Protective scarf

Abstract

Provided are multiple embodiments of a protective scarf. In each embodiment of the present invention, the protective scarf defines a central portion, one edge of which is outfitted with an elastic band which extends along at least a portion of the length of such edge. Additionally, attached to one side or face of the central portion is an interior face panel or shield which covers the wearer's nose and mouth when the central portion is selectively moved from a collapsed position residing at or below the wearer's chin, to an extended position wherein it pulled upwardly to cover the wearer's mouth and nose. In each embodiment of the scarf of the present invention, the elastic band integrated into the central portion, and a fastening mechanism also included on the scarf, are collectively operative to maintain the central portion in its extended position despite movement of the wearer's head.

1 . A protective scarf wearable around the neck and face of a wearer, the protective scarf comprising:
 a central portion and a pair of opposed flap portions, the central portion being disposed between the pair of opposed flap portions, the central portion and the pair of opposed flap portions collectively defining an inner surface and an opposed outer surface; and   a shield coupled to the inner surface at the central portion;   the protective scarf being configured to be transitional between a first collapsed position wherein the central portion is disposed over the wearer's neck, and a second extended position wherein central portion extends over a portion of the wearer's face such that the shield covers the wearer's mouth.   
     
     
         2 . The protective scarf as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the scarf includes a first edge extending longitudinally along the scarf between the pair of opposed flap portions, the scarf further comprising an elastic band disposed adjacent the first edge and the shield, the elastic band being configured to bias the pair of opposed flap portions toward each other. 
     
     
         3 . The protective scarf as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the scarf includes a second edge extending longitudinally in spaced relation to the first edge between the pair of opposed flap portions, the scarf being configured to maintain the second edge adjacent the wearer's chin when the scarf is in the second extended position. 
     
     
         4 . The protective scarf as recited in  claim 3 , wherein the scarf is configured such that the first edge extends over the bridge of the wearer's nose when the scarf is in the second extended position. 
     
     
         5 . The protective scarf as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a first fastener coupled to the outer surface and a second fastener coupled to the inner surface, the first fastener being cooperatively engageable to the second fastener when the scarf is wrapped around the wearer. 
     
     
         6 . The protective scarf as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the shield releasably coupled to the inner surface. 
     
     
         7 . The protective scarf as recited in  claim 1  further configured to define a pair of gathered portions disposed on respective sides of the central portion. 
     
     
         8 . The protective scarf as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a supplemental strip coupled to the inner surface adjacent one of the pair of opposed flap portions, the supplemental strip defining at least one pocket. 
     
     
         9 . The protective scarf as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the protective shield is fabricated from a pliable fabric material. 
     
     
         10 . The protective scarf as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the pair of opposed flap portions are configured to extend over a respective shoulder of the wearer when the scarf is wrapped around the wearer's neck. 
     
     
         11 . A protective scarf wearable around the neck and face of a wearer, the protective scarf comprising:
 a central portion and a pair of opposed flap portions, the central portion being disposed between the pair of opposed flap portions, the central portion and the pair of opposed flap portions collectively defining an inner surface, an opposed outer surface, a first edge and an opposed second edge, the pair of opposed flap portions terminating to define a pair of side edges extending between the first edge and the second edge;   a shield coupled to the inner surface at the central portion; and   a pair of gathered portions disposed on respective sides of the central portion and adjacent a respective one of the pair of side edges;   the protective scarf being configured to be transitional between a first collapsed position wherein the central portion is disposed over the wearer's neck, and a second extended position wherein shield extends over a portion of the wearer's face.   
     
     
         12 . The protective scarf as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the scarf further includes an elastic band disposed adjacent the first edge and the shield, the elastic band being configured to bias the pair of opposed flap portions toward each other. 
     
     
         13 . The protective scarf as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the scarf includes a second edge extending longitudinally in spaced relation to the first edge between the pair of opposed flap portions, the scarf being configured to maintain the second edge adjacent the wearer's chin when the scarf is in the second extended position. 
     
     
         14 . The protective scarf as recited in  claim 13 , wherein the scarf is configured such that the first edge extends over the bridge of the wearer's nose when the scarf is in the second extended position. 
     
     
         15 . The protective scarf as recited in  claim 11 , further comprising a first fastener coupled to the outer surface and a second fastener coupled to the inner surface, the first fastener being cooperatively engageable to the second fastener when the scarf is wrapped around the wearer. 
     
     
         16 . The protective scarf as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the shield releasably coupled to the inner surface. 
     
     
         17 . The protective scarf as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the protective shield is fabricated from a pliable fabric material. 
     
     
         18 . A protective scarf wearable around the neck and face of a wearer, the protective scarf comprising:
 a central portion and a pair of opposed flap portions, the central portion being disposed between the pair of opposed flap portions, the central portion and the pair of opposed flap portions collectively defining an inner surface and an opposed outer surface; and   a shield coupled to the inner surface at the central portion;   the scarf being configured to be wrappable around the wearer to selectively dispose the shield over the nose and mouth of the wearer.   
     
     
         19 . The protective scarf as recited in  claim 18 , wherein the scarf includes a first edge extending longitudinally along the scarf between the pair of opposed flap portions, the scarf further comprising an elastic band disposed adjacent the first edge and the shield, the elastic band being configured to bias the pair of opposed flap portions toward each other. 
     
     
         20 . The protective scarf as recited in  claim 18 , wherein the shield releasably coupled to the inner surface.