FR3091992A1 - Sports mask - Google Patents

Abstract

Eye protection mask (1) for outdoor sports practice comprising: a screen (3) comprising a first wall (31) delimited by an internal surface (311) and an external surface (312), a second wall (32 ), juxtaposing the first wall, delimited by an internal surface (321) and an external surface (322), the external surface of the second wall facing the internal surface of the first wall, a frame forming a frame composed of a upper upright (21), a lower upright (23) and lateral uprights (22a, 22b), the lower upright comprising, in its middle part, a nasal zone (231) forming an inverted "v", this nasal zone being intended to be positioned opposite the nose when the mask is worn by a user, the frame comprising at least one front bearing surface (25) against which a part of the internal surface of the first wall comes into contact when the screen is assembled to the frame, a rear mounting surface (26 ), a comfort element (5) intended to be integrated with at least part of the rear attachment surface of the chassis. The rear hooking surface (26) is arranged so that, at the nasal zone, a lower edge (261) of the hooking surface is set back towards the front, in an axial direction (X), relative to a lower edge (3211) of the internal surface (321) of the second wall of the screen. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 6

Description

sports mask

The invention relates to eye protection masks, in particular protective masks for the practice of outdoor sports, such as downhill skiing or snowboarding, mountain biking or motocross.

Protective masks are usually used during the practice of certain outdoor sports to protect the user's eyes from wind, water, mud or solar radiation.

Such a mask generally comprises a frame supporting a transparent protective screen and a strap fixed on either side of the frame. The strap keeps the mask on the face by partially surrounding the user's skull. Comfort elements are usually added to the frame to improve the comfort of wearing the mask. These comfort elements are placed at the interface between the frame and the face. They often form a band of foam surrounding the eyes by resting on part of the forehead, the temples, the cheekbones and part of the nose of the user.

These comfort elements are characterized by damping and roughness properties of the contact surface. Indeed, to keep the mask at eye level, it is necessary to exert a force of plating of the frame towards the face, via the strap. If there are no comfort elements, the contact of the plastic frame on the face is not pleasant. In addition, the frame deforms little and does not allow good adaptation to different facial morphologies. The airtightness of the internal volume of the mask is not very good. Drafts can enter this volume, which is also unpleasant for the eyes. To overcome these problems, a comfort foam is generally added to the chassis. This foam provides adaptation to the morphology of the face, reduction of contact pressure, softness and the desired insulation.

The nose area is a particularly sensitive area and whose morphology can be very different from one individual to another. As a result, comfort elements are very important in this area. To improve carrying comfort, document EP3028685 proposes using a foam with specific mechanical properties only in this area. Similarly, some manufacturers suggest adding a layer of foam locally, at nose level, to the peripheral foam strip. Thus, increasing the thickness/height of the foam in this area improves comfort by reducing contact pressure on the nose. In all these constructions, the comfort elements are attached to an internal surface of the frame, set back from the screen, in the direction of the user's face. Consequently, the increase in the thickness of the foam at the level of the nose tends to move the position of the screen away, which has an impact on the field of vision. The increase in comfort is then to the detriment of the visual field.

The object of the invention is to propose an improved mask allowing better wearing comfort.

One aim is in particular to better adapt to the different morphologies of individuals without penalizing the visual field.

Another goal is to reduce the pressure exerted on the nose.

Another purpose is to improve the tightness of the interior volume of the mask.

The invention proposes an eye protection mask for the practice of outdoor sports comprising:

- a screen comprising

• a first wall delimited by an internal surface and an external surface,
• a second wall, juxtaposing the first wall, delimited by an internal surface and an external surface, the external surface of the second wall facing the internal surface of the first wall,

- a chassis forming a frame composed of an upper upright, a lower upright and side uprights, the lower upright comprising, in its middle part, a nasal area forming an inverted "v", this nasal area being intended to positioned opposite the nose when the mask is worn by a user, the frame comprising

• at least one front support surface against which a part of the internal surface of the first wall comes into contact when the screen is assembled to the frame,
• a rear gripping surface,

- a comfort element intended to be joined with at least part of the rear gripping surface of the chassis.

The protective mask is characterized in that the rear attachment surface is arranged so that, at the level of the nasal zone, a lower edge of the attachment surface is recessed forwards, in an axial direction , relative to a lower edge of the inner surface of the second wall of the screen.

Thanks to this construction, the distance between the lower upright of the frame and the face is reduced when the mask is worn, which increases the field of vision. It is also possible to reduce the thickness of the frame in the nasal area, thus allowing a slight local deformation of the frame and therefore a reduction in the pressure at the level of the nose. Finally, thanks to this construction, it is easier to consider increasing the thickness/height of the foam without significantly penalizing the visual field. Thus, the mask can better adapt to different facial morphologies. For example, it is known that the nose of Asian people is often less pronounced than that of Western people. For this type of public, we can then use correctly sized foams to adapt to this specificity and then obtain a wrapping of the nose ensuring a good seal of the mask, without exerting an unpleasant pressure. It could even be considered to size the foam so as to define a "universal" mask that would suit all nose morphologies. In addition, this solution makes it possible to design a frame with a large gripping surface which allows good support of the comfort element in this nasal area.

According to advantageous but not obligatory aspects of the invention, such a mask can incorporate one or more of the following characteristics, taken in any technically admissible combination:

- at the level of the nasal area, the distance, in an axial direction, between a lower edge of the front support surface and a lower edge of the gripping surface is less than five millimetres,

- at the level of the nasal area, the distance, in an axial direction, between a lower edge of the front support surface and an upper edge of the gripping surface is less than eight millimetres,

- the comfort element is mounted removable on the frame,

- at the level of the nasal area, the maximum height of the comfort element is greater than 25 millimetres,

- the comfort element consists of one or more polyurethane foams,

- at the level of the nasal area, the comfort element comprises a superposition of layers of foam in the axial direction,

- in the nasal area, the comfort element includes a layer made of a shape memory material.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood with the aid of the description which will follow, with regard to the appended drawings illustrating, according to non-limiting embodiments, how the invention can be carried out, and in which :

Figure 1 is an exploded front perspective view of a mask according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the frame of the mask of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a bottom view of the chassis of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a rear view of the chassis of Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a side view of the frame of Figure 2.

Figure 6 is a section along VI-VI of Figure 4 of the assembled mask of Figure 1.

Figure 7 is a top view of the assembled mask of Figure 1.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a first embodiment of a comfort element intended to be positioned at the level of the nasal zone, the comfort element being represented in the unassembled configuration.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a second embodiment of a comfort element intended to be positioned at the level of the nasal zone, the comfort element being represented in the unassembled configuration.

The mask 1 comprises a frame 2 supporting an eye protection screen 3. A strap 4 is fixed to the lateral ends of the frame 2. The strap 4 and the frame 2 form a loop intended to surround the skull of the user to ensure the maintenance instead of the mask. A comfort element 5 is secured to the frame 2, at the interface between the frame and the face of the user, when the mask is worn.

In the rest of the description, use will be made of terms such as "horizontal",
"vertical", "transverse", "upper", "lower", "lateral", "top", "bottom",
"right", "left", "front", "rear", "front", "behind". These terms must in fact be interpreted in a relative manner in relation to the normal position that the mask occupies on the face of the user when he is standing with his head erect. The term "rear" denotes the parts facing the user's head/eyes side.

We will also use a marker whose axial or front/rear direction corresponds to the X axis, the transverse or right/left direction corresponds to the Y axis and the vertical or top/bottom direction corresponds to the Z axis.

The eye protection screen 3 comprises a first wall 31 of thickness e31, delimited by an internal surface 311, oriented towards the face of the user when the mask is worn, and by an external surface 312, opposite to the internal surface 311. On its periphery, this first wall also comprises attachment elements 313 provided to cooperate with complementary attachment elements 27 of the frame to hold the screen assembled with the frame.

The eye protection screen 3 also comprises a second wall 32, of thickness e32, juxtaposing the first wall 31. This second wall 32 is delimited by an internal surface 321, oriented towards the face of the user when the mask is worn. , and by an outer surface 322, opposite to the inner surface 321 and facing the inner surface 311 of the first wall 31. The second wall 32 is homothetically smaller than the first wall 31.

The two walls 31 and 32 are superimposed axially (in direction X). The second wall 32 is fixed to the first wall 31 by means of a peripheral seal 33. The peripheral seal 33 makes it possible to guarantee sealing between the walls 31 and 32. An empty space is thus created between the two walls 31, 32 and peripheral seal 33.

The shape of the walls 31, 32 is generally substantially spherical or substantially cylindrical.

In a variant, the eye protection screen comprises other walls juxtaposing the second wall.

Chassis 2 forms a frame delimiting an opening 20 intended to be closed off by eye shield 3. Chassis 2 has a generally rectangular shape delimited by an upper upright 21, a left side upright 22a, a right side upright 22b and a lower upright 23. The lower upright 23 reproduces an inverted “V” in its central zone in order to match the shape of the nose. This central zone defines the nasal zone 231 according to the invention.

The frame 2 comprises a peripheral slot 24 arranged in the front part of the frame, oriented vertically and leading to the opening 20. This peripheral slot is thus provided on the upper, side and lower uprights of the frame. It is intended to receive the edges of the first wall 31. Consequently, the width of the peripheral slot is slightly greater than the thickness e31 of the first wall. In this example, the internal face of the peripheral slit, that is to say the face positioned closest to the face when the mask is worn, extends slightly towards the opening, beyond the slit, so to define a front support surface 25, oriented towards the front, provided to receive a peripheral zone of the internal surface 311 of the first wall 31 of the screen 3. The front support surface 25 is substantially vertical, even slightly curved, so as to reproduce the profile of the peripheral zone of the internal surface 311. The front bearing surface 25 consists of several bearing surfaces provided on the upper, side and lower uprights of the chassis.

In its rear part, the frame 2 comprises a rear gripping surface 26 to which part of the comfort element 5 is secured. In this example, the rear gripping surface 26 is made up of four separate surfaces. Alternatively, the rear gripping surface 26 may form only one continuous surface or be composed of another number of distinct surfaces.

In this example, frame 2 forms a single piece. Alternatively, the frame 2 may consist of several separate parts, for example, a rigid frame carrying the screen and one or more flexible elements fixed to the rigid frame. According to one embodiment, the rear gripping surface 26 is formed by part of the rigid frame and part of the flexible element(s). Thus, in the nasal area, the comfort element 5 is fixed to the rigid frame.

The comfort element 5 can be secured to the frame 2 in a removable or non-removable manner. In one case, the comfort element can be glued, overmoulded, fused or welded to the frame. Alternatively, it can be assembled in such a way that it can be easily dismantled. These means of attachment can be of the hook type (VELCRO®), button, clip, etc. This removability makes it possible to change the comfort element 5 if it is damaged. This removability also allows adaptability of the mask to the specificities of the user. Thus, the same frame can be used for very different facial morphologies. It is then sufficient to change only the comfort element to obtain a mask adapted to the user.

The frame 2 or a part of the frame (for example the frame) can be made of a rigid material which allows to have a good support and a good maintenance of the screen. Preferably, the material has a modulus of elasticity greater than 1000 MPa. For example, it can be a PolyAmide (PA), a PolyCarbonate (PC), an Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), fiber-filled or not.

The frame can alternatively be made of a more flexible material, in particular when the frame forms a unitary, one-piece piece. The material can be a polyurethane (PU).

According to one embodiment, the comfort element 5 is a unitary piece forming a peripheral loop surrounding the eyes, intended to be positioned opposite a part of the forehead, the temples, the cheekbones and a part of the user's nose. Alternatively, the comfort element 5 can be made up of a set of several distinct parts each being connected to the frame and respectively covering one or more parts of the face among the forehead, the temples, the cheekbones or the nose.

The comfort element 5 is made of material having specific mechanical properties. Within the meaning of the invention, a material can be a mono-material layer or a composite consisting of several layers of different materials. In the latter case, this material corresponds to a “complexing”. To adjust the mechanical properties of a material, it is possible to modify the nature of the material used for at least one layer, for example, by choosing the density of a foam, and/or modifying the height (in the axial direction X) of at least one layer, whether the material is monolayer or multilayer. Advantageously, the material used for the comfort element 5 is a PolyUrethane (PU) foam. Alternatively, one can consider the use of other materials allowing a large deformation for a low effort. For some layers, other types of foam can also be used, such as Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), PolyEthylene (PE), Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) foam.

The comfort element can also comprise a fabric, of small thickness, attached to a layer of the comfort element, at the level of the interface between the comfort element and the face. The fabric brings the comfort of contact. This fabric mainly has properties of softness on contact.

The invention relates to the layout of the frame 2 at the level of its nasal part 231. Thus, the rear gripping surface 26 is arranged so that, at the level of the nasal zone 231, a lower edge 261 of the gripping surface hook 26 is recessed forwards, in an axial direction X, by a distance d, relative to a lower edge 3211 of the inner surface 321 of the second wall 32 of the screen 3, when the mask is assembled. This construction makes it possible to consider increasing the thickness of the comfort element 5 without moving the lower upright 23 too far from the frame of the face. A good field of vision is then maintained. Furthermore, this construction makes it possible to obtain a large gripping surface 26 which makes it possible to improve the holding of the comfort element at the level of the nasal zone. In this zone, the comfort element is brought to be strongly stressed in use, in particular because this interface is not flat.

According to one embodiment, at the level of the nasal zone, the distance u, in an axial direction X, between a lower edge 251 of the front support surface 25 and a lower edge 261 of the grip surface 26 is less than five millimeters. This dimensioning makes it possible to increase the gripping surface 26 useful for fixing the comfort element.

According to one embodiment, at the level of the nasal zone, the distance v, in an axial direction X, between a lower edge 251 of the front support surface 25 and an upper edge 262 of the grip surface 26 is less than eight millimeters. This dimensioning makes it possible to make the chassis more compact in this area and to increase the field of vision.

According to one embodiment, at the level of the nasal zone, the comfort element consists of a single layer of polyurethane foam with a density of less than 40 kg/m ³ . The comfort element 5, illustrated in FIG. 8, forms a band, one side of which comprises two bumps 50 arranged so that the hollow between the two bumps is positioned opposite the nose when the mask is assembled. The maximum height h5 of the comfort element is greater than 25 millimeters and advantageously greater than 30 millimeters. Here, the maximum height h5 is measured at the top of the bumps 50. The height of the comfort element corresponds to the dimension measured along a substantially axial direction X, along a frame/comfort element/user's face axis.

According to another embodiment, at the level of the nasal zone, the comfort element consists of a complexed material, that is to say comprising several layers. In this example, illustrated in FIG. 9, the comfort element comprises two layers. A first layer 51 is secured to the frame 2. This first layer 51 is made of a first type of foam: a polyurethane foam with a density of between 50 and 70 kg/m ³ . A second layer 52 is attached to the first layer 51. It succeeds the first layer in the height direction, in a direction away from the frame. This second layer is made of a second type of foam: a polyurethane foam with a density of between 10 and 30 kg/m ³ . The arrangement of the layers is such that the height h5 of the comfort element, at the level of the nasal part, corresponds to the sum of the thicknesses of the first layer 51, of the second layer 52. According to one embodiment, at level of the nasal zone, the height of the first layer 51 is between 10 and 40% of the height h5 of the comfort element at the level of the nasal part. The height of the second layer 52 is between 60 and 90% of the height h5 of the comfort element at the level of the nasal part. In the nasal area, the comfort element must ensure good adaptability to the morphology of the face and good comfort. For this, the nasal part must be able to deform strongly to match the shapes of the covered face with a minimum of contact pressure. Indeed, the cartilage present in this area makes this part of the face sensitive. It is therefore preferable to reduce the pressure exerted by the mask on this area of the face. This also frees up the nostrils to make breathing easier for the user. Comfort is mainly provided by the second layer. The first layer also contributes to comfort. However, it allows progressive damping and provides a little elasticity for support.

Figure 9 illustrates a construction corresponding to this example. Like the embodiment of Figure 8, the inner side of the comfort element comprises two bumps 50 arranged so that the hollow between the two bumps is positioned opposite the nose when the mask is assembled. In this case, the two bumps 50 are made on the second layer 52. It should be noted that the piece shown covers more than the nasal area, this is substantially between the two bumps 50. The maximum height h5 of the comfort element is greater than 25 millimeters and advantageously greater than 30 millimeters. Here, the maximum height h5 is measured at the top of bumps 50. In this example, the first layer includes a height constriction in its middle area. Thus, in this zone, the height of the first layer is less than 75% of the maximum height of the first layer, in the nasal zone. This reduction in height makes it possible not to exert strong pressure on the top of the nose. In addition, on either side of this area of reduced height, the height gradually increases. Thus, this makes it possible to adapt the pressure exerted on the nose according to its morphology. A good balance is then obtained between comfort, support and sealing.

Other constructions can be considered for the comfort element in this nasal area. For example, the comfort element can comprise more layers made respectively of materials having different properties.

According to a variant, at the level of the nasal part, the comfort element 5 comprises a layer composed of a material with shape memory. This improves shock absorption. This layer is advantageously placed between the frame 2 and another layer of the comfort element. Such a material can be a rubber, a viscoelastic material, etc. For example, this layer can be made of Poron®.

The invention is not limited to these embodiments. It is possible to combine these embodiments.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments previously described but extends to all the embodiments covered by the appended claims.
Nomenclature

1. Mask

2. Chassis

20- Opening

21- Upper amount

22a, 22b- Side upright

23- Lower amount

231- Nasal area

24- Peripheral slot

25- Front support surface

251- Lower ridge (at the level of the nasal area)

26- Rear grip surface

261- Lower ridge (at the level of the nasal area)

262- Upper ridge (at the level of the nasal area)

27- Additional attachment element

3. Screen

31- First wall

311- Internal surface

312- External surface

313- Attachment element

32- Second wall

321- Internal surface

3211- Lower edge

322- External surface

33- Peripheral seal

4. Strap

5. Element of comfort

50- Bumps

51- First layer

52- Second layer

Claims (8)

Eye protection mask (1) for outdoor sports including:

• a screen (3) comprising

• a first wall (31) delimited by an internal surface (311) and an external surface (312),
• a second wall (32), juxtaposing the first wall, delimited by an internal surface (321) and an external surface (322), the external surface of the second wall facing the internal surface of the first wall,

• a frame forming a frame composed of an upper upright (21), a lower upright (23) and side uprights (22a, 22b), the lower upright comprising, in its middle part, a nasal area (231) forming an inverted "v", this nasal zone being intended to be positioned opposite the nose when the mask is worn by a user, the frame comprising

• at least one front bearing surface (25) against which a part of the internal surface of the first wall comes into contact when the screen is assembled to the frame,
• a rear attachment surface (26),

• a comfort element (5) intended to be made integral with at least part of the rear attachment surface of the chassis,

characterized in that
the rear attachment surface (26) is arranged so that, at the level of the nasal zone, a lower edge (261) of the attachment surface is recessed towards the front, in an axial direction (X), relative to a lower edge (3211) of the internal surface (321) of the second wall of the screen. Mask (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that, at the level of the nasal zone (231), the distance (u), in an axial direction (X), between a lower edge (251) of the bearing surface front (25) and a lower edge (261) of the gripping surface (26) is less than five millimeters. Mask (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, at the level of the nasal zone (231), the distance (v), in an axial direction (X), between a lower surface edge (251) front support (25) and an upper edge (262) of the gripping surface (26) is less than eight millimeters. Mask (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the comfort element is removably mounted on the frame. Mask (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, at the nasal area, the maximum height (h5) of the comfort element is greater than 25 millimeters. Mask (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the comfort element consists of one or more polyurethane foams. Mask (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, at the level of the nasal zone, the element of comfort comprises a superposition of layers of foam in the axial direction (X). Mask (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the nasal area, the comfort element comprises a layer composed of a shape memory material.