Tailored and vented facial garment

Abstract

The present invention is a protective facial garment which overcomes the problems inherent in garments that cover the face and nose. Namely, the invention addresses the problems of causing eyewear to fog from exhaled breath and having to choose between leaving the mouth and nose exposed versus covering the mouth and nose, which often results in exhaled moisture being held against the skin, causing discomfort. To address these challenges, the device is tailored to provide a vented air pocket in front of the wearer's mouth and nose and to block the natural cavity between the bridge of the wearer's nose and cheekbone. The device thus provides an alternative route for exhaled air, preventing fogging of eyewear. The air pocket provides the further benefit of warming and moistening fresh air, making breathing easier when used in cold air conditions.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims priority in U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61 / 336,725, filed Jan. 26, 2010, entitled Multi-layer Vented Facial Garment. The present utility application is also described in U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29 / 348,653, filed Jan. 26, 2010, entitled Vented Facial Garment and U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29 / 348,653, filed Jan. 26, 2010, entitled Vented Facial Garment with Wing Design and U.S. Design patent application (Ser. No. unavailable), filed Dec. 10, 2010, entitled Tailored and Vented Face Mask.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to the field of protective facial wear for outdoor activities. The invention is further related to the field of protecting the face of the user from wind, sun, cold, insects and airborne dust, dirt and debris and improving athletic performance.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]In order to enjoy their activity of choic...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]The present invention is a protective facial garment designed to condition air breathed in by the wearer while providing a path for exhaled air to prevent fogging the user's eyewear. The device is tailored to provide an air pocket in front of the wearer's mouth and nose and block the natural cavity between the bridge of the wearer's nose and cheekbone. The device further provides vents that create cross-ventilation within the air pocket and a self-sealing opening to allow access to the user's mouth.

Problems solved by technology

The choice of garment used to keep the face and neck warm is particularly critical because coverings for the mouth and nose often impair vision by improperly causing the wearer's warm, moist, exhaled breath to fog the lenses of goggles or other eyewear.

This may occur under various weather conditions but is particularly problematic in low temperatures and high humidity.

While this does protect the user's cheeks, it leaves the user's mouth and eyes exposed.

Such masks are also incompatible with ski goggles, glasses, hats, headphones or the like.

While the Edwards mask is waterproof and does not trap exhaled moisture, it is not very adjustable and does not warm inhaled air.

This gap allows exhaled breath to escape upwards, thus fogging the user's eyewear.

Wood provides a means for tightening the bandana such as a drawstring, but this does little to overcome the gapping problem or alleviate fogging and may even increase fogging as the taught fabric is more likely to open a gap along the sides of the nose.

Separate moisture-removing devices are not desirable because they are bulky, expensive and require maintenance.

In attempting to remove moisture to alleviate fogging, the prior art creates disadvantages for outdoor enthusiasts because removing moisture causes the user to become dehydrated more quickly.

This heat and moisture is lost to the body upon exhaling.

Thus, inhalation of cold, dry air causes significant heat loss to the body which compensates by constricting the flow of blood to the person's extremities making them cold.

Inhalation of cold, dry air also dries the normally moist mucous membrane of the respiratory passages and reduces the capacity of the lungs, which contract when breathing cold air.

A further disadvantage of the prior art is that they are typically made from moisture absorbent materials that freeze in cold weather due to precipitation and / or moisture in the user's breath.

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