Face mask

Abstract

A face mask has a head band and a visor mounted to the head band. The head band has a support bar for engagement with a brow of a user and a pair of straps connected to the support bar. The straps include a fastener to permit adjustment of the length of the strap to secure the mask to the head of the user. The visor is secured to head band and is detachable to permit replacement.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A head band for supporting a visor, the head band having a support bar for engagement with a brow of a user and a strap assembly spaced forwardly of the support bar and connected to the support bar at a central location, said support bar extending laterally to either side of said central location to provide a pair of fingers that flex independently of said strap assembly. 
     
     
         2 . The head band of  claim 1  wherein said strap assembly includes a pair of straps extending in opposite directions from said central location. 
     
     
         3 . The head band of  claim 2  wherein said strap assembly includes a latch to permit connection of said straps around a user's head. 
     
     
         4 . The head band of  claim 2  wherein the straps are each secured to the support bar in a central zone and project forwardly from the support bar. 
     
     
         5 . The head band of  claim 2  wherein attachment points are formed on the straps to secure a visor to the headband. 
     
     
         6 . The headband of  claim 5  wherein the attachment points include barbs projecting from the straps. 
     
     
         7 . The headband of  claim 4  wherein each of the straps curves progressively outward from the central location. 
     
     
         8 . The headband of  claim 7  wherein each of said straps is connected to said support bar through a curved section of minimum radius, said curved section causing said strap to extend laterally generally parallel to and spaced from said support bar. 
     
     
         9 . The headband of  claim 8  wherein a membrane extends between the support bar and the straps. 
     
     
         10 . The headband of  claim 9  wherein the membrane is pleated. 
     
     
         11 . The headband of  claim 8  wherein a membrane extends between curved sections of said straps. 
     
     
         12 . The headband of  claim 11  wherein the membrane is pleated. 
     
     
         13 . The headband of  claim 1  wherein the support bar is arcuate. 
     
     
         14 . The headband of  claim 13  wherein distal ends of said support bar are flared. 
     
     
         15 . The headband of  claim 13  wherein said support bar is notched at said central location to provide a hinge and permit relative pivotal movement between opposite ends of said support bar. 
     
     
         16 . The headband of  claim 3  wherein the latch includes a ratchet and pawl mechanism. 
     
     
         17 . The headband of  claim 16  wherein the pawl is located on one of the straps and engages in notches formed on another of the straps. 
     
     
         18 . The headband of  claim 17  wherein the pawl is disengaged from the notch by rotating the one strap relative to the other. 
     
     
         19 . A facemask including a headband having a support bar for engagement with a brow of a user and a strap assembly spaced forwardly of the support bar and connected to the support bar at a central location, said support bar extending laterally to either side of said central location to provide a pair of fingers that flex independently of said strap assembly and a visor secured to the straps. 
     
     
         20 . A facemask according to  claim 19  wherein the visor has slots adjacent an upper edge to receive protrusions on the straps and secure the visor to the headband. 
     
     
         21 . A facemask according to  claim 19  wherein said strap assembly includes a pair of straps, each connected to said support bar at said central location and extending from said central location in opposite directions, said visor extending between each of said straps. 
     
     
         22 . A facemask according to  claim 21  wherein each of said straps is connected to said support bar through a curved section of minimum radius, said curved section causing said strap to extend laterally generally parallel to and spaced from said support bar and said visor extends between said curved sections and along respective ones of said straps.