Open view facemask visor shield

Abstract

An open view facemask visor is an apparatus composed of a high impact resistive material any portion of which is capable of filtering or reflecting light. The visor is formed by shaping a nominally thick sample of the impact resistive material such that the finished product can be affixed either over or under a given helmet facemask design. Once installed, an open view facemask visor enhances the protection of a sporting helmet facemask by providing the user a barrier to light, glare, or debris without obscuring the “open view” to the user's eyes. Whether by integrating a clear section in the tinting of the high impact resistive material or simply providing a physically open, or cut-out, section in the visor, proper positioning of the visor shield on the facemask will not obstruct one's ability to view the helmet wearer's eyes.

1 . An apparatus that can be affixed to the facemask of a sporting helmet without impeding the ability of one to visually examine the eyes of a helmet wearer from at least one direct viewing angle, the apparatus comprising:
 at least one solid surface;   a means for securing the apparatus to a sporting helmet facemask.   
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the means for securing the apparatus is configured such that the apparatus may be positioned on the interior of a facemask. 
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the means for securing the apparatus is configured such that the apparatus may be positioned on the exterior of a facemask. 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the means of securing said apparatus to a facemask causes said apparatus to become integral to said facemask. 
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the means of securing said apparatus to a facemask allows said apparatus to be easily removed. 
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of said at least one solid surface is comprised of a clear, or substantially clear, material. 
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of said at least one solid surface defines a cutout window. 
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of said at least one solid surface is comprised of a material containing photochromic dyes. 
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the means of affixing to a facemask is inherent to the shape of the solid surface. 
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the means of affixing to a facemask is accomplished primarily through the inclusion of tabs extending from the solid surface and capable of being securely formed around, or attached to, a portion of the facemask. 
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the means of affixing to a facemask is accomplished by including a raised bead of material on some portion of the solid surface such that the raised bead could mate with a groove in a facemask wire. 
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the means of affixing to a facemask is accomplished by providing one or more holes along the perimeter of the solid surface such that the apparatus could be securely attached to the facemask. 
   
   
       13 . A visor for attachment to the face mask of a sporting helmet, the visor comprising:
 a visor surface that is structured to cover at least a portion of a void defined by a portion of the face mask; and   a mounting structure integral to the visor and that can be attached to the face mask to secure the visor surface over the void.   
   
   
       14 . The visor of  claim 13 , wherein the mounting structure defines a hangover portion that is included on at least two substantially opposing sides of the visor and that can be secured over the outer side of two substantially opposing portions of the face mask. 
   
   
       15 . The visor of  claim 14 , wherein the visor surface covers multiple voids defined by the face mask. 
   
   
       16 . The visor of  claim 14 , wherein the visor surfaces covers substantially only a single void defined by the face mask. 
   
   
       17 . The visor of  claim 13 , wherein the mounting structure defines a sleeve portion that is included on at least two substantially opposing sides of the visor and that can be snapped in the void defined by at least two substantially opposing surfaces of the face mask. 
   
   
       18 . The visor of  claim 14 , wherein the visor surface covers multiple voids defined by the face mask. 
   
   
       19 . The visor of  claim 14 , wherein the visor surfaces covers substantially only a single void defined by the face mask. 
   
   
       20 . An athletic helmet comprising:
 a helmet shell;   a facemask that is attachable to the helmet shell and includes a posting wire and a support wire that are substantially parallel to each other and define at least one void with the posting wire and support wire being on substantially opposing sides of the void; and   a visor including a shield structure and two mounting flanges on substantially opposing sides of the shield structure such that the visor can be secured over at least a portion of the at least one void by snapping the visor into a position that is frictionally held in place by pressure being exerted against the two mounting flanges by the posting wire and the support wire.