KR20190103287A - Face mask with adjustable ear loops - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mask having adjustable ear loops. Each ear loop may have an opening that is pre-cut to be secured around the wearer's ear. A perforated area adjacent each ear loop and / or a cutable area having one or more notches allows the wearer to cut or cut the ear loop material to increase the size of the ear loops. The wearer can increase the size of each ear loop to accommodate the size of his / her head. Feedback from the mask allows the wearer to systematically increase the size of the ear loops until the mask is comfortable and sufficiently tightened for use. In an alternative design, the ear loops consist of a code having one or more fused regions. The fused regions can be cut or cut away to increase the size of the ear loops.

Description

Face mask with adjustable ear loops

The present invention is directed to a face mask comprising a pair of adjustable ear loops.

Face masks covering the wearer's nose and mouth may be useful for a variety of purposes, such as preventing the spread of germs and / or filtering the air. Many designs have been introduced to assist the user in writing and fastening face masks. Conventional masks use straps that tie the back of the head, adhesive strips or elastic bands that hang around the back of the head or around the ears ("ear loop designs"). Each design has advantages and disadvantages.

Loop designs are often preferred over designs with adhesive strips. Adhesive strips can be painful when peeled or otherwise removed from the wearer's skin. Also, designs that hang around a person's ear are often preferred over designs that wrap around a person's head. The former is usually easier to write and take off, and can be less disruptive to human hair.

Typically, the ear loop designs are made of an elastic material to accommodate differences in the size of the wearer's head. For example, US Pat. No. 4,941,470 discloses a face mask held in place by a pair of ear loops. Ear loops and the fiber panel of the mask are joined by heating the junction of the ear loops and the free ends of the fiber panel. The disadvantage of this conventional "one-size fits all" design is that the mask and ear loops may not fit properly.

To address this problem, others have emerged in ways that make the ear loops adjustable, as in US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0335080 and US Pat. No. 5,819,731. In the former, each of the ear loops may be formed of an elongated member. "Take-up loops" are formed when the middle portion of each elongated member is threaded through a hole in the panel of the mask. The loop (pull loop) or slider along the elongated members may provide adjustment possibilities for increasing or decreasing the size of the ear loops. The latter employs the use of an adjustable band extending around the wearer's ear and then extending to the front of the mask and to the back of the neck.

Although the aforementioned published patents and patents have introduced ways of making the ear loops adjustable, the masks require considerable effort to ensure proper fit to the wearer. In addition, they may require additional articles (ie, additional components for use). Accordingly, there is a need for more annoying means of adjustable ear loops that enable the possibility of adjusting the ear loops while minimizing the items required to implement this function.

The present invention recognizes that there is a need for an ear loop for a face mask that is adjustable to accommodate the size of the wearer, thereby ensuring adequate comfort as well as comfort. The process of wearing the mask should be mountainous and easy. In addition, the mask should be adjustable without additional articles or components. The wearer should be able to wear the mask over his or her face and should be able to easily size the ear loops so that the mask is secure and comfortable. Other masks have components that fit over the ear, but there is no good and intuitive solution for tailoring the mask's suitability to the customer without sacrificing the mask's suitability to the wearer's face.

The following summary of the invention is provided to enable and understand some of the innovative features inherent in the disclosed embodiments and is not to be regarded as a comprehensive description. An overall understanding of various aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein may be obtained by considering the entire specification, claims, drawings and abstract.

The present invention relates to a mask having adjustable ear loops made of elastic fibers. Each ear loop may have a pre-cut opening that allows the wearer to put one of his / her ears through it. In a preferred design, the mask is composed of fibers that are elastic and durable for the wearer.

More specifically, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a gas turbine comprising: a) a central portion for filtering the exhausted and sucked air; b) a first ear loop having a tearable region; And c) a single piece face mask composed of a second ear loop having a cutaway area. The first ear loop and the second ear loop are on the sides of the central portion and each includes an opening for the wearer to secure around the ear. The wearer may increase or decrease the size of the first ear loop by cutting or cutting the cutable area of the first ear loop. In addition, the wearer may cut or cut the cutable area of the second ear loop to increase the size of the second ear loop.

The cuttable areas may be perforated to allow the wearer to increase the size of the openings by cutting or cutting. The cuttable areas may also include one or more notches to assist the wearer in increasing the size of the openings by cutting or cutting. The notches can provide feedback to the user by increasing the force needed to perform additional cuts from each notch. The elastic material and notches can prevent further cutting to the cutable areas after wearing the face mask. Some of the cuttable areas may be partially cut to assist the wearer in identifying the cuttable areas and reducing resistance to cutting. In an alternative design, the first ear loop and the second ear loop may be composed of elastic cords, bands, strings or yarns.

The invention also includes a face mask composed of a central air filtration portion and two pre-cut incision ear loop regions on the side of the central air filtration portion. Each ear loop region may comprise one or more perforated sections. The wearer may cut or cut the one or more perforated sections to increase the size of the pre-cut ear loop area. The two pre-incision ear loop regions may be square, triangular, or elliptical in shape. In addition, a portion of each perforated section may be partially cut to assist the wearer in identifying the perforated section and reducing resistance to tearing. The perforated sections may also include one or more notches to assist the wearer in cutting or cutting.

The invention also includes a face mask comprised of a central air filtration portion and a first ear loop and a second ear loop on the sides of the central air filtration portion. In these designs, each ear loop consists of code. Each cord includes an intermediate region, an upper end and a lower end. The upper end and the lower end are connected to the central air filtration portion. One or more fused regions are formed in the intermediate region where the upper and lower rows are attached to each other. The wearer may cut, strip or cut the one or more fused regions to increase the size of the first ear loop and the second ear loop. The cord may consist of a string or yarn.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate by way of example the principles of the invention.

A first aspect of the invention is a face mask that can be easily adjusted to accommodate for the size of the wearer's head.

A second aspect of the invention is a face mask having ear loops made of an elastic material that can be adjusted by cutting or tearing for the size of the wearer's head.

A third aspect of the invention is a face mask with ear loops comprising cuttable areas with holes and / or notches.

A fourth aspect of the invention is a face mask with adjustable ear loops made of flexible cords that can be adjusted by cutting or tearing off the strings to accommodate for the size of the wearer's head.

The drawings described herein are for the purpose of illustrating only selected embodiments, not all possible embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
The foregoing summary of the present invention as well as the detailed description of the following exemplary embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, exemplary configurations of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the specific methods and means disclosed herein. Wherever possible, the same elements are represented by the same symbols.
1A illustrates a face mask having pre-cut and adjustable ear loops and cutable regions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 1B illustrates a pre-cut ear loop having a cutaway area with notches to assist the wearer in increasing its size in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
1C illustrates a precut inseam ear loop having a cutaway area with holes to assist the wearer in increasing its size in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 1D illustrates a pre-cut ear loop having a cutaway area having holes and notches to assist the wearer in increasing its size in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
2A illustrates an alternatively shaped ear loop with a cutaway area to assist the wearer in increasing its size in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2B illustrates an alternatively shaped ear loop with a cutaway area to assist the wearer in increasing its size in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2C illustrates an ear loop of an optional shape having a cutaway area to assist the wearer in increasing its size in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2D illustrates an alternatively shaped ear loop with a cutaway area to assist the wearer in increasing its size in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 illustrates the ear loop of FIG. 2C with a precut section that can be truncated in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
4A illustrates an alternative design consisting of an adjustable and flexible cord having regions in which ear loops are fused in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
4B illustrates an alternative design in which the ear loops consist of adjustable flexible code and multiple regions fused in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Justice

References herein to "one embodiment / side" or "an embodiment / side" include certain features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with the above embodiment / side in at least one embodiment / side of the present invention. It means to be. The use of the expression “in one embodiment / side” or “in another embodiment / side” in various places in the specification is not necessarily all the same embodiment / side, but separate or optional embodiments / side Are not excluded from each other with respect to other embodiments / sides. In addition, it is described that various features may appear in some embodiments / sides and may not appear in others. Similarly, it is described that various requirements may be required for some embodiments / sides, but not others. Embodiments and aspects may be used interchangeably in certain examples.

The terms used in this specification, the contents of the present invention, and the specific expression in which each term is used generally have a general meaning in the art. Specific terms used to describe the invention are discussed below or elsewhere in this specification to provide guidance to those skilled in the art to understand the description of the invention. For convenience, certain terms may be emphasized using, for example, italics and / or quotation marks, the use of emphasis does not affect the scope and meaning of the terms, and the scope and meaning of the terms may be in some contexts. It is the same with or without emphasis. It will be appreciated that the same subject may be described in more than one way.

Accordingly, optional expressions and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein. The terms are not imparted to any particular significance, whether described in detail or discussed herein or otherwise. Synonyms for specific terms are provided. The description of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification, including examples of any terms discussed herein, is illustrative only and is not intended to limit the scope and meaning of the present invention or any illustrated terms. Likewise, the invention is not limited to the various embodiments described herein.

With the intention of not further limiting the scope of the invention, examples of instruments, devices, methods and their related results in accordance with embodiments of the invention are described below. Note that headings or subheadings may be used in the examples in a manner that does not limit the scope of the invention for ease of understanding. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In case of conflict, the present text, including definitions, will control.

The term "isotropic" or "isotropic material" refers to a material that exhibits the same values (eg, strength and elasticity) when measured along axes in different directions.

The term "mechanical filter" refers primarily to a respiratory protective device which retains particulate matter such as dust by blocking and consolidation of the respiratory protective device with fibers.

The term "notch" refers to holes, slits or gaps in a material such as fibers of an ear loop.

The term "perforation" refers to a series of holes, often made of perforations, that contribute to cutting, cutting or tearing.

Other technical terms used herein have their ordinary meaning in the art in which they are used, as illustrated in various technical dictionaries.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The present invention includes a mask having adjustable ear loops made of flexible and / or elastic fibers. 1A illustrates a mask 100 including ear loops in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The central portion (dark area) may be composed of a conventional mask material that filters air. In normal use, this portion covers the wearer's mouth and nose. This may filter the air sucked in to protect the wearer from dust, bacteria or particulate matter in the air. It can also filter the air that is exhausted to prevent the spread of bacteria (eg bacteria or viruses) from the wearer to others. The mask can be made for single use (ie, disposable).

1B shows the ear loop of the mask 100 in more detail. Each ear loop includes an opening 120 that is pre-cut in order to be secured over or around the wearer's ear. The size of each ear loop can be adjusted to accommodate the size of the wearer's head. In a preferred design, a tearable portion comprising notches 110 is adjacent to the precut incision ear loop. The cuttable area may allow the wearer to easily increase the size of the ear loops to an appropriate size by cutting or cutting the fiber.

As shown, the notches form the cutable area and extend away from the center of the mask. The notches allow for cutting along a predetermined area (ie, a cuttable line). The notches can also prevent further progression of the cut when a force is applied to the mask. In other words, the force from the process of wearing the mask will no longer cut the area. Instead, the force will be directed away from the cutable area. This prevents unwanted cuts or increase in the size of the ear loops during normal wear. It also prevents users from cutting too much (ie, "runaway tear") or forming holes larger than necessary. This also makes it possible to reinforce the fiber around each notch, for example with stitching or thicker fibers.

Notches on the ear loops may also provide feedback to the wearer when he / she cuts to increase the size of the ear loops. This feedback can provide the user with an indicator to stop further cutting. More specifically, this directs the force away from the cut line, stopping / stopping the progress of the cut.

For example, initial tearing may require some effort from the user. After the cut reaches the first notch, more force is needed to perform additional cuts up to the second notch. This manner continues as the wearer cuts from the second notch to the third notch. This feedback is presented both in manual cutting and when using the tool to cut the material. The wearer may continue cutting until the mask is comfortably worn and is adequately fit to be in place.

Certain sections, such as notches on each side of the mask, can also ensure continuous adjustment when changing the mask. When the wearer replaces the mask, he / she can quickly resize the ear loops of the new mask to match the case of the previously worn mask. For example, the mask may suitably fit the wearer when the size of each ear loop is increased to the first notch. The wearer can quickly perform the adjustment by cutting each side up to the first notch before wearing the mask.

1C also shows the loop in more detail. In this optional design, the cutable portion comprising the holes 130 is adjacent to the loops 120. 1D shows a design with a cutaway area that includes both holes and notches 135. The cutaway area may be marked with dashed lines, for example, to make it clearer to the wearer.

In order to increase the size of the ear loop, the amount of tension is reduced when wearing the mask as the wearer cuts or cuts along the notches, holes or the aforementioned line. This can be done in a stepwise manner to the point where the wearer is comfortable while simultaneously providing a suitable amount of tension suitable for securing the mask.

Lines may be printed along the cuttable area to indicate where the ear loop should be cut. In another embodiment, these lines are perforated to enable the cutting of the fiber and to control the direction of the cutting. In another embodiment, this line is curved. In another embodiment, there are two or more sections (not shown) that can be cut away.

In an alternative design, the cutable area can be physically altered (eg folded or crimped). This may be useful when the mask is composed of certain types of materials. Like notches or notations, the change may cause the cutaway area to become more apparent to the wearer. In addition, the modification may contribute to maintaining a cut along the cutable area such that other areas of the ear loop are not cut.

The fibers of the ear loop portions of the mask may consist of a thin elastic polymer layer having a high elasticity sandwiched between one or more layers of the fabric. Such fibers may not have as high a resilience or yield strength as the resilient polymer layer and may be made in a manner that can accommodate elongation. In addition, the resilient fibers can be polished and / or designed with materials so that they can be easily cut without using any cutting tools, but not to fail (ie, torn or cut off) while wearing the mask. It can be strong enough.

The notches can be marked to indicate both the stop points as well as the direction of the cut. Since the distance between the notches can be sufficiently large, there is a significant decrease in tension with each cut while being short enough not to disturb the cutting process at the same time. The notches 110 may be at the same distance from each other or at substantially the same distance from each other, as shown in FIG. 1B. Optionally, they can be spaced appropriately to improve the design and the use of the mask. For example, notches further away from the ear loop can be placed closer together. Some first notches may allow the wearer to quickly size the ear loops for use. The remaining notches may allow fine adjustment (not shown) for maximum comfort.

2A illustrates an alternatively shaped ear loop design having a triangular shape 140. The pre-cut opening also has a triangular shape 150. Here, the cuttable area has holes and notches 135. The cutable area extends horizontally away from the center of the mask. The wearer may cut along the cuttable area to increase the size of the ear loops. The shape is preferably for comfort and improved suitability compared to conventional shapes.

2B shows an ear loop 160 having a curved shape that can be more ergonomic to the wearer. Here, the precut ear loops extend from horizontal to an angle of approximately 45 degrees from horizontal. The pre-cut opening 165 is similarly formed. The cuttable area 135 follows the angle (approximately 45 degrees from horizontal) of the pre-cut opening. This may be a desirable design for the user based on the size of the wearer's head, his / her facial features, and whether he / she prefers to wear the mask at a lower angle than the normal wearer. As with other designs, the wearer can cut along the cuttable area 135 to increase the size of the ear loop. Here, the cutaway area 135 includes holes and notches. In this design, the size of the ear loops is increased at an angle rather than horizontally.

2C shows an optional shaped ear loop 170 with a precut area of elliptical shape 180. 2D shows an ear loop of a similar design 190 having a pre-cut area 210 of tapered oval shape. In both designs, the cutout area 135 is Holes and notches for cutting.

As with designs having the notches (as shown in FIGS. 1D-3), the wearer can cut to the first notch along the indicated (dashed line) line to increase the size of the ear loop. If the mask feels tightened, he / she can cut along the line to further increase the size of the ear loops. Although three notches appear in the figure, the designs may include additional or fewer notches.

FIG. 3 shows the ear loop of FIG. 2C with a cutaway area 145 partially cut away in advance . The precut area provides at least two advantages. First, a distinct starting point is presented where the wearer cuts off the mask. Since the area is already partially cut, cutting will continue more intuitively along the notched, marked or perforated line. The second is that the precut sections are folded when the elastic fiber is worn over the ear. This increases the surface area of the elastic fiber in contact with the stomach, thereby reducing the amount of pressure on the surface. As a result, this means that the mask can be used for a longer period of time without adjusting or removing the mask due to discomfort for the ear. These precut areas may or may not be displayed.

In alternative embodiments, the mask 200 may include ear loops made of a chord, string, yarn or similar elastic or flexible material, as shown in FIG. 4A. In a preferred design, the ear loops consist of a single elastic string 220 connected at two or more points 225 to the side of the center portion of the mask. One or more portions 230 of the string are "fused" together. The user may cut regions at one or more fused points 230 to increase the length of the string (and the size of the ear loops).

The points on the string that are fused together serve as cuttable regions. The wearer inserts the ear through the ear loop and wears the mask, which tightens the string. Each fused point within the string can be torn or cut without the aid of tools to increase the size of the ear loop. Thus, the user can tear or truncate the fused points from each other to efficiently increase the length of the cords (and the size of the ear loops). The user can do so until the mask is comfortable while maintaining sufficient tension to securely fix the mask to his / her face. Although two fused points 230 are shown on the cord 220 in FIG. 4A, the ear loop may include two or more fused points. In an alternative design, the code may have a single fused point (not shown). The fused point may extend substantially along the length of the ear loop. The user may strip off the strings to increase the size of the ear loop.

4B shows a similar ear loop design 200 made of cord, string, yarn or similar elastic or flexible material 220. The ear loops are connected at two points up to the central portion of the mask. The points 230 on the string are fused together to function as cuttable regions. Here, an upper fused point (first cutable area) and a lower fused point (second cutable area) exist. The user can cut these areas to increase the length of the string (and the size of the ear loops). This design may enable adjustment to accommodate the wearer's head, his / her facial features, and whether he / she prefers to wear the mask at a larger / smaller angle.

Example

Use of the present invention to improve suitability of disposable masks

In a typical use of the present invention, the wearer puts his or her ears into the first ear loop. If necessary, the wearer may cut along the cuttable section adjacent the ear loop to size the ear loop. Can be increased. More specifically, certain sections of the ear loops (ie, cuttable regions) can be cut or cut to effectively increase the size of the ear loop opening, thereby reducing tension from the ear loops. You can. The cutable area may include notches and / or perforated area. The wearer can increase the size of the ear loop by cutting the cuttable area to accommodate the size of his / her head.

The wearer can then put his or her other ear into the second ear loop. The second ear loop also includes a cutaway region. The wearer may cut as described above to increase the size of the second ear loop.

After the mask is positioned around both ears, the wearer can further adjust (ie, increase the size of one or all of the ear loops by cutting). The wearer can adjust the ear loop size so that the mask fits comfortably and tightly over his / her face. The wearer may continue to increase the size of the ear loops such that the mask is comfortable and sufficiently tight for use.

In a preferred design, the masks are intended for single use (ie, disposable). Thus the wearer can become accustomed to the number of notches cut on each side for an ideal fit. This allows the user to quickly and easily resize each ear loop to the size desired for each use.

It will be appreciated that the changes described above and other features or functions, or optional examples thereof, may be combined into other systems or applications. In addition, various unexpected or unexpected optional examples, modifications, changes, and improvements may be implemented by those skilled in the art, which are also intended to be encompassed in the following claims.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in considerable detail and comprehensiveness to cover all possible aspects, one skilled in the art will understand that other forms of the invention are possible.

Claims (16)

In a single piece face mask,
a) a central portion for filtering the vented and aspirated air;
b) a first ear loop having a tearable region; And
c) a second ear loop having a cutaway area,
The first ear loop and the second ear loop are on the side of the central portion and each includes an opening for the wearer to secure around the ear,
The wearer may cut or cut the cutable area of the first ear loop to increase the size of the first ear loop,
And wherein the wearer can cut or cut the cutable area of the second ear loop to increase the size of the second ear loop. The single piece of claim 1, wherein the cutable area of the first ear loop and the cutable area of the second ear loop are perforated to allow the wearer to increase the size of the openings by cutting or cutting. Face mask. 2. The cutable area of the first ear loop and the cutable area of the second ear loop further comprise one or more notches to assist the wearer in increasing the size of the openings by cutting or cutting. single face mask comprising notches). 4. The single piece face mask of claim 3 wherein the notches provide feedback to the user by increasing the force needed to perform additional cuts from each notch. 4. The single piece face mask of claim 3, wherein the single piece face mask is comprised of a fibrous material, wherein the fiber material and notches prevent further cutting to the cuttable areas after wearing the face mask. . 4. The cutable area of the first ear loop and the cutable area of the second ear loop allow the wearer to identify the cutable areas and reduce resistance to cutting. A single piece face mask, which is partially cut away to assist. The method of claim 1 wherein the central portion is composed of elastic fibers, wherein the first ear loop and the second ear loop are elastic cords, bands, strings or yarns. Single face mask, characterized in that consisting of. A face mask consisting of a central air filtration portion and two pre-incision ear loop regions on the side of the central air filtration portion,
Each pre-cut incision ear loop region includes one or more perforated sections,
The wearer may cut or cut the one or more perforated sections to increase the size of the pre-cut ear loop area. 9. The single piece face mask of claim 8 wherein the two pre-cut incision ear loop regions are at least one shape of slit, square, triangular, oval or cylindrical. 10. The unitary face mask of claim 8, wherein a portion of each perforated section is partially cut to assist the wearer in identifying the perforated section and reducing resistance to tearing. 9. The single piece face mask of claim 8, wherein the one or more perforated sections comprise one or more notches to assist the wearer in cutting or cutting. 12. The single piece face mask of claim 11 wherein the notches direct forces away from the perforated sections after the wearer wears the face mask to prevent unwanted cutting of the perforated sections. 9. The single piece face mask of claim 8 wherein the notches provide feedback to the user by increasing the force needed to perform additional cuts from each notch. 9. The unitary face mask of claim 8, wherein said central air filtration portion and said two pre-incision ear loop regions are comprised of elastic fibers. A face mask consisting of a first ear loop and a second ear loop on a side of a central air filtration portion and a side of the central air filtration portion,
Each ear loop consists of code,
Each cord has an intermediate region, an upper end and a lower end, the upper end and the lower end being connected to the central air filtration part,
One or more fused regions are formed in the intermediate region where portions of the cord are attached to other portions,
The wearer can cut, strip, or cut the one or more fused regions to increase the size of the first ear loop and the second ear loop. 16. The face mask of claim 15, wherein said code consists of a string or yarn.

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