Facial Screen With Connecting Elastic

This invention relates to a facial screen with connecting elastic specifically used while exercising.

I have filed a Disclosure Document Number 297,448 relating to this application.

A variety of protective facial masks are known. I have categorized the prior art into four groups (a) sports masks, (b) shop-setting masks, (c) sanitary-setting masks and (d) a miscellaneous group. I will briefly discuss the inability of each group to satisfy the need to which my invention is directed.

(a) Sports masks are designed for a number of purposes. Some masks are designed to prevent injury to the athlete from being hit by a playing object. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 257,698 to Skottheim (1978) is a Goalie Mask For A Hockey Player. A second example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,173,795 to Lundin, Bravin (1978) is a Racquetball or Squash Mask. While suited to this particular purpose these coverings do nothing to enhance the athlete's outdoor aerobic workout. Cold weather masks are also unsatisfactory because they fail to provide an acceptable covering for the mouth area during aerobic exercise. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,300,240 to Edwards (1979) shows a Cold Weather Face Mask. U.S. Pat. No. 4,941,211 to Blutstein (1989) shows a cold weather Hood. U.S. Pat. No. 274,385 to Newcomb (1981) shows Ski Goggle Nose and Face Guards. These masks would also be uncomfortable in a warm weather environment.

(b) Shop-setting masks seek to prevent injury to the employee in the workplace. Shop-setting, like some sports masks, protect the employee from being hit with objects in the workplace. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 306,363 to Stackhouse, Williamson (1987); 307,065 to Friedman (1987) and 4,945,574 to Dagher (1989) show face shields. Masks in this group are unsatisfactory for two reasons. First, these masks do nothing to help an athlete with his or her aerobic workout. Second, the structure of the masks are often cumbersome and thereby impractical for a person exercising.

(c) Sanitary-setting masks are worn by workers in situations where a sterile environment is important. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,067,174 to Ritchey, Reeves (1990) and 311,262 to Curry (1987) are face shields. These masks do not allow for free breathing and therefore are not well suited to an individual looking to exercise.

(d) Masks in the Miscellaneous Group are designed for various purposes. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 307,954 to Alber (1987) is a Costume Mask. A second example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,979,236 to Merrill, Biron (1989) is an Insect Protective Garment. A third example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,062,421 to Burns, Reischel (1991) is a Respiratory Mask having a Soft Compliant Facepiece and a Thin Rigid Insert and Method of Making. No mask in the group however is suited for use during exercise in an insect/polluted environment.

Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my facial screen with connecting elastic are:

a) solves the above-described problem associated with prior art of heaviness and being cumbersome by providing a lightweight covering.

b) provides a movable/removable protective screen for the mouth area.

c) provides covering for the mouth area that also can be secured by the chin.

d) reduces the problems associated with perspiration by providing a wash and wear reusable item.

e) provides a unisex item.

f) provides an elastic backing which allows for size differences and a proper fit.

Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.

In the drawings, closely related figures have the same number but different alphabetic suffixes.

FIGS. 1 and 1a show various aspects of the covering with connecting elastic backing to the screen and chin covering with a front and side view.

FIG. 2 shows the elastic backing curved as it would go around the head.

FIG. 2a shows the detail of the elastic backing.

FIG. 3 shows the mesh covering on the head.

FIG. 4 shows the elastic cording and mesh covering running under the chin.

14 elastic backing

16 reinforced top stitching which joins the lightweight breathable cloth material 17 to the elastic backing

16a reinforced top stitching which joins the lightweight breathable cloth material 17a to the elastic backing on the other side

17 lightweight breathable cloth material

17a lightweight breathable cloth material on the other side

18 point where the upper and lower elastic cording 20 originates from 17

18a point where the upper and lower elastic cording 20 originates from 17a on the other side

20 elastic cording running from 18 to 18a

22 aperture

22a aperture-other side

24 mesh covering including holes in various sizes so as to be better suited for different mosquito infestations

26 top stitching running complimentary with the elastic cording

28 area for the product name

28a area for the product name on the other side

30 point where the mesh covering joins 17

30a point where the mesh covering joins 17a

32 point where the mesh covering joins 17

32a point where the mesh covering joins 17a

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 1a of the drawings, the elastic backing 14 has a ripple construction as a result of an elastic strip as a base covered with a fabric material. This function compensates for size differences and enhances the probability of a proper fit. FIG. 2a illustrates the elastic backing 14 as a separate item. The reinforced top stitching 16 and 16a joins the elastic backing 14 to the lightweight breathable cloth material 17 and 17a. The lightweight breathable cloth 17 and 17a widens and decline towards the wearer's chin. The elastic cording 20 originates from 17 and 17a at points 18 and 18a. The elastic cording 20 allows the covering to conform to the anatomy of the wearer comfortably and securely. FIG. 4 highlights the elastic cording 20 and the mesh covering 24 from under the chin conforming to the anatomy of the wearer. Two apertures 22 and 22a are provided in the area of 17 and 17a which allows the skin to breathe. Further down on 17 and 17a, two areas are provided for the product identification 28 and 28a. As shown, the elastic cording 20 runs from 18 and 18a above and below 17 and 17a and down around the mesh material 24. FIG. 3 shows the mesh covering 24 which extends from points 30 and 30a and 32 and 32a and enables the wearer to exercise with his/her mouth open. The mesh covering further reduces the likelihood that a foreign body would be ingested. Stitching 26 as shown by the broken line is seen throughout. The facial screen with connecting elastic is shown worn behind the head and above the ears, and covering the chin and mouth area.

The operation of my facial screen with connecting elastic is straightforward and as follows:

Pull or stretch the elastic backing to get it over the athlete's head.

Allow the entire facial screen with connecting elastic to drop to the athlete's neck.

As the athlete starts to exercise, the mask can be raised as needed.

A two-step process is involved in raising the facial screen with connecting elastic: the elastic backing is stretched and raised to the back of the head and the elastic on the border of the mesh is raised to cover the chin and mouth area.

Accordingly, the reader will see that the facial screen with connecting lightweight fabric and elastic backing provides a lightweight economical device which will enhance an individual's workout in certain environments and can be used by persons of almost any age.

While my above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example:

version which covers the mouth without covering the chin.

version which covers the nose and mouth and could or could not cover the chin.

versions which are the same as above and also act as ear muffs and/or a hat, as shown in phantom in FIG. 1a with "ear muff" 40 and "hat" 50.

version wherein the lightweight easily expandable material for the backing is made of another material that can be pressed together or pulled apart.

Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiment(s) illustrated but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.