Safe Dining Mask

Abstract

This present invention relates to a modified face mask that helps to reduce the spread of airborne pathogens while allowing the wearer to eat and drink without removing their mask. The dual-layer face mask features an internal frame and a middle hinge that allows a user to pull one layer of the mask outwards in a diamond-like shape to create space under the mask, enables the user to insert an eating utensil or straw into their mouth while consuming food or beverages. In this manner, the face mask of the present invention improves the safety of the users and prevents the spread of infectious diseases.

Claims

1. A protective mask configured to provide a protective barrier to a face of a user, the protective mask comprising: a first inner layer including a first frame; a second outer layer including a second frame; said second outer layer hingedly connected to said first inner layer; wherein said outer layer hingedly movable from a first orientation adjacent to said first inner layer and a second orientation spaced from said first layer; said second orientation includes a space between said outer layer and said inner layer for access to a user's mouth; and said first frame including at least a first anchor point on the user's nose ridge for supporting said mask when said second layer is moved back and forth from said first orientation to said second orientation.

2. The protective mask of claim 1, wherein said second frame includes a right protruding member and a left protruding member, and said right and left protruding members are slidable between loops mounted on a bottom edge of said first frame.

3. The protective mask of claim 1, wherein said space includes access for an eating utensil.

4. The protective mask of claim 3, wherein said eating utensil is selected from a group consisting of a fork, a spoon, and a straw.

5. The protective mask of claim 4, wherein said first layer and said second layer material are selected from a group consisting of a polypropylene, a cotton weave, and a polyester.

6. The protective mask of claim 1 further comprising a first arm and a second arm for retention over a user's first ear and second ear, respectively.

7. The protective mask of claim 6, wherein said first arm provides a second anchor point and said second arm provides a third anchor point for supporting said first frame when said second layer is moved back and forth from said first orientation to said second orientation.

8. The protective mask of claim 7, wherein said first anchor point is adjacent to a top of a center hinge of said second frame.

9. The protective mask of claim 8 further comprising eye shields mounted to said first frame for shielding the eyes of the user.

10. A protective mask configured to provide a protective barrier to a face of a user, the protective mask comprising: a first inner layer including a first frame; a second outer layer including a second frame; said second outer layer hingedly connected to said first inner layer; wherein said second outer layer hingedly movable from a first orientation adjacent to said first inner layer and a second orientation spaced from said first layer; and said second orientation includes a space between said outer layer and said inner layer for access to a user's mouth, wherein said second frame includes a right protruding member and a left protruding member, and further wherein said protruding members slidable between loops mounted on a bottom edge of said first frame.

11. The protective mask of claim 10, wherein said space includes access for an eating utensil.

12. The protective mask of claim 11, wherein said eating utensil is selected from a group consisting of a fork, a spoon, and a straw.

13. The protective mask of claim 12, wherein said first layer and said second layer material are selected from a group consisting of a polypropylene, a cotton weave, and a polyester.

14. The protective mask of claim 10, wherein said first frame including at least a first anchor point on the user's nose ridge for supporting said mask when said second layer is moved back and forth from said first orientation to said second orientation.

15. The protective mask of claim 14 further comprising a first arm and a second arm for retention over a user's first ear and second ear, respectively.

16. The protective mask of claim 15, wherein said first arm provides a second anchor point and said second arm provides a third anchor point for supporting said first frame when said second layer is moved back and forth from said first orientation to said second orientation.

17. The protective mask of claim 16, wherein said first anchor point is adjacent to a top of a center hinge of said second frame.

18. The protective mask of claim 17 further comprising at least one eye shield mounted to said first frame for shielding a user's eyes.

19. A protective mask configured to provide a protective barrier to a face of a user, the protective mask comprising: a first inner layer including a first frame; a second outer layer including a second frame, wherein said second outer layer is attached to, but repositionable in relation to, said first inner layer, and further wherein said second outer layer is repositionable between a first orientation adjacent to said first inner layer and a second orientation spaced from said first layer; and said second orientation includes a space between said outer layer and said inner layer for access to a user's mouth.

20. The protective mask of claim 19 further comprising at least one eye shield mounted to said first frame for shielding a user's eyes.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a front plan view of a safe dining mask of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure;

[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear plan view of the safe dining mask of the present invention showing the internal framework in accordance with the disclosed structure;

[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a user wearing the safe dining mask of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure;

[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates perspective views of the safe dining mask of the present invention in normal and extended orientations in accordance with the disclosed structure;

[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a user wearing the safe dining mask of the present invention while eating food in accordance with the disclosed structure;

[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a user wearing the safe dining mask of the present invention while drinking a beverage in accordance with the disclosed structure; and

[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a user wearing safe dining mask of the present invention with glasses in accordance with the disclosed structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It can be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments can be combined.

[0022] As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for a protective face mask that prevents the wearer from inhalation of germs, viruses, bacteria and other harmful pathogens from the environment, and prevents them from transmission of infectious diseases. There is also a long felt need in the art for an improved face mask that allows individuals to consume food or beverages easily. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a protective face mask that eliminates the need to completely remove face masks to consume food or beverages. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a face mask that allows the wearers to consume food/beverages in public places without the fear of inhalation of harmful germs and other pathogens, and prevents the contraction of serious illnesses. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a face mask that provides a cover for the eyes of the users as well, to fully protect the wearer against the transmission of infectious diseases or pandemics. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a protective face mask that improves the safety of the wearer in public places and offers comfort while wearing the mask and consuming food/beverages.

[0023] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, comprises a novel face mask designed to reduce the spread of airborne pathogens while allowing a wearer to eat and drink without removing the mask. The mask comprises: an inner layer; an outer layer; an internal framework located in rear section of the mask; a pair of arms to rest upon the wearer's ears like a pair of glasses; the inner layer is an arch-shaped structure and covers the nose, mouth and cheek area of the wearer; the outer layer is a smaller inflexed arch-shaped structure that covers the nose and mouth of the wearer; the outer layer is configured to be pulled outwards by the wearer; the internal frame has a right internal frame and a left internal frame providing a flexible piping structure having a strap that moves when the outer layer is pulled outwards; and the internal frame and a middle hinge structure stretch the straps towards the middle hinge when the outer layer is pulled outwards to form a half diamond shape structure to create a gap between the mask and the wearer's mouth, to allow the wearer to consume food and drink using the created gap.

[0024] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a front plan view of a safe dining mask of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure. The safe dining mask 100 is a dual-layered mask comprising an inner layer 102 and an outer layer 104 forming the mask body portion of the mask 100. The mask 100 further comprises an internal framework or inner frame 105 located at the interior or rear section of the mask body portion, and arms 106, 108 attached to the inner frame 105 to rest upon user's ears (i.e. similar to eyeglasses or spectacles), and allowing the mask 100 to be easily worn by the users.

[0025] As per the mask structure, the outer layer 104 partly overlaps the inner layer 102 to form the mask body portion of the safe dining mask 100. The inner layer 102 comprises the inner frame 105 including an arch-shaped structure having a top edge 110, left edge 1022 and a right edge 1024, for covering the nose, mouth and cheek area of the user. The outer layer 104 comprises an outer frame 107 including a smaller inflexed arch-shaped structure having side edges 1041, 1043 and a bottom edge 1042 for covering the nose and mouth area of the user. The outer layer 104 partially overlaps the inner layer 102 such that a mid-line of the inner layer 102 is in planar alignment with a mid-line of the outer layer 104.

[0026] The outer layer 104 overlapping partially on the inner layer 102 forms a dual-layer and provides an enhanced barrier covering for the nose and mouth areas of the user. With the dual-layer protection, the risk of transmission of harmful pathogens, bacteria, viruses, etc. is minimal through the oral and nasal passages of the user. The front surfaces 101, 103 of both the layers 102, 104 provide viewing areas to the mask that can display, without limitation, any number of patterns, colors, logos, text, slogans, etc. desired by the user.

[0027] Each of the layers 102 and 104 is preferably a particulate/bacteria filter, and is comprised of a non-woven, melt-blown filter material comprised of 100% polypropylene or other suitable material. The layers 102, 104 act as fine particulate filters, thereby protecting the user against at least 95% of any airborne dust, particulates, pathogens, or bacteria of particle size 0.3 microns or greater. In differing embodiments of the safe dining mask 100, the layers 102, 104 can be comprised of a coarse particulate filter that precedes the fine particulate filter and further protects the user from larger/more coarse particulates. Alternatively, the layers 102, 104 can be a combination of a particulate/bacteria filter layer and a reusable and washable cloth material, comprised of a cotton weave, polyester or other suitable material. The material of the inner layer 102 and the outer layer 104 is not limited, and can be any combination of different mask materials.

[0028] The right arm 106 and the left arm 108 are attached to the inner frame 105 at the rear surface of the safe dining mask 100, and are designed to extend over the right ear and the left ear of the user, to allow the mask 100 to be held in place while wearing the mask. The arms 106, 108 offer an enhanced mask-wearing experience for the users. The arms 106, 108 and the internal framework of the mask can be made of thermoplastics, synthetic plastics, metal or any other material as per the desires of the users. The material of the internal framework and the arms is chosen because it is strong, lightweight and corrosion-resistant. Other properties and features can also be considered while designing and manufacturing the mask to suit different user requirements.

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of the safe dining mask of the present invention showing the internal framework in accordance with the disclosed structure. The rear section 111 of the mask 100 comprises the internal framework 105, 107 that allows the mask to be extended outward for consumption of food and beverages without fully removing the mask. Once the food or beverage is consumed, the outer frame 107 can be pulled backwards to use in normal or first orientation for protection against the transmission of germs, pathogens, viruses, etc.

[0030] The internal framework 105, 107 is a piping framework over the rear section 111 of the safe dining mask 100. The internal framework 105, 107 mainly comprises a boundary framework 210, internal frames 202, 204, a middle hinge structure 206 and a hinge point anchor 207. The internal framework 105, 107, or perimeter support structure 210, provides a piping structure around the mask body perimeter and extends to elongated arms 106 and 108 at the ends or the perimeter 2101 and 2102 respectively. The right arm 106 and the left arm 108 are designed to rest upon the right ear and the left ear, respectively, of the user to ensure the mask 100 is held in place over the face of the user. The arms 106, 108 provide pivot anchors at the ears when the outer layer 104 is pivoted back and forth from the first orientation to the second orientation.

[0031] The internal frame or inner frame 105 comprises a right internal frame 202 and a left internal frame 204 adjacent to the rear section 111 of the outer layer 104 of the mask 100. The right internal frame 202 provides a piping structure adjacent to one side of rear section 111 along the edge 1041, and the left internal frame 204 provides a piping structure adjacent to another side of rear section 111 along edge 1043, thereby forming an inflexed arch-shaped structure at the rear section 111 of the mask 100. The right internal frame 202 includes a loop structure 2022 at the end 2020, wherein the loop 2022 surrounds the boundary piping structure 210. In a similar manner, the left internal frame 204 includes a loop structure 2042 at the end 2040, wherein the loop 2042 surrounds the boundary piping structure 210.

[0032] The middle hinge structure 206 is a piping structure extending vertically along the rear section 111, passing through an imaginary line 220 through the center of the mask 100. The middle hinge 206 extends additional piping straps 212 at the right and left boundaries from the point 2060, that pass through the right internal frame 202 and the left internal frame 204. The strap 212 comprises the protruding section 213 at the right side and the protruding section 214 at the left side, that provides an extending and locking mechanism for the mask 100. The strap 212 passes through the loops 2022 and 2042 on the right and left sides of the mask boundary.

[0033] When the outer layer 104 is pulled outwards, the inner frame 105 and middle hinge structure enables the extension by stretching the middle hinge 206 outwards, and further stretching the straps 212 towards the imaginary midline 220, causing the protruding sections 213, 214 to lock on the loops 2022 and 2042. The mask 100, in an extended orientation, can be used while consuming food and beverages. In the extended orientation, the outer layer 104 forms a half diamond shape around the mouth area, thereby creating a gap between the mask and the mouth so that food can be eaten, either with a utensil or by hand. The outer layer 104 is pushed inwards for using the mask 100 in normal orientation.

[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a user wearing the safe dining mask of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure. As shown in the FIG. 3, a user 300 is wearing the safe dining mask 100 of the present invention in a normal orientation. The right arm 106 of the mask 100 rests upon the right ear 306 of the user and the left arm 108 of the mask 100 rests upon the left ear 308 of the user to keep the mask 100 in place. The mask 100 covers the nose 302, mouth 304 and cheek region of the user 300, and acts as a barrier for the transmission of germs, bacteria and other harmful pathogens from the surroundings to the nasal and oral passages of the user 300.

[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the safe dining mask of the present invention in normal and extended orientation in accordance with the disclosed structure. As shown, the mask 100 is in a normal orientation 400 when the inner layer 102 and the outer layer 104 are in the contracted orientation, and is used normally when the user is out at public places or the like. The mask 100 is in extended orientation 402 when the outer layer 104 is pulled outwards and the internal frame and middle hinge structure extends to form a half diamond shape structure to create a gap between the mask 100 and the user's mouth. The gap created in the extended orientation 402 allows food to be eaten, either with a utensil or by hand, and allows the users to drink beverages using straws. Also, the gap created in the bottom, middle portion of the mask allows a user to receive a stem of a spoon or fork, allowing easier access to the mouth when using a utensil.

[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a user wearing the safe dining mask of the present invention while eating food in accordance with the disclosed structure. As shown in FIG. 5, the user 300 pulls the outer layer 104 outwards to use the mask 100 in an extended orientation. In the extended orientation, a gap is created between the mask body and the mouth 304 of the user 300, that allows the user 300 to insert a spoon/fork 502 through the gap in order to eat food 504. The safe dining mask 100 eliminates the need to remove the mask 100 completely for eating food and allows the user 300 to have food 504 while protecting the user against spread of diseases.

[0037] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a user wearing the safe dining mask of the present invention while drinking a beverage in accordance with the disclosed structure. As shown in the FIG. 6, the user 300 pulls the outer layer 104 outwards to use the mask 100 in an extended orientation. In the extended orientation, a gap is created between the mask body and the mouth 304 of the user 300, that allows the user 300 to insert a straw 640 therethrough in order to drink a beverage from a beverage container 602 while wearing the mask 100.

[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, it is to be appreciated that the inner frame 105 includes at least a first anchor point on the user's nose ridge 303, proximal to a user's nose tip 305, for supporting the mask 100 when the second layer 104 is moved back and forth from the first orientation to the second orientation. The first anchor point is proximal to a top of the center hinge 206 of the outer frame 107. The mask 100 further comprises the first arm 106 and the second arm 108 for retention over a user's first ear 306 and second ear 308, respectively. The first arm 106 provides a second anchor point and the second arm provides a third anchor point for supporting the inner frame 105, when the second layer 104 is moved back and forth from the first orientation to the second orientation.

[0039] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a user wearing a safe dining mask of the present invention, with eye shields or glasses in accordance with the disclosed structure. The dining mask with eye shields or glasses 700 is a safe dining mask 100 having an eyeglass shield 710 attached to the upper edge of the mask body for protecting the eyes of the users as well. The dining mask with glasses 700 comprises an inner layer 702 and an outer layer 704, right arm 706, left arm (not shown) and internal framework. The internal framework of the mask 700 comprises a structure similar to that of the safe dining mask 100. The dining mask with glasses 700 can be used in a normal orientation and in an extended orientation as per the needs and requirements of the users. The dining mask with glasses 700 covers the nose and mouth of the user, and allows the users to eat or drink, without removing the mask, thereby risking exposure to transmission of infectious diseases. The dining mask with glasses 700 provides additional protection for the eyes of the users and eliminates the need for conventional face shields.

[0040] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons can refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “safe dining mask”, “dining mask”, “dual layer mask”, “mask” and “extendible mask” are interchangeable and refer to the safe dining mask 100 of the present invention.

[0041] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the safe dining mask 100 and dining mask with glasses 700 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the safe dining mask 100 and dining mask with glasses 700 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the safe dining mask 100 and dining mask with glasses 700 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the safe dining mask 100 and dining mask with glasses 700 are important design parameters for user convenience, the safe dining mask 100 and dining mask with glasses 700 can be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0042] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0043] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art can recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.