Fencing mask

Fencing mask By: Giorgi Kokochashvili Shalva Kokochashvili September 3, 2019. Tbilisi, Georgia Giorgi and Shalva Kokochashvili, from Tbilisi, Georgia, Civil engineers, inventor, fencers (epee) from 1972 year. Authors of 16 inventions (sanitary engineering: new design of the bath tubs which can be used for the handicap peoples, medicine: eyelid plastic surgery, surgery, burn, water therapy new design of the bath tubs; sport: fencing and other kind of sport), which are protected by Georgian and USSR Patents and two published books. On April, 2016 was published the limited edition “Innovations and Inventions in Fencing" (English and Georgian versions). © 2016 Giorgi Kokochashvili, Shalva Kokochashvili ISBN 978-9941-0-9380-7 The work (about 400 pages, A4 format) is a compilation of various pieces of information and contains a wealth of graphical material (some of which is being published for the first time), about fencing history, fencing weapons, fencing for disabled people, Georgian and other historical fencing; a description and explanation of existing fencing equipment and its evolution and innovations up to the present; fencing training devices; various worldwide inventions, including devices by the us-Kokochashvili brothers (specifically, new fencing handle designs and several training devices that can be used not only by fencers but in other kind of sport and by disabled or blind people; fencing equipment suppliers and other interesting and unusual information about famous people engaged in fencing, and much more besides. In the British magazine "The Sword" (2016, January; April, 2017) was published information/review about our book. Besides of this, we also have received various short references about our work from fencing experts: Giancarlo Toran (Italy), Richard Cohen (UK) and Malcolm Fare (UK), Ed Rogers (UK), Marco Lanzoni (Italy), Roberto Gotti (Italy), Walter Green (USA), Gérard Six (France) and etc. Authors are looking for sponsor, to help publishing our work, second edition, update version, with the volume of 500 pages, as a book. For this reason, we have decided to published some chapters from our book, which maybe will be useful for the readers. Thanks beforehand for your kind attention and looking forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Giorgi and Shalva Kokochashvili E-mail: gkokochashvili@yahoo.co.uk E-mail : skokochashvili@mdf.org.ge 1 Mask The mask protects the head and face. It has a padded bib, which covers the neck. For the analogue design of the fencing mask can be taken the designs for the medieval helmets. Medieval helmets protected head of medieval knights and warriors. Helmets were often the strongest part of armour. There are plenty of information about helmets history and designs, for example article by Pavel Aleseychik1 and etc. Below we tried to provide a short information about the helmets. The enclosed helmet also termed a primitive great helm or early great helm, was a type of Western European helmet of the late 12th and early 13th century. It was the forerunner of the great helm.2 (Fig. 82 a) Man in armour wearing a very well depicted enclosed helmet. 13th-century fresco showing a scene from "Iwein" by Hartmann von Aue in Rodenegg Castle, South Tyrol, Italy. Fig. 82 a The great helm was a flat-topped cylinder of steel that completely covered the head and had only very small openings for the eyes and mouth. Later designs gained more of a curved design, particularly on the top, to deflect or lessen the impact of blows. The great helm ultimately evolved from the nasal helmet, which had been produced in a flat-topped variant with a square profile by about 1180.3 (Fig. 82 b) 13th century German great helm with a flat top to the skull. Fig. 82 b 2 The nasal helmet was a type of combat helmet characterized by the possession of a projecting bar covering the nose and thus protecting the center of the face: it was of Western European origins and was used from the Early Middle Ages until the High Middle Ages4 (Fig. 82 c) 12th century Moravian nasal helmet, Vienna. One of the few remaining examples of such helmets Nasal helmet with a rounded skull, latter part of the 12th century Nasal helmet of the “Phrygian cap” shape, 12th century Fig.82 c 5 Some examples of medieval helmets (Fig.82 d): Great helm-in the late twelfth century in the context of the crusades and remained in use until the fourteenth century. Chain mail hood - Made of interlocking steel or iron rings riveted closed, mail is flexible and tough. It was used nonstop from the height of the Roman Empire until the end of the Renaissance, reaching its peak in use during the High Middle Ages. Chainmail was worn by Vikings, Normans and pan European knights and warriors during middle ages. Offers good protection against cuts. Disadvantage was its weight, loud and inability to protect against thrusts and crushes century. Barbute-A barbute is a visor less war helmet of 14th to 15th century Italian design, often with distinctive "T" shaped or "Y" shaped opening for the eyes and mouth. Kettle helmet-common infantry medieval helmet used in 100 years war, by crossbowmen, hussies and by many of their fighters century. 3 Norman helmet-classical helmet of the Norman knights and warriors, very widely used helmet in medieval Europe century. Spangenhelm-early medieval helmet used in northern Europe by Germans, Saxons, Vikings and Russians century. Sallet-The sallet (also called salade and schaller) was a war helmet that replaced the bascinet in northern Europe and Hungary during the mid-15th century. Morion-late medieval and renaissance helmet associated with Spanish conquistadors. Widely used during 30 years war. Swiss guard in Vatican wearing the motion till today century. Evolution helmets masked the Norman ( X- XII century)6 4 Helmet masked 15 century7 Fig. 82 d Fencing mask had quite interesting progress in development of design. Throughout three centuries, the special protective equipment for the person during a fencing duel was not widely used. Sometimes the balls (size of a tennis ball) on the ends of the educational rapiers was used and recommended by masters in order to avoid danger to injure to it a face. On 1750 (in some sources mentioned as 1780) French fencing Master Nicolas Benjamin Texier De La Boëssière8 (1723-1807), writer, teacher, invented the first fencing mask, which was an extremely important development to fencing and the safety of athletes, mesh mask, somewhat similar to the one we use today, but without the side. The ancient Egyptians were using something similar. Before the revolution, in 1780 La Boessiére invented9 a mask in association with famous fencer and duelist the Chevalier St. Georges, allowing a much safer bout thus introducing an extremely important development to fencer. Mask was made from a wire netting material which immediately led to an important change in fencing techniques. The increased safety afforded the fencer more difficult and demanding exercises. The increased ability to practice those techniques leads to a general increase in both the speed and variety of techniques.10 Being a fencer himself La Boesserie understood the urgent need to protect the face and eyes of duelling opponents. He created a mask using a mesh of fine, but rigid, steel wire in the shape of a bowl which could be fastened onto the fencer’s head using string. The mask was fitted extremely close to the face so as not to obstruct the fencer’s vision.11 The invention wasn't widely adopted, partially from professional vanity as all teachers of fencing.As one declared that it isn't necessary for them, and partially - in view of inferiority of the innovation. The first masks were made of continuous metal (instead of from the steel grid entered subsequently), in them openings for eyes so the part of the person most needing protection appeared as a result of open for a prick, casual or intended were cut through.12 La Boessiere’s invention created a turning point in fencing as a sport. The safety that this mask offered, allowed instructors and masters to focus on more varied techniques, on precision and even increased the speed of swordplay! It sparked more development in non-fatal techniques emphasising strategy and calculated plans of attack. Fencing became more of a thinking game. The mask has been improved over the years with new and more resilient materials being used to offer optimal protection and comfort. Even though the mask is absolutely crucial, it is not the only important part of modern protective equipment. La Boessiere’s innovation along with recent advances in protective gear has made fencing one of the safest sports practiced today. There are too many information and literature, about the fencing mask, one of them is very intereting book by Roberto Gotti and others “Masquarade” (2017)13, where there are provided pictures of the different masks, including their history and etc. With the kind permition of Roberto Gotti, below we are providing some pictures of the masks (Fig. 83) 5 Fig. 83 The sample of mask please see (Fig. 84): Mask from Diderot and D'Alembert's “Encyclopedia” (1760) Rare example of an early fencing mask, in the collection of the Musée de l'Armée (Paris)14 The wire fencing mask with ties - Alexandre Picard Bremond's fencing manual, Turin15 (1782) La Boesserie fencing mask (1780) Fencing mask16 (K. Bulochko, 1967) (18th century) (a,b,c); Fencing mask (19th century) (d, e, f); Modern mask for fencing (1967); g - for foil; H- epee; K - sabre. 6 According to Roberto Gotti: Fencing mask XVIII century; France, XI Century; Italy XIX century. US Army military fencing mask (19th century)17 An Antique Black leather and wire mesh fencing mask21 French mask (late 18th century)19 Mask18 Sabre mask (late 1800s)22 Sabre fencing mask (1800-1810)23 Mask (18th century)20 Sabre mask (1824)24 Fencing mask, according to Johan Adolph Ludwig Berner, Leipsig (1824)25 Mask for the foil and sabre (Hungary)26 (1839) Mask (1847)27 7 Sabre mask (1850)28 Sabre fencing mask for military use, Agora Museum (Italy) (1850)29 Russian mask (1850) Mask (1860)30 Foil and saber mask, according to Christian Siebenhaar. (1861)31 Sabre fencing mask (1868)32 French mask (1870) Wire mask, plain, French pattern (1884) Wire mask, with ear protection (1884) Cane helmet, English pattern, for stick practice (1884) Mask for epee (Italy)33 (1885) 8 Wire mask, with ear and forehead protection (1884) Mask for sabre (1885) Hutton Saber mask, Hungary (1886)34 The saber mask, according to Emil Probst, Switzerland (1887)35 Fencing mask France (1890)37 Ear and fore head protectors fencing mask (1891) Fencing mask (1890)38 George Krauss (German fencer) mask (1890)36 Plain fencing mask (1891)39 Ear protectors fencing mask (1891) Fencing mask, France (1893)40 Fencing mask Till Fots41(1893) 9 French pattern mask with ears (1897)42 The Saber fencers with masks, according to Arlow Litomysky (1894)43 Mask for the Russian Cossack (1899)44 Fencing mask, France (1900)48 Vintage WWI military broadsword/bayonet training fencing mask45 Fencing mask of Baron Pierre de Coubertin (1900 period) Saber mask 10 Fencing mask (19th century)46 Mask (20th century)47 French mask (early 1900) Wire helmet, full padded with neck and shoulder protection, Vienna pattern, for sword and rapier fencing (1901)49 Epee mask Foil mask Masks according to Gnutti catalogue (1904)50 Mask for kavalleriet, according to Andra Tyackingen, Stockholm (1906)51 Peter Zakovorot and Timofei Klimov, Russian fencers (1900-1910)52 French mask (1906)54 Mask according to Lihochertov53 (1906) 11 Foil mask, with face, forehead and ear guards of close mesh and heavier wire then in regular (1906) Foil mask,55 face and ear guard (1906) Foil mask, face guard only (1906) Broad sword helmet. Protects effectively face, ears and top of head (1906) Foil mask, extra strong, with face guard of twister wire and heavy wire forehead and ear guard. Reinforced also with heavy cross wire (1906) Mask for heavy or light sabre fencing (1906) Light broadsword mask, face guard of heavy twisted wire, well reinforced and extra wire heavy wire protection for side and top of head (1906) Foil mask (1912)56 Epee mask (1912) Saber mask (1912) Face and forehed guard foil mask (1917, 1920)57, 58 Fencing foil mask FMAZ (1930)59 Instructors fencing mask, extra strong and suitable for either foil or light sabre fencing (1906) Interchangeable mask with removable padding. Suitable for either regular foil fencing or heavy broadsword work (1906) 12 Masks according to the catalogue by Negrini (1930) Fencing masks according to WKC Fechtwaffen, WKC (1932) Fencing mask (1930)60 Sabre Fencing mask, according to the catalogue of Solingen – Wald (1935)61 Sabre Fencing mask, according to the catalogue of Solingen – Wald (1935) 13 Sabre Fencing mask, according to the catalogue of Solingen–Wald (1935) Sabre mask (Russia) (1938)62 Foil mask, according to catalogue of Solingen - Wald (1935) Vintage European Fencing Mask63 Epee mask (1940) Foil Mask (N. Poddobri 64) (1940) Sabre mask “Model Masaniello Parise”, (Italy) (late 19th century) Sabre mask derived from first model “Masaniello Parise.” Padded hood and gorget (Italy) (late 19th century) Mask for Sabre and bayonet (1940) Mask model similar “Enrichetti” (Italy) (20th century) Foil mask (Italy) (1950) Prieur, France (1976)65 14 Uhlman, Germany (1978)66 Mask (USSR) (1980th period) The watchful eye of the elegant fencer behind the wire mask, Germany (1933)67 Joanna de Tuscan with the transperent mask (around 1936 period)68 Branimir Zivcovic Transperent fencing masks70 (1997) Dorina Vaccaroni (Italy) with the transperant mask (1979)69 Transparent mask by Prieur by Fritsch Durisotti (1998)71 Transparent mask, designed to be used with Aramis plastic foil. Made by “Aramis” plastic sword fencing (2013)73 Transperent fencing mask by “Allstar” (2000)72 Modern fencing metal mash mask Midi-Fence Leon Paul Mask is transparent, it provides better visibility. Adapted for the initiation of playful fencing (plastic only), it is ideal for preparing and encouraging young people to wear an authentic mask (2017)74 15 Fig. 84 According to FIE regulation from 2014 the wearing of the transparent mask is forbidden at all weapons and in all FIE competitions. The mask with the visor was interestingly even used from 1906-1911, for the pistol assault shooting with wax bullets. The safer mask with wire mesh, equipped with reinforced glass, allows some models to completely clear the visual field of the shooter. This was ideal for fans of fencing guns who fear their visor cover of fog. There was also a respirator model mask.75, 76 (Fig. 85). The first assault pistol shooting clubs appear in 1904. Created by Dr. Paul Devillers from France, and he invented a wax bullet, like as “lmprovementsin and relatingto Harmless Bullets and Cartridges therefore”, GB patent #2895, 1906, author: Jean Paul Devillers (France). Development of this game for nowadays is the paintball. According to the Argentinian magazine “Caras y caretas” (1902, page 58)77 article, “Harmless Bullets Devillers” mentioned, that the French company Le Pistolet has rehearsed some curious bullets invented by Dr. Devillers. which are ideal for pseudoduelists, because they do not hurt anybody, due to the wax bullets. . The duelist are covered with a fencing mask and black canvas shirt to cushion the shock. The assault mask (1906) The assault maskwith the respirator, France (1909)78 16 Assault mask79 The assault shooting accessories, Portugee (1908)80 The assault shooting accessories (1909) The set of the pistols81 The assault pistol, with the wox bullet 17 Dueling pistol set box with wax bullets82 . Duel with wax bullet (1909) Duel with wax bullet (1913)83 Fig. 85 Quite interesting solution was made for protection the back side of the unprotected head part by mask, generaly for epee fencers at 1936 Summer Olympic Games in Berlin, from the book “Berliner Illustrierte 18 Zeitung - Die 16 Olympischen Tage. 1936, page 30, 79 (Fig. 86). Unfortunately authors could not manage to find more clear picture or and details of this protector device. Fig. 86 Due to modern designs, on fencing masks it is possible to apply drawings, namely logoa of different countries, with special approval by the Executive Committee. For example, according to “Drawings on masks approved by the Executive Committee (06.12.2013)” FIE, masks look like the ones below (Fig 87): Georgia Canada Germany Great Britain Fig. 87 There are a variety of interesting ideas for the fencing mask, such as: 19 USA France The fencing mask (Patent France #353 287, 1905), author: Simon-Marie-Auguste Reffet. The mask is made with a single pieces, without welding and adjusted as needs. Fig. 88 a Fig. 88 b Fencing mask punched perforated sheet (Patent France # FR 413 548, 1910), author, Societe Souzy et de Lacam. The fencing mask constituted by perforated sheet embossed with the desired shape, which eliminates the drawbacks of the wire masks. The perforated plate whose perforations will have any desired shape: round, oval, curved, elc., Then, this sheet will be stamped in the shape desirec by known mechanical means, which will give to the obtained piece, as a result of the hardening of the metal during stamping resistance and rigidity necessary for effective protection. (Fig. 88 a) Fencing mask for children (Patent France # 113 2492, 1955), author Louis Anselme. The mask for children made by plastic material, for example polyvinylchloride, having, in the zone corresponding to the eyes, perforations or meshes sufficiently fine to oppose the accidental passage of the button of the foil or other similar weapon. - more or less sharp, this area thus forming a security screen, without however impeding the visibility of the user. (Fig. 88 b). Toy mask for fencing (A model of utility of Spain #0 062 794,1957), author: Don Agustin Montero Torres. The mask constisted by a mixed trellis so that it is divided into three parts: an upper one that coincides with the frontal, with the orifices of quadrangular shape, and another central one, which coincides with the eyes and that is a band with holes in the form of rhombuses, and another inferior one, which comprises part of the nose, mouth and jaws and which has the same realization of the superior. Protective mask (Patent Spain #ES 0 092 091, 1962), author Torrents, Luis. Protective mask, is kind of the comprising a semi-oval part of metallic fabric, characterized in practicing in the central area, faced with the user's visual, a draft in which a frame fixed with a transparent glass or similar is fixed 20 or colored, and behind it a sheet of non-rigid transparent material, said window being fixed by means of screws, rivets or the like, preferably with the provision of a second frame, in such a way that the peripheral zone of the draft is contained between them. (Fig. 88c) Fig. 88c Fencing mask (Patent SU #715 095, 1980), author: Vladimir Gerasimenko and others. in the mask has punched conic the nozzles, fixed on front part of a mask in the field of respiratory organs, in the front part of a mask and nozzles are executed from a transparent shock-resistant material. Mask made from polystyrene (Fig. 89). Fig. 89 Fencing mask (Patent France #2 595 950, 1886), author: Gerard Duperray, proposed mask which is equipped with an inner cap, and allow regulate the mask according the size of the head (Fig. 90). Fig. 90 Fencing mask (Patent France #2 595 949, 1986), author: Gerard Duperray - the rear part of the destiny mask constitute the lateral faces and the perforated top side is constituted by a perforated metal sheet (Fig. 91). Fig. 91 A B Arveras Garcia proposed “Fencing mask ventilation“ (Fig. 92 a), (2009)84 model # U2 008 002 333, where was used the flat helical type fan (originally designed for cooling systems of electronic devices); significantly silent and of minimum weight and size, this device is housed in the upper interior face of the front grille of the mask. This ventilation unit is fed through a cable from a 3.6 V rechargable storage unit, protected in turn by a PVC cover and fixed to the rear security strip of the mask. According to above mentioned idea, ”Fencing mask ventilation” was protected (Patent EP #2 186 552, 2010), author: Arveras Garcia. The fencing mask includes an internal ventilation system which allows a significant reduction of the high temperature generated inside the mask. For this proposed to use combination of a flat helicoidally fan, placed on the upper inner zone of the mask's front mash, with an accumulator and electrical switch, placed on the rear security strip of the mask. (Fig. 92 b) Fig 92 21 Equipment for practicing sport fencing (EP #1 051 998, 2000), author: Nocolino Alvaro. Protective mask for practising sport fencing, characterized in that it comprises a body made of high strength moulded plastic which is at least partly perforated and is attached, in a manner such that it can be tilted, to a skull cap which fits on the top of the user's head, the said mask having a viewing part consisting of a perforated metal strip at the front or a transparent visor (Fig. 92 c). Fig. 92 c Fencing mask (Patent RU # 2 181 065, 2002), authors Kharchenko E.F., Kurmashova I.A., Chervjakov A.S., Kutishchev A.V. The fencing mask’s vision member made from shock-resistant transparent material. (Fig. 92d). Fig. 92 d By the John Patrik Nilsson (2014),85 proposed transparant mask design idea ”Balestra” (Fig. 93) Fig. 93 Fencing mask (Patent US #2 362 597, 1941), author: Joseph D. Vince. This invention relates for improvements of the masks, in protection and to combine in a more or less integral form, the face rim, bib and chin pad, and to permit and facilitate the removal of said parts for the purpose of cleaning those elements (Fig. 94 a); Bib and chin pad slightly folded for attachment to the mask (Fig.94 b); Face rim, bib and chin pad for attachment to the mask (Fig.94 c); Integrally combined face rim, bib and chin pad for attaching the latter to the mask (Fig. 94 d): 22 A B c d Fig.94 The similar idea, but more modern way was offered by Barry Rene Paul, in his invention Protective mask (Patent US #6701536, 2004), also “Protective mask for fencers” (Patent GB #2374517, 2002), authors: Barry Rene Paul, Lance Gordon Rake. (Fig. 95 a), and this idea was realized under the name of X-Change Spring Case Mask, by Leon Paul (Fig. 95 b):86 Protective mask (Patent US #6 701 536) b. X-Change Spring Case FIE mask, by “Leon Paul” Fig. 95 The X-Change system allows all the fabric parts to be completely removed from the Stainless-steel shell and washed. This keeps your mask clean and fresh; The bib can be slid out of the mask which means that it is possible to wash it or replace, also possible to have a range of different bibs for different occasions. For example, to use a black coaching in time of giving a lesson, exchange it for a epee or foil bib. Another invention by Leon Paul (US Patent #0 070 202, 2003), “Protective mask”, authors: Barry Rene Paul and Lance Gordon Rake “Improved protective mask” (Patent GB #2 380 657, 2003), authors: Barry Rene Paul and Lance Gordon Rake. This invention relates to an improved protective mask, and in particular a fencing mask for protecting the head and neck of a wearer while fencing using epee, foil or sabres, although it could also be used to protect the head and neck of the wearer during other contact sports such as Kendo (Fig. 96).87 Fig. 96 The similar idea proposed in the inventions “Fencing mask” (Patent US #0 238 842, 2015), author: Cheyenne Hua. In this invention fencing mask having a front metal mesh portion, a bib portion extending from a lower portion of the front metal mesh portion, and a securing portion extending from the front metal mesh portion for securing the mask on a user. The securing portion is made up of at least two spaced apart elements that define a gap therebetween for accommodating a user's ponytail (Fig. 100). 23 Fig. 100 The protecting mask for the fencers88 (USSR Patent #178 192, 1992), authors: Khachaturian and others, made by synthetic bullet proof glass material (1). The back side of the mask equipped with the ventilation holes. The mask can be hold on the head with help of two crossing to each other elements 17, which afterword can be fixed on the mask (Fig. 101). Fig. 101 The presented interesting transforming mask is also “Fencing mask” (Patent GB #2 446 885, 2008), proposed by Leon Paul Equipment Co LTD, author: Barry Rene Paul. In this invention the fencing mask assembly comprises with a main body formed of plastics material for protecting the head of a wearer, and having at least one aperture in a front region thereof exposing at least the eye (23) and mouth (24) regions. A first face guard (26) and a second face guard (28) are detachably securable to the main body to cover the aperture or apertures. The first face guard (26) is mesh and securable to cover the eye and mouth aperture or apertures. The second face guard (28) is a two-part or composite guard having a lower mesh part (30) and an upper transparent screen or visor part (29), with said lower mesh part being securable either individually or combined with the visor portion over the mouth aperture, and the upper visor part (29) being securable individually or as combined with the ower mesh portion and securable over the eye aperture region (Fig. 102). 24 Fig. 102 Similar to the above-mentioned mask was produced by “Prieur” (2005)89 (Fig. 103) Fig. 103 The integral fencing mask (Patent France #2 881 057, 2005), authors: Donot Jean Marciano and Frederica, proposed integrated protection entire head and neck of the fencer (Fig. 104). Fig. 104 Air Mask system improves mask wearability, produced by Gajardoni.90 It’s an exclusive LAJOLO patent, completely handmade inItaly (2015) (Fig. 105). The Air Mask system is based on an air buffer, dynamically and fast adjustable by the owner following its personal needs.The buffer permits to the air fluently distribute even those zones usually left empty, creating a comforting feeling of wrapping and letting the athlete to choose the strength of it.As a complementary benefit, all problems about half sizes are solved.The front support is made in a super absorbent tissue, engineered to grant a great perspirability and a very quick absorption of sweat (less than 1 second!), leaving the support always perfectly dry and giving thermoregulating properties. 25 Fig. 105 Students from the “Integrated Product Design” Fachhochschule Coburg91 (2004), proposed the design of the transparent mask and fencing outfeet (Fig. 106 a), and for the German In In Tauberbischofsheim (Olympic team's training camp, Germany) by the same group was developed another design of the mask (2004). The project aimed at increasing the attractiveness of a far more insiders known and accessible sport92 (Fig. 106 b). A B Fig. 106 Fencing mask design, was developed in partnership with Juliana Gritens and Rosangela Nehls (2009) (Fig, 107)93 Fig. 107 26 For the safety reasons, by the Taís Mauk94 (the authors appreciated the kind permission from Tais for publication), industrial designer at Rhode Island School of Design (2014), proposed original design of the mask. The challenge was to create a mask that protects the brain stem, permits visibility, and yet can be opened with one hand (Fig. 108) a B c Fig. 108 Here we would like to underline, that the design of the helmet (Fig. 108 a ), looks like as designs of the old existing German helmets for 1525-1530 period95 (Fig. 109a) or helmet from the period of 1788.96 (Fig. 109 b). A B Fig. 109 Initial concept sketches focused on how to completely contain the fencer's head, while still allowing the range of visibility and movement necessary. The final concept is faceted polygonal enclosure, maintaining inspiration from the form of traditional masks, but bringing an updated edge to the style (Fig. 110) 27 Fig. 110 The new design incorporates a steel mesh which encases the fencer's entire head. It can be opened by depressing a button in the rear of the helmet. The helmet also uses a rigid plastic bib which is segmented by flexible rubber hinges. This hard plastic prevents a majority of throat injuries. (Fig. 11) Fig. 111 The redesign also features embedded LED lights which work in combination with the electronic scoring systems. They illuminate when a touch is scored. This brings added entertainment value for spectators who may be unfamiliar with the sport (Fig. 112) Fig. 112 Designer Sam Kwan’s (from the Hong Kong) Fhexomask97 (2015) is a conceptual fencing mask design which is to challenge the form and style of a classic fencing mask. The mask is a pure imagination of form and style of the fencing mask after 10 years (Fig. 113 a). There is also a similar design, for example the helmet STARK-2 by Brassguard, which is recomended for airsoft, knife combat training, hard CQB battle98 (Fig. 113 B) 28 A B Fig. 113 Interesting design was proposed by Neuvoir - Fencing Head and Neck Support, Consumer Product Award, Core77 Design Awards 2016. This mask has Polycarbonate visor designed to avoid distortion and offer maximum clarity, thus increasing visibility and performance. The rear of the mask is enclosed providing protection from blade hits and concussions. Neck brace: The light-weight carbon fiber neck brace is worn underneath the helmet and works with the mask, protecting the fencer from whiplash and hyperextension of the neck. The support flexes as the fencer moves, mimicking natural body movements during combat (Fig. 114 A).99 This iscombination of updated versions of the esxiting elements, for example, from the Medieval Leather Gorget Pattern 16th century100 and Mask101 with back skirt and back plate for back of head protection (Fig. 114 B). A 29 B Fig. 114Interesting design was provided for the FIE Fashion Show, at FIE 105th congress in Paris, (December 9, 2018), where was highlighted the technological and modern aspects of fencing. For this reason, was combined knowledge of traditional fencing uniforms with an innovative technology and a futuristic design. Was integrated a LED panel with the functionality of a scoring machine to the jacket and created a very special mask with an "openable" visor. Was created an updated pattern and added some modern design elements to the uniform was provided by “Allstar fechten Center” 102 (Fig. 114a) and by “Prieur Sports” 103 (Fig. 114 b) Fig. 114a 30 Fig. 114 b According to Ben Paul article (2018)104 “ .., we decided to 3D print the mask for the FIE gala fashion show and use the mill to make some of the metal fittings for the mask. I believe in 10 years’ time all or most fencing mask will be 3D printed from metal in a honeycomb structure so it is lighter and more breathable and be fully adjustable to a customer’s head. This project presented is a nice way to start testing these theories and offer an outlook towards the future of fencing, which the FIE gala was all about. We used some carbon fiber to strengthen the mask and we could have used some neck protection that we use in HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts), but we decided this took away from the aesthetics and this was after all a fashion project trying to show how the future of fencing might look. Here's the mask in action at the fashion show: (Fig.114 c) 31 Fig. 114 c From this work I really think in the future masks can be produced from 3D printing in Titanium and designs could be made that were lighter, stronger and more practical. The technology will become cheaper over time and I cannot wait to see the first mask produced using this technique” The fencing mask, as a protection of the face, was used also in a different kind of sport, like as Savate French pronunciation: also known asboxe française, French boxing, French kickboxing or French foot fighting, is a Frenchmartial artthat uses the hands and feet as weapons combining elements of western boxing with grace fulkicking techniques. Its name from the French for “old shoe” (heavy footwear, especially the boots used by French military and sailors). The modern formalized form is mainly an amalgam of French street fightingtechniques from the beginning of the 19th century. There are also many types of savate rules. Savate was then a type of street fighting common in Paris and northern France. Savate is one of the few styles of kickboxing in which the fighters habitually wear shoes. A male practitioner of savate is called a tireur while a female is called a tireuse.105 In the article “La Savate originelle” (“The original Savate”),106 shown that the fighters are using mask, for the face protection (Fig. 115). 32 Boxers using a protection mask, providede on a poster of Hubert Lecour (French boxing teacher) (1820-1871) period107 Fig. 115 Very interesting idea, protection the surface was used for fighting with horses, for example: Protection for the horses of Cossack (Russia) (1899).108 (Fig. 116 a); or naval and military tournament. Swordsmanship against spear, the protective helmet for horses’ head that was used in the tournament, Madrid, Spain, 1910 (Fig. 116 b ).109 Protection of Cossack (Russia) horses (1899) (a) (b) Fig. 116 Interesting idea is using the fencing mask for the “Small wars” and modern conflicts (1945-1965), when the soldier practicing stalking in the Malayan jungle in preparation for jungle patrols as part of the counterinsurgency campaign of the Malayan Emergency. He is using an air rifle and has a fencing mask to protect his face and eyes from pellets (Fig. 117)110 33 Fig. 117 According to the article by Aleksandra Andonovska “Scold’s bridle - The gruesome medieval torture instrument worn to deter women from gossiping…”,111 there is presented interesting design of 18th-century scold’s bridle (Fig. 118) which looks very similar of the rare example of an early fencing mask, provided on an previous picture. Fig. 118 Remarkable solution and idea for girls boxing in fencing costume. Argentina, (1913),112 that with impunity and without detriment to the physical, the beautiful sex can practice such a hygienic sport, the director of the superior school of Dover, has devised the curious toilette that represent our engravings (Fig. 119) Mask and protective breastplate Fencing suit for women Fig. 119 For the sportsman safety and protection, mainly head and face is very important, not only in fencing also in other kind of sports. Just for interested readers, below are given some inventions-solutions and protection devices for head, for ex., head protector developed by Robert W. Turner (US Patent #261 408, (1882) meant to drape netting or other material to protect against bees, mosquitoes or flying objects (Fig. 120 A); “Face protection for baseball catchers: Improvement in mask”, US Patent #200 358 (1878), author Fredok W. Thayer (Fig. 120 B); US Patent #379655 (1888) author Dennis O’Sullivan, “Face protect baseball catchers” (Fig. 120 C); “Baseball mask” US Patent #628 724 (1899), author Burt T. Rogers (Fig.120 D); “Baseball catcher”, US patent #755 209 (1904, author James E. Bennett), relates to certain new and useful improvements in devices to be used by the catchers and other players which will protect the hands, the same being so constructed as to receive and retain the ball without the players hands coming in contact therewith (Fig. 120 E) and quite original and funny idea not for humans was proposed in invention the “Eye protector for chickens” (US patent #730 918, 1903, author A. Jackson Jr.), which was related to eye-protectors, and 34 more particularly to eye-protectors designed for fowls, so that they may be protected from other fowls that might attempt to peck them, by providing a construction which may be easily and quickly applied and removed and which will not interfere with the sight of the fowl (Fig. 120 F), and etc. A B C D E F Fig. 120 35 1 Pavel Aleseychik Konstantinovich. On development of closed helmet in Western Europe 1100-1150 A.D. 2018. Russian language. 2 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enclosed_helmet?fbclid=IwAR3vCbcDOrmpaPaCDwVbTw5hh6GAgWqG uk5OmNWbWjmmlkpkuu4ShgG-iPM 3 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_helm 4 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nasal_helmet 5 Medieval Armor. http://www.medievalswords.ws/medieval_armor.html 6 Ewolucja hełmów maskowych do normańskich (X- XII w.). http://rzeczpospolitaobojganarodow.pl/forum/viewtopic.php?f=91&t=3332&sid=bbe77ecb27f6df4e91d60 4f3f08e7b88 7 Васин П., Лемешко А.Личины. http://www.kitabhona.org.ua/libwar_armor/lichina.html 8 Nicolas Benjamin Texier La Boëssière. http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicolas_Texier_de_la_Bo%C3%ABssi%C3%A8re 9 Great fencing masters of history. Amarillo Competitive Fencing Association. http://www.acfencers.com/fencingmasters.html 10 A Short History of Ancient Fencing. http://home.lynx.net/bactau/ancient.htm 11 Inventor of the week. Texier de La Boesserie. 24 may, 2012.Sport –Lyfestile. Dineema. http://www.dyneema.com/emea/stories/2012/05/inventor-of-the-week-texier-de-la-boesserie.aspx 12 Alfred Hutton, Part 24. Three famous fencers. The Sword Through the Centuries, 2006. Russian language. http://rulibs.com/ru_zar/sci_history/hatton/1/j51.html 13 Roberto Gotti. Ricardo Rizzante, Daniel Jaquet. Masquerade. Elegance and extravagance in ancient fencing mask. September, 2017. 14 Matt Galas. HEMAC – Historical European Martial Arts Coalition. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/4807424949/?multi_permalinks=10150581845124950&notif_t=group _highlights# 15 Alexandre Picard Bremond. Treate en raccourci Sur L’Art des Armes. Turin. 1782. 16 K. T. Bulochko Fencing. Moscow. 1967. USSR. “Fizkiltura I Sport”. Russian language. К. Т. Булочко. Фехтование. Физкультура и спорт. Москва. 1967 17 Militaryfencing. Milihistriot Quarterly. The Journal for Military Miniature Enthusiasts. 2006. http://www.thortrains.com/getright/drillfence1.htm 18 Art and sport. 2015.http://s309339927.onlinehome.fr/PDF/2015/09_art_sport_27juin2015.pdf 19 National Fencing Museum. 19th Century. http://www.fencingmuseum.com/19_century.htm 20 Schermgeschiedenis tot + 1930. Schermvereniging RANA Amsterdam. http://www.schermvereniging-rana.nl/geschiedenis%20van%20het%20schermen.htm 21 The clubhouse. http://clubhouseinteriors.co.uk/clubhouse-interiors-new-arrivals.html 22 Saber Mask 1800. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/435090013973711120/ 23 https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Fencing_masks#/media/File:F%C3%A4ktmask_f%C3%B 6r_sabelf%C3%A4ktning,_1800-tal_-_Livrustkammaren_-_48179.tif 24 Berfuh einer theoretischen_Anweifung zur fechunft im Siebe. Johan Adolph Ludvig Berner.1824 25 Johan Adolph Ludwig Berner. Versuch einer theoretischen Anweisung zur fechtfunft im siebe. Leipsig.1824 26 Domjan. Vi-tan. Tekintetes Nemes, Torontal varmegye, Vivo intezeenek, 1839. 27 Bottcher AA. Die Reine, deutsce stossfechtchile .1847 28 . The sword exercise. Henry C. Wayne. 1850.http://www.drillnet.net/Waynes.htm 36 Plazzo Cisterna. Dal duello allo spoprt. “il tocco della spade”, Torino, Italy, 2006. Art and sport. 2015.http://s309339927.onlinehome.fr/PDF/2015/09_art_sport_27juin2015.pdf 31 Christian Siebenhaar. Handleiding voor het Onderwijs in de schermkunst. 1861 32 Reinh Silversvard. Handbook for Undervisning i sabelfäktning till fot. 1868. 33 Giodano Rossi. Manuale teorico-Practico per la Scherma di spade e sciabola. Milan. 1885. http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt? id=nyp.33433068180706;view=thumb;seq=285 34 Sebetic Raimund. Oktatas a kard vivasban. Budapest. 1886 35 Emil Probst. Lucern. Instruction sur l escrime au sabre. 1887 36 Cool Things - Fencing Foils and Masks. September 2013.Kansas Historical Society. http://www.kshs.org/kansapedia/cool-things-fencing-foils-and-masks/10361 37 Manufacture Francaise d'arme et cycles - Sain-Atienne 1890.05.15 38 John D. Champlin. Young folks’ Cyclopaedia of games and sports. NY. 1890. 39 Gimnazium Catalogue. A. G.Spalding & Bros. Gimnazium and athletic catalogue. p. 86. 1891 29 30 40 Manufacture Francaise d'arme et cycles - Sain-Atienne 1893 41 Till Fots. Insrukion i sabelfakting. Stockholm. 1893 Sears Roebuck & Co. Catalogue. Americanheritage.1897. 43 Arlow Litomysky. Unterricht Im Saebelfechten. 1894 44 Уставъ строевой Казачьей службы. Часть I. Одиночное, взводное и пъшее ученье.С-Петерсбург. 1899. 45 Vintage mask. http://www.ebay.com 46 Ruby lane. Fencing Mask. http://www.rubylane.com/item/1005954-777-001/19th-Century-FencingMask. 47 Order of the seven herats. 2009. http://salvatorfabris.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=432 48 Manufacture Francaise d'arme et cycles. Sain-Atienne 1900 49 Wright & Ditson catalogue. Boston. Mass.1901. 50 Serafino and Fratelli. Fredi Gnutti. Fabrique d armi bianche da guerra da scherma e da duello. 1904 51 Andra Tryackningen. Faktinstruktiopn for kavalleriet. Stockholm. 1906 42 52 https://yandex.ru/images/search?pos=0&img_url=https%3A%2F%2Fimage.jimcdn.com%2Fapp%2Fcms %2Fimage%2Ftransf%2Fnone%2Fpath%2Fs7980f42b8aa29f21%2Fimage%2Fidc6f890f61f629e8%2Fve rsion%2F1416168684%2Fimage.jpg&text=%D0%A2%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%BE%D1%84%D0%B5 %D0%B9%20%D0%98%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%87%20%D0 %9A%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%BE%D0%B2&rpt=simage 53 Фехтование на рапирах. Лихошерстов. С.-Петерсбург. 1906 54 Manufacture Francaise d'arme et cycles. Sain-Atienne 1906 55 Spalding catalogue of spring and summer sport. A.G. Spalding & Bros. Kansas City, Mo. 1906. 56 Garcet de Vauremont, L Escrime _fleuret, épée et sabre, 1912. 57 Spalding. Athletic goods. 1917 58 Ricardo E. Manrique, “Fencing foil class work Illustrated”, NY, 1920. 59 Tryon Catalog Page Ad Fencing Foils masks Gloves Jackets Sports Mackinaw 1939. True sport fencing equipment. Edw. Tryon Company, Philadelphia. 60 Fencing Mask 1930. https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/more-furniture-collectibles/sports/couplefencing-masks-1930s/id-f_1192492/ 61 WKC. Fechtwaffen. WKC-Waffenfabrick. Solinger-Wald. 1930 62 Строевой устав конницы. Москва. 1938 г 63 Supply com. https://svpply.com/item/1911776/Vintage_European_Fencing_Mask_and’ 64 Н. Т. Поддобрый. Инвентарь и принадлежности для фехтования и рукопашного боя. Физкультура и спорт. Москва. Ленинград. 1940. 65 L'escriem Francaise. No 309. 1976. 37 66 Escreime. No. 10. Juin. 1978 Caras y caretas (BuenosAires).18/3/1933, no. 1,798, page 86. 68 Joanna de Tuscan. http://diaryofabluestocking.blogspot.com/2009/03/in-praise-of-bluestockings-pastand.html 69 Escrime. No. 14. Fevrier. 1979 70 Escrime Internationale. #20,1997 71 Transparent mask. Prieur - Masque d’escrime. https://www.behance.net/gallery/18446111/PrieurMasque-descrime 72 Escrime Internationale. # 32, 2000 73 Transparant mask. Aramis Plastic sword fencing. http://www.plasticswordfencing.com/proddetail.php?prod=TransparentMask 74 https://www.leonpaulfrance.com/mini-fence-go-fence/habillement-midifence/masques.html 75 Duel et tir d'assaut. Armes & Collections Magazine N 19. Jean-Pierre Bastié.http://www.academie-desarmes-anciennes.com/mag19.html 76 L es pistolets d’assaut de la Manufacture Française d’Armes et Cycles de Saint-Etienne :1906-1914. https://stephanerivoireexpertarmes.wordpress.com/2015/10/24/les-pistolets-dassaut-de-la- manufacturefrancaise-darmes-et-cycles-de-saint-etienne-1906-1914/ 77 Caras y caretas Buenos Aires. 1/11/1902, no. 213, page 58 78 Manufacture Francaise d'arme et cycles - Sain-Atienne. 1909 67 79 https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10215170839372733&set=pcb.1715979688446306&type=3 &theater&ifg=1 80 Tiro e Sport Lisboa. 10 Agosto. 1908 N391 t 81 Cyriaque Lamar. In 1909, you could fake-murder your friends in a wax bullet duel. 2012. https://io9.gizmodo.com/5927036/in-1909-you-could-fake-murder-your-friends-in-a-wax-bullet-duel 82 Lepage Wax-Bullet Dueling Pistols. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWlAIcwxxD0 83 Les Armes. France. 12 Janv. 1913 84 Sistema de Ventilación para Careta de Esgrima. 2009 http://www.grantesgrima.com/caretas/images/Carta_careta_ventilador.pdf 85 John Patrik Nilsson. Ballestra. 2014. https://www.google.ge/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fsmedia-cacheak0.pinimg.com%2Foriginals%2F89%2Fd6%2F3d%2F89d63da64ec213088c72776f6aa6618f.jpg&imgre furl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinterest.com%2Fpin%2F200621358373512925%2F&docid=GEcuhnBV0AfAM&tbnid=gj_xq0KNjhKCM%3A&vet=10ahUKEwjpxZS2vLTYAhUKJJoKHVCjD2Q4ZBAzCEAoPjA..i&w=1181&h=1181&bih=735&biw=1517&q=esgrima%20patent&ved=0ahUKEwjpxZS2vLTYAhUKJ JoKHVCjD2Q4ZBAzCEAoPjA&iact=mrc&uact=8#h=1181&imgdii=cdFfsQvX7hLKpM:&vet=10ahUKEwjpxZS2vLTYAhUKJJoKHV CjD2Q4ZBAzCEAoPjA-..i&w=1181 86 X-Change FIE Sabre Mask. Leon Pail equipment. http://www.leonpaul.com/cgibin/sh000003.pl?REFPAGE=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2eleonpaul%2ecom%2facatalog%2fContact%2eht ml&WD=fencing%20mask&PN=X-Change-Spring-Case-FIE-Sabre-Mask%2ehtml%23aS11X#aS11X 87 http://www.leonpaul.com/x-change-fie-foil-mask-with-contour-fit-plus.html 88 Защитное средство для фехтования. Ю. А. Хачатурян, В.В. Иванов, К. Л. Мкртчян, П.А. Жоров. СССРпатент № 178192, 1992. http://patentdb.su/metka/fekhtovaniya 89 Escrime International – FIE. 10. 2005. 90 Air Mask . http://www.lajolosports.com/airmask-en.php 91 Fechtsport. # 2, 2004 38 Couburger designtage. Fechtsport – Ausrustung. May, 2004.http://www.rueckblick.coburgerdesigntage.de/cdt_2004/hbh_2og.htm 93 http://heidesigner.blogspot.in/2009/12/redesign-mascara-de-esgrima_05.html; http://www.designbuzz.com/keep-real-champion-masked-as-unravel-physicalenergy/#.T33eTuzHrYg.pinterest 94 http://www.taismauk.com/earlier-projects/#/a-safer-fencing-mask/ 95 A record European Armour and Arms. Through seven centuries, By Sir Guy Francis Laking, vol-4. MCMXXI. London. 1921. 96 Francis Grose. A Treatise on Ancient Armour and Weapons. London. MDCCLXXXVI. 1788 97 http://www.samkwandesign.com/#!futuristic-fencing-mask/mroft 98 STARK-2 New helmet by Braussguard. http://arniesairsoft.co.uk/news2/wpcontent/uploads/2012/03/image272.png 99 Neuvoir - Fencing Head and Neck Support. http://designawards.core77.com/ConsumerProduct/48703/Neuvoir-Fencing-Head-and-Neck-SupportSIGN UP / LOGIN; 100 A Leather Gorget Pattern. http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/~serpent/sca/gorget/ 101 https://www.pinterest.com/pin/354447433157146894/ 102 https://www.facebook.com/allstarFechtcenter/posts/2214713365214048 103 https://www.facebook.com/eric.hanssens/posts/10215279508113272 92 104 Ben Paul. Fie gala fashion show 2018. When a fencing manufacturer goes designer (3/3): 3d printing a fencing mask21st. December 2018. https://www.leonpaul.com/blog/when-a-fencing-manufacturer-goes-designer-3-3-3d-printing-a-fencingmask/ . 105 Savate. Wikipedia. The free Encyclopedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savate 106 la Savate originelle. http://savate-canne-baton.monsite-orange.fr/lasavateoriginelle/index.html 107 http://la-rose-couverte.overblog.com/pages/Les_freres_Charles_18081894_et_Hubert_Lecour_18201871-1525688.html 108 Устав строевой казачьей службы. Часть.1. С-Петербкрг. 1899 109 Actualidades. Madrid. 1908. 11-5-1910 110 https://www.pinterest.com/pin/329677635206756972/SaveLikeSendShare 111 Aleksandra Andonovska. Scold’s bridle- The gruesome medieval torture instrument worn to deter women from gossiping. 2016. https://m.thevintagenews.com/2016/05/05/47564-2/ 112 Caras y caretas (Buenos Aires). 6-12-1913, no. 792 39