unobstructed viewing.
(h) the lens distance from the face can be adjusted allowing for different head and face sizes and to accommodate wearing of ordinary eyeglasses.
(1) the lens can be made optically correcting to accommodate the wearer's vision. Operation—FIGS. 2 to 3
The manner of using the sunshield between the flipped down versus the flipped up position is to pull up on the lens assembly 32 to rotate around the hinges 16. Enough force is used to overcome the friction of the ratchet or friction mechanism 36 used to hold the lens assembly 32 in any desired angle.
To lower the lens assembly 32, push down on the lens assembly 32 to rotate around hinges 16 and to overcome the friction of hinge mechanism 16.
Pull or push lens assembly 32 to slide lens assembly 32 closer or farther from face 28 until a comfortable distance is achieved. Lens adjustment slot 36 allows adjusting lens 12 to accommodate wearing of ordinary eyeglasses.
SUMMARY, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE
Accordingly, the reader will see that the sunshield of the invention can provide superior protection to the eyes, face, and top of the head of the wearer while providing superior ease of use. The wearer can flip up the shield to use as a visor, to wear with normal sunglasses, to eat, or to see without the shield. Furthermore the sunshield has the additional advantages in that
it permits an easy flip up of the shield to enable the wearer to see without the tinting of the shield, or to eat, or to talk without removing the shield from the head.
it permits wearing the shield flipped up as a visor.
it permits wearing the shield flipped up as a cap.
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it protects the entire face from harmful solar radiation,
blowing dust, or water including the eyes, cheeks, face
front, nose, mouth, chin, and forehead, it permits adjusting the shield to a comfortable distance
from the face. 5 it permits wearing of ordinary eyeglasses together with
the sunshield.
Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations 10 of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. For example, the shield can have other shapes, such as circular, square, rectangular, etc.; the lens curvature can be complex; the lens colors can be varied; the lens can have reflective coating; the lens can be clear;
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Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather by the examples given.
We claim:
1. A facial sunshield comprising a one piece lens which is designed to curve around the top, front, and sides of a 20 wearer's face, said lens sized to substantially cover the forehead, front, and sides of a wearer's face and a wearer's nose, mouth and chin, said lens having a curved upper portion generally designed to follow the angle of a wearer's forehead, said lens having curved side portions generally 25 formed to shield a wearer's cheeks, said lens having a curved bottom portion formed to shield a wearer's mouth and chin generally extending down as far as a wearer's chin, said lens having a curved center portion formed to shield a wearer's eyes and nose, said lens having side edges gener- 30 ally designed to extend to a wearer's jaw line and formed to leave a wearer's ears uncovered, said lens having a top edge designed to extend generally to the top of a wearer's hairline, said lens having tinting for eye comfort, said lens having an ultraviolet radiation blocking coating to protect a wearer's face from harmful ultraviolet radiation. 35
2. The facial sunshield of claim 1 wherein said one piece lens is attached to a headband and hinging means which enables said one piece lens to swivel on the headband to act as a visor.
3. The facial sunshield of claim 1 wherein said one piece 40 lens is attached to a headband and hinging means which enables said one piece lens to swivel on the headband and when positioned at the full up position act as a head cap thereby shielding a wearer's head and wearers forehead from sun radiation. 45
4. The facial sunshield of claim 1 wherein said one piece lens is attached to a headband and hinging means which enables said one piece lens to swivel on said headband and which comprises frictional or ratcheting means to hold the said lens in any rotated position. 50
5. The facial sunshield of claim 1 wherein said one piece lens is attached to a headband and adjustment means which enables said one piece lens to slide closer or farther from a wearer's face.
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6. The facial sunshield of claim 1 wherein said one piece lens is attached to a headband, said headband comprises adjustable strap means connected to said headband for adjustment of said headband to lengthen or shorten said headband relative to a wearer's head size.
7. A facial sunshield comprising a one piece lens which is designed to curve around the top, front, and sides of a wearer's face, said lens sized to substantially cover the forehead, front, and sides of a wearer's face and a wearer's nose, mouth and chin, said lens having a curved upper portion generally designed to follow the angle of a wearer's forehead, said lens having curved side portions generally formed to shield a wearer's cheeks, said lens having a curved bottom portion formed to shield a wearer's mouth and chin generally designed to extend down as far as a wearer's chin, said lens having a curved center portion formed to shield a wearer's eyes and nose, said lens having side edges generally designed to extend to a wearer's jaw line and formed to leave a wearer's ears uncovered, said lens having a top edge designed to extend generally to the top of a wearer's hairline, said lens having tinting for eye comfort, said lens having an ultraviolet radiation blocking coating to protect a wearer's face from harmful ultraviolet radiation, and said lens to be optically corrected whereby a wearer may view through said lens to benefit from the optical correction offered thereby.
8. The facial sunshield of claim 7 wherein said one piece lens is attached to a headband and hinging means which enables said one piece lens to swivel on the headband to act as a visor.
9. The facial sunshield of claim 7 wherein said one piece lens is attached to a headband and hinging means which enables said one piece lens to swivel on the headband and when positioned at the full up position act as a head cap thereby shielding a wearer's head and wearer's forehead from sun radiation.
10. The facial sunshield of claim 7 wherein said one piece lens is attached to a headband and hinging means which enables said one piece lens to swivel on said headband and which comprises frictional or ratcheting means to hold the said lens in any rotated position.
11. The facial sunshield of claim 7 wherein said one piece lens is attached to a headband and adjustment means which enables said one piece lens to slide closer or farther from a wearers face.
12. The facial sunshield of claim 7 wherein said one piece lens is attached to a headband, said headband comprises adjustable strap means connected to said headband for adjustment of said headband to lengthen or shorten said headband relative to a wearer's head size.
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