Mask Adjunct Device

Abstract

A mask insert and mask system for improving breathing during exertion are disclosed. A mask adjunct device allows for better ventilatory airflow to a masked user especially when moisture causes the mask to collapse against the face reducing airflow. The mask adjunct device is insertable under a face mask to provide a rigid structure defining non-collapsible space between the face and the outer mask. The mask adjunct device comprises a sidewall component comprising openings for air flow and a face engaging component for engaging the user's face. An outer wall component rigidly connects the sidewall component opposite the face engaging component to create the non-collapsible space. The system further comprises an outer face mask for positioning over the mask adjunct device.

Claims

1. A mask adjunct device for use under an external face mask, the mask adjunct device comprising: an outer wall component comprising a plurality of outer wall ventilation openings; a sidewall component extending inward from the outer wall component, and a face engaging component extending around a perimeter of the sidewall component.

2. The mask adjunct device of claim 1, wherein the sidewall component comprises a plurality of sidewall ventilation openings.

3. The mask adjunct device of claim 1, wherein the sidewall component comprises a nose engaging portion.

4. The mask adjunct device of claim 1, wherein the sidewall component comprises a chin engaging portion.

5. The mask adjunct device of claim 1, wherein the face engaging component adjustably conforms to a user's face.

6. The mask adjunct device of claim 1, wherein the outer wall is domed.

7. The mask adjunct device of claim 1, wherein the outer wall and sidewall components combine to define a non-collapsible interior space.

8. A mask adjunct device for improving airflow under an external face mask, the mask adjunct device comprising: an outer wall component comprising a plurality of outer wall ventilation openings; a sidewall component extending inward from the outer wall component, the sidewall component comprising a plurality of sidewall ventilation openings, and a flexible face engaging component extending around a perimeter of the sidewall component; and wherein the outer wall and sidewall components combine to define a non-collapsible interior space.

9. The mask adjunct device of claim 8, wherein the flexible face engaging component is a rubber gasket.

10. The mask adjunct device of claim 8, wherein the outer wall and sidewall components are plastic.

11. The mask adjunct device of claim 8, wherein the outer wall is flat.

12. The mask adjunct device of claim 8, wherein the outer wall is domed.

13. The mask adjunct device of claim 8, wherein the sidewall component comprises a nose engaging portion and a chin engaging portion.

14. The mask adjunct device of claim 8, wherein the non-collapsible interior space is at least one inch in depth.

15. The mask adjunct device of claim 8 further comprising a securing component for engaging a user's face.

16. The mask adjunct device of claim 15, wherein the securing component is an adjustable band.

17. The mask adjunct device of claim 15, wherein the securing component connects to the sidewall component via a pair of securing element holes in the sidewall component.

18. A mask system with increased air circulation comprising: an outer face mask; a mask adjunct device insertable between the outer face mask and a user's face; the mask adjunct device comprising: an outer wall component comprising a plurality of outer wall ventilation openings; a sidewall component extending inward from the outer wall component, the sidewall component comprising a plurality of sidewall ventilation openings, and a flexible face engaging component extending around a perimeter of the sidewall component.

19. The mask system of claim 18, wherein the outer wall and sidewall components combine to define a non-collapsible interior space under the outer face mask.

20. The mask system of claim 19, wherein the mask adjunct device further comprises a securing component for engaging a user's face under the outer face mask.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a mask adjunct device of the present invention configured to increase air circulation under an external mask in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the mask adjunct device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of the mask adjunct device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the mask adjunct device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a mask system of the present invention comprising the mask adjunct device and an outer face mask in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates a side perspective view of the mask system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0024] FIG. 7 illustrates a closeup side perspective view of the mask system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] 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 may 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 do not intend as an exhaustive description of the invention or 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 may be combined.

[0026] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a mask adjunct device designed to improve airflow through the mask. The lightweight insertable device allows for better ventilation for a user, especially during exercise when the mask may become damp with moisture causing it to collapse in against and stick to the face. The device increases and improves oxygen flow while running or performing intense exercise while wearing a mask. Once installed, the mask no longer limits breathing allowing the user to inhale deeply and take air into the lungs when wearing an outer mask.

[0027] The device allows for better ventilation airflow especially when moisture causes a mask to reduce airflow. As the mask sticks to the skin due to skin moisture, the mask further restricts airflow. The mask adjunct device alleviates this deficiency allowing a user to run while wearing a mask without difficulty even when skin moisture dampens the mask limiting airflow. The invention is also beneficial in warm weather conditions under non-exercise conditions where the mask becomes damp from perspiration. The invention is similarly beneficial for people suffering from medical conditions that make breathing difficult.

[0028] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a mask adjunct device 100 of the present invention configured to increase air circulation and airflow under an external mask especially during periods of increased respiration. The mask adjunct device 100 comprises an outer wall component 118, a sidewall component 102, and a face engaging component 116. The outer wall component 118 is generally rigidly constructed, typically in a flat, arced, geometric, or domed shape, from plastic or some other rigid light weight terial. The outer wall component 118 comprises a plurality of outer wall ventilation openings 120 disposed therein. The plurality of outer wall ventilation openings 120 are configured to permit the free passage of air and are sized so that an external mask will not penetrate during inhalation. The plurality of outer wall ventilation openings 120 may be erently shaped as well.

[0029] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the sidewall component 102 is ded with and extends generally inward from the outer wall component 118. The sidewall component 118 comprises a nose engaging portion 104, a chin engaging portion 106, and a pair of sidewalls 108 laterally connecting the nose and chin engaging portions 104 and 106. The nose and chin engaging portions 104 and 106 are generally rigidly constructed, typically from the same material and in the same manner as the outer wall component 118 and may be anatomically shaped to better engage the user's nose and chin. The sidewall component 102 further comprises a plurality of sidewall ventilation openings 110 disposed therein. The plurality of sidewall ventilation openings 110 are configured to permit the free passage of air and are sized so that the external mask will not penetrate during inhalation similar to the design and shape of the plurality of outer wall ventilation openings 120.

[0030] The outer wall 118 and sidewall 102 components combine to define a non-collapsible interior space 122. The non-collapsible interior space 122 is dimensioned to provide a physical barrier to prevent the external mask from collapsing against the face thereby interfering with breathing. Additionally, the non-collapsible interior space 122 prevents the exterior mask from absorbing moisture from perspiration as users exerts themselves. The non-collapsible interior space 122 is typically at least one inch in depth but may be deeper or shallower to accommodate children or larger people as desired.

[0031] The face engaging component 116 is attached to and extends around a perimeter 114 of the sidewall component 102 opposite the outer wall component 118. The face engaging component is generally flexible 116 and configured to conform to and adjust to the user's face around the nose and mouth. The face engaging component 116 may be manufacturer from a rubber, silicon, or similar flexible material, such as a rubber gasket, that can at least partially seal the mask adjunct device 100 around the nose and mouth while simultaneously acting as a cushion to decrease pressure against the face.

[0032] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the mask adjunct device 100 further comprise a securing component 126. The securing component 126 may be an adjustable or elastic band attachable or otherwise securable to the sidewall component 102 for securing the mask adjunct device 100 to the user's face. The sidewall component 102 may further comprise a pair of securing component holes 112. The securing component holes 112 may be positioned through each of the pair of sidewalls 108 of the sidewall component 102 located substantially opposite each other. The securing component 126 could then attach to the sidewall component 102 through the pair of securing component holes 112 via a pair of fasteners or holding elements.

[0033] In another embodiment as further illustrated in FIGS. 5-7, a mask system 200 mask system for increasing air circulation comprises an outer face mask 202 and a mask adjunct device 100. The mask adjunct device 100 is insertable between the outer face mask 202 and a user's face to define a non-collapsible interior space 122 under the outer face mask 202. The outer face mask 202 comprises a facial covering portion 204 and a securing portion 210 for a user to don the outer face mask 202 after the mask adjunct device 100 is positioned within. The outer face mask 202 is positioned so that an inside surface 106 of the outer face mask 202 abuts the mask adjunct device 100 once donned and an outer surface 208 of the outer face mask 202 is exposed to the outside environment as illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0034] The mask adjunct device 100 comprises an outer wall component 118, a sidewall component 102, and a face engaging component 116. The outer wall component 118 is generally rigidly constructed and shaped as defined in the previous embodiment, typically in a flat or domed shape. The outer wall component 118 comprises a plurality of outer wall ventilation openings 120 disposed therein. The plurality of outer wall ventilation openings 120 are configured to permit the free passage of air and are sized so that an external mask will not penetrate during inhalation. The plurality of outer wall ventilation openings 120 may be differently shaped as well.

[0035] The sidewall component 102 is molded with and extends generally inward from the outer wall component 118. The sidewall component 118 comprises a nose engaging portion 104, a chin engaging portion 106, and a pair of sidewalls 108 laterally connecting the nose and chin engaging portions 104 and 106. The nose and chin engaging portions 104 and 106 are generally rigidly constructed and shaped as defined in the previous embodiment. The sidewall component 102 further comprises a plurality of sidewall ventilation openings 110 disposed therein. The plurality of sidewall ventilation openings 110 are configured to permit the free passage of air and are sized so that the external mask will not penetrate during inhalation similar to the design and shape of the plurality of outer wall ventilation openings 120.

[0036] The outer wall 118 and sidewall 102 components combine to define the non-collapsible interior space 122 under the outer face mask 202. The non-collapsible interior space 122 is dimensioned to provide a physical barrier to prevent the external mask from collapsing against the face thereby interfering with breathing. Additionally, the non-collapsible interior space 122 prevents the exterior mask from absorbing moisture from perspiration as users exerts themselves. The non-collapsible interior space 122 is typically at least one inch in depth but may be deeper or shallower to accommodate children or larger people as desired.

[0037] The face engaging component 116 is attached to and extends around a perimeter 114 of the sidewall component 102 opposite the outer wall component 118. The face engaging component is generally flexible 116 and configured to conform to and adjust to the user's face around the nose and mouth. The face engaging component 116 may be manufacturer from a rubber, silicon, or similar flexible material, such as a rubber gasket, that can at least partially seal the mask adjunct device 100 around the nose and mouth while simultaneously acting as a cushion to decrease pressure against the face.

[0038] The mask adjunct device 100 may further comprise a securing component 126. The securing component 126 may be an adjustable or elastic band attachable or otherwise securable to the sidewall component 102 for securing the mask adjunct device 100 to the user's face under the outer face mask 202. The sidewall component 102 may further comprise a pair of securing component holes 112. The securing component holes 112 may be positioned through each of the pair of sidewalls 108 of the sidewall component 102 located substantially opposite each other. The securing component 126 could then attach to the sidewall component 102 through the pair of securing component holes 112 via a pair of fasteners or holding elements.

[0039] It is contemplated that the mask adjunct device 100 and the mask system 200 constructed in accordance with the present invention will be tailored and adjusted by those of ordinary skill in the art to accommodate various levels of performance demand imparted during actual use. Accordingly, while this invention has been described by reference to certain specific embodiments and examples, it will be understood that this invention is capable of further modifications. This application is, therefore, intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptations of the invention following the general principles thereof, and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and fall within the limits of the appended claims.

[0040] What has been described above includes examples of the med 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 may 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.