AU2021292712A1

AU2021292712A1 - High quality mask

Info

Publication number: AU2021292712A1
Application number: AU2021292712A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Johnathan COLEMAN
Original assignee: Nana Products LLC
Current assignee: Nana Products LLC
Priority date: 2020-06-17
Filing date: 2021-08-13
Publication date: 2023-01-19
Also published as: GB202217801D0; CA3186627A1; WO2021258085A1; ZA202213546B; US20230232916A1; GB2610351A

Abstract

A face mask system capable of covering and exposing a mouth area of a user a. The face mask system includes a face mask and an eyeglass frame. The face mask includes a mask body and a flap made of a first, second and third materials. The mask body defines an opening exposing the mouth area when the face mask is worn on a face. A flap is pivotably associated with the mask body to cover the opening. A fastening means is associated with the flap and the mask body to retain the flap to the mask body. Elastic cords extend from the mask body to secure the mask body to the face. The eyeglass frame includes a central section featuring a nose brace, and frame arms extending from ends of the central section. The frame arms including an ear member featuring an end element engageable with the elastic cords.

Description

HIGH QUALITY MASK

TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present technology relates to a high quality mask for use in connection with an improved face mask allowing a user to transition between a closed configuration covering the nose and mouth area and an open configuration exposing the mouth area.

BACKGROUND ART

[002] The use of face mask is known in the prior art and have been used to filter out dust and pathogens. Certain infectious diseases, such as CO VID- 19, are readily spread through the air during exhaling. There are mitigation techniques that are effective at reducing the spread of COVID-19, such as social distancing, however these techniques can be difficult to employ in public or confined areas.

[003] To overcome some disadvantages of social distancing, people have utilized a face mask to further reduce the spread infectious diseases.

[004] While the above-described devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not describe a high quality mask that allows an improved face mask allowing a user to transition between a first configuration covering the nose and mouth areas and a second configuration exposing the mouth area.

[005] Therefore, a need exists for a new and improved high quality mask that can be used for an improved face mask allowing a user to transition between a first configuration covering the nose and mouth areas and a second configuration exposing the mouth area. In this regard, the present technology substantially fulfills this need. In this respect, the high quality mask according to the present technology substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of an improved face mask allowing a user to transition between a first configuration covering the nose and mouth areas and a second configuration exposing the mouth area.

DISCLOSURE OF TECHNOLOGY

[006] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of face masks now present in the prior art, the present technology provides an improved high quality mask, and overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art. As such, the general purpose of the present technology, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved high quality mask and method which has all the advantages of the prior art mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a high quality mask which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by the prior art, either alone or in any combination thereof.

[007] An aspect of the present technology can include a face mask for allowing a user to transition between a closed configuration covering a mouth area of a user and an open configuration exposing the mouth area. The face mask can include a mask body, a flap, a fastening means and one or more elastic cords. The mask body can include a first material, a second material and a third material. The second material can be located between the first material and the third material. The mask body can define an opening configured to expose the mouth area when the mask body is worn on a face of the user. The flap can be pivotably associated with the mask body. The flap can include the first material, the second material and the third material. The flap can be configured to cover the opening when in the closed configuration. The fastening means can be associated with the flap and the mask body. The fastening means can be configured to retain the flap to the mask body in the closed configuration. The one or more elastic cords can extend from the mask body and configured to secure the mask body to the face of the user.

[008] Another aspect of the present technology can include face mask system including a face mask and an eyeglass frame. The face mask can include a mask body, a flap, a fastening means and one or more elastic cords. The mask body can include a first material, a second material and a third material. The second material can be located between the first material and the third material. The mask body can define an opening configured to expose the mouth area when the mask body is worn on a face of the user. The flap can be pivotably associated with the mask body. The flap can include the first material, the second material and the third material. The flap can be configured to cover the opening when in the closed configuration. The fastening means can be associated with the flap and the mask body. The fastening means can be configured to retain the flap to the mask body in the closed configuration. The one or more elastic cords can extend from the mask body and configured to secure the mask body to the face of the user. The eyeglass frame can include a central section featuring a nose brace, and a pair of frame arms each extending from opposite ends of the central section. Each of the frame arms can include an ear member featuring an end element configured to engage with at least one of the elastic cords.

[009] In some or all embodiments, the mask body can include a nose section, a pair of side sections extending from an end of the nose section, and a chin section extending between the side sections.

[010] In some or all embodiments, the flap can be pivotably associated with the chin section of the mask body by way of a pivot point located adjacent the opening.

[Oil] In some or all embodiments, the fastening means of the mask body can be associated with the nose section.

[012] In some or all embodiments, the fastening means can be a hook and loop fastener, magnets, snaps, buttons or adhesives.

[013] In some or all embodiments, the mask body can define a pair of frame openings defined therethrough. Each of the openings can be configured to receive therethrough a frame arm of an eyeglass frame.

[014] In some or all embodiments, the elastic cords can each include a hook configured to engage with an ear member of the frame arms.

[015] In some or all embodiments, the elastic cords can each be a loop configured to engage with an ear member of the frame arms.

[016] In some or all embodiments, the first material and the third material are made of a same material, and the second material is made of a material different to that of the first material and the third material.

[017] In some or all embodiments, the second material can be removable from the first material and the third material.

[018] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, features of the technology in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.

[019] Numerous obj ects, features and advantages of the present technology will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present technology when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In this respect, before explaining the current embodiment of the technology in detail, it is to be understood that the technology is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The technology is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting.

[020] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present technology. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present technology.

[021] It is therefore an object of the present technology to provide a new and improved high quality mask that has all of the advantages of the prior art face masks and none of the disadvantages. [022] It is another obj ect of the present technology to provide a new and improved high quality mask that may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.

[023] An even further object of the present technology is to provide a new and improved high quality mask that has a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such high quality mask economically available to the buying public. [024] Still another object of the present technology is to provide a new high quality mask that provides in the apparatuses and methods of the prior art some of the advantages thereof, while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associated therewith.

[025] These together with other objects of the technology, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the technology, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the technology, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated embodiments of the technology. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[026] The technology will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

[027] FIG. l is a side view of an embodiment of the high quality mask with the flap in an open configuration and constructed in accordance with the principles of the present technology.

[028] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the high quality mask of the present technology with the flap in an open configuration.

[029] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a section of the high quality mask showing the first, second and third materials, and the frame arm opening.

[030] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the eyeglass frame of the present technology.

[031] The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE TECHNOLOGY

[032] The present technology relates to a high quality mask (HQM1) for use in connection with an improved face mask allowing a user to transition between a first configuration covering the nose and mouth areas and a second configuration exposing the mouth area.

[033] This Mask design can be made (built) with multiple different types of material, which ever company license, the HQM1 mask design can choose whatever kind of material they prefer.

[034] This HQM1 mask design is built with three (3) ply material / fabric, 2 Dust proof material and one N95 material , with and without Velcro®, plastics, rubber or thin metal nose brace.

[035] The three (3) ply material is for the purpose of having each set of materials to detach from each other. So we have Material 1, Material 2, and Material 3. Material 1 is the main house of the mask, now material 2 is stitched and also has a Velcro® release that detach from material 1 to expose the mouth and nose to either drink some water, eat, spit or just catch a breather of fresh air (as shown in my drawing and pictures of the prototype. Material 3 is a Filter to give extra protection from air bom disease, dust or chemical and also catch spit or a sneeze. Material 3 ( Filter ) is between material 1 and 2 with and without Velcro® and can be washable.

[036] The plastic, rubber or thin metal nose trim is stitch in the inside of Material 1 to stabilize and fit the nose for comfort. [037] The top of Material 1, 2 and 3 has a hole/opening that a pair of custom eye glasses arms passes through to attach and provide comfort to the ears. The bottom of material 1 and 2 has the normal stretchable 3mm rope material that connects to the end of the eye glasses frame arm for a snug fit, either by c-notch, rubber, plastic or metal hook attachment on the end to connect with the eye glasses arms for a comfortable mask fit.

[038] The main parts of the HQM1 mask design is the custom eyeglass frame and the detachment of the materials that expose the mouth and nose to eat, drink, or catch a breather without taking off the mask. The Velcro® material is used to provide a quick release in the front of the mask to expose the nose and mouth for fresh air etc. The material fold down from center of nose of a person and lay down over the material covering the chin of a person.

Parts Needed

[039] 1) Material to make the mask. Note that best fit the company that make the mask.

[040] 2) Nose brace material can be rubber, plastic, or thin metal.

[041] 3) Filter material such as gauze, sponge, cloth etc.

[042] 4) Velcro®, magnet, glue, button etc. : Note that best fit the company that make the mask.

[043] 5) eye glasses arms or custom built arms that connect to the mask.

[044] 6) Stretchable rope material with attached hook or rubber grip to connect to eye glasses arms.

[045] 7) Thread or adhesive glue.

[046] This mask is design to bring comfort to the user and be more safe from COVID 19 and other diseases, chemicals, dust etc.

[047] Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1-3, an embodiment of the face mask system of the present technology is shown and generally designated by the reference numeral 10. The face mask system 10 can include a face mask body 12, and a frame 40 such as for example an eyeglass frame. The mask body 12 can include a first material 14, a second material 20, and a third material 22. The mask body 12 can be configured to seal against part of the face of the user while providing an opening 16 allowing access to the mouth and/or the nose of the user.

[048] The mask body 12 can be configured to include a nose section extending over the nose, a pair of side sections extending from each end the nose section down toward the jaw or chin of the user, and a chin section extend between the side section and across the chin.

[049] The third material 22 can be utilized as a filter to give extra protection from air bom disease, dust or chemical and also catch spit or a sneeze. The third material 22 can be between the first and second materials 14, 20, and can be removable therefrom to be washable and/or replaceable. [050] A portion of the mask 12 can be configured as a flap 24 that includes a first edge transition, stitched or attached to the mask 12 a location below the mouth or lips of the user when wearing the mask 12, thereby providing a pivot or hinge point 26. The pivot point 26 can be a living hinge.

[051] Further, a releasable fastening means 28 can be provided on the mask 12 adjacent the opening 16 above a location of the mouth or nose of the user, with a corresponding releasable fastening means 28 being provided on the flap 24 at an end opposite the pivot point 26. The releasable fastening means 28 can be configured to detach a portion of the flap 24 from the first material 14 to pivot the flap 24 away from the opening 16 thereby exposing the mouth and nose. The releasable fastening means 28 can be any mutually engageable means such as, but not limited to, Velcro®, snaps, buttons, magnets, adhesives, etc.

[052] An elastic cord or strap 32 can extend from both of the side sections near a bottom section of the mask 12 in a spaced apart relationship. The cords 32 each include a hook 34 or can be configured as a loop 36.

[053] The eyeglass frame 40 can include a pair of frame arms 44 extending from a central frame support 42, as best illustrated in FIG. 4. Each frame arm 44 includes an ear member 46 featuring an end element 48 such as, but not limited to an opening, c-notch, notch, slot, hook or the like. The central frame support 42 can include a nose brace 50 configured to rest on the nose of the user. The nose brace 50 can include a hook, grip or rubber section configured to prevent a nose section of the mask body from slipping off.

[054] A top of the mask 12 can include a pair of holes or openings 30 defined through the first, second and third materials 14, 18, 20 on either side of the mask 12, as best illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. The openings 30 are configured to receive therethrough one of the frame arms 44 to attach and provide comfort to the ears.

[055] The hook 34 or loop 36 can be configured to connect to the end element 48 of a corresponding ear member 46. The elastic nature of the strap 32 or loop 36 provides a snug fit of the mask 12 against the face of the user. With the ear member 46 placed on a top section of the ear, and the strap 32 or loop 36 extending up from a bottom section of the ear to connect to the end element 48, thereby encircling the ear and securing the mask 12 in place.

[056] An embodiment of the present technology can include a face mask 10 for allowing a user to transition between a closed configuration covering a mouth area of a user and an open configuration exposing the mouth area. The face mask 10 can include a mask body 12, a flap 24, a fastening means 28 and one or more elastic cords 32, 36. The mask body 12 can include a first material 14, a second material 18 and a third material 20. The second material 18 can be located between the first material 14 and the third material 20. The mask body 12 can define an opening 16 configured to expose the mouth area when the mask body 12 is worn on a face of the user. The flap 24 can be pivotably associated with the mask body 12. The flap 24 can include the first material 14, the second material 18 and the third material 20. The flap 24 can be configured to cover the opening 16 when in the closed configuration. The fastening means 28 can be associated with the flap 24 and the mask body 12. The fastening means 28 can be configured to retain the flap 24 to the mask body 12 in the closed configuration. The one or more elastic cords 32, 36 can extend from the mask body 12 and configured to secure the mask body 12 to the face of the user.

[057] Another embodiment of the present technology can include face mask system 10 including a face mask 12 and an eyeglass frame 40. he face mask 10 can include a mask body 12, a flap 24, a fastening means 28 and one or more elastic cords 32, 36. The mask body 12 can include a first material 14, a second material 18 and a third material 20. The second material 18 can be located between the first material 14 and the third material 20. The mask body 12 can define an opening 16 configured to expose the mouth area when the mask body 12 is worn on a face of the user. The flap 24 can be pivotably associated with the mask body 12. The flap 24 can include the first material 14, the second material 18 and the third material 20. The flap 24 can be configured to cover the opening 16 when in the closed configuration. The fastening means 28 can be associated with the flap 24 and the mask body 12. The fastening means 28 can be configured to retain the flap 24 to the mask body 12 in the closed configuration. The one or more elastic cords 32, 36 can extend from the mask body 12 and configured to secure the mask body 12 to the face of the user. The eyeglass frame 40 can include a central section 42 featuring a nose brace 50, and a pair of frame arms 44 each extending from opposite ends of the central section 42. Each of the frame arms 44 can include an ear member 46 featuring an end element 48 configured to engage with at least one of the elastic cords 32, 36. [058] In some or all embodiments, the mask body 12 can include a nose section, a pair of side sections extending from an end of the nose section, and a chin section extending between the side sections.

[059] In some or all embodiments, the flap 24 can be pivotably associated with the chin section of the mask body by way of a pivot point 26 located adjacent the opening 16.

[060] In some or all embodiments, the fastening means 28 of the mask body 12 can be associated with the nose section.

[061] In some or all embodiments, the fastening means 28 can be a hook and loop fastener, magnets, snaps, buttons or adhesives.

[062] In some or all embodiments, the mask body 12 can define a pair of frame openings 30 defined therethrough. Each of the openings 30 can be configured to receive therethrough a frame arm 44 of an eyeglass frame 40.

[063] In some or all embodiments, the elastic cords 30 can each include a hook 34 configured to engage with an ear member 46 of the frame arms 44.

[064] In some or all embodiments, the elastic cords 36 can each be a loop configured to engage with an ear member 46 of the frame arms 44.

[065] In some or all embodiments, the first material 14 and the third material 20 are made of a same material, and the second material 18 is made of a material different to that of the first material 14 and the third material 20.

[066] In some or all embodiments, the second material 18 can be removable from the first material 14 and the third material 20.

[067] While embodiments of the high quality mask have been described in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the technology. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the technology, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present technology.

[068] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the technology. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the technology to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the technology.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A face mask for allowing a user to transition between a closed configuration covering a mouth area of a user and an open configuration exposing the mouth area, said face mask comprising: a mask body including a first material, a second material and a third material, the second material being located between the first material and the third material, the mask body defining an opening configured to expose the mouth area when the mask body is worn on a face of the user; a flap pivotably associated with the mask body, the flap including the first material, the second material and the third material, the flap being configured to cover the opening when in the closed configuration; a fastening means associated with the flap and the mask body, the fastening means being configured to retain the flap to the mask body in the closed configuration; and one or more elastic cords extending from the mask body and configured to secure the mask body to the face of the user.

2. The face mask according to claim 1 , wherein the mask body includes a nose section, a pair of side sections extending from an end of the nose section, and a chin section extending between the side sections.

3. The face mask according to claim 2, wherein the flap is pivotably associated with the chin section of the mask body by way of a pivot point located adjacent the opening.

4. The face mask according to claim 3, wherein the fastening means of the mask body is associated with the nose section.

5. The face mask according to claim 4, wherein the fastening means is a hook and loop fastener, magnets, snaps, buttons or adhesives.

6. The face mask according to claim 4, wherein the mask body defines a pair of frame openings defined therethrough, each of the frame openings being configured to receive therethrough a frame arm of an eyeglass frame.

7. The face mask according to claim 6, wherein the elastic cords each include a hook configured to engage with an ear member of the frame arm.

8. The face mask according to claim 6, wherein the elastic cords each are a loop configured to engage with an ear member of the frame arm.

9. The face mask according to claim 3, wherein the first material and the third material are made of a same material, and the second material is made of a different material to that of the first material and the third material.

10. The face mask according to claim 3, wherein the second material is removable from the first material and the third material.

11. A face mask system comprising: a face mask comprising: a mask body including a first material, a second material and a third material, the second material being located between the first material and the third material, the mask body defining an opening configured to expose a mouth area when the mask body is worn on a face of the user; a flap pivotably associated with the mask body, the flap including the first material, the second material and the third material, the flap being configured to cover the opening when in a closed configuration; a fastening means associated with the flap and the mask body, the fastening means being configured to retain the flap to the mask body in the closed configuration; and one or more elastic cords extending from the mask body and configured to secure the mask body to the face of the user; and an eyeglass frame comprising: a central section featuring a nose brace; and a pair of frame arms each extending from opposite ends of the central section, each of the frame arms including an ear member featuring an end element configured to engage with at least one of the elastic cords.

12. The face mask according to claim 11 wherein the mask body includes a nose section, a pair of side sections extending from an end of the nose section, and a chin section extending between the side sections.

13. The face mask according to claim 12, wherein the flap is pivotably associated with the chin section of the mask body by way of a pivot point located adjacent the opening.

14. The face mask according to claim 13, wherein the fastening means of the mask body is associated with the nose section.

15. The face mask according to claim 14, wherein the fastening means is a hook and loop fastener, magnets, snaps, buttons or adhesives.

16. The face mask according to claim 13, wherein the mask body defines a pair of frame openings defined therethrough, each of the frame openings being configured to receive therethrough at least one of the frame arms of the eyeglass frame.

17. The face mask according to claim 11, wherein the elastic cords each include a hook configured to engage with the end element of the ear member of the frame arms.

18. The face mask according to claim 11, wherein the elastic cords each are a loop configured to engage with the end element of the ear member of the frame arms.

19. The face mask according to claim 11 wherein the first material and the third material are made of a same material, and the second material is made of a different material to that of the first material and the third material.

20. The face mask according to claim 11, wherein the second material is removable from the first material and the third material.