FACE MASK

Abstract

Face mask including a mask body, lining around an edge of the mask body, and a nose strip, wherein the complete face mask including the mask body, the lining, and the nose strip is made of a single recyclable material, such as PET. The face mask can be ground directly for recycling without first separating the parts of the face mask.

Claims

1. A face mask comprising: a mask body configured to cover at least a nose and a mouth of a wearer, the mask body made of polyethylene terephthalate; and one or more straps configured to secure the mask body to a head of the wearer, wherein the one or more straps are made of polyethylene terephthalate.

2. The face mask according to claim 1, wherein the face mask further comprises a lining surrounding an edge of the mask body, the lining is made of polyethylene terephthalate.

3. The face mask according to claim 2, wherein the face mask further comprises a nose strip configured to fit over a nose bridge of the wearer, the nose strip is made of polyethylene terephthalate.

4. The face mask according to claim 3, wherein the face mask further comprises one or more slide adjusters operably mounted to the one or more straps, the one or more slide adjusters made of polyethylene terephthalate.

5. The face mask according to claim 1, wherein the mask body is made of porous and transparent polyethylene terephthalate film.

6. The face mask according to claim 1, wherein the mask body is made from porous polyethylene terephthalate fabric.

7. The face mask according to claim 2, wherein the lining is made of polyethylene terephthalate fabric.

8. The face mask according to claim 7, wherein the lining has an antimicrobial coating.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] 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.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a side view of the face mask showing the mask body, lining around the mask body, straps, and a nose strip, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a front view of the face mask shown in FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 3 shows the slide adjuster, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] 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.

[0034] Disclosed is a face mask made from a single material, such as PET that makes recycling of the face mask faster and cost-effective. Referring to FIG. 1, which shows an exemplary embodiment of the face mask 100. The face mask 100 can include a mask body 100 that can at least cover the nose and mouth of the wearer. The mask body can be made from a porous material through which air can be filtered and the filtered air can be breathed. Preferably, the mask body can be made from polyethylene terephthalate. The mask body can be made from porous fabric or porous film of polyethylene terephthalate. In case, the film is used, the mask body can be made transparent. The transparent mask body, by not hiding the face, allows expressing the facial expressions and allows better communication between persons. The porosity of the transparent film made of polyethylene terephthalate and used to manufacture the mask body can efficiently filter pollutants and germs. The porous fabric made from polyethylene terephthalate can also be used to manufacture the mask body.

[0035] Surrounding the mask body 110 can be seen as a lining 120 that can stitch or bond to cover the edges of the mask body 110. The lining can provide a smooth finish and can increase the life of the face mask. The lining, however, can be optional. When present, the lining can be made of the same material as the mask body. The lining can preferably be made of polyethylene terephthalate. For example, the lining can be made from fabric polyethylene terephthalate. The lining can have an additional function to closely fit against the skin of the face to prevent ingress of unfiltered air. The lining can be treated with a disinfectant. Perhaps, the disclosed face mask can be cleaned and disinfected for reuse. When the mask body is made from PET film, the same can be treated for additional functionalities, such as anti-fog and anti-scratch features can be added. The fibers of PET used in the manufacture of mask body or lining can be treated with antimicrobials to prevent the growth of microbes on the surface or within the pores. The lining and the mask body can also be subjected to thermal regulating technology to improve comfort during wearing.

[0036] The disclosed face mask can also include a nose strip 130 made of the same material as the mask body and the lining. Preferably, the nose strip can be made of polyethylene terephthalate. The functioning of nose strips in the face masks is known to a skilled person for securing the face mask around the nose bridge. The nose bridge can be embedded in the lining.

[0037] The disclosed face mask can also include straps 140 that can extend from the mask body or the lining and can be used to secure the face mask to the head of the wearer. FIGS. 1 and 2 show the straps as ear loops. The straps 140 can be made of the same material as used for the mask body and lining. Preferably, the straps can be made of polyethylene terephthalate.

[0038] FIG. 1 also shows a slide adjuster 150 mounted to the straps 140. The slide adjuster can be used to increase or decrease the effective length of the strap, ear loop in FIG. 1. The slide adjuster can also be made of the same material as used for mask body and lining. Preferably, the slide adjuster can be made of polyethylene terephthalate

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the PET filter core material can be filled at the edge of the mask body, so that viruses, dust, bacteria, and other particles can be shielded, thus protecting the wearer's health. The nose strip can be ergonomically designed to fit the contours of the nose bridge without the use of metal wire. The nose strip can be thickened so that to retain shape and prevent the ingress of unfiltered air from the gaps. The mask body can also be implemented such that it can conform to the contours of the face.

[0040] In one aspect, the disclosed face mask can be disposed of separately from other garbage and with other PET waste for recycling. The disposed of face mask can be directly subjected to grinding and granulation to form PET flakes without first disintegrating the face mask. It is understood that the recycling of PET waste may involve other steps.

[0041] The above mentioned is only a preferred embodiment of the invention, not any formal limitation of the invention, although the invention has been disclosed as above with better embodiments, however, not to limit the invention, any skilled person familiar with the profession, within the scope of the technical solution of the invention, when using the above revealed technical content to make some changes or modification for equivalent changes to the equivalent embodiment. However, any simple modifications, equivalent changes and modifications made to the above embodiments according to the technical substance of the present invention, without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention, still fall within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

[0042] 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.