The present invention generally relates to a mask. More specifically, the present invention relates to a face mask with convenient features.
A device for covering the face to protect the user from particles and viruses is in demand. Many people wear face masks for various reasons. Masks can protect the wearer as well as people near the wearer. Many people are suffering from a new highly contagious coronavirus called COVID-19. On Mar. 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic. Medical experts have discovered that COVID-19 can spread before symptoms appear, so that people who have COVID-19 but show no symptoms can unknowingly spread the virus to others. Wearing face masks is preferred in many instances to prevent people from infectious diseases. Many people cough or sneeze into their hands, which thus become covered with germs. As a result, infected people can transfer germs to other people by touching commonly used things with their hands. Infection experts recommend that people use their arms to catch sneezes and coughs, such as by using the crook of the arm, or inner elbow, to prevent the spread of germs. However, this method does not solve the problem of having one's clothing or arms covered with germs, including sputum (mucus, phlegm, and other such matter). Not only can this be unpleasant to people, but it also still allows transfer of germs to others who touch the person in the area of the arm that is covered by germs. Although use of the arms to catch germs may avoid coughing directly into the hands, pathogens may later be transferred to the hands or otherwise conveyed to others. Further, airborne diseases such as Covid-19 may be transferred while talking in close proximity of an infected person. Thus, face masks can protect the wearer from contracting infections through bacterial and viral particles. However, such masks are generally made of flexible material to fit the wearer's face and can be easily lost, even when masks are designed to be reused. For example, when a user wishes to carry a flexible face mask in a container (e.g., a purse or bag), the mask stored within a disorganized bag can be difficult to find when needed and can easily be damaged or broken upon contacting other items in the bag. Thus, there is a need for a device that solves these problems.
It is an objective of the present invention to address problems associated with and/or otherwise improve on conventional devices through an innovative mask device that is designed to provide a convenient means of carrying while incorporating other problem-solving features. More specifically, the present invention provides a mask device designed to be folded, rolled or carried in a compact form using any other method, so as to be worn on the user's wrist, and secured by using simple fasteners such as buttons. To accomplish this, the present invention comprises a flexible mask member and a face attachment member. The present invention further comprises one or more fastening elements that can engage with the face attachment member, so as to enable the user to carry the facemask on the user's wrist or elbow as a fancy handkerchief or wristband. Thus, the present invention is a user-friendly facemask device with improved and multiple functionalities.
All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
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The following description is in reference to
Further, the face covering panel 1 may also comprise a plurality of layers 1a. To that end, in a first alternate embodiment, the face covering panel 1 may comprise at least one intermediate filter layer 1b, at least one outer-facing layer 1c (which can be the outer surface), and an inner skin-facing layer 1d. The edges of the intermediate filter layer 1b, the outer-facing layer 1c, and the inner skin-facing layer 1d can be attached together using suitable means, such as glue stamping, conventional ultrasonic bonding, sewing, thermal binding, or perforated binding.
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In a second alternate embodiment, the face covering panel 1 may include a material (e.g., shape-memory foam or another type of foam) that may help hold the mask in place or otherwise provide support or comfort.
In a third alternate embodiment, the face covering panel 1 may include an opening, a recess shaped to receive the user's oronasal features, and one or more openings or valves disposed on the body of the mask member to allow easy exhalation and inhalation through a filter element that can be included in the face covering panel 1 with at least one retention member.
According to the preferred embodiment, the at least one wrist fastening member 2 is mounted over a first surface 5 of the face covering panel 1, wherein the first surface 5 constitutes an exterior surface that is not in contact with the user's face. This is so that the wrist fastening member 2 does not interfere with the functionality of the face covering panel 1 and does not cause any discomfort to the user. Further, a second surface 6 of the face covering panel is positioned opposite to the first surface 5 across the face covering panel 1, wherein the second surface 6 is oriented towards the face of a user. As seen in
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In the preferred embodiment, the at least one face fastening tether 3 is mounted onto the face covering panel 1. Preferably, the at least one face fastening tether 3 comprises two elastic loops or straps. In other words, the at least one face fastening tether 3 is stretchable. This is so that, as seen in
In some embodiments, the face fastening tether 3 may include a strap coupled with the two opposing lateral sides of the mask member, configured to wrap around the user's ears and thereby hold the face covering panel 1 in place when in use.
In some other embodiments, the strap may comprise a set of two side straps connected at one side of the face covering panel 1 leaving each of the two side straps with a free end that can be used to tie the side straps together.
In yet other embodiments, the at least one face fastening tether 3 may include an elastic material and a non-elastic material.
The at least one face fastening tether 3 may include various fasteners, including, but not limited to, a hook-and-loop fastener, snaps, buttons, or one or more clamps. The face fastening tether 3 can be attached to the face covering panel 1 using suitable means, such as glue stamping, conventional ultrasonic bonding, sewing, thermal binding, or perforated binding.
It is an aim of the present invention to be able to be conveniently carried around by a user. To accomplish this, the at least one wrist fastening member 2 is detachably engaged with the at least one face fastening tether 3. In other words, each loop from the at least one face fastening tether 3 can act as a buttonhole, and the button or the at least one wrist fastening member 2 may be engaged with the loop to secure the mask to the user's wrist 7. According to the preferred embodiment, users may fold or roll the multifunctional facemask into a laterally elongated shape resembling a wristband, with the buttons on the outer surface of the wristband, as shown in
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Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 63/047,745 filed on Jul. 2, 2020.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63047745 | Jul 2020 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 29741761 | Jul 2020 | US |
Child | 17367146 | US |