The Florida manufacturer of the mask worn by accused killer Esteban Carpio says it has received more inquiries about the product since his first court appearance.

01:00 AM EDT on Tuesday, May 3, 2005

BY MICHAEL CORKERY
Journal Staff Writer

The sight of Esteban Carpio's face mask has fueled a lot of talk since he first wore it into court two weeks ago.

The image, which has been broadcast around the nation, also sparked new business for the Florida company that manufactures the mask.

"It generated quite a few phone calls," said Loretta Ahrens, office manager of Ripp Restraints, of Orange City, Fla., which designed and manufactured the mask.

Rhode Island correctional officials described the mask as a spit shield and said they used it to prevent Carpio from spitting blood during his first public appearance in District Court on April 18.

They said they have rarely used such a shield, but they feared Carpio would become combative on his way to court.

Ripp Restraints sells the polyurethane mask for $4.95. It was designed by the company's founder and owner, Bill Debane, a former police officer, Aherns said.

The mask has been compared to the contraption worn by the character Hannibal Lecter in the movie Silence of the Lambs.

In a Washington Post story about Carpio's mask, staff writer Lonnae O'Neal Parker wrote, "For some of us, it's more historically disturbing -- the air holes conjure up archival drawings from the 18th century, the iron masks and shackles reserved for the most recalcitrant slaves."

"It does look kind of sinister," Ahrens said last week. ". . . But that was not the purpose."

Ahrens said the mask covers the nose and mouth and has holes along the sides for breathing. "It's designed for the person wearing it," Ahrens said. Each mask is designed for a one-time use.

"You don't want to use it after someone had it on their face," Ahrens said.

Ripp Restraints is processing an order for 2,800 such masks for law enforcement officers in Jacksonville, Fla. Ahrens said the company had already received that order when Carpio appeared in court with the mask.

Ahrens said at least 10 people have called the company since Carpio appeared in court wearing the mask.

She said many people are requesting small orders to test whether they would like to use the mask.

Ahrens herself was surprised when she saw footage of Carpio in court. "I was watching TV, and I said, 'Oh my god, that's our mask.' "