DE202021000325U1 - Mask holders for various types of headgear - Google Patents

Abstract

Mask holders (1) for various types of headgear, on which the straps (13) of a mask (2) can be hung, so that the mask (2) can be put on, worn and removed flexibly and comfortably and is securely held in spite of wearing a headgear, characterized in that there is a first clamping section (3), a second clamping section (4), a U-shaped connecting section (5) for connecting the first clamping section (3) to the second clamping section (4), an inner clamp for the headgear ( 10) on the inner clamping section (3), as well as U-shaped suspension options below and above (6 and 7), and all these sections are integrally formed from plastic.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to mouth and nose protectors or masks that are attached to headgear, including: a first clamping portion; a second clamping portion; a connecting portion for connecting the first clamping portion to the second clamping portion; as well as other specially developed elements that are included in and being represented. In the following, the term “mask” will be used as a synonym for “mouth and nose protection”.

State of the art and problem definition

Against the background of the current corona pandemic, masks of various types are essential to protect yourself and others. The most widespread type is the so-called ear loop mask. This is used most frequently in both professional and private environments. The spectrum ranges from medically certified masks to (among other things, self-sewn) fabric masks.

The ribbons of such masks are held over the mouth and nose with the help of the ears. The ears act as a holder for the mask. Tight elastic bands, in particular, can be uncomfortable. Basically, the following challenges arise: Wearing masks continuously or over a longer period of time can lead to pain or inflammation in the ears. Repeatedly putting on and taking off the mask becomes a problem, especially for those who wear glasses, hearing aids and headphones. The glasses can fall off, the hearing aid is lost, the headphone cables become tangled.

To counteract these challenges, a number of mask holders have already been developed. For example, there is a thin plastic band that is placed in the neck or on the back of the head in order to hang the mask there. Another example are special hair clips that women in particular can use to hang their masks. Completely new masks or mask straps have also been created that can be tied together behind the head, for example. A U-shaped bracket was developed specifically for people who wear glasses, which is placed on the sides of the temple and fixed with a screw.

The existing solutions largely rule out the fact that many people wear different types of headgear. This applies to both the private and professional sectors. This applies on the one hand to summer and on the other hand to winter. In the cold season in particular, many people use winter hats or headbands.

At the time of registration, the applicant is only aware of the solution in Germany, which can be sewn onto the headgear in the form of a button or is already sewn in. This button mimics the ear outside of the headgear, so that the mask strap can be hung there. This means that your own headgear is permanently damaged or you have to resort to headgear with an integrated button. There is no solution that can be used flexibly for your own entire range of headgear and at the same time does not cause any damage.

The invention specified in the protection claim is based on the problem that the challenges described above are significantly exacerbated by headgear. Since the mask strap is placed around the ear, it must always be pushed under the headgear. Depending on how tight the headgear is, it may even have to be removed first. Once again, wearers of glasses, hearing aids and headphones are particularly suffering from this. The complexity increases when the person concerned only has one hand free, for example when shopping.

Object of the invention

Based on this, the object of the present invention is to provide a holding device which avoids the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art. The mask holders are always used as a pair, one on the left and one on the right. They are clamped from below onto the edge of the headgear and then pushed up until the headgear is firmly seated in the mask holder. The mask holder thus replaces the ear and the mask can be hung outside the headgear. Neither the hold of the mask nor the aesthetics are affected. The exact technical implementation is described in detail below.

The mask holder can be used in conjunction with any type of headgear, as long as it holds on to this headgear. This includes any private headgear, such as hats, headbands, and caps, as well as professional headgear, such as hats, helmets, hoods. The mask holder is suitable for all ear loop masks. It can be used in both summer and winter. The use is not tied to political or time-limited regulations in the context of the current corona pandemic. The mask holder Rather, it can also be used to protect yourself and others.

In particular, two central advantages can be achieved with the present invention. First, the mask holder increases the wearing comfort in connection with headgear. This applies, for example, if the mask is worn for a long period of time. Second, the mask holder makes it easier to put on and take off the mask repeatedly while wearing a headgear. Both points mean that the wearer experiences fewer challenges when using the mask and headgear together. In terms of the novelty of the invention, one's own headgear can be used and it will not be damaged. Also, there is no need to buy new masks for use.

The mask holder can be removed from the headgear at any time if they are not needed. However, they can also remain on the headgear.

Technical implementation

• Seitenansicht der Maskenhalterung (1) und
• Frontansicht der einhängten Maske (2) in der Maskenhalterung (1)

dargestellt und wird im Folgenden näher beschrieben.The object described is achieved by mask holders which, according to claim 1, fit various types of headgear. An embodiment of the invention is shown in

• Side view of the mask holder (1) and
• Front view of the attached mask (2) in the mask holder (1)

and is described in more detail below.

A mask holder according to the invention (1) comprises: a first clamping portion (3) : a second clamping portion (4) ; a U-shaped connecting portion (5) for connecting the first clamping section to the second clamping section. The mask holder (1) is also characterized by the following sections: Notch for retaining strap at the bottom (6) ; Notch for retaining strap on top; Attachment for retaining strap at the bottom (8th) ; Attachment for retaining strap at the bottom (9) ; inner clip for headgear (10) ; haptic orientation for hanging (11) ; and grooves for hold on headgear (12) . All sections are integrally formed from plastic. The mask holder according to the invention therefore consists of one part. Two identical mask holders are required for use. The mask (2) can with the retaining strap (13) on the left and right mask mounts (2) be hooked.

The headgear is in use between the clamping sections ( 3 and 4th ) the mask holder (1) pinched, the connecting portion (5) is stable, but reversibly elastic in order to press the clamping sections together with sufficient force and thus to clamp the headgear. However, the term clamping sections also encompasses embodiments in which the clamping sections encompass or embrace the headgear with or without tension. The mask mounts (1) are clamped from below onto the edge of the headgear and then pushed up until the headgear is firmly in the mask holder (1) sits.

The distance between the clamping sections ( 3 and 4th ) as well as the voltage of the "U" (5) are chosen so that both thin and thick headgear can be pinched and not slip out unintentionally.

The inner, curved clamp (10) between the clamping sections ( 3 and 4th ) ensure a good hold of thin headgear. This is done by means of gentle grooves (12) along the inside of the outer clamping portion (3) reinforced. These are shaped in such a way that they do not damage the material of the headgear when it is put on or off.

The mask holder (1) so replace the ear that the mask (2) with the straps (13) can be hung outside the headgear.

The outer clamping section (3) kinks down at the open end. This forms a haptic point of orientation (11) for the user so that he can feel where the retaining strap is (13) must be threaded.

The strap (13) the mask (2) comes in the provided, U-shaped external notches ( 6th and 7th ) to lie down.

The shorter hanging surfaces ( 8th and 9 ) run parallel to the outer clamping section (3) . Their length is chosen so that the retaining strap (13) the mask (2) not accidentally out of the notches ( 6th and 7th ) can jump.

An integral design means a one-piece / one-piece design of all sections, for example in a 3D printing process in which a pre-drawn part made of plastic is printed and then cured in the oven. An injection molding process is also possible in which a mold with a cavity is used which already corresponds to the end shape of the sections. The choice of material, the geometry and the curing largely determine the functionality and ensure that the technical requirements, such as stability, elasticity, etc. are met.

The mask holder according to the invention is characterized by high wearing comfort and protection for the material of the headgear.

The present invention is based on the general idea of creating a novel mask holder which is not only comparatively easy to attach to the headgear. you can also switch flexibly between different headgear (private, professional, different thicknesses and materials).

The mask holder according to the invention basically consists of two parts made of solid material that converge at one end of the device and are connected at the other end, the outer part (3) is designed in such a way that it nestles easily against the shape of the head. At the same time this part presses (3) against the inner clamping section (4) and thus ensures a good hold of the headgear on the mask holder. Due to its elasticity, the mask holder is therefore suitable for both thin and thick headgear.

The mask holder must always be used as a pair. A pair consists of two exactly the same devices, so it is irrelevant which side of the headgear is attached. It is designed in such a way that it can be used intuitively and correctly by the user.

By using plastic it is possible to largely avoid material fatigue or material deformation. Due to the elasticity, even an initially expected deformation can largely be reversed. Another advantage is that no loss of color is to be expected through the use of plastic as a material, i.e. the product always remains optically in the same condition. Furthermore, plastic is water-repellent and therefore cannot rust, so that there are no disadvantages for the service life of the mask holder even when used in rain or snow.

By using plastic as the material of the mask holder according to the invention, the mask holder has a closed surface which prevents dirt or bacteria from being sucked up or accumulated and thus enables a high standard of hygiene. In addition, plastic is water and sweat-repellent, so that it can also be used for sports without any problems. Despite a firm hold on the headgear, there are no pressure points on the head itself.

The plastic is preferably elastic and / or the holding device reversibly assumes the same shape that it had in the unloaded state without the action of external force. Much force must be used before the mask holder breaks.

The plastic can be transparent, semi-transparent or non-transparent, provided it meets the technical requirements, e.g. stability, elasticity, etc. The color is arbitrary.

Furthermore, the mask holder can be designed in such a way that it has either a glossy or a matt surface (“finish”), as a result of which an even better, stronger hold can be achieved. The device can therefore preferably have a structured or rough surface, in particular on the clamping sections or their mutually facing sides.

Due to the plastic, the scalp, hair and headgear are protected. Because the mask holder can be flexibly mounted or dismantled, it has a decisive advantage over the existing, sewn-in solution.

The first clamping section (3) and the second clamping portion (4) in particular each have a free end. The clamping sections of the mask holder according to the invention can also be designed in such a way that they are thinner at the front (free) end than at the rear end at which they converge or into the connecting section (5) pass over. This optimizes the distribution of force and means that there is less tension at the front end and more tension at the rear end, which results in the desired hold. However, within the scope of the invention, all combinations or thicknesses should be included.

The connecting section (5) can be U-shaped, whereby the clamping sections ( 3 and 4th ) at the ends of the legs of the U.

The first clamping section (3) and / or the second clamping section (4) can have a curved shape, for example adapted to the shape of the head.

It goes without saying that the features mentioned above can be used not only in the respectively specified combination, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

List of reference symbols

(1)

Mask holder

(2)

Mouth and nose protection / mask

(3)

Hold or Clamping section 1

(4)

Hold or Clamping section 2

(5)

U-shaped connecting section

(6)

Notch for retaining strap at the bottom

(7)

Notch for retaining strap on top

(8th)

Attachment area for holding strap at the bottom

(9)

Attachment area for holding strap at the bottom

(10)

Inner clip for headgear

(11)

Haptic orientation for users

(12)

Grooves for hold on headgear

(13)

Mask straps

Claims (13)

Mask holders (1) for various types of headgear, on which the straps (13) of a mask (2) can be hung, so that the mask (2) can be put on, worn and removed flexibly and comfortably and is securely held in spite of wearing a headgear, characterized in that there is a first clamping section (3), a second clamping section (4), a U-shaped connecting section (5) for connecting the first clamping section (3) to the second clamping section (4), an inner clamp for the headgear ( 10) on the inner clamping section (3), as well as U-shaped suspension options below and above (6 and 7), and all these sections are integrally formed from plastic. Mask mounts according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the short hanging surfaces (8 and 9) run parallel to the outer clamping section (3). Mask holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer clamping section (3) bends downwards at the open end and thus offers a haptic orientation point (11) for the user. Mask holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that gentle grooves (12) along the inside of the outer clamping section (3) strengthen the hold of the headgear in the holder. Mask holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hanging surfaces below and above (8 and 9) can also appear as a continuous surface. Mask holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastic is elastic and / or the holding device reversibly assumes the same shape without the action of external force. Mask holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastic is non-transparent, semitransparent or transparent. The color scheme is arbitrary. Mask holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first clamping section (3) and the second clamping section (4) each have a free end. Mask holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first clamping section (3) essentially tapers slightly towards the second clamping section (3). Mask holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting section (5) is U-shaped, the clamping sections (3 and 4) each adjoining the ends of the “U”. Mask holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first clamping section (3) and / or the second clamping section (4) can have a rectilinear shape. Mask holder according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first clamping section (3) and / or the second clamping section (4) can have a raised shape. Mask holders according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that they can have both a glossy and a matt surface (“finish”).

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