HEMP PROTECTIVE FACE MASK

Abstract

A face mask completely made from hemp fabric.

Claims

1. A face mask consisting essentially of: a panel configured to cover a nose and a mouth of a wearer; at least one strip coupled to the panel and configured to permit wearing the face mask over a face; a lining along a periphery of the panel; and a thread for coupling the lining and the at least one strip to the panel, wherein the panel, the at least one strip, and the thread are made from hemp.

2. The face mask according to claim 1, wherein the face mask has four strips.

3. The face mask according to claim 1, wherein the panel consists of 3 layers of hemp fabric pieces.

4. The face mask according to claim 1, wherein the panel consists of 5 layers of hemp fabric pieces.

5. A method of producing a face mask, the method comprising the steps of: providing a hemp fabric piece of a shape and size to form a panel of the face mask, wherein the panel is configured to cover a nose and a mouth of a face; lining a periphery of the panel with a liner, the liner made from hemp fabric; and coupling one or more strips to the panel of the face mask, the one or more strips configured to secure the face mask over the face, wherein the panel of the face mask, the lining, and the one or more strips are sewn using a thread made from hemp.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the panel consists of 3 layers of the hemp fabric piece.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein the panel consists of 5 layers of the hemp fabric piece.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The accompanying figures, which are incorporated herein, form part of the specification and illustrate embodiments of the present invention. Together with the description, the figures further explain the principles of the present invention and to enable a person skilled in the relevant arts to make and use the invention.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the face mask, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. Subject matter may, however, be embodied in a variety of different forms and, therefore, covered or claimed subject matter is intended to be construed as not being limited to any exemplary embodiments set forth herein; exemplary embodiments are provided merely to be illustrative. Likewise, a reasonably broad scope for claimed or covered subject matter is intended. Among other things, for example, the subject matter may be embodied as methods, devices, components, or systems. The following detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0019] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the term “embodiments of the present invention” does not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.

[0020] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of embodiments of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising,”, “includes” and/or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0021] The following detailed description includes the best currently contemplated mode or modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention will be best defined by the allowed claims of any resulting patent.

[0022] Disclosed is a face mask made from hemp material that is reusable and has a very long life. The face mask can be washed with negligible degradation of efficiency, and thus can be used for a long time. The disclosed face mask can be made from hemp material that is both organic and biodegradable. Moreover, the material of the face mask prevents the growth of trapped microbes in the pores of the face mask. Thus, the disclosed face musk is aseptic that can prevent the growth of microbes and molds in the face mask. This allows the face mask to be used for a longer time without washing. The material of the face mask can include natural terpenes including ocimene, pinene, and like that has antibacterial and antiviral properties. Hemp is known to have hundreds of such terpenes.

[0023] In one exemplary embodiment, the disclosed face mask can be completely made from hemp material. The steps in making the face mask can include cutting a hemp fabric piece of desired shape and size known to a skilled person for making a face mask. The lining of hemp material can be used around the hemp fabric piece. Also, the strips made from hemp can be provided and the components can be sewn together using a hemp thread to make the face mask. The disclosed face mask can have multiple layers of the hemp fabric for desired filtration capabilities, such as N80 and N99. The disclosed face mask has been evaluated for filtration efficiency and was found to be capable of filtering particles as low as one half micron in size and a delta p (breathability) rating of 0.06 WC at 50 CFM per minute.

[0024] Unlike the cotton fibers that break down and the mask tends to feel ragged and worn out after a few washes, the fibers of hemp have better qualities for a face mask: strong, tensile strength, and endurance. Hemp is both organic and biodegradable. Moreover, the hemp fabric becomes softer with each wash and provides a naturally yielding comfort. Since hemp fabric is naturally antimicrobial, it smells better for longer than cotton without the growth of any mold and mildew. Moreover, hemp can be effective in blocking both UV-A and UV-B rays. Additionally, the disclosed face mask can have moisture-wicking properties adding to the comfort.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1 which discloses the face mask 100 made from hemp having a multilayer panel 110 and a lining 120 running around a periphery of the panel 110. Four strips 130 can be seen coupled to the four corners of panel 110. The four strips can be replaced by elastic bands without departing from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, two ear loops can also be provided instead of four tie-down straps.

[0026] Subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. Subject matter may, however, be embodied in a variety of different forms and, therefore, covered or claimed subject matter is intended to be construed as not being limited to any exemplary embodiments set forth herein; exemplary embodiments are provided merely to be illustrative. Likewise, a reasonably broad scope for claimed or covered subject matter is intended. Among other things, for example, the subject matter may be embodied as methods, devices, components, or systems. The following detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0027] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the term “embodiments of the present invention” does not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage, or mode of operation.

[0028] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of embodiments of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising,”, “includes” and/or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0029] The following detailed description includes the best currently contemplated mode or modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention will be best defined by the allowed claims of any resulting patent.

[0030] While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above-described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed.