EP4153327A1

EP4153327A1 - Multifunctional face mask

Info

Publication number: EP4153327A1
Application number: EP21832728.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Andrew Trebino
Original assignee: Wolf Rock Design LLC
Current assignee: Wolf Rock Design LLC
Priority date: 2020-07-02
Filing date: 2021-07-02
Publication date: 2023-03-29
Also published as: WO2022006554A1

Abstract

The multifunctional facemask is intended to improve on conventional facemask devices through an innovative facemask design that is designed to provide a convenient means of carrying while incorporating other problem-solving features. In other words, the device is designed to be rolled up, folded, or carried in a compact form, so as to be worn on the user's wrist as a fancy handkerchief or snap bracelet, when not being used as a facemask. To accomplish this, the device preferably uses buttons to secure the mask device to the wrist. More specifically, the device includes a flexible mask member and a face attachment member. The device further includes one or more fastening elements that can engage with the face attachment member, so as to enable the user to carry the facemask on the user's wrist or elbow. Thus, the multifunctional facemask is a user-friendly face mask device with improved functionality.

Description

Multifunctional Face Mask

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a mask. More specifically, the present invention relates to a face mask with convenient features.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A device for covering the face to protect the user from particles and viruses is in demand. Many people wear face masks for various reasons. Masks can protect the wearer as well as people near the wearer. Many people are suffering from a new highly contagious coronavirus called COVID-19. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic. Medical experts have discovered that COVID-19 can spread before symptoms appear, so that people who have COVID-19 but show no symptoms can unknowingly spread the virus to others. Wearing face masks is preferred in many instances to prevent people from infectious diseases. Many people cough or sneeze into their hands, which thus become covered with germs.

As a result, infected people can transfer germs to other people by touching commonly used things with their hands. Infection experts recommend that people use their arms to catch sneezes and coughs, such as by using the crook of the arm, or inner elbow, to prevent the spread of germs. However, this method does not solve the problem of having one’s clothing or arms covered with germs, including sputum (mucus, phlegm, and other such matter). Not only can this be unpleasant to people, but it also still allows transfer of germs to others who touch the person in the area of the arm that is covered by germs. Although use of the arms to catch germs may avoid coughing directly into the hands, pathogens may later be transferred to the hands or otherwise conveyed to others. Further, airborne diseases such as Covid-19 may be transferred while talking in close proximity of an infected person. Thus, face masks can protect the wearer from contracting infections through bacterial and viral particles. However, such masks are generally made of flexible material to fit the wearer’s face and can be easily lost, even when masks are designed to be reused. For example, when a user wishes to carry a flexible face mask in a container (e.g., a purse or bag), the mask stored within a disorganized bag can be difficult to find when needed and can easily be damaged or broken upon contacting other items in the bag. Thus, there is a need for a device that solves these problems.

It is an objective of the present invention to address problems associated with and/or otherwise improve on conventional devices through an innovative mask device that is designed to provide a convenient means of carrying while incorporating other problem-solving features. More specifically, the present invention provides a mask device designed to be folded, rolled or carried in a compact form using any other method, so as to be worn on the user’s wrist, and secured by using simple fasteners such as buttons. To accomplish this, the present invention comprises a flexible mask member and a face attachment member. The present invention further comprises one or more fastening elements that can engage with the face attachment member, so as to enable the user to carry the facemask on the user’s wrist or elbow as a fancy handkerchief or wristband. Thus, the present invention is a user-friendly facemask device with improved and multiple functionalities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top-front-left perspective view of the present invention in expanded mode. FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the present invention in expanded mode.

FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the present invention in expanded mode.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the present invention, wherein the face covering panel comprises a plurality of layers.

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of one embodiment of the present invention in a folded configuration.

FIG. 6 is a bottom-front-left perspective view of the present invention in a folded configuration. FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the present invention in a wrapped mode, wherein the present invention is being placed on the wrist of a user, before fastening the loops to the buttons.

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the present invention being wrapped around the wrist of the user, wherein the loops are fastened to the buttons.

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the present invention in expanded mode and being worn on the face by a user.

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention, wherein the facemask may be worn on the wrist of the user as a snap on bracelet.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

In reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 10, the present invention is a multifunctional facemask. It is an objective of the present invention to address problems associated with and/or otherwise improve on conventional devices through an innovative mask device that is designed to provide a convenient means of carrying while incorporating other problem-solving features. More specifically, the present invention provides a mask device designed to be folded, rolled or carried in a compact form using any other method, so as to be worn on the user’s wrist, and secured by using simple fasteners such as buttons. To accomplish this, the present invention comprises a flexible mask member and a face attachment member. The present invention further comprises one or more fastening elements that can engage with the face attachment member, so as to enable the user to carry the facemask on the user’s wrist or arm. Thus, the present invention is a user-friendly face mask device with improved functionality. The following description is in reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 10. According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a face covering panel 1, at least one wrist fastening member 2, and at least one face fastening tether 3. Preferably, the face covering panel 1 is a single layer or multi-layer of flexible, skin friendly fabric and comprises a substantially rectangular shape, having dimensions big enough to cover the mouth and nose of a user. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to woven cotton, cotton/polyester blends of high tensile strength, etc. However, the face covering panel 1 may comprise any suitable shape and size and can be made of any material that is suitable for preventing the spread of germs or protecting the user from germs. In some embodiments, the face covering panel 1 can be made of disposable material, any inexpensive elastic, or stretchy material.

Further, the face covering panel 1 may also comprise a plurality of layers la. To that end, in a first alternate embodiment, the face covering panel 1 may comprise at least one intermediate filter layer lb, at least one outer-facing layer lc (which can be the outer surface), and an inner skin-facing layer Id. The edges of the intermediate filter layer lb, the outer-facing layer lc, and the inner skin-facing layer Id can be attached together using suitable means, such as glue stamping, conventional ultrasonic bonding, sewing, thermal binding, or perforated binding.

In reference to FIG. 8, the face covering panel 1 may comprise at least one foldable crease 4. Preferably, the at least one foldable crease 4 is integrated into the face covering panel 1, such that the at least one foldable crease 4 allows for lateral expansion of the face covering panel 1. In other words, as seen in FIG. 8, the face covering panel 1 may have one or more separate folds that allow for lateral expansion when the mask member is worn by the user.

In a second alternate embodiment, the face covering panel 1 may include a material (e.g., shape-memory foam or another type of foam) that may help hold the mask in place or otherwise provide support or comfort.

In a third alternate embodiment, the face covering panel 1 may include an opening, a recess shaped to receive the user’ s oronasal features, and one or more openings or valves disposed on the body of the mask member to allow easy exhalation and inhalation through a filter element that can be included in the face covering panel 1 with at least one retention member.

According to the preferred embodiment, the at least one wrist fastening member 2 is mounted over a first surface 5 of the face covering panel 1, wherein the first surface 5 constitutes an exterior surface that is not in contact with the user’s face. This is so that the wrist fastening member 2 does not interfere with the functionality of the face covering panel 1 and does not cause any discomfort to the user. Further, a second surface 6 of the face covering panel is positioned opposite to the first surface 5 across the face covering panel 1, wherein the second surface 6 is oriented towards the face of a user. As seen in FIG. 3, the second surface 6 constitutes a plain and skin friendly surface, as the second surface 6 comes in contact with the user’s face.

As seen in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 9, in the preferred embodiment, the at least one wrist fastening member 2 comprises two buttons that are placed adjacent a bottom edge of the face covering panel 1. However, the at least one wrist fastening member 2 may be made of any material and can be of any shape suitable for holding the loops to secure the face covering panel 1 to the user’s wrist. The at least one wrist fastening member 2 may be attached to the face covering panel 1 by any suitable means, including sewing or other methods known in the art. Further, the at least one wrist fastening member 2 may comprise any other fastening means and may be positioned at any suitable location on the face covering panel 1, as long as the intents of the present invention are not altered. Examples of such fastening means include, but are not limited to magnets, clips, strips of hook-and-loop fastener etc.

In the preferred embodiment, the at least one face fastening tether 3 is mounted onto the face covering panel 1. Preferably, the at least one face fastening tether 3 comprises two elastic loops or straps. In other words, the at least one face fastening tether 3 is stretchable. This is so that, as seen in FIG. 1 through FIG. 7, and FIG. 9, each strap forms a loop for holding the face covering panel 1 to the user’s face, by engaging the loops around the user’s ears. It is preferred that the at least one face fastening tether 3 is attached to terminal ends of the face covering panel 1. However, the at least one face fastening tether 3 may comprise any other shape, size, and fastening technology that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as well as be positioned at any suitable location along the face covering panel 1, as long as the objective of the present invention are not altered.

In some embodiments, the face fastening tether 3 may include a strap coupled with the two opposing lateral sides of the mask member, configured to wrap around the user’s ears and thereby hold the face covering panel 1 in place when in use.

In some other embodiments, the strap may comprise a set of two side straps connected at one side of the face covering panel 1 leaving each of the two side straps with a free end that can be used to tie the side straps together.

In yet other embodiments, the at least one face fastening tether 3 may include an elastic material and a non-elastic material.

The at least one face fastening tether 3 may include various fasteners, including, but not limited to, a hook-and-loop fastener, snaps, buttons, or one or more clamps. The face fastening tether 3 can be attached to the face covering panel 1 using suitable means, such as glue stamping, conventional ultrasonic bonding, sewing, thermal binding, or perforated binding.

It is an aim of the present invention to be able to be conveniently carried around by a user. To accomplish this, the at least one wrist fastening member 2 is detachably engaged with the at least one face fastening tether 3. In other words, each loop from the at least one face fastening tether 3 can act as a buttonhole, and the button or the at least one wrist fastening member 2 may be engaged with the loop to secure the mask to the user’s wrist 7. According to the preferred embodiment, users may fold or roll the multifunctional facemask into a laterally elongated shape resembling a wristband, with the buttons on the outer surface of the wristband, as shown in FIG. 5 through FIG. 8. To that end, the face covering panel 1 is foldable. More specifically, the foldability of the face covering panel 1 along with the wrist fastening member 2, allows the present invention to switch between an expanded mode and wrapped mode. Preferably, the facemask is used as a protective face covering during the expanded mode, and the facemask is wrapped around the wrist or any part of the arm of the user, during the wrapped mode.

In reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 9, the multifunctional facemask is in an expanded mode. Accordingly, during the expanded mode, the face covering panel 1 is unfolded and the at least one wrist fastening member 2 is disengaged from the at least one face fastening tether 3. Thus, during the expanded mode, the present invention provides the necessary protection and performs the face covering functionality without any discomfort or lack of efficiency to the user.

In reference to FIG. 5 through FIG. 8, the multifunctional facemask is in a wrapped mode. The multifunctional facemask acts as a stylish wristband as well as a fancy handkerchief, that may be easily carried around while in the wrapped mode. Accordingly, during the wrapped mode, the face covering panel 1 is folded along a length le of the face covering panel 1 to form a folded facemask, as seen in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. To that end, the face covering panel 1 may include a plurality of snap buttons, magnets or other similar suitable mechanisms that can be placed in suitable places on the body of the mask to secure the folding of the mask. Further, the at least one wrist fastening member 2 is exposed along the folded facemask, and the folded facemask is wrapped around the wrist 7 of a user. Furthermore, as seen in FIG. 8, the at least one wrist fastening member 2 is engaged with the at least one face fastening tether 3. In other words, users may wrap the mask in a laterally elongated shape around the wrist and secure each end of the mask to the user’s wrist by positioning the button on the outer surface of the mask. Subsequently, by holding the mask to the user’s wrist, as shown in FIG. 7, the loop is engaged in such a way that the area attaching the button to the mask can function as a hook that catches or hangs on the loop to fasten the loop to the button, as shown in FIG.

8

In reference to FIG. 10, the at least one wrist fastening member 2 is integrated into the face covering panel 1. For example, the wrist fastening member 2 may comprise a curved solid member similar to a snap on wrist band, such that the multifunctional facemask may snap around the wrist 7 of the user like a snap bracelet.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A multifunctional facemask with convenient carrying means, comprising: a face covering panel; at least one wrist fastening member; at least one face fastening tether; the at least one wrist fastening member being mounted onto a first surface of the face covering panel; the at least one face fastening tether being mounted onto the face covering panel; the at least one wrist fastening member being detachably engaged with the at least one face fastening tether.

2. The multifunctional facemask of claim 1, comprising: a second surface of the face covering panel being positioned opposite to the first surface across the face covering panel; the second surface being oriented towards the face of a user.

3. The multifunctional facemask of claim 1, wherein the face covering panel being foldable.

4. The multilayer protective facemask of claim 1, wherein the face covering panel comprising a plurality of layers.

5. The multifunctional facemask of claim 1, comprising: at least one foldable crease; the at least one foldable crease being integrated into the face covering panel, such that the at least one foldable crease allows for lateral expansion of the face covering panel.

6. The multifunctional facemask of claim 1, wherein the at least one face fastening tether being stretchable.

7. The multifunctional facemask of claim 1, comprising: wherein the facemask is in an expanded mode: the face covering panel being unfolded; and the at least one wrist fastening member being disengaged from the at least one face fastening tether.

8. The multifunctional facemask of claim 1, comprising: wherein the facemask is in a wrapped mode: the face covering panel being folded along a length of the face covering panel to form a folded facemask; the at least one wrist fastening member being exposed along the folded facemask; the folded facemask being wrapped around a wrist of a user; and the at least one wrist fastening member being engaged with the at least one face fastening tether.

9. The multifunctional facemask of claim 1, wherein the at least one face fastening tether being an elastic loop.

10. The multifunctional facemask of claim 1, wherein the at least one face fastening tether being attached to terminal ends of the face covering panel.

11. The multifunctional facemask of claim 1, wherein the at least one wrist fastening member being a button.

12. The multifunctional facemask of claim 1, wherein the at least one wrist fastening member being integrated into the face covering panel.

13. The multifunctional facemask of claim 12, wherein the at least one wrist fastening member being a snap on wristband.

14. A multifunctional facemask with convenient carrying means, comprising: a face covering panel; at least one wrist fastening member; at least one face fastening tether; the at least one wrist fastening member being mounted over a first surface of the face covering panel; a second surface of the face covering panel being positioned opposite to the first surface across the face covering panel; the second surface being oriented towards the face of a user. the at least one face fastening tether being mounted onto terminal edges of the face covering panel; the at least one wrist fastening member being detachably engaged with the at least one face fastening tether.

15. The multifunctional facemask of claim 1, comprising: wherein the facemask is in an expanded mode: the face covering panel being unfolded; and the at least one wrist fastening member being disengaged from the at least one face fastening tether.

16. The multifunctional facemask of claim 1, comprising: wherein the facemask is in a wrapped mode: the face covering panel being folded along a length of the face covering panel to form a folded facemask; the at least one wrist fastening member being exposed along the folded facemask; the folded facemask being wrapped around a wrist of a user; and the at least one wrist fastening member being engaged with the at least one face fastening tether.

17. The multifunctional facemask of claim 1, wherein the at least one face fastening tether being an elastic loop.

18. The multifunctional facemask of claim 1, wherein the at least one wrist fastening member being a button.

19. The multifunctional facemask of claim 1, wherein the at least one wrist fastening member being integrated into the face covering panel.

20. The multifunctional facemask of claim 19, wherein the at least one wrist fastening member being a snap on wristband.