Protective headwear

Abstract

The present invention provides protective headwear which may be suitably employed for athletic pursuits. In particular aspects, the invention provides headwear that can provide protection to nose and other facial areas. Preferred headwear of the invention comprise (a) an eye protection component and (b) a face protection component downwardly extending from the eye protection component. Suitably the headwear does not substantially encompass or cover a user's ears, forehead, chin and/or skull regions.

1 . A protective headwear system comprising: 
 (a) eye protection component; and    (b) face protection component downwardly extending from the eye protection component,    wherein the headwear does not substantially encompass skull regions of a user.    
   
   
       2 . The headwear system of  claim 1  wherein the face protection component is configured to a user's nose.  
   
   
       3 . The headwear system of  claim 1  or  2  wherein the face protection component is comprised of a plastic material.  
   
   
       4 . The headwear system of  claim 3  wherein the face protection component is a clear plastic material.  
   
   
       5 . The headwear system of any one of claims  1  through  4  wherein the face protection component comprises perforations.  
   
   
       6 . The headwear system of any one of claims  1  through  5  further comprising padding.  
   
   
       7 . The headwear system of  claim 6  wherein the padding extends from the face protection component to a user's face.  
   
   
       8 . The headwear system of any one of claims  1  through  7  wherein the eye protection component and face protection component are formed as a single integral unit.  
   
   
       9 . The headwear system of any one of claims  1  through  7  wherein the eye protection component and face protection component are formed separately and assembled together prior to use.  
   
   
       10 . The headwear system of  claim 9  wherein the eye protection component and face protection component are releasably engaged during use.  
   
   
       11 . The headwear system of any one of claims  1  through  10  wherein the headwear system is attached to a user by a strap.  
   
   
       12 . The headwear system of  claim 11  wherein the strap is an elastic strap.  
   
   
       13 . The headwear system of any one of claims  1  through  12  wherein the headwear system does not significantly cover a user's ears, forehead and/or chin.  
   
   
       14 . The headwear system of any one of claims  1  through  13  wherein the system does not comprise a helmet.  
   
   
       15 . The headwear system of any one of claims  1  through  14  wherein the headwear system is suitable for lacrosse use.  
   
   
       16 . A protective headwear system comprising: 
 (a) eye protection component; and    (b) face protection component downwardly extending from the eye protection component,    wherein the headwear is attached to a user by a strap.    
   
   
       17 . A protective headwear system comprising: 
 (a) eye protection component; and    (b) face protection component downwardly extending from the eye protection component,    wherein the headwear does not significantly cover a user's ears, forehead and/or chin.    
   
   
       18 . The headwear system of  claim 18  wherein the headwear is attached to a user by a strap.  
   
   
       19 . Use of a headwear system of any claims  1  through  18  as protective wear for lacrosse.