CA3092962A1 - Mask case - Google Patents

Abstract

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Mask case that allows wearer to safely store and remove non-medical cloth mask and disposable mask from case without touching front section of the face mask area. Invention consists of horizontal hooks within the case that secures mask ear loops or ties and internal lever that fastens over middle part of mask for additional securement. A strap or cord can be inserted through pin-hole apertures located on top edge of case to act as a handle for transport or allow case to hang open and mask to dry. Separate internal compaitments permit additional items to be stored within the case. Case is portable, reusable, compactable, customizable, easy to clean, easy to use and adaptable for securement to objects for accessibility and maximum usage.
Outside and inside perimeter of case can accommodate printed advertisement, logo, statements, drawings, stickers and the like.

Description

TITLE OF INVENTION ¨ Mask Case BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
On January 30th, 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) a Public Health Emergency of International Concern and on March 11th, 2020 a worldwide pandemic.
The COVID-19 virus is spread primarily via nose and mouth secretions including small droplets produced by talking, coughing, sneezing, laughing, shouting, singing and other activities. When someone is infected with a respiratory virus like the one that causes COVID-19, each aerosol droplet can contain thousands of viral particles, each with the potential to infect others nearby who breathe them in. Surfaces contaminated due to respiratory viruses such as the coronavirus can infect a person who touches the contaminated surfaces and then touches their face.
The coronavirus has been found to live on some surfaces for longer than 9 days. It is believed that coronavirus can live on fabric for 24 to 48 hours until the virus is no longer viable. As a safety precaution, health authorities recommend to not shake clothes or cloth masks after use as this may cause the coronavirus to become airborne again causing secondary transfer. It is also recommended to wipe down and disinfect surfaces that may have been exposed to worn face masks. In addition, health expert's advice is to remove face mask without touching mask fabric, specifically the front section of the mask, by leaning forward and gently removing mask from behind by holding ear loops or ties. Touching the mask, specifically the front area, after wear presents a serious health concern. In fact in some countries used masks are considered hazardous material. Disinfectant is sprayed on discarded masks, containers and vehicles that handle discarded masks after which time they are incinerated to prevent possible contamination.
Health experts also recommend washing hands or using alcohol-based sanitizer or wipes before and after touching face masks. This precaution may not be viable when in public places due to lack of accessibility to disinfectant products, lack of facilities, and simple oversight or lack of concern by the wearer.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-14 The recommended scientific understanding of reducing the spread of respiratory viruses such as COVDI-19 is through a combination of social distancing (2 metres or 6 feet) when in public spaces or gatherings, maintaining proper hand hygiene and wearing non-medical cloth face mask or disposable mask in public spaces, especially if social distancing is not possible. The COVID-19 worldwide pandemic has made wearing face masks a new daily reality. In fact, in most public spaces face masks are recommended or mandatory.
Masks cases are commercially available in carrying out their intended purpose.
In fact, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies manufactured a range of mask cases of various dimensions, appearance and ingenuity such as ventilation, inserts and the like. Although these cases allow the wearer to store and transport face masks, they do not offer the ability to do so safely without touching the fabric of front area of mask.
As such a need exists for a case that reduces self contamination and secondary transfer of infectious respiratory droplets. Specifically, a case that allows the wearer to safely store and remove potentially contaminated mask after use. In addition, there is a need for a case that is attachable to objects, such as but not limited to, cellular phones, backpacks, purses and the like for maximum accessibility usage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An objective of the present invention is to reduce wearer's exposure from self contamination and precipitation of secondary transfer of infectious respiratory droplets such as COVID-19 and other viruses potentially embedded within mask fabric.
Another objective of the present invention is to create a mask case that permits the wearer to store or remove the mask in a safe manner by way of only touching the mask ear loops or ties therefore avoiding touching the front part of the mask where the majority of virus particles potentially expelled by the wearer would reside. This is achieved by way of internal horizontal hooks for the mask's ear loops or ties to wrap around.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-14 A further objective of the present invention is to ensure the mask is securely stored within the case. This is achieved through an internal lever located near the live hinge that fastens over middle part of mask for additional securement.
An added objective of the present invention is to allow the mask case to hang open when not in use and for the mask to dry. This objective is realized by inserting straps or cord through pin-hole apertures, raised or recessed, located on either side of the closing mechanism.
An extra objective of the present invention is to use material that would allow the case to be thoroughly cleaned by using soap and water or any disinfected product without causing damage to the case material.
An objective of the present invention is to create an easy-to-open-and-close case which is achieved by way of a closing mechanism such as a self-locking tab, snap or friction fit and the like such that the front and back panels are opened or closed with little pressure, strength or expertise.
A yet further objective of the present invention is to create a slim, compact, durable, accessible and portable case that is adaptable for securement to objects such as, but not limited to, the back of cellular phones, bags, purses and the like whereby the case may be conveniently carried in a manner to maximize its use and be readily released from said securement if desired.
A further objective of the present invention is to reduce pollution occurring when wearer improperly discards used masks by way of leaving them on the street or in public places. Used masks should be treated as a hazardous material with high risk of infecting the public and public surfaces.
A supplementary objective of the present invention is to create various size cases adaptable to accommodated additional items, such as but not limited to alcohol-base hand sanitizers. Internal compaiiment or compai intents are located lengthwise on either the right or left side or both of the case to store and transport additional items. Stationary belt or belts bridging the compaiiment or compai intents sides partially encloses the cavity or cavities ensuring the additional items are secure.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-14 Another objective of the present invention is to increase the life of non-medical cloth and disposable masks as well as to minimize loss, misplacement and the possibility of accidentally using someone else's mask by way of customizing the case outside and/or inside perimeters.
In addition, another objective of the present invention is to reduce the chance of wearer pushing mask above or below mouth or hanging mask from one earlobe or carrying or shaking mask in hand where small infectious respiratory droplets can potentially fall and contaminate public areas or surfaces creating the potential of secondary transfer. This often occurs when wearer has no place to store the mask after use when out in public.
An objective of the present invention is to avoid face masks in becoming unintended hazards causing physical injury which can occur when masks are worn around the neck and might get caught on objects such as playground equipment.
A further objective of the present invention is to provide a reusable case ideally constructed using recycled and eco-friendly material in a cost-effective manner.
Still, a further objective of the present invention is to offer the ability to have printed advertisement, logo, statements, drawings, stickers and the like on the outside and inside perimeter of case.
A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary, varieties of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments and objectives of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the face mask case are described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG 1 ¨ shows an elevation view of the invention when the case is closed in accordance with some embodiments;
FIG 2 ¨ shows an elevation view of the invention when the case is opened in accordance with some embodiments.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-14 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The following detailed description is directed to certain specific embodiments of the invention, however, the invention can be embodied in a multitude of different ways as defined and covered by the claims and their equivalents. In this description, reference is made to the drawings wherein like parts are designated with like numerals throughout.
As illustrated in FIG 1, the present invention comprises of a case (1) with front panel (2), back panel (3), top edge (4), bottom edge (5), right edge (6), left edge (7), closure mechanism (8) and pin hole apertures (14). The front panel (2) and back panel (3) each substantially rectangular and have distal rounded corners. One rounded corner may be different to another rounded corner, as suitable and desired. The front panel (2) and back panel (3) are configured in such a way as to form a space inside in a state where the top edge (4), right edge (6) and left edge (7) abut against each other with a live hinge (15) on the bottom edge (5) coupling the front panel (2) and back panel (3). A closing mechanism (8) is located on the top edge (4) of the case (1) securing the front panel (2) and the back panel (3). Various options for closing mechanism (8) may be considered such as but not limited to self-locking tab, snaps or a friction fit. Pin-hole apertures (14) either raised or recessed are located on either side of the closing mechanism (8) to offer wearer option to insert a straps or cord and the like (not shown) for portability and/or attachability to other objects. In another embodiment a straps or cord and the like (not shown) may be part of the case (1).
As illustrated in FIG 2, the open case (1) displays horizontal hooks (9) along the inside top edge (4) and bottom edge (5) of the case. The horizontal hooks (9) are recessed within the top edge (4) and bottom edge (5) to permit the case (1) to close without exposing the horizontal hooks.
The purpose of the horizontal hooks (9) is for the wearer to safely secure the ear loops or ties (11) around the horizontal hooks for securement (9) without touching the potentially contamination front mask (10) area. Depending on the embodiment, the horizontal hooks (9) may be continuous or may have a notch or partition or incision (not shown) to accommodate larger face masks and longer ear loops or ties.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-14 In yet another embodiment, inside bands (not shown) may be found below both horizontal hooks (9) allowing wearer to slip the ear loops or ties (11) under the bands (not shown) as opposed to using the horizontal hooks (9). This is desirable for larger face masks and longer ear loops or ties. FIG 2 displays only one placement option when securing the mask (10) within the case (1).
It should be understood that there exist many variations of securing a mask (10) within the case (1) in a safe manner depending on the mask (10) dimensions. FIG 2 displays a lever (13) permanently fastened on the right edge (6) or left edge (7) of the case (1).
The purpose of the lever (13) is to fasten the middle part of the mask (10) within the case (10).
FIG 2 displays a noose (16) and the like at the unfastened end of the lever (13) to secure lever onto a small hook (12) or pin and the like. The securing mechanism of the lever (13) displayed in FIG 2 is one of many variations. The lever (13) can be made of any material however utilizing the same material as the case allows for cost efficiency.
All features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purposes, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
Referring to FIG 1, the mask case of the present invention is illustrated when the case is closed.
The clamshell-type rigid case consists of two halves joined by a live hinge which allows the structure to come together to close. Case can be made using a variety of durable material such as polystyrene, polyester, PVC, foam sheets, and the like and manufactured by thermoforming or injection molding or any other process that is suitable for the desired outcome.
A simple closing mechanism such as a self-locking tab, snap or friction fit and the like located on the top edge of the case allows the case to open or close with little pressure, strength or expertise.
Strap or cord (not shown) can be inserted through pin-hole apertures located on either side of opening mechanism to act as a handle for transport and/or allow case to hang open and mask to dry. In another embodiment the functionality of securing the case to another object can be realized by utilizing a strap or cord with a carabiner. Having a readily available face mask to Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-14 protect those around and oneself from sudden exposure to harmful elements such as airborne infectious particles, dust, smoke, bacteria and other toxic materials that negatively effect the air quality is essential for the public's well being.
Referring to FIG 2, the mask case of the present invention is illustrated when the case is opened with only one placement option of securing the mask within the case. It should be understood that there exist many variations of securing a mask within the case in a safe manner. Located on the inside top and bottom edges are horizontal hooks which allow the wearer to safely secure the ear loops or ties without touching the potentially contamination front mask area. This objective is achieved by holding the mask's ear loops or ties in each hand and looping them around the hooks. This action allows mask to stretch and lay flat inside the case with surface side of mask body that touched the wearer's face facing outwardly. Depending on the embodiment, the horizontal hooks may be continuous or may have a notch or partition or incision (not shown).
The objective of the notch, partition or incision is to accommodate larger masks wherein mask is folded in half along its length by way of only touching fabric near the ear loops or ties. The ear loops or ties of the folded larger mask are fitted within the notch, partition or incision thereby securing larger face mask into the case.
In another embodiment, inside bands (not shown) are found below both horizontal hooks allowing wearer to quickly slip and secure the ear loops or ties under the bands as opposed to using the horizontal hooks or fitting the ear loops or ties within the notch, partition or incision of the horizontal hooks. It should be understood that there exist many variations of securing a mask within the case in a safe manner depending on the mask dimensions.
FIG 2 displays a lever permanently fastened on the inside right edge or left edge of the case. The purpose of the lever is to fasten the middle part of the mask, regardless of the mask dimensions, within the case. The securing mechanism of the lever displayed in FIG 2 is by way of a noose or small opening and the like onto a small hook or pin and the like. It should be understood that there exist many options to secure the lever onto the case. The lever can be made of any material however utilizing the same material as the case allows for cost efficiency.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-14 In one embodiment, the case is designed to accommodate a shape that can be conveniently put in a pocket and/or purse for portability and maximum usage. Individual components and/or combination of components of the case can be characterized by any lengths, widths, heights, depths, radiuses, circumferences, and/or suitable dimensions, and which can correspond to any suitable areas, volumes, and/or other suitable multi-dimensional characteristics.
Mask cases can be manufactured in various sizes suitable to accommodate a number of internal compaaments (not shown) for holding or housing any suitable additional items such as but not limited to alcohol-base hand sanitizer and any other items the owner chooses.
Stationary belt (not shown) partially enclosing the compaiiment's cavity ensures the additional items are secured. Once the mask and/or the additional items are secured within the case, the case can be safely closed by way of the closing mechanism.
An objective of the present invention is to create a slim, compact, durable, accessible and portable case that is adaptable for securement to objects such as but not limited to, the back of cellular phone, bags and the like whereby the case may be conveniently carried in a manner to maximize its use and be readily released from said securement if desired.
The case is designed and constructed so as to provide a stylish outer appearance for marketability and additional usage.
An extra objective of the present invention is to use material that would allow the case to be thoroughly cleaned using water and soap and any disinfecting products without causing damage to the case material.
A further objective of the present invention is to provide a reusable case ideally constructed using recycled and eco-friendly material in a cost-effective manner.
Still, a further objective of the present invention is to offer the ability to have printed advertisement, logo, statements, drawings, stickers and the like on the outside and inside perimeter of case.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-14 The intention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the flowing claims. It is to be further understood that not all of the disclosed embodiments in the foregoing specification will necessarily satisfy or achieve each of the objects, advantages, or improvements described in the foregoing specifications.
A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary varieties of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present invention.
Unless otherwise noted in this specification or in the claims, all of the terms used in the specification and the claims will have the meaning normally ascribed to these terms by workers in the art.
I CLAIM:
1. A mask case comprising:
a. Clamshell-type rigid case consisting of front and back panels configured in such a way that a closed space is formed between the front and back panels where the top edge, right edge and left edge of each panel abut against each other with a live hinge on the bottom edge of each panel coupling the front and back panels.
b. Closing mechanism located on the top edge of the case securing the front and back panels.
c. Pin-hole apertures either raised or recessed located on either side of closing mechanism d. Horizontal hooks located inside case below top and bottom edges e. Internal lever located in along the live hinge with one end permanently fastened on right or left edge of the case and other end displaying noose for securement to small hook.
f. Stationary bands located below both horizontal hooks g. Internal compaitment or compai __ intents with stationary belt partially enclosing the compaitment's cavity Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-14

Claims (23)

The intention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the flowing claims. It is to be further understood that not all of the disclosed embodiments in the foregoing specification will necessarily satisfy or achieve each of the objects, advantages, or improvements described in the foregoing specifications.
A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary varieties of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present invention.
Unless otherwise noted in this specification or in the claims, all of the terms used in the specification and the claims will have the meaning normally ascribed to these terms by workers in the art.
I CLAIM:

1. A mask case comprising:
a. Clamshell-type rigid case consisting of front and back panels configured in such a way that a closed space is formed between the front and back panels where the top edge, right edge and left edge of each panel abut against each other with a live hinge on the bottom edge of each panel coupling the front and back panels.
b. Closing mechanism located on the top edge of the case securing the front and back panels.
c. Pin-hole apertures either raised or recessed located on either side of closing mechanism d. Horizontal hooks located inside case below top and bottom edges e. Internal lever located in along the live hinge with one end permanently fastened on right or left edge of the case and other end displaying noose for securement to small hook.
f. Stationary bands located below both horizontal hooks g. Internal compaitment or compai __ intents with stationary belt partially enclosing the compaitment's cavity Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-14

2. Mask case according to claim 1 wherein the case minimizes wearer's exposure from self contamination and precipitation of secondary transfer of infectious respiratory droplets potentially embedded within mask fabric

3. Mask case according to claim 1 wherein the opening and closing of the said case is accomplished by a closing mechanism such as a self-locking tab, snap or friction fit and the like such that the front and back panels are opened or closed with little pressure, strength or expertise

4. Mask case according to claim 1 wherein said case permits wearer to store and remove mask from case by only touching the mask ear loops or ties achieved by way of wrapping the mask ear loops or ties around the horizontal hooks

5. Mask case according to claim 3 wherein said horizontal hooks located internally may have a notch, partition or incision and the like to accommodate larger mask dimensions

6. Mask case according to claim 1 wherein internal lever located above the live hinge secures middle part of mask

7. Mask case according to claim 5 wherein internal lever is stationary on one end with a noose and the like opening at the other end to allow for securement onto small hook or pin and the like

8. Mask case according to claim 1 wherein said pin-hole apertures, raised or recessed, located on either side of opening mechanism can receive strap or cord and the like to act as a handle for transport and/or allow case to hang open and mask to dry.

9. Mask case according to claim 8 wherein said strap or cord inserted within the pin-hole apertures allows case to be adaptable for securement to objects. Said securement can come by way of a carabiner and the like found on the end of the strap or cord and the like to allow for easy and quick attachment and detachment to other objects

10. Mask case according to claim 1 wherein said stationary bands may be found below both horizontal hooks to allow ear loops or ties to easily slip beneath the bands in addition to or as opposed to using the horizontal hooks or fitting the ear loops or ties within the notch, partition or incision of the horizontal hooks

11. Mask case according to claim 1 wherein said internal compaantent or compat intents are located lengthwise on either the right or left side or both of the case to store and transport Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-14 additional items. Stationary belt or belts bridging the compoitment or compaaments sides partially encloses the cavity or cavities ensuring the additional items are secure

12. Mask case according to claim 11 wherein said internal compat intent or compaaments cavity or cavities can house additional items such as but not limited to alcohol-base hand sanitizer and the like

13. A mask case comprising:
a. Clamshell-type rigid case consisting of front and back panels configured in such a way that a closed space is formed between the front and back panels where the top edge, right edge and left edge of each panel abut against each other with a live hinge on the bottom edge of each panel coupling the front and back panels.
b. Closing mechanism located on the top edge of the case securing the front and back panels.
c. Pin-hole apertures either raised or recessed located on either side of closing mechanism d. Horizontal hooks located inside case below top and bottom edges e. Internal lever located in along the live hinge with one end permanently fastened on right or left edge of the case and other end displaying noose for securement to small hook.
f. Stationary bands located below both horizontal hooks g. Internal compaament or compaitments with stationary belt partially enclosing the compaitment's cavity

14. Mask case according to claim 13 wherein said case can be made using a variety of durable material such as polystyrene, polyester, PVC, foam sheets, and the like.

15. Mask case according to claim 13 wherein said case can be manufactured by thermoforming or by injection molding the case into the desired shapes. A
single piece of material is used for the front panel and back panel with a living hinge that is integral to the material, rather than added separately

16. Mask case according to claim 13 wherein said internal components comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of hardened plastic materials, rigid or semi-rigid plastic materials, rigid or semi-ridge rubber materials, polyethylene materials and a Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-14 combination thereof. For cost-effectiveness the case and its internal components should be constructed using the same material. For environmental factors the case and its internal components should be constructed using recycled and eco-friendly materials

17. Mask case according to claim 13 wherein said case can be manufactured in various sizes and shapes suitable to accommodate the market's desire and/or accommodate a number of internal compaitments

18. Mask case according to claim 13 wherein said case is designed to create a slim, thin, lightweight, odor free, BPA-free, non-toxic, wear resistant, dirt resistant, water resistant, water proof, moisture proof, compact, durable, accessible, portable case that is adaptable for securement to objects such as, but not limited to, the back of cellular phone by way of adhesive or magnetic strips or attach on bags or purses and the like whereby the case may be conveniently carried in a manner to maximize its use and be readily released from said securement if required

19. Mask case according to claim 13 wherein said case houses a filter or copper material

20. Mask case according to claim 13 wherein said case is constructed to allow increased air circulation by way of an air flow apparatus or small openings or space and the like along the front and back panels as well as left and right edges

21. Mask case according to claim 13 wherein said case outside and inside perimeter can accommodation printed advertisement or logo or statements or drawings or stickers and the like

22. Mask case according to claim 13 wherein said case can be thoroughly cleaned before and after use by soap and water and any disinfected product without causing manage to the case material.

23. Mask case according to claim 13 wherein said case is designed and constructed in a manner that provide a stylish outer appearance for marketability and additional usage Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-14