Face guard

Claim 1

A face guard for a player of a game using a ball or the like play piece which face guard is to be worn on the head of a participating player who also typically wears a cap having a visor, comprising: (a) an integral mask piece formed as an open mesh from interconnected rod members defining a plurality of open spaces each being sufficiently small in size to prevent passage of said play piece and having: (i) a front portion of generally outward curvature to guard the player's forehead, eyes, nose, mouth, chin and throat area including: (aa) an unobstructed visor aperture positioned in an upper region of the front portion such that when the face guard is worn, the visor aperture is positioned substantially opposite the player's forehead, said visor aperture extending across substantially the full width of the front portion and being of sufficient size to accept the insertion of a visor of a cap worn by the player; and (bb) a vision aperture positioned below the visor aperture and extending across substantially the full width of the front portion and being of sufficient size to provide the player with substantially unobstructed forward and peripheral vision; (ii) side portions formed to provide exterior side areas forming continuations of the generally outward curvature of said front portion and located at respective opposite sides of and integral with the front portion so as to shield the player's temple, cheek and lower jaw areas; (b) pad means secured to the inside surface of selected rod members forming said front portion of the mask piece and operative to cushion the player's face from impacts; and (c) means operatively associated with said mask piece for releasably securing said mask piece to the head of the player wearing said face guard.