Electrically conductive mask-lame connector for sport fencing

Abstract

Electrically conductive apparatus obviates the need for a traditional fencing “Mask Cord” while still permitting a satisfactorily resilient connection between a conventional electric fencing Mask and a target vest/jacket (“Lame”), and offers many advantages including “effortless” connectivity and positioning—in a preferred embodiment, situated between a conventional fencing Mask Bib and Lame—whereby enhanced safety is achieved during play by making the Mask even harder to tip upwards, thereby reducing the chances for injury due to neck exposure.

I claim: 
     
         1 . Apparatus for electrically connecting a fencing mask to an electrical fencing jacket (“lame”) in the sport of fencing comprising:
 material; 
 means for said material to permit the consistent passage of electrical current; 
 means for securing said material between a fencing mask and a lame so that during play, the material does not accidentally or deliberately lose contact with either said fencing mask or said lame which would thereby disrupt said electrical current. 
 
     
     
         2 . Apparatus for electrically connecting a fencing mask to an electrical fencing jacket (“lame”) in the sport of fencing comprising:
 material; 
 means for said material to permit the consistent passage of electrical current; 
 means for securing said material between a fencing mask and a lame so that during play, the material does not accidentally or deliberately lose contact with either said fencing mask or said lame which would thereby disrupt said electrical current; 
 the substantial concealment of said material by said mask so that an opponent's weapon-strike cannot disengage it from either said fencing mask or said lame. 
 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein:
 said material is a pliant, compressible material which returns to its original condition post-compression;   said means for said material to permit the consistent passage of electrical current is metallic thread.   said means for securing said material between a fencing mask and a lame so that said material does not accidentally or deliberately lose contact with either said fencing mask or said lame during play is magnetic.   
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein:
 said substantial concealment of said material by said mask is achieved by positioning said material behind the mask-bib.   
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein:
 said material is a pliant, bendable material which returns to its original position subsequent to its bending;   said means for said material to permit the consistent passage of electrical current is metallic coating;   said means for securing said material between a fencing mask and a lame so that said material does not accidentally or deliberately lose contact with either said fencing mask or said lame during play is conventional hook-and-loop fastening;   said material is removably connectable to said lame and said mask.   
     
     
         6 . Apparatus for electrically connecting a fencing mask to an electrical fencing jacket (“lame”) in the sport of fencing comprising:
 material; 
 means for said material to permit the consistent passage of electrical current; 
 means for securing said material between a fencing mask and a lame so that during play, the material does not accidentally or deliberately lose contact with either said fencing mask or said lame which would thereby disrupt said electrical current; 
 said material is removably connectable to said lame and said mask.