Face mask with an adjustable headband

Abstract

An improved face mask for covering the nose, mouth, and areas of the face of a user including an adjustable headband being constructed of a flexible material and being attached to the opposing side walls of the face mask. The headband is formed of flexible fabric material and includes front and back instructional surfaces for displaying instructional materials, interior and exterior pockets for storing items, a top portion having a longitudinally extending internal channel, first, second, and third bungee cord openings for adjusting the tension and length of the bungee cord strap, and a plurality of elongated through holes for inserting elongated items.

Claims

1. An improved face mask comprising a barrier for viral and pathogenic materials and which in its preferred embodiment operates as a covering for the nose, mouth, and areas the face of a user being adjacent thereto, said improved face mask comprising, a) a face mask having opposing side walls, top rims and capable of extending along the sides of said face of said user, b) an adjustable headband being constructed of a flexible material and being removably attached to said opposing side walls of said face mask, c) said flexible material having opposing sides, a front instructional surface, a back instructional surface, an interior space for storing items, a top portion and a bottom portion and being constructed by vertical sealing of said fabric material at said top portion and said bottom portion and whereby said top portion and said bottom portion are closed; said front instructional surface and said back instructional surface being instructional surfaces for instruction and for displaying instructional materials; d) said top portion having a longitudinally extending internal channel for receiving a bungee cord strap having a tension and a length and wherein said longitudinally extending internal channel has a first, second, and third bungee cord opening; e) the bungee cord strap being secured to a plurality of bungee cord adjustment mechanisms that allows for said first, said second, and said third bungee cord openings to securely engage with each other along the length of the bungee cord strap; said bungee cord adjustment mechanism being capable of adjusting both the tension and length of said bungee cord strap; f) a plurality of elongated through holes for inserting elongated items, an internal pocket, and an external pocket having a flap with an opening and closure mechanism being provided thereon; g) said bungee cord strap being inserted into said longitudinally extending internal channel and partially extending through each of said first, second, and third bungee cord openings of said longitudinally extending internal channel, said bungee cord strap being adjustable through said first, second, and third bungee cord openings, said bungee cord strap being connected to said opposing sides of said adjustable headband; h) said plurality of elongated through holes including an inner tube that extends substantially along said top portion of said adjustable headband, a top opening, a bottom opening, and wherein said plurality of elongated through holes are composed of a flexible material and are disposed on said front instructional surface of said adjustable headband and wherein said plurality of elongated through holes are permanently affixed to said adjustable headband; i) a said internal pocket being an entry point for said interior space of said adjustable headband being provided on at least one of said opposing sides of said adjustable headband, said internal pocket having an opening and closure mechanism and being disposed on the interior space of said adjustable headband, and wherein said internal pocket is permanently affixed to said adjustable headband; j) said external pocket opening sideward and adjacent to said adjustable headband.

2. The face mask of claim 1 wherein said adjustable headband is detachable from said opposing side walls of said face mask.

3. The face mask of claim 1 wherein said adjustable headband is capable of being used as storage for said items.

4. The face mask of claim 1 wherein said adjustable headband is dimensioned to fit over the back of the head of said user.

5. The face mask of claim 1 wherein said adjustable headband is capable of extending along said head of said user.

6. The face mask of claim 1 wherein said front instructional surface and said back instructional surface of said adjustable headband are adapted to receive stickers.

7. The face mask of claim 1 wherein said front instructional surface and said back instructional surface of said adjustable headband are made of materials that allow for the placement of decorative elements.

8. The face mask of claim 1 wherein said front instructional surface and said back instructional surface of said adjustable headband are adapted to be a writeable surface.

9. The face mask of claim 1 wherein said front instructional surface and said back instructional surface of said adjustable headband are adapted to be an erasable surface.

10. The face mask of claim 1 wherein said front instructional surface and said back instructional surface of said adjustable headband are adapted to be washed and reused.

11. The face mask of claim 1 wherein said front instructional surface and said back instructional surface of said adjustable headband are adapted to be visible at nighttime or in a dark place.

12. The face mask of claim 1 wherein said plurality of elongated through holes transverse said front instructional surface of said adjustable headband.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The present embodiments are illustrated by way of the figures of the accompanying drawings, which may not necessarily be to scale, in which like references indicate similar elements, and in which:

(2) FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary view of the face mask with an adjustable head band in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the face mask with the removably attached head band, external pocket, and through hole.

(4) FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the face mask with the removably attached head band, internal pocket, and through hole.

(5) FIG. 5 illustrates a back view of the face mask with glasses being attached to the removably attached head band and decorative elements being placed thereon.

(6) FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the face mask with an attached head band in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

(7) FIG. 7 illustrates a cross sectional view of the face mask and head band.

(8) FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom view of the face mask with glasses being attached thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(9) An improved face mask 10 is disclosed. FIGS. 1-8 illustrate an exemplary type of face mask 10 whereby the face mask 10 can be securely worn as prescribed using the general government requirements by first placing the face mask 10 over the nose and mouth, securing the face mask 10 under the chin, fitting the face mask 10 snugly against the sides of the face, and further ensuring that you're able to breathe easily.

(10) The invention as prescribed herein features an improved face mask 10 having opposing side walls 12, top rims 14, and extending along the sides of a user's face 16. The opposing side walls 12 being maintained at the same level when the face mask 10 is being worn. The face mask 10 is removably attached at its opposing side walls 12 to an adjustable headband 20 being constructed of a flexible material. The headband 20 having a body being formed of flexible fabric material and having opposing sides 22, a front instructional surface 24, a back instructional surface 26, an interior space 28, a top portion 34, a bottom portion 36, and being constructed by the vertical sealing of said fabric material at said top portion 34 and said bottom portion 36 and whereby said top portion 34 and said bottom portion 36 are closed.

(11) The top 34 portion of the headband 20 having a longitudinally extending internal channel 42 for receiving a cord strap 44 and wherein said internal channel 42 having a first 46, second 48, and third 52 bungee cord opening and a plurality of elongated through holes 56 for inserting elongated items 58, at least one internal pocket 62, and at least one external pocket 64.

(12) The internal pocket 62 including an opening an closure mechanism 68 and provide storage for items 32 that might require a more secure storage condition such as hearing aids, medicine, credit cards, money, and jewelry. The opening and closure mechanism 68 can be provided as a zipper, Velcro, or snap buttons. In an alternative embodiment, the internal pocket 62 can be provided with an open slit or groove for inserting the items 32.

(13) The external pocket 64 having a flap 66 with an opening and closure mechanism 68 being provided thereon. The external pocket 64 is configured away from the back portion of the headband 20 and towards one of its opposing sides 22. Similarly, the closure mechanism can be provided as a zipper, Velcro, snap button and said external pocket 64 being provided as a storage compartment for keys, identification cards, switch cards, tickets, jewelry or other items that might require temporary storage.

(14) The bungee cord strap 44 is inserted into said interior channel 42 and partially extends through each of the bungee cord openings 46, 48, and 52 of the internal channel 42. The bungee cord strap 44 is adjustable through the bungee cord openings 46, 48, and 52 and is connected to opposing sides 22 of the headband 20.

(15) The bungee cord strap 44 is commonly available in a variety of diameters including ranges from inch with a tensile strength of 100 pounds to inch with a tensile strength 450 pounds. The bungee cord strap 44 can be produced in a variety of colors and additional strap material can include wide band elastic, elastic cords, or elastic retracting cords. The width of the elastic band can range from 1-2 inches.

(16) The head band 20 is detachable from the opposing side walls 12 and can be attached to the opposing side walls 12 of the face mask 10 by zippers, buttons, Velcro, sewing, or snap buttons. The headband 20 can be constructed to match the measurement of the face mask 10 or smaller.

(17) The instructional materials that can be provided for use on the front instructional surface 24 and the back instructional surface 26 of the headband 20 can include stickers 84 for instructional use, instructional elements including sticky notes, pins, personal drawings, or decorative charms. The surface of the headband 20 can be made of materials that allow for the placement of said instructional materials and secure placement of the same to the front instructional surface 24 and back instructional surface 26. For example, children can decorate the headband 20 with pre-printed designs, paint, colored pencils, crayons, or markers.

(18) The plurality of elongated through holes 56 include an inner tube 72 that extends substantially the width of the headband 20 and include a top opening 74 and a bottom opening 78 and wherein each of the elongated through holes 56 transverses the front instructional surface 24 of the headband 20. The elongated through holes 56 are permanently affixed to the headband 20.

(19) The through holes 56 can be constructed from a durable material and are designed to receive a variety of elongated items 58 of various sizes and formats. The housing has a hollow construction and can be constructed in any size or dimension as desired by a manufacturing company or as needed by a specific group of users. Accordingly, each through hole 56 can be used to hold elongated items 58 such as handles for eyeglasses, pens, jewelry, wristwatches, pocket watches, identification badges, etc. In the case of eyeglasses, the flexible handle is positioned therein and is partially covered and folded alongside the front instructional surface 24 of the headband 20.

(20) In use, the headband 20 is adapted to adjustably fit a range of head sizes by telescopically engaging the protruding ends of the bungee cord strap 44 from each opening 46, 48, and 52. The bungee cord is adjusted while extending parallel to the top portion 34 of the headband 20 and whereby the entire headband 20 can be positioned along the back portion of the user's head 18 or lowered towards the neck. The interior of the headband 20 further retaining any of the items 32 placed in the interior 62 or exterior pockets 64. The bungee cord strap 44 is slowly released from the adjustment mechanism 54 in order to remove the headband 20 and release the tension from around the head or neck.

(21) The face mask 10 can be provided in a standard construction including the provision of a breathable material, horizontal and downwardly placed pleats, slits for the insertion of insert coffee filters or additional protective barriers, a standard 66 inch construction, inch pleats on the left and right side near ears, and securely covering the nose and mouth. The face mask 10 can be produced in a standard shape or provided as desired by a user. This can include shapes that are particularly interesting for children including hearts, sun, planets, or round, square, or rectangular shapes.

(22) The face mask 10 as prescribed herein features a wider headband 20 for placement on the neck or head 18. It can be sewn to fit the head or facial needs of a particular user. For example, in cases where a user has difficulty placing the face mask 10 over the back of the head 18, the headband 20 can be constructed as provided herein and to extend comfortably across lower or higher portions of the user's head 18.

(23) The headband 20 could be held in place through the contraction of the elastic material. This allows for a broad range of positions to accommodate a wide range of users. With the headband 20 positioned across the user's head, the head band 20 is frictionally secured without causing undue pressure or discomfort. Maintaining the opposing side walls 12 at the same level would facilitate a quicker adjustment of the bungee cord strap 44 at each of the bungee cord openings 46, 48, and 52.

(24) The bungee cord strap 44 is secured to a bungee cord adjustment mechanism 54 that allows for the bungee cord openings 46, 48, and 52 to securely engage with each other along the continuous length of the bungee cord strap 44. This would provide a substantially uniform adjustment through each bungee cord adjustment mechanism 54. The adjustment mechanism 54 can be a press cord of standard construction. The press buttons can be strategically placed to facilitate the adjustment of the same for left-handed or right-handed users. Further strategic placements of the bungee cord adjustment mechanism 54 can include accommodations for head coverings as desired by the user. In order to further accommodate the needs of young children and in order to address safety, the adjustment mechanism 54 can be placed toward the back of the head or neck area. This would prevent the young child from playing with the cord and further prevent a virus or disease from spreading. For older children, the adjustment mechanisms 54 can be placed on both sides of the temple. In most instances for toddlers and babies, this device as prescribed herein is not recommended for naptime. Day care centers and other childcare facilities would adhere to specific childcare regulations including the requirements of having beds 6 feet apart during rest time.

(25) The bungee cord strap 44 can be stored within a second layer of material to conceal its straps with the bungee cord adjustment mechanism 54 located on the back of the head or neck. The bungee cord adjustment mechanism 54 can be produced in a variety of colors such as all shades of black, all shades of brown, all shades of grey, white, and all shades of primary colors. The bungee cord strap 44 and the bungee cord adjustment mechanism 54 can be produced using the identical color scheme. For example the bungee cord can be white and the press button can be white or mixed color combination. The bungee cord adjustment mechanism 54 can be produced using a plurality of durable materials including metal or plastic.

(26) The internal pocket 62 is provided on at least one of the opposing sides 22 of the headband 20, which features at least one opening and closure mechanism 68. It is disposed on the interior space 28 of the headband 20 and wherein the internal pocket 62 is permanently affixed to the surface of the headband 20. Unlike the internally placed pocket 62, the external pocket 64 opens sideward adjacent the headband 20 so that the face of a user remains unobstructed.

(27) An essential benefit of the present invention is that it is both inexpensive to produce and simple to both put on and remove. In a preferred construction, the attached face mask 10 is made of 100% cotton or any breathable materials that protect a person from inhaling another's droplets by nose or mouth. It can be constructed from the identical material as the face mask 10.

(28) The fabric being used to construct the headband 20 can also be light weight, low porous count, soft, non-irritating, non-woven fabric, or fabric that mimics the construction of a standard face mask 10. The headband 20 can also be fabricated from cotton, cold weather fabric, stretchable fabric, fabric that is used to construct sporting gear or fabric that is worn when participating in outdoor activities such as football, soccer, tennis, and similar activities where an increase in exertion and movement are required. The headband 20 and the provided component parts including the pockets and through holes 56 can be constructed from additional fabric material selected from a plurality of textile including, satin, yarn varieties, durable plastic material, linen, elastic, nylon, polyester, fibers, long stringy fibrous material, or hemp mixtures. Any of the aforementioned headband arrangements can be produced in a variety of colors and covered with a plurality of fabrics including satin cloth, cotton, polyester, leather, faux, solid, printed, or plaid materials.

(29) The headband 20 can also be constructed in a plurality of colors, textured patterns, embroidery, materials, shapes, textures, prints, and designs to reflect the personal tastes and desires of the manufacturer or users. Insignia that are useful in a particular workplace where color is required for health or safety reasons can also be used. In addition, infinite numbers of additional elements such as logos, trademarks, family reunion decorations, sports memorabilia, and reflective materials can be applied and the fabric can be intermixed between various decorative patterns, knitting, and shape designs of materials typically used to construct the same.

(30) The front 24 and back instructional surfaces 26 of the headband 20 can be personalized with symbols, personal or business names, logos, photographs, and precious metals that are commonly used to produce jewelry such as durable metals, coral, stones, or other materials such as shells. The precious metals can include rhinestones, silver and copper mixtures, nickel, gold or gold alloys, titanium, platinum, zinc, steel, costume metals, hypoallergenic metals, and stainless steel.

(31) Additional instructional materials 38 on the front instructional surface 24 or back instructional surface 26 of the headband 20 can include identifying medical alert information, logos for specific medical conditions, symbols, or words that represents a specific type of allergy. This possibility of providing an instructional surface can be helpful for senior citizens with dementia, Alzheimer, or any medical condition.

(32) In the interest of personal privacy, the front instructional surface 24 of the headband 20 can be used to identify if a person is an organ donor, the exact location of a child's classroom, or numbering systems for classrooms. In the event that a child or a face mask 10 is lost, local or school authorities can make an immediate identification of the child or the face mask 10.

(33) This invention will be massed produced locally and can be readily available for use worldwide. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a relatively light weight face mask 10 that is affordable, reliable, easily manufactured, and relatively inexpensive. The face mask 10 can be made available for schools, churches, not-for-profit institutions, and in least-developed countries where the invention as prescribed herein is not easily manufactured or made commercially available.

(34) The Manners in which the Face Mask is Adjusted Before, During, or after Use The face mask 10 is adjusted to fit the head of each individual person based on average head sizes. See sizes below:

(35) TABLE-US-00001 Sizes Small Medium Large Circumference 15-19 18-20 20-26 Average Age Two-Five Years Old 6-12 Years Old Adults For face masks 10 that have 1 wide elastic headband 20; there are no adjustments needed. For face masks 10 that have a bungee cord strap 44, the bungee cord strap 44 cord on the back of the neck or head. Once the face mask 10 is placed on the head and is positioned properly over the nose and mouth, an adult will adjust the bungee cord strap 44 so that the face mask 10 fits properly without falling. A child is able to pull the face mask 10 from the nose and mouth area to drink liquids and to eat. The face mask 10 will lie comfortably around the chest area. This position is less restricting for a child and there is not enough room for child to strangle. For a complete removal, the bungee cord strap 44 can be fully released to remove it in an upward direction above child's head.

(36) Having described my invention, however, many modifications thereto will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains without deviation from the spirit of the invention as defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.