FACE COVERING

Abstract

A face covering generally worn to cover the nose and mouth of a user constructed with ear loops or fastening member configured to releasably engage with a corresponding fastening member affixed to an article of apparel or clothing wear. A corresponding fastening member arranged and configured to releasably receive, hold, and release ear loops or fastening member of a face covering readily available for single handed rapid deployment.

Claims

1. A face covering apparatus comprising: an article of apparel to be worn by a wearer and including at least one first corresponding fastening member attached thereto on an exposed surface thereof so as to be exposed on the exposed surface; wherein the at least one first corresponding fastening member is a plurality of sections including at least one outside surface, one backside surface and two inside surfaces, wherein said two inside surfaces are composed of one first inside surface and one second inside surface, wherein said one first inside surface is in fixed intimate connection with said one outside surface, and wherein said one second inside surface is in fixed intimate connection with said one backside surface, wherein said one first inside surface and said one second inside surface releasably engage, wherein said one outside surface and said one first inside surface overlay said one second inside surface when said one first inside surface and said one second inside surface are releasably engaged and configured in a folded closed position; and, wherein said one first inside surface and said one second inside surface are configured to be releasably engaging when folded, and retaining of said at least one outside surface and said one first inside surface when not engaged and configured in a unfolded open position; said face covering device configured to cover the nose and mouth of the wearer, comprising: an inside surface configured to be when worn proximal to the face of the wearer; and, an outside surface configured to be when worn distal to the face of the wearer; and, a top end, a bottom end, and first and second sides on respective sides of a center line; and, first and second ear loops of the at least one or more ear loops each connected to the first and second sides respectively of the face covering device; and, first fastening members, and second fastening members of said at least one second fastening member each on one of said inside surface or said outside surface at or adjacent a respective side.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said article of apparel comprises one or more of armbands, leg bands, reflective apparel, safety vests, medical wearing apparel, scrubs, lab coats, athletic wearing apparel, T shirts, jerseys, sweaters, uniform wearing apparel, tunics, shirts, tactical gear, work wearing apparel, coveralls, jackets and outerwear.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the face covering device in a folded position exposes at least one of said first or second fastening members such that said first and second fastening members are positioned parallel to one and another and releasably engage with said at least one first corresponding fastening member and cooperate to hold the face covering device in the folded position; the first and second fastening members being releasable to allow the face covering device to be moved to an open unfolded position; and, at least one of the first or the second fastening members configured to releasably engage with and connect to said at least one first corresponding fastening member of said article of apparel; wherein one of said at least one second fastening member is affixed to the outside surface of said face covering device so as to releasably fasten the outside surface of the face covering device directly to the at least one first corresponding fastening member; and, wherein one of said at least one second fastening member is affixed to the inside surface of said face covering device so as to releasably fasten the inside surface of the face covering device directly to the at least one first corresponding fastening member.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the first or the second fastening members of said face covering device is arranged and configured to releasably engage with at least one corresponding fastening member of an article of apparel.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said one first inside surface and said one second inside surface are configured to be receiving of at least one or more ear loops of a face covering device when said one first inside surface and said one second inside surface are not engaged and configured in a unfolded open position; and, wherein said one first inside surface and said one second inside surface are configured to be holding of at least one or more ear loops of said face covering device when said one first inside surface and said one second inside surface are engaged and configured in a folded closed position; and, wherein said one first inside surface and said one second inside surface are configured to be releasing of at least one or more ear loops of said face covering device when said one first inside surface and said one second inside surface are not engaged and configured in a unfolded open position; and, wherein said one first inside surface and said one second inside surface are configured to be receiving, holding and releasing of at least one of the first or the second fastening members of said face covering device when said one first inside surface and said one second inside surface are not engaged and configured in a unfolded open position.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said one first inside surface and said one second inside surface of said at least one first corresponding fastening member is formed entirely throughout of self-engaging single-component hook & loop material, wherein said one first inside surface and said one second inside surface releasably engaged when said one first inside surface and said one second inside surface are configured in a folded closed position, and retaining of said at least one outside surface and said one first inside surface when not engaged and configured in a unfolded open position.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said one second inside surface is arranged and fixedly sewn, or welded to said article of apparel, and said one first inside surface is arranged and fixedly sewn, or welded to one said outside surface, wherein said arrangements do not interfere with releasable engagement of said one first inside surface and said one second inside surface.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein a connecting material of said one first inside surface and said one second inside surface is a hook and loop material and/or self-engaging single-component hook & loop material or stretch material.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said at least one second fastening member comprises one of the group including, hook and loop material, self-engaging single-component hook & loop material, snap buttons or magnets.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said one first inside surface and said one second inside surface comprises one of the group including, hook and loop material, self-engaging single-component hook & loop material, snap buttons or magnets configured to releasably engage with said at least one second fastening member hook and loop material, self-engaging single-component hook & loop material, snap buttons or magnets of claim 9.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said one first inside surface comprises one of the group including, hook and loop material, self-engaging single-component hook & loop material, snap buttons or magnets configured to releasably engage with said one second inside surface corresponding hook and loop material, self-engaging single-component hook & loop material, snap buttons or magnets.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said two inside surfaces of said at least one first corresponding fastening member and said outside surface of said at least one first corresponding fastening member are formed as one piece.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said second fastening member is affixed to said face covering device by one of sewing, bonding, fusing, or gluing.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said one first inside surface connected to said one outside surface releasably engages with said article of apparel with hook and loop material, self-engaging single-component hook & loop material, snap buttons or magnets.

15. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the outside surface of said at least one first corresponding fastening member is fabric, silicone, or plastic material capable of providing stability, sturdiness, rigidity, or firmness.

16. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the outside surface of said first at least one corresponding fastening member is constructed at least in part of a resilient material including manufactured materials or natural materials.

17. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said one backside surface of said at least one first corresponding fastening member is arranged for attachment to walls, chairs, desks and other surfaces.

18. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said second fastening member is arranged so as to not compromise a seal or function of said face covering device, or the comfort of the wearer or intended usability of said face covering device.

19. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said first and second fastening members are arranged to releasably engage with first and second fastening members of other face covering devices so as to manage a plurality of face covering devices to be grouped cohesively in one bundle.

20. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said second fastening member of said face covering device are arranged to releasably engage with corresponding fastening members of identification patches or devices for the purpose of identification or personalization of said face covering device.

21. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said one first inside surface and said one second inside surface of said at least one first corresponding fastening member is formed entirely throughout of self-engaging single-component hook & loop material, wherein said one first inside surface and said one second inside surface releasably engaged when said one first inside surface and said one second inside surface are configured in a folded closed position, and retaining of said at least one outside surface and said one first inside surface when not engaged and configured in a unfolded open position; and, wherein said one first inside surface and said one second inside surface are configured to be receiving of at least one or more ear loops of a face covering device when said one first inside surface and said one second inside surface are not engaged and configured in a unfolded open position; and, wherein said one first inside surface and said one second inside surface are configured to be holding of at least one or more ear loops of said face covering device when said one first inside surface and said one second inside surface are engaged and configured in a folded closed position; and, wherein said one first inside surface and said one second inside surface are configured to be releasing of at least one or more ear loops of said face covering device when said one first inside surface and said one second inside surface are not engaged and configured in a unfolded open position; and, wherein said one first inside surface and said one second inside surface are configured to be receiving, holding and releasing of at least one of the first or the second fastening members of said face covering device when said one first inside surface and said one second inside surface are not engaged and configured in a unfolded open position.

22. A method of reducing cross-contamination, storing, transporting and securing a face covering on an article of clothing readily available for rapid deployment.

23. The method according to claim 22 wherein one said one first corresponding fastening member of said article of apparel of claim 1 is configured to receive at least one or more ear loops of said face covering device when said one first inside surface and said one second inside surface of said one first corresponding fastening member are not engaged and configured in a unfolded open position; and, wherein one said one first corresponding fastening member of said article of apparel of claim 1 is configured to hold at least one or more ear loops of said face covering device when said one first inside surface and said one second inside surface of said one first corresponding fastening member are releasably engaged and configured in a folded closed position; and, wherein one said one first corresponding fastening member of said article of apparel of claim 1 is configured to release at least one or more ear loops of said face covering device when said one first inside surface and said one second inside surface of said one first corresponding fastening member are configured in a unfolded open position; and, wherein one said one first corresponding fastening member of said article of apparel of claim 1 is configured to receive, hold and release at least one of the first or the second fastening member of said face covering device when said one first inside surface and said one second inside surface of said one first corresponding fastening member are not engaged and configured in a unfolded open position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] FIG. 1 is an illustration of the front of a face covering with a plurality of fastening members.

[0022] FIG. 2 is an illustration of the back of a face covering with a plurality of fastening members.

[0023] FIG. 3 is an illustration of the front of a face covering with a tag.

[0024] FIG. 4 is an illustration of the back of a face covering with a tag.

[0025] FIG. 5 is an illustration of the front of a face covering with a fastening member.

[0026] FIG. 6 is an illustration of the front of a face covering with an identification patch.

[0027] FIG. 7 is an illustration of the front of a face covering with an identification patch.

[0028] FIG. 8 is an illustration of the front of a face covering with an identification patch.

[0029] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a face covering.

[0030] FIG. 9a is illustration of a folded face covering.

[0031] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a face covering with a closure.

[0032] FIG. 11 is an illustration of a face covering kit.

[0033] FIG. 11a is illustration of attachment areas and cover patch.

[0034] FIG. 11aa is illustration of an attachment area.

[0035] FIG. 11ab is a side view of an open cover patch.

[0036] FIG. 11ac is a side view of a closed cover patch.

[0037] FIG. 11ad is a face covering held with a cover patch.

[0038] FIG. 11ae is perspective view of a cover patch affixed to a clothing wear such as an arm or leg band.

[0039] FIG. 11b is illustration of a face covering releasably affixed to a clothing wear.

[0040] FIG. 11c is illustration of a face coverings releasably affixed to a clothing wear.

[0041] FIG. 12 is an illustration of a T shirt clothing wear with attachment areas.

[0042] FIG. 13 is an illustration of a T shirt wear with a face covering releasably affixed near the chest area.

[0043] FIG. 14 is an illustration of a T shirt wear with a face covering releasably affixed near the chest area and a folded face covering releasably affixed near the shoulder area.

[0044] FIG. 15 is an illustration of a cover over a face covering affixed to a clothing wear.

[0045] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a face covering.

[0046] FIG. 17 is a front view of a face covering.

[0047] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a side and back of a face covering.

[0048] FIG. 19 is illustration of a kit readyremovable patch.

[0049] FIG. 20 is a side view of a removable patch path to clothing wear attachment area.

[0050] FIG. 21 is illustration of a hook-and-loop backed shipping and deployment bag.

[0051] FIG. 22 is illustration of two hook portions of hook-and-loop material sewn or adhesively joined back-to-back.

[0052] FIG. 23 is a side view of a cover patch with continuous hook-and-loop material.

[0053] FIG. 24 is a side view of a openable patch with continuous hook-and-loop material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] Description will now be given in detail according to exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that various embodiments of the present invention are possible including shape, structure and materials, as such, other embodiment variations are to be considered to be part of this disclosure. The drawings are provided to easily understand various features and it should be understood that the embodiments or articles presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. Also, it should be noted that positions or placements of individual components may be changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Reference numerals and letters or combinations or numerals and letters in the drawings may designate the same or similar parts in many aspects without repetition of the descriptive writing. The invention will be described in enough detail that those skilled in the art are able to understand the present invention.

[0055] The term clothing wear, apparel wear or apparel is to be understood as garments and other devices, items or similar to be worn by mankind to adorn, cover or protect the head, face, human body or person.

[0056] The above forementioned clothing wear, apparel wear or apparel is to include outer wears including accessory wears, such as armbands or leg bands and reflective apparel, such as safety vests or similar or medical wearing apparel, such as scrubs or lab coats or athletic wearing apparel, such as T shirts, jerseys, sweaters or uniform wearing apparel, such as shirts, chef's jacket, tunics and tactical wears or work wearing apparel, such as coveralls or outer wearing apparel, such as jackets.

[0057] The term or use of the wording corresponding fastener is to be understood as a fastening portion or a corresponding or mating part of a two-part fastening system that releasably engages with a fastening member of a face covering. Wording such as, corresponding hook or loop, hook-and-loop material, attachment areas and snag free fasteners are to be considered a corresponding fastener when sense can be made. It should also be understood hook and loop material may be self-engaging, wherein the hooks and the loops are woven into the same material.

[0058] In further explanation of said self-engaging hook and loop material, it is to be understood that hook and loop material that is self-engaging may be a fastening member and/or a corresponding fastener.

[0059] As used herein, the use of singular terms may include plural or plural may be singular where sense can be made.

[0060] Referring to the FIGS there is provided a face covering 1 such as, but not limited to surgical and respiratory type masks, balaclavas, neck gaiters, cloth masks, bandanas or similar type face coverings 1 used generally to fit over the nose and mouth of a wearer, that includes an inside surface 2a, the surface proximal to the face of the wearer, and an outside surface 2, the surface distal to the face of the wearer. The inside surface 2a and outside surface 2 or a hem, seam or the like of the face covering 1 may have a fastening member 3, 3a, 3c or plurality of fastening members 3, 3a, 3c of a two-part hook-and-loop (Velcro) material or snap buttons (not shown), magnets (not shown), or other attachment means (not show) sewn or attached to the face covering 1 or into the face covering 1 for the purpose of releasably engaging a face covering 1 to another object, surface, item, clothing wear 6 (FIGS. 11b, 11c, 12, 13, 14 and 15) armband 6a (FIG. 11ee), openable patch (FIG. 23) or the like.

[0061] A preferred two-part attachment method is illustrated with hook-and-loop (Velcro) type material that when pressed together, cause the loops to receive the hooks. It is to be understood that the loop portion and the hook portion of a two-part system are interchangeable, wherein either part could appear on the face covering 1, as part of the tag 3b, clothing wear 6, armband 6a, deployment shipping bag 10, removable patch 9, cover patch 7c, openable patch (FIG. 11ab, 11ac, 19, 20, 23, 24) or other item or surface including the ear loops 4 of a face covering 1. In some aspects the hook-and-loop material fasteners or fastening member 3, 3a, 3c may incorporate the hooks and loops into one piece such as (Velcro) brand sew on snag free fasteners 7i.

[0062] In one preferred configuration the face covering 1 fastening members 3 sewn or attached to the inside surface 2a could be a loop portion and the outside surface 2 could be the hook portion of a hook-and-loop type fastener (Velcro). The fastening members 3, 3a and 3c are operably attached to the face covering 1 sewn, adhesively affixed or the like to the inside surface 2a and/or outside surface 2 near or on a seam, hem, ear loop 4 or tag 3c in a manner comfortable for the wearer that does not interfere with the face covering 1 seal 5 (FIG. 4). Where applicable the face covering 1 (FIGS. 9a, 18) fastening members 3 hook portion on the outside surface 2 could be positioned or lined up with the fastening members 3a loop portions on the inside surface 2a in a manner that permits the fastening members 3 and fastening members 3a to be parallel when the face covering 1 is folded generally in half. This parallel positioning allows the face covering 1 to be releasably attached to another surface (not show) or clothing wear 6 (FIG. 12) at the corresponding hook 7b or loop 7a portion of a hook-and-loop type fastener (Velcro). However, the fastening members 3 and fastening members 3a illustrated in FIG. 18 may be similar hook-and-loop type materials where both the fastening members 3 and 3a are the loop portions. When the face covering 1 is generally folded in half the fastening members 3 and fastening members 3a can engage the corresponding fastener 7 of a clothing wear 6 (FIG. 11b), armband (FIG. 11ae), removable patch 9 (FIGS. 19, 20), openable patch (FIG. 11ab, 11ac, 19, 20, 23, 24) or other apparel wear, surface or item.

[0063] In some aspects a fastening member 3 is sewn or attached to the face covering 1 as a tag 3b (FIGS. 3, 4 and 9). The tag 3b may be located at any point on the outside surface 2 of the face covering 1, however a preferred location is generally near the seam or hem of the inside surface 2a or outside surface 2 of the face covering 1. This tag 3b may provide identification as to the face covering 1 material type and rating, laundry and care instructions, identification instructions including, logos or the like. Additionally, this tag 3b may be intentionally blank on the side opposite of the fastening member 3c (FIG. 4) for personal identification writing known to the user and identifiable to others, such as, but not limited to personal names, initials, symbols or nicknames that identify the user. The tag 3b may additionally be used as a closure 3bb (FIG. 10) for retaining the face covering in a generally folded assembly where the inside surface 2a of the face covering 1 is shielded by the outside surface 2 preventing the inside surface 2a from contact with other surfaces. The closure 3bb inside surface 3c and outside surface 3cc may be a two-part hook-and-loop (Velcro) material where the closure 3bb inside surface 3c engages the fastening member 3 sewn or attached to the face covering 1 and the outside surface 3cc engages the corresponding fastener 7 (FIG. 12) of a clothing wear 6 (FIGS. 12, 13 and 14) or another object, surface, item, or similar (not shown). Optionally, the tag 3b may be provided loosely, not sewn or attached to the face covering 1 but releasably attached to a fastening member 3 where the user could remove the tag 3b and place as needed for a closure holding the face covering 1 in a generally folded assembly. Additionally, the face covering 1 could be provided with slits 3dd (FIG. 3) or openings for inserting same loosely provided tag 3b.

[0064] In some aspects, identification patches 3d (Athlete A FIG. 6, smiling face FIG. 7 and Fire Services FIG. 8) such as, but not limited to, a name, shape, number (FIG. 17), letter, figure or combination of a name, shape, number, letter or figure can be releasably attached to a fastening member 3 of the face covering 1. Where identification patches 3d (Athlete A FIG. 6, smiling face FIG. 7 and Fire Services FIG. 8) are fitted with one part of a two-part fastening material such as hook-and-loop type (Velcro). The identification patches 3d could be fitted with the loop portion and the face covering 1 fastening member 3 could be the hook portion of a hook-and-loop fastener (Velcro). However, the hook or loop portions are interchangeable when so desired.

[0065] In some aspects a kit (FIG. 11) may be provided for releasably affixing a face covering 1 to objects or items such as, but not limited to, a desk, wall, chair, apparel wears or similar. The kit may include a face covering 1 and a two-part hook-and-loop fastener (Velcro) adhesive tape or sew on two-part hook-and-loop (Velcro) material or similar, or an adaptor patch 7h (FIG. 22) consisting of sewn together or adhesively joined or the like back-to-back hook portions 3f of hook-and-loop material for attachment to other surfaces, clothing wears 6, armband 6a or other items including other face coverings 1. Part one of the two-part hook-and-loop fasting tape would include the loop portion 3e and part two would be the hook portion 7a (FIG. 11) or combinations of each or the hook-and-loop material may incorporate the hooks and loops into one piece combining part one and part two, such as (Velcro) brand sew on snag free fasteners. The kit may also include a tag 3b, hook-and-loop material, identification patches 3d, clothing wear 6, armband 6a, cover patch 7c, removable patch 9, shipping bag 10 and a cover 8. Each item may independently be sewn or affixed in some manner to the clothing wear 6, armband 6a or other apparel wears (not shown) or the like as needed by the user.

[0066] A clothing wear 6 complete with attachment areas 7 may be provided as part of the kit or not as part of a kit, but as part of a two-part method and system of attaching face coverings 1 to a clothing wear 6 or apparel wear. The attachment areas 7 sewn or attached to the clothing wear 1 are for the purpose of readily releasably attaching and deploying a face covering 1. The placement of the attachment areas 7 on the clothing wear 6 are mindful of the wearers ability to engage with the face covering 1 releasably attached to the clothing wear 6 and are sewn or attached in a manner that does not irritate the skin of the wearer while providing a location that allows single handed manipulation of the face covering 1. Additionally, the attachment areas 7 on the clothing wear 6 are mindful of cross contamination, as such, the attachment areas 7 are strategically placed to keep the face covering 1 held in place during physical activities, work activities, exercise activities, or similar activities. The position and arrangement of the attachment areas 7 additionally provides accountability for outside influences such as wind and air movement where the attachment areas 7 hold fast the face covering 1 during such conditions. If outside conditions such as rain or snow could affect the face covering 1 there is provided a washable cover 8 (FIG. 11 and FIG. 15) that is arrange to cover the face covering 1. Additionally, the face covering 1 may be sealed within a plastic shipping bag (FIG. 21) that could be affixable to a clothing wear 1 or other surface without removal of the shipping bag until needed by the user.

[0067] Previous prior art teachings using hook-and-loop (Velcro) type fastening materials or snap buttons, magnetic fasteners or the like sewn or attached to apparel for attaching pictorial presentations, insignia, letters, numbers, logos, communication of a message or changing indicia on garments or placing fun figures provide no teachings of attaching face coverings 1 to apparel or a clothing wear 6. The clothing wear 1 or apparel complete with attachment areas 7, and/or cover patch 7c, and/or openable patch (FIG. 11ab, 11ac, 19, 20, 23, 24), and/or removable patch 9 and/or shipping bag 10 herein now provides teaching for attaching a face covering 1 to apparel or a clothing wear 6. Additionally, illustrated in (FIG. 12) some aspects the hook-and-loop (Velcro) attachment areas 7 on the clothing wear 6 are uniquely place to correspond with a face covering 1 described herein where the loop 7a and hook 7b parts are strategically positioned to engage with fastening members 3 and fasting members 3b (FIG. 9a). Furthermore, an openable or removable (Velcro) backed cover patch 7c (FIGS. 11a, 11c, 11ab, 11ac, 11ad and 11ae) made of fabric, silicone, plastic or like materials may be sewn with stretch material 7e or similar material, or attached by other means to a clothing wear 6 for the purpose of clamping over or holding a face covering 1 by the ear loops 4 or similar of a face covering 1. In some aspects the cover patch 7c is removable and not sewn to the clothing wear 6, in which case, the cover patch 7c can be provided as part of a kit or attached to prevent snagging outer wears (not shown). When the cover patch 7c is sewn to a clothing wear 6, stretch material 7e or similar material could be used to retain the cover patch 7c to the clothing wear 6 when the cover patch 7c is open, or not engaged with the hook-and-loop material. The openable end 7d may be attached to a clothing wear 6 with hook-and-loop (Velcro) material, snap buttons, buttons, magnets or the like.

[0068] FIG. 11aa, 11ab, 11ac provide further Illustration of a cover patch 7c where the hook-and-loop materials 7d, 7 do not extend completely throughout creating a void 7f for the purpose of holding the ear loops 4 in a manner that will not cause snagging of the ear loop 4 material. The cover patch 7c when opened allows the ear loops 4 to be inserted through the top opening 4a into the void 7f. However, it is to be understood that the cover patch 7c may be positioned in any directional orientation. When the cover patch 7c is closed the ear loops 4 are held secure within the void 7f area in a snag free manner. However, when hook-and-loop material fasteners incorporate the hooks and loops into one piece such as (Velcro) brand sew on snag free fasteners 7i the hook-and-loop material may extend throughout the entire area, and in some cases extend as one continuous piece where the use of the stretch material 7e can be omitted (FIGS. 23, 24). Additionally, logo branding may appear within hook-and-loop branded material 7g. It is to be understood for the purpose of manufacturing that all parts of the cover patch 7c including clothing wear 6 attachment areas are formed as one piece that can be sewn or attached to a clothing wear 6. It should also be understood that when not sewn or attached to a clothing wear 6 the assembled parts may be provided as part of a kit that can be sewn onto a clothing wear 6 or attached in some manner by the user. In a preferred configuration of a kit ready removable patch 9 (FIG. 19) the stretch material 7e and the loop portions of hook-and-loop material 7d are sewn or adhesively attached to the backside of the cover patch 7c. The same stretch material 7e sewn or adhesively attached to the backside of the cover patch 7c and hook portions 7g of hook-and-loop material are then sewn or adhesively attached to the back of a patch backing 9a being hook portions of hook-and-loop material. The removable patch 9 can be releasable engaged with other surfaces, clothing wears 6 (FIG. 20) armband 6a (FIG. 11ae) or the like as need by the user.

[0069] FIG. 11ae provides illustration of a face covering 1 releasable affixed to an armband 6a or leg band providing a method and means of transportation, storage and rapid deployment of a face covering 1 that is interchangeable from clothing apparel wears. The armband 6a generally a rectangular piece of cleanable or washable fabric, cloth, suede, leather, textile, plastic, or other relatively sturdy material having a respective front-facing and rear-facing surface. The front front-facing surface is engaged with retaining the face covering 1 and the rear-facing surface is wrapped around the arm or leg securing the armband 6a or leg band to the leg or arm of the wearer. The opposing free ends 6aa and 6bb carry complementary parts such as hook and loop (Velcro) type material, slide release buckles (not shown), snap buttons (not shown) or other attachment method (not shown) to selectively and releasably adjust and secure the armband 6a or leg band to the leg or arm. Alternatively, closed self-adjusting cylindrical band of elastic fabric type material may provide another method of securing the armband 6a or leg band to the leg or arm.

[0070] FIG. 17 provides illustration of a face covering 1 wherein a fastening member 3 of the face covering 1 is affixed on an outside surface 2 near a side hem and FIG. 18 provides illustration of a face covering 1 wherein a fastening member 3 and fastening member 3a of the face covering 1 are affixed on an outside surface 2 and inside surface 2a. When folded generally in half the placement of fastening member 3 and fastening member 3a allow the face covering 1 to be held releasably engaged to corresponding fasteners affixed or formed in part, or in whole of other items, surfaces, devices, including apparel, armbands (FIG. 11ae), scrubs, clothing wears (FIGS. 11b, 12), or openable patch (FIG. 11ab, 11ac, 19, 20, 23, 24).

[0071] FIG. 21 provides illustration of a face covering 1 enclosed within a deployment shipping bag 10 where hook-and-loop material is affixed to the exterior of the shipping bag 10 front or back surface for the purpose of engaging with hook-and-loop material of a clothing wear 6, armband 6a, or another surface. Providing a deployment shipping bag 10 in this manner allows the user to have a backup face covering not affected by external elements such as rain, dust, germs or the like that is readily available for deployment. Additionally, with hook-and-loop type materials, snap buttons (not shown) or similar fastening materials affixed on the front and back of the deployment shipping bag 10 it is possible that one or more than one deployment shipping bag 10 can be engaged with a clothing wear 6, armband 6a, cover patch 7c, removable patch 9, or other surface.

[0072] FIG. 23 provides illustration of an openable patch where the inside surfaces or snag free fasteners 7i or corresponding fasteners connect the cover patch 7c or outside surface of the openable patch to a clothing wear 6, wherein the continuous snag free fasteners 7i or inside surface(s) or corresponding fastener(s) is looped back or folded generally in half where the backside of the snag free fasteners 7i or inside surface(s) or corresponding fastener(s) can be affixed to the clothing wear 6. It is to be understood that the when the openable patch is in the open position the inside surfaces or snag free fasteners 7i or corresponding fasteners are exposed for engagement with fastening member 3, 3a, 3c of the face covering 1. Additionally, it is to be understood that the ear loop(s) 4 of said face covering 1 can be retained or held within the closed openable patch, whereby, the inside surfaces or snag free fasteners 7i or corresponding fasteners are engaged, thereby, releasably holding said face covering 1 by the ear loop(s) 4.

[0073] FIGS. 11b, 11c, 13, 14 and 15 provide illustration of a face covering 1 releasable affixed to a T shirt clothing wear 6 providing a method and means of transportation, storage and rapid deployment of a face covering 1. The clothing wear 6 attachment areas 7 (FIG. 12) illustrated are preferred locations that enable the user a single-handed approach to the removal of and releasably affixing a face covering 1 to a clothing wear 6.

[0074] The aforementioned invention, methods and approach to managing a face covering 1 provides first responders, individuals engaged in high intensity activities, or other individuals and persons an effortless enhanced sanitary means and method for face covering 1 storage, transportation and deployment.

[0075] The present invention has been illustrated and described with reference to particular embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other changes in form and detail may be made and are to be considered within the scope and essence of the present invention.