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.

1 . A protective facial garment for covering the mouth and nose comprising a substantially triangular two-layer garment body having an elongated top edge and two bottom edges, and:
 a. a plurality of elastic members affixed to said top edge;   b. a plurality of darts emanating from said bottom edges, and   c. a plurality of vent pairs through said layers;   wherein said darts and elastic members create an air pocket in front of the user's mouth and nose and direct the movement of air downward and said vent pairs are arranged symmetrically on said main body.   
     
     
         2 . The garment of  claim 1 , wherein said vents are held in a substantially vertical position facing each other through said air pocket. 
     
     
         3 . The garment of  claim 1 , wherein said vents are covered by a mesh fixed between said layers. 
     
     
         4 . The garment of  claim 1 , wherein said top edge further comprises a nosepiece that biases said main body outward to help form the air pocket. 
     
     
         5 . The garment of  claim 1 , wherein said layers comprise an outer layer that is waterproof and an inner layer that is a soft, short nap fabric. 
     
     
         6 . The garment of  claim 1 , wherein said garment further comprises a bulk member affixed between said inner and outer layers in close proximity to said top edge. 
     
     
         7 . The garment of  claim 1 , wherein said main body further comprises an opening aligned with the wearer's mouth. 
     
     
         8 . The garment of  claim 1 , wherein said upper edge further comprises temple flaps. 
     
     
         9 . The garment of  claim 1 , wherein said main body is provided with a closing means for adjustably holding the garment around the user's head and neck. 
     
     
         10 . A protective facial garment for covering the mouth and nose comprising a substantially triangular, single layer garment body having an elongated top edge and two bottom edges, and:
 a. a plurality of darts;   b. a plurality of elastic members; and   c. a plurality of vent pairs;   
       wherein said darts and elastic members create an air pocket in front of the user's mouth and nose and direct the movement of air downward and said vent pairs are arranged symmetrically on said main body. 
     
     
         11 . The garment of  claim 10 , wherein said vents are held in a substantially vertical position facing each other through said air pocket. 
     
     
         12 . The garment of  claim 10 , wherein said vents are covered by a mesh attached to said garment body. 
     
     
         13 . The garment of  claim 10 , wherein said darts are located along said upper edge. 
     
     
         14 . The garment of  claim 10 , wherein said darts are located along said bottom edges. 
     
     
         15 . The garment of  claim 10 , wherein said main body is provided with a closing means for adjustably holding the garment around the user's head and neck. 
     
     
         16 . A protective facial garment for covering the mouth and nose, wherein said garment comprises:
 a. a substantially triangular garment body having an elongated top edge and two bottom edges, said garment body having an outer layer that is waterproof and an inner layer that is a soft, short nap fabric;   b. a plurality of elastic members affixed to said top edge;   c. a plurality of darts located in proximity to said bottom edges;   d. a plurality of vents that are held in a substantially vertical position facing each other; and   e. A nosepiece that biases said main body outward;   
       wherein said darts, elastic members, and nosepiece create an air pocket in front of the user's mouth and nose and direct the movement of air downward and out through said vents. 
     
     
         17 . The garment of  claim 16 , wherein said upper edge further comprises temple flaps. 
     
     
         18 . The garment of  claim 16 , wherein said main body is provided with a closing means for adjustably holding the garment around the user's head and neck. 
     
     
         19 . The garment of  claim 16 , wherein said vents are covered by a mesh fixed between said layers.