Racquetball or squash safety mask

Abstract

A racquetball or squash safety mask having a primary framework assembly, a secondary framework assembly, a grid network covering the secondary framework assembly, and a head strap assembly. The primary framework assembly has a top framework member, a bottom framework member, and a pair of side framework members that function to form a base for the secondary framework assembly and also to support the safety mask upon the wearer's face. The secondary framework assembly is attached to the primary framework assembly and it forms a convex frame having a central vertical strut member and a pair of intermediate strut members all of which extend between the top and bottom framework members. A pair of cross members link the central strut member to the intermediate strut members and the intermediate strut members in turn to the side framework members. The primary framework assembly and the secondary framework assembly are made from light weight metallic rod members that are coated with a high impact plastic material. A grid network covers the secondary framework assembly and it comprises a plurality of wire filaments that are coated with a high impact plastic and which criss-cross each other with their ends secured to the primary framework assembly. The filaments of the grid network are laterally spaced apart a distance greater than one inch but less than two inches. The filaments are also diagonally oriented with respect to the front of the mask such that none of the filaments lie in a vertical plane thereby minimizing the amount of impairment of the wearer's vision. A temple guard member extends rearwardly from each of the side framework members.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.