GB2377358A

GB2377358A - Multi-layered face mask

Info

Publication number: GB2377358A
Application number: GB0116149A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Michael London
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-07-02
Filing date: 2001-07-02
Publication date: 2003-01-15
Anticipated expiration: 2021-07-02
Also published as: GB2377358B; GB0116149D0

Abstract

A face mask 1 for covering the eyes and accommodating the nose of a wearer is composed of at least three superimposed layers, one layer being more opaque than the others. The mask is mounted and adjusted on the user's ears using the appropriate blind-slot 3 located at each end. Each layer may be made from an artificial material, preferably a viscose felted fabric.

Description

A MASK The invention relates to a mask, and in particular to a face mask which is worn to shut out light to the eyes.

Such masks are often used by travellers on for example long haul flights where they do not wish to be disturbed, such as for example at meal times. The masks could however be worn wherever desired, for example at home, by hospital patients or when generally relaxing. Known masks are however uncomfortable in that they have a single securing means in the form of a cumbersome elastic strap or straps which cuts into the head of a wearer, and soon become uncomfortable in use. Moreover the masks themselves are often of thick material which has a tendency for a wearer to perspire, being made of relatively heavy material which cannot"breathe". They are also expensive to make, particularly as they are often used only once, then discarded.

It is accordingly an object of the invention to seek to mitigate these disadvantages.

According to the invention there is provided a face mask, comprising a plurality of layers of material integrally bonded together, one layer being darker or more opaque than the other (s).

A mask embodying the invention is hereinafter described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a plan view of part of a first layer of fabric of a body of a mask according to the invention; and Fig. 2 is a full size plan view of a second layer of fabric of a body of a mask according to the invention.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a mask 1 comprising an elongate body for covering the eye (s) of a wearer, and individual mounting means 3, 4 at or adjacent each end of the body 2 (in the embodiment four at each end), adapted for securing to a respective ear (not shown) of a wearer whereby to support the mask 1 in place covering the eye (s).

The mask 1 comprises a laminate of three superimposed layers 5,5, 6 of lightweight artificial material, in the embodiment a viscose felted fabric. Layers 5, 5 are in use outer layers of the mask and are of an ergonometric design. Only one layer 5 is shown in Fig. 1, being a plan view of the mask. The body 2 includes for comfort a cut-out 7 to accommodate in use a nose (not shown) of the wearer. The layer 6 is of a smaller surface area to that of the layers 5, 5 and is made of a fusible felt material that is darker than the material of the layers 5,5. The layer 6 is an intermediate layer between the two layers 5,5.

In use, the layers are superimposed symmetrically about the centre line and so that for example the curved end parts of the intermediate layer 6 lie on the shadow line 9 respectively. The layers are then secured together by bonding, for example by applying heat to or adjacent the edge of the layer 6 so that it and the first layers 5,5, fuse together to form a weld and thus an integral laminate. The layers 5,5 also include, laterally of the ends of the body 2, the mounting means 3,4 which are each in the form of an elongate blind through slit or slot. The slits or slots are big enough to allow an ear to pass through.

To accommodate faces of different size, there may be a plurality of slits or slots at each end. The wearer slips his or her ear through the most appropriate slit or slot 3, 4, for comfort and for mounting the mask closely to the face to keep out light. In this regard, the layer 6 being of relatively dark material as compared to the layers 5,5, provides a dark area over the eyes of the

user, so enhancing blocking out of light and therefore less disturbance to the user.

The slits or slots 3, 4, extend substantially at right angles to the length of the body 2, and are simply formed by a cutting or stamping operation, suitably at the same time as the layers 5,5 are cut or stamped in one piece in one operation from a sheet of material.

The intermediate layer 6 of material is formed in a similar way.

The formed mask 1, being made of a soft, light material with integral ear mounts 3,4, is easy to put on and comfortable to wear as the viscose felted fabric moulds itself easily to the facial contours and does not cause perspiration.

It will be understood that the mask 1 is readily made hygienic by suitable treatment on manufacture, for example by fumigating with a suitable agent.

To ensure that a steward or stewardess on an airliner knows whether a wearer wishes to be woken or not, there may be a legend such as"wake me"or an open eye over the"eye"part of the mask 1, to indicate a wake up or a closed eye to indicate than the wearer does not wish to be disturbed.

Any suitable material other than a viscose felted fabric may be used.

A mask embodying the invention and described with reference to the drawings is readily made in a simple operation to fuse three layers 5,5, 6 together, it being understood that the layers 5,5 may be fusible to provide the laminate.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A face mask, comprising a plurality of layers of material integrally bonded together, one layer being darker or more opaque than the other (s).
2. A mask according to Claim 1, comprising three superimposed layers, the one layer being the intermediate layer.
3. A mask according to Claim 2, the one layer being of fusible material.
4. A mask according to Claim 2, comprising an elongate body for covering the eye (s) and individual mounting means at or adjacent each end of the body adapted for securing to a respective ear of a wearer whereby to support the mask in place covering the eye (s).
5. A mask according to Claim 4, the individual mounting means each comprising an aperture through the body.
6. A mask according to Claim 5, an aperture comprising a blind slit or slot through the body.
7. A mask according to Claim 6, there being a plurality of individual mounting means at or adjacent each end of the body.
8. A mask according to Claim 7, the individual mounting means each comprising a blind slit or slot through the body.
9. A mask according to Claim 8, the or each blind slit or slot extending

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in a direction substantially at right angles to the length of the body.
10. A mask according to any preceding claim, the layers being of artificial fabric.
11. A mask according to Claim 10, the layers comprising a viscose felted fabric.
12. A mask according to any preceding claim, including a profile for accommodating a nose of a wearer.
13. A mask, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.