IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO GARMENTS

Abstract

A garment (1) comprising a sheet of fabric material (2) and a wearer attachment device (4) is illustrated and described. The wearer attachment device is configured to allow the garment to be attached to the neck or head of the wearer. The garment comprises one or more releasable fastening devices (6a, 6b, 6c). The sheet of fabric is configurable between a first unfolded position and a second folded position. In the second folded position the sheet of fabric is folded into the shape of a face mask that, in use, allows the garment to cover at least a portion of the wearer's mouth and nose. The sheet of fabric is held in the second folded position by the one or more releasable fastening devices.

Claims

1. A garment comprising: a sheet of fabric material; a wearer attachment device, the wearer attachment device being configured to allow the garment to be attached to the neck or head of the wearer; and one or more releasable fastening devices, wherein the sheet of fabric is configurable between a first unfolded position and a second folded position, wherein in the second folded position the sheet of fabric is folded into the shape of a face mask that, in use, allows the garment to cover at least a portion of the wearer's mouth and nose, and wherein the sheet of fabric is held in the second folded position by the one or more releasable fastening devices.

2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garment comprises a bandana element, a scarf element, a headwear, or headgear element, and/or a neckwear, or neckgear element.

3. The garment of claim 1, wherein in the second folded position the garment is arranged to cover at least a lower portion of the wearer's face, at least a portion of the lower half of the wearer's face, the majority of the wearer's face, and/or at least an upper portion of the user's face.

4. The garment of claim 1, wherein in the second folded position, the garment is arranged to be in contact with at least a portion of the wearer's nose, at least a portion of the bridge of the wearer's nose, at least a portion of the wearer's cheekbones, at least a portion of the wearer's cheeks, at least a portion of the wearer's jaws, at least a portion of the underside of the wearer's jaws, at least a portion of the wearer's chin, at least a portion of the underside of the wearer's chin, and/or at least a portion of the wearer's neck.

5. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garment is configured to be reversibly sealable to at least a part of the wearer's face by the wearer configuring the sheet of fabric from the first unfolded position to the second folded position to seal the garment, and unsealing the garment by configuring the garment from the second folded position back to the first unfolded position.

6. The garment of claim 1, wherein in the second position, the garment is configured to form a seal around at least a portion of the wearer's nose, at least a portion of the bridge of the wearer's nose, at least a portion of the wearer's cheekbones, at least a portion of the wearer's cheeks, at least a portion of the wearer's jaw, at least a portion of the underside of the wearer's jaw, at least a portion of the wearer's chin, at least a portion of the underside of the wearer's chin, and/or at least a portion of the wearer's neck.

7. The garment of claim 1, wherein in the second folded position, at least a portion of the garment is shaped to match the contour(s) of at least a portion of the wearer's nose, at least a portion of the bridge of the wearer's nose, at least a portion of the wearer's cheekbones, at least a portion of the wearer's cheeks, at least a portion of the wearer's jaw, at least a portion of the underside of the wearer's jaw, at least a portion of the wearer's chin, at least a portion of the underside of the wearer's chin, and/or at least a portion of the wearer's neck.

8. The garment of claim 1, wherein in the second folded position the garment comprises one or more contact points configured to be in contact with at least a portion of the wearer's face, and wherein the contact points define a continuous, substantially uninterrupted contact area between at least a portion of the garment and the wearer's face.

9. The garment of claim 8, wherein the contact area includes at least a portion of the wearer's nose, at least a portion of the bridge of the wearer's nose, at least a portion of the wearer's cheekbones, at least a portion of the wearer's cheeks, at least a portion of the wearer's jaws, at least a portion of the underside of the wearer's jaws, at least a portion of the wearer's chin, at least a portion of the underside of the wearer's chin, and/or at least a portion of the wearer's neck.

10. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garment comprises one or more filter elements configured to filter one or more hazardous substances from air to be inhaled by the wearer and/or air to be exhaled by the wearer and/or wherein the garment comprises a filter element receiving portion configured to receive one or more filter elements.

11. The garment of claim 10, wherein the garment is configured to filter a higher percentage of the air to be inhaled and/or exhaled by the wearer when the sheet is in the second folded position than in the first unfolded position.

12. The garment of claim 1, wherein in the second folded position, at least a portion of the garment is spaced apart from the wearer's mouth and/or nose.

13. The garment of claim 1, wherein the sheet comprises one or more predetermined fold lines configured to determine, at least in part, how the sheet of fabric is foldable from the first unfolded position to the second folded position.

14. The garment of claim 13, wherein in the second folded position, the fold lines form frame members of a frame, wherein the frame members formed by the fold lines provide support to the garment in the second folded position, such that the fold lines assist in holding, or maintaining, the sheet of fabric in the second folded position.

15. The garment of claim 13, wherein the one or more fold lines of the garment are configured to project at least a portion of the sheet of fabric away from the wearer's mouth and/or nose.

16. The garment of claim 1, wherein the sheet is configured to permit air to flow through one or more portions thereof and to prevent air from flowing through one or more portions thereof.

17. The garment of claim 16, wherein the sheet is configured to permit air to flow from the outer side thereof through the filter receiving portion and/or the filter element to the inner side of the sheet and to prevent air from flowing through the other portion(s) of the sheet.

18. The garment of claim 16, wherein the sheet comprises one or more porous sections configured to permit air to flow therethrough and one or more non-porous sections configured to prevent air from flowing therethrough, wherein at least a portion of the, or each, porous section is arranged to overlay at least a portion of the filter element receiving portion and/or the filter element.

19. The garment of claim 1, wherein the releasable fastening device of the garment includes one or more magnets, press studs, snap fit connectors, hook and loop fasteners, hooks, buttons, buckles, and/or hooks.

20. The garment of claim 1, wherein the sheet comprises one or more malleable sections, the malleable section(s) being deformable from a first position to a second position, the malleable sections being configured to remain in the second position until the wearer applies a force thereto, and wherein the malleable section is configured, in use, to fit around at least a portion of the wearer's nose, or a portion of the bridge of the user's nose.

21. The garment of claim 20, wherein the sheet comprises one or more metals, malleable portions, malleable metals, and/or flexible metals, which defines the malleable section(s) of the sheet.

22. The garment of claim 1, wherein the sheet of fabric comprises one or more valve devices operable between a first position, in which air is prevented from flowing from the inner side of the sheet through the valve to the outer side of the sheet and a second position, in which air is permitted to flow from the inner side of the sheet through the valve to the outer side of the sheet.

23. The garment of claim 22, wherein the valve device is a one way valve configured to prevent air from flowing from the outer side of the sheet through the valve device to the inner side of the sheet when the valve device is in the first position and when the valve device is in the second position.

24. The garment of claim 22, wherein the valve device comprises a locking member configured to engage with and lock the valve device in the first position.

25. A method of wearing a garment, the method comprising the steps of: providing a garment comprising: a sheet of fabric material; a wearer attachment device, the wearer attachment device being configured to allow the garment to be attached to the neck or head of the wearer; and one or more releasable fastening devices, wherein the sheet of fabric is configurable between a first unfolded position and a second folded position, wherein in the second folded position the sheet of fabric is folded into the shape of a face mask that, in use, allows the garment to cover at least a portion of the wearer's mouth and nose, and wherein the sheet of fabric is held in the second folded position by the one or more releasable fastening devices, attaching the garment to the wearer using the wearer attachment device; and configuring the sheet of fabric from the first unfolded position to the second folded position using the one or more releasable fastening devices.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0127] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0128] FIG. 1a is a front view of a garment according to the present invention;

[0129] FIG. 1b is a rear view of the garment of FIG. 1a;

[0130] FIG. 1c is a partial side sectional view of the garment of FIG. 1a;

[0131] FIGS. 2a to 2f show photographs of the garment of FIG. 1a;

[0132] FIGS. 3a to 3h show photographs of how the garment of FIG. 1a could be used;

[0133] FIGS. 4a to 4c show further photographs of how the garment of FIG. 1a could be used;

[0134] FIG. 5a shows a front view of an alternative embodiment of the garment of FIG. 1a; and

[0135] FIG. 5b shows a rear view of the alternative embodiment of the garment of FIG. 5a.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0136] With reference to FIGS. 1a to 5b, a garment 1, which can be folded into the shape of a face mask, and unfolded into a loose fitting, comfortable garment 1, is shown. The garment 1 comprises a sheet 2 of fabric material and two straps 4 (an example of a wearer attachment device). The straps 4 allow the garment 1 to be attached to the neck or head of the wearer. In other embodiments, the garment 1 could be attached to both the head and neck of the wearer, or optionally the head and/or neck of the wearer.

[0137] The sheet 2 of fabric is a flexible sheet 2.

[0138] The garment 1 also includes three releasable fastening devices 6a, 6b, 6c, and the sheet 2 of fabric is configurable between a first unfolded position 8 and a second folded position 9. The garment 1 is configured to be more comfortable, in use, for the wearer when in the first unfolded position 8 than in the second folded position 9.

[0139] The sheet 2 is held in the second folded position 9 by the releasable fastening devices 6a, 6b, 6c. In the second folded position 9 the sheet 2 of fabric is folded into the shape of a face mask that, in use, allows the garment 1 to cover at least a portion of the wearer's mouth and nose, and in this embodiment the garment 1 is configured as a face shield, or face covering, when in the second folded position 9, and is a protective covering. This transition can be done rapidly, and makes the invention well suited for moving between areas of relative safety (such as a park or open space) to an environment of greater risk (such as public transport). Thus, the present invention allows the wearer to be more comfortable in safer environments, by wearing the garment 1 in the first unfolded position 8, and to sacrifice comfort when in environments of greater risk by switching to mask mode (the second folded position 9).

[0140] The garment 1 comprises a filter element receiving portion 12 configured to receive one or more filter elements 14 configured to filter one or more hazardous substances from air to be inhaled by the wearer and/or air to be exhaled by the wearer. The filter element 14 could be customised for use with the garment 1 or may be an off the shelf filter element. It will be understood that a part of a filter element 14 from a known face mask could be added to the filter receiving portion 12 in the absence of other filter elements 14.

[0141] In the embodiments illustrated and described here, the garment 1 is a bandana, and may be considered a bandana mask due to its ability to switch between a bandana mode and a mask mode. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments the garment 1 could be formed of, or include any wearable item, such as an item of clothing, scarf, bandana, headgear, headwear, neck garment, neckwear, neckgear, and face covering. In the first unfolded position 8 the garment 1 is wearable as a bandana, scarf, face covering, head covering, headwear, neckwear, and/or worn loosely around the wearer. In the first unfolded position 8 the garment 1 is wearable around the user's neck and/or pulled up around the user's face, optionally around at least a part of the user's nose. In the first unfolded position 8 the garment 1 is wearable around the user's head, neck, and/or upper torso. In the first unfolded position 8 the garment 1 can be arranged to be substantially planar. In the first unfolded position 8 the garment 1 can be arranged to be worn comfortably.

[0142] The garment 1 is a substantially planar member when the sheet 2 of fabric is in the first unfolded position 8, as the sheet 2 and the straps 4 are planar members. This makes the garment 1 easy to store or transport.

[0143] In the embodiments illustrated and described here, in the second folded position 9 the garment 1 is arranged to cover most of the lower portion of the wearer's face and a portion of the upper portion of the user's face (by covering a part of the bridge of the nose).

[0144] In the second folded position 9, the garment 1 is arranged to cover, be in contact with, and arranged to form an airtight seal with at least a portion of the wearer's nose, at least a portion of the bridge of the wearer's nose, at least a portion of the wearer's cheekbones, at least a portion of the wearer's cheeks, at least a portion of the wearer's jaws, at least a portion of the underside of the wearer's jaws, at least a portion of the wearer's chin, and at least a portion of the underside of the wearer's chin. In other embodiments, the garment 1 could be configured to cover different parts of the user's face than that shown here.

[0145] In the embodiments illustrated and described here, the garment 1 is configured to be reversibly sealable to at least a part of the wearer's face, as the garment 1 can be sealed to at least a part of the wearer's face by the wearer configuring the sheet 2 of fabric from the first unfolded position 8 to the second folded position 9, and can be unsealed by configuring the garment 1 back to the first unfolded position 8. This can be implemented quickly and easily by the wearer of the garment 1.

[0146] In the second folded position 9, at least a portion of the garment 1 is shaped to match the contours of at least a portion of the wearer's nose, at least a portion of the bridge of the wearer's nose, at least a portion of the wearer's cheekbones, at least a portion of the wearer's cheeks, at least a portion of the wearer's jaw, at least a portion of the underside of the wearer's jaw, at least a portion of the wearer's chin, and at least a portion of the underside of the wearer's chin. The garment 1 is shaped to match the curvature of the same parts of the wearer's face.

[0147] In the embodiments illustrated and described here, in the second folded position 9 the garment 1 comprises a plurality of contact points configured to be in contact with at least a portion of the wearer's face. The contact points define a continuous, substantially uninterrupted contact area between at least a portion of the garment 1 and the wearer's face. There are no gaps in the contact area between the garment 1 and the wearer, which mitigates the risk of unfiltered air reaching the wearer's mouth and/or nose when the garment 1 is in the second folded position 9 (and similarly mitigates unfiltered exhaled air from the wearer exiting the garment 1).

[0148] In the second folded position 9, the contact area between the garment 1 and the wearer's face defines a substantially elliptical shape.

[0149] The sheet 2 of fabric comprises a horizontal axis 2x and a vertical axis 2y. The horizontal axis 2x is arranged to be horizontal, and the vertical axis 2y is arranged to be vertical, when the garment 1 is in use by the wearer standing substantially vertically, or e.g. sitting with their upper torso in a vertical orientation.

[0150] The sheet 2 of fabric includes an upper edge 2a and a lower edge 2b arranged at opposite ends of the sheet 2 and spaced apart along the vertical axis 2y. The sheet 2 includes a left side edge 2c and a right side edge 2d arranged at opposite ends of the sheet 2 and spaced apart along the horizontal axis 2x. The left side edge 2c includes an upper side edge 2c′ located adjacent to the upper edge 2a of the sheet 2, a lower side edge 2c″′ located adjacent to the lower edge 2b of the sheet 2, and a mid side edge 2c″ located between the upper side edge 2c′ and the lower side edge 2c′″. The right side edge 2d also includes an upper side edge 2d′, a mid side edge 2d″ and a lower side edge 2d′″ arranged in the same way.

[0151] The sheet includes an upper portion 2e located adjacent to the upper edge 2a, a lower portion 2f located adjacent to the lower edge 2b, and a mid portion 2g located between the lower portion 2f and the upper portion 2e. The mid portion 2g includes an upper mid portion 2g′ located adjacent to the upper portion 2e of the sheet 2, and a lower mid portion 2g″ located adjacent to the lower portion 2f of the sheet 2.

[0152] In the embodiments illustrated and described here, the filter element 14 is disposable. The filter element receiving portion 12 includes a pocket 12a for receiving the filter element 14 and an opening 12b (an example of an access point) for adding or removing the filter element 14 to or from the filter element receiving portion 12. The opening 12b is reversibly securable, such that the filter element 14 can be secured therein.

[0153] The filter element receiving portion 12 is located at the upper portion 2e and the upper mid portion 2g′ of the sheet 2 of fabric, and is located at a portion of the sheet 2 that, in use, is at or near to the mouth and/or nose of the wearer when the sheet 2 of fabric is in the second folded position 9.

[0154] The filter element receiving portion 12 defines a substantially rectangular section for receiving the filter element 14 therein. The filter element receiving portion 12 is spaced apart from the edges 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2c′, 2c″, 2c′″, 2d′, 2d″, 2d′″ of the sheet 2.

[0155] The filter element receiving portion 12 is located at an inner surface 2h of the sheet 2 of fabric. Thus, the filter element receiving portion 12 is not visible to observers of the outer side 2k of the sheet 2 when the garment 1 is in the second folded position 9.

[0156] The filter element receiving portion 12 is substantially planar, which makes the garment 1 more comfortable for the wearer, especially in the first unfolded position 8.

[0157] The filter element 14 is shaped to correspond to the shape of the filter element receiving portion 12 and is substantially rectangular, although it will be appreciated that other shapes of filter element 12 could be used. The filter element 14 comprises five filter layers and is configured to filter approximately 95% or more of particulate matter and/or hazardous material from the air to be inhaled/exhaled by the wearer, as is known in the field of air filter elements.

[0158] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1a and 1b, the garment 1 is configured to filter at least a portion of the air to be inhaled and exhaled by the wearer when the sheet 2 is in the first unfolded position 8 and worn around the user's mouth and/or nose. In this embodiment, the garment 1 is configured to filter a higher percentage of the air to be inhaled and/or exhaled by the wearer when the sheet 2 is in the second folded position 9 than in the first unfolded position 8. Therefore, in the first unfolded position 8, the garment 1 provides some degree of protection to the wearer, but if more protection is required, the second folded position 9 can be used.

[0159] The garment 1 is configured to filter all of the air to be inhaled and exhaled when the sheet 2 is in the second folded position 9. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5a and 5b, the garment 1 is configured to filter only the air that is inhaled by the wearer, and not exhaled air from the wearer.

[0160] The sheet 2 comprises a plurality of predetermined fold lines 2i configured to determine, at least in part, how the sheet 2 of fabric is foldable from the first unfolded position 8 to the second folded position 9.

[0161] In the second folded position 9, at least a portion of the garment 1, and the sheet 2 thereof, is spaced apart from the wearer's mouth and/or nose, such that at least one cavity is formed between the sheet 2 of fabric and the wearer's face, which makes the garment 1 more comfortable to wear in the second folded position 9. This is due to the one or more fold lines 2i of the garment 1 being configured to project at least a portion of the sheet 2 of fabric away from the wearer's mouth and/or nose. Furthermore, the filter element receiving portion 12 (and thus the filter element 14) is located at a portion of the sheet 2 that is arranged to be spaced apart from the wearer's mouth and/or nose when the sheet 2 is in the second folded position 9. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the filter element 14 is spaced apart from the wearer's face when the garment 1 is in use and the sheet 2 is in the second folded position 9.

[0162] In the second folded position 9, the fold lines 2i form frame members of a frame. The frame members formed by the fold lines 2i provide support to the garment 1 in the second folded position 9. The frame members are ribs formed by the fold lines 2i. In the embodiments illustrated and described here, when the sheet 2 of fabric is folded along the fold lines 2i, the frame formed by the fold lines 2i assists in holding, or maintaining, the sheet 2 of fabric in the second folded position 9, which helps to maintain the cavity between the sheet 2 of fabric and the wearer's face.

[0163] The fold lines 2i are defined by stitched portions of the sheet 2, although it will be appreciated that other ways of creating a fold line 2i could be used.

[0164] In the embodiment illustrated and described here the fold lines 2i are located at an inner side 2j of the sheet 2 of fabric and at an outer side 2k of the sheet 2.

[0165] One of the fold lines 2i is arranged from a left upper side edge 2c′ of the sheet 2 to the upper mid portion 2g′ of the sheet 2 in the direction of the horizontal axis 2x of the sheet 2. The direction of this fold line 2i is angularly offset from the horizontal axis 2x and is diagonally down from the left side edge 2c′ of the sheet 2 to the upper mid portion 2g′ of the sheet 2 along the horizontal axis 2x. This fold line 2i is substantially linear, and also runs from the left upper side edge 2c′ of the sheet 2 to a left side edge portion 12c of the filter receiving portion 12.

[0166] One of the fold lines 2i is arranged from the left mid side edge 2c″ of the sheet 2 to the upper mid portion 2g′ of the sheet 2. The direction of the fold line 2i is along the horizontal axis 2x of the sheet 2. The direction of the fold lines 2i is angularly offset from the horizontal axis 2x of the sheet 2 and is diagonally up from the left side edge 2c′ of the sheet 2 to the upper mid portion 2g′ of the sheet 2 along the horizontal axis 2x. This fold line 2i is substantially linear, and also runs from the left mid side edge 2c″ of the sheet 2 to a left side edge portion 12c and a left lower corner portion 12c′ of the filter receiving portion 12.

[0167] One of the fold lines 2i is arranged from a right upper side edge 2d′ of the sheet 2 to the upper mid portion 2g′ of the sheet 2 in the direction of the horizontal axis 2x of the sheet 2. The direction of this fold line 2i is angularly offset from the horizontal axis 2x and is diagonally up from the right side edge 2c′ of the sheet 2 to the upper mid portion 2g′ of the sheet 2 along the horizontal axis 2x. This fold line 2i is substantially linear, and also runs from the right upper side edge 2c′ of the sheet 2 to a right side edge portion 12d of the filter receiving portion 12.

[0168] One of the fold lines 2i is arranged from the right mid side edge 2d″ of the sheet 2 to the upper mid portion 2g′ of the sheet 2. The direction of the fold line 2i is along the horizontal axis 2x of the sheet 2. The direction of the fold lines 2i is angularly offset from the horizontal axis 2x of the sheet 2 and is diagonally up from the right side edge 2d′ of the sheet 2 to the upper mid portion 2g′ of the sheet 2 along the horizontal axis 2x. This fold line 2i is substantially linear, and also runs from the right mid side edge 2d″ of the sheet 2 to a right side edge portion 12d and a left lower corner portion 12d′ of the filter receiving portion 12.

[0169] One of the fold lines 2i is arranged from the left lower side edge 2c′″ of the sheet 2 to the right lower side edge 2d′″ of the sheet 2 along the horizontal axis 2x of the sheet 2. The direction of this fold line 2i is parallel to the horizontal axis 2x of the sheet 2. The fold line 2i is substantially linear and is arranged to be parallel to a lower side edge 12e of the filter receiving portion 12.

[0170] Two sets of fold lines 2i are convergent. The fold lines 2i are arranged to converge from each side edge 2c, 2d, of the sheet 2 towards the centre of the sheet 2 in the direction of the horizontal axis 2x. The convergent sets of fold lines 2i are arranged to converge from the side edges 2c, 2d of the sheet 2 towards the filter element receiving portion 12.

[0171] The filter element receiving portion 12 is located adjacent to one or more of the fold line(s) 2i.

[0172] The sheet 2 is configured to permit air to flow from the outer side 2k thereof to the inner side 2j thereof through at least a portion of the sheet 2. In use, the outer side 2k faces the surrounding environment and the inner side 2j faces the wearer.

[0173] The sheet 2 is configured to prevent air from flowing through at least a portion thereof. Thus, in the embodiments illustrated and described here, the sheet 2 is configured to permit air to flow through one or more portions thereof and to prevent air from flowing through one or more portions thereof.

[0174] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1a to 4c, the sheet 2 is configured to permit air to flow from the outer side 2k thereof through the filter receiving portion 12 to the inner side 2j of the sheet 2 and to prevent air from flowing through the other portion(s) of the sheet 2.

[0175] FIG. 1c shows a side sectional view of the sheet 2. The sheet 2 comprises one or more porous sections 2m configured to permit air to flow therethrough and one or more non-porous sections 2n configured to prevent air from flowing therethrough. At least a portion of the, or each, porous section 2m is arranged to overlay at least a portion of the filter element receiving portion 12.

[0176] The sheet 2 of fabric comprises a first layer 16, second layer 17 and third layer 18, which are fabric layers.

[0177] The first layer 16 includes the outer side 2k of the sheet 2 and the second layer 17 includes the inner side 2j of the sheet 2.

[0178] As shown in FIG. 1c, the first layer 16 includes one of the porous sections 12m of the sheet 2 and the second layer 17 includes another porous section 12m of the sheet 2. In the embodiments illustrated and described here, substantially all of the first layer 16 is porous and substantially all of the second layer 17 is porous.

[0179] In the embodiments illustrated and described here, the second layer 17 includes the filter element receiving portion 14.

[0180] The first layer 16 is located adjacent to the third layer 18, and the third layer 18 is located adjacent to the second layer 17. The third layer 18 is located between the first and second layers 16, 17. The first layer 16 is connected to the third layer 18 and the third layer 18 is connected to the second layer 17.

[0181] The third layer 18 includes one or more of the non-porous sections 2n of the sheet 2 of fabric. The third layer 18 includes one or more of the porous sections 12m of the sheet 2 of fabric. The porous section 18a of the third layer 18 includes a single hole located at the upper mid portion 2g′ of the sheet 2.

[0182] The porous section 18a of the third layer 18 is arranged to at least partially overlay the filter element receiving portion 12. The non-porous sections 18b of the third layer 18 are arranged to prevent air from flowing from the porous section 16a of the first layer 16 to the porous section 17a of the second layer 17 without passing through the filter element receiving portion 12.

[0183] The first layer 16 and the second layer 17 are made from air-permeable, breathable materials, and typically include polyester. It will be understood that a wide range of suitable materials could be used for the sheet 2 of fabric and the garment 1. The third layer 18 is made from a woven fabric material coated with polyurethane.

[0184] The garment 1 is configured to be machine washable and is configured to be compatible with one or more antimicrobial or antibacterial processes.

[0185] The first layer 16, second layer 17 and third layers 18 are planar layers and are substantially congruent.

[0186] The sheet 2 could comprise one or more antibacterial agents or antimicrobial agents, which could be added by the wearer prior to use, or could be integrated in the sheet 2. The first layer 16 and second layer 17 could comprise the one or more antibacterial or antimicrobial agents. The outer side 2k and/or the inner side 2j of the sheet 2 could comprise the one or more antibacterial or antimicrobial agents.

[0187] The releasable fastening device of the garment 1 includes two sets of magnets 6a, 6b (example connection members) and two press studs 6c (example connection members). It will be understood that other combinations of releasable fastening device are possible, such as snap fit connectors, hook and loop fasteners, hooks, buttons, buckles, hooks, and/or any other suitable releasable fastening device capable of fastening one portion of the sheet 2 to another portion of the sheet 2.

[0188] The press studs 6c of the releasable fastening device of the garment 1 are located on the inner surface 2h of the sheet 2, whereas the magnets 6a, 6b of the releasable fastening device are located at least partially within the sheet 2 and are covered by the sheet 2.

[0189] In the embodiments illustrated and described here, the magnets 6a, 6b of the releasable fastening device of the garment 1 are adjustable, as they can be connected at different positions relative to one another, and are connectable to each other at three or more contact points. This allows the garment 1 to fit a variety of face sizes in the second folded position 9, as the arrangement of the sheet 2 is adjustable. Therefore, in the embodiments illustrated here, the sheet 2 is adjustable into a number of different second folded positions 9 by connecting the magnets 6a, 6b at different connection points.

[0190] In the embodiments illustrated and described here, one magnet 6a′ is located at a left upper portion 2e′ of the sheet 2 of fabric and the corresponding magnet 6a″ is located at a left mid portion 2g′″ of the sheet 2 of fabric. One magnet 6b′ is located at a right upper portion 2e″ of the sheet 2 of fabric and the corresponding magnet 6b″ is located at a right mid portion 2g″″ of the sheet 2 of fabric. One press stud 6c′ is located at the mid portion 2g of the sheet 2 of fabric and the corresponding press stud 6c″ is located at the lower portion 2f of the sheet 2 of fabric.

[0191] In the embodiments illustrated and described here, the releasable fastening device 6a, 6b, 6c, and the connection members thereof 6a′, 6a″, 6b′, 6b″, 6c′, 6c″ are spaced apart from the fold lines 2i of the sheet 2 of fabric and are spaced apart from the filter receiving portion 12.

[0192] One magnet 6a′ is located adjacent to the left side edge 12c of the filter receiving portion 12 and is located adjacent to the upper edge 2a of the sheet 2. The corresponding magnet 6a″ is located adjacent to the left mid side edge 2c″ of the sheet 2 of fabric.

[0193] One magnet 6b′ is located adjacent to the right side edge 12d of the filter receiving portion 12 and is located adjacent to the upper edge 2a of the sheet 2. The corresponding magnet 6b″ is located adjacent to the right mid side edge 2d″ of the sheet 2 of fabric.

[0194] The sheet 2 comprises a malleable section 20 located within the sheet 2, which is deformable from a first position to a second position. In this embodiment, the malleable section 20 is a nose clip made from a malleable metal, which the wearer can deform around at least a portion of the bridge of their nose, to ensure a better fit between the garment 1 and the wearer's nose. This is particularly useful to ensure that the garment 1 does not slip from the wearer's nose during use, and to obtain a better seal between the sheet 2 and the wearer's face. The malleable section 20 is configured to remain in the second position until the wearer applies a force thereto. The malleable section 20 is located at the upper portion 2e of the sheet 2 and is adjacent to the upper edge 2a.

[0195] The malleable section 20 can be deformed by the wearer when the sheet 2 is in the first unfolded position 8 and/or the second folded position 9, and is deformable to the shape of at least a portion of the wearer's nose.

[0196] Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b. This embodiment is substantially identical to that shown in FIGS. 1a to 4c, with the addition that the sheet 2 of fabric comprises a valve device 22 operable between a first position, in which air is prevented from flowing from the inner side of the sheet through the valve device 22 to the outer side 2k of the sheet 2 and a second position, in which air is permitted to flow from the inner side 2j of the sheet 2 through the valve device 22 to the outer side 2k of the sheet 2.

[0197] The garment 1 shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b also includes an adjustment device 26 operable to adjust the position of the sheet 2 relative to the wearer's face and configured to seal at least a portion of the sheet 2 against the wearer's face. The adjustment device 26 is configured to seal at least a portion of the sheet 2 against the underside of the wearer's jaw, the underside of the wearer's chin, and/or at least a portion of the wearer's cheeks.

[0198] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5a and 5b, the adjustment device 26 is a drawcord. It will be appreciated that other adjustment devices 26 could be used.

[0199] The adjustment device 26 is located at the lower portion 2f of the sheet 2. The sheet 2 includes two adjustment device receiving members 28 configured to receive at least a portion of the adjustment device 26.

[0200] The adjustment device receiving members 28 are loop portions. The adjustment device receiving members are located at the left lower side edge 2c′″ and the right lower side edge 2d′″ of the sheet 2 of fabric and adjacent to a portion of a fold line 2i.

[0201] Still with reference to FIGS. 5a and 5b, the valve device 22 is a one way valve configured to prevent air from flowing from the outer side 2k of the sheet 2 through the valve device 22 to the inner side 2j when the valve device 22 in the first position or when the valve device 22 is in the second position. In this embodiment, the valve device 22 only permits air to flow from the inner side 2j of the sheet 2 to the outer side 2k through the valve device 22.

[0202] In the embodiments illustrated and described here, the valve device 22 is operable from the first position to the second position in response to the wearer's exhaled breath, such that the wearer's exhaled breath operates the valve device 22 from the first position to the second position.

[0203] The valve device 22 is operable from the second position to the first position in response to the wearer's inhaled breath, such that the wearer's inhaled breath closes the valve device 22.

[0204] The valve device 22 comprises a cap 24 (an example of a locking member) for locking the valve device 22 in the first position 8. This may be useful when travelling to a territory that does not permit the use of valve devices 22 on face masks, as the wearer can then lock the valve device 22 in the first position and continue to use the garment 1 of the present invention, whilst complying with local laws and regulations. When the wearer returns to a territory that does permit the use of the valve device 22, the valve device can be unlocked by removing the cap 24 therefrom.

[0205] The cap 24 is configured to form an airtight seal when engaged with and locked to the valve device 22 and the cap 24 is operable by hand.

[0206] In the embodiments illustrated and described here, the straps 4 of the garment 1 comprise hook and loop connecting members 4a (an example of a releasable fastening device) for securing the straps 4 to each other. These are used to secure the garment 1 to the wearer.

[0207] The straps 4 are adjustable, as the connecting members 4 can be connected at different positions relative to one another. This allows the garment to fit different head and/or neck sizes, and allows the wearer to adjust the tightness of the garment 1 to the face/neck. For example, it may be desirable in the first unfolded position 8 to wear the garment 1 loosely, and to tighten the garment 1 in the second folded position 9.

[0208] The straps 4 comprise a resilient material, such as polychloroprene (Neoprene).

[0209] An example of how the garment 1 can be used will now be provided. Initially, the garment 1 is attached to the wearer's head using the straps 4, as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b. This has been illustrated in FIGS. 3a and 3b with the garment in the first unfolded position 8. It will be understood that the garment 1 could be attached and removed from the wearer using the straps 4 when in the second folded position 9. FIGS. 3c and 3d show the garment 1 in the first unfolded position 8 worn around the neck, and the garment 1 can be brought up around the face, or brought down to the neck.

[0210] When the need arises to switch the sheet 2 of the garment 1 to the second folded position 9, the wearer grips the sheet 2 (as shown in FIG. 3e) and pulls the sheet 2 up towards their face (FIG. 3f) along the fold lines 2i. The user attaches the lower magnets 6a″, 6b″ to the upper magnets 6a′, 6b′ (FIG. 3g) to secure the sheet 2 in the second folded position 9 (FIG. 3h).

[0211] In the example shown in FIGS. 3a to 3h, the press studs 6c′, 6c″ are not connected. The garment 1 can be moved between the first unfolded position 8 and the second folded position 9 with the press studs 6c′, 6c″ connected or unconnected. As shown in FIG. 4a, the garment 1 is worn around the face, with the press studs 6c′, 6c″ connected to each other (which is done by folding the lower portion 2f of the sheet 2 towards the inner side 2j of the sheet 2 and engaging the press studs 6c′, 6c″ together)

[0212] Next, the garment 1 is configured in the same was as that described in relation to FIGS. 3e to 3h, with the wearer pulling the sheet 2 up (FIG. 4b) and attaching the magnets 6a′ and 6a″, and 6b′ and 6b″, to each other (FIG. 4c) to configure the garment 1 in the second folded position 9.

[0213] The garment 1 of the present invention is advantageous due to its ability to be transformed from a loose fitting, comfortable garment 1, to a tight fitting, protective face mask. This allows the wearer to feel safe in hazardous environments, and to feel comfortable in safer environments. The garment 1 is also more aesthetically pleasing than known protective equipment, which is thought by the present inventors to increase the likelihood that the wearer will choose to wear a protective face covering.

[0214] Modifications may be made to the foregoing embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the garment 1 could be configured to be worn at least partially around, or on, the neck and/or head of the wearer. The garment 1 could be configured to be worn around, or on, the upper body, or upper portion of the torso of the wearer.

[0215] The second folded position 9 is a mask mode, or face mask mode, however, the sheet 2 could be folded into the shape of, or substantially resemble the shape of any suitable face mask, such as a surgical face mask, N95 face mask, dust mask, or the like.

[0216] The garment 1 could comprise a plurality of filter element receiving portions 12, each filter element receiving portion 12 being configured to receive at least one filter element 14.

[0217] The sheet 2 of fabric could include at least one filter element 14, and there may be no need for a filter element receiving portion 12. For example, at least a portion of the sheet 2 could be configured as the filter element 14. In other embodiments, the garment 1 could comprise any suitable number and arrangement of filter element receiving portions 12 and/or filter elements 14.

[0218] Although in the embodiments illustrated and described here the garment 1 comprises a single sheet 2 of fabric material (having three layers), in other embodiments the garment 1 could comprise a plurality of sheets 2 of fabric material, and the sheet(s) 2 could comprise any suitable number of layers.

[0219] Although straps 4 have been used as a wearer attachment device, the garment 1 could comprise one or more releasable fastening devices for securing the wearer attachment device to the user, and the releasable fastening device(s) could include at least one of: magnets, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snap fit connectors, buckles, hooks, or the like, or any suitable device for fastening the wearer attachment device.

[0220] The wearer attachment device could be releasably attachable to the sheet 2 of fabric.

[0221] Although the embodiments illustrated and described here include two sets of magnets 6a, 6b, and a pair of press studs 6c, it will be understood that any suitable number, type and arrangement of releasable fastening device(s) could be used to secure one part of the sheet 2 to another part.

[0222] Whilst the embodiments depicted here show a portion of the wearer's face being covered by the garment 1, it will be understood that other embodiments could cover a different portion of the wearer's face, including substantially all of the wearer's face.