Modular mask system

Abstract

A modular mask system comprises a frame for fitting over a user's head, and a set of interchangeable mask components. Each interchangeable mask components can be removeably attachable to the frame. Each of the interchangeable mask components is one of a top panel, a side panel assembly, an eyepiece and a nosepiece. The interchangeable side panel assemblies can be different sizes to accommodate the user's face or have different patterns or have different configurations of ventilation holes. The interchangeable eyepieces allow the user to choose from dual lenses and a single shield. The eyepieces can include optically powered lenses, shaded lenses, dual lenses tinted lenses, photochromatic lenses and polarized lenses.

1 . A modular mask, comprising: a frame for fitting over a user's head; and at least one mask component removably attachable to the frame, the at least one mask component selected from the group consisting of: a top panel, a side panel assembly, a nosepiece and a dual lens eyepiece.  
   
   
       2 . The modular mask system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one mask component comprises a plurality of eyepieces.  
   
   
       3 . The modular mask system of  claim 2 , wherein each of the plurality of eyepieces comprises one of: a mirrored eyepiece, a reflective eyepiece, a tinted eyepiece, an optically powered eyepiece, a polarized eyepiece and a photochromatic eyepiece.  
   
   
       4 . The modular mask system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one mask component comprises further comprises a one-piece eye shield.  
   
   
       5 . The modular mask system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one mask component comprises a plurality of side panel assemblies.  
   
   
       6 . The modular mask system of  claim 5 , wherein one of the plurality of side panel assemblies comprises one of a left side panel and a right side panel.  
   
   
       7 . The modular mask system of  claim 5 , wherein one of the side panel assembly comprises a left side panel and a right side panel.  
   
   
       8 . The modular mask system of  claim 5 , wherein each of the plurality of interchangeable side panel assemblies comprises one of: a side panel assembly for camouflage, a shock absorbent side panel assembly, an patterned side panel assembly, a side panel assembly bearing a design, a skirted side panel assembly, and a ventilated side panel assembly.  
   
   
       9 . The modular mask of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one mask component comprises a plurality of interchangeable top panels.  
   
   
       10 . The modular mask system of  claim 1 , wherein the frame is formed of one of thermoplastic rubber, metal and plastic.  
   
   
       11 . The modular mask system of  claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises an arcuate top portion from which two forked members depend.  
   
   
       12 . The modular mask system of  claim 1 , wherein the frame further comprises an attachment strap for enabling the user to wear the mask.  
   
   
       13 . The modular mask system of  claim 12 , wherein the attachment strap comprises a dual attachment strap.  
   
   
       14 . A modular mask, comprising: a frame for fitting over a user's head; an eyepiece; and a plurality of face panel components, each face panel component removably attachable to the frame.  
   
   
       15 . The modular mask of  claim 14 , wherein the plurality of face panel components comprises one of: a plurality of interchangeable top panels, a plurality of interchangeable side panel assemblies, a plurality of top panels and a plurality of nosepieces.  
   
   
       16 . The modular mask system of  claim 15 , wherein one of the plurality of interchangeable face panel components comprises a face panel having a nosepiece integrally formed with a side panel assembly.  
   
   
       17 . The modular mask system of  claim 15 , wherein the plurality of interchangeable eyepieces includes an eyepiece, the eyepiece being one of: a mirrored eyepiece, a reflective eyepiece, a tinted eyepiece, an optically powered eyepiece, a polarized eyepiece and a photochromatic eyepiece and a transparent protective eyepiece.  
   
   
       18 . The modular mask system of  claim 17 , wherein the eyepiece comprises dual lenses.  
   
   
       19 . The modular mask system of  claim 17 , wherein the eyepiece comprises a one piece shield.  
   
   
       20 . The modular mask system of  claim 14 , wherein the plurality of face panel components comprises a top panel, a side panel assembly, a nosepiece and an eyepiece.  
   
   
       21 . The modular mask system of  claim 14  wherein each face panel component is removably attached to the frame by attachment elements provided on the face panel component and corresponding attachment element holders provided on the frame.  
   
   
       22 . A modular mask system, comprising: a frame for fitting over the user's head; and a set of interchangeable mask components removably attachable to the frame, the set of interchangeable mask components comprising a plurality of one of: a top panel, a side panel assembly, an eyepiece and a nosepiece.