PROTECTIVE SCARF

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.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/305,073, filed Feb. 16, 2010.

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to articles of wearing apparel and, more particularly, to a scarf which is uniquely configured to provide the protective functions typically associated with a scarf (e.g., neck and facial warming), as well as optional protection from the spread of germs.

2. Description of the Related Art

Even a cursory review of media headlines demonstrates that there is a heightened global awareness amongst the general public regarding the risks associated with airborne disease transmission, a recent example being the world wide fears attributable to the spread of swine flu. Protective face masks that cover the nose and mouth of the wearer to filter air and/or prevent the spread of germs are well known in the prior art. Such masks take on many forms, including disposable molded masks that substantially fit the contour over the bridge of the nose and around the mouth of the wearer, and flexible masks such as those used for surgery. These masks typically include one or more bands for attachment around the back of the head to retain the mask over the wearer's nose and mouth. Other masks of this type provide for an ear loop attachment wherein bands extending from the side of the mask loop around the back of the wearer's ears. While these types of masks provide certain levels of efficacy in relation to protecting against the inhalation and transmission of airborne contaminants or germs, the aesthetic attributes of such masks results in their use being largely confined to medical and laboratory environments (e.g., hospitals), or specialized industrial environments. In this regard, individuals wearing these types of masks outside of such clinical or specialized industrial settings are often subject to unwanted stares or scrutiny, thus deterring mask usage.

In contrast to the protective masks described above, conventional scarves, which are staple items of wearing apparel of the general public, typically comprise long pieces of cloth having a length greater than their width dimension, and are most often used to keep a wearer's neck protected from cold and wind. Most scarves, after being wrapped around the neck of a wearer, can be pulled upwardly so as to cover those portions of the wearer's face (i.e., the nose and the mouth) which would also be covered by a protective mask having one of the aforementioned designs. Thus, though a conventional scarf, when extended over the wearer's nose and mouth, may be used to mimic some of the germ transmission prevention characteristics of protective masks, the designs of currently known scarves are not particularly well suited to this particular purpose of use. More particularly, when extended to cover the nose and mouth of the wearer, conventional scarves lack structural features which allow the same to be easily maintained in this particular orientation. In this regard, even minor movements of the wearer's head tend to give rise to a loosening which causes the scarf to fall downwardly over at least the wearer's nose, and more often the both the wearer's nose and mouth.

The protective scarf constructed in accordance with the present invention addresses the need in the marketplace for a protective device which provides many of the safeguards of the aforementioned protective masks, but has the more desirable aesthetic qualities of a conventional scarf. Thus, use of the protective scarf constructed in accordance with the present invention need not be confined to any particular environment, and is perfectly suited for use in environments such as the work place, shopping malls, or other venues frequented by high concentrations of individuals. These, as well as other features and advantages of the present invention, will be described in more detail below.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided 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.

The present invention is best understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These, as well as other features of the present invention, will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a protective scarf constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a back plan view of the protective scarf shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the protective scarf of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 as operatively wrapped about the neck of a wearer;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the protective scarf of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 as operatively wrapped about the neck of a wearer, but further depicting the protective scarf in a deployed state covering the nose and mouth of the wearer;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 1, but further illustrating a portion of a wearer's face in phantom to depict the relative orientation of an interior face shield of the protective scarf relative to the wearer's nose and mouth when the protective scarf is deployed in the manner shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 6, but depicting a variant of the protective scarf of the first embodiment wherein the interior face shield is selectively detachable from the remainder thereof;

FIG. 8 is a back plan view similar to FIG. 2, but depicting another variant of the protective scarf of the first embodiment wherein one of the flap portions thereof is outfitted with at least one storage pocket;

FIG. 9 is a front plan view of a protective scarf constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a back plan view of the protective scarf of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a is a front perspective view of the protective scarf of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 as operatively wrapped about the neck of a wearer;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the protective scarf of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 as operatively wrapped about the neck of a wearer, but further depicting the protective scarf in a deployed state covering the nose and mouth of the wearer; and

FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the protective scarf of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 as operatively wrapped about the neck of a wearer.

Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and detailed description to indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIGS. 1-6 depict a protective scarf 10 constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The scarf 10 has an elongate, generally quadrangular configuration, and is preferably fabricated from a sheet of a soft, pliable fabric material which defines an inner surface 11 and an opposed outer surface 13. When viewed from the perspective shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the scarf 10 also defines an elongate, longitudinally extending first (top) edge 12, an elongate, longitudinally extending second (bottom) edge 14, a laterally extending first (left) side edge 16, and a laterally extending second (right) side edge 18. As further seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the width of the scarf 10 as taken between the first and second edges 12, 14 is not uniform. Rather, the scarf 10 includes two gathered portions 20, each of which is each held together by suitable stitching. The gathered portions 20 are disposed adjacent respective ones of the opposed sides of a central portion 22 of the scarf 10. In this regard, the gathered portions 20 essentially define reduced width areas of demarcation between the central portion 22 and an opposed pair of elongate flap portions 24 of the scarf 10, each of the flap portions 24 defining a respective one of the first and second side edges 16, 18. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the inclusion of the gathered portions 20 in the scarf 10 is optional, and that such gathered portions 20 may be omitted without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In the scarf 10, that portion of the first edge 12 extending along (i.e., spanning) the central portion 22 preferably includes an elongate band or strip of a resilient material (e.g., an elastic band 26) disposed therein. As best seen in FIG. 6, the elastic band 26 is captured within a complimentary pocket defined by folding over and thereafter attaching a portion of the scarf 10 to the inner surface 11 thereof. In the scarf 10, it is contemplated that the opposed ends of the elastic band 26 will be secured to the scarf 10 at locations which do not extend beyond respective ones of the gathered portions 20. The functionality of the elastic band 26 will be discussed in more detail below.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 6, the scarf 10 further comprises an interior face panel or shield 28 which is secured to a portion of the inner surface 11 thereof. More particularly, as best seen in FIG. 2, the face shield 28 is positioned upon the central portion 22 of the scarf 10, and is sized and configured to cover a substantial portion of the inner surface 11 defined by the central portion 22. The face shield 28 is preferably made of a soft, pliable fabric material. The preferred method of facilitating the attachment of the face shield 28 to the inner surface 11 of the central portion 22 is by three (3) elongate stitching seams, one of which extends along the first edge 12, one of which extends along the second edge 14, and one of which extends substantially intermediate and in generally parallel relation to the other two seams. By virtue of this attachment method, the face shield 28 and central portion 22 collectively define a pair of pockets 30 which are most easily seen in FIG. 6 and are adapted to accommodate, for example, disposable tissues. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the face shield 28 may alternatively be attached to a central portion 22 in a manner which does not facilitate the formation of the pockets 30. Additionally, though the face shield 28 is shown in FIG. 2 as being sized to span virtually the entire width or distance between those portions of the first and second edges 12, 14 extending along the central portion 22, those of ordinary skill in the art will further recognize that the face shield 28 may be fabricated so as to be of reduced width and/or increased length in comparison to that shown in FIG. 2 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The scarf 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention is further preferably provided with a first fastener 32 and a second fastener 34 which are secured to respective ones of the inner and outer surfaces 11, 13. More particularly, the first fastener 32 is secured to the outer surface 13 and located upon one of the gathered portions 20, the first fastener 32 being located closer to the first edge 12 than to the second edge 14. Similarly, the second fastener 34 is secured to the inner surface 11 and located upon the remaining one of the gathered portions 20, the second fastener 34 also being disposed closer to the first edge 12 than the second edge 14. The first and second fasteners 32, 34 are each preferably fabricated from an elongate strip of hook and loop fastener material (i.e., Velcro®).

As is apparent from FIGS. 3 and 4, the first and second fasteners 32, 34, when coupled to each other subsequent to the wrapping of the central portion 22 of the scarf about the neck of the wearer 36, are operative to maintain the central portion 22 in firm engagement to the wearer's neck, with the flap portions 24 thereafter being capable of any suitable arrangement about the wearer's neck and/or over the wearer's shoulders. As is further apparent from FIGS. 3 and 4, the firm engagement of the central portion 22 to the wearer's neck attributable to the releasable coupling of the first and second fasteners 32, 34 to each other allows the central portion 22 to be selectively moved between a first, collapsed position (shown in FIG. 3) and a second, extended position (shown in FIG. 4). When the central portion 22 is in the collapsed position shown in FIG. 3, the same, and in particular that portion of the first edge 12 including the elastic band 26 therein, extends below the chin of the wearer 36. Conversely, when the central portion 22 is moved by the wearer 36 to its extended position, that portion of the first edge 12 extending along the central portion 22 and including the elastic band 26 therein extends over the bridge of the nose and beneath the eyes of the wearer 36, thus causing the central portion 22 to completely cover the nose and mouth of the wearer 36. Advantageously, the inclusion of the elastic band 26 within that portion of the first edge 12 spanning the central portion 22 assists in maintaining the central portion 22 in its extended orientation despite movement of the wearer's head. It will be recognized that when the central portion 22 is in its extended position, those portions of the wearer's face covered by the central portion 22 do not directly contact the inner surface 11, but rather contact the interior face shield 28 attached to that portion of the inner surface 11 defined by the central portion 22 as described above.

In the scarf 10, the first and second fasteners 32, 34 are each preferably fabricated to be of sufficient length so as to provide at least some measure of adjustability/compatibility to differing neck sizes of different wearers of the scarf 10. Additionally, though not shown, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the first and second fasteners 32, 34 shown and described above may be substituted with other types of fasteners such as a series of complimentary snap connectors without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown a scarf 10a which comprises a first variant of the scarf 10 shown and described above in relation to FIGS. 1-6. The sole distinction between the scarf 10 and the scarf 10a lies in the interior face shield 28 of the scarf 10a being releasably attached to that portion of the inner surface 11 defined by the central portion 22, rather than being permanently secured to the central portion 22 through the use of the aforementioned stitched seams. More particularly, in the scarf 10a, the attachment of the face shield 28 to the central portion 22 is facilitated by corresponding complimentary strips 38 of hook and loop fastener material (e.g., Velcro®). As seen in FIG. 7, it is contemplated that the orientations of the fastening strips 38 on the inner surface 11 of the central portion 22 and on the face shield 28 may be such when the face shield 28 is releasably secured to the central portion 22, the pockets 30 described above in relation to the scarf 10 are collectively defined by the face shield 28 and central portion 22 in the scarf 10a as well.

Referring now FIG. 8, there is shown a scarf 10b which comprises a second variant of the scarf 10 shown and described above in relation to FIGS. 1-6. The sole distinction between the scarf 10b and the scarf 10 lies in the attachment of a supplemental strip 40 of material to the inner surface 11 at a distal portion of one of the flap portions 24 in a manner facilitating the formation of a side-by-side pair of pockets 42. As seen in FIG. 8, the strip 40 included in the scarf 10b is secured to the inner surface 11 at a location wherein the pockets 42 are disposed adjacent to and along the second side edge 18 defined by one of the flap portions 24. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the strip 40 may be attached to the inner surface 11 of the other flap portion 24 such that the pockets 42 are disposed adjacent to and extend along the first side edge 16. Along these lines, it is also contemplated that two (2) strips 40 may be attached to the inner surface 11 such that pockets 42 are located adjacent and extend along respective ones of each of the first and second side edges 16, 18. Still further, these strip(s) 40 may alternatively be attached to the inner surface 11 such that only a single pocket, rather than the aforementioned pair of pockets 42 is defined thereby.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-13, there is shown a scarf 100 which is constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. The scarf 100 has a generally quadrangular configuration, and is preferably fabricated from a sheet of a soft, pliable fabric material which defines an inner surface 111 and an opposed outer surface 113. When viewed from the perspective shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the scarf 100 also defines an elongate, longitudinally extending first (top) edge 112, an elongate, longitudinally extending second (bottom) edge 114, a laterally extending first (left) side edge 116, and a laterally extending second (right) side edge 118. The scarf 100 also defines an opposed pair of flap portions 124 which are disposed adjacent respective ones of the opposed sides of a central portion 122 of the scarf 100, each of the flap portions 124 defining a respective one of the first and second side edges 116, 118. As further seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, the width of the scarf 100 as taken between the first and second edges 112, 114 is not uniform. In this regard, each of the flap portions 124 includes a gathered portion 120 which is each held together by suitable stitching. Thus, the gathered portions 120 are disposed adjacent respective ones of the opposed sides of the central portion 122 of the scarf 100. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the inclusion of the gathered portions 120 in the flap portions 124 of the scarf 100 is optional, and that such gathered portions 120 may be omitted without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In the scarf 100 that portion of the first edge 112 extending along (i.e., spanning) the central portion 122 preferably includes an elongate band or strip of a resilient material (e.g., an elastic band) disposed therein. The elastic band is preferably captured within a complimentary pocket defined by folding over and thereafter attaching a portion of the scarf 100 to the inner surface 111 thereof. The functionality of the elastic band will be discussed in more detail below.

As seen in FIG. 10, the scarf 100 further comprises an interior face panel or shield 128 which is secured to a portion of the inner surface 111 thereof. More particularly, the face shield 128 is positioned upon the central portion 122 of the scarf 100, and is sized and configured to cover a substantial portion of the inner surface 111 defined by the central portion 122. The face shield 128 is preferably made of a soft, pliable fabric material. The preferred method of facilitating the attachment of the face shield 128 to the inner surface 111 of the central portion 122 is by three (3) elongate stitching seams, one of which extends along the first edge 112, one of which extends along the second edge 114, and one of which extends substantially intermediate and in generally parallel relation to the other two seams. By virtue of this attachment method, the face shield 128 and central portion 122 collectively define a pair of pockets 130 which are adapted to accommodate, for example, disposable tissues. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the face shield 128 may alternatively be attached to a central portion 122 in a manner which does not facilitate the formation of the pockets 130. Additionally, though the face shield 128 is shown in FIG. 10 as being sized to span virtually the entire width or distance between those portions of the first and second edges 112, 114 extending along the central portion 122, those of ordinary skill in the art will further recognize that the face shield 128 may be fabricated so as to be of reduced width and/or increased length in comparison to that shown in FIG. 10 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Additionally, rather than being permanently attached to the central portion 122, the face shield 128 may be releasably attached to the central portion 122 through the use of suitable fasteners in the same manner described above in relation to the scarf 10a shown in FIG. 7.

The scarf 100 constructed in accordance with the present invention is further preferably provided with a first fastener 132 and a second fastener 134 which are secured to respective ones of the inner and outer surfaces 111, 113. More particularly, the first fastener 132 is secured to the outer surface 113 and located upon one of the gathered portions 120, the first fastener 132 being located closer to the first edge 112 than to the second edge 114. Similarly, the second fastener 134 is secured to the inner surface 111 and located upon the remaining one of the gathered portions 120, the second fastener 134 also being disposed closer to the first edge 112 than the second edge 114. The first and second fasteners 132, 134 are each preferably fabricated from an elongate strip of hook and loop fastener material (i.e.,) Velcro®).

As is apparent from FIGS. 11, 12 and 13, the first and second fasteners 132, 134, when coupled to each other subsequent to the wrapping of the flap portions 124 of the scarf about the neck of the wearer 36, are operative to maintain the central portion 122 in firm engagement to the wearer's neck. The firm engagement of the central portion 122 to the wearer's neck attributable to the releasable coupling of the first and second fasteners 132, 134 to each other allows the central portion 122 to be selectively moved between a first, collapsed position (shown in FIG. 11) and a second, extended position (shown in FIG. 12). When the central portion 122 is in the collapsed position shown in FIG. 11, the same, and in particular that portion of the first edge 112 including the elastic band therein, extends below the chin of the wearer 36. Conversely, when the central portion 122 is moved by the wearer 36 to its extended position, that portion of the first edge 112 extending along the central portion 122 and including the elastic band therein extends over the bridge of the nose and beneath the eyes of the wearer 36, thus causing the central portion 122 to completely cover the nose and mouth of the wearer 36. Advantageously, the inclusion of the elastic band within that portion of the first edge 112 spanning the central portion 122 assists in maintaining the central portion 122 in its extended orientation despite movement of the wearer's head. It will be recognized that when the central portion 122 is in its extended position, those portions of the wearer's face covered by the central portion 122 do not directly contact the inner surface 111, but rather contact the interior face shield 128 attached to that portion of the inner surface 111 defined by the central portion 122 as described above.

In the scarf 100, the first and second fasteners 132, 134 are each preferably fabricated to be of sufficient length so as to provide at least some measure of adjustability/compatibility to differing neck sizes of different wearers of the scarf 100. Additionally, though not shown, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the first and second fasteners 132, 134 shown and described above may be substituted with other types of fasteners such as a series of complimentary snap connectors without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

This disclosure provides exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited by these exemplary embodiments. Numerous variations, whether explicitly provided for by the specification or implied by the specification, such as variations in structure, dimension, type of material and manufacturing process may be implemented by one of skill in the art in view of this disclosure.

Claims

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.

Patent History
Publication number: 20110197340
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 16, 2011
Publication Date: Aug 18, 2011
Inventor: VERONICA KUMMERFELDT (Chino Hills, CA)
Application Number: 13/028,441
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Scarfs And Veils (2/207)
International Classification: A41D 23/00 (20060101);