Removable accessory for a fencing mask

Abstract

A removable accessory for a fencing mask provided with a mesh having an array of apertures is provided. The accessory can include a main body having a first surface, and a plurality of projections extending from the first surface of the main body. Each projection is configured to be removably insertable into an aperture of the mesh. Therefore, the accessory may be removably attached to the fencing mask, without damaging the fencing mask.

Claims

1. A removable accessory for a fencing mask provided with a woven wire mesh having an array of apertures, the accessory comprising: a main body having a first surface; and a plurality of projections extending from the first surface of the main body, each projection being configured to be removably insertable into an aperture of the mesh; and wherein the projections are arranged into one or more clusters and each cluster comprises two or more projections that are configured to be insertable into adjacent apertures of the mesh; wherein at least one of the projections comprises a tip at the distal end thereof, wherein the tip has a larger cross-section than the rest of the projection.

2. The accessory of claim 1, wherein at least one of the projections extends perpendicular to the first surface.

3. The accessory of claim 1, wherein at least one of the projections extends from the first surface at an angle offset from the perpendicular.

4. The accessory of claim 1, wherein at least two projections extend substantially parallel to one another.

5. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the cross-section of the tip is greater than or equal to the size of the aperture.

6. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the tip is configured to be compressible when inserted into the aperture.

7. The accessory of claim 1, wherein at least one of the projections comprises a recessed portion, which is shaped to complement the shape of a wire of the mesh.

8. The accessory of claim 1, wherein at least one attachment means is provided on a second surface of the main body.

9. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the accessory is a light and the main body comprises at least one means for emitting light.

10. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the accessory is padding and the main body comprises at least one padded member.

11. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the main body has a two-part construction, wherein preferably the main body comprises a plug part and a corresponding socket part that is engageable with the plug part.

12. The accessory of claim 11, wherein one part of the two-part construction of the main body comprises the at least one means for emitting light.

13. The accessory of claim 11, wherein the two-part construction provides an attachment means for attaching at least one padded member to the accessory.

14. A fencing mask comprising at least one removable accessory according to claim 1.

15. A method of removably attaching an accessory to a fencing mask provided with a woven wire mesh having an array of apertures, the method comprising: providing an accessory comprising a main body having a first surface and a plurality of projections extending from the first surface of the main body, wherein at least one of the protections comprises a tip at the distal end thereof, wherein the tip has a larger cross-section than the rest of the projection, and wherein the projections are arranged into one or more clusters and each cluster comprises two or more projections that are configured to be insertable into adjacent apertures of the mesh; aligning each projection with an aperture of the mesh of the fencing mask; and inserting each projection into an aperture of the mesh.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the accessory is in accordance with claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The present invention will now be described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an accessory for a fencing mask according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 shows a side view of the accessory shown in FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of the accessory shown in FIG. 1;

(5) FIG. 4 shows an end view of the accessory shown in FIG. 1;

(6) FIG. 5 shows the accessory shown in FIG. 1 in use attached to a mesh;

(7) FIG. 5A shows an enlarged version of detail D of FIG. 5;

(8) FIG. 5B shows a cross-section of the accessory and mesh shown in FIG. 5, along the line A-A;

(9) FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the accessory shown in FIG. 5 in use attached to a mesh;

(10) FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an accessory for a fencing mask according to a second embodiment of the present invention in use attached to a mesh;

(11) FIG. 8A shows a bottom view of an accessory for a fencing mask according to a third embodiment of the present invention, wherein the main body comprises a plug part and a socket part;

(12) FIG. 8B shows a perspective view of the accessory shown in FIG. 8A;

(13) FIG. 8C shows a front view of the accessory shown in FIG. 8A;

(14) FIG. 8D shows a side view of the accessory shown in FIG. 8A;

(15) FIG. 8E shows a top view of the accessory shown in FIG. 8A;

(16) FIG. 8F shows a perspective view of the accessory shown in FIG. 8A;

(17) FIG. 9A shows a bottom view of the plug part of the accessory shown in FIG. 8A;

(18) FIG. 9B shows a perspective view of the plug part shown in FIG. 9A;

(19) FIG. 9C shows a front view of the plug part shown in FIG. 9A;

(20) FIG. 9D shows a side view of the plug part shown in FIG. 9A;

(21) FIG. 9E shows a top view of the plug part shown in FIG. 9A;

(22) FIG. 9F shows a perspective view of the plug part shown in FIG. 9A;

(23) FIG. 10A shows a perspective view of the socket part of the accessory shown in FIG. 8A;

(24) FIG. 10B shows a top view of the socket part shown in FIG. 10A; and

(25) FIG. 10C shows a side view of the socket part shown in FIG. 10A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(26) In one aspect, the present invention provides a removable accessory for a fencing mask provided with a mesh having an array of apertures. A first preferred embodiment of the accessory 1 is shown in FIGS. 1 to 6.

(27) FIGS. 1 to 4 show the accessory 1 on its own.

(28) FIGS. 5 and 6 show the accessory 1 according to the first embodiment of the invention, attached to a mesh 2 of a fencing mask. For the sake of clarity, only a portion of the mesh is shown.

(29) As shown in FIG. 5, the mesh 2 is an array of woven wires 3 that defines a plurality of apertures 4. The array of apertures 4 is formed from the spaces between the woven wires 3.

(30) However, it is envisioned that alternative mesh constructions are possible. It will be appreciated that any mesh that comprises an array of apertures, like those formed from woven wires, would be compatible with the accessory of the present invention.

(31) The aperture spacing S of the mesh 2, as shown in FIG. 5A, is the distance between centres of adjacent apertures 4 of the mesh 2.

(32) The protective face masks used in fencing are typically made from mesh having a standardised wire diameter and aperture size. Therefore, the aperture spacing S is standardised for the mesh of fencing masks.

(33) As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, in a first preferred embodiment the accessory 1 comprises a main body 5 having a first surface 6, and eight projections 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D extending from the first surface 6 of the main body 5.

(34) Each projection is configured to be removably insertable into an aperture 4 of the mesh 2. Therefore, the projections enable the accessory 1 to be removably attached to the mesh 2 of a fencing mask, without damaging the fencing mask and without the need for additional attachment means.

(35) As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the projections are arranged into a first group 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D and a second group 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, wherein each group comprises four projections.

(36) However, it is envisioned that the accessory could comprise groups or clusters of any suitable number and arrangement of projections. For example, each group could contain two projections or one projection. It is also envisioned that the projections could be arranged into only one group, or into any suitable number of groups.

(37) The distance between each projection 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D and the corresponding projection 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D of the other group is a multiple of the aperture spacing S. For example, the distance between the first projections 7A, 8A of each group is a multiple of the aperture spacing S.

(38) In the illustrated accessory 1, as shown in FIG. 5, the distance between each projection 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D and the corresponding projection 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D of the other group is thirteen times the aperture spacing S.

(39) However, it will be appreciated that the distance between the projections may be any suitable multiple of the aperture spacing, depending on the size and weight of the accessory, provided that the projections align with the apertures of the mesh.

(40) The adjacent projections 7A, 7B of the same group or cluster are configured to be insertable into adjacent apertures 4 of the mesh 2.

(41) Therefore, the distance between adjacent projections 7A, 7B of the same group is equal to the aperture spacing S.

(42) However, it is appreciated that the distance between the projections does not need to be a multiple of the aperture spacing or equal to the aperture spacing, for example if the projections are configured to be insertable into apertures in a different row and column of the mesh. Essentially, any projection spacing is envisaged provided that the inter-projection spacing facilitates the insertion of the projections into different apertures of the mesh.

(43) Each of the projections 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D comprises a tip 9 at the distal end thereof, wherein the tip 9 has a larger cross-section than the rest of the projection.

(44) As shown in FIG. 5B, the cross-section of the tip 9 is greater than the size of the aperture 4. Also, the length of each projection is greater than the diameter of each wire 3 of the mesh 2. Therefore, each projection extends beyond the surface of the mesh 2. In this way, the tip 9 helps to secure the accessory 1 to the fencing mask, as the large tip 9 restricts the projection from passing back through the aperture.

(45) However, it will be appreciated that the projections do not need to be long enough to extend beyond the wires of the mesh. In this regard, it is sufficient that the projections extend to the pinch point, i.e. the smallest size, of each aperture.

(46) The tip 9 is manufactured from a compressible material, such that the tip 9 is configured to be compressible when inserted into the aperture 4.

(47) However, it is appreciated that the tip could instead comprise a rigid material, and the compressibility of the tip could be achieved by other means, for example by providing the tips with slots and/or internal voids.

(48) It is also envisioned that the tip may not need to have a larger cross-section than the rest of the projection, for example if the entire projection was configured to be compressible, or if the tip is configured to mechanically engage with the wires of the mesh.

(49) In the preferred embodiment, the projections 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D extend parallel to one another, and are oriented perpendicular to the first surface 6.

(50) However, it is envisioned that one or more of the projections could extend from the first surface at an angle offset from the perpendicular. The offset angle could help to secure the projections in the mesh, particularly if the projections do not comprise a tip that is greater in cross-section than the size of the aperture.

(51) The main body 5 of the accessory is flat and rounded rectangular. However, it is envisioned that the main body could be any suitable shape, for example rectangular or elliptical, depending on the function of the accessory.

(52) No attachment means is shown on the accessory of the first embodiment. However, it will be understood that the attachment means would be provided on a second surface 11 of the accessory, such that the attachment means is furthest from the mesh when the accessory is attached to a fencing mask.

(53) The attachment means employed on the first embodiment could be in the form of one portion of a hook and loop fastener, wherein the corresponding portion would be provided on the component (e.g. light) that is to be received on the accessory.

(54) Alternatively, it is envisioned that the accessory could comprise a component such as a light, padding or a camera. The component would be provided on a second surface of the accessory, such that the component is furthest from the mesh when the accessory is attached to a fencing mask.

(55) FIG. 7 shows an accessory 101 according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein an attachment means 10 is provided on a second surface 11 of the main body 5.

(56) The second surface 11 is opposite the first surface 6, such that the attachment means 10 faces away from the mesh 2 when the accessory is attached to the fencing mask, as shown in FIG. 7.

(57) The attachment means 10 may be used to attach any suitable component to the fencing mask. For example, the attachment means may be used to attach a light, padding, a camera, or a protective bib to the fencing mask.

(58) The illustrated attachment means is a clip, to which a component such as an LED strip may be attached.

(59) However, it is envisioned that the main body could comprise any suitable attachment means, for example one portion of a hook and loop fastener.

(60) Additionally or alternatively, the main body could comprise a component such as a light, a padded member or a camera.

(61) FIGS. 8A to 10C show an accessory 201 according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which the main body 205 has a two-part construction.

(62) The main body 205 comprises a plug part 202 and a corresponding socket part 203. The plug part 202 comprises a rod 206, which is receivable in a corresponding aperture 207 in the socket part 203. In this way, the plug part 202 and the socket part 203 are cooperatively shaped, such that they are engageable with one another.

(63) FIGS. 9A to 9F show various views of the plug part 202, and FIGS. 10A to 100 show various views of the socket part 203. FIGS. 8A to 8F show the plug part 203 and the socket part 203 engaged with one another, with the rod 206 of the plug part 202 received in the aperture 207 in the socket part 203.

(64) As shown in FIGS. 8C and 8D, when the plug part 202 and the socket part 203 are engaged with one another, a gap 204 is formed between a surface of the plug part 202 and a surface of the socket part 203. In use, this gap 204 receives a portion of a component, such as padding or a protective bib. In this way, the component is held in place between the plug part 202 and the socket part 203.

(65) Depending on the component to be secured to the fencing mask, the component may be held in place by a clamping force between the plug part 202 and the socket part 203. Additionally or alternatively, the component may include an aperture in which a portion of the rod 206 of the plug part 202 is receivable.

(66) Therefore, the two-part construction of the main body 205 forms an attachment means that facilitates attachment of a component to the accessory and the fencing mask.

(67) The socket part 203 is annular, and includes a central aperture 207 in which the rod 206 of the plug part 202 is receivable.

(68) After a component has been held between the plug part 202 and the socket part 203, glue may be applied to permanently engage the plug part 202 and the socket part 203 with one another. However, it is also envisioned that the plug part and the socket part could be removably engageable with one another.

(69) It is envisioned that the main body could instead comprise a different two-part construction. For example, the socket part could be a light, such as an annular LED. Alternatively, the main body could comprise two parts that are magnetically attachable one another. In this way, a component such as padding or a protective bib could be inserted between the two parts, and the magnetic attraction between the two parts could secure the component to the accessory.

(70) The illustrated accessory comprises four projections 208, which extend from the plug part 202. As shown in FIGS. 8B, 8C, 9B and 9C, the projections 208 are shaped to complement the shape of the wire of the fencing mask. In particular, the projections include a cylindrical recessed portion 209, which is shaped to complement the wire.

(71) The four projections 208 are arranged into two pairs, wherein each pair is configured to be insertable into adjacent apertures of the mesh. That is, the distance between the two projections in each pair is equal to the aperture spacing.

(72) Therefore, when the accessory 201 is attached to the fencing mask, the recessed portions 209 of each pair of projections 208 contact either side of a single wire of the mesh.

(73) The distal end 210 of each projection 208 is angled, to facilitate easy insertion of the projections 208 in the apertures of the mesh.

(74) However, it is envisioned that the projections of this embodiment could have any suitable shape. For example, the two-part accessory shown in FIGS. 8A to 10C could be provided with projections having the larger tip shown in FIG. 1. It is also envisioned that the accessory could comprise any suitable number and arrangement of projections. The distance between the projections may be any suitable multiple of the aperture spacing, depending on the size and weight of the accessory, provided that the projections align with the apertures of the mesh.

(75) The main body may be flexible, such that the accessory may accommodate the curvature of the fencing mask. For example, the main body of the accessory may be made from rubber, for example hard PVC, or plastics, for example nylon, nylon 66 or Delrin.

(76) The tip of the projection may be manufactured from the same material as the rest of the projection. Alternatively, the tip may be manufactured from a compressible material.