To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, Victor M. Law, of Cedar Rapids, in the county of Linn and State of Iowa, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Mustache Protectors and Trainers; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, which will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of my improved mustache protector and trainer open. Fig. 2 is a view of the same closed. Fig. 3 is a cross-section taken through the spring-clamp, and Fig. 4 is a view showing the application of the device.

Corresponding parts in the several figures are denoted by like letters of reference.

The object of my invention is twofold—viz., first, to provide a detachable and easily-applied protector for the mustache in the shape of a tubular case, in which it may be inclosed, thus keeping the ends or tips out of the mouth while eating; second, to so construct the said protector as to render it useful when properly applied for the purpose of training the mustache in an upward direction toward the ears, thereby imparting to the face a gay and pleasant expression.

The body or case of the device consists, of two shells, A A′, semi-cylindrical, or nearly so, in shape, and made of metal, hard rubber, or any other suitable material. The said shells are hinged together at one edge, as shown at b. Their free edges are covered (by stitching or otherwise) with oiled silk, so as to prevent the hair of the mustache from being bruised when the case is closed, as will be hereinafter described.

One of the parts or shells, A, of the case has a slot, a, provided with a cross bar, c, upon which is hinged a clasp, d, made of spring metal, and curved in such a shape that when closed it will embrace the shell A′, upon which it is held in place by its own elasticity, while by a movement of the finger it may be readily pushed off, so as to permit the shells forming the case to open.

To apply the device it is necessary to open it and hold it (the open side) toward the face, the edge of the lower half or shell resting upon the side of the upper lip, (either right or left,) to which the trainer or protector is to be applied. The mustache should then be twisted and smoothed until the hair is accommodated in the shell, which may now be gradually closed and clasped.

While eating, the protector forms a complete guard, preventing any articles of food from adhering to the mustache.

When applied during the night, or at any other time, the device is peculiarly adapted to train the mustache in any desired direction, always keeping the hair, to a desirable extent, away from the mouth, so as to promote cleanliness and comfort.

Having thus described my invention, I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States—

1. A mustache guard and trainer consisting of two hinged shells adapted for adjustment upon the mustache, as set forth.

2. A mustache guard and trainer consisting of two hinged shells adapted for adjustment upon the mustache, in combination with a hinged spring-clasp for securing the said shells together, as set forth.

3. A mustache guard and trainer consisting of two hinged shells having their free edges covered with oiled silk, as set forth.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I have hereto affixed my signature in presence of two witnesses.

Victor M. Law.

Witnesses:

F. A. Simmons,

O. P. Fellows.