Description FACE PROTECTOR FOR KENDO

[I] [Technical Field]

[2] The present invention relates to a face protector for kendo, more specifically to a face protector for kendo in which the material and combination structure of the mask of the face protector and the head portion, the overall structure and the detachable structure of internal protective material are improved on the whole, whereby safety is enhanced and ease of use is improved.

[3] [Background Art]

[4] As is well known, the face protector is protective equipment that a person who cultivates kendo (Japanese fencing) and swordsmanship wears to protect his or her face, head and shoulders during a training contest or game.

[5] A conventional face protector consists of, as shown in Fig. 1, a face mask 1 for protecting the face, a flank protection cover 2 that is combined around the face mask 1 to protect the lateral portion of the head and neck, and a neck protecting guard 3 that is attached to the bottom end of the face mask 1 to protect the front portion of the neck.

[6] But such a conventional face protector has the following problems and drawbacks.

[7] First, since the face mask 1 is made of heavy metal material, it has a problem of burdening the user with heavy weight. Especially for beginners, children and women, it is not only very inconvenient to wear, but also it becomes a cause for making it difficult to train kendo.

[8] Second, since the flank protection cover 2 is made of cotton fabric, it is not sufficient to protect the ear portion. Therefore, if there is a strong attack on the flank, there is much possibility of fatal damage to the eardrum by instantaneous compression of air because the flank protection cover 2 is in close contact with the ear portion of the user.

[9] Third, because the face mask 1 and a head portion are composed separately, frequent shock by wooden sword weakens joints and shortens life thereof.

[10] Fourth, if there is not a cushioning material provided between the head portion and the head, shock cannot be absorbed, so there is a possibility of damage to the head; even if there is a cushioning material, it is inconvenient to use since it is not easy to adjust the thickness and position.

[I I] Fifth, the whole face protector is worn by tying a fixing string over the head, so much activity after wearing it loosens the string to impede free action, and long use weakens the binding force of the string to make it difficult to maintain the level of tension.

[12] [Disclosure]

[13] [Technical Problem]

[14] The present invention is to solve such problems of the prior art with a major object to

provide a face protector for kendo in which a face mask and head portion are formed monolithically of plastics, FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) material, thermoplastic resin, etc. to enhance durability as well as reduce weight and prolong life.

[15] It is another object of the present invention to provide a face protector for kendo in which the flank protection cover that starts from the head guard is made of new material, and an expanded foam guard is additionally provided to the inside to absorb shock and the protective cover is detachable to enhance convenience.

[16] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a face protector for kendo in which cushioning material is addable between the inside of the head portion and the head to protect the head from shock and the cushioning material is easily detachable by using Velcro fastener (registered trademark) to make it easy to adjust the size to fit the head shape of the user and enhance convenience.

[17] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a face protector for kendo in which the face protector is fixed using string after wearing it over the head and also it can be easily tied and untied using string-tightening link.

[18] It is yet still another object of the present invention to provide a face protector for kendo in which the head guard is improved so as to protect the back of the head during backward fall.

[19] [Technical Solution]

[20] To achieve the above objects, there is provided a face protector for kendo comprising: a head guard for protecting the head; a face mask positioned at front side of the head guard for protecting the face; a shoulder guard connected to both flanks of the head guard so as to protect the shoulders; and a throat guard arranged at the bottom end of the head guard so as to protect the neck, wherein the head guard and the face mask are injection-molded with synthetic resin material.

[21] Here the head guard and the face mask are injection-molded respectively, and the face protector for kendo further comprises a screw for monolithically fastening the head guard and the face mask.

[22] Preferably, the head guard and the face mask are monolithically injection-molded.

[23] Preferably, the head guard is extended so as to cover the crown portion of the wearer.

[24] Preferably, the head guard having a hemispherical shape is extended so as to cover the upper half of the back part of the head of the wearer.

[25] Preferably, the head guard includes one or more air vent.

[26] Preferably, the face protector for kendo further comprises one or more cushioning members provided for the inside of the head guard.

[27] Preferably, the face protector for kendo further comprises a Velcro fastener provided between the cushioning member and the head guard.

[28] Preferably, the Velcro fastener comprises a fastener detachable material provided for

either one side of the reverse side of the cushioning member and the inner side of the head guard; and a fastener base material provided for the other side of the reverse side of the cushioning member and the inner side of the head guard. [29] Preferably, the face protector for kendo further comprises a fastener detachable material or fastener base material provided for the outer skin of the cushioning member so as to attach or detach the cushioning member in overlap. [30] Preferably, one or more cushioning members are any one or more of the crown cushion, forehead cushion, and both cheek cushions. [31] Preferably, if the cushioning member is a crown cushion, the crown cushion includes a circular hoop portion encircling from the front head to back head of the wearer. [32] Preferably, the shoulder guard comprises an outer skin that is extended from the flank of the head guard; and a detachable means that detachably connects the outer skin to the head guard. [33] Preferably, the shoulder guard further comprises a shoulder cushioning member provided for the inside of the outer skin. [34] Preferably, the cushioning member is provided for the inside with expanded foam synthetic resin material with a thickness from 5 mm to 10 mm. [35] Preferably, the detachable means is any one of a snap button, zipper and Velcro type fastener. [36] Preferably, the throat guard comprises a hard plate that is connected and fixed to the bottom end of the head guard; a jaw support that is arranged on the inside of the hard plate to support the jaw of the wearer; and a height adjusting means connected to the hard plate to adjust the up-down height of the jaw support against the hard plate. [37] Preferably, the height adjusting means comprises a longitudinal slot formed on the hard plate; a long hole formed on the jaw support; and a clamping screw that is inserted into these with the transverse slot and the long hole matched and that fixes the jaw support. [38] Preferably, the throat guard comprises a transverse protective piece fixed to the head guard; and a collarbone protective piece installed detachably on the transverse protective piece. [39] Preferably, the head guard further comprises one or more strings of which each end is fixed to the inside so as to be tied around and behind the head. [40] Preferably, one or more strings comprise a tightening link for adjusting the length of the string. [41] Preferably, one or more strings comprise a Velcro fastener for fixing the other end of each string to each other. [42] [Advantageous Effects]

[43] According to the present invention, since the face mask and the head portion in the

present invention are molded monolithically with plastics, FRP material, thermoplastic material, etc., durability is enhanced while weight is greatly reduced, and it is possible to provide a product of good quality which is lower-priced and has longer life.

[44] Because the flank protection cover that starts from the head guard is made of new material, and the expanded foam guards are additionally provided to the inside, lateral shock can be safely absorbed, and the detachable configuration makes it convenient to repair and replace as well as use.

[45] In addition, because cushioning material can be added between the inside of the head guard and the head, the extent of protecting the head from shock can be improved, but also it is easy to use because the cushioning material can be easily attached or detached using Velcro fastener. After all, it is possible to adjust easily to fit the width and length of the head shape of the user and it is easy to adjust the size.

[46] Furthermore, since it is easy to tie easily and untie quickly the upper string, or the upper string and lower string using respective tightening links, it is advantageous for children and beginners to wear.

[47] [Description of Drawings]

[48] These and other objects, features, aspects, and advantages of preferred embodiments of the present invention will be more fully described in the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[49] Fig. 1 is a side view showing a conventional face protector for kendo;

[50] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the face protector for kendo according to the present invention;

[51] Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the face protector for kendo according to the present invention;

[52] Fig. 4 is a front sectional view showing the internal configuration of the face protector for kendo according to the present invention;

[53] Fig. 5 is a cross sectional view showing the internal configuration of the face protector for kendo according to the present invention;

[54] Fig. 6 is a view showing the upper string of the face protector for kendo according to the present invention;

[55] Fig. 7 is a view showing the lower string of the face protector for kendo according to the present invention;

[56] Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the shoulder guard of the face protector for kendo according to the present invention;

[57] Fig. 9 is a half sectional view showing the state in which the internal cushioning member of the face protector for kendo according to the present invention is used in overlap;

[58] Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the face protector for

kendo according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[59] Fig. 11 is a sectional view showing the configuration of the face protector for kendo shown in Fig. 10; and

[60] Fig. 12 is a rear perspective view showing a disassembled view of the face protector for kendo shown in Fig. 10.

[61] <Description of Symbols of the Major Parts of the Drawings>

[62] 10: head guard, 11: internal cushioning member, 11a: crown cushion; l ib: forehead cushion, Hd: cheek cushion, 12: fastener base material, 13: fastener detachable material, 14: upper string, 14a: tightening link, 15: lower string, 15a: Velcro fastener, 15b: Velcro fastener, 15c: tightening link, 16: crown shield, 17: air vent, 20: face mask, 21: screw hole, 22: screw, 30: shoulder guard, 31: outer skin, 32: shoulder cushioning member, 33: detachable means, 33a: zipper, 40: throat guard, 41: hard plate, 41a: longitudinal slot, 42: jaw support, 42a: long hole, 43a: clamping screw, 44: transverse protective piece, 45: collarbone cushion

[63] [Best Mode]

[64] Below will be described the configurations and actions of the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[65] First embodiment

[66] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the face protector for kendo according to the present invention, and Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the face protector for kendo according to the present invention.

[67] As shown in the drawings, the face protector for kendo according to the present invention consists of a head guard 10, a face mask 20, a shoulder guard 30 and a throat guard 40. The characteristics of the face protector for kendo according to the present invention are, as shown in Fig. 2, that the head guard 10 and the face mask 20 are injection-molded with synthetic resin material and have a monolithical configuration by fastening these to each other by a fastening means, for example, screws 22.

[68] Namely, the frame of the face and the helmet portion of the head are made by injection molding, and proper materials for this are FRP material, plastics and thermoplastic resin, which enable lighter and cheaper manufacture.

[69] The head guard 10 injection-molded like this allows a plurality of internal cushioning members 11 to be inserted in the inside.

[70] To insert the internal cushioning members, the whole of the inside of the head guard

10 is coated with fastener base material 12 as shown in Fig. 4.

[71] And the internal cushioning members 11 consist of a crown cushion 1 Ia on the upper side, a forehead cushion 1 Ib and both cheek cushions 1 Id as shown in Fig. 3. Each surface of these members has fastener base material 12 attached, and the reverse of them has fastener detachable material 13 of Velcro fastener attached.

[72] Therefore, by using the fastener base material 12 and fastener detachable material 13, it is possible to attach the crown cushion 11a, forehead cushion 1 Ib and both cheek cushions 1 Id to desired positions to fit the head shape of the user.

[73] And in case the head guard 10 is too much larger than the head shape of the user or if there is a desire to make the thickness of the cushioning member thicker, any one of the crown cushion 11a, forehead cushion 1 Ib and both cheek cushions 1 Id can be attached in overlap of two or more layers.

[74] Meanwhile, the head guard 10 is provided with an upper string 14 for tying the back head portion of the user and a lower string 15 for binding the shoulder guard behind the neck.

[75] Here, as shown in Fig. 6, the upper string 14 is provided with a tightening link 14a at an end of one side to make it easy to tie an end portion of the other side after passing it through the ring. The lower string 15 is also provided with a tightening link 15c at an end of one side and Velcro fasteners 15a and 15b at an end portion of the other side to make it easy to tighten, as shown in Fig. 7.

[76] Because the upper string 14 and lower string 15 of the present invention are provided with the tightening links 14a and 15c, the user can tie or untie easily by placing his or her hand behind the head, loosening during wearing is prevented, and deterioration of the string can be prevented in spite of long use.

[77] In addition, the shoulder guard 30 of the present invention is provided with a detachable means 33 as shown in Fig. 3, so the shoulder guard can be easily attached to or detached from the head guard 10 by using the detachable means 33. The shoulder guard 30 has its outer skin made of textile fabric, natural leather or artificial leather and a shoulder cushioning member 32 attached to the inside.

[78] The shoulder cushioning member 32 is made of expanded foam resin material as shown in Fig. 4, and a thickness of about 5 mm to 10 mm looks suitable as an empirical value.

[79] Although not shown in drawings, as the detachable means 33, a snap button, zipper,

Velcro type fastener can be used, and these have ease of installation and convenience of use.

[80] In the shoulder guard 30 of the present invention constructed like above, the shock of wooden sword acting on the shoulder is absorbed by the shoulder cushioning member 32. Meanwhile, the lateral shock directed to the head and ear is absorbed by the hardness of the head guard 10 to a certain degree and further by the internal cushioning members 11.

[81] And the throat guard 40 of the present invention comprises a hard plate 41 connected and fixed to the bottom end of the head guard 10 and a jaw support 42 inserted into the longitudinal slot 41a of the hard plate 41. The height of the jaw support 42 can be

adjusted up or down by a height adjusting means 43. [82] The height adjusting means 43 of the throat guard 40 comprises the longitudinal slot

41a formed on the hard plate 41, a long hole 42a formed on the jaw support 42 and clamping screw 43a that is inserted into the unity of the longitudinal slot 41a and long hole 42a to fix the jaw support 42. [83] By using such a height adjusting means 43, it is possible to adjust the height of the jaw support 42 located inside the hard plate 41. Therefore, it feels better to wear since the height of the jaw support can be changed to fit the length of the face of the user. [84] Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the detachable means

33. [85] Namely, the detachable means 33 of Fig. 8 uses a zipper 33a to attach and detach the shoulder guard 30 easily from the side of the head guard 10. [86] Second embodiment

[87] Meanwhile, Figs. 10 to 12 show a face protector for kendo according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [88] Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the face protector for kendo according to the second embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 11 is a sectional view showing the configuration of the face protector for kendo shown in Fig.

10, and Fig. 12 is a rear perspective view showing a disassembled view of the face protector for kendo shown in Fig. 10. [89] A face protector for kendo according to the second embodiment consists of a head guard 10 for protecting the head, a face mask 20 for protecting the face, a shoulder guard 30 for protecting the shoulders, and a throat guard 40 for protecting the neck.

The biggest characteristic of this embodiment is that the head guard 10 and the face mark 20 are monolithically formed by injection molding of synthetic resin material. [90] Moreover, the shoulder guard 30 is connected and fixed to the side of the head guard

10, and shoulder cushioning member 32 is embedded inside the outer skin 31. The head guard 10 is different from the first embodiment in that it has a detachable crown shield 16 provided inside. [91] In particular, the head guard 10 is made in a hemispherical form covering more than the upper half of the back of the head, and on the upper side is formed more than at least one air vent 17 so as to easily discharge the heat and sweat generated from the head during exercise. [92] The throat guard 40 is different from the first embodiment in that it is provided with a transverse protective piece 44 fixed to the head guard 10 and a collarbone protective piece 45 attached detachably to the transverse protective piece 44. [93] Because the head guard 10 is a hemispherical form covering the upper half of the back of the head in this embodiment, the upper string 14 only is provided unlike the

first embodiment mentioned above.

[94] Namely, the head guard 10 is provided with the upper string 14 of which each end is fixed inside so as to be tied around and behind the head, and this upper string 14 has a tightening link 14a provided in the middle.

[95] The method of wearing the face protector for kendo according to this embodiment of the present invention, configured like above, is such that the crown shield 16 inside the head guard 10 and all the other cushioning pieces are adjusted to fit the head shape and face size before wearing the face protector and the rear upper string 14 is inserted into the tightening link 14a and hooked and pulled to be tightened.

[96] The link has two D-shaped rings which are tightened further as they are pulled, so they are not loosened even if one upper string 14 is let go as long as the two rings are in overlap. To loosen, the upper string 14 is pulled while separating the two rings, and then they are easily loosened.

[97] An important characteristic of the face protector for kendo according to the second embodiment of the present invention is that the head guard 10 is of a hemispherical shape monolithically formed to the back head portion as shown in Fig. 10, and the crown shield 16 comprises a circular hoop portion 16a encircling the upper half of the back head from the front head as shown in Fig. 11. By virtue of this, even if the head touches the ground by falling backward during exercise, there is not a big shock, and injury such as brain concussion can be prevented.

[98] Another characteristic of the face protector for kendo according to the second embodiment of the present invention is that besides the shoulder guard 30 for protecting the shoulders, the transverse protective piece 44 for protecting the throat portion and the collarbone protective piece 45 for protecting the collarbone portion are additionally provided.

[99] As shown in Fig. 12, the transverse protective piece 44 and the collarbone protective piece 45 can be attached or detached very easily using fixing means such as snap buttons. Therefore, the protection range is extended to include the throat portion, collarbone portion and shoulder portion, and at the same time, wearing comfort and safety are improved.

[ 100] [industrial Applicability]

[101] As described above, since the face mask and the head portion in the present invention are molded monolithically with plastics, FRP material, thermoplastic material, etc., durability is enhanced while weight is greatly reduced, and it is possible to provide a product of good quality which is lower-priced and has longer life.

[102] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the

invention in unnecessary detail, and therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.