U.S. patent application number 14/221076 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-24 for adjustable facial conforming face mask.
This patent application is currently assigned to Balboa Manufacturing Company, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Balboa Manufacturing Company, LLC. Invention is credited to John Smaller.
Application Number | 20140202469 14/221076 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51206748 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140202469 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smaller; John |
July 24, 2014 |
ADJUSTABLE FACIAL CONFORMING FACE MASK
Abstract
An adjustable face mask having a body conforming substantially
to the facial structure of a wearer. The face mask is provided with
a neck protector and removable filter and with a strip of fabric
designed to push air down to the sides of the wearer's face in
order to eliminate fogging of the wearer's goggles. The face mask
can optionally provide neck protection with a descending neck
member.
Inventors: |
Smaller; John; (San Diego,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Balboa Manufacturing Company, LLC |
San Diego |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Balboa Manufacturing Company,
LLC
San Diego
CA
|
Family ID: |
51206748 |
Appl. No.: |
14/221076 |
Filed: |
March 20, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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12983839 |
Jan 3, 2011 |
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14221076 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
128/863 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A62B 23/025 20130101;
A41D 13/1138 20130101; A41D 13/0512 20130101; A62B 18/025 20130101;
A41D 13/1107 20130101; A41D 13/1161 20130101; A62B 18/02 20130101;
A41D 13/11 20130101; A41D 2600/102 20130101; A62B 18/084 20130101;
A41D 2300/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
128/863 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/11 20060101
A41D013/11 |
Claims
1. A face mask apparatus configured for covering a user's face when
worn in an as-used position, comprising: a body, said body
dimensioned to cover the user's nose and mouth and chin when
positioned against their face in an as-used position; means to
engage said body to said as-used position with an interior surface
of said body in a contact with said user's face and an exterior
surface of said body opposite said interior surface; a malleable
nose piece covered with fabric engaged to said body at a position
traversing over the top surface of a user's nose when said device
is in said as-used position; a ledge at the upper peripheral
portion of the device configured to push air down and out the sides
of the mask; a plurality of apertures communicating through said
body in a region of said body aligned with said user's face and
nose when said device is in said as-used position; said apertures
providing means to communicate air to said user when said device is
in said as-used position; whereby said device worn in said as-used
position, provides a shield to said face of said user who can
breath through said apertures.
2. The face mask of claim 1 additionally comprising: a filter, said
filter positioned upon said interior surface and aligned with said
apertures; said filter receiving air from a plurality of said
apertures and forming a chamber whereby said user can breath
through their nose or mouth and inhale air from a plurality of said
apertures from said chamber.
3. The face mask of claim 1 additionally comprising: a nose piece
bendable by said user to a fit shape to conform to a diameter and
angled sides of their nose; and said nose piece in said fit shape,
providing means to maintain said body to conform with a contour of
said user's nose defined by said angled sides, and in a contact
with said sides of said user's nose.
4. The face mask of claim 2 additionally comprising: a malleable
member engaged to said body at a position traversing over the top
surface of a user's nose when said device is in said as-used
position; said member bendable by said user to a fit shape to
conform to a diameter and angled sides of their nose; and said
member in said fit shape, providing means to maintain said body to
conform with a contour of said user's nose defined by said angled
sides, and in a contact with said sides of said user's nose.
5. The face mask of claim 1 additionally comprising: a shield
portion, extending below a chin of said user to a distal end, said
distal end spaced from, and in front of, said user's neck.
6. The face mask of claim 2 additionally comprising: a shield
portion, extending below a chin of said user to a distal end, said
distal end spaced from, and in front of, said user's neck.
7. The face mask of claim 1 additionally comprising: a neck
protector, extending below a chin of said user to a distal end,
said distal end spaced from, and in front of, said user's neck.
8. The face mask of claim 1, wherein the ledge is configured to
commence just to the lower left of the user's nose and form an aced
angle which dips in at the bridge of the nose and then extends out
to another angle ending below the right side of the user's
nose.
9. The face mask of claim 1, wherein the ledge is configured to
push the air from the user's breath down the sides of the face, out
the apertures and not allow the air to escape upward toward the
eyes.
10. The face mask of claim 1, wherein the fabric covering the nose
piece is a pocket.
11. The filter or claim 1 constructed of activated carbon to remove
contaminants and impurities using chemical absorption.
12. A face mask comprising: a body with an interior and exterior
surface configured to cover the user's lower face when worn; a
means to engage said body to the users face; a nose piece attached
to the interior of the body at a position traversing the top
surface of a user's nose when worn; a ledge at the upper peripheral
edge of the device above the nose piece; and a plurality of
apertures in the body aligned with the user's nose and mouth.
13. The face mask of claim 12 additionally comprising: a filter,
said filter positioned upon said interior surface and aligned with
said apertures; said filter receiving air from a plurality of said
apertures and forming a chamber whereby said user can breath
through their nose or mouth and inhale air from a plurality of said
apertures from said chamber.
14. The filter of claim 13 which is a polypropylene electrostatic
filter.
15. The face mask of claim 12 additionally comprising: a nose piece
bendable by said user to a fit shape to conform to a diameter and
angled sides of their nose; and said nose piece in said fit shape,
providing means to maintain said body to conform with a contour of
said user's nose defined by said angled sides, and in a contact
with said sides of said user's nose.
16. The face mask of claim 12 additionally comprising: a neck
protector, extending below a chin of said user to a distal end,
said distal end spaced from, and in front of, said user's neck.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/983,839, filed Jan. 3, 2011, the entire
contents of which is incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The current invention relates generally to face masks and
face coverings. More specifically it relates to face masks that
provide continuous air filtration, face and neck protection and
warmth particularly while the wearer is moving at high speeds such
as riding on a motorcycle, skiing, and participating in various
motorsports.
[0004] 2. Prior Art
[0005] It has become ever more popular in recent years for young
and older people alike to ride motorcycles. Many motor & power
sport enthusiasts enjoy multiple activities from street-bikes to
ATVs, off-road bikes, side-by-sides and snowmobiles.
[0006] While these sports bring the enthusiast closer to nature,
they of necessity tend to introduce the rider to various elements
including dust, debris, flying rocks, sand, insects, cold wind,
snow and other common hazards. In states requiring helmets and for
those who choose to wear them, some helmets incorporate face guards
for protection from large objects, however they do little or
nothing to filter out fine particulate matter common in dusty or
sandy environments. In addition, other helmets, such as those worn
by riders of snowmobiles and dirt bikes, while covering the lower
face, allow for greater airflow and thus, expose the rider to cold
and other hazards.
[0007] Conversely, open-faced helmets provide no face protection
whatsoever to the rider that can result in some serious impacts
with the rider's face by bugs and road debris in addition to
providing no protection from fumes emitted from automobiles on the
road. Despite this, open-faced helmets are often preferred for
various reasons, including style and enhanced visibility.
[0008] Other sports such as skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and
other cold weather outdoor sports have been popular for years,
pushing innovation in technical outdoor gear. Innovation is
necessary to address painful frostbite, a common occurrence in many
of these sports.
[0009] For skiers, snowmobilers, bike riders, motorcycle riders and
other motorsport enthusiasts wearing helmets, full-face helmets
tend to fog quickly, especially when employed with the use of
goggles. This most often occurs due to the heavy breathing of the
user, and/or temperature differentials between the interior of such
shields and the atmosphere. Further, most such shields afford no
form of air filtration to protect the breathing and eyes of the
rider in areas prone to dust, smoke, or pollution.
[0010] Face mask and face protection devices that provide face
coverage as well as air filtration do so by including an insert on
the inner surface of the mask for installation and removal of
standard dust masks not provided with the device initially. This of
course requires the user to purchase extraneous products to achieve
the desired face protection and air filtration offered by the mask.
In addition, many of these existing face masks cause additional
fogging issues, and, while protecting from wind and dust, do not
protect against other air-born contaminants or diesel fuel, a
common hazard of street-riding.
[0011] As such, it is seen that there is a need for a face-mask
that provides a balance of protection, warmth, anti-fogging and air
filtration and that may be used in conjunction with certain
full-face helmets or alone with the use of goggles or other
eyewear. Such a device should be wearable by many types of riders
and sports participants to protect their faces from both weather
and from impacts which occur at medium to high speeds with bugs and
debris and the like.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention provides face and neck protection by
means of semi-soft malleable material, such as neoprene, or any
other semi-soft malleable material which is face conforming,
adjustable to the wearer's nose, having an interior surface adapted
to be gentle to the user's skin and having an exterior surface
configured to withstand the elements. The material has a thickness
and density to afford insulation from wind chill as well as to form
a pad against potential impacts from road debris and such other
airborne hazards as insects and gravel.
[0013] The interior surface is fitted directly against the users
face in the as-used position and using the preferred material and
its elastic nature, will generally conform to the surface of the
face. In a particularly preferred mode, there is a replaceable
filter engaged between the interior surface of the mask in the area
of the nose and mouth of the user. In the preferred mode of the
device, the filter is formed of a bamboo/carbon-fiber material as
this is naturally hypoallergenic and will not cause irritation to
the skin of the user, however the material of the filter may be
made of other materials depending on the purpose for which the
filter is being used.
[0014] A means to securely engage the device to the user in a
preferred mode, is provided using hook and loop type fastener
material, or other fasteners, such as snaps, which are positioned
on straps. The straps have a length sufficient to extend around the
neck to the back of the user's head with appreciable overlap to
allow for secure engagement into the head in the as-used
position.
[0015] To assist the user in breathing through the device there is
provided, an array of apertures positioned inline with and
proximate to the nose/mouth area of the user and the device. The
quantity, orientation, and diameter of the apertures are of such
construction to yield an aggregate area of air passage to supply
the user with sufficient air supply for breathing. In a preferred
mode of the device, the apertures are formed in spherical shape
having corresponding circular openings of equal diameter on the
interior and exterior of the mask.
[0016] In one embodiment, the vertical extent of the device begins
at the bridge of the nose and continues to just below the chin.
This embodiment encompasses full coverage of the nose, mouth, and
cheeks with the securement strap extending around the neck.
[0017] In another embodiment, the device extends from the bridge of
the nose to just below the shoulder line of the wearer, offering
full frontal neck coverage as well, a desired embodiment in
cold-weather sports.
[0018] In all embodiments, there is a thin semi-rigid malleable
strip of material extending around the bridge area of the nose at
the upper most interior section of the device. This allows the user
to adjust the fit of the device at the nose, allowing for a more
custom fit. The thin semi-rigid malleable strip is encased in
neoprene or other fabric. In one embodiment this fabric forms a
sleeve around the strip. The strip is then affixed to the device at
its distal end and center. There is also a strip of material called
a ledge or lip, which is attached at one side to the device and
contours the edge of the device from just below the nose on the
right side to the left side. The ledge can be formed of neoprene
and is attached to the interior of the mask by the upper edge part
of the ledge hangs over the semi-rigid malleable strip and extends
partially along the wearer's upper cheekbones to the right and left
of the nose. This additional strip of fabric functions to push air
down and out along the sides of the wearer's face, eliminating
fogging due to the wearer's breath.
[0019] With respect to the above description, it is to be
understood that the invention is not limited in its application to
the details of operation of the invention nor the arrangement of
the components or steps in the method set forth above or in the
following descriptions or in the illustrations in the drawings. The
various methods of implementation and operation of the disclosed
device herein, are capable of other embodiments and of being
practiced and carried out in various ways that will be obvious to
those skilled in the art once they review this disclosure. Also, it
is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed
herein are for the purpose of description and should not be
regarded as limiting.
[0020] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception
upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a
basis for designing similar face shielding devices adapted to
conform to the user's facial structure and for carrying out the
several purposes of the present invention. Therefore, the objects
and claims herein should be regarded as including such equivalent
constructions, steps, and methodology insofar as they do not depart
from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0021] It is an object of the present invention to provide a user
with protection and warmth of the nose/mouth region of the face as
well as for the neck when exposed to cold or wind.
[0022] It is another object of the invention to provide a means to
filter incoming air via a removable filter.
[0023] It is yet another object of the invention to maintain a
close and secure engagement about the bridge of the nose.
[0024] It is still another object of the invention to provide a
means for pushing and/or directing air away from the wearer's eyes
in order to eliminate fogging of the wearer's goggles. When the
user of the device breaths through their nose or mouth air is
directed down to the right and left of the nose and mouth rather
than upward toward the eyes.
[0025] These together with other objects and advantages will become
subsequently apparent in the details of the adjustable facial
conforming facemask as more fully hereinafter described and
claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a
part thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0026] FIG. 1 depicts a side view of one embodiment of the device
with neck protection, straps, air intake apertures, and filter snap
locks.
[0027] FIG. 2 shows the exterior surface of the invention depicted
in FIG. 1.
[0028] FIG. 3 shows the interior of the surface of the invention
depicted in FIG. 1 and showing the interior corresponding snap fits
for engagement with the filter.
[0029] FIG. 4 depicts another embodiment of the device providing
face protection only, also showing straps, air apertures, and
filter engagement snap fits.
[0030] FIG. 5 shows the exterior surface of the invention as
depicted in FIG. 4.
[0031] FIG. 6 shows the interior of the face mask as depicted in
FIG. 4 showing the interior corresponding snap fits for engagement
with the filter
[0032] FIG. 7 shows the interior surface of the invention with the
nose/mouth filter engaged in one embodiment of the invention
providing neck protection.
[0033] FIG. 8 shows the interior surface of the invention with the
nose/mouth filter engaged in one embodiment of the device providing
face protection only.
[0034] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional depiction of the spherical
apertures with parallel walls allowing the breather to communicate
air through the face apertures and the filter.
[0035] FIG. 10 shows a close-up view of the fabric ledge attached
to the upper most periphery of the interior of the face mask and
showing the way in which air is forced down and out to the sides of
the wearer's face to prevent fogging.
[0036] FIG. 11 shows the as used position of the device with a neck
protector extension as described in FIG. 1.
[0037] FIG. 12 shows the as used position of the device without a
neck protector extension as described in FIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE
INVENTION
[0038] Now referring to drawings in FIGS. 1-12, wherein similar
components are identified by like reference numerals, there is seen
in FIG. 1 a side view of one preferred mode of the body 11 of the
device 10 having a descending neck protector extension 18 hanging
in front of, and spaced away from the surface of a user's neck. The
extension 18 is especially preferred because it provides a means to
shield the neck of the user from impact and cold weather if the
device 10 is worn by a user such as a motorcycle rider, mountain
bike rider, skier or other power sport participant.
[0039] When the device 10 is employed by the user in the as-used
position, the side straps 16 are wrapped about a users neck and
engaged. The straps 16 are formed of the same material as the body
11 and are also elastic in nature and thus when engaged to each
other and around the user's neck, provide a means to bias the body
of the device 10 against the face of the user.
[0040] Depicted in FIG. 1 by dashed lines is one possible means of
engagement such as sewn-in hook and loop fastener 17 material.
Although not pictured, such engagement of the side straps 16 may
possibly be snap fits or other such means of engagement and should
not be considered limited by the depiction in the figure. The
profile of the device 10 is seen (as in FIG. 11) wherein the body
11 is configured to follow and conform the profile as generally
seen in a human head and face, more specifically to follow and
conform to the contours of the human nose and mouth. Employing a
material with elastic qualities such as neoprene, which is
initially formed to somewhat conform to the user's face by sewing
or forming and heating, allows the material to slightly stretch and
tend to hug the user's face when in the as-used position of FIG.
11.
[0041] Shown in FIG. 2 is a view of the exterior surface of the
body 11 of device 10. The air apertures 12 are located generally
about the nose and mouth region of the device 10 and positioned to
align with the nose and mouth of the user when the device 10 is in
the as-used position. An air filter 20 can be affixed to the device
10. The air filter 20 can be made of bamboo fibers, carbon and
electrostatically charged polypropylene fibers in addition to other
known flat fibrous materials. One means for engagement of an air
filter 20 (FIG. 7) to the invention 10 is depicted as snap fits 13.
Similarly, this means of engagement should not be limited to what
is depicted but could also be hook and loop fasteners 17 or other
fasteners of the like. Snap fits 13 are shown merely for
demonstrative purposes.
[0042] The filter is useful in that it provides additional
protection from biting cold wind but also protects the wearer from
air-born contaminants, pollution, fumes from the road, dust, sand
and liquids. The bamboo portion of the filter is also
anti-bacterial which reduces odors and bacteria from forming. The
filter is also replaceable and easily interchangeable.
[0043] Shown in FIG. 3 is a view of the interior surface of the
body 11 of the device 10. The malleable nose piece adjusting member
14 is engaged to the body 11 either in a pocket or by adhesive, or
by other means of engagement. The nose piece 14 is covered by a
layer of fabric or other material. The fabric or other material can
be formed s a pocket that surrounds the nose piece 14 and allows it
to be attached to the body 11. The fabric or other material
protects the bridge of the user's nose from the metal of the nose
piece 14 which can be cold or hard on the user's nose. The nose
piece is engaged to the body 11 at a position traversing over the
top surface of a user's nose when said device is in said as-used
position. The nose piece 14 is made of a malleable and resilient
material and tends to maintain its shape once adjusted by the user
to a user's specific nose bridge. It will withstand repeated use,
and provides a user-adjustable means to shape the body 11 at a
portion of the body 11 where it crosses the user's nose to better
conform the body 11 to hug the user's skin adjacent to and over the
nose when in the as-used position. The nose piece 14 may be formed
of any material which is bendable to shape and can do so repeatedly
such as metal or plastic.
[0044] Shown in FIG. 3 is a strip of neoprene or other material
referred to as a ledge or lip 21 sewn into the seam of the upper
peripheral portion of the device 10. The ledge 21 is located at the
upper edge of the body 11 just above the nose piece 14. The ledge
21 is attached to the body of the mask 11 only by stitching along
the top of the ledge 21. The ledge 21 is configured to push air
from the user's breath down and out to the side of the mask as
depicted in FIG. 10. The ledge 21 may be made of the same material
as the body 11 of device 10, but should not be limited to that
material only. In one embodiment the ledge 21 is configured to
commence just to the lower left of the user's nose and form a arced
angle which dips in at the bridge of the nose and then extends out
to another angle ending below the right side of the user's nose.
The distal ends of the ledge 21 are narrower than the middle of the
arc and the area at the center of the ledge 21 just below the
bridge of the nose is narrower than the arcs on either the right or
left side of the user's nose. In this configuration the ledge 21
hangs partially over the nose piece 14. In this configuration when
the user breathes from their nose, the air that would normally be
forced upward is caught in the gap and directed downward and to the
right and left of the user's nose and mouth as well as out the
apertures 12, creating maximum air flow away from the wearer's
face. The ledge 21 essentially forces air away from the user's
eyes. In the instance where a user is wearing goggles, glasses or
other eyewear, this eyewear does not become fogged or have
condensation issues as the air and hot breath is forced in the
opposite direction. This eliminates the need to take off one's
eyewear to wipe off the lenses during participation in strenuous
activities. The benefits of this improvement extend far beyond
convenience. If worn during tactical operations, this time saving
improvement could be life saving.
[0045] If a user decides that air filtration is needed then a
filter 20 is engaged onto the interior surface 15 adjacent to the
air apertures 12 as depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8. Again, the
engagement of the air filter 20 is depicted by snap fits 13 but
should not be considered limiting. In the preferred embodiment of
the device 10 the filter 20 is of bamboo and carbon fiber
construction but can take on many other modes. Carbon filtering
uses a bed of activated carbon to remove contaminants and
impurities using chemical absorption. The manufactured carbon cloth
can filtrate bacteria, dust, micro-granules and organic poisonous
gases effectively because of the large surface area of each carbon
particle, allowing contaminants the maximum possible exposure to
the active sites within the filter media. Other filters, such as
those made of polypropylene are beneficial to filter out dust and
debris while still allowing for maximum breathability.
Polypropylene filters are a type of electrostatic filter in which
fibers are rubbed together, creating a positively and negatively
charged fiber, which are then constructed into a nonwoven felt,
providing the filter material. The electrically charged material
attracts and binds to any material that passes through it. Filters
made of bamboo fibers have the additional benefits of being
anti-bacterial, which reduces odors due to repeated use and are
environmentally friendly by using sustainable materials.
[0046] Referring back to the air apertures 12 there is seen in FIG.
9 a cross-section of their communication through the device 10. Air
enters from the exterior surface 19 and communicates along the
cross-sectional area to exit at the interior surface 15 and vice
versa, enabling the user to breath and speak easily. The apertures
12 also allow the air to escape so that it is not trapped in the
device and for the eyewear or create condensation in the interior
of the device.
[0047] FIGS. 11 and 12 depict the as-used position of the device 10
in all modes as described in FIGS. 1 and 4. The user fits the
device 10 over their face positioning the contoured portion forming
the nose and mouth over their nose and mouth and in line with the
air apertures 12. Then the straps 16 are pulled snugly around the
back of the head and engaged firmly about the neck using means for
fastening such as the depicted hook and loop fabric 17 or other
means of fastening such as snaps or buttons. FIG. 11 depicts a
device 10 with a neck portion 18 that is useful for cold weather
wear of additional protection from debris. FIG. 12 depicts a device
10 without the neck protection 18 allowing for more flexibility.
Breathing by the user is as normal whether or not the filter 20 is
engaged since air passage and communication to the nose and mouth
of the user is aided by the airstream from the apertures 12.
However the filter 20 is preferred especially when worn on a moving
vehicle such as a motorcycle as it prevents particulate and liquid
from reaching the user's nose and mouth. Further, it provides a
chamber in front of the user's nose and mouth wherein air from
multiple apertures 12 is communicated to the chamber area thereby
allowing the user to breath from the single and larger chamber
formed by the filter 20 instead of individual apertures 12.
[0048] While all of the fundamental characteristics and features of
the invention have been shown and described herein, with reference
to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification,
various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing
disclosure and it will be apparent that in some instances, some
features of the invention may be employed without a corresponding
use of other features without departing from the scope of the
invention as set forth. It should also be understood that various
substitutions, modifications, and variations may be made by those
skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of
the invention. Consequently, all such modifications and variations
and substitutions are included within the scope of the invention as
defined by the following claims.
* * * * *