Abstract
A transfigurable trapezoid-shaped face mask comprised of cloth-like material, the top end of which fits over the nose and across the face to the helix of each ear of a wearer, its length extends past the face of a wearer, and its bottom end is wide enough to be secured at the back base of the neck of a wearer. The face mask can be converted and transitioned easily between several different positions and has a securing mechanism that is worn over a wearer's ear and secured at the back of the head.
Claims
1. A face mask comprising: a trapezoid shaped face mask body comprised of cloth-like material and the top of said face mask body is the narrow parallel end and is of a sufficient width to extend over the nose and across the face to the helix of each ear of a wearer and has a securing mechanism attached to each of its exterior corners, the parallel sides of said face mask body are of a sufficient length to extend past the face of a wearer, and the bottom of said face mask body is the wide parallel end and is of a sufficient width to be secured at the back base of the neck of a wearer.
2. The combination of claim 1, wherein said securing mechanism of said top of face mask body is comprised of two straps.
3. The combination of claim 2, wherein said straps are attached to an additional securing devise.
4. The combination of claim 3, wherein said securing device of said straps is comprised of a toggle clasp device.
5. The combination of claim 1, wherein said securing device is comprised of a single continuous strap connected to a second securing device.
6. The combination of claim 5, wherein said second securing device is comprised of a toggle clasp device.
7. The combination of claim 1, wherein the exterior corners of said bottom of face mask body have a securing mechanism.
8. The combination of claim 7, wherein said securing mechanism of said bottom of face mask body comprises a pair of straps.
9. The combination of claim 8, wherein said straps are attached to a second securing mechanism.
10. The combination of claim 9, wherein said second securing mechanism comprises a toggle clasp device.
11. The combination of claim 7, wherein said securing mechanism of said bottom of face mask body comprises a single continuous strap and a second securing mechanism.
12. The combination of claim 11, wherein said second securing mechanism comprises a toggle clasp device.
13. The combination of claim 7, wherein said securing mechanism of said bottom of face mask body comprises a pair of snaps.
14. The combination of claim 7, wherein said securing mechanism of said bottom of face mask body comprises a pair of magnets.
15. The combination of claim 1, wherein said face mask body is comprised of a nose bridge device.
16. The combination of claim 1, wherein a fabric envelope comprised of a cloth-like, rectangular shaped body is affixed to said face mask interior layer on three of said fabric envelope sides on the area over the nose and mouth of a wearer to allow for the insertion of a HEPA filter.
17. The combination of claim 1, wherein an additional exterior layer of cloth-like material comprised of the identical dimensions of said face mask body interior is affixed to said face mask body interior to form a double-layered mask comprised of an interior layer and an exterior layer.
18. The combination of claims 16 and 17, wherein, with the addition of a HEPA filter, said face mask is comprised of four protective layers.
19. The combination of claim 1, wherein said face mask top is comprised of two oval-shaped indents to be positioned underneath each eye of a wearer.
20. The combination of claim 1, 7, 15, 18, or 19, wherein said face mask further comprises a comfortable, close-fitting, and four-layered device with securing mechanisms that can be manipulated so that said face mask may be worn in several different positions.
Description
DRAWINGS and FIGURES
[0017] The present device will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings. The drawings constitute a part of this specification and exemplary embodiments of the device, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that the drawings are exemplary in nature and are, in no way, intended to limit the invention. In some instances, various aspects or elements of the device may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the device and, therefore, the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In the drawings, closely related figures have the same number but different alphabetic suffixes.
[0018] FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C show the front, side, and rear views of the first embodiment of the device being worn by a wearer with both the top and bottom securing mechanisms engaged.
[0019] FIG. 1D shows the side view of the first embodiment of the device being worn by a wearer with both securing mechanisms engaged but being worn as a scarf instead with the protection aspect of the device not employed.
[0020] FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C show the front, side, and rear views of the first embodiment of the device being worn by a wearer with only the top mechanism of the device being employed but said device still providing some protection.
[0021] FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6 show the rear view of different combinations of the elements of additional embodiments of the device being worn by a wearer with both the top and bottom securing mechanisms engaged.
[0022] FIG. 7 shows the interior view of the second embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 8 shows the interior view of the third embodiment.
[0024] FIGS. 9 and 10 show the interior view of alternate embodiments of the device.
[0025] FIG. 11 shows the interior view of the first embodiment of the device.
[0026] FIG. 12 shows the exterior view of the first embodiment of the device with the interior and exterior mask layers attached to one another.
[0027] FIGS. 13 and 14 show the interior view of alternate embodiments of the device with decorative embellishments.
[0028] FIG. 15 shows the interior view of the first embodiment of the device and the elements of the fabric envelope.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS
[0029] FIG. 12 is the exterior front view of a first exemplary embodiment of a transfigurable face mask 100 that has an exterior layer 101 comprised of a trapezoid shape. It has a top 1201, a bottom 1202, and two identical matching parallel sides 1203a and 1203b. The top 1201 of the face mask 100 measures approximately 26 centimeters or of a sufficient width to be positioned over the nose of a wearer and for each corner of the face mask top 1201 to extend to and from the helix of each ear of a wearer. The bottom 1202 of the face mask 100 measures approximately 55 centimeters or of a sufficient width to reach around the neck of a wearer when secured. The parallel sides 1203a and 1203b of the face mask 100 are identical and measure approximately 19 centimeters in length or of a sufficient length to extend from the helix of a wearer's ear down past a wearer's chin and to approximately the collarbones of a wearer for the purpose of aesthetics and optimum protection for droplet deflection or absorption when the top 1201 of the face mask is engaged in its protective mode. This utilization of the protective mode of the face mask 100 protective will become more apparent in the detailed description of FIGS. 1A-1D. In this embodiment, the exterior layer 101 of said mask 100 is comprised of a cotton, lycra, polyester blend to allow for a layer of protection that promotes fashionable wearability due to its lightweight and flexible qualities but the mask 100 exterior 101 may also be comprised of any other cloth like material.
[0030] FIG. 11 is the interior view of a first exemplary embodiment of a transfigurable face mask 100 that is comprised of an interior mask layer 105 that is comprised of a trapezoid shape and shares the identical measurements of the exterior mask layer 101. The top 1101 of the interior layer 1101 measures approximately 26 centimeters, the bottom of the mask interior 1102 measures approximately 55 centimeters, and the identical parallel sides 1103a and 1103b of the mask 100 measure approximately 19 centimeters in length. The interior mask body 105 of this embodiment is comprised of a cotton sateen for its protective qualities due to its tight weave but the mask interior 101 may also be comprised of any other cloth-like material. In this embodiment the interior mask layer 105 has two identical straps 102a and 102b, measuring approximately 48 centimeters each, or of an appropriate length to accommodate the wearing of the face mask 100 while engaged in either the protective or at ease modes of the face mask 100. The straps 102a and 102b in this embodiment are comprised of elastic cording but may, alternatively, be comprised of paracord, stretch binding, strips of knitted fabric or any other suitable materials that are comfortable to a wearer while fitted over the ear and secured at the back of a wearer's head. The straps 102a and 102b are affixed to the corners of the top 1101 of the face mask 100 by traditional stitching 1504 but may also be affixed with a Serger overlocking stitch 1505 or by any other secure means. In this embodiment, the straps 102a and 102b are threaded through a toggle device 103 as the means for securing the top 1101 of the face mask 100 at the back of a wearer's head. In this embodiment, the toggle clamp device is comprised of springs, an elongated round body and two holes, but the toggle clasp device may also be single-holed, un-sprung, or of any other appropriate shape that allows for the necessary tension that is achieved when combined with the straps 102a and 102b. In this embodiment, a pair of snaps 104a and 104b are affixed to each corner of the face mask bottom 1102 as the means for securing the bottom 1102 of the face mask behind the neck of a wearer 100. In this embodiment, the interior face mask layer 105 is also comprised of a flexible metallic-like nose bridge 106 to aid in proper face mask placement and comfort. In this embodiment, the nose bridge 106 measures approximately 9 centimeters and is affixed in the center of and, approximately 0.5 centimeters from, the top of the interior layer 105 of the face mask 100, with “Liquid Fusion” but may also be affixed with any other universal bonding adhesive. In this embodiment, the interior face mask is also comprised of a fabric envelope 107 to allow for a HEPA filter insertion.
[0031] FIG. 15 shows the interior of a first exemplary embodiment of a transfigurable face mask 100 and the elements of the fabric envelope 107. In this embodiment, the fabric envelope 107 is comprised of the same fabric as the interior mask layer 105 but may, alternatively, be comprised of any cloth like material. In this embodiment, the fabric envelope is rectangular in shape, w/ a top 1501, bottom 1502, and sides 1503a and 1503b. The top 1501 and bottom 1502 of the fabric envelope 107 each measure approximately 5.5″. The sides 1503a and 1503b of the fabric envelope 107 each measure approximately 3.15″ or, alternately, of appropriate dimensions to allow for the insertion of a HEPA filter that is of a sufficient size to concurrently cover the nose and mouth area of a mask wearer. In this embodiment, the fabric envelope 107 is affixed horizontally to the interior side of the interior mask layer 105 at approximately 1.5 centimeters from the interior mask top 1101 but may, alternatively, be placed vertically at a sufficient location to serve as protection to and from the nose and mouth of a mask wearer. In this embodiment, the fabric envelope 107 is attached to the face mask interior 105 by a Serger overlock stitch 1505, but may also be attached by traditional stitching, adhesive, or any other secure method. The top 1501 of the fabric envelope 107 is left unattached to the interior mask layer 105 to allow for easy HEPA filter insertion by a mask wearer but may also, alternatively, be affixed to allow for the insertion of a HEPA filter at either side 1503a or 1503b of the fabric envelope 107.
[0032] In a first exemplary embodiment of a transfigurable face mask 100 in FIG. 12, the interior mask layer 105 and the exterior mask layer 101 of the face mask 100 are connected by a Serger overlock stitch 1505, but may also be connected together by a traditional stitch, adhesive, or any other method that promotes a close fabric connection for optimum wearer protection. The new combination of an exterior mask layer 101, an interior mask layer 105, and an additional fabric envelope layer 107 with a HEPA filter results in a new four-layer mask that provides a mask wearer with the newly prescribed protection of a two-mask system, commonly recommended by authorities, in the convenient form of a single mask.
[0033] FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C are the front, side, and rear view of a first exemplary embodiment of a transfigurable face mask 100, being worn by a wearer with both the top 102a, 102b, and 103 securing mechanisms and bottom securing mechanisms 104a and 104b engaged. It also includes an exterior mask body layer 101, an interior mask body layer 105, a right top strap 102a, a left top strap 102b, a toggle securing mechanism 103 into which both top straps 102a and 102b are inserted, a nose bridge 106, a fabric envelope for HEPA filter insertion 107, and a pair of interlocking snaps 104a and 104b attached to the lower corners of the interior mask body 105. The interior 105 and the exterior 101 of said mask 100 are comprised of a trapezoid shape and in this embodiment the interior 105 is comprised of a cotton sateen for its protection due to its tightly woven qualities and the exterior 101 is comprised of a cotton, lycra, polyester blend for an additional layer of comfort that is light weight, flexible, and allows for a decorative quality to promote fashionable wearability but may, alternatively, be comprised of any suitable cloth-like material. The top width of the mask bodies 101 and 105 measures approximately 26 centimeters or of a sufficient width to extend from the helix of each ear of a wearer. The bottom width of the mask bodies 101 and 105 measures approximately 55 centimeters or to be of a sufficient width to reach around the bottom of the neck of the wearer and enable it to be secured comfortably at the shoulders of a wearer by a pair of snaps 104a and 104b. The interior 105 and the exterior 101 mask bodies in this embodiment are attached to each other by a Serger overlocking stitch 1505 but may also be attached by a traditional stitching method, fabric adhesive, or any other manner that promotes a close fabric connection for optimum wearer protection. The length of the interior mask body 105 and the exterior mask body 101 measure approximately 19 centimeters or of a sufficient length to extend past a wearer's chin to approximately the collar bones of a wearer for the purposes of aesthetics and optimum protection from droplet deflection or absorption. The top right strap 102a and the top left strap 102b of this embodiment are comprised of elastic cording, but may alternately be comprised of paracord, stretch binding, strips of fabric or any other suitable materials that are comfortable to a wearer while fitted over the top of the ear and secured with appropriate tension at the back of a wearer's head and are secured by a toggle device 103 at the top of the occipital bone of a wearer.
[0034] FIG. 1D shows the view of the first exemplary embodiment of a transfigurable face mask worn by a wearer as a scarf. Unexpectedly, the tension from the strap cording 102a and 102b when inserted into and secured by the toggle device at the top of the occipital bone of the wearer results in an optimal tension that keeps the mask device 100 in place but when the toggle 103 is relaxed even slightly the result is that the mask must be worn in the “at rest” scarf position of FIG. 1D. This further ensures that the face mask 100 must either be worn in a position of protection or in a position of obvious deployment which alleviates the issue of improper incidental under the nose mask wearing. In addition, the ease with which a mask wearer can adjust and transform the mask from protection to scarf and also from scarf to protection makes correct face mask wearing more convenient to a wearer and, therefore, more likely.
[0035] FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are the front, side, and rear view of a first exemplary embodiment of a transfigurable face mask 100 being worn by a wearer with only the top securing mechanisms of the device, the straps 102a and 102b and toggle clasp 103, being deployed. The dimensions and elements of FIGS. 2A-2C are identical to those in FIGS. 1A-1D. FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C illustrate the protection that is provided from the face mask 100 to a wearer when only the top securing mechanism is deployed. When worn in this position, the face mask has the added advantage of increased breathability, comfort, and reduced fogging for a mask wearer wearing eyeglasses. In addition, the securing mechanism 104a and 104b can easily be re-engaged by a wearer as needed.
[0036] FIG. 7 shows the interior view of a second exemplary embodiment of a transfigurable face mask 100. In this embodiment, the securing mechanism of the interior face mask top 1101 is comprised of a pair of straps 102a and 102b and a toggle clasp device 103 that may be tightened behind the head at the occipital bone of the wearer as seen in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C or relaxed to be worn around the neck of the wearer as in FIG. 1D. The securing mechanism of the interior face mask bottom 1102 is also comprised of a pair of straps 701a and 701b. Each strap 701a and 701b is affixed to the corners of the interior face mask bottom 1102 by traditional stitching 1504 and threaded through a toggle clasp device 702. The toggle clasp device 702 may be used alternatively to tighten the straps so that the bottom of the mask may be secured at the back base of a wearer's neck as in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, or kept secure to be worn in the scarf mode of FIG. 1D, or loosened to be worn as in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C. In this embodiment, said straps 701a and 701b each measure approximately 34 centimeters but may be of a sufficient length that allows the face mask to be either secured at the base of a wearer's neck or worn loosely.
[0037] FIG. 8 shows the interior view of a third exemplary embodiment of a transfigurable face mask 100. In this embodiment, the top securing mechanism is comprised of a continuous, single strap 801 that is affixed to each corner of the interior face mask top 1101 and threaded through a toggle clasp device 103. The single strap 801 measures approximately 30 centimeters or of a sufficient length to be employed securely at the back of a wearer's head or at the base of a wearer's neck as a scarf. In this embodiment, the bottom securing mechanism is also comprised of a continuous, single strap 802 that is affixed to each corner of the interior face mask bottom 1102 and threaded through a toggle clasp device 702. In this embodiment, said single strap 802 measures approximately 55 centimeters or of a sufficient length to secure the bottom of said face mask around the back base of a wearer's neck or to allow it to be worn loosely around a wearer's face. The toggle clamp device 702 shown is comprised of a double-holed, rounded body but the toggle device may also be single-holed, un-sprung, or of any other appropriate shape that allows for the necessary tension that is achieved when combined with said strap 802.
[0038] FIG. 9 shows the interior view of an additional exemplary embodiment of a transfigurable face mask 100. In this embodiment, the top and bottom securing mechanisms shown are comprised of a top pair of straps 102a and 102b to be tied by and secured by a wearer behind a wearer's head or tied loosely to be worn as a scarf and a pair of bottom straps 701a and 701b to be tied by a wearer behind the base of a wearer's neck or tied loosely to be worn as seen in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C. The combination of the new mask shape combined with the intended placement of the tied strap at the occipital bone of a wearer and the comfortable placement of the bottom tie at the back base of a wearer's neck provides the new unexpected result present in the previous and additional exemplary embodiments: these aspects and elements combine to necessitate that the mask must be worn fully engaged while the top mechanism is engaged or fully at rest around a wearer's neck. This serves to negate the tendency of ineffectively wearing said face mask under a wearer's nose.
[0039] FIG. 10 shows the interior view of an additional exemplary embodiment of a transfigurable face mask 100. In this embodiment the top securing mechanism is a pair of straps 102a and 102b and a toggle clasp 103. The bottom securing mechanism is a pair of magnets 1001a and 1001b that are affixed to each of the bottom interior mask 1102 corners. In this embodiment, the pair of magnets 1001a and 1001b are circular and each measure approximately 0.5″ across, but may be of any size or shape that provides a secure attachment of the face mask behind the base of a wearer's neck. In this embodiment, the magnets 1001a and 1001b are affixed by a universal adhesive but may alternately be affixed by any secure method.
[0040] FIG. 13 shows the interior view of an additional exemplary embodiment of a transfigurable face mask 100 with the interior face mask layer 105 and the exterior face mask layer 101 attached. The face mask 100 is comprised of the securing mechanisms of the second embodiment but with the addition of beaded embellishments 1302 at the end of the top straps 102a and 102b and at the end of the bottom straps 701a and 701b. Alternatively, charms or any other decorative element may be utilized as ornamentation. In addition, this embodiment is also comprised of oval-shaped indents 1301a and 1301b at the mask top 1101 to promote optimal comfort of the lower eyes for a mask wearer. In this embodiment, the deepest point of said indent 1301 measures approximately 1 centimeter and the slope of the indent begins at approximately 6 centimeters from each corner of the interior top mask 1101 and exterior top mask 1201 and ends approximately 11 centimeters from each corner. Alternatively, the size and shape of these indentations may be altered to accommodate different face sizes.
[0041] FIG. 14 shows the interior view of an additional exemplary embodiment of a transfigurable face mask 100. In this embodiment, the exterior mask layer 101 and interior mask layer 105 are attached. The face mask 100 is comprised of the securing mechanisms of the third embodiment and with the addition of beaded embellishments 1302 in the center of straps 801 and 802. Additionally, charms or any other ornamentation may be affixed to the center of the strap. The face mask is also comprised of indents 1301a and 1301b to provide additional comfort to a mask wearer.
[0042] FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6 show the rear view of varying combinations of the top and bottom securing mechanisms of the first, second, third, and additional exemplary embodiments of a transfigurable face mask 100 worn by a mask wearer with both top and bottom securing mechanisms engaged. In FIG. 3, the straps 102a and 102b with the toggle clasp device 103 of the first embodiment comprise the top securing mechanism and magnets 1001a and 1001b of an additional embodiment comprise the bottom securing mechanism. In FIG. 4, the top securing mechanism is comprised of the single strap 801 of the third embodiment and the toggle clasp device 103 and the bottom securing mechanism is comprised of straps 701a and 701b tied at the base of a mask wearer's neck. In FIG. 5 the top securing mechanism is comprised of straps 102a and 102b tied behind a mask wearer's head at the occipital bone and the bottom securing mechanism is comprised of straps 701a and 701b and a toggle clasp devise 702. In FIG. 6 the top securing mechanism is comprised of straps 102a and 102b and a toggle clasp 103 as shown in the first embodiment and the bottom securing mechanism is comprised of a single strap 802 and toggle clasp device 702 of the third exemplary embodiment. The top and bottom securing mechanisms of the face mask device are not intended to be limited to these combinations but are intended to be combined together in any unique combination that allows and enables the face mask 100 to transition easily from and be securely and comfortably positioned by a wearer in all three of the positions made possible by the face mask design and element combination. Furthermore, although the descriptions above contain many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments but as merely providing illustrations of some of several embodiments. Thus, the scope of the embodiments should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.
ADVANTAGES AND RAMIFICATIONS
[0043] From the descriptions above, a number of advantages of the embodiments of the transfigurable face mask become evident. The unique size and shape of the face mask body combined with its securing mechanisms and various elements of the embodiments produce unexpected results and provide increased versatility, comfort, and protection to a mask wearer. The size, shape, and elements of the mask body allow for it to transition easily and comfortably from position to position, provides breathability while also providing the protection of a two-mask system, reduces fogging, and conforms to all variety of face shapes and sizes. The intended placement of the mask straps and securing mechanisms at the occipital bone of the wearer unexpectedly alleviates the problem of mask slippage by disallowing the mask to be worn under the nose. Additionally, the over-the-ear strap alleviates ear discomfort. The aspects of both the top and bottom securing mechanisms also allow for a quick and convenient transition to all mask positions. These advantages provide incentives for adherence to proper mask wearing and fill a need for a new face mask design that provides aesthetically pleasing protection from viral, bacterial, environmental, or any other situation deemed applicable for face masks.
DRAWINGS: REFERENCE NUMERALS AND KEY
[0044] 100 Transfigurable Face Mask [0045] 101 Exterior and Second Layer of Mask Body [0046] 102a Right Top Strap [0047] 102b Left Top Strap [0048] 103 Toggle Clasp Device for Top Straps [0049] 104a Right Bottom Snap [0050] 104b Left Bottom Snap [0051] 105 Interior and First Layer of Mask Body [0052] 106 Nose Bridge [0053] 107 Fabric Envelope for HEPA filter insertion [0054] 701a Right Bottom Strap [0055] 701b Left Bottom Strap [0056] 702 Toggle Clasp Device for Bottom Straps [0057] 801 Top Single Continuous Strap [0058] 802 Bottom Single Continuous Strap [0059] 1001a Right Magnet [0060] 1001b Left Magnet [0061] 1101 Top of Interior Mask Body [0062] 1102 Bottom of Interior Mask Body [0063] 1103a Interior Right Side of Interior Mask Body [0064] 1103b Interior Left Side of Interior Mask Body [0065] 1201 Top of Exterior Mask Body [0066] 1202 Bottom of Exterior Mask Body [0067] 1203a Interior Right Side of Exterior Mask Body [0068] 1203b Interior Left Side of Exterior Mask Body [0069] 1301a Interior Right Mask Eye Indent [0070] 1301b Interior Left Eye Mask Indent [0071] 1302 Decorative Embellishments [0072] 1501 Top of Fabric Envelope [0073] 1502 Bottom of Fabric Envelope [0074] 1503a Right Interior Side of Fabric Envelope [0075] 1303b Left Interior Side of Fabric Envelope [0076] 1504 Traditional Stitches [0077] 1505 Serger Overlock Stitches
