SPORTS MASK SYSTEM

Abstract

The present invention provides a sports mask for breathing training. The sports mask includes a head assemble containing clips to hold the mask against the head. The sports mask further includes a face band assembly that includes straps that are received by the clips present on the head assembly to hold the face assembly against the face of a user. The face assembly includes a face mask unit comprising an airflow valve. The airflow valve includes an airflow resistance varying module that helps in varying flow of air into the airflow valve. The control of airflow resistance varying module can be either manual or automatic when the mask is connected to a wearable device or a vital parameter collection device.

Claims

1. A sports mask comprising: a head band assembly configured to hold the sports mask to head of a user while the sports mask is in use; and a face mask having, a face mask unit to cover a mouth and nose region of the user, the face mask comprising an outer unit, a middle unit and an inner most unit coupled to each other, each of the outer unit, the middle unit and inner most unit having a cavity located concentrically, a face band assembly extending from the face mask unit and coupled to the head band assembly to hold the face mask assembly to cover the mouth and nose region of the user, a grill cover coupled to the outer unit, the grill cover having an opening, wherein the opening is located concentrically to the cavities, a grill adapted to be received by the opening of the grill cover, and an air flow valve assembly having an air flow resistance varying module, the air flow valve assembly adapted to be received by the cavity of the inner most unit to enable the air flow valve assembly to be in communication with the grill, wherein the air flow resistance varying module is capable of enabling multiple positioning thereof to generate various intermediate levels between a minimum and a maximum opening levels to vary flow of air flowing through the grill in the air flow valve assembly.

2. The sports mask of claim 1, wherein the face band assembly comprises a left strap and a right strap, each extending from the outer unit of the face mask unit.

3. The sports mask of claim 2, wherein the head band assembly comprises a left clip to receive the left strap and a right clip to receive the right strap of the face band assembly.

4. The sports mask of claim 3, wherein the left strap and the right strap are releasably attached to the left clip and the right clip, respectively.

5. The sports mask of claim 4, further comprising a fastener at ends of the left strap and the right strap to releasably attach with the left clip and the right clip, respectively.

6. The sports mask of claim 1, wherein the air flow resistance varying module functions comprises: an airflow vent directly in contact with the mouth and nose region of the user, the airflow vent having air holes; an airflow valve adapted to be disposed on over the airflow vent; a valve catcher adapted to place the airflow valve in the engaging position with the airflow vent; and a slider unit adapted to engage with the valve catcher to slide over the valve catcher to open and close the air holes, the slider unit adapted to be shifted to multiple positioning to generate various intermediate levels between the minimum and the maximum opening levels of air holes to vary flow of air flowing from the grill in the air flow valve assembly.

7. The sports mask of claim 6, wherein the slider unit comprises: a sliding notch through which the sliding unit is slidably affixed to the valve catcher to slide over the valve catcher; and a sliding button coupled to the sliding unit to be pushed to enable movement of the sliding unit, through the sliding notch, over the valve catcher to open and close the air holes to vary flow of air flowing from the grill in the air flow valve assembly.

8. The sports mask of claim 7, wherein the slider unit further comprises a motor to automatically push the sliding button to facilitate sliding movement of the slider unit, through the sliding notch, over the valve catcher to open and close air holes to vary flow of air flowing from the grill in the air flow valve assembly.

9. The sports mask of claim 7, wherein the sliding button is manually pushed by the user to facilitate sliding movement of the slider unit, through the sliding notch, over the valve catcher to open and close air holes to vary flow of air flowing from the grill in the air flow valve assembly.

10. The sports mask of claim 1, wherein the grill comprises: a frame with a frame base, the frame, through the frame base, secured in the opening of the grill cover to couple the grill with the grill cover; and a plurality of fines disposed along the frame to filter the air passing there-through.

11. The sports mask of claim 8, further comprising: a vital parameter collection device attached to the innermost unit of the face mask, the vital parameter collection device adapted to collect and monitor data related to requirement of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitric oxide, respiratory rate and breathing effort to the user; and a microcontroller embedded within the face assembly, and, in direct communication with the vital parameter collection device the microcontroller, as per the respiratory rate, breathing effort, and oxygen saturation of the user, may simultaneously control the sliding of the slider unit by controlling the motor.

12. A valve apparatus for a sports mask, the valve apparatus, comprising; an airflow vent, the airflow vent having air holes; an airflow valve adapted to be disposed on over the airflow vent; a valve catcher adapted to place the airflow valve in the engaging position with the airflow vent; and a slider unit adapted to engage with the valve catcher to slide over the valve catcher to open and close air holes, the slider unit adapted to be shifted to multiple positioning to generate various intermediate levels between a minimum and a maximum opening levels of the air holes to vary flow of air flowing in the air flow valve assembly.

13. The valve apparatus of claim 12, wherein the slider unit comprises: a sliding notch through which the sliding unit is slidably affixed to the valve catcher to slid over the valve catcher; and a sliding button coupled to the sliding unit to be pushed to enable movement of the sliding unit, through the sliding notch, over the valve catcher to open and close air holes to vary flow of air flowing from the grill in the air flow valve assembly.

14. The valve apparatus of claim 12, wherein slider unit further comprises a motor to automatically push the sliding button to facilitate sliding movement of the slider unit, through the sliding notch, over the valve catcher to open and close air holes to vary flow of air flowing from the grill in the air flow valve assembly.

15. The valve apparatus of claim 12, wherein the sliding button is manually pushed by the user to facilitate sliding movement of the slider unit, through the sliding notch, over the valve catcher to open and close air holes to vary flow of air flowing from the grill in the air flow valve assembly.

16. The valve apparatus of claim 12, wherein the air flow resistance varying module vanes resistance to inflow of air based on a level of exercise being performed by the user.

17. (canceled)

18. (canceled)

19. (canceled)

20. A sports mask comprising; a head band assembly configured to hold the sports mask to head of a user while the sports mask is in use; and a face mask unit to cover a mouth and nose region of the user, the face mask comprising an outer unit, a middle unit and an inner most unit coupled to each other, each of the outer unit, the middle unit and inner most unit having a cavity located concentrically, a face band assembly extending from the face mask unit and coupled to the head band assembly to hold the face mask unit to cover the mouth and nose region of the user, a grill cover coupled to the cuter unit, the grill cover having an opening, wherein the opening is located concentrically to the cavities, a grill adapted to be received by the opening of the grill cover, and an air flow valve assembly adapted to be received by the cavity of the inner most unit to enable the air flow valve assembly to be in communication with the grill, the air flow valve assembly comprising, an airflow vent, the airflow vent having air holes, an airflow valve adapted to be disposed on over the airflow vent, a valve catcher adapted to place the airflow valve in the engaging position with the airflow vent, and a slider unit adapted to engage with the valve catcher to slide over the valve catcher to open and close air holes, the slider unit adapted to be shifted to multiple positioning to generate various intermediate levels between a minimum and a maximum opening levels of the air holes to vary flow of air flowing in the air flow valve assembly.

21. The sports mask of claim 1 further comprising: a button electronically embedded in the sports mask to wirelessly couple the sports mask to an external device.

22. A system for monitoring oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitric oxide respiratory rate and breathing effort level in a user, the system comprising: a sports mask comprising, a head band assembly configured to hold the sports mask to head of a user while the sports mask is in use; and a face mask assembly having, a face mask unit to cover a mouth and nose region of the user, the face mask comprising an outer unit, a middle unit and an inner most unit coupled to each other, each of the outer unit, the middle unit and inner most unit having a cavity located concentrically, a face band assembly extending from the face mask unit and coupled to the head band assembly to hold the face mask assembly to cover the mouth and nose region of the user a grill cover coupled to the outer unit, the grill cover having an opening, wherein the opening is located concentrically to the cavities, a grill adapted to be received by the opening of the grill cover, and an air flow valve assembly having an air flow resistance varying module, the air flow valve assembly adapted to be received by the cavity of the inner most unit to enable the air flow valve assembly to be in communication with the drill, wherein the air flow resistance varying module is capable of enable multiple positioning thereof to generate various intermediate levels between a minimum and a maximum opening levels to vary flow of air flowing from the grill in the air flow valve assembly; and a wearable device wirelessly connected to the sports mask, the wearable device having monitoring function to control the air flow resistance varying module to vary flow of air flowing from the grill in the air flow valve assembly.

22. The system of claim 21 further comprising: a vital parameter collection device attached to the innermost unit of the face mask, the vital parameter collection device adapted to collect and monitor data related to requirement of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitric oxide, respiratory rate and breathing effort to the user and send the same to the wearable device; and a microcontroller embedded within the face assembly, and, in communication with the vital parameter collection device and the wearable device, the microcontroller, as per requirement of the respiratory rate, breathing effort, and oxygen saturation of the user, may control the air flow resistance varying module, by controlling a motor, based on instruction of the wearable device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of various embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the drawings provided herein. For the purposes of illustration, there is shown in the drawings exemplary embodiments; however, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed.

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a line diagram depicting a sports mask, in accordance to an embodiment of the invention.

[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a line diagram depicting head assembly and various parts, in accordance to another embodiment of the invention.

[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a line diagram depicting exploded view of face assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0017] FIG. 4A illustrates a line diagram depicting inner view of an outer unit of face mask unit of the face assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0018] FIG. 4B illustrates a line diagram depicting side view of an outer unit of face mask unit of the face assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0019] FIG. 5A, illustrates a line diagram depicting inner view of a middle unit of the face mask unit of the face assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0020] FIG. 5B illustrates a line diagram depicting front view of a middle unit of the face mask unit of the face assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates a line diagram depicting innermost unit of the face mask unit of the face assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0022] FIG. 7 illustrate a line diagram depicting exploded view of an airflow valve assembly of the face assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0023] FIG. 8A illustrates a line diagram depicting back side view of a slider unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0024] FIG. 8B illustrates a line diagram depicting front view of a slider unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention

[0025] FIG. 9 illustrates a line diagram depicting an airflow vent, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0026] FIG. 10 illustrates a line diagram depicting a valve catcher, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0027] FIG. 11 illustrates a line diagram depicting a valve, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0028] FIG. 12 illustrates line diagram depicting a grill cover, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0029] FIG. 13A, illustrates a line diagram depicting front view of a grill, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0030] FIG. 13B illustrates a line diagram depicting side view of a grill, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention

[0031] FIG. 14 illustrates line diagram of a vital parameter calculating unit attached to inner side of outer cover of the face assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0032] FIG. 15, illustrates a diagram depicting a wearable device connected to sports mask, in accordance to an embodiment of the invention.

[0033] FIG. 16A illustrates a line diagram depicting slider for low intake of air, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0034] FIG. 16B illustrates a line diagram depicting slider for medium intake of air, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0035] FIG. 16C illustrates a line diagram depicting slider for high intake of air, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The presently disclosed subject matter is described with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or elements similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Moreover, although the term “step” may be used herein to connote different aspects of methods employed, the term should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly described.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 1, a line diagram that depicts a sports mask 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The sports mask includes a head assembly 102 that helps in keeping the sports mask 100 fixed to head of a user. The head assembly 102 is linked to a face assembly 104. Details of head assembly 102 and face assembly 104 will be discussed in detail in subsequent figures. In an embodiment of the invention, the sports mask 100 may include a connecting button (not shown) to initiate a connection with a wearable device. Details of the embodiment will be described later.

[0038] Now, referring to FIG. 2, that depicts a head assembly 102 and its various constituent parts. The head assembly, as described keeps the sports mask fixed to the head of the user. In an embodiment of the invention, the head assembly 102 is made up of durable, and stretchable fabric material. However, there can be other materials as well that may be utilized like fiber, plastic etc. Head assembly 102 includes a left strip 102a and a right strip 102b. Each of the strips 1020a and 1020b further includes a locking clip 1022a and 1022b joined to the strips 1020a and 1020b by joining patches 1024a, and 1024b. The clips 1022a and 1022b, may be made up of metal, plastic, fiber, etc. The clips 1022a, and 1022b are utilized to receive the face assembly 104 and place it firmly on mouth and nose of the user. Details of the face assembly 104 will be discussed in detail.

[0039] Now, referring to FIG. 3 that depicts a face assembly 104 of the sports mask 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Face assembly 104 is placed on the mouth and nose region of the user while being used. Face assembly 104 includes various components that will now be discussed in detail. There is present a face mask unit 1043. The face mask unit 1043 is placed within the face assembly 104 to enable inhalation and exhalation of air by the user. The face mask unit further contains an outer unit 1046, a middle unit 1044, and an innermost unit 1042. Details of all will be described later.

[0040] Still referring to FIG. 3, the face assembly 104, further includes a grill cover 10410. Grill cover 10410 is provided to keep safe and receive a grill 10412. Grill cover 10410 may be made up of plastic, or fiber or any other strong material. The grill cover, as disclosed above receives the grill 10412. Details of the grill 10412 will be received later. The grill cover 10410 with the affixed 10412 is attached to the outer unit 1046 of the face mask unit 1043. The attachment is done through attachment straps 1048a and 1048b. The attachment straps can be either glued or sewn to the outer unit 1046. However, there can be other means of attaching the grill cover to the outer unit 1046. The face assembly 104 further contains an air flow module 1040. The air flow valve assembly 1040 can be fixed to the innermost unit 1042 of the face mask unit 1043 and is finally in communication with the grill 10412 when all the parts are connected to each other. Further details of the module will be explained later.

[0041] Now referring to FIG. 4A and 4B that depict inner view and side view respectively of the outer unit 1046 of the face mask unit 1043. The outer unit 1046 includes a left strap 10464a and a right strap 10434b that are received by the left clip 1022a and 1022b of the head assembly. This arrangement then places this face mask unit 1043 firmly on the head of the user. The outer unit 1046 also includes a cavity 10462 that is present to place and connect the grill 10412 to the air flow valve assembly 1040. In an embodiment of the invention, the straps 10464a and 10464b may have Velcro fastener at their ends to tighten or loosen and adjust the placement of the face assembly 104. In other embodiments, the straps 10464a and 10464b can be flexible and can be permanently fixed to the clips 1022a and 1022b. The straps 10464a and 10464b can be fixed to main body 10466 of the mask. The main body 10466 can be made up of, however not limiting the scope of the invention, high grade plastic, fiber, foam, etc.

[0042] Now, further referring to FIG. 5A, .5B depicting inner view and front view respectively of the middle unit 1044 of the face mask unit 1043. The main body 10444 of the middle unit 1044 can be made up of any of a plastic, a fabric, a foam, etc. the middle unit 1044, includes a cavity 10442 that is configured to receive and connect the grill 10412 and the air flow valve assembly 1040.

[0043] Now referring to FIG. 6, that illustrates the innermost unit :1042 of the face mask unit 1043. The innermost unit 1042 includes a cavity 10422 for helping the air flow valve assembly 1040 to connect with the grill 10412. The main body 10421 of the innermost unit 1042 is made up of any of a plastic, a foam, and a fabric.

[0044] Now referring to FIG. 7 that illustrates exploded view of an airflow valve assembly 1040, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The airflow valve assembly 1040, includes an airflow vent 10420. This is the innermost unit of the airflow valve assembly 1040. The airflow vent 10420 is in direct communication with nose and mouth of the user. The airflow vent 10420, receives an airflow valve 10422 that is fixed on the airflow vent 10420 using a valve catcher 10424. The airflow valve catcher 10424, fixes the airflow valve 10422 on to the airflow vent 10420. The airflow valve assembly 1040, further includes a slider unit 10426. The slider unit 10426, is connected to the valve catcher 10424 on which the slider unit 10426 may be able to slide. The sliding mechanism can be either manual or automatic. The slider unit 10426, can also be further connected to a motor (not shown in figure) that may help it to slide left or right for opening or closing of the airflow vent 10420. The opening and closing increases or decreases flow of air for the user performing or undergoing training exercise.

[0045] Now referring to FIG. 8A and 8A, illustrating back side view and front view respectively of the slider unit 10426. In an embodiment of the invention, slider unit 10426 includes a sliding button 104262 for manually sliding the slider unit 104262. Also, there may be present a sliding notch 104264 that helps in sliding movement. However, in other embodiments the slider unit 104262 can be connected to a small motor (not shown in figure) to facilitate the sliding movement. The slider unit 104262 may be made up of rubber, plastic, or metal.

[0046] Now referring to FIG. 9, illustrating an airflow vent 10420 that helps in inflow and outflow of air to the user. The airflow vent 10420 includes air holes 104202 in hexagonal form. However, there may be different form factor of holes that may be utilized for the same purpose. The airflow vent 10420 also, includes a valve catcher notch 104204 that receives the valve catcher 10424. It is to be noted that the airflow vent 10420 can have any other different configuration. The present configuration (vertical configuration) of half body of the airflow vent 10420 having air holes 104202 and half body being opaque has been shown for exemplary purposes. In other embodiments, the configuration ca be changed to a horizontal configuration.

[0047] Now referring to FIG. 10, illustrates the valve catcher 10424 that includes a catching notch 104242 to fix the valve 10422 on to the airflow vent 10420. The material of the valve catcher can he anyone of a metal, plastic, or fiber, etc.

[0048] Now referring to FIG. 11 illustrating the valve 10422 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The material of the valve can be a plastic, a rubber, or a foam. It is to be understood that the shape of the valve can be varied as per the design preferences. Here however, for the purposes of example, the shape has been chosen as to be circular. The valve 10422 includes a notch 104222 that receives the catching notch 104242 to fix the valve on to the airflow vent 10420.

[0049] Now referring to FIG. 12, illustrating the grill cover 10410. The grill cover 10410 can be made up of anyone of a metal, plastic, fiber, foam or a hardened cloth. Grill cover 10410, includes an opening 104102 that facilitates in communication of the airflow assembly 1040 with the grill 10412 as depicted in FIG. 13A and 13B. FIG. 13A and 13B illustrate front view and side view respectively of the grill 10412. Grill 10412 includes a side frame 104122. The side frame 104122 can be made up of any one of a metal, a plastic, a rubber, or foam, etc. further, the grill 10412 includes a base frame 104126 (shown in FIG. 13B). The base frame is again made up of anyone of a metal, a plastic, a rubber, or foam, etc. There are also present additional fins 104124a-104124d, which help in filtering of the air.

[0050] Now referring to FIG. 14, illustrating a vital parameter collection device 105, attached to the innermost unit 10420 of the face mask unit 1043, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment of the invention, the vital parameter collection device 105 is a pulse oximeter. Pulse oximeter is a medical device that indirectly monitors the oxygen saturation of a patient's blood (as opposed to measuring oxygen saturation directly through a blood sample) and changes in blood volume in the skin, producing a photoplethysmogram. The pulse oximeter 105 is in direct communication with a microcontroller (not shown in figure) embedded within the face assembly 104. The microcontroller includes stored instructions for various levels blood oxygen saturation readings. Hence, the microcontroller, as per the increased or decreased levels of blood oxygen saturation levels, may control the sliding of the slider unit 10426 by controlling the motor (not shown in figure) to slide. Based on pre-fed instructions, if the blood oxygen level falls below a threshold level, the microcontroller may open the slider unit 10426 to allow more air intake and vice versa.

[0051] In other embodiment of the invention, the sports mask may be connected to a wearable device through a network. The wearable device could be a smart watch. The network for communication could be any short range wireless connection like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc. There may be placed a microcontroller placed on the sports mask to collect readings from the pulse oximeter 105 and send these to the wearable device. The sliding function of the slider unit 10426 may also be controlled by the wearable device or smart watch by user's interference or the control can be automatic based on the pre-fed instructions. Based on pre-fed instructions, if the blood oxygen level falls below a threshold level, the microcontroller may open the slider unit 10426 to allow more air intake and vice versa.

[0052] Now referring to FIG. 15, illustrating a wearable device 200 connected to the sports mask 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The sports mask 100 may include a button (not shown in figure) to initiate a connection request to the wearable device 200. The connection can be through any of the small range wireless connections including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NEC), etc. The connection, once successful, initiates an application launch that may present an interface as shown in the figure. There may be present various icons on the application interface. There may be provided a query field 204 wherein the user is provided with a query “Initiate Oxygen Level Monitoring?” if the user wants to use auto-slide control feature, the user may choose thumbs up icon 202a. On choosing this, the user enables the automatic control of the slider unit 10426. On choosing thumbs down, the user can control the sliding manually.

[0053] Now referring to FIG. 16A-16C, illustrates the multiple positioning of the slider unit 10426 on the airflow vent 10420. FIG. 16A displays low oxygen intake level. At this level, there is very minimal intake of air and thus Oxygen. FIG. 16B illustrates medium oxygen intake level. At this position, the intake of Oxygen is at a medium level. Further, FIG. 16C, illustrates high intake level that is the highest possible opening of the airflow vent 10420. At this level, the slider unit 10426 is at the extreme right position. It should be understood, POSITA can generate various other intermediate levels. The levels described above are exemplary and can be modified. It is to be noted that the air inflow restriction control does not interfere too much with air outflow control.

[0054] Aspects of the present subject matter are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods and apparatus (systems) according to embodiments of the subject matter. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions.

[0055] While there has been shown, and described herein what are presently considered the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0056] The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present subject matter. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0057] While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Indeed, the novel methods, devices, and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the methods, devices, and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.