Face and Ear Mask Device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a face and ear mask device that is comprised of a body, a front surface comprised of a fabric which extends over the nose, mouth, and ears of a user, and an eyeglass-like frame. The body of the device is preferably one that resembles a conventional face mask, with the additional feature of an extension of coverage over the ears. The device is also comprised of an eyeglass frame that can be worn on the head of the user and that may be removably or fixedly-attaches to the rear surface of the body for more convenient and secure coverage. Furthermore, the device includes a filter pocket on the rear surface that allows at least one filter to be stored within the body.

Claims

1. A face and ear mask device comprising: a body comprised of a front surface and a rear surface; a filter pocket located on the rear surface; at least one filter received by the filter pocket; and an eyeglass frame that connects to the body, wherein the eyeglass frame can be worn on a head of a user.

2. The face and ear mask device of claim 1, wherein the face and ear mask device covers a mouth, a nose, a chin and a pair of ears of the user when worn by the user.

3. The face and ear mask device of claim 1, wherein the front surface comprises a plurality of indicia, and further wherein said plurality of indicia is comprised of at least one of a pattern, a logo, an emblem, an image, a symbol, a design, a letter, a word, a character, an animal, an advertisement and a brand.

4. The face and ear mask device of claim 1, wherein the eyeglass frame comprises a pair of circular frame members that are received by an eyeglass pocket positioned on the rear surface of the body.

5. A face and ear mask device comprising: a body comprised of a front surface and a rear surface; a plurality of indicia located on the front surface; a filter pocket located on the rear surface; and at least one filter received by the filter pocket.

6. The face and ear mask device of claim 5, wherein the face and ear mask device covers a mouth, a nose, a chin, and a pair of ears of a user when worn by the user.

7. The face and ear mask device of claim 5, wherein the plurality of indicia comprises at least one of a pattern, a logo, an emblem, an image, a symbol, a design, a letter, a word, a character, an animal, an advertisement and a brand.

8. The face and ear mask device of claim 5, wherein the at least one filter is a polypropylene filter, a coffee filter or a HEPA filter.

9. A face and ear mask device comprising: a body comprising a front surface and a rear surface; a filter pocket located on the rear surface; at least one filter received by the filter pocket; and an eyeglass frame that connects to the body, wherein the eyeglass frame comprises a pair of frame arms, at least one hinge, a main frame member, and a pair of lenses.

10. The face and ear mask device of claim 9, wherein the body is comprised of a fabric material.

11. The face and ear mask device of claim 9, wherein the eyeglass frame is comprised of a metal, a wood or a plastic material.

12. The face and ear mask device of claim 9, wherein the face and ear mask device covers a mouth, a nose, a chin, and a pair of ears of a user when worn by the user.

13. The face and ear mask device of claim 9, wherein the eyeglass frame comprises a pair of circular frame members that are received by an eyeglass pocket positioned on the rear surface of the body.

14. The face and ear mask device of claim 13, wherein a pair of circular frame members of the eyeglass frame attach to the rear surface of the body via at least one magnet.

15. The face and ear mask device of claim 9, wherein a pair of circular frame members of the eyeglass frame attach to the rear surface of the body via at least one fastener.

16. The face and ear mask device of claim 9, wherein the filter pocket is secured to the rear surface by at least one fastener.

17. The face and ear mask device of claim 9, wherein the pair of lenses are comprised of an anti-fog coating.

18. The face and ear mask device of claim 13, wherein the eyeglass pocket receives a pair of prescription eyeglasses.

19. The face and ear mask device of claim 9, wherein the pair of frame arms can fold via the at least one hinge.

20. The face and ear mask device of claim 9, wherein the eyeglass frame is removably attached to the rear surface of the body.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of the face and ear mask device of the present invention being worn by a user in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of the face and ear mask device of the present invention being worn by a user and bearing an indicia in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a side perspective view of one potential embodiment of the face and ear mask device of the present invention being worn by a user in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] 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.

[0017] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for an improved face and ear mask device. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a face and ear mask device that prevents a user's ears from being susceptible to the reception and transmission of potentially fatal pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses and any other such unwanted organisms. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a face and ear mask device that is wearable and breathable, but is also comprised of protective material that stops the transmission of potentially deadly pathogens from entering the ear canal. In addition, there exists a long felt need in the art for a face and ear mask device that is comfortably fitting to the face and offers the option of an eyeglass-like fit which extends over the bridge of the nose and behind the ears, to provide user protection from pathogens at all possible entries.

[0018] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a face and ear mask device that protects the ears, as well as the nose and mouth of the user from the transmission of potentially dangerous pathogens. The device is primarily comprised of a body, an eyeglass frame, and a front surface that is comprised of a fabric, which connects the eyeglass frame to the chin and extends over the nose, mouth and ears of the user. In differing embodiments, the body may have the appearance of a plurality of different types of fabrics such as, but not limited to, a vinyl, 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, etc. The fabric may also be comprised of an anti-bacterial/anti-microbial coating to ensure the protection from airborne pathogen entry. Additionally, the fabric may also feature a plurality of indicia, such as, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be pathogens or pathogen-related.

[0019] Further, in one embodiment, the body may have a fixedly or removably-attached fabric material which is connected to an eyeglass-like frame, allowing for maximum convenience and comfort. The body of the face and ear mask device may be fastened to the eyeglass frame, in such ways including, but not limited to, hook and loop, snap-button, magnetic adhesive, button and loop, zipper assembly, etc. The eyeglass frame may be manufactured from and have the appearance of a plurality of different types of materials such as, but not limited to, a durable metal, wood, or plastic such as, but not limited to, an 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, recycled plastic, biodegradable plastic, etc. In other embodiments, the mask may appear by itself, absent the fastening to an eyeglass-like frame.

[0020] Accordingly, the face and ear mask device of the present invention is particularly advantageous, as it grants full protection from the transmission and reception of potentially fatal diseases by protecting the ears, nose and mouth of the user. Further, the device can universally attach to any eyeglass frame, to ensure certain complete coverage over the bridge of the nose. Additionally, the device may itself include a fixedly-attached facial mask fabric secured to an eyeglass frame, or may appear alone, absent an eyeglass framing attachment. Therefore, the device eliminates the possibility of ear canal pathogen transmission, as well as reliably includes coverage over the bridge of the nose by offering the fastening of the fabric to eyeglass frames, a common accessory in many potential users already.

[0021] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of one embodiment of the face and ear mask device 100 of the present invention. The device 100 is primarily comprised of a body 110, an eyeglass frame 140, and a front surface 120 (shown in FIG. 2). The body 110 may be manufactured from a plurality of materials such as, but not limited to, vinyl, canvas, cashmere, chenille, chiffon, damask, jersey, lace, linen, wool, modal, satin, silk, spandex, suede, tweed, twill, velvet, acrylic, modacrylic, nylon, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, vinylidene, benzoate, aramid, rayon, acetate, triacetate, etc., or any other suitable material as is known in the art, but is preferably made of a triune blend of cotton, polypropylene, and a polyester blend, which may be particularly advantageous for simple disposable use. In addition, the body 110 and/or the front surface 120 may be a plurality of colors known in the art such as, but not limited to, blue, black, white, gray, red, green, yellow, orange, etc. Furthermore, the front surface 120 of the body 110 may be comprised of any number of suitable indicia 122 (shown in FIG. 2) in the form of patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be sanitation or health-related.

[0022] The eyeglass frame 140, in differing embodiments, may be manufactured from and have the appearance of a durable metal, wood, or plastic 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, recycled plastic, biodegradable plastic, etc., or any other suitable material as is known in the art.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the device 100, the body 110 is shaped to fit on the head 10 of the user 5 and over the face 12, covering completely the mouth 16, nose 18, chin 20 and ears 14. The device 100 sits comfortably below the eyes 22 by attaching to an eyeglass frame 140. The front surface 120, in a removably-attached embodiment, features a plurality of options for removable-attachment to the eyeglass frame 140 including, but not limited to, an eyeglass pocket 136 that may receive the pair of circular frame members 144 of the eyeglass frame 140 (or the frame 140 of an existing pair of functional prescription eyeglasses as is known in the art), at least one magnet 150 which attaches to the top of the front surface of the circular frame members 144, or at least one fastener 160 which utilizes a fastening mechanism, such as but not limited to: hook and loop, snap-button, magnetic, adhesive, button and loop, zipper assembly, etc., which attaches to the rear surface 130 (shown in FIG. 3) of the eyeglasses. Furthermore, the same fastener 160 may be utilized to secure a filter pocket 132 that houses at least one filter 134 to ensure clean ventilation for the user 5 (shown in FIG. 2). The filter 134 may be made of any disposable and breathable material such as, but not limited to, a polypropylene, coffee filters, HEPA filters, etc.

[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of one embodiment of the face and ear mask device 100 of the present invention non-removably attached to an eyeglass frame 140. When the body 110 is attached to the eyeglass frame 140, it should be noted that the body 110 does not obstruct the sight of the user 5 and the main frame member 142 of the frame 140 sits on the nose 18 of the user 5. Furthermore, because the body 110 is attached to either or both of the circular frame members 144, the transparent or shaded pair of lenses 1440 of the device 100 may have an anti-fog coating or feature that further protects the eyes 22 of the user 5. Additionally, the front surface 120 of the body 110 may be comprised of any number of suitable indicia 122 (shown in FIG. 2) in the form of patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be sanitation or health-related.

[0025] Furthermore, in another embodiment, the body 110 comprises a filter pocket 132 that houses at least one filter 134 to ensure clean ventilation for the user 5. The filter 134 may be made of any disposable and breathable material such as, but not limited to, a polypropylene, coffee filters, HEPA filters, etc.

[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates a side perspective view of one embodiment of the face and ear mask device 100 of the present invention attached to an eyeglass frame 140 and covering the ears 14 (shown as prior art). In this position, it can be observed how the body 110 of the device 100 wraps around the ears 14 of the user 5. The portion of the body 110 near the two frame arms 148 may or may not be attached to the frame arms 148 of the eyeglass frame 140, depending on the wants and/or needs of a user. As such, in one embodiment wherein the body 110 is fixedly-attached to the circular frame members 144 and not the frame arms 148, at least one hinge 146 of each frame arm 148 allows the frame arms 148 to fold for comfortable transport. Further, the rear surface 130 of the device 100 may be made of a soft or padded elastic lining, to ensure a comfortable and non-abrasive, but securely-fastened attachment to the user's 5 head throughout the duration of their use.

[0027] 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 “face and ear mask device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the face and ear mask device 100 of the present invention.

[0028] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the face and ear mask device 100 of the present invention and the 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 face and ear mask device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-3 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the face and ear mask device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the face and ear mask device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the face and ear mask device 100 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.