U.S. patent application number 13/742300 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-17 for flexible medium coverage face mask.
The applicant listed for this patent is Robert G. Beliveau. Invention is credited to Robert G. Beliveau.
Application Number | 20140196187 13/742300 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51163983 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140196187 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Beliveau; Robert G. |
July 17, 2014 |
FLEXIBLE MEDIUM COVERAGE FACE MASK
Abstract
A flexible face mask is provided for protecting the face from
outdoor elements. The face mask comprises a nose shield portion
that conforms to a user's nose, a lip shield portion to cover the
user's upper, a pair of cheek shield portions to cover the sides of
the user's face, a pair of ear strap portions to cover and receive
the user's ears and eyewear, and a nostril cover portion to cover
the nostrils. A reinforcing strip on the skin-facing side of the
nose shield provides greater conformance to the user's nose. The
face mask is configured for attachment to both eyeglasses and
goggles. The bottom of the nose guard has two perforated triangular
extensions that connect to form a larger triangular area that
covers the user's nostril to provide protection from the elements
while allowing the user to breath. A pair of "C"-shaped cuts in the
nose shield receive the nose pads of the eyeglasses. Alternatively,
hook and loop patches are utilized to fasten the eyewear bridge to
the nose shield.
Inventors: |
Beliveau; Robert G.; (San
Pedro, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Beliveau; Robert G. |
San Pedro |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51163983 |
Appl. No.: |
13/742300 |
Filed: |
January 15, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/9 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 13/11 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/9 |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/00 20060101
A42B003/00 |
Claims
1. A flexible, medium-coverage face mask for protecting a user's
face from sunlight, wind, and other outdoor elements, the mask
comprising: a nose shield portion configured to cover and conform
to the user's nose; an upper lip shield portion configured to cover
the user's upper lip, wherein the upper lip shield portion extends
beyond the lower lip portion; a pair of cheek shield portions
configured to cover the sides of the user's face; and a pair of ear
strap portions configured to cover the ears and to receive the
user's ears and configured to received the user's eyewear via a
pair of insertion slits; a pair of ear strap portions configured to
cover the ears and to receive the user's ears and eyewear via a
pair of "C"-shaped cuts and a pair of insertion slits,
respectively; and a nostril cover that extends from the nose shield
and is configured to cover the user's nostrils.
2. The face mask of claim 1 wherein the upper center portion of the
nose shield contains a pair of "C"-shaped cuts configured to
receive the nose pads of a user's eyewear to further secure the
mask to the user's face.
3. The face mask of claim 1 having a thin reinforcing strip affixed
to the skin-facing side of the nose shield, wherein the reinforcing
strip allows the nose shield to better conform to the user's nose
and retain its shape.
4. The face mask of claim 3 wherein the thin reinforcing strip is
composed of a polymeric or metal material.
5. The face mask of claim 1 wherein the insertion slits are
configured to keep the user's eyeglasses from moving out of place
or falling off the user's face.
6. The face mask of claim 1 wherein a hook patch is affixed to the
upper center portion of the nose shield, said hook patch configured
to mate with a corresponding loop patch affixed under the nose
bridge of a user's eyewear.
7. The face mask of claim 1 wherein the nostril cover is formed by
a pair or extensions from the nose shield that connect
reversibly.
8. The face mask of claim 1 wherein the nostril cover comprises a
single triangular piece of flexible fabric that is permanently
connected to, and extends from, the nose shield.
9. The face mask of claim 1 wherein the nostril cover is comprised
of a breathable mesh material.
10. The face mask of claim 11 wherein nostril cover includes a pair
of nostril holes to facilitate breathing.
11. The face mask of claim 1 further comprising an adjustable strap
attached to the back of the ear strap portions of the face mask and
configured to secure the face mask around a user's neck, the
adjustable strap comprising a textile cord and an adjustment
member.
12. The face mask of claim 1 wherein the face mask is comprised of:
an outer first layer of spandex having a sun protective factor; a
intermediate second layer of open-cell foam; and a third layer of
micro-suede or brushed spandex material that contacts the skin.
13. The face mask system of claim 12 wherein the mask body is
constructed by flame bonding the outer, intermediate, and third
layers together followed by thermoforming.
14. The face mask of claim 12 wherein the mask body is defined by
laser cutting.
15. The face mask of claim 12 wherein the mask body features a
plurality of perforations or holes configured to allow air exchange
between the inside of the mask and the environment.
16. A flexible, full-coverage face mask for protecting a user's
face from sunlight, wind, and other outdoor elements, the mask
comprising: a nose shield portion configured to cover and conform
to the user's nose; an upper lip shield portion configured to cover
the user's upper lip; a lower lip shield portion configured to
cover the user's lower lip, wherein the upper lip shield portion
extends beyond the lower lip portion; a chin shield portion
configured to cover the user's chin; a pair of cheek shield
portions configured to cover the sides of the user's face; a pair
of ear portions configured to cover the user's ears; a pair of
fosterling portions that each extend from the ear portions and
taper to form a fastening strap, wherein one fastening strap
includes a hook patch and the other fastening strap includes a loop
patch; and a nostril cover that extends from the nose shield and is
configured to cover the user's nostrils.
17. A flexible, full-coverage face mask for protecting a user's
face from sunlight, wind, and other outdoor element, the mask
comprising: a nose shield portion configured to cover and conform
to the user's nose; an upper lip shield portion configured to cover
the user's upper lip; a lower lip shield portion configured to
cover the user's lower lip, wherein the upper lip shield portion
extends beyond the lower lip portion; a chin shield portion
configured to cover the user's chin; a pair of cheek shield
portions configured to cover the sides of the user's face; a pair
of ear portions configured to cover the user's ears; and a
fastening portion that extends from the perimeter of the mask and
covers the user's neck and extends below the user's chin, wherein
the fastening portion has two terminal ends that connect with each
other around the user's neck, one terminal end having a hook patch
and the other terminal end having a loop patch.
Description
RELATED U.S. APPLICATION DATA
[0001] This application in a continuation-in-part of, and claims
priority to, utility patent application Ser. No. 12/798,197, filed
Mar. 31, 2010.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention pertains to recreational face masks designed
to protect the face and nose from sunburn and frostbite.
[0004] 2. Background Information
[0005] Today's society is increasingly involved in outdoor sports
and recreational activities yet concerns about avoiding skin cancer
and other harmful effects of the sun are also greater than ever. In
particular, there is a need among outdoor enthusiasts (e.g.
mountaineers, cyclists, skiers) to protect their nose and face from
exposure to harmful Ultraviolet light and extreme cold, wind, and
particulate matter that may cause frostbite or discomfort.
Importantly, there is a need for face masks that are versatile and
can be easily attached to various types of eyewear, such as
eyeglasses and goggles. Some masks are made of non-breathable,
plastic material which causes the skin to sweat and causing
condensation to reach the user's eyewear, fog the lenses, and
obstruct vision. Flexibility and comfort are often sacrificed for
durability, and vice versa. Other masks on the market do not
comfortably attach or conform to the face, such as those that
utilize a plastic clip-on mechanism to attach to the user's
eyeglasses. Other masks have utilized a relatively thick (e.g.
2-inch) strap that wraps around the user's head and attaches using
a hook and loop (i.e. Velcro) mechanism. These clip-on mechanisms
are often irritating and the masks feature nose covers that are not
sufficiently flexible and do not properly conform to the nose.
Because prior art face masks do not offer sufficient flexibility
and often come in only one size, it is difficult for the user to
achieve a good fit. Moreover, due to their rigid structure and poor
fit, existing face masks seriously hinder eating and talking.
Existing face masks either lack comfort, cannot be used with
various eyewear, do not adequately conform to a user's nose and
face, are not breathable, cause excess perspiration and eyewear
fogging, are not suitable for physical outdoor activity, and/or do
not offer sufficient protection from the elements.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 3,346,875 to Weisberger (1967) discloses a
nose and lip cover which detachably connects to each other and to a
pair of eyeglasses. However, such a device is limited for use with
eyeglasses and does hot provide a comfortable fit or attractive
appearance. U.S. Pat. No. 5,167,036 to Daprato (1992) discloses a
nose protector configured to attach to eyeglasses, but consists of
a shield and a complex system of cords for attaching the protective
nose cover to the eyeglasses. Again, this device can only be used
with eyeglasses and does not have an easy means of attachment.
Similarly, the sun-protective nose cover disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,717,992 to Tilghman (1998) can only be attached to eyeglasses via
a loop strap, and does not provide a conforming fit due to a lack
of flexibility.
[0007] Breathability is also an important factor for reducing sweat
and providing comfort, and minimizing the fogging of eyewear. U.S.
Pat. No. 5,274,847 to Lauttamus (1994) discloses a sun-protective
nose cover that attaches to eyeglasses or goggles using a strap
that is looped over the bridge of the eyewear. However, the
Lauttamus nose cover is described as being of tear-able and
crease-able material, which limits the device to non-breathable
materials such as paper or plastic. Other more fashion-oriented
garments exist to cover the head and face, such as that disclosed
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,340 to Frislie (1998). Frislie discloses a
face and head garment that fully covers the head and face of the
user with eye, nose, and mouth openings. However, this garment is
uncomfortable and does not allow the user to communicate, and is
more akin to a costume mask. U.S. Pat. No. 4,095,290 to O'Brien
(1978) discloses a face mask made of a three-part lamination
process that includes a thermal barrier. However, this mask covers
the entire face of the user and is only designed for cold weather
use. Moreover, the nose opening of this mask is a flap that does
not adequately protect the nose from frostbite. U.S. Pat. No.
6,374,424 to Tredup (2000) claims a protective face mask made of
hard plastic to block the sun's harmful rays wherein the entire
mask is a hard plastic or UV lens material. Such a device is
relatively heavy, and nevertheless not flexible, resulting in an
uncomfortable and non-deal fit. U.S. Pat. No. 5,634,210 to King, et
al. (1997) discloses a cardboard face shield for protection against
the sun. Although such a device may be lightweight and provide
adequate sun protection, it is essentially a disposable one-time
use item. Furthermore, it does not attach to eyewear, and it is not
breathable or comfortable because it rigidly covers the entire
face.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,252 to Tobin (2006) discloses a face
mask formed of an impact-resistant sheet to contour of a face, with
a series of resilient pads mounted on the inner surface of the mask
adjacent to forehead and cheek areas. This device, however, falls
into the category of protective sports equipment, and is only
designed for avoiding injury due to physical impact. U.S. Pat. No.
7,290,545 to Kleman, et al. (2007) discloses a facemask that
purportedly reduces or eliminates fogging of the eyewear worn by
the user of the face mask. However, this device is a medical mask
intended for medical purposes. In Summary, existing sun-protective
face masks suffer from one or more of the following disadvantages:
[0009] Lack of versatility with respect to uses (e.g. not suitable
for outdoor and athletic activities); [0010] Lack of versatility
with respect to attachment or interface with various types of
eyewear; [0011] Lack of sun or UV protection; [0012] Lack of
flexibility and conformity fit to the face; [0013] Lack of
breathability, causing sweating and eyewear fogging; and [0014]
Lack of comfort with respect to the size, weight, or means of
attachment to the face.
[0015] Thus, there is a need in the market for a sun-protective,
breathable face mask that attaches to various types of eyewear and
is durable but comfortably conforms to the face for physical,
outdoor activities. The face mask disclosed herein addresses these
needs.
SUMMARY
[0016] A flexible face mask is provided for protecting the face
from outdoor elements. The face mask comprises a nose shield
portion that conforms to a user's nose, a lip shield portion to
cover the user's upper, a pair of cheek shield portions to cover
the sides of the user's face, a pair of ear strap portions to cover
and receive the user's ears and eyewear, and a nostril cover
portion to cover the nostrils. A reinforcing strip on the
skin-facing side of the nose shield provides greater conformance to
the user's nose. The face mask is configured for attachment to both
eyeglasses and goggles. The bottom of the nose guard has two
perforated triangular extensions that connect to form a larger
triangular area that covers the user's nostril to provide
protection from the elements while allowing the user to breath. A
pair of "C"-shaped cuts in the nose shield receive the nose pads of
the eyeglasses. Alternatively, hook and loop patches are utilized
to fasten the eyewear bridge to the nose shield.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The present invention, in accordance with preferred and
exemplary embodiments, together with further objects and advantages
thereof, is more particularly described in the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0018] FIG. 1 shows a flat unassembled view of the face mask in
accordance with the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 shows an assembled view of the face mask as applied
to a user's face in accordance with the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 3 shows an assembled side view of the face mask as
applied to a user's face in accordance with the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 4 shows a side view of the ear portion of the face mask
with "C"-shaped cuts and insertion slits for receiving a user's
ear's and eyeglasses.
[0022] FIGS. 5A-C show a reinforcing strip that is affixed behind
the nose shield portion of the face mask in accordance with the
present invention.
[0023] FIGS. 6A-D show various views of the nose shield portion of
the face mask with "C"-shaped cuts and reinforcing strip.
[0024] FIGS. 7A-B show the inside of the face mask with a
reinforcing strip on the nose shield portion.
[0025] FIGS. 8A-B show an adjustable strap attached to the back of
the ear strap portions of the face mask.
[0026] FIGS. 9A-B show hook and loop patches.
[0027] FIGS. 10A-B show eye goggles and eyeglasses having a hook or
loop patch affixed to the underside of the nose bridge.
[0028] FIGS. 11A-B show the face mask worn with goggles and
attached to a pair of eyeglasses via the hook and loop patches.
[0029] FIG. 12 shows the face mask worn on a user's face and
engaged with the user's ear's via the "C"-shaped cutes in the ear
strap portions.
[0030] FIG. 13 shows an exemplary embodiment of the two-piece
nostril cover that extends from the nose shield.
[0031] FIG. 14 shows an exemplary embodiment of the nostril cover
assembly.
[0032] FIG. 15 shows an alternate embodiment of the nostril cover
comprising a solid piece of fabric.
[0033] FIG. 16A shows eyewear being received by the insertion slits
on the side of the mask to secure the mask.
[0034] FIG. 16B shows eyewear nose pads being received by the
C-shaped cuts on the nose portion.
[0035] FIG. 17 shows the face mask with a fastening strap that
loops over the head and behind the neck.
[0036] FIG. 18 shows the face mask with an extended section
configured to wrap around the neck with ends that attach via a hook
and loop strap.
[0037] FIG. 19 shows the face mask with an extended bandana-style
section configured to wrap around and below the neck with ends that
attach via a hook and loop strap.
[0038] FIG. 20 shows a rear view of the face mask with an extended
bandana-style section configured to wrap around and below the neck
with ends that attach via a hook and loop strap.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the face mask of the present
invention is constructed of three flexible, light, and durable
layers: an outer first layer of fabric having a sun protective
factor, an intermediate second layer of open cell foam material,
and a third layer of micro suede or brushed nylon material that
contacts the face. The outer first layer is such that it can be
embossed, debossed, or sublimated with a desired image or print
logo/design. The outer layer may be composed of spandex (e.g.
polyurethane-polyurea copolymer). The intermediate layer can be
breathable foam such as open-cell foam or perforated closed-cell
foam (e.g. airprene). The foam layer may be about 0.25 inches thick
prior to being compressed into a far thinner desired thickness. The
third layer of micro-suede has a breathable, wicking effect that
allows greater air exchange and acts against the discomfort and
eyewear fogging caused by moisture buildup. The layers can be
joined via a thermoforming process and preferably cut via laser
cutting or comparable method to provide well-sealed edges that are
resistant to de-lamination. The resulting mask material can be
repeatedly used and washed. For example, the micro-suede layer can
first be flame-bonded to the spandex layer, with the foam layer
sandwiched in between, followed by thermoforming. The result is a
light, flexible, durable and more breathable mask that is superior
to those existing in the market (e.g. plastic, neoprene).
[0040] Although, certain materials and manufacturing processes are
disclosed herein, other comparable or suitable methods may be
employed, as known in the art, to carry out the invention. It
should also be understood that the face masks disclosed herein can
be made in different sizes to suit various users, and the
dimensions of mask features can be modified while keeping with the
spirit of the invention.
[0041] FIG. 1 shows a flat, unassembled front view of an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention, a medium-coverage face mask in
accordance with the present invention. For ease of reference, the
race mask will also be referred to as a "mask" herein. The
unassembled face mask contains three seams to be sewn: upper seam
35, mid seam 40, and lower seam 45. In this unassembled, flat view,
the face mask has a butterfly-like shape. In the top center portion
of the mask (top of the nose shield) is upper seam 35 which rests
on the bridge of the nose. In the bottom center portion of the mask
is mid seam 40, which allows the tip of the nose and nostrils to be
exposed for breathing. In the lower left and right corners of the
mask is lower seam 45 that attaches below the chin to act as a
chin/jaw strap. Seams 35, 40, and 45 are then sewn or otherwise
bonded together to form the wearable mask. This mask provides great
coverage of the user's mouth. Aside from the nose opening, the mid
seam 40 creates a lip slit or mouth opening that serves as another
air vent. The curved insertion slits 30 and ear "C" cuts 20 which
are configured to receive the user's ears. The face mask can be
further secured to the user's eyewear via the "C" cuts 15 or with
hook and loop patches (see below in the description of FIGS. 9-11).
Thus, the mask can be secured to the user's face and eyewear in a
variety of way, providing the versatility of using the face masks
with any type of eyewear, or no eyewear at all. As shown, the
medium-coverage mask covers the nose, upper lip, cheeks, and ears.
Front and side views of the assembled mask are shown in FIGS. 2
& 3.
[0042] The portion of the face mask that covers the nose will be
referred to as the "nose shield." Similarly, the portion of the
mask that covers the user's upper lip will be referred to as the
"lip shield." Furthermore, the portion of the mask that covers the
user's cheeks or sides of the face will be referred to as "cheek
shields." The lip shield protects the user's upper lip and mouth
from the sun and wind. The lip shield is also designed to direct
the user's breath away from the mask so that it does not enter the
mask and cause moisture buildup and/or fogging of the user's
breath. Thus, the user is able to breath through the nostrils and
the mouth. The mask body may also have a plurality of small
perforations or holes that allows air to flow in and out of the
mask.
[0043] In particular, the configuration of the mask minimizes
fogging and freezing of the user's eyewear in cold conditions that
is caused by the user's warm breath exiting the mask and condensing
on the eyewear. Conventional masks suffer from fogging in cold
conditions, especially where there is no wind to carry the warmer
exhaled air away from the eyewear. Warm air exhaled from the mouth
and nose, or traveling through the mask, is often condensed on the
cold surface of the user's eyewear. Conventional masks do not
adequately channel the warm air away from the eyewear to prevent
fogging. The configuration of the face mask of the present
invention addresses this problem. The "v"-shaped cuts between the
nose portion and upper lip portion of the mask act to tilt the mask
back toward the user's cheeks to prevent warmer air from rising
through the user's jacket and mask and entering the user's eyewear
to cause fogging. Similarly, the v-shaped cut under the lower lip
bring the chin portion inward towards the user's face, which allows
a clear path for inhaling and exhaling without the fogging of
eyewear. In particular, the portion of the mask covering the upper
lip extends beyond the portion of the mask covering the lower lip,
thus creating an "overbite." This overbite acts to channel expelled
air from the user's mouth downward and away from the eyewear where
it would cause fogging and freezing of the eyewear. The mask, with
the v-shaped cuts in the mouth and nose portions, provides close
contact with the contours of the nose and cheeks, which helps
prevent air from traveling up through the mask and fogging the
eyewear. It also prevents wind from getting into the mask to cause
discomfort and distortion. The configuration of the mask,
particularly the cuts of the nose and mouth portions, is such that
inhaled and exhaled air does not enter the mask and yet,
aerodynamic properties of the mask are not compromised.
[0044] As shown in FIGS. 13-14, the nose shield portion of the mask
has triangular extensions at the bottom of the nose guard, i.e.
nostril extensions (left and right nostril extension), that connect
with each other via the reversible connection of a connector tab
and slit to form a larger triangular surface, i.e. "nostril cover"
that provides coverage for the user's nostrils. The connector tab
enters the slit while a flap slides under the right nostril
extension to form a secure connection with adequate coverage. Thus,
as used herein, the term "nostril cover" refers to the nose guard
surface that covers both the user's nostrils. When the face mask is
bent along its vertical axis while conforming to the shape of the
user's face as it is worn, the nostril extensions are bent along
the dotted line and then brought into contact and connected as
shown in FIG. 14. Once connected, the nose portion of the mask
remains in a three-dimensional shape configured to receive the
user's nose and provide complete nose protection. Thus, the bottom
of the nose and nostrils are also protected from the elements such
as sun/heat, wind and cold. The connection between the nostril
extensions is reversible so that if the user wishes to return the
nose guard to its flat configured as shown in FIG. 13, this can be
quickly and easily done. The nostril extensions have nostril holes
that allow the user to breathe through the nostril cover while
protecting the nose from the elements. In particular, the nostril
cover helps keep the user's nose warm in cold conditions by
trapping and re-circulating the warm air from the user's nose. FIG.
15 shows an alternate embodiment of the nostril cover comprising a
solid triangular piece of fabric, preferably a breathable mesh. In
this embodiment, the nostril cover is one continuous piece as
opposed to two reversibly interlocking pieces (i.e. interlocking
nostril extensions). In either embodiment, the nostril cover helps
keep the user's nose warm in cold conditions by trapping and
re-circulating the warm air from the user's nose. For hot or sunny
conditions in which sun protection is important, the nostril cover
protects the nostrils from sun-burn and heat. This protection is
particularly beneficial in situations where intense sunlight is
being reflected upwards towards the user, such as when sun is
reflected off snow during skiing or when sun is reflected off the
water during fishing.
[0045] The face mask further comprises curved insertion slits 30,
which are through-cuts on left and right ear strap portions of the
mask configured to receive the temples of eyeglasses and thus
secure the face mask to the user's eyeglasses (as used herein, the
term "eyeglasses" includes sunglasses) as shown in FIG. 16A.
Normally, a user's eyeglasses would slide or fall off the user's
face when the user is in certain positions (e.g. looking downward)
or during turbulent activities (e.g. mountain biking, skiing).
However, when passed through curved insertion slits 30, the
eyeglasses are securely held in place. To the outside of the curved
insertion slits 30 are ear "C" cuts 20 which are configured to
receive the user's ears. When putting on the face mask, the user
stretches the ear straps of the mask until the ear "C" cuts can be
put around the ears, eliminating the slack in the mask and
providing a snug fit as shown in FIG. 12. As shown in FIG. 1, the
portion of material to the outside of ear "C" cuts is relatively
thin and thus more easily stretched than other portions of the
mask. In an alternate embodiment, this portion can be made of a
softer and more elastic material than the rest of the mask. This
can provide for greater user comfort with respect to the attachment
of the mask around of the ears and also allows the mask to adjust
better to different ear and head sizes. In FIG. 4, the inside of
the ear "C" cuts is fitted with a silicone strip to provide greater
comfort to the user by providing a softer and wider contact
material behind the user's ear.
[0046] To further secure the face mask to the user's face, two
alternative mechanisms allow the user to optionally secure the nose
shield to their eyewear. When wearing eyeglasses with nose pads,
the user can insert the nose pads through the nose "C" cuts 15 (as
shown in FIG. 16B). FIGS. 6A-D show various views of the nose
shield portion of the face mask with "C"-shaped cuts and
reinforcing strip. FIGS. 6A-B are views showing the skin-facing
inside of the nose portion of the mask, with two different
reinforcing strips with an adhesive reinforcing strip in place on
the inside of the nose shield portion. FIGS. 6C and 6D are side and
outer views, respectively of the nose shield portion with an
adhesive reinforcing strip in place. If wearing ski-type goggles,
the user can utilize two hook and loop (i.e. Velcro) patches as
shown in FIGS. 9-11, each having an adhesive backing wherein one
patch is affixed to the underside of the eyewear's nose bridge (as
shown in FIG. 10), and the mating patch is affixed to the area
inside the "C" cuts 15 (as shown in FIG. 11) in the upper center of
the nose shield portion. The resulting combination of mask and
goggle is shown in FIG. 11. Either of these two methods secures the
nose shield portion of the mask to the user's eyewear for a more
secure fit.
[0047] In a preferred embodiment, a thin reinforcing strip (shown
in FIGS. 9-11) is affixed to the third layer (skin-facing side) of
the nose shield portion of the face mask. The reinforcing strip is
made of a flexible material such as a thin plastic or metal that
can be bent or creased to keep the nose shield portion of the mask
contoured to the shape of the user's nose. While the reinforcing
strip can take various shapes, it should run laterally
(horizontally) from one side the nose shield to the other in order
to provide structural support to the nose shield (and allow the
nose shield to be contoured to the nose. The reinforcing strip is
preferably a polymeric film such as polyester. Examples of suitable
polyester films known in the art include Mylar (polyethylene
terephthalate) and DuraLar. Alternatively, the reinforcing strip
can be made of a thin strip of metal (e.g. aluminum). The
reinforcing strip should be thin enough to be flexible and have a
low profile, but thick enough to provide some structure to the nose
shield. For example, the thickness of the reinforcing strip can be
approximately 0.005 inches.
[0048] The mask includes curved insertion slits 30 on left and
right sides of the mask, as well as left and right ear "C" cuts
located just outside the curved insertion slits 30. To the outside
of the curved insertion slits 30 are ear "C" cuts 20 which are
configured to receive the user's ears and secure the mask to the
face as described above. The face mask can be further secured by
attaching to the user's eyewear via the "C" cuts 15 or with hook
and loop patches, as described above.
[0049] FIGS. 9A-B shows front views of hook and loop (i.e. Velcro)
patches for further securing the mask to the face by connecting the
upper portion of the nose shield to the user's eyewear. The hook
and loop patches have an adhesive underside for attachment to
various surfaces. The hook patch can be placed on the upper portion
of the nose shield in between the "C" cuts as shown in FIG. 11B,
while the loop patch is attached on the underside of the eyewear's
nose bridge as shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 10A shows a loop patch
attached to the underside of the nose bridge of a pair of goggles,
while FIG. 10B shows the loop patch attached to the underside of
the nose bridge of a pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses. When the
mask and goggles are worn together as shown in FIG. 10A, the hook
and loop patches mate and the nose shield is thereby attached to
the user's goggles, further securing the mask to the face.
Alternatively, if the underside of the goggle's nose bridge
features a material comparable to a loop material (as is the case
with certain goggles) then the loop patch may not be necessary and
the hook patch can be affixed directly to the goggles.
[0050] Thus, the mask can be secured to the user's face and eyewear
in a variety of way, providing the versatility of using the face
masks with any type of eyewear, or no eyewear at all. In an
embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the face mask includes an adjustable
strap attached to the back of the ear strap portions of the face
mask and configured to secure the face mask around a user's neck.
The adjustable strap, which may be a textile cord, has an
adjustment member. The two ends of the adjustment strap pass
through the adjustment member, and the adjustment member can be
moved along the strap to increase or decrease the loop length of
the strap around the user's neck. The adjustment strap can be used
to fasten the mask to the user's head more tightly, or
alternatively, can be used to keep the mask hanging around the
users neck while not in use. This latter use frees the user's hands
and provides for easy access to the mask when needed. FIG. 17 shows
the face mask with an alternative adjustable strap that passes
through the ear strap portions of the mask and loops over the head
and behind the neck. This embodiment provides additional fastening
of the mask to the face because the strap is secured over the users
head as well as neck.
[0051] FIG. 18 shows an alternate embodiment of the face mask with
an extended section configured to wrap around the neck with ends
that attach via a hook and loop strap. The extended section extends
from, and is continuous with, the upper ear portion of the mask to
near the chin portion. As it extends from the mask, each side of
the extended section tapers to form a rectangular terminal end
(i.e. fastening strap): one have a hook patch and the other having
a loop patch. The hook and loop patches fasten behind the user's
neck at approximately the nostril level. The extended section is
made of a stretchable material such as fleece. The extended section
can also take on a bandana-style configuration made of a thinner,
looser material as shown in FIG. 19. This extended section covers
the back and sides of the neck and underneath the chin. As with the
embodiment of FIG. 18, the extended section is fastened by a hook
and loop patch that attaches behind the head. The hook and loop
patches fasten behind the user's neck at approximately the eye
level.
[0052] FIG. 19 shows the face mask with an extended bandana-style
section configured to wrap around and below the neck with ends that
attach via a hook and loop strap. The extended section is
continuous with the perimeter of the face mask. As shown in the
flattened side view of FIG. 19, the material of the extended
section extends in a horizontal line at the top of the mask (i.e.
from the upper ear portion of the mask) and extends vertically
downward at the bottom of the mask (i.e. from the bottom of the
chin portion of the mask). In this flat side view the upper and
lower portions of the extended section form a right angle (i.e. are
perpendicular) to each other. The terminal end of the horizontal
portion of the mask includes a hook patch, while the other side
includes a loop patch. FIG. 20 shows a rear view of the face mask
with a standard (FIG. 20A) and bandana-style (FIG. 20B) extended
sections, depicting the fastening of the mask around the neck or
back of the head with via hook and loop patches.
[0053] While there have been described herein what are considered
to be preferred and exemplary embodiments of the present invention,
other modifications of the invention shall be apparent to those
skilled in the art from the teachings herein. It is therefore
desired to be secured, in the appended claims all such
modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of the
invention.
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