Strapless Face Mask

Abstract

A strapless face mask device comprised of a hollow plastic frame that is covered by a sleeve or protective covering. The body sleeve or covering protects the face, nose, mouth and chin area of the wearer such that any respiratory droplets from the wearer are prevented from entering into the surrounding environment and potentially infecting other individuals. Further, the personal protection device has at least one and preferably two tightening mechanisms that allow a wearer to tighten or loosen the seal that the frame makes with their face. Each tightening mechanism may receive a cable that runs within the hollow frame via a spool within each mechanism. When each spool is rotated, the cable upon each spool is tightened or loosened which in turn increases or decreases the convex angle of the frame to tighten or loosen the seal of the frame against the face of the wearer.

Claims

1. A personal protection device comprising: a frame having at least one horizontal section and at least one vertical section; a covering for the frame, the covering extending over the at least one horizontal section and at least one vertical section; and a first device for tightening and loosening the frame so that the frame fits on a surface of a face of an individual, wherein the frame is flexible to fit the surface of the face.

2. The personal protection device as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the at least one horizontal section and at least one vertical section of the frame are hollow.

3. The personal protection device as recited in claim 2, wherein a cable is inserted through the at least horizontal and vertical sections of the frame.

4. The personal protection device as recited in claim 3, wherein the cable is connected to the personal protection device for tightening and loosening of the frame.

5. The personal protection device as recited in claim 4, wherein the first device includes a spool for winding the cable.

6. The personal protection device as recited in claim 5, wherein the first device further comprises a central shaft, and a dial head or controller.

7. The personal protection device as recited in claim 1, wherein the covering comprises a plurality of pockets for holding the at least one horizontal section and the at least one vertical section.

8. The personal protection device as recited in claim 1, wherein the first device is provided on each side of the frame.

9. The personal protection device as recited in claim 1, wherein an adhesive or an adhesive tape is used to secure the personal protection device to the surface of the face.

10. The personal protection device as recited in claim 9, wherein the adhesive is a hypoallergenic adhesive.

11. A face mask comprising: a flexible frame comprised of at least one horizonal section and at least one vertical section; a covering extending over the flexible frame to provide a protective covering for a surface of a wearer; a cable running through the flexible frame; and a tightening mechanism located on each side of the flexible frame and connected to the cable.

12. The face mask as recited in claim 11, wherein each of the tightening mechanisms includes a spool, a central shaft, and a dial head or controller.

13. The face mask as recited in claim 11 further comprising a hypoallergenic adhesive tape applied to the frame to secure the flexible frame to the surface of the wearer.

14. The face mask as recited in claim 11, wherein each of the at least one horizontal and vertical sections of the flexible frame is hollow.

15. The face mask as recited in claim 11, wherein a portion of the flexible frame is flexible or bendable and a portion of the flexible frame is rigid.

16. The face mask as recited in claim 11, wherein an end portion of the flexible frame is flexible or bendable and a central portion of the flexible frame is rigid.

17. The face mask as recited in claim 11, wherein the covering may comprise an indicia, a pattern, a logo, an emblem, an image, a symbol, a design, a letter, a word, a characters, an animal, an advertisement or a combination thereof.

18. A method of making a strapless face mask comprising the steps of: taking a facial measurement of an individual; forming a plurality of the frame elements based on the facial measurements of the individual; completing assembly of the plurality of frame elements; providing a spool and inserting a cable in the plurality of frame elements; and providing a covering over the plurality of frame elements.

19. The method of making a strapless face mask as recited in claim 18 comprising a further step of confirming the facial measurements after the step of forming the plurality of frame elements.

20. The method of making a strapless face mask as recited in claim 18 comprising a further step of providing a hypoallergenic adhesive on the plurality of frame elements after the step of forming the plurality of frame elements.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0017] FIG. 1A illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of a frame of the strapless personal protection device of the present invention being worn by a wearer in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0018] FIG. 1B illustrates a top perspective view of one potential embodiment the strapless face mask of the present invention being worn by a wearer in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0019] FIG. 1C illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of the strapless personal protection device of the present invention being worn by a wearer in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the main horizontal frame members are clearly shown and the device further comprises a logo;

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of one potential embodiment of the strapless face mask of the present invention being worn by a wearer in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0021] FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-sectional view of one potential embodiment of a tightening mechanism of the strapless personal protection device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0022] FIG. 3B illustrates a top perspective view of one potential embodiment of the tightening mechanism of the strapless personal protection device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of a body sleeve of the strapless personal protection device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0024] FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the strapless personal protection device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the flex zones in the frame and the stretchable areas of the covering material are clearly shown;

[0025] FIG. 5B illustrates a side perspective view of the strapless personal protection device depicted in FIG. 5A; and

[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of one potential method of making the strapless personal protection device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] 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 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 may be combined.

[0028] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for an improved face mask device. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved face mask that is strapless in design, which in turn makes the mask more comfortable than existing masks that use straps, loops, bands or strings to secure the mask to the face or head of the wearer. There also exists in the art a long-felt felt need for an improved face mask device that allows a user to easily tighten or loosen the mask, such that the mask remains comfortable and properly fit to his or her face to ensure the prevention of the passing of respiratory droplets by the wearer. Therefore, droplets that may contain pathogens, bacteria, and viruses are not passed from the wearer to other nearby individuals who then may become infected. Finally, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved face mask or personal protection device that allows a user to easily change the appearance of the mask to ensure the mask is visually appealing.

[0029] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of an improved face mask or personal protection device. The device has a hollow, tubular plastic frame that includes a plurality of horizontal and vertical frame members that receive a cloth body sleeve or covering. The cloth body sleeve or covering protects the face, nose, mouth and chin areas of the wearer to prevent respiratory droplets from the wearer from entering into the surrounding environment. In differing embodiments of the device, the body sleeve may have a plurality of patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements or combinations thereof. Further, the front surface of the body sleeve or covering may have a plurality of three-dimensional jewels, stars or other decorative elements. Therefore, the body sleeve or covering allows a user to greatly customize the appearance of the personal protection device or face mask and ensure it is always visually appealing.

[0030] The device also includes a tightening mechanism that is located on each side of the device and may attach to the face of the wearer via a non-allergenic or hypoallergenic adhesive layer which may be provided in the form of a tape. The mechanism includes a body which houses a spool that rotates on a central shaft, which can be rotated via a dial head or other controller. Each spool further receives a cable which runs throughout the hollow plastic frame such that the cable forms a loop within the frame of the device. Therefore, a user may turn each spool or spindle in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to lengthen or shorten the internal cable. To this effect, the lengthening or shortening of the cable allows the frame or portions of the personal protection device to be bent or flexed in a more convex or less convex shape such that it forms a tighter or looser seal against the face of the wearer.

[0031] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1A illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of a frame of the strapless personal protection device or face mask 100 of the present invention being worn by a wearer 10 in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the strapless face mask or personal protection device 100 has a frame 110, a body sleeve or covering 130, and preferably two tightening mechanisms 150. As shown, the frame 110 of the device 100 is worn on the face 12 of a wearer 10. It is contemplated that in the preferred embodiment of the device 100, the device 100 covers the nose 14, mouth 18, and face 12 area of the wearer 10 when worn. However, differing embodiments of the device 100 may cover any combination of the nose 14, mouth 18 and face 12 area of the wearer 100 (ex. wherein the device 100 covers only the nose 14 of the wearer 10, or only the mouth 18 of the wearer 10).

[0032] The device 100 is also preferably constructed from a hollow, tubular plastic frame 110. It is contemplated that the frame 110 has two main horizontal frame members 112 which may rest above or on the bridge 16 of the nose 14 of the wearer 10 and on the front or sides of the chin 20 of the wearer 10. Both horizontal frame members 112 are preferably convex in shape in relation to the curvature of the face 12 of the wearer 10, as best seen in FIG. 1B which illustrates a top perspective view of one potential embodiment of a strapless face mask or personal protection device 100 of the present invention while worn by a wearer 10. In an alternative configuration, portions of the horizonal frame members 112 may be straight and other portions may provide a bending or flexing area as will be described in connection with FIGS. 5A and FIG. 5B infra. In this manner, the frame 110 mirrors the relative convex shape (e.g. the convex shape can be observed when viewing the frontal plane of the head of the wearer 10 from above as shown in FIG. 1B) of the wearer's face 12 such that the rear surface 1120 of each horizontal frame member 112 rests on the face area 12, nose 14 and chin 20 of the wearer 10. In differing embodiments of the device 100, the horizontal frame members 112 may be flexible, semi-rigid or rigid to perform as will be explained more fully below. Further, in one embodiment the device 100 may also be comprised of one horizontal frame member 112

[0033] It is further contemplated that both horizontal frame members 112 may be connected to one another via any number of fixedly-attached vertical frame members 114. The vertical frame members 114 may be flexible, semi-rigid or rigid, and may be tubular or non-tubular in differing embodiments of the personal protection device 100. In addition, the vertical frame members 114 may also be convex such that they mirror the convex shape of the face 12 of the wearer 100 (e.g. the convex shape can be observed when viewing the front plane of the head of the wearer 10 from above as shown in FIG. 1B). However, the rear surface 1140 of each vertical frame member 114 may or may not come into contact with the face 12 of the wearer 10. Therefore, an embodiment of the device 100 where the vertical frame members 114 do not contact the face 12 of the wearer 10 and may allow the wearer 10 to easily talk or breathe, without the body sleeve or covering 130 of the device 100 obstructing (e.g. making direct contact with) the mouth 18, as shown in FIG. 2 which illustrates a side perspective view of one potential embodiment of a strapless face mask or personal protection device 100 of the present invention while worn by a wearer 10. Further, the vertical frame members 114 add structural reinforcement to the frame 110, and may be fixedly attached to each horizontal frame member 112 during the manufacturing process (e.g. via injection molding, blow molding or 3D additive printing which can be used to accommodate different facial features of an individual). It is also contemplated that in at least one embodiment of the device 100, the rear surface 1120 of the horizontal frame members 112 and the rear surface 1140 of the vertical frame members 114 may be coated with a non-irritating, skin-safe adhesive compound that allows the frame members 112, 114 to safely stick to the face 12 and skin of the wearer 10. Further, one embodiment of the device 100 may be comprised of no vertical frame members 114.

[0034] In addition, it is contemplated that the horizontal frame members 112 and vertical frame members 114 may be manufactured from any number or derivative form of plastic materials that may be rigid, semi-rigid or flexible, such as but not limited to: acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, thermoplastic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, low density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polylactic acid, acetal, nylon, fiberglass and combinations thereof. Furthermore, the vertical frame members 114 may be connected to the top-most (e.g. nearest to the nose 14 of the wearer 10) horizontal frame member 112 via a hinge 1128 that allows the vertical frame members 114 to pivot outwards away from the face 12 of the wearer 10 or inwards toward the face 12 of the wearer 10. In this manner, the vertical frame members 114 can be pivoted outwards when the device 100 is in use to keep the covering 130 out of the mouth 18 area of the wearer 10 while talking. When not needed, the vertical frame members 114 can be pivoted inwards toward the face 12 of the wearer 10 and stored within the top-most horizontal frame member 112. In an embodiment of the device 100 with two or more horizontal frame members 112, the other frame members 112 (excluding the top-most member 112 near the nose 14 of the wearer 10) may also be connected to the vertical frame members 114 via a hinge 1128 that allows the horizontal frame members 112 to pivot in the same manner as the vertical frame members 114. Further, the other horizontal frame members 112 can also be stored within the top-most horizontal frame member 112 when they are unneeded or undesired to keep the covering 130 out of the mouth 18 area of the wearer 10 while talking.

[0035] Each horizontal frame member 112 is further attached to a tightening mechanism 150. The face mask or personal protective device 100 is preferably comprised of at least one tightening mechanism 150 and preferably two tightening mechanisms 150. Each tightening mechanism 150 is located on one side of the wearer's face 12 (as can be seen in FIG. 1B) and is attached to the wearer's face 12 via a skin-safe, non-irritating hypoallergenic adhesive layer or tape 1560 which may also contain a peelable backing 1562. However, in a differing embodiment the device 100 may not be comprised of an adhesive layer 1560, and may simply be held in place on the face 12 of the wear via the compression forces generated by the horizontal frame member(s) 112 which are transmitted through each mechanism 150 and into the face 12 of the wearer. Each mechanism 150 is also made from a generally circular body 152 that is preferably some form of rigid plastic. The body 152 further houses a plurality of internal components that includes a spool 158 and central shaft 160. As seen in FIG. 3A which illustrates a cross-sectional view of one potential embodiment of a tightening mechanism 150 of a strapless face mask or personal protection device 100 of the present invention. The generally round spool 158 has a round top surface 1580 and round bottom surface 1582 that extend over (e.g. are longer in width or height) a round middle surface 1584, and a central shaft 160 that runs through all three surfaces 1580, 1582,1584. The middle surface 1584 of the spool 158 then receives a cable 180 which enters and exits the frame body 152 via two continuous openings 1540 on the side surface 154 of the body 152 as seen in FIGS. 3A and 3B, which illustrate a cross-sectional view and top perspective view of one potential embodiment of a tightening mechanism 150 of a strapless face mask device. Further, in one embodiment the mechanism 150 may include at least one button (e.g. at least one button on each mechanism 150) that allows a user to activate the mechanism 150.

[0036] As also shown in FIG. 2, the cable 180 runs through each hollow horizontal frame member 112 and around each spool 158. The cable 180 may also be received within the frame members 112 via a groove or channel. Furthermore, wearer 10 may use the circular dial head or other controller 170 of each tightening mechanism 150 to spin the central shaft 160 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. To this effect, each spool 158 will rotate to increase or decrease the length of the cable 180 within the frame members 202 and within each spool 158. Therefore, if a wearer 10 turns the dial head 170 in a clockwise direction, the cable 180 may tighten (e.g. and will rotate around the spool 158 and become shorter). This will then cause the frame members 112 to bend or flex at a greater convex angle, and therefore create a tighter seal on the face 12 of the wearer 10, as seen in FIG. 1B. In contrast, a user may turn the dial head or controller 170 in a counterclockwise direction, and the cable 180 may loosen (e.g. will become unraveled from the spool 158 and become longer). This will then cause the frame members 112 to bend at a lesser convex angle and therefore create a looser seal on the face 12 of the wearer 10. Accordingly, this tightening or loosening of the cable 180 within the frame members 112 allows a wearer 10 to adjust the fit and seal of the device 100 upon the face 12. It is also contemplated that the cable 180 may include, but is not limited to: a metal-braided cable, a nylon cable, a polyvinylidene fluoride cable, a polyethylene cable, a string or the like. Further, the central shaft 160 may have a plurality of locking gears 162 that engage gears 1581 on the top surface 1580 of the spool 158. This then allows the shaft 160 to be locked at a specific tightness (e.g. specific cable 180 length) to ensure the fit and seal of the device 100 does not loosen or tighten unintentionally over time when worn by a wearer 10. In addition, the cable 180 may also be a plurality of interconnected cables instead of one singular cable 180. However, in an additional embodiment the cable 180 may be in the form of two cables that engage via a belt-like structure (e.g. wherein one cable has continuous openings that can be engaged by a male member of the other cable) to allow the device 100 to be adjusted in regards to how it fits the face of the wearer.

[0037] The device 100 also has a body sleeve or covering 130, as seen in FIG. 4 which illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of a body sleeve 130 of a strapless face mask or personal protective device 100 of the present invention. The body sleeve or covering 130 is preferably made from an organic, non-organic, or semi-organic material anti-microbial/anti-bacterial such as but not limited to: canvas, cashmere, chenille, chiffon, cotton, damask, jersey, lace, linen, wool, modal, polyester, satin, silk, spandex, suede, tweed, twill, velvet, acrylic, modacrylic, nylon, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, vinylidene, benzoate, aramid, rayon, acetate, triacetate or any combination thereof. The sleeve 130 further includes a plurality of internal pockets 134 that may be formed by a plurality of seams 1340 within the body sleeve or covering 130. Accordingly, the internal pockets 134 may receive the horizontal frame members 112 via a plurality of continuous openings 136 such that the sleeve 130 covers the frame 110 and therefore covers or protects the nose 14, mouth 18, face 12 and chin 20 area of the wearer 10 as shown in FIG. 1C, which illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of a strapless face mask or personal protection device 100. The front surface 132 of the sleeve 130 may further include a plurality of indicia 1320, which may include but is not limited to patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, etc. Further, the front surface 132 may be comprised of a plurality of three-dimensional jewels 1322 or other decorative elements. Accordingly, it is contemplated that in one embodiment of the personal protect device 100, multiple differing body sleeves or coverings 130 (e.g. of differing visual designs) may be included with the device 100 in kit form. In this regard, a wearer 10 can easily change which body sleeve 130 is on the device 100 based on their tastes, preferences, occasion, etc.

[0038] One embodiment of the covering 130 may further be comprised of cutouts 131 (e.g. continuous openings) located on the upper corners of the body 130 that expose the horizontal frame member 112. In this regard, the frame member 112 can easily be removed from the covering 130 as needed. It is also contemplated that the covering 130 may attached to the horizontal frame member(s) 112 via a snap button assembly 133 that allows the covering to be snapped or unsnapped from the frame member 112 easily. In any given embodiment, the device 100 may be comprised of any number of snap button assemblies 133 positioned on any surface of the frame member(s) 112 or covering 130. In addition, the snap button assembly 133 may be located near each tightening mechanism 150.

[0039] As noted, an embodiment of the device 100 can be comprised of one horizontal frame member 112 near the nose 16 of the wearer 10. In this embodiment, the covering 130 rests on the face 12 and/or chin 20 of the wearer 10 and is held against the face 12 or chin 20 via a tension force that is created via the frame member 112. In this regard, the covering 130 can be more easily removed from a singular horizontal frame member 112 than in an embodiment with two horizontal frame members 112. It is also further contemplated that this embodiment has no vertical frame members 114, and that the tightening mechanism 150 is non-adjustable.

[0040] In addition, the device 100 may be comprised of an anti-fogging mechanism that reduces fogging when wearing the device 100 with eyewear. The mechanism is comprised of a thin, inflatable rubber cushion 1122 that can be inflated/deflated by tightening or loosening the cable 180. Further, the horizontal frame members 112 may be comprised of a plurality of shuttered continuous openings 1124, wherein the shutters 1126 of the openings can be opened/closed via the tightening or loosening of the cable 180 to allow for air to exit the mask 100 to prevent fogging of eyeglasses. Another embodiment of the anti-fogging mechanism may be comprised of a plurality of bristles 185 that are fixedly or removable attached to the horizontal frame member 112 (as seen in FIG. 1A) that engage the nose 14 of the wearer 10, wherein the bristles 185 effectively prevent air from traveling towards the nose 14 and more precisely seal and contact the nose 14 of the wearer than existing face masks known in the art. For comfort, the bristles 185 may also be covered with a soft, fabric sheath 190 wherein the fabric may be filter-based or have filtering and/or anti-microbial properties. In this manner, the bristles 185 further prevent the fogging of any eyewear worn by the wearer 10.

[0041] FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the strapless personal protection device 500 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the flex zones 510 in the frame 520 and the stretchable areas of the covering material are clearly shown. More specifically, the central frame 520 includes side frame elements 521. Each of the zones 510 is capable of bending or flexing to the particular curvature of the face to which it is to be applied, while the main frame portion 520 remains fixed. The covering 524 also has stretchable areas 530 which cooperate with the flex zones 510 such that the covering stretches with the frame and continues to cover the face of the individual. The cords 522 are shown as extending through both the frame 520, the flex zones 510 and also extend through the side frame elements 521. FIG. 5B illustrates a side perspective view of the strapless personal protection device 500 depicted in FIG. 5A, wherein the flex zones 510 are shown bent or flexed from the frame 520 to provide a conforming fit to the face of the individual wearer. Also shown in FIG. 5B are the three-dimensional elements 535 affixed to the front of the face mask 500.

[0042] FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of one potential method of making the strapless personal protection device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the method begins with taking facial measurements at step 600, and then forming the frame elements at step 610 based on the measurements. Then, at step 620, the assembly of the strapless mask is completed. A covering is provided at step 630, and the cover is accessorized at step 640. A spool may be provided at step 615 and a cord can be inserted into the frame. In a further step at 625, the frame elements can be confirmed in accordance with the measurements, and a hypoallergenic adhesive or adhesive tape may be provided at step 635.

[0043] 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 may 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 “strapless face mask device”, “mask”, and “device”, are interchangeable and refer to the strapless face mask device 100, 500 of the present invention.

[0044] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the strapless face mask device 100, 500 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the strapless face mask device 100, 500 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the strapless face mask device 100, 500 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the strapless face mask device 100, 500 are important design parameters for user convenience, the strapless face mask device 100, 500 may be of any size, shape and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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 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.