U.S. patent application number 12/618340 was filed with the patent office on 2010-05-20 for sleep mask.
Invention is credited to Noelle Elizabeth Luciano.
Application Number | 20100122398 12/618340 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42170848 |
Filed Date | 2010-05-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100122398 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Luciano; Noelle Elizabeth |
May 20, 2010 |
Sleep Mask
Abstract
A sleep mask apparatus for protecting a wearer's eyelashes
during sleep, comprising a face portion configured for covering an
area of the wearer's face generally bounded by the wearer's
forehead, beneath the wearer's eyes, and across the wearer's nose
bridge, a relatively thick, resilient perimeter portion integral
about an inner surface of the face portion, and a pair of
relatively rigid side portions integral with opposing left and
right edges of the face portion in a position substantially
perpendicular to the face portion, whereby, during use of the sleep
mask, the perimeter portion contacts the wearer's face and the side
portions contact the sides of the wearer's head, such that the
wearer's eyelashes are spaced from the inner surface of the face
portion as well as the side portions, even when the wearer is side
sleeping.
Inventors: |
Luciano; Noelle Elizabeth;
(Laguna Niguel, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JEROMYE V. SARTAIN;MIND LAW FIRM
2424 S.E. BRISTOL STREET, SUITE 300
NEWPORT BEACH
CA
92660
US
|
Family ID: |
42170848 |
Appl. No.: |
12/618340 |
Filed: |
November 13, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61114789 |
Nov 14, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/173 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 9/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/173 |
International
Class: |
A42B 1/18 20060101
A42B001/18 |
Claims
1. A sleep mask apparatus for protecting a wearer's eyelashes
during sleep, the apparatus comprising: a face portion; a
relatively thick, resilient perimeter portion integral about an
inner surface of the face portion; and a pair of relatively rigid
side portions integral with opposing left and right edges of the
face portion in a position substantially perpendicular to the face
portion; whereby, during use of the sleep mask, the perimeter
portion contacts the wearer's face and the side portions contact
the sides of the wearer's head, such that the wearer's eyelashes
are spaced from the inner surface of the face portion as well as
the side portions, even when the wearer is side sleeping.
2. The sleep mask apparatus of claim 1 wherein the side portions
are each further configured as substantially triangular wedges with
a curvature generally corresponding to the wearer's head.
3. The sleep mask apparatus of claim 1 wherein the perimeter
portion is a substantially round, dense, foam material.
4. The sleep mask apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of the face
portion, perimeter portion, and side portions provide a covering
material positioned over an underlying padded material for
comfort.
5. The sleep mask apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of the face
portion and side portions further comprises an internal frame
configured for providing further structural support.
6. The sleep mask apparatus of claim 5 wherein each of the internal
frames provides a plurality of apertures configured for allowing
heat exchange therethrough when the sleep mask is in use.
7. The sleep mask apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a
decorative overlay integral with an outer surface of the face
portion.
8. The sleep mask apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an edge
material integral about a perimeter of the face portion.
9. The sleep mask apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a strap
portion integral with the opposing left and right edges of the face
portion, proximal the side portions.
10. A sleep mask apparatus for protecting a wearer's eyelashes
during sleep, the apparatus comprising: a face portion configured
for covering an area of the wearer's face generally bounded by the
wearer's forehead, beneath the wearer's eyes, and across the
wearer's nose bridge; a relatively thick, resilient perimeter
portion integral about an inner surface of the face portion; a pair
of relatively rigid side portions integral with opposing left and
right edges of the face portion in a position substantially
perpendicular to the face portion; and each of the face portion and
side portions having an internal frame configured for providing
further structural support; whereby, during use of the sleep mask,
the perimeter portion contacts the wearer's face and the side
portions contact the sides of the wearer's head, such that the
wearer's eyelashes are spaced from the inner surface of the face
portion as well as the side portions, even when the wearer is side
sleeping.
11. A sleep mask apparatus for protecting a wearer's eyelashes
during sleep, the apparatus comprising: a face portion configured
for covering an area of the wearer's face generally bounded by the
wearer's forehead, beneath the wearer's eyes, and across the
wearer's nose bridge; a relatively thick, resilient perimeter
portion integral about an inner surface of the face portion; a pair
of relatively rigid, substantially triangular-shaped side portions
integral with opposing left and right edges of the face portion and
extending distally therefrom in a substantially perpendicular
direction, the side portions having a curvature generally
corresponding to the sides of the wearer's head; and whereby,
during use of the sleep mask, the perimeter portion contacts the
wearer's face and the side portions contact the sides of the
wearer's head, such that the wearer's eyelashes are spaced from the
inner surface of the face portion as well as the side portions,
even when the wearer is side sleeping.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority and is entitled to the
filing date of U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 61/114,789
filed Nov. 14, 2008, and entitled "Sleep Mask." The contents of the
aforementioned application are incorporated by reference
herein.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0002] Applicant(s) hereby incorporate herein by reference any and
all U.S. patents and U.S. patent applications cited or referred to
in this application.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] Aspects of this invention relate generally to sleep masks,
and more particularly to an improved sleep mask that substantially
protects against damage to the wearer's eyelashes or eyelash
extensions.
[0005] 2. Description of Related Art
[0006] In the art, many people who have eyelash extensions or other
work done to their eyelashes often complain about the condition of
their lashes upon awakening from several hours of sleep. One key to
good eyelash or eyelash extension maintenance is no rubbing,
touching, or pulling, which of course is difficult to prevent
during sleep. Many people then may have trouble sleeping or resting
well during the night for fear of damaging their lashes while being
unconscious, such as by turning their heads while asleep or by side
sleeping.
[0007] Traditional sleep masks are inadequate for solving this
problem, as they apply direct pressure to the lash area or
otherwise do not support the body of the mask away from the
wearer's lashes, particularly when side sleeping, thus damaging the
lashes or extensions and causing premature lash loss.
[0008] The following art defines the present state of this
field:
[0009] G.B. Patent No. 517,113 to Findlay discloses a face mask
and/or eye protector for use when washing the hair to prevent soapy
water from entering the eyes and to protect artificial make up, the
mask comprising a pouch of waterproof material removably enclosing
a pad of absorbent material exposed through a single opening in one
side of the pouch, the said opening being large enough to extend
over both eyes of the wearer, and the ends of the pouch being
attached to the opposite ends of a one-piece elastic band of such
length that the pad will be pressed against the eyes of the wearer
when the band is passed around the back of the wearer's head. The
pouch is preferably made from two sheets of material seamed at
their peripheral edges to a distance. Alternatively the pouch may
be made from one sheet of material folded twice. A modification
comprises a backing sheet with two pockets one at either end.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,122,847 to Craig discloses a protective eye
shield for patients during surgery comprising a flexible face mask,
preferably soft, foamed plastic, for lying across the patient's
brow or forehead, around the eyes and upper cheeks, and across the
nose bridge, and having a pair of openings covered by transparent
eye covers secured to the mask member, and a contact adhesive inner
surface for securing the periphery of the mask to the face of the
patient.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 6,098,628 to Funk discloses an invention
providing eye-protecting shields or chambers that are sealed
against the facial skin by an adhesive pliable foam or sponge
rubber layer about a face conforming flange with a bulbous clear
portion not touching eyelids or the eyelashes. The shields can be
ventilated to the atmosphere through a planar flap outwardly of a
flat cutout adjacent an outer corner of an eye. Access to the eye
may be secured via openable flap for the introduction of
medicaments to the eye. In a specific embodiment the access to
environmental air may be controlled by a selective access valve and
a moisture or medicant pad may be carried by the flap inwardly of
the shield. A releasable catch between the flap and the bulbous
portion permits self-closing and retention of the flap. A pair of
shields with an elastic member therebetween provides a pair of
spectacles which may include an elastic or adjustable headband with
releasable fastener(s).
[0012] J.P. Patent Application Publication No. 2001-178764 to
Sachikazu et al. discloses an eye mask comfortable to eyes and
properly applicable thereto for giving stimulus to temples and
satisfactorily removing the fatigue of the eyes. A flat main bag
portion for covering eyes and subsidiary bag portions for covering
temples are mounted on a face with a band. An upper bag for an
upper lid and a lower bag for an lower lid in the main bag portion,
and the subsidiary bag portions are filled with a number of far
infrared radiating particulate matters. An eyelash storage recessed
portion and a pupil storage recessed portion are also provided.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 6,293,900 to Bove et al. discloses an eye mask
or face mask incorporating sources of spatially alternating yet
static magnetic fields that provides magneto-therapy to the eyes
and/or face. In one embodiment, an eye mask is provided that has an
opaque eye plate and opaque rearwardly projecting cushion about its
perimeter. A sheet of alternating magnetic material provides
alternating magnetic fields when travel is made in any direction.
The eye mask may be attached to the face by elastic straps or other
means which may be adjusted for comfort. The perimeter cushion
serves to hold the eye mask away from the eyes and projecting
eyelashes of the wearer so that greater comfort is achieved. The
opaque nature of both the eye plate and the cushion serves to keep
light out, allowing the eyes to enjoy a dark environment,
especially appropriate for sleep. The eye mask may be worn during
lengthy periods of repose such as sleeping. In an alternative
embodiment, a face mask incorporating alternating magnetic field
forces may have optional eye apertures as well as nose and mouth
apertures. Elastic straps serve to hold the face mask to the
wearer's face. Alternative embodiments of sources of alternating
magnetic fields may be achieved through the use of magnets in a
triangular or square checkerboard pattern or alternating patterns
of circle-centered toroids having alternating magnetic fields.
[0014] PCT Patent Application Publication No. 2004/019727 to Song
discloses a disposable adhesive shampoo mask that prevents water
from dripping on the face during shampooing providing sanitation
and comfort using aromatic oil for mental health. The present
disposable adhesive shampoo mask is an ecologically and
biologically harmless invention embodying unique characteristics
such as a mouth-cover, handle, eye-cover, slit, absorbing layer of
outside, absorbing layer of inside, and glue.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 6,745,397 to Magidson discloses an eye shade
including a first side connected to an intermediate layer. A second
side is connected to the intermediate layer. A first outer eye
portion and a second outer eye portion are formed from the first
side, the intermediate layer and the second side. The first and
second outer eye portions extend outward. The first outer eye
portion and the second outer eye portion are convex shaped.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 7,202,774 to Hoyle discloses an eye shield
sleeping device that has a strap, a pair of eye shields, a pair of
ear covers, a timer, one or more speakers, a microphone, and a
voice recognition system. The timer creates an awakening sound when
the time on the timer expires. The sound is produced by the speaker
mounted inside the ear cover. The user can control the device using
commands issued to the voice recognition system. The device can be
connected to a media and communication appliance, such as a cell
phone, a computer, and a digital player, which can play through the
speakers. The voice recognition system can also be used to control
a connected appliance. The principal function of the device is to
create a restful environment for the user for a controlled period
of time. Anticipated applications include naps while traveling and
in sleep rooms at work.
[0017] The prior art described above teaches various types of face
masks for shielding the wearer's eyes from such things as light,
soapy water, and surgical procedures, some of those masks even
providing elevated eye portions so as not to interfere with the
free movement of the wearer's eyelashes. However, the prior art
does not teach a sleep mask configured for not interfering with the
wearer's eyelashes, even when the wearer is side sleeping. Aspects
of the present invention fulfill these needs and provide further
related advantages as described in the following summary.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] Aspects of the present invention teach certain benefits in
construction and use which give rise to the exemplary advantages
described below.
[0019] Aspects of the present invention are directed to providing a
sleep mask configured for guarding the eyelashes or eyelash
extensions of a wearer during sleep. In the exemplary embodiment
shown and described herein, the mask is generally constructed
having a round, dense foam lining around the interior surface of
the mask and elevating it from the eyelash area, with the right and
left sides of the mask having fabric- and/or foam-covered, soft
plastic guards to provide further protection, preventing the eye
area from resting upon the pillow or mattress even during side
sleeping. Though a particular such sleep mask is disclosed,
including its configuration and materials of construction, it will
be appreciated that these details are merely for illustration of
aspects of the invention and that a number of other shapes and
materials and means of construction are possible without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0020] A primary objective inherent in the above described
apparatus and method of use is to provide advantages not taught by
the prior art.
[0021] Another objective is to provide such an apparatus that
protects against damage to the wearer's eyelashes or eyelash
extensions while sleeping, even during side sleeping.
[0022] A still further objective is to provide such an apparatus
that provides a sufficient amount of padding for the wearer's
comfort.
[0023] Other features and advantages of aspects of the present
invention will become apparent from the following more detailed
description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of aspects of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The accompanying drawings illustrate aspects of the present
invention. In such drawings:
[0025] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of the invention;
[0026] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view thereof;
[0027] FIG. 3 is an exploded front perspective view thereof;
[0028] FIGS. 4 and 5 are partial cross-sectional views thereof;
[0029] FIG. 6 is an elevational view of a user wearing an exemplary
embodiment of the invention while side sleeping; and
[0030] FIG. 7 is an elevational view of a user wearing an exemplary
embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] The above described drawing figures illustrate aspects of
the invention in at least one of its exemplary embodiments, which
are further defined in detail in the following description.
[0032] Turning first to FIGS. 1 and 2, there are shown front and
rear perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of a sleep mask
10 according to aspects of the present invention. The mask 10
generally includes a face portion 20, a perimeter portion 40
installed about an inner surface 34 of the face portion 20,
opposing right and left side portions 50 installed on the face
portion 20 adjacent the perimeter portion 40, and opposing right
and left strap portions 70 also attached to the face portion 20 in
the vicinity of the side portions 50 so as to hold the mask 10 in
position on a wearer's head H in a conventional fashion. As
explained in more detail below, it will be appreciated that, during
use of the present invention, the perimeter portion 40 is
configured to contact the wearer's forehead, beneath the wearer's
eyes, and across the wearer's nose bridge, such that the inner
surface 34 of the face portion 20 is sufficiently spaced away from
the wearer's eyelashes E (or eyelash extensions). Additionally, the
right and left side portions 50 provide structural stability of the
mask 10 about the wearer's eyes even during side sleeping, further
preventing contact of the interior surfaces of the mask 10 with the
wearer's eyelashes E, as best illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7
discussed further below in connection with the mask 10 in use.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown an exploded front
perspective view of the mask 10 for better appreciation of the
components that make up the mask 10 in its exemplary embodiment.
Once again, the mask 10 essentially comprises the face portion 20
onto which the relatively resilient, preferably foam, perimeter
portion 40 is installed. Then, flanking the perimeter portion 40 on
opposite sides of the mask 10 there are installed the right and
left side portions 50, which are each configured as substantially
triangular wedges with a concavity or curvature generally
corresponding both to the right and left profiles of the face
portion 20 and to the anatomy of the wearer's head H roughly in the
temple region. As such, it will be appreciated that the right and
left side portions 50 are installed on opposing left and rights
edges 21 and 23 of the face portion 20 roughly perpendicular
thereto so as to form corner areas 80 that function to guard, or
create sufficient space for, the outer eye area even during side
sleeping, as illustrated particularly in FIG. 6. In the exemplary
embodiment, as explained in more detail below in connection with
FIGS. 4 and 5, each of the face portion 20, the perimeter portion
40, and the side portions 50 may include a covering material 28, 44
and 58, such as fabric or the like, positioned over an underlying
padded material 26 and 56, such as foam or batting material or the
like, for comfort. For at least the face portion 20 and side
portions 50, the structure further includes a perforated plastic or
mesh internal face portion frame 22 and side portion frame 52,
respectively, for structural support while not compromising the
comfort and breathability of the mask 10. It will be appreciated by
those skilled in the art that while such an exemplary overall
structure is shown and described, the invention is not so limited,
and a number of other assemblies and sub-assemblies can be formed
embodying aspects of the present invention. In any case, it will be
further appreciated that the components of the mask 10 being so
constructed from any suitable materials or processes now known or
later developed may then be assembled as appropriate to arrive at
the finished mask 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 through bringing the
respective components together as shown in the exploded view of
FIG. 3.
[0034] Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, wherein the
covering material is formed on each of the components, namely, the
face portion 20, the perimeter portion 40, and the side portions
50, these components may then be assembled as through a stitching
process or any other such process now known or later developed to
join at least two such components together. Moreover, the joining
process may also involve the internal face portion frame 22 and
side portion frame 52 for additional integrity and durability,
whether the stitching passes through such plastic parts or the
parts themselves are joined in some other manner, such as by being
bonded, ultrasonically welded, or simply molded integrally, with
the foam and/or fabric or other such materials then covering the
unitary plastic internal structure that is the face portion frame
22 and side portion frame 52 in one or more finishing operations.
Again, those skilled in the art will appreciate that any
appropriate materials and methods of construction now known or
later developed may be employed in the mask 10 of the present
invention without departing from its spirit and scope.
[0035] With continued reference to FIG. 3, the right and left strap
portions 70 are shown as being attached generally at the right and
left edges 21 and 23 of the face portion 20. As best seen in FIG.
2, in the exemplary embodiment, such strap portions 70 are
installed between the opposite sides of the perimeter portion 40
and the respective side portions 50, whereby it will be appreciated
that the attached ends of the strap portions 70 may be secured as
by stitching to one or more of the face portion 20, the perimeter
portion 40, and the side portions 50 for sufficient assembly
strength. Again, locations other than that shown and means other
than stitching may be employed in securing the respective strap
portions 70 onto the mask 10. It is also noted that while the strap
portions 70 are shown in FIG. 3 dangling down as if already
attached to the mask 10 rather than unattached as in the exploded
view, whereby the ends at which the strap portions 70 are attached
appear to be curved, those skilled in the art will appreciate that
such strap portions 70 are typically formed of substantially
straight, rectangular-shaped pieces of material of the appropriate
length to facilitate removable attachment of their respective free
ends at the back of the wearer's head H. In the exemplary
embodiment, the strap portions 70 are formed from an elastic
material and have hook and loop fastener swatches 72 installed at
their free ends for removably securing the free ends of the strap
portions 70 during use. It will be appreciated by those skilled in
the art that a variety of other strap configurations and means for
removably securing their free ends, such as by buttons, snaps,
clips or any other such means now known or later developed, may be
employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention. Moreover, where the means of removable attachment of the
free ends of the strap portions 70 is a hook-and-loop fastener, it
will be appreciated that while the swatches 72 shown in FIG. 3 are
substantially located only at the free ends of the respective strap
portions 70, instead the swatches 72 may be formed as strips
covering substantially all of the mating or overlapping surfaces of
the strap portions 70. In a further alternative exemplary
embodiment, the strap portions 70 may be of a unitary construction
from one perimeter edge of the face portion 20 of the mask 10 to
the other, so as to form a continuous strap with variance in the
head sizes of the wearers of the mask 10 being taken up by the
elasticity of the strap portions 70 alone, for example.
Accordingly, once more, those skilled in the art will appreciate
that while a particular configuration of the strap portions 70 is
shown, a number of other configurations are possible without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0036] Turning now to FIG. 4, there is shown an enlarged partial
perspective view, partially in section, of the face portion 20 and
perimeter portion 40 of the mask 10 according to aspects of the
present invention. First, it can be seen that the face portion 20
comprises, in the exemplary embodiment, the substantially central
face portion frame 22 preferably formed of a plastic mesh material
so as to have perforations or apertures 24 for breathability of, or
heat exchange through, the face portion 20 when the mask 10 is
being worn, while still providing structure to the mask 10. In the
exemplary embodiment, the face portion frame 22 is formed of a
plastic "hardware cloth" material having a nominal half inch
(1/2'') mesh. In an alternate embodiment, the face portion frame 22
is formed of a molded plastic; though, again, those skilled in the
art will appreciate that a variety of other materials now known or
later developed may be employed without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention, including a number of other plastics
formed with perforations or the like through any suitable
manufacturing process. In the exemplary embodiment, the raw mesh
material is then simply formed to the desired profile shape, as
through a molding, stamping, or die-cutting process, by which
process the resulting face portion frame 22 may also be formed or
induced with a nominal curvature to substantially conform to the
shape of the face in the area of the eyes. With continued reference
to FIG. 4, next, overlaying at least the back side of the face
portion frame 22, or the side facing the wearer during use, there
is a piece of padded material 26 for comfort. This face portion
padded material 26 may be foam, batting, or other such material now
known or later developed. Though not shown, such face portion
padded material 26 may also cover the front side of the face
portion frame 22, or the side of the face portion frame 22 away
from the wearer during normal use. Over the face portion padded
material 26 and/or directly over the face portion frame 22, or on
both the front and back sides of the face portion 20 of the mask
10, a piece of face portion covering material 28 may be installed
essentially to secure the integrity and positioning of the one or
more pieces of face portion padded material 26 and to render the
mask 10 more aesthetically pleasing by not having the face portion
frame 22 or the face portion padded material 26 exposed. The back
side or inwardly-facing face portion covering material 28 defines a
face portion inner surface 34, as best shown in FIG. 2, more about
which is said below in connection with FIGS. 6 and 7.
[0037] In the exemplary embodiment, the two face portion covering
materials 28 are both satin; though it will be appreciated that a
virtually infinite variety of covering materials, whether natural
or synthetic and whether now known or later developed, may be
employed in a sleep mask according to aspects of the present
invention without departing from its spirit and scope. As also
shown in FIG. 4, a decorative overlay 30 may be installed on an
outer surface 25 of the face portion 20, or directly over the
outside face portion covering material 28 to further render the
finished mask 10 more attractive. The decorative overlay 30 may be
any material in any color deemed suitable for a particular sleep
mask design. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that all the
covering materials thus comprising the exemplary structure of the
face portion 20 of the mask 10 may then be sewn together as by a
conventional stitching about the perimeter thereof, whereby the
face portion frame 22 is thus secured in place within the face
portion 20 by simply being bounded about its perimeter and its
front and back sides by the overlaying and joined covering
materials. It will be further appreciated that any or all such
materials may instead be joined by other bonding or assembly
techniques now known or later developed in the art, including but
not limited to a spray adhesive. Finally with respect to the face
portion 20, as a further alternative feature, an edge material 32,
such as fabric or the like, may be installed as by stitching,
gluing, or other such technique about the perimeter of the face
portion 20 of the mask 10, whereby the stitched or otherwise joined
edges of the various fabrics comprising the face portion 20 are
covered, which in turn not only renders the finished face portion
assembly more aesthetically pleasing, but also leaves the assembled
edges less compromised or vulnerable to fraying or separating
during use. Again, it will be appreciated that any other materials
now known or later developed may be substituted or employed in one
or more components of the sleep mask of the present invention
without departing from its spirit and scope. That is, other
configurations and materials of construction whereby, for example,
less or more layers or components are included in the finished face
portion 20 are all possible without departing from the spirit and
scope of the sleep mask according to aspects of the present
invention.
[0038] With continued reference to FIG. 4, the perimeter portion 40
of the mask 10 is shown as including a core 42 covered by a
perimeter portion covering material 44. In the exemplary
embodiment, the core 42 is a nominal one inch (1'') diameter
annular foam material; though, once again, those skilled in the art
will appreciate that any such material now known or later developed
by which the face portion 20 of the mask 10 is effectively and
comfortably spaced from the wearer's face F during use may be
employed in the present invention without departing from its spirit
and scope. Similarly, while the perimeter portion covering material
44, like the face portion covering material 28, is, in the
exemplary embodiment, formed of a satin fabric, it will be
appreciated that virtually an infinite number of materials may be
employed instead. In such scenario, just as the edges of the
various materials of the face portion 20 are to be attached using
stitching, gluing, or other such assembly techniques now known or
later developed, so too may the installation of the perimeter
portion covering material 44 over the foam core 42 be accomplished.
Such an overlay over the core 42 again renders the product more
attractive and more durable. The perimeter portion 40 so configured
and cut or otherwise formed to the desired overall length, most
often initially as a substantially linear construction, is then
manipulated and attached about the perimeter of the face portion 20
through a further stitching, bonding, or other such process now
known or later developed so as to tack the perimeter portion 40
about the inner surface 34 of the face portion 20 as best shown in
FIG. 2. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the resulting
perimeter portion 40 will be soft and plush and provide a
comfortable surface against which the wearer's face F comes into
contact during use of the mask 10, more about which will be said
below in connection with FIGS. 6 and 7.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown an enlarged partial
perspective view, partially in section, of a side portion 50 of the
mask 10 according to aspects of the present invention. As with the
face portion 20, it can be seen that each side portion 50
comprises, in the exemplary embodiment, a substantially central
side portion frame 52 again formed of a plastic mesh material so as
to have perforations or apertures 54 for breathability through the
side portions 50 when the mask 10 is being worn, while still
providing structure to the mask 10; particularly in the case of the
side portions 50 while the wearer is side sleeping, more about
which is said below. In the exemplary embodiment, the side portion
frame 52 is also formed of a plastic "hardware cloth" material
having a nominal half inch (1/2'') mesh. In an alternate
embodiment, the side portion frame 52 is formed of a molded
plastic; though again those skilled in the art will appreciate that
a variety of other materials now known or later developed may be
employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention, including a number of other plastics formed as required.
In the exemplary embodiment, the raw mesh material is once more
simply formed to the desired profile shape, as through a molding,
stamping, or die-cutting process, by which process the resulting
side portion frame 52 may also be formed or induced with a nominal
curvature to substantially conform to both the profile of the face
portion 20 and the anatomy of the head in the temple region.
[0040] With continued reference to FIG. 5, again much like the
construction of the face portion 20 in the illustrated embodiment,
next, here shown overlaying both the front and back sides of the
side portion frame 52 there is a piece of padded material 56 for
added comfort. This side portion padded material 56 may again be
foam, batting, or other such material now known or later developed.
Over the side portion padded material 56 and/or directly over the
side portion frame 52, in the case where the padded material 56 is
only positioned on the side of the side portion frame 52 toward the
wearer during use, a piece of side portion covering material 58 may
be installed to secure the integrity and positioning of the one or
more pieces of side portion padded material 56 and to once again
render the mask 10 more aesthetically pleasing by not having the
side portion frame 52 or the side portion padded material 56
exposed, as the case may be. In the exemplary embodiment, the two
side portion covering materials 58 are both satin, chosen to match
the face portion covering materials 28 for a consistent and
attractive overall appearance of the mask 10, though it will be
appreciated that a virtually infinite variety of covering
materials, whether natural or synthetic, whether now known or later
developed, and whether being the same in type or appearance as
those of the face portion 20 of the mask 10, may be employed in a
sleep mask according to aspects of the present invention without
departing from its spirit and scope. While a decorative overlay 30
and edge material 32 is not shown in conjunction with the side
portions 50 as on the face portion 10, it will be appreciated that
such further decorative and/or functional materials may be
installed on the side portions 50 to further render the finished
mask 10 more attractive, comfortable, or durable.
[0041] Turning to FIGS. 6 and 7, there are shown two schematics of
the mask 10 according to aspects of the present invention in use.
First, in FIG. 6, the mask 10 is placed on the head H of the wearer
who is side sleeping on a pillow P. As shown schematically from the
top of the head H, even when side sleeping with the wearer's head H
partially sunken into the pillow P, the mask 10 and particularly
the side portions 50 and the corner areas 80 where the side
portions 50 join the face portion 20 all substantially retain their
shape due to the materials and method and construction as described
above, particularly the design by which the side portions 50
include side portion frames 52, internal plastic supports that help
the side portions 50 retain their shape and their position and
orientation relative to the face portion 20, even when under load
or pressure. Thus, as shown in FIG. 6, the eyelashes E are spaced
from both the inner surface 34 of the face portion 20 of the mask
10 and from the side portions 50, even when the wearer is side
sleeping.
[0042] Similarly, as shown in FIG. 7 with the mask 10 again on the
head H of a wearer, here upright simply for illustration, it will
be appreciated that the perimeter portion 40 of the mask 10, as
shown and described above in connection with FIGS. 1-4, serves to
space the mask 10 from the face F of the wearer, and particularly
the inner surface 34 of the face portion 20 again from the
eyelashes E. In the exemplary embodiment, the amount the face
portion 20 is spaced from the wearer's head H and face F,
specifically, is denoted by distance D, which is essentially the
thickness or diameter of the perimeter portion 40, in the exemplary
embodiment a nominal one inch (1''). Accordingly, once more, the
construction of the mask 10 having such a perimeter portion 40
positioned on the face portion inner surface 34 and having right
and left side portions 50 that serve as guards giving sufficient
structural firmness or rigidity to the mask 10, particularly when
side sleeping, cooperate to at all times protect the wearer's
eyelashes E from inadvertent or unwanted rubbing, touching, or
pulling during sleep, which is known in the art to contribute to
premature lash loss. Furthermore, such protection is yet achieved
by way of a comfortable, stylish and functional mask 10 which, as
shown in FIG. 7, is simply held in place on the wearer's head H by
way of the strap portions 70, with the portions of the mask 10
actually in contact with the wearer's face F really only being the
relatively soft, pliable perimeter portion 40 and the foam- or
batting- and fabric-covered side portions 50. Again, those skilled
in the art will appreciate that while a particular exemplary sleep
mask according to aspects of the present invention has been shown
and described, the invention is not so limited, but instead can
take on a number of forms without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention.
[0043] To summarize regarding the exemplary mask 10 of the present
invention, it will be appreciated that a device is provided for
protecting the wearer's eyelashes E or eyelash extensions during
sleep by sufficiently spacing the mask 10 from the wearer's face F
and by forming the mask 10 with supportive side portions 50 having
reinforced frames 52 for maintaining the shape of the mask 10 even
during side sleeping, whereby the eyelashes E are not inadvertently
contacted during use and so are protected against premature lash
loss or other damage. Because the principles of the invention may
be practiced in a number of configurations of the sleep mask beyond
that shown and described, it is to be understood that the invention
is not in any way limited by the exemplary embodiment and is able
to take numerous forms without departing from the spirit and scope
of the invention.
[0044] While aspects of the invention have been described with
reference to at least one exemplary embodiment, it is to be clearly
understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not
limited thereto. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be
interpreted only in conjunction with the appended claims and it is
made clear, here, that the inventor(s) believe that the claimed
subject matter is the invention.
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