U.S. patent application number 14/180203 was filed with the patent office on 2015-04-23 for mask.
This patent application is currently assigned to BLUE SKY DESIGNS LIMITED. The applicant listed for this patent is BLUE SKY DESIGNS LIMITED. Invention is credited to Stuart BROWNING.
Application Number | 20150106998 14/180203 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49727031 |
Filed Date | 2015-04-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150106998 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BROWNING; Stuart |
April 23, 2015 |
MASK
Abstract
A mask assembly is herein disclosed wherein the mask assembly
comprises a main mask portion, a moveable mask portion, wherein the
moveable mask portion is moveable between a first and second
position relative to the main mask portion; and a trigger mechanism
remote from the main mask portion, wherein actuation of the trigger
mechanism causes the moveable mask portion to move from the first
position to the second position.
Inventors: |
BROWNING; Stuart; (Alwoodley
Leeds, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BLUE SKY DESIGNS LIMITED |
West Yorkshire |
|
GB |
|
|
Assignee: |
BLUE SKY DESIGNS LIMITED
West Yorkshire
GB
|
Family ID: |
49727031 |
Appl. No.: |
14/180203 |
Filed: |
February 13, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/173 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41G 7/00 20130101; A41G
7/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/173 |
International
Class: |
A41G 7/00 20060101
A41G007/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 18, 2013 |
GB |
1318494.0 |
Claims
1. A mask assembly comprising: a main mask portion; a moveable mask
portion, wherein the moveable mask portion is moveable between a
first and second position relative to the main mask portion; and a
trigger mechanism remote from the main mask portion, wherein
actuation of the trigger mechanism causes the moveable mask portion
to move from the first position to the second position.
2. The mask assembly of claim 1, wherein the mask assembly further
comprises a spring assembly configured to bias the moveable mask
portion at the first position when the trigger mechanism is not
actuated.
3. The mask assembly of claim 2, wherein the spring assembly is
fixed to the main mask portion.
4. The mask assembly of claim 2, wherein the spring assembly
comprises attachment means for attaching the moveable mask portion
to the main mask portion.
5. The mask assembly of claim 1 wherein the mask assembly further
comprises a hinge to secure the moveable mask portion to the main
mask portion.
6. The mask assembly of claim 2 wherein the spring assembly is
coupled to the trigger mechanism by a connection means.
7. The mask assembly of claim 6, wherein the connection means
comprises a Bowden cable comprising a wire encased in plastic
tubing having first and second ends, and wherein the first end of
the wire is attached to the spring assembly and the second end of
the wire is connected to the trigger mechanism.
8. The mask assembly of claim 7, wherein the trigger mechanism
comprises an actuator and a spring, and wherein the spring is
attached to the second end of the wire and is compressed when the
trigger is actuated.
9. The mask assembly of claim 8, wherein the arrangement of the
connection means is such that when the trigger is actuated the
compression of the spring in the trigger mechanism pulls the wire
into the trigger assembly causing the moveable mask portion to move
from the first position to the second position.
10. The mask assembly of claim 7, wherein the trigger mechanism
comprises pulling means actuateable by exertion of a pulling force
asserted thereto, the pulling means being connected to the second
end of the wire, such that when a pulling force is asserted, the
pulling means pulls the wire thereby causing the moveable mask
portion to move from the first position to the second position.
11. The mask assembly of claim 1 wherein the moveable mask portion
is slideably engageable with the main mask portion.
12. The mask assembly of claim 1 wherein the moveable mask portion
comprises a cut out from the main mask portion.
13. The mask assembly of claim 1 wherein the moveable mask portion
and the main mask portion are three-dimensional.
14. The mask assembly of claim 1 incorporated into clothing or a
costume.
15. (canceled)
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to masks. It is particularly
related to an improved face mask.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Face masks are objects worn normally on the face but can be
positioned elsewhere on or off the wearer's body for effect. Masks
range in size and design, some covering the full face, some
covering only a part thereof and some covering the entire head and
neck.
[0003] Throughout history to present day, face masks have been
popular amongst young children and adults alike as they exist in a
variety of styles, shapes and sizes. Often, these masks are
accompaniments to costumes and other getups. Although some masks
may be used for protection, often they are worn for entertainment
purposes. Examples of events where these masks may be worn include
at children's parties, to complete masquerade outfits, at
Halloween, during stage plays and likewise.
[0004] Masks come in a range of styles and are fabricated out of a
range of materials including wood, ceramic, plastics, cardboard and
even paper. In general, masks tend to consist of a material which
is contoured to have a substantially conforming fit to the face and
attached to the head by suitable means, often by an elastic string
or ribbon. These masks can be further sculpted to have various
external design features and decoration providing a desired effect
and entirely changing the facial appearance of the wearer.
[0005] However, these known masks suffer from several drawbacks. As
they have only one facial expression, users tend to wear them on
one occasion and discard them, or fail to use them again.
Additionally, in view of their static nature, users tend to get
bored by the masks as they are one-dimensional and do not provide
anything more than elaborate make-up would provide. Additionally,
known masks are devoid of the lifelike effect of facial expressions
and movements, particularly during articulation.
[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an improved face mask which
addresses the aforementioned problems.
SUMMARY
[0007] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of
the claimed subject matter.
[0008] In a first aspect there is disclosed a mask assembly
comprising a main mask portion, a moveable mask portion, wherein
the moveable mask portion is moveable between a first and second
position relative to the main mask portion and a trigger mechanism
remote from the main mask portion, wherein actuation of the trigger
mechanism causes the moveable mask portion to move from the first
position to the second position. Advantageously, the mask assembly
provides a lifelike effect of facial expressions and movements,
particularly during articulation. The wearer can reflect his or her
individual expressions which results in increased entertainment
value for the viewers, in contrast to the known one piece static
masks. Furthermore, this invention provides an efficient and cost
effective means in providing a novel mask.
[0009] Preferably, the mask assembly may further comprise a spring
assembly configured to bias the moveable mask portion at the first
position when the trigger mechanism is not actuated.
[0010] Additionally, the spring assembly may be fixed to the main
mask portion. Preferably, the spring assembly may comprise
attachment means for attaching the moveable mask portion to the
main mask portion.
[0011] The mask assembly may further comprise a hinge to secure the
moveable mask portion to the main mask portion. The spring assembly
may be coupled to the trigger mechanism by a connection means. The
dimensions and shape of the connection means are preferably
selected to allow a wearer of the mask to conceal the trigger
mechanism, in for example a pocket or down their sleeve, thereby
hiding the processes involved in initiating the motion of the
movement portions.
[0012] Preferably, the connection means may comprise a Bowden cable
comprising a wire encased in plastic tubing having first and second
ends, and wherein the first end of the wire is attached to the
spring assembly and the second end of the wire is connected to the
trigger mechanism. The use of a wire and tubing assembly for the
connection means provides a reliable way of ensuring actuating the
movement in the mask without requiring expensive materials or a
burdensome manufacturing process.
[0013] Additionally or alternatively, the connection means may
comprise a wire encased in substantially transparent flexible
tubing.
[0014] Optionally, the trigger mechanism may comprise an actuator
and a spring, and wherein the spring may be attached to the second
end of the wire and may be compressed when the trigger is actuated.
Preferably, the arrangement of the connection means is such that
when the trigger is actuated the compression of the spring in the
trigger mechanism pulls the wire into the trigger assembly causing
the moveable mask portion to move from the first position to the
second position. This allows a user to actuate and control the
movement of the mask using a means which is located remote from the
mask itself.
[0015] Additionally or alternatively, the trigger mechanism may
comprise pulling means actuateable by exertion of a pulling force
asserted thereto, the pulling means being connected to the second
end of the wire, such that when a pulling force is asserted, the
pulling means pulls the wire thereby causing the moveable mask
portion to move from the first position to the second position.
[0016] Optionally, the moveable mask portion may be slideably
engageable with the main mask portion. Furthermore, the moveable
portion optionally, may comprise a cut out from the main mask
portion.
[0017] In another aspect, the moveable mask portion and the main
mask portion may be three-dimensional.
[0018] In a further aspect there is disclosed costume or clothing
comprising the mask assembly herein before described. The costume
or clothing provides an enhanced overall effect and/or experience
on the viewers.
[0019] In a further aspect there is disclosed a mask assembly as
illustrated in any of figures and/or optionally as substantially
described herein.
[0020] The preferred features may be combined as appropriate, as
would be apparent to a skilled person, and may be combined with any
of the aspects of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The invention is diagrammatically illustrated, by way of
example, with reference to the following drawings, in which:
[0022] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a mask in an open
position attached to a trigger mechanism;
[0023] FIG. 2a illustrates schematically a sliding mechanism in an
open position suitable for attaching to the rear of the mask of
FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 2b illustrates schematically a sliding mechanism in a
closed position suitable for attaching to the rear of the mask of
FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 3 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the mask of
FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the components of the mask
of FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a mask attached to a
trigger mechanism; and
[0028] FIG. 6 shows perspective view of the mask of FIG. 1 attached
to an additional or alternative trigger mechanism.
[0029] Common reference numerals are used throughout the figures to
indicate similar features.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a mask in an open
position attached to a trigger mechanism.
[0031] In particular, the mask 1 is depicted as comprising a main
portion 2 and at least one moveable portion 3. As depicted in this
figure, the moveable portion 3 is sized and arranged such that in
use it substantially covers the chin area whereas the main portion
2 substantially covers the remainder of the user's face. It will be
appreciated that alternative shapes and arrangements of the main
portion 2 and moveable portion 3 may be provided. For example,
although the main portion 2 in this figure is depicted to cover
substantially the entirety of a user's face in use, and the
moveable portion 3 is a chin cut out thereof, the main portion 2
could be adapted to cover only a portion of the face, for example
the mouth section only or the eye and/or forehead area, or could be
adapted to cover the entirety of the head. For example, the
moveable portion 3 may be shaped as an eye(s) and/or eyebrow(s) cut
out of the main portion 2 which could be adapted to cover
substantially only a user's eyes and forehead in use.
[0032] Preferably, the main portion 2 of the mask 1 contains at
least one eye aperture 4, and more preferably two apertures as
depicted in FIG. 1. The aperture 4 is arranged on the mask 1 to be
proximal to a user's eye(s) when the mask is in use. The mask 1 may
include additional design features as will be explained below.
[0033] In this example, the mask 1 is comprised of a cardboard
material. However, it will be appreciated that the mask 1 maybe
comprised of any suitable material; for example, plastic, paper,
wood pulp, etc.
[0034] The movable portion 3 is connected via at least one
connection means 5 to a trigger mechanism 6. The connection means 5
may comprise flexible tubing comprising an inner cable or wire, for
example, a Bowden cable. By providing for connection means 5 which
are flexible, the means will allow the wearer to hide the
connection means 5 away from public view; by for example, by hiding
the connection means 5 under clothing.
[0035] Preferably, the length of the connection means 5 will be
sufficient to allow the wearer to place the mask 1 on their face
and allow the wearer to hide the connection means 5, whilst still
being able to access the trigger mechanism 6 to actuate movement.
Preferably, the connection means 5 is between 50 to 100 cm in
length, and even more preferably the connection means 5 is between
60 to 80 cm in length. At this preferable length, it has been found
that the connection means 5 would allow most adult users to wear
the mask whilst having the trigger mechanism 6 located in their
trouser or skirt pocket. It will be appreciated that the length of
the connection means 5 can be adapted to suit particular costumes,
and made integral thereto, or be shortened when the mask 1 is to be
used for a child.
[0036] When a user wishes to activate movement in the mask 1, for
example to show articulation, the trigger mechanism 6 may be
actuated by the wearer. Actuation causes the moveable portion 3 to
move downwards relative to the mask 1. In one example, as is
depicted in FIG. 1, the trigger mechanism 6 is actuated when the
actuator button 7 is pressed. Therefore, by applying a force in
direction A, the user causes movement of the connection means 5
which in turn draws the moveable portion 3 downwards relative to
the position of the mask 1, depicted by arrow B. The mechanism for
achieving this effect is illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 2a and
2b.
[0037] FIG. 2a illustrates schematically a sliding mechanism in an
open position suitable for attachment to the rear of the mask of
FIG. 1. In particular, FIG. 2a illustrates sliding mechanism 13,
which is suitable for attachment to the rear of the mask 1 (whereby
the rear is the face of the mask 1 proximal to the user's face when
in use).
[0038] The sliding mechanism 13 comprises at least one moveable
portion 3 which is slideably engageable with housing 14. As
illustrated in this figure, the sliding mechanism 13 comprises at
least one spring 15 attached to the moveable portion 3.
[0039] Although the connection means 5 illustrated in FIGS. 2a and
2b are not depicted to have any encasing, but simply comprises a
single wire 10, it will be appreciated that such casing may
optionally be provided. In one example, the wire 10 may be a
fishing line which has great strength, knot strength, limpness and
abrasion resistance. One advantage with having a fishing wire is
that it has great strength even with a small diameter such that it
cannot be easily seen and it can be easily hidden from view, when
the mask 1 is in use. In another example, the wire 10 may be a
material which facilitates in decreasing the visibility of the
connection means 5 from a distance relative to the wearer.
[0040] A first end of the connection means 5 attaches to the
moveable portion 3 of the sliding mechanism 13 at interlock
mechanism 16 whereas the second end of the connection means 5
attaches to the trigger mechanism 6.
[0041] In this example, the trigger mechanism 6 comprises at least
one actuating spring 21 and an actuator button 7, wherein the
connection means 5 is attached to actuating spring 21. The trigger
mechanism 6 is arranged such that when pressure is applied, in
direction A, to the actuator button 7, the actuating spring 21 is
compressed. This consequently draws the connection means 5, which
is attached to spring 21, into the housing of the trigger mechanism
6, which in turn pulls the connection means 5 in a direction
opposite to that as illustrated by direction A, thereby applying a
downwards force, in direction B, to the sliding mechanism 13.
[0042] The arrangement and specifications for each of the
components of the mask assembly are selected such that the
actuating force causes the moveable portion 3 to be pulled
downwards in direction B thereby contracting spring 15. This
results in the open `mouth` position of mask 1 as illustrated in
FIG. 1.
[0043] As the actuator button 7 is released, the actuating spring
21 reverts back to its original position, thereby releasing the
connection means 5 which was drawn into the housing of the trigger
mechanism 6. This releasing of the connection means 5 causes the
force on the sliding mechanism 13 to also release. Spring 15 which
was compressed when the trigger mechanism 6 was actuated,
decompresses to revert back to its original position thereby
causing the moveable portion 3 to move upwards relative to the
housing 14 of the sliding mechanism 13 resulting in the closed
`mouth` position illustrated in FIG. 2b.
[0044] It will be appreciated that although trigger mechanism 6
comprises a spring in this example, this is optional and therefore,
actuation of the trigger mechanism 6 does not require this feature
to be implemented. It will also be appreciated that the sliding
mechanism 13 may be arranged in a transverse direction to the
arrangement currently illustrated such that when the actuator
button 7 is pressed by force A, the moveable portion 3 can move
upwards relative to the mask 1 rather than downwards.
[0045] FIG. 3 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the mask of
FIG. 1. In particular, FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section of the
mask 1, and specifically, a cross-section of sliding mechanism 13
when it is fixed to mask 1. In this example, the movable portion 3
is secured to the sliding mechanism 13 via attachment means 12. The
attachment means 12 are attached to spring 15 comprised in the
housing 14 of the spring mechanism 13 such that when spring 15 is
compressed the attachment means 12 moves in a downward motion
relative to the mask 1 thereby causing the moveable portion 3 to
move downwards. For the same reasoning, when spring 15 reverts to
its uncompressed position, the attachment means 12 and therefore
the moveable portion 3 also moves in an upwards direction relative
to the mask 1. It will be appreciated that although the attachment
means 12 is depicted as separate from moveable portion 3 in this
example, this feature can be integrally formed with moveable
portion 3.
[0046] Further means may be provided to stabilize the moveable
portion 3 during its movement between the open and close positions.
For example, the moveable portion 3 can be provided with a notch
which slides in a groove provided on the sized cutout from the main
portion 2. It will be appreciated that alternative arrangement and
features may be provided.
[0047] The housing 14 of the sliding mechanism is preferably
secured on the rear face of the mask 1 (the face proximal to the
user when the mask 1 is in use) and is arranged such that the
moveable portion 3, which is attached to the sliding mechanism 13,
slots into a cut out from the main portion 2 of the mask 1. It will
be appreciated that alternative arrangements are possible, wherein
the arrangement is suitable for transposing the moveable portion 3
relative to the main portion 2 of the mask 1 between two positions
in a position about the mask 1; for example causing a movable
portion 3 representing a mouth to move up and down relative to the
main portion 2 which represents a face.
[0048] The connection means 5 in this example comprises a wire 10
and tubing 11. Although the wire 10 can be comprised of any
substantially rigid material, in this case the wire comprises
fishing wire and the tubing 11, which in this case is substantially
flexible and comprises plastic.
[0049] Alternatively, the connection means may comprise of tubing
and a flexible bladder suitable for squeezing air through the
tubing. In this example, the moveable portion moves between the
open and closed position by virtue of a piston assembly and/or
balloon. The application of firm pressure to the bladder forces air
to travel from the bladder into the tubing. The air from the tubing
causes actuation of the piston assembly and/or balloon which in
turn moves the moveable portion relative to the main portion of the
mask. The air then flows back from a high pressure state (from the
balloon and/or piston assembly) to a low pressure state (the
bladder), resulting in the moveable portion to revert back to its
original position.
[0050] The connection means 5 in this figure are attached to the
sliding mechanism 13 by virtue of wire 10 being coupled to the
attachment means 12 at the interlock mechanism 16. In this example,
the interlock mechanism 16 is a hook, but it will be appreciated
that any type of fastener suitable for securing wire 10 to the
attachment means 12 may be used.
[0051] As the interlock mechanism 16 fastens the attachment means
12 to the wire 10 and the attachment means 12 is coupled to spring
15, when the wire 10 is pulled down relative to the mask 1 (as a
result of the trigger mechanism 6 being actuated), the spring 15 is
compressed thereby causing the attachment means 12 and the moveable
portion 3 to move in a downwards away from the mask 1. This
arrangement therefore enables the sliding motion in directions D
when the connection means 3 is drawn or released per directions
C.
[0052] The tubing 11 which encases the wire 10 may additionally be
attached to the exterior of the housing 14 of the sliding mechanism
13. Such tubing 11 provides safety and security for the wearer
against contact with the wire 10. It also protects the integrity of
the wire 10 by reducing the likelihood of damage.
[0053] Preferably, in use, the connection means 5 is not in direct
view of the public. This could be achieved by threading the
connection means 5 underneath the clothing the user is wearing or
could even be comprised in the clothing itself; particularly where
the clothing is a costume and the mask is an accompaniment
thereto.
[0054] FIG. 4 provides an exploded view of the components within
the mask 1 of FIG. 1. In this figure, the main portion 2 of the
mask 1 has protrusions on either side which represent ears 24 and
has visual markings on into surface to indicate an upper lip
including a mustache and teeth 22. The moveable part 3 in this
example also has visual markings in the form of teeth 23 such that
when the moveable portion 3 is in use and moves from the open
position to the closed position, the mask 1 provides the appearance
of a mouth opening and closing.
[0055] The sliding mechanism 13 is preferably fixed to the back of
the main portion 2 of the mask 1 so that it is arranged to not to
be in clear view of the public. The attachment means 12 are also
preferably attached to the moveable portion 3 so that it cannot be
seen when the mask 1 is in use. Preferably, the attachment means 12
are arranged to be centered within the housing 14 of the sliding
mechanism 13. The shape and dimensions of the housing 14 in this
example provides wings which increases the surface area to which it
will be fixed to the rear of the main portion 2.
[0056] Optionally, the housing 14 may comprise an image or other
design features such that when the moveable portion 3 is in the
open position, the image or other design features are visible. In
one example, this may include an image of an inside the mouth such
as the tongue and/or teeth and likewise.
[0057] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a mask attached to an
alternative or additional trigger mechanism to that represented in
FIGS. 1, 2 and 4. The mask 20 illustrated in FIG. 5 is a three
dimensional mask comprising of a main portion 2 and a moveable
portion 17. The moveable portion 17 may be further connected to the
main portion 2 via a pivotably moveable attachment means 19, such
as a hinge or likewise, on either side of the mask 20. Mask 20 is
shaped to contour around the features of the face and optionally
contains at least one eye aperture 4, nose section 18, and/or ear
protrusions 24. Other visual markings may be designed on the mask
in order to provide a desired appearance.
[0058] The mask 20 will preferably also contain means for securing
the mask to wearer's head 9. These means will preferably be secured
on opposed sides of the mask 20 by a fastening means 25, such as
eyelets. In this example, the fastening means may be provided
proximal to ear portions 24; however, it will be appreciated that
these means can be secured at alternative points.
[0059] The sliding mechanism 13 in this example is substantially
similar to that which was described in each of the preceding
figures. It should be noted that more than one sliding mechanism 13
may be provided; for example, two sliding mechanisms may be
provided on distal ends of the moveable portion 17 such that when a
trigger mechanism 6 is actuated, each sliding mechanism 13 acts
substantially in unison thereby moving the moveable portion 17 from
the closed to the open position.
[0060] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the mask of FIG. 1
attached to an alternative trigger mechanism. The connection means
5 of FIG. 6 comprising a wire 10 encased in tubing 11 and is
connected to the sliding mechanism 13 in a similar manner to that
described above. In this example, the tubing 11 terminates at tab
26 and the wire 10 continues through the tab and is connected to a
ring 8 which provides for ease of pulling for the convenience of
the wearer. When the ring 8 is drawn downwards in direction E, the
moveable portion 3 is drawn downwards in direction B, resulting in
the open `mouth` position illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0061] Although, a ring is provided in this example, it will be
appreciated that any other means sufficient to allow a user to pull
the wire 10 can be used. To this end, not further such means may be
required and the wire 10 can be used as the pulling means.
[0062] Additionally or alternatively, the sliding mechanism 13 may
provide for a movement in the eye section 4 resulting in the
`winking` of the eye. In another example, the sliding mechanism 13
could slide a pair of glasses (as the moveable portion) to be
placed on the eyes and on the head. In another example, the
eyebrows could slide at an angle in order to result in different
emotional expressions. In another example, all or some of the
features as mentioned can be combined. It will be appreciated that
the mask in any of these examples can be a full face or semi face
mask.
[0063] It will be understood that the above description of a
preferred embodiment is given by way of example only and that
various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art.
Although various embodiments have been described above with a
certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more
individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make
numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing
from the spirit or scope of this invention.
* * * * *