US20140245524A1

US20140245524A1 - Protective face covering

Info

Publication number: US20140245524A1
Application number: US14/280,745
Authority: US
Inventors: Lee Stephens
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-01-24
Filing date: 2014-05-19
Publication date: 2014-09-04

Abstract

A protective face covering includes a protective shell sized and shaped to fit only over certain areas of a user's face. The protective shell includes a protective airway covering extending substantially over the nose and mouth of the user, the protective airway covering having a plurality of openings to allow the passage of air. The protective shell also includes first and second protective jaw coverings that extend away from the protective airway covering along either side of the user's jaw. A protective chin covering extends from the protective airway covering substantially beneath the chin of the user. A filter filters air passing through the openings on the device. A fastener secures the device to the lower back of the skull of the user. The fastener extends between openings in the first and second jaw coverings, respectively, and extends around the head of the user.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/357,555, filed Jan. 24, 2012 and entitled “Protective Face Covering,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a protective face covering, and more specifically to a self-contained covering for protecting a user's mouth, nose, chin, and jaw.
2. Background
Protective helmets have long been utilized by motorcycle riders and others riding vehicles that leave the rider exposed. Helmets protect the head from injury through contact with the road, ground, or other vehicles or riders in the event of an accident. Many such helmets include structures that extend over the entire head of the user, including the face, thereby shielding the eyes and reducing the risk of injury to any part of the head. These helmets are bulky, however, and the interior of such helmets can become hot and uncomfortable when the ambient temperature increases.
Because of the drawback of bulky, stifling helmets, many riders wear helmets that do not cover the entire head. The extent of the head that is covered varies according to the design of the helmet and ranges generally from those that leave the face exposed to those that extend primarily around the top of the head only. These helmets leave portions of the head exposed, including the mouth, nose, chin and jaw. These portions of the head are then subjected to an increased risk of injury in the event of an accident. Further, these areas of the head may be injured during driving by rocks, dirt, dust, or other particles cast into the air by other vehicles. Such helmets also leave portions of the face exposed to dirt, insects, and other airborne debris.
Attempts have been made to remedy the deficiency of some helmets that do not cover the entire face. Such remedies include providing a separate, detachable feature that covers additional portions of the face. One problem with this solution is that the extra protection is dependent upon having a helmet that will mate with the attachable portion. The attachable portion is of no value if a matching helmet is unavailable. Further, these additional portions that attach to existing helmets are not functional without a full helmet. In some situations where full helmets are not required, it may nevertheless be desirable to shield certain areas of the face, such as the mouth and nose, with a protective covering.
What is needed, therefore, is a self-contained protective covering that provides protection to the mouth, nose, chin, and jaw, and that is usable with a wide variety of helmets, or without a helmet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides, in one aspect, a protective face covering that includes a protective shell sized and shaped to fit over a user's face. The protective shell includes a protective airway covering extending substantially over the nose and mouth of the user and not extending substantially over other areas of the head. The protective airway covering has a plurality of openings to allow the passage of air. The protective shell also includes first and second protective jaw coverings that extend away from the protective airway covering along either side of the user's jaw and substantially cover the ears, but do not extend substantially beyond these areas. A protective chin covering extends from the protective airway covering substantially beneath the chin of the user. A filter in fluid communication with the protective airway covering filters air passing through the openings therein. A fastener extends between the first and second protective jaw coverings and along a lower portion of the back of the skull of the user, but does not extend substantially over other areas of the back of the skull. The fastener secures the protective face covering to the back of the skull.
In one aspect of the present invention, the protective face covering includes an ornamental attachment removably fastenable to the exterior of the protective shell and extending substantially thereover.
In another aspect of the present invention, the filter associated with the protective airway covering is a HEPA filter.
In another aspect of the present invention, the protective shell includes a cushioning portion extending over at least a portion of the surface of the protective shell, the cushioning portion disposed between the protective shell and the user's face. The cushioning portion forms a seal between the protective shell and the user's face.
In still another aspect of the present invention, the cushioning portion is a polyurethane foam.
In still another aspect of the present invention, the protective shell is constructed of graphite, fiberglass, para-amid synthetic fibers, polyethylene fibers, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, carbon fiber, metals, metal alloys, or combinations of these.
Another aspect of the invention provides a protective face covering in combination with an upper head covering such as a helmet. The combination includes a protective shell sized and shaped to fit over the face of a user. The protective shell includes a protective airway covering extending only substantially over the nose and mouth of the user and not beyond, and having a plurality of openings for the passage of air. A first protective jaw covering extending from the protective airway covering substantially along the first side of the jaw to a first ear of the user, and not beyond. A second protective jaw covering extends from the protective airway covering substantially along the second side of the haw to a second ear of the user, and not beyond. A protective shin covering extends from the protective airway covering substantially beneath the chin of the user and not beyond. A fastener extends between the first protective jaw covering and the second protective jaw covering, passing along a lower portion of the back of the skull of the user. A helmet substantially covers an upper portion of the head of the user. The protective shell and fastener are not attached to the helmet.
Another aspect of the invention provides a protective face covering that includes a protective shell sized and shaped to fit over the face of the user, the protective shell having an interior-facing surface. The protective shell includes a protective airway portion that extends only substantially over the nose and face of the user, a first protective jaw portion that extends only from the protective airway portion substantially along the length of a first side of the user's jaw to a first ear of the user, a second protective jaw portion that extends only from the protective airway portion substantially along the length of a second side of the user's jaw to a second ear of the user, and a protective chin portion extending only from the protective airway portion substantially beneath the user's chin. A filter support mates with the interior-facing surface of the protective shell, and a cushion frame mates with an interior-facing portion of the filter support. A filter is disposed between the filter support and the cushion frame. A cushion mates with the interior-facing portion of the cushion frame and has an extending perimeter that forms a surface that cushions the face of the user. The cushion also includes a central opening for receiving a portion of the nose and mouth of the user. The protective face covering also includes a fastener extending from the first protective jaw portion to the second protective jaw portion, the fastener adapted to extend around at least a portion of the user's head and secure the protective face covering to the user's head.
In another aspect of the invention, a mesh is provided between the protective shell and the filter support.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of a protective face covering of the present invention, the protective face covering shown as worn over the face of a user.

FIG. 2 is a side view of one embodiment of a protective face covering of the present invention, the protective face covering shown as worn over the face of a user.

FIG. 3 is a top view of one embodiment of a protective face covering of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a protective face covering of the present invention, taken along line 4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a top view of one alternative embodiment of a protective face covering of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of one alternative embodiment of a protective face covering of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front view of one embodiment of a protective face covering of the present invention showing an ornamental feature thereof.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a protective face covering of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of a protective face covering shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a protective face covering of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of one embodiment of a protective face covering of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a front and side perspective view of one embodiment of a protective face covering of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of one alternative embodiment of the present invention, the embodiment including a communications system.

FIG. 14 is a magnified view of a communications element adapted for use in various embodiments of the protective face covering of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the protective face covering of the present invention having a removable ornamental attachment associated therewith.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the present invention described below are intended to be illustrative of the various principles and features of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope in the invention, except when such limitations are explicitly stated. In the course of describing the present invention, the phrases “interior-facing” and “exterior-facing” may be used to describe surfaces of various components of the present device. It is to be understood that when such phrases are used, the phrase “interior-facing” refers to a surface disposed toward the head of the user of the present invention, and “exterior-facing” refers to surfaces disposed toward the external environment, away from the head of the user.
The present invention provides a protective face covering sized and shaped to fit over the face of a user and to be held snugly thereto. The protective face covering provides protection for portions of the face not covered by many traditional helmets, and does not require attachment to an existing helmet structure in order to be used. The protective face covering may also be used independently of any other helmet or protective device, providing protection for only those areas shown in the drawings herewith, and not encompassing the head in the manner of a full helmet.
Turning now to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like parts, FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The numeral 10 refers generally to a protective face covering of the present invention. Protective face covering 10 includes generally a protective shell that includes a protective airway covering 12, a first jaw covering 14, and a second jaw covering 16. Protective face covering 10 also preferably includes a fastener 22 extending through openings 18 and 20 of the first and second jaw coverings, respectively.
Protective face covering 10 is preferably constructed of a single, unitary piece of material that encompasses protective airway covering 12, first jaw covering 14, and second jaw covering 16. The material preferably allows for collapsibility of the protective face covering so that the protective face covering is easily transported or stored for transport.
Protective airway covering 12 of the present device protects the area of the nose and mouth of a user of the device. The protective material making up the device then extends along a first side of the user's jaw, forming first jaw covering 14. The material of protective airway covering 12 also extends along the second side of the user's jaw, forming second jaw covering 16. The first protective jaw covering 14 and second protective jaw covering 16 effectively protect the mandible of the user, as well as the soft tissue associated therewith. First protective jaw covering 14 and second protective jaw covering 16 preferably provide for attachment to, or association with, fastener 22. The protective material making up the device also extends from protective airway covering 12 over and beneath the chin of the user, forming protective chin covering 24. Protective chin covering 24 provides protection and support for the bony areas of the mandible that make up the chin, such as the mental protuberance and mental tuberosities, and also provides protection for associated soft tissue.
It should be noted that the various portions of protective face covering 10 described herein cover just those portions of the user's face described herein and shown in the drawings, either in whole or in part. As such, protective face covering 10 may be utilized with existing helmets that leave those portions of the user's face exposed, but without interfering with the wearing or use of the existing helmet or head covering. In anatomical terms, protective airway covering 12 substantially covers the maxilla, the forward portion of the mandible, the nasal bone and septum, and the zygomatic bones, with protective chin covering 24 extending over the bony areas of the mandible that make up the chin (such as the mental protruberance and mental tuberosities, as described above). These areas may be referred to herein as the nose and mouth areas of the user. First and second jaw coverings 14 and 16 extend along a portion of the body of the mandible, over the angle and ramus of the mandible, and substantially covers the ears of the user. By “substantially,” it is meant that the greater portion of these bones or areas of the anatomy are covered.
Fastener 22 may be constructed as part of the aforementioned portions of protective face covering 10, or may be provided as a separate piece extending through openings 18 and 20 of first jaw covering 14 and second jaw covering 16, respectively. In embodiments of the present invention wherein fastener 22 is a separate component, fastener 22 may be constructed of any suitable material and affixed to first and second jaw coverings 14 and 16 in any suitable manner. For example, in some embodiments of the present invention, fastener 22 may be comprised of a length of material extending between openings 18 and 20 of first jaw covering 14 and second jaw covering 16, respectively. In such embodiments, fastener 22 is preferably constructed of an elastic material that may be stretched to fit over the head of a user when the user of the present device is putting it on, and that will hold the protective face covering 10 snugly in place once it has been adjusted into the proper position by the user.
In other embodiments of the invention, fastener 22 may be constructed of a single, unitary piece of material integral with the rest of protective face covering 10. In such embodiments, fastener 22 may comprise two strap-like members, for example, extending from first jaw covering 14 and second jaw covering 16, respectively, and provided with a buckle, latch, or other fastening mechanism to secure the two straps to one another and hold protective face covering 10 in place.
It is preferred that fastener 22, which may be provided in any suitable shape or form, faster behind a lower portion of the user's head, so as not to interfere with any other head protection being worn. Thus, fastener 22 preferably extends over the occipital bone, and when worn as such extends only slightly over the parietal bone, if at all. The area of the occipital bone, and that only extending only slight beyond the boundary of the occipital bone and the parietal bone, is referred to herein as the lower portion of the back of the skull.
In some embodiments of the present invention, protective face covering 10 includes an ornamental feature associated therewith. Protective face covering 10 may be molded, shaped, or otherwise sculpted to provide the ornamental feature or the ornamental feature may be printed on protective face covering 10 by any suitable printing method such as, for example, screen printing. In some embodiments of the present invention, the ornamental feature of protective face covering 10 may be comprised of a combination of molded, shaped, or otherwise sculpted features and designs, and features or designs printed onto protective face covering 10.
Protective airway covering 12 includes one or more openings to allow air to pass therethrough. The openings may be located at the portion of protective airway covering 12 covering the nose of the user, or covering the mouth of the user, or both. The area covering the mouth or nose of the user may be comprised of one or more openings formed directly into the material of protective face covering 10, and may include a plurality of small openings covering the pertinent area, allowing air to pass therethrough while filtering dirt, debris, and other particles. Alternatively, the areas of protective airway covering 12 covering the mouth or nose of the user may include a separate component, such as, for example, wire mesh, that provides both a protective function and allows air to flow through the protective covering.
A filter 26 may also be provided in association with protective airway covering 12. Filter 26 is in fluid communication with the openings of protective airway covering 12 such that air passing through the openings in protective airway covering 12 passes through filter 26 and is filtered prior to entering the nose or mouth of the user. Any suitable filter may be used for this purpose. One example of a suitable filter is a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. HEPA filters are known in the art and are effective at filtering out dust, mold, and pollen from an air stream.
In embodiments of the present invention including a filter, it is contemplated that protective airway covering 12 includes a filter receiving portion 28, such as a slot, cavity, or other area sized and shaped to receive the filter. The size and shape of filter receiving portion 28 may vary depending on the type, shape, or other dimensions of the filter used. Further, while a single filter 26 may be used to filter all of the air passing through protective airway covering 12, it is contemplated that two or more filters may be used. In embodiments of the present device using more than one filter, additional filter receiving portions are necessary at appropriate locations on protective airway covering 12. For example, a first filter 26 may be provided to filter air entering the mouth of a user through protective airway covering 12, and a second filter 26 may be provided to filter air entering the nose of a user through protective airway covering 12.
The present device is preferably sized and shaped to fit snugly against a user's face. It is contemplated that some of the embodiments of the present invention may be custom-molded or fit to mate with the features of a user's face. In other embodiments, a soft layer between the protective outer covering and the user's face maybe constructed of a material that molds with and takes on the shape of the user's face. The soft later between the protective shell and the face may cover the interior surface of some are all of protective face covering 10. Any suitable soft material may be used. Exemplary soft materials include polyurethane foams and low-density polyurethane foams.
Embodiments of the present invention may include ornamental features, often associated with protective shell 11. Such ornamental features are discussed in greater detail, below. One such embodiment of protective face covering 10 is shown in FIG. 7.
FIG. 8 provides an exploded view of one embodiment of a protective face covering 10 of the present invention. The figure shows multiple components of the invention, described below, the various components being adapted to be assembled to form a completed protective face covering 10. Protective shell 11 is provided, which includes protective airway covering 12 and protective jaw coverings 14 and 16. Protective chin covering 24 is also preferably provided, though it is not best shown in FIG. 7.
Mesh 32 preferably fits against an interior-facing surface of protective shell 11. Mesh 32 may be excluded from some embodiments of the present invention, as noted above. Mesh 32 is preferably constructed from stainless steel, although any suitable material may be used. It is contemplated that mesh 32 provides some filtering of large particulate matter from an air stream passing through protective face covering 10, and that mesh 32 also provides an aesthetic or ornamental feature in that portions of mesh 32 are visible from the outside of protective face covering 10 through nasal opening(s) 38 and mouth opening(s) 40 (not shown in FIG. 8).
Rigid support 30 is positioned on the other side of mesh 32, between protective shell 11 and rigid support 30 in embodiments of the present invention that include mesh 32. In embodiments of the present invention that do not include mesh 32, rigid support 30 preferably mates directly with protective shell 11. Rigid support 30 preferably includes one or more openings (such as nasal openings 38 and/or mouth openings 40) to allow air to pass therethrough.
Filter 26 preferably mates with an interior-facing surface of rigid support 30, such that rigid support 30 is disposed between filter 26 and mesh 32 in embodiments of the present invention that include mesh 32, and between filter 26 and protective shell 11 in embodiments of the present invention that do not include mesh 32. Filter 26 may be any suitable filtering structure or material, ranging from a portion of cloth or other material, to a sponge-like material, to a HEPA filter or other more advanced filtration system. The precise nature of filter 26 is dictated by the degree of filtration of air desired to be achieved by a given embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments of the invention, a filter receiving portion 28 may be provided in an interior-facing surface of rigid support 30 such that filter 26 is received into filter receiving portion 28 and contained at least partially therein.
Filter 26 is preferably disposed between rigid support 30 and a frame 34. Frame 34 is preferably constructed of a rigid or semi-rigid material capable of maintaining its shape, and is sized and shaped to mate substantially with rigid support 30. Frame 34 also includes at least one opening to allow air to pass therethrough.
A cushioning portion 36 is preferably provided, mating with an interior-facing surface of frame 34. Cushioning portion 36 is preferably constructed of a foam, but may be constructed from any suitable material. Cushioning portion 36 preferably includes an extended perimeter 42 that contacts the face of a user of protective face covering 10, as well as a central opening 44 adapted to receive a portion of the nose and mouth of the user. Cushioning portion 36 forms a seal around the nose and mouth of the user to prevent dust, insects, and other debris from entering between protective face covering 10 and the user's face.
As can be seen from FIG. 8, the various components of the embodiment of protective face covering 10 shown are preferably sized and shaped to mate with one another and form the completed protective face covering 10. Not every component of protective face covering 10 shown in FIG. 8 must necessarily be included in any given embodiment of the present invention. It is contemplated that a user or producer of the present invention may include or exclude these components as desired while keeping the underlying invention intact.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of protective face covering 10 shown in FIG. 7. The cross-sectional view shows the relative positioning of each of the components of this embodiment of the invention described above. Protective shell 11 is shown forming the outermost later of the front portion of the device. Then, moving inward, is shown mesh 32, rigid support 30, filter 26, frame 34, and cushioning portion 36. Also shown is fastener 22.
In some embodiments of the present invention, cushioning portion 36 and frame 34 may be provided as a separate, removable portion of the protective face covering. This allows a user to wash cushioning portion 36 when necessary, or to replace cushioning portion 36 and frame 34 when necessary or desired. In a preferred embodiment, cushioning portion 36 is fixedly attached to frame 34, such as through the use of an adhesive or glue, and frame 34 includes at least one fastener for affixing frame 34 to protective face covering 10. The fastener may be a screw, for example, passing through opening 42 shown in FIG. 8, or may be any other suitable fastener. It is contemplated that a seller of the present invention may sell the cushioning portion/frame assembly as a separate component of the invention, so that when a user feels it is necessary or desirable to discard an existing cushioning portion 36 all together, the remainder of the existing protective face covering 10 may still be used. FIGS. 10 and 11 show the assembled protective face covering of FIG. 8 from the top and bottom, respectively.
FIG. 12 shows one alternative ornamental design of protective face covering 10, wherein protective shell 11 is smooth and includes two nasal openings 38 with wire mesh visible therethrough. In some embodiments of the protective face covering, such as that shown in FIG. 15 for example, an ornamental attachment 13 may be provided, with ornamental attachment 13 being removably attachable to the remainder of the protective face covering. Ornamental attachment 13 may be constructed of any suitable material, including rubber or silicone materials, and provides not only an interchangeable ornamental look, varying according to the desires of preferences of the user, but also provides an additional layer of protection.
In some embodiments of the present invention, a communications link may be provided, such as, for example, by providing a microphone and speaker embedded in the present device so that a wearer of the present device may communicate to others while wearing the device. Such a communications device preferably operates using radio transmission, and may be used for law enforcement, public safety, military applications, or any other situation in which the user of the present device desires to remain in contact with others. The radio communications may be short-range or long-range, and are preferably full-duplex devices, though it is contemplated that half-duplex devices may also be used. In one embodiment of the invention, the communications link of the present device transmits via a standard cellular telephone network.
FIG. 13 shows one embodiment of protective face covering 10 that includes a built-in microphone 44, ear phone 46, and camera 48. Camera 48 may be associated with a recording device for recording events taking place around the user of protective face covering 10. Microphone 44 may also be associated with the recording device, and the recording device may also be adapted to record incoming communications from other users. FIG. 14 shows an alternative embodiment of protective face covering 10 wherein a camera and ear phone are contained within a single housing 50. In some embodiments of the present invention, housing 50 may also include a microphone.
It is contemplated that the protective face covering of the present invention may be constructed from any suitable material. Such materials will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this disclosure. Exemplary materials that are suitable for use with the present invention include graphite, fiberglass, para-amid synthetic fibers (such as Kevlar®), polyethylene fibers (such as Spectra®), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), nylong, lexan, carbon fiber, metals, metal alloys, and combinations of these. The materials used to construct the present device may vary based on a given use for the present device. For military applications, for example, the materials used to construct the present device may be chosen to withstand blasts, shock, or projectile impacts such as from a bullet. Embodiments of the present device intended for use in extreme weather conditions may be provided such that the face of the user of the device is protect and/or insulated against the elements. Other applications of the present device include law enforcement applications, as well as use by the casual rider. For any given use, the ornamental design associated with the device may vary.
It should be noted, again, that the present invention covers those areas described an shown and does not extend beyond those areas to an appreciable degree. Thus, the present device can be worn independently of any other head covering, to provide protection (both physical and from the elements, dust, insects, and the like) only those areas shown, with the need to wear a full head covering. Alternatively, the present device can be used to supplement the protection provided by many helmets that do not extend over the areas covered by the present device, and the present device does not need to be designed to attach to those existing helmets in order to be used by a user thereof.

Claims

Having thus described the preferred embodiment of the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent includes the following:

1. A protective face covering comprising:

a protective shell sized and shaped to fit over a face of a user of the protective face covering, the protective shell comprising:

a protective airway covering extending substantially over a nose and mouth of the user of the protective face covering and not extending substantially over other areas of the head of the user, the protective airway covering having a plurality of openings therein for allowing the passage of air through the protective airway covering;

a first protective jaw covering extending from said protective airway covering substantially along a length of a first side of a jaw of the user and substantially over a first ear of the user, the first protective jaw covering not extending substantially over other areas of the head of the user;

a second protective jaw covering extending from said protective airway covering substantially along a length of a second side of the jaw of the user and substantially over a second ear of the user, the second protective jaw covering not extending substantially over other areas of the head of the user; and

a protective chin covering extending from said protective airway covering substantially beneath a chin of the user;

a filter in fluid communication with the protective airway covering for filtering air passing through the protective airway covering; and

a fastener extending between said first protective jaw covering and said second protective jaw covering along a lower portion of the back of the skull of the user, and not extending substantially over other areas of the back of the skull, the fastener securing the protective face covering to the face of the user.

2. The protective face covering according to claim 1, further comprising an ornamental attachment removably fastenable to an exterior of said protective shell and extending substantially thereover.

3. The protective face covering according to claim 1 wherein the filter is a high-efficiency particulate air filter.

4. The protective face covering according to claim 1 wherein the protective shell comprises a cushioning portion attached thereto and disposed along at least a portion of a surface of the protective shell between the protective shell and the face of a user, the cushioning portion forming a seal between the protective shell and the face of the user.

5. The protective face covering according to claim 4 wherein the cushioning portion is comprise of a polyurethane foam.

6. The protective face covering according to claim 1 wherein the protective shell comprises a material selected from the group consisting of graphite, fiberglass, para-amid synthetic fibers, polyethylene fibers, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, carbon fiber, metals, metal alloys, and combinations thereof.

7. A protective face covering in combination with an upper head covering, the combination comprising:

a protective airway covering extending only substantially over a nose and mouth of the user of the protective face covering and not beyond, and having a plurality of openings therein for allowing the passage of air through the protective airway covering;

a first protective jaw covering extending from said protective airway covering substantially along a length of a first side of a jaw of the user to a first ear of the user, and not beyond;

a second protective jaw covering extending from said protective airway covering substantially along a length of a second side of the jaw of the user to a second ear of the user, and not beyond;

a protective chin covering extending from said protective airway covering substantially beneath the chin of the user and not beyond; and

a fastener extending between said first protective jaw covering and said second protective jaw covering, along a lower portion of the back of the skull of a user and not beyond, the fastener securing the protective face covering to the face of the user; and

a helmet substantially covering an upper portion of the head of the user,

wherein said protective shell and fastener are not attached to said helmet.

8. The device according to claim 7 wherein the first protective jaw covering defines a first opening therein for receiving a first end of the fastener therein and the second protective jaw covering defines a second opening therein for receiving a second end of the faster.

9. The device according to claim 7 further comprising a filter in fluid communication with the protective airway covering for filtering air passing through the protective airway covering.

10. The device according to claim 7 wherein the protective airway covering further comprises an ornamental feature.

11. The device according to claim 10 wherein the ornamental feature is molded as an integral part of the protective airway covering.

12. The device according to claim 10, further comprising an ornamental attachment removably fastenable to an exterior of said protective shell and extending substantially thereover.

13. The device according to claim 9 wherein the filter is a high-efficiency particulate air filter.

14. The device according to claim 7 wherein the protective shell comprises a cushioning portion attached thereto and disposed along at least a portion of a surface of the protective shell between the protective shell and the face of a user, the cushioning portion forming a seal between the protective shell and the face of the user.

15. The device according to claim 14 wherein the soft material is a polyurethane foam.

16. The device according to claim 7 wherein the protective shell comprises a material selected from the group consisting of graphite, fiberglass, para-amid synthetic fibers, polyethylene fibers, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, carbon fiber, metals, metal alloys, and combinations thereof.

17. A protective face covering comprising:

a) a protective shell sized and shaped to fit over a face of a user of the protective face covering, the protective shell having an interior-facing surface and comprising:

a protective airway portion extending only substantially over a nose and face of the user;

a first protective jaw portion extending only from said protective airway portion substantially along a length of a first side of a jaw of the user to a first ear of the user;

a second protective jaw portion extending only from said protective airway portion substantially along a length of a second side of the jaw of the user to a second ear of the user; and

a protective chin portion extending only from said protective airway portion substantially beneath a chin of the user,

b) a filter support having an exterior-facing surface and an interior-facing surface, the exterior-facing surface of the filter support mating with the interior facing surface of the protective shell;

c) a cushion frame having an exterior-facing surface and an interior-facing surface, the exterior-facing surface of the cushion frame mating with the interior-facing surface of the filter support;

d) a filter disposed between the filter support and the cushion frame;

e) a cushion having an exterior-facing surface, the exterior-facing surface of the cushion mating with the interior-facing surface of the cushion frame, the cushion comprising a perimeter extending to form an interior-facing surface for contacting the face of the user, the cushion further comprising a central opening about which the perimeter is disposed, the central opening sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the nose and mouth of the user; and

f) a fastener extending from said first protecting jaw portion to said second protective jaw portion, the fastener adapted to extend around at least a portion of a head of the user, thereby securing the protective face covering to the head of the user.

18. The device according to claim 17 further comprising a mesh disposed between said protective shell and said filter support.

19. The device according to claim 18 wherein said protective shell comprises at least one opening in said protective airway portion, said mesh being visible therethrough.

20. The device according to claim 17 further comprising a communications system, the communications system comprising a microphone, speaker, and, optionally, a camera.