MULTIFUNCTIONAL RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE FACE MASK

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention provides a multifunctional face mask system adapted to receive a nebulizer system, enabling a user to be treated by a nebulizer medication, while simultaneously providing a hygienic barrier between the user and their external environment via at least one filter component. The present invention further provides a multifunctional face mask system that is self-supporting, thereby enabling a user to wear the mask system in a portable manner. The present invention, in other embodiments, includes the bonding between at least one filter component and its corresponding filter window, to be produced by a selective mold behind injection molding process.

Claims

1. A multifunctional face mask system for providing a hygienic barrier between a user and the user's external environment while the user is treated by a nebulizer medication, said multifunctional face mask system comprising: (a) a mask housing configured to interface with the user, said mask housing comprising: (i) a housing receptacle configured to receive a nebulizer system; (ii) a front section, a top section, a bottom section, a left-side section, a right-side section and a housing outer edge perimeter configured to sealingly engage circumferential area about the user's nose and mouth; and (iii) at least one filter window comprising at least one aperture, at least one filter component affixed to said at least one filter window using a joining system, said at least one filter component comprising a filter perimeter strip possessing a top surface, a bottom surface and a perimeter edge surface; and (b) an attachment system, wherein said attachment system cooperates with said mask housing having sufficient rigidity to provide said multifunctional face mask system that is self-supporting when worn by the user.

2. The multifunctional face mask system of claim 1, said mask housing further comprises a bottom edge configured to engage at least a portion the upper chin area of the user, so to support a substantial portion of multifunctional face mask system's weight.

3. The multifunctional face mask system of claim 1, wherein said housing outer edge perimeter is fabricated as a flexible thin-walled lip, thereby providing additional sealing performance between said mask housing and the user.

4. The multifunctional face mask system of claim 1, wherein said mask housing is fabricated from a polymeric material selected from the group consisting of an injection-moldable thermoplastic material, a thermoset material and any combinations thereof.

5. The multifunctional face mask system of claim 4, wherein said polymeric material surrounds said filter perimeter strip, producing a three-sided bond, which further anchors said top surface, said bottom surface, and said perimeter edge surface of said filter perimeter strip, thereby producing an enhanced seal between said mask housing and said at least one filter component.

6. The multifunctional face mask system of claim 5, wherein said joining system is provided by a selective mold behind injection molding process.

7. The multifunctional face mask system of claim 5, wherein said three-sided bond is formed by a polymeric supplemental bead comprising additional said polymeric material.

8. The multifunctional face mask system of claim 1, wherein said mask housing is constructed from a material having a property selected from the group consisting of transparent, translucent, opaque and colored.

9. The multifunctional face mask system of claim 1, wherein said mask housing comprises a location for said housing receptacle that is selected from the group consisting of said front section and said bottom section.

10. The multifunctional face mask system of claim 9, wherein said nebulizer system is configured to be attached to said housing receptacle in a manner that is selected from the group consisting of removable attachment and permanently attachment.

11. The multifunctional face mask system of claim 1, wherein the nebulizer system is sealingly connected to said housing receptacle, enabling the creation of a substantially sealed microenvironment within said multifunctional face mask system's inner volume, thereby conserving the nebulizer medication.

12. The multifunctional face mask system of claim 1, wherein said multifunctional face mask system is portable.

13. The multifunctional face mask system of claim 1, wherein said at least one filter component is fabricated from a material selected from the group consisting of a single layer of filtration material and a filtration composite having at least two distinct layers of filtration material.

14. The multifunctional face mask system of claim 1, wherein said joining system is a process selected from the group consisting of gluing, stitching, clamping, heat-staking and ultrasonic welding.

15. The multifunctional face mask system of claim 1, further comprising a concave three panel assembly, integrated as part of said mask housing, comprising said left-side section, said front section, and said right-side section, wherein each said section is substantially planar, and are all contiguously adjoined, such that the left portion of said front section is attached to said left-side section via a first linking edge, and the right portion of said front section is attached to said right-side section via a second linking edge; said concave three panel assembly further comprises at least one stiffening member disposed at predetermined locations thereon.

16. The multifunctional face mask system of claim 15, wherein at least one panel of said concave three panel assembly comprises an average thickness that is greater than said top section or said bottom section, so to enable the quality fabrication of said multifunctional face mask system via a selective mold behind injection molding process.

17. The multifunctional face mask system of claim 15, further comprising a strain redirection assembly comprising said concave three panel assembly coupled with said top section and said bottom section, in mechanical cooperation with said at least one stiffening member, configured such that said concave three panel assembly provides enhanced sealing by increasing compressive pressure to the user from said left-side section and said right-side section when said top section and said bottom section are in tension; and increasing compressive pressure to the user from said top section and said bottom section when said left-side section and said right-side section are in tension.

18. The multifunctional face mask system of claim 1, wherein said housing outer edge perimeter further comprises a user interface seal selected from the group consisting of an inboard flexible seal and an outboard flexible seal.

19. The multifunctional face mask system of claim 1, wherein said attachment system further comprising a right support strap for producing a holding pressure along an outer vertical length of said right-side section, a left support strap for producing a holding pressure along an outer vertical length of said left-side section and each said support strap is elastic.

20. The multifunctional face mask system of claim 1, wherein said at least one filter window comprises a plurality of apertures and said filter perimeter strip encircles said plurality of apertures.

21. A face mask system for providing a hygienic barrier between a user and the user's external environment, said face mask system comprising: (a) a mask housing fabricated from an injection-moldable thermoplastic material, said mask housing comprising at least one filter window comprising at least one aperture, and at least one filter component comprising a filter perimeter strip, wherein said at least one filter component is bonded onto said filter window using a selective mold behind injection molding process; said mask housing further comprising a housing outer edge perimeter configured to sealingly engage circumferential area about the user's nose and mouth; and (b) an attachment system, wherein said attachment system cooperate with said mask housing with sufficient rigidity to provide said multifunctional face mask system that is self-supporting when worn by the user.

22. The face mask system of claim 21, wherein said at least one filter component is fabricated from a material selected from the group consisting of a single layer of filtration material and a filtration composite having at least two distinct layers of filtration material.

23. The face mask system of claim 21, wherein said mask housing is constructed from a material having a property selected from the group consisting of transparent, translucent, opaque and colored.

24. The face mask system of claim 21, further comprising a three-sided bond, wherein said injection-moldable thermoplastic material substantially engages all surfaces of said filter perimeter strip comprising a top surface, a bottom surface and a perimeter edge surface, thereby producing an enhanced filter component-housing seal.

25. The face mask system of claim 24, wherein said three-sided bond is formed via a polymeric supplemental bead comprising additional polymeric material supplied by said selective mold behind injection molding process, further strengthening said enhanced filter component-housing seal.

26. The face mask system of claim 21, wherein said at least one filter window comprises a plurality of apertures and said filter perimeter strip encircles all said plurality of apertures.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The ensuing detailed description section makes reference to the annexed drawings. An enhanced understanding of the present invention will become evident when consideration is given to the detailed description thereof and objects other than the aforementioned become apparent. The invention will be described by reference to the specification and the annexed drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements, and wherein:

[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an embodiment of a multifunctional face mask system, affixed to a user. The system depicts a nebulizer system attached to the bottom section of the mask housing.

[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of multifunctional face mask system shown in FIG. 1, delineating the details of mask housing.

[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective top-left detailed view of multifunctional face mask system shown in FIG. 2.

[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of multifunctional face mask system shown in FIG. 2.

[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom-left perspective detailed view of multifunctional face mask system shown in FIG. 2.

[0037] FIG. 6 illustrates a side perspective view of an embodiment of a multifunctional face mask system of FIG. 1, affixed to a user. The illustration depicts a nebulizer system attached to the bottom section of the mask housing.

[0038] FIG. 7 illustrates a side perspective view of another embodiment of a multifunctional face mask system, affixed to a user. The illustration depicts a nebulizer system attached to the front section of the mask housing.

[0039] FIG. 8 illustrates a top-front detailed view of a concave three panel assembly; the depicted assembly is an integrated subassembly of the multifunctional face mask system shown in FIG. 1.

[0040] FIG. 9 illustrates a top-front detailed view of a concave three panel assembly, further depicting three separate filter components and their corresponding housing filter windows and corresponding attachment locations.

[0041] FIG. 10 illustrates a top-front detailed view of a concave three panel assembly, further depicting an elongated single filter component and corresponding housing filter window and attachment location.

[0042] FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of an elongated filter component, further depicting the location of the filter perimeter strip.

[0043] FIG. 12 illustrates a top-left detailed view of the top surface of the filter component shown in FIG. 11, further depicting details of the filter perimeter strip (showing top and edge portions).

[0044] FIG. 13 illustrates a bottom-left detailed view of the bottom surface of the filter component shown in FIG. 11, further depicting details of the filter perimeter strip (showing bottom and edge portions).

[0045] FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a polymeric supplemental bead type of three-sided bond; where top, bottom and edge surfaces engage corresponding portions of the housing filter window. Polymeric supplemental bead produces three-sided bond as well as performs the function of a stiffening member due to the increased thickness of polymeric material used in the bond.

[0046] FIG. 15 illustrates a back-end perspective view of the multifunctional face mask system shown in FIG. 2. The illustration depicts an inner volume configured to receive a nebulizer medication.

[0047] FIG. 16 illustrates a sectional, back-end view of the face mask system shown in FIG. 15, depicting an outboard flexible seal.

[0048] FIG. 17 illustrates a back-end sectional view of an embodiment of a face mask system depicting a portion of an inboard flexible seal.

[0049] FIG. 18 illustrates a front perspective view of an embodiment of a face mask system including a filter component and configured without nebulizer capability.

[0050] FIG. 19 illustrates a side perspective view of an embodiment of the face mask system shown in FIG. 18, affixed to a user. The illustration depicts a face mask system shown with a filter component attached.

DEFINITIONS OF TERMS USED IN THIS SPECIFICATION

[0051] The portable protective facemask discussed throughout this disclosure shall have equivalent nomenclature, including, but not limited to: the device, the mask, the unit, the face mask system, the mask system, the system, the portable protective facemask comprising a nebulizer system, the present invention, or the invention. Additionally, the term exemplary shall possess a single meaning throughout this disclosure; wherein the sole focus is directed to serving as an example, instance, or illustration.

[0052] The term “about” is used herein to mean approximately, roughly, around, or in the region of. When the term “about” is used in conjunction with a numerical range, it modifies that range by extending the boundaries above and below the numerical values set forth. In general, the term “about” is used herein to modify a numerical value above and below the stated value by a variance of 20 percent up or down (higher or lower).

PARTS/FEATURES LIST

[0053] 1—multifunctional face mask system (bottom section nebulizer interface) [0054] 2—user [0055] 3—filter component [0056] 4—mask housing [0057] 6—housing receptacle (bottom section) [0058] 8—nebulizer system (bottom section interface) [0059] 10—front section [0060] 12—top section [0061] 14—bottom section [0062] 16—left-side section [0063] 18—right-side section [0064] 20—bottom edge [0065] 22—output port (bottom section interface) [0066] 30—left support strap [0067] 32—outer vertical length (left) [0068] 34—upper strap aperture (left) [0069] 36—lower strap aperture (left) [0070] 50—multifunctional face mask adapted to receive a nebulizer system [0071] 52—outer edge perimeter [0072] 54—plurality of apertures [0073] 60—top edge [0074] 62—right edge [0075] 64—left edge [0076] 70—upper chin [0077] 72—housing-nebulizer connection (bottom section interface) [0078] 80—nebulizer system (front section interface) [0079] 82—housing receptacle (front section) [0080] 84—output port (front section interface) [0081] 86—multifunctional face mask system (front section nebulizer interface) [0082] 88—bottom edge [0083] 90—housing-nebulizer connection (front section interface) [0084] 100—concave three panel assembly (subassembly of FIG. 1 system) [0085] 102—linking edge (right) [0086] 104—linking edge (left) [0087] 106—section thickness (wall thickness of right-side section 18) [0088] 108—section thickness (wall thickness of front section 10) [0089] 110—section thickness (wall thickness of left-side section 16) [0090] 112—three panel assembly and corresponding three filter components [0091] 120—right-side filter window (located on mask housing 4) [0092] 122—front filter window (located on mask housing 4) [0093] 124—left-side filter window (located on mask housing 4) [0094] 126—right filter component [0095] 128—front filter component [0096] 130—left filter component [0097] 132—right filter perimeter strip [0098] 134—front filter perimeter strip [0099] 136—left filter perimeter strip [0100] 150—three panel assembly and corresponding elongated single filter component [0101] 152—elongated filter window (located on mask housing 4) [0102] 154—elongated filter component (covers right, front, and left filter windows) [0103] 156—elongated filter perimeter strip [0104] 170—top surface (of elongated filter perimeter strip 154) [0105] 172—edge surface (of elongated filter perimeter strip 154) [0106] 174—bottom surface (of elongated filter perimeter strip 154) [0107] 176—housing filter window (approximate location) [0108] 178—polymeric supplemental bead (is a stiffening member & produces three-sided bond) [0109] 190—back-end [0110] 192—inner volume [0111] 194—outboard flexible seal [0112] 196—mask housing [0113] 198—inner volume wall [0114] 200—inboard flexible seal [0115] 210—basic face mask system [0116] 212—filter component

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0117] With reference to the drawings of the present invention, several embodiments pertaining to the faucet system of the present invention thereof will be described. In describing the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be used for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. Terminology of similar import other than the words specifically mentioned above likewise is to be considered as being used for purposes of convenience rather than in any limiting sense.

[0118] It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As well, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising”, “including”, “characterized by”, “possessing” and “having” are all to be interpreted as open ended terms, are all considered equivalent terms, and are used interchangeably.

[0119] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of the multifunctional face mask system 1, affixed to user 2. The multifunctional face mask system 1, with attached filter component 3, presents one exemplary embodiment configured to provide a hygienic barrier between user 2 and the user's external environment, while user 2 is simultaneously treated by a nebulizer medication provided by nebulizer system 8.

[0120] Face mask system 1 includes mask housing 4, which is comprised of five contiguously connected sections, the sections include: top section 12, bottom section 14, right-side section 18, front section 10, and left-side section 16. Preferred face mask embodiments, incorporate mask housing 4 fabricated from a select few injection-moldable thermoplastic type materials, which also possess semi-rigid properties, such polymeric materials include, but are not limited to: TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), TPE (thermoplastic elastomers), and the Polyvinyl family of polymers. Also depicted is filter component 3 bonded to all depicted housing sections, i.e., right-side section 18, front section 10, and left-side section 16.

[0121] Other face mask system embodiments incorporate mask housing 4 fabricated from thermoset materials, which include, but not limited to: silicone, polyurethane, and the like. It is imperative that mask housing 4 possess sufficient rigidity or strength, such that multifunctional face mask system 1, including the weight of nebulizer system 8, is self-supporting when worn by user 2. Whether the material comprising mask housing 4 is a thermoplastic or a thermoset material, configuring the unit from a transparent material is, in certain situations, is preferred. One advantage of transparent materials is that it allows the health care provider the ability to easily monitor the integrity of the inner volume of mask housing 4, as well as the condition of user's nose and mouth areas. Other, less preferred optical material options include translucent, opaque, colored, or dyed.

[0122] For simplicity, in the present embodiment, and all others presented in this discloser, the property of symmetry will be utilized. Accordingly, since mask housing 4 is substantially symmetrical about front section 10, component explanations and relationships directed to the left portion of mask housing 4, shall also apply to mirror image, right portion; and vice versa. Accordingly, outer vertical length 32 is depicted on the distal vertical edge of left-side section 16. In the present embodiment, the upper and lower portions of outer vertical length 32 include upper strap aperture 34 and lower strap aperture 36, respectively. Left support strap 30, engages both upper strap aperture 34 and lower strap aperture 36, producing a substantially uniform downward pressure along both left and right outer vertical lengths of mask housing 4. The uniform pressure applied along the vertical edges, not only promotes user comfort, but additionally helps prevent gap creating mask distortions—typically induced by single point strap attachment schemes. In preferred embodiments, support straps, such as Left support strap 30, are fabricated from elastic type of elongated materials, so to generate the appropriate holding forces.

[0123] Face mask system 1 comprises a means for attaching nebulizer system 8, having an output port 22 designed to removably engage with housing receptacle 6. Other embodiments include attachment schemes where nebulizer system 8 is permanently affixed to mask housing 4, including a delivery. In the present system, the means for transporting and dispensing a nebulizer medication to user 2 and the support means for supporting nebulizer system 8 is one in the same. Nebulizer system 8 includes its own means of power, and is further designed to be both compact and light weight; thereby creating face mask system 1 that is portable, which grants user 2 ample freedom of movement.

[0124] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of multifunctional face mask adapted to receive a nebulizer system 50. FIG. 2 further elaborates on the fine points associated with mask housing 4. To support the present and subsequent explanations directed to the workings of mask housing 8, a Cartesian coordinate system (i.e., X-Y axes) has been superimposed over the mask housing depicted in FIG. 2. Accordingly, top edge 60 and bottom edge 20 are associated with the +Y and −Y axis, respectively; moreover, left edge 64 and right edge 62 are associated with the +X and −X axis, respectively.

[0125] Again referring to FIG. 2, depicted is one embodiment of a strain redirection assembly, comprised from a concave three panel assembly (i.e., right-side section 18, front section 10, and left-side section 16) in engagement cooperation with top section 12 and bottom section 14, and in further mechanical cooperation with at least one stiffening member (further delineated in discussions associated with FIGS. 8 and 14), is configured such that mask housing 4 provides enhanced sealing, for example: by increasing compressive pressure to user 2 from left-side section 16 and right-side section 18 when top section 12 and bottom section 14 are in tension; moreover, increasing compressive pressure to user 2 from top section 12 and bottom section 14 when left-side section 16 and right-side section 18 are in tension.

[0126] Mask housing 4 engagement to user 2 occurs via its perimeter or its contiguous outer most edge portion, and is herein referred to and depicted as outer edge perimeter 52. Outer edge perimeter 52 is comprised of four core components: top edge 60, which corresponds with the +Y axis; bottom edge 20, which corresponds with the −Y axis; left edge 64 which corresponds with the +X axis, and right edge 62 which corresponds with the −X axis. The transfer of forces to all aforementioned mask sections is understood to interface, or transfer via corresponding portions of outer edge perimeter 52.

[0127] Mask housing 4 depicts three sets of plurality of apertures 54, wherein each set 54 is comprised of three apertures. Right-side section 18 includes a plurality of apertures 54, as does front section 10, and left-side section 16. The apertures serve a variety of functions, including: providing a gateway to the user's external environment—serving as a means for receiving oxygen, supporting filter components, and the like.

[0128] FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 are various point of view depictions of the multifunctional face mask adapted to receive a nebulizer shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective top-left detailed view of multifunctional face mask system shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom-left perspective detailed view of multifunctional face mask system shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom-left perspective detailed view of multifunctional face mask system shown in FIG. 2. Again the illustrations depict provide various views of the device shown in FIG. 2, in order to provide a complete disclosure of the given embodiment under discussion.

[0129] FIG. 6 illustrates a side perspective view of the embodiment of the multifunctional face mask system shown in FIG. 1, affixed to a user. The illustration generally depicts nebulizer system 8 attached to the bottom section 14 of the mask housing 4. More specifically, housing-nebulizer connection 72 is comprised of nebulizer system 8 having output port 22, which is configured to deliver a nebulizer medication into mask housing 4, via housing receptacle 6. Housing-nebulizer connection 72 includes output port 22, which possesses a bend in the tubing. By way of example, but not limitation, the tube possesses a 90-degree bend, which not only yields a longer path, but also promotes turbulent air flow. Embodiments, having such substantial directional changes in the nebulizer medication flow paths, helps provide supplementary mixing of the nebulizer medication prior to utilization by user 2.

[0130] Mask housing 4 comprises bottom edge 20, which is configured to rest on user's 2 upper chin 70. The depicted embodiment utilizes the natural shelf-like geometry of the lower chin area to help support the weight of multifunctional face mask system 1. More specifically, the shelf-like portion of upper chin 70 is understood to lie on, or anywhere between the Mentolabial sulcus and the Pogonion facial landmarks.

[0131] FIG. 7 illustrates a side perspective view of another embodiment of a multifunctional face mask system, affixed to a user. The illustration depicts a housing-nebulizer connection 90, wherein nebulizer system 80 having output port 84 is attached to the front section of multifunctional face mask system 86 via housing receptacle 82. The face mask system of FIG. 7 comprises a means for attaching nebulizer system 80 via housing-nebulizer connection 90. In one embodiment the connection can configured from a nebulizer system 80 having output port 84 designed to removably engage with housing receptacle 82. Other embodiments include combinations where nebulizer system 80 and associated connecting hardware is permanently affixed to multifunctional face mask system 86; including a delivery system for transporting and dispensing a nebulizer medication to user 2. Nebulizer system 80 includes its own means of power and is further designed to be both compact and light weight; thereby creating a face mask system that is substantially portable, granting user 2 ample freedom of movement.

[0132] FIG. 8 illustrates a top-front view of concave three panel assembly 100 portion of the multifunctional face mask system shown in FIG. 1. Depicted are three contiguous, substantially planar sections, which are configured to form a curved or concave geometry. Connected to one side of front section 10, is right-side section 18, the two substantially planar sections meet at edge 102. Connected to the opposing side of front section 10, is left-side section 16, the two substantially planar sections meet at edge 104. In preferred embodiments, concave three panel assembly 100 is fabricated as one homogeneous unit. Capable manufacturing processes include selective mold behind injection molding type processes. Right-side section 18 possesses a substantially uniform section thickness 106. Front section 10 possesses a substantially uniform section thickness 108. Left-side section 16 possesses a substantially uniform section thickness 110. All section thicknesses (106, 108, and 110) are controllable via the associated fabrication process, e.g., by the corresponding selective mold behind injection molding type processes). In certain embodiments all section thicknesses (106, 108, and 110) are substantially equal. The thicknesses can be selected to be greater than the thicknesses associated with top section 12 and bottom section 14 to improve manufacturability with certain processes, such as a selective mold behind injection molding type process.

[0133] In other embodiments section thicknesses (106, 108, and 110) are not all equal to each other. The section thicknesses (106, 108, and 110), including polymeric supplemental bead 178 shown in FIG. 14, are all examples of, and shall be considered stiffening members. Stiffening members typically provide additional rigidity, primarily due to their additional thickness. Any single member, sections 106, 108, 110), and polymeric supplemental bead 178 can be configured as a stiffening member by providing additional thickness, including any combination thereof, further including the embodiment where all are configured as stiffening members.

[0134] The inclusion of stiffening members, in predetermined locations, assist concave three panel assembly 100 function as a means for strain redirection, in mechanical cooperation with top section 12 and bottom 14 (depicted in FIG. 1).

[0135] Such stiffening member(s) features will result in enhanced sealing, for example, by increasing compressive pressure to user 2 from left-side section 16 and right-side section 18 when mechanically cooperating sections, i.e., top section 12 and bottom section 14 are in tension; and increasing compressive pressure to user 2 from top section 12 and bottom section 14 when left-side section 16 and the right-side section 18 are in tension. Additional details are delineated in FIGS. 1 and 14 and their corresponding discussions.

[0136] FIG. 9 depicts a three panel assembly and corresponding three filter components 112, and delineates a top-front detailed view of concave three panel assembly 100, further depicting three separate filter components: right filter component 126, front filter component 128, left filter component 130; and their respective corresponding housing filter windows: right-side filter window 120, front filter window 122, and left-side filter window 124. Each filter component includes a perimeter strip having an edge surface 172, which frames the filter component. In preferred embodiments, it is understood that if the bond between the perimeter strips and their corresponding housing filter windows is strengthened or ensured, then absolute filter component attachment to each individual aperture 54 is not required. This is because the filter perimeter strips encircle the plurality of apertures 54, such that all apertures are contained within each filter perimeter strip; accordingly, a gap-free hygienic barrier between user 2 and the user's external environment is ensured. It is understood that the strengthen bonds help the present mask system withstand spontaneous gap creation, typically induced by device aging or flexing.

[0137] The type of filter material selected for the three separate filter components: right filter component 126, front filter component 128, left filter component 130, are chosen based on the level of filtration required, expected life desired, and the like. For example, an N95 capable filter component should be selected, if N95 certification for a given mask embodiment is desired. This filter component selection process is recommended for all disclosed embodiments, such that mask embodiments will meet or exceed the requirements for a given application.

[0138] FIG. 10 depicts a three panel assembly and corresponding elongated single filter component 150, and delineates a top-front detailed view of a concave three panel assembly, further depicting an elongated single filter component 154 and corresponding housing filter window 152. Assembly 150 is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, except the present embodiment incorporates elongated filter component 154, which encircles all housing filter windows: right-side filter window 120, front filter window 122, and left-side filter window 124, and in turn all the plurality of apertures 54 thereon. It is understood that the filter component member can vary in construction. In preferred embodiments the filter component is fabricated from a single layer of filtration material, in other embodiments the filter component can be constructed from two or more layers of filtration material. In multi-layered embodiments, it is recommended that the outer edge portions of each layer be fastened to each other, such that the multi-layered filtration material can be handled and processed as one single unit.

[0139] Elongated filter component 154 includes elongated filter perimeter strip 156, having an edge surface 172, which frames the filter component. Again, it is understood that if the bond between elongated filter component 154 and its corresponding elongated filter window 152 is strengthen or ensured, then absolute filter component attachment to each individual aperture 54 is not required. This is because elongated filter perimeter strip 156 encircles the all the plurality of apertures 54 on the device; accordingly, a gap-free hygienic barrier between user 2 and the user's external environment is ensured.

[0140] FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of elongated filter component 154, previously depicted in FIG. 10, further depicting elongated filter perimeter strip 156 portion thereon. FIG. 12 depicts a top-edge perspective view of elongated filter component 154, primarily showing the top portion of filter component 154. FIG. 13 depicts a bottom-edge perspective view of elongated filter component 154, primarily showing the bottom portion of filter component 154.

[0141] FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a polymeric supplemental bead 178, a type of three-sided bond; where top surface 170, bottom surface 174, and edge surface 172 engage corresponding portions of housing filter window 176. In preferred fabrication processes, such as selective mold behind type injection molding processes, a three-sided bond can be designed into the device fabrication process. The supplemental bead 178, is considered a strengthening bond, producing an enhanced filter-housing seal, previously disclosed, which helps the mask system withstand spontaneous gap creation, typically induced by device aging or flexing. In addition to the supplemental bead 178 producing and enhanced filter-housing seal, the bond also functions as a stiffening member. The aforementioned function of a stiffening member is to participate in the strain redirection assembly detailed in the discussion associated with FIG. 2. Polymeric supplemental bead 178 simultaneously bonds to top surface 170, edge surface 172, and bottom surface 174 of elongated filter perimeter strip 156. In preferred embodiments the elongated filter perimeter strip 156 is deeply submerged into the polymeric material comprising polymeric supplemental bead 178, additionally the polymeric fibers comprising filter component 154 and polymeric material comprising polymeric supplemental bead 178 can be selected to possess similar melting points, so to activate additional bonding, or welding at the molecular level, further strengthening the interface.

[0142] FIG. 15 illustrates a back-end perspective view of the multifunctional face mask system shown in FIG. 2. Also depicted is full disclosure of outer edge perimeter 52. Back-end 190 depicts inner volume 192 configured to receive a nebulizer medication. In a fully functional face mask system, as depicted in FIG. 1, inner volume 192 creates a substantially sealed microenvironment when worn by user 2. The creation of the substantially sealed microenvironment within the face mask's inner volume provides a means for conserving a nebulizer medication by providing user 2 the opportunity to utilize the medication that would have normally been wasted.

[0143] FIG. 16 illustrates a sectional back-end view of the face mask system shown in FIG. 15. Also illustrated is a portion of outer edge perimeter 52, further depicting an outboard flexible seal 194. In preferred embodiments, the thickness of outboard flexible seal 194 gradually tapers off as it extends outward. The thinner material portions, which are more flexible than neighboring thicker portions, reside at the extreme ends of outer edge perimeter 52, thereby providing enhanced sealing properties. Such a configuration provides a means for augmenting the face seal interface with user 2.

[0144] FIG. 17 illustrates a back-end view of an embodiment of a face mask system depicting an inboard flexible seal 200. Depicted is mask housing 196 having an inner volume wall 198, from which inboard flexible seal 200 originates. Inboard flexible seal 200 curls inward toward the center of the given mask device, and in preferred embodiments the wall thickness gradually tapers off. One of the primary advantages of an inboard flexible seal 200, is that during exhalation by a user, the pressure created causes inboard flexible seal 200 to flex toward the user's face, thereby, via air pressure feedback, providing an enhanced seal.

[0145] FIG. 18 illustrates a front perspective view of an embodiment of basic face mask system 210 including a filter component 212. Basic face mask system 210 is configured without nebulizer capability and offers fundamental protection by providing a hygienic barrier between the user and the user's external environment. The system depicted in FIG. 18, and associated explanations are virtually identical to the system shown in FIG. 1, but without any nebulizer system type components included.

[0146] FIG. 19 illustrates a side perspective view of the embodiment of basic face mask system 210, affixed to user 2. The illustration depicts basic face mask system 210 comprising an attached filter component 212. Basic face mask system 210 does not provide a means for delivering a nebulizer medication, and is used to provide a hygienic barrier between the user and their external environment via at least one filter component 212.

[0147] By way of example, but not limitation, typical thickness ranges are presented, accordingly: approximate range for polymeric supplemental bead 178 is between 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm; approximate range for top section 12 and bottom section 14 is between 0.5 mm and 1.75 mm; and the approximate range for right-side section 18, front section 10, and left-side section 16, when configured as a stiffening member, is between 2.0 mm and 3.0 mm.