US20220087336A1

US20220087336A1 - Adjustable Facemask Strap and System

Info

Publication number: US20220087336A1
Application number: US17/480,545
Authority: US
Inventors: Michelle C. Youkhana
Original assignee: Shaylow James Ltd
Current assignee: Shaylow James Ltd
Priority date: 2020-09-21
Filing date: 2021-09-21
Publication date: 2022-03-24

Abstract

An adjustable facemask strap and system are disclosed for use in securing and covering a mouth and nose region of the user. The adjustable facemask strap attaches to the facemask to provide the user with the option of altering the tightness or looseness of the facemask on the user's face. The adjustable facemask strap has multiple components to allow for easy adjustment by the user. Furthermore, the adjustable facemask strap provides the user with a secure attachment of the facemask to the user's body so that inadvertent loss of the facemask or cumbersome attachment of the facemask to the user's mouth and nose region is avoided. The adjustable facemask strap and system minimizes common facemask issues for users continuously in need of covering and uncovering their mouth and nose region over a prolonged period of wear.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE AND PRIORITY CLAIM TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This non-provisional patent application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application 63/081,083, filed Sep. 21, 2020, and entitled “Adjustable Facemask Strap and System”, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

INTRODUCTION

The concern for one's health and the health of others is an important consideration for public interaction and public policy. Those who are ill, try their best to keep those without illness from becoming infected. In home and health care settings, this is normally accomplished by having ill patients in separate quarantined areas away from healthy population members. However, there is an imperative need to treat these ill patients with healthy healthcare workers and other individuals. To help protect those who are healthy from contracting illness from the sick patients, facemask wearing is a common means of defense to possible airborne pathogens. Furthermore, there may be a need for public members suffering from minor illness who are not in need of medical treatment to venture out into healthy society due to commitments. Whether it be for food pick up, acceptance of medical treatments, or work requirements, those with minor illness commonly do venture out into the public. In such scenarios, facemask wearing is an important means of preventing airborne pathogens from contacting and infecting healthy members of society.
Facemask wearing of people having minor illness is a common public policy and cultural understanding for many people around the world. For example, in many Asian cultures, those with minor illness will commonly wear facemasks while commuting or visiting public places. Additionally, healthy members of the public with possible immunocompromised systems or underlying health considerations routinely wear facemasks in these public encounters. Unfortunately, with the discovery and rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 disease and subsequent COVID-19 infections facemask wearing has become an important part of everyday life for the entire human population around the world.
Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) within the United States have encouraged the public to wear facemasks in public settings to help reduce the spread of infection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. While medical benefits of face covering by any type of possible mask material is being debated by medical experts, there are known advantages to help prevent airborne spread of pathogens by such mask wearing. In fact, many states within the United States and many local jurisdictions have made mask wearing required in public settings (i.e. stores, schools, government buildings, etc.). While not normally a part of American culture, facemask wearing is now front and center and a common occurrence for America's foreseeable future.
Early during the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries, states, and local governments shut down all but essential business to help prevent widespread infection. This abrupt halt to everyday normal life led to a significant downturn of the world economy. As continued closure would result in significant economic damage, world leaders needed to develop a strategic plan of reopening business and in turn interaction between members of the public. One such recommendation and implemented response to help curb the virus spread is the requirement of mandatory facemask wearing from either the governmental level or by many employers for its employees reentering the workplace. Facemask wearing by many members of the public now equates with responsible and preventative action being taken by the masked individual.
Almost every type of public interaction fits the criteria for some type of necessary facemask wearing. With children, facemask wearing is paramount as schools and universities are now returning to in person class in some jurisdictions. Additionally, many jobs requires some level of interaction with the public so that facemask wearing almost always is needed. Children are required to wear facemasks in during learning activities at school. Contractors are required to wear facemasks when entering homes and talking with their clients. Retail workers are required to wear facemasks when interacting with and checking out shoppers at their stores.
However, there are times that facemask wearing is not required or necessary such as when the individual is isolated or further than six feet away from any member of the public. Children at school can remove their facemasks for recess play. Contractors working outside or driving to a new location do not require facemask use. Retail workers on private breaks may remove their facemasks. This leads to situations where children or employees are constantly securing and then removing their facemasks. In itself, the securing and removal of facemask is a simple task, but this repeated action can lead to undesired results. The facemask loops which secure the facemask to the individual's ears can break by this repeated action. This repeated action and long wear times can cause the user pain around the ears where the facemask is secured. Most importantly, removal of the facemask requires the facemask to be stored safely until it is needed again. In these types of constant removing and securing actions, the facemask is likely to be unintentionally lost by the user and especially when done by younger users such as children.
To help address and fix the above issues, the inventor proposes the following disclosure pertaining to an adjustable facemask strap and system. The envisioned adjustable facemask strap no longer requires complete removal of the facemask from the face and ears of the wearing individual. The adjustable facemask strap is secured to the facemask allowing it to hang securely around the user's neck when it is not needed for use as a face covering. Furthermore, the adjustable facemask strap may have an adjuster that can lengthen or shorten the securing arrangement of the facemask that is also part of the adjustable facemask strap. Through use of the adjuster, the adjustable facemask strap can fashion any type of facemask for use by small children or those wishing for an alternative secure fit, than traditional facemask ear loops. Additionally, use of the adjustable facemask strap with a facemask allows the user to adjust the securing area of the facemask so that ear irritation or ear pain is removed by excessive facemask use.
Further features and advantages of the disclosed embodiments, as well as the structure and operation of various elements of the disclosed embodiments, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, illustrate the disclosed embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain certain inventive principles.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an adjustable facemask strap as described herein in an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an assembled first strap of the adjustable facemask strap in an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the adjustable facemask strap as part of a facemask system in a first position on the user in an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the adjustable facemask strap as part of a facemask system in a second position on the user in an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows a back view of the adjustable facemask strap as part of a facemask system in the second position in an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the adjustable facemask strap in an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the accompanying drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an adjustable facemask strap 100. The adjustable facemask strap 100 may be a combination of different components including a first strap 105 of the adjustable facemask strap 100 and a second strap 110 of the adjustable facemask strap 100. As part of the component combination, a fabric material 115 may be used to create the strap portion of the adjustable facemask strap 100. The fabric material 115 may be any type of material that is suitable to be able to connect to the facemask as well as secure the facemask around the head of the user. In an example embodiment of the disclosure, the fabric material 115 may be an elastic material. As an elastic material, the fabric material 115 can expand and conform to the shape of the user's back head or back neck region while the adjustable facemask strap 100 is in use. Additional examples of the fabric material 115 may include cotton, nylon, polyester, or plastic materials, combinations thereof, and any other additional type of fabric material 115 that is suitable for securing a position of the adjustable facemask strap 100 to either the user's back portion of the head or the neck.
The first strap 105 of the adjustable facemask strap 100 may have a first fastener set 120. The first fastener set 120, in an example embodiment of the disclosure, may be a pair of interlocking snap fasteners. From a top down view 122 of the adjustable facemask strap 100, the first fastener set 120 being snap fasteners may have a circular shape and may be attached to the fabric material 115 by ways of a snap fastening machine apparatus. From a bottom view 124 of the adjustable facemask strap 100, the pair of interlocking snap fasteners have different functional shapes. A first fastener 125 may have a female receiving shape with an opening to accept a second fastener 130 having a male shape with a protrusion. When placed on one another, the first fastener 125 and the second faster 130 may snap, or lock into position securing both the first and second fastener 125 and 130 together as one unit. A fabric piece 135 of the fabric material 115 near the terminal end of the first strap 105 can be available for a user to grip and pull to remove the first and second fasteners 125 and 130 from their interlocked configuration. When attaching the adjustable facemask strap 100 to a facemask (not shown), a first ear loop (not shown) of the facemask can be placed in a middle fabric portion 140 between the first fastener 125 and the second fastener 130. When interlocked, the first fastener set 120 secures the first ear loop to the adjustable facemask strap 100 while also allowing the first ear loop a full range of motion so that the user can comfortably position the facemask over the user's mouth and nose region in the most appropriate fit and position. While the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the adjustable facemask strap show the first fastener set 120 as snap fasteners, it should be understood that other types of fasteners may be used including, but not limited to, Velcro type fasteners, sewn stitched fasteners, rope based fasteners, or clipping type fasteners.
The second strap 110 of the adjustable facemask strap 100 may have a second fastener set 145. The second fastener set 145, in an example embodiment of the disclosure, may be a pair of interlocking snap fasteners. From a top down view 122 of the adjustable facemask strap 100, the second fastener set 145 being snap fasteners may have a circular shape and may be attached to the fabric by ways of a snap fastening machine apparatus. From a bottom view 124 of the adjustable facemask strap 100, the pair of interlocking snap fasteners have different functional shapes. A third fastener 150 may have a female receiving shape with an opening to accept a fourth fastener 155 having a male shape with a protrusion. When placed on one another, the third fastener 150 and the fourth faster 155 may snap, or lock into position securing both the third and fourth fastener 150 and 155 together as one unit. A second fabric piece 160 of the fabric material 115 near the terminal end of the second strap 110 can be available for a user to grip and pull to remove the third and fourth fasteners 155 and 160 from their interlocked configuration. When attaching the adjustable facemask strap 100 to a facemask (not shown), a second ear loop (not shown) of the facemask can be placed in a second middle fabric portion 165 between the third fastener 150 and the fourth fastener 155. When interlocked, the second fastener set 145 secures the second ear loop to the adjustable facemask strap 100 while also allowing the second ear loop a full range of motion so that the user can comfortably position the facemask over the user's mouth and nose region in the most appropriate fit and position. While the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the adjustable facemask strap 100 show the second fastener set 145 as snap fasteners, it should be understood that other types of fasteners may be used including, but not limited to, Velcro type fasteners, sewn stitched fasteners, rope based fasteners, or clipping type fasteners.
Also present in FIG. 1 is a ring 170. The ring 170 provides multiple functions within the adjustable facemask strap 100. The ring 170 can be made of any type of material that is suitable for connection to the fabric material 115 of the adjustable facemask strap 100. The ring 170, in an example embodiment of the disclosure, is made of a rigid plastic material. It should be understood, that the ring 170 could be made of other types of rigid material such as metal or from elastic and formable material such as soft plastics or cloth/fabric type materials. The ring 170, as seen in the bottom view 124 of FIG. 1, is attached to the fabric material 115 of the second strap 110 of the adjustable facemask strap 100. The fabric material 115 of the second strap 110 loops through the inner ring portion 175 and can then be attached to an area of the fabric material further down towards the second fastener set 145 by way of a sewing stitch as see in the example embodiment. The fabric material 115 of the second strap 110 can also be attached by other means such as, but not limited to, snap fasteners, Velcro type fasteners, rope based fasteners, or clipping type fasteners. When attached to the second strap 110 of the adjustable facemask strap 100, the ring 170 provides a good centering basis of the adjustable facemask strap 100. The ring 170 can easily be grasped by a user placing the facemask and adjustable facemask strap 100 over the user's head and manipulated to the most comfortable position for the facemask placement. The ring 170 also provides an easy centering point for the user of the facemask and the adjustable facemask strap 100. By locating the ring 170, the user can manipulate the facemask and the adjustable facemask strap 100 to provide a center fit at the back of the head so that the facemask is not unnecessarily placed off center and not in a proper covering position.
Also seen in FIG. 1 is the adjustable clip 180. The adjustable clip 180 attaches to the fabric material 115 of the first strap 105 of the adjustable facemask strap 100. The fabric material 115 of the first strap 105 of the adjustable facemask strap 100 can then loop through the inner ring portion 175 of the ring 170 to secure the first strap 105 to the ring 170. In this configuration the first strap 105 and the second strap 110 form the entirely of the adjustable facemask strap 100. The adjustable clip 180 can then be manipulated and moved by a user either towards the ring 170 or towards with first fastener set 120 to either loosen or tighten the fit of the facemask and the adjustable facemask strap 100 when it is placed on either the back head portion or neck portion of the user.
Turning now to FIG. 2, the ring 170 and adjustable clip 180 are shown next to an assembled first strap 105 of the adjustable facemask strap 100. The ring 170, as discussed above, can be made of a rigid plastic material but may be constructed from other types of rigid material such as metal or formed with elastic and formable materials such as soft plastics or cloth/fabric type materials. The ring 170, as seen in the bottom view 124 of FIG. 1 but not in FIG. 2, is attached to the fabric material 115 of the second strap (110 and not shown) of the adjustable facemask strap 100. The ring 170 provides the common joining point of the first strap 105 of the adjustable facemask strap 100 and the second strap 110 of the adjustable facemask strap 100. Both fabric material 115 from the first strap 105 and fabric material 115 from the second strap 110 of the adjustable facemask strap 100 loop through the inner ring portion 175 and are attached to their respective ends through different means. While the second strap 110 of the adjustable facemask strap 100 can attach to an area of the fabric material 115 further down towards the second fastener set 135 by way of a sewing stitch, the first strap 105 of the adjustable facemask strap 100 is attached to the ring in a different manner though assistance by the adjustable clip 180.
In FIG. 2, the adjustable clip 180 is viewed both as part of the completed first strap 105 of the adjustable facemask strap 100 and as a solo component. In the example embodiment of the present disclosure, the adjustable clip 180 has a vertically elongated figure eight shape. Of course, different types of shapes and configurations of the adjustable clip 180 are possible to provide the same secure attachment to the first strap 105 of the adjustable facemask strap 100 as well as provide the adjustability features of the adjustable facemask strap 100. The adjustable clip 180 may have a first side rung 205, a middle rung 210, and a second side rung 215. The adjustable clip 180 may also have a first clip opening 220 and a second clip opening 225. The adjustable clip 180, as seen in FIG. 2, is attached to the fabric material 115 of the first end 105 of the adjustable facemask strap 100. The fabric material 115 of the first strap 105 loops below the first side rung 205 and up through first clip opening 220. The fabric material 115 of the first strap 105 then continues to loop down through the second clip opening 225 and then crosses over the middle rung 210 overlapping a section of fabric material 115 closer towards the first fastener set 120. In this overlapping attachment area, the fabric material 115 may be affixed to itself by way of a sewing stitch as see in the example embodiment. The fabric material 115 may also be affixed to itself by way of either an adhesive, an additional snap fitting, or any other type of secure fastening connection so that the first strap 105 of the adjustable facemask strap 100 is secured to the adjustable clip 180 to complete the first strap 105 component of the adjustable facemask strap 100.
Once the fabric material 115 of the first strap 105 is attached to the adjustable clip 180, the first strap 105 of the adjustable facemask strap 100 is ready to be attached to the second strap 110 of the adjustable facemask strap 100 by way of the commonly attached ring 170. A completely attached version of the first strap 105 of the adjustable facemask strap 100 to the ring 170 can be viewed in FIG. 1. To accomplish this, the terminal end of the first strap 105 nearest the location of the first fastener set 120 can loop over the ring 170 and then pass through the inner ring portion 175. The fabric material 115 can then be manipulated by the user in a direction in which the fabric material 115 that has passed through the inner ring portion 175 now overlaps fabric material 115 that has not passed through the inner ring portion 175. The terminal end of the first strap 105 nearest the location of the first fastener set 120 can then pass under the second side rung 215 and through the second clip opening 225 of the adjustable clip 180. From there, the terminal end of the first strap 105 nearest the location of the first fastener set 120 can pass over the middle rung 210 of the adjustable clip 180 and down through the first clip opening 220. The terminal end of the first strap 105 nearest the location of the first fastener set 120 then passes under the first side rung 205 and slack of the fabric material 115 can be pulled taut so that the fabric material 115 rests below the first side rung 205, above the middle rung 210, and below the second side rung 215. In this configuration, the first strap 105 of the adjustable facemask strap 100 is ready for attachment to a facemask. This configuration also allows for movement of the adjustable clip 180, so that when the facemask is positioned on the user, the user can tighten or loosen the fit of the facemask on the user's person.
In FIG. 3, the adjustable facemask strap 100 is viewed as part of a facemask system 300 in a first position on the user. In this first position, the facemask 305 is used to cover the mouth and nose region 310 of the user to protect the user from airborne pathogens near the user or to protect the public of possible airborne pathogens expelled by the user while wearing the facemask 305. In general usage, the facemask 305 would be secured to the mouth and nose region 310 by a contact point on the bridge of the nose 315 and through contact points of the first facemask loop 320 and the second facemask loop (not shown but opposite the first facemask ear loop 320) against the ears of the user. However, through use of the adjustable facemask strap 100, the first facemask loop 320 is securely attached to the adjustable facemask strap 100 by way of the first fastener set 120 and the second facemask loop is attached to the adjustable facemask strap 100 by way of the second fastener set 130. Using the adjustable facemask strap 100 does not required the user's ears as contact points. The user's ears can be used as positioning guides for the facemask system 300, but use of the adjustable facemask strap 100 helps prevent irritation and uncomfortability experienced by the user wearing a common facemask 305 during prolonged attachment to the user's ears. In the facemask system 300, the contact points for securing the facemask 305 to the user include the mouth and nose region 310 as well as the back end portion 325 of the adjustable facemask strap 100.
In FIG. 3, the adjustable facemask strap 100 can be manipulated so that the fit of the facemask system 300 is either tightened or loosened per the individual preferences of the user. FIG. 3, shows the adjustable facemask strap 100 in a tightened position. To tighten the facemask system 300 by way of the adjustable facemask strap 100, a user may slide the adjustable clip 180 towards the terminal end of the first strap 105 of the adjustable facemask strap 100 having the first fastener set 120. To loosen the facemask system 300 by way of the adjustable facemask strap 100, a user may slide the adjustable clip 180 towards the ring 170 of the adjustable facemask strap 100 connecting both the first strap 105 and the second strap 110 of adjustable facemask strap 100.
In FIG. 4, the adjustable facemask strap 100 is viewed as part of a facemask system 300 in a second position on the user. In the second position, the facemask 305 is removed from the nose and mouth region 310. Additionally, the back end portion 325 of the adjustable facemask strap 100 dropped from its first position against the back of the user's skull to around the back of the user's neck 400. When the back end portion 325 of the adjustable facemask strap 100 is contacting the back of the user's neck 400, the facemask 305 may be allowed to fall and rest against the user's upper chest region 405. This is the removed position of the facemask 305 in the facemask system 300. Use of the adjustable facemask strap 300 allows for the removed facemask 305 to still remain attached and secured to the user in an extremely comfortable manner. Common removal of the facemask 305 from the mouth and nose region 310 requires the user to either manually remove the facemask 305 from the user's ears and then store the facemask 305 before additional use is needed. Additionally, the facemask 305 can simply dangle from a user's ear in an extremely unsecured position. For users constantly covering and uncovering the mouth and nose region 310, it is extremely easy for the user to misplace or lose the facemask 305. However, with use of the adjustable facemask strap 100, misplacement or loss of the facemask is completely removed as the facemask 305 in the facemask system 300 will simply rest on the user's upper chest region 405 as it is secured by the user's neck. Thus, users of the facemask system 300 with the adjustable facemask strap 100 can continuously cover and uncover the mouth and nose region 310 without risk of losing the facemask 305. In FIG. 4, the adjustable facemask strap 100 is viewed in the tightened position as the adjustable clip 180 is near the first fastener set 120 of the first strap 105 of the adjustable facemask strap 100. Depending on the comfort level of the user, many users may decide to place the facemask system 300 in a loosened configuration at this second position. This is so the facemask 305 can easily rest against the upper chest region 405 of the user without risking a tight configuration where the facemask 305 contacts the front neck area of the user.
While FIG. 4 shows the facemask system 300 in a second position, where the facemask 305 is removed from the user's mouth and nose region 310, the user may also place the facemask 305 into a covering position from this configuration. As the facemask system 300 does not require use of the ears as contact points to secure the facemask 305, the user may place the facemask 305 in FIG. 4 over the mouth and nose region 310. This allows for the facemask system 300 to use the contact points of the bridge of the nose 315 and the back of the user's neck 400 to secure the facemask 305 by way of the adjustable facemask strap 100 over the user's mouth and nose region 310. These two covering examples are some of the many variations that can be applied and used by a user of the facemask system 300 with the adjustable facemask strap 100 that are unavailable to the single securing methods of common facemasks.
FIG. 5 shows a back view of the facemask system 300 by way of the adjustable facemask strap 100 in the second position. As stated above, the adjustable facemask strap 100 of the facemask system 300 contacts the back of the user's neck 400 in this second position. Depending on the desire of the user, the facemask 305 connected by a first facemask ear loop 320 and a second facemask ear loop 500 can be placed to cover the mount and nose region 310 of the user or be allowed to rest on the upper chest region 405 of the user. As stated above, the ring 170 of the adjustable facemask strap 100 can be used as a centering guide. The ring 170, as seen in FIG. 5, rests in the center of back of the user's neck 400 in this second position. The ring 170 is also easy to grasp by the user when the user wishes to adjust the facemask 305 to a covering position from this second position or to move the facemask system 300 to the first position on the back of the skull 505 to cover the mouth and nose region 310 of the user. In FIG. 5, the adjustable facemask strap 100 is viewed in the tightened position as the adjustable clip 180 is near the first fastener set 120 of the first strap 105 of the adjustable facemask strap 100. Depending on the comfort level of the user, many users may decide to place the facemask system 300 in a loosened configuration at this second position. In this loosened configuration, the adjustable clip 180 would be nearer the ring 170 of the adjustable facemask strap 100.
Turning now to FIG. 6, a second embodiment 600 of the adjustable facemask strap 100 is viewed. The second embodiment 600 of the adjustable facemask strap 100 has the same functionality as the earlier described of the adjustable facemask strap 100, but the structure of the adjustable facemask strap 100 is different. The second embodiment 600 of the adjustable facemask strap 100 has a third end 605 and a fourth end 610 of the adjustable facemask strap 100. The second embodiment 600 of the adjustable facemask strap 100 also has a second adjustable clip 615 and a third adjustable clip 620. The third end 605 and the fourth end 610 of the adjustable facemask strap 100 are created in the same fashion and manner as the first strap 105 of the adjustable facemask strap 100 described above and viewed in FIG. 2. However, in the second embodiment 600 of the adjustable facemask strap 100, there is no ring 170 component. The third end 605 of the adjustable facemask strap 100 is secured to the fourth end 610 of the adjustable facemask strap 100 by the third adjustable clip 620, and the fourth end 610 of the adjustable facemask strap 100 is secured to the third end 605 of the adjustable facemask strap 100 by the second adjustable clip 615. To secure the third end 605 to the fourth end 610, the third end fabric material 625 may loop over the first side rung 630 of the third adjustable clip 620 and below the middle rung 635 of the third adjustable clip 620. In this position, the third end fabric material 625 is located below and may contact the fourth end fabric material 640. The third end fabric material 625 may loop over the second side rung 645 of the third adjustable clip 620 and then continue onward so that the fasteners of the third end 605 may be attached to a second facemask loop (not shown).
The fourth end 610 is secured to the third end 605 of the adjustable facemask strap 100 in a similar manner. To secure the fourth end 610 to the third end 605, the fourth end fabric material 625 may loop under the second side rung 650 of the second adjustable clip 615 and above the middle rung 655 of the second adjustable clip 615. In this position, the fourth end fabric material 640 is located above and may contact the third end fabric material 625. The fourth end fabric material 640 may loop under the first side rung 660 of the second adjustable clip 615 and then continue onward so that the fasteners of the fourth end 610 may be attached to a first facemask loop (not shown).
In the second embodiment 600 of the adjustable facemask strap 100, the second adjustable clip 615 and the third adjustable clip 620 provide the loosening and tightening capabilities of the adjustable facemask strap 100. To tighten the adjustable facemask strap 100, and thereby the facemask 300 covering the mouth and nose region 310 of the user, the second adjustable clip 615 and the third adjustable clip 620 can be moved toward the fasteners nearest the respective second or third adjustable clip 615 and 620 along the path of the respective third or fourth fabric material 625 or 640. To loosen the adjustable facemask strap 100, and thereby the facemask 300 covering the mouth and nose region 310 of the user, the second adjustable clip 615 and the third adjustable clip 620 can be moved toward each other along the path of the respective third or fourth fabric material 625 or 640. The second embodiment 600 of the adjustable facemask strap 100 provides the user with a second manipulation point to adjust and tighten the facemask system 300 to create an ideal comfort fit in either the first position covering the mouth and nose region 310 or the second position around the back of the user's neck 400.
As various modifications could be made in the constructions and methods herein described and illustrated without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting. For example, the design and configuration of the adjustable facemask strap may change based on available materials and if more than one adjustment point is desired by the user. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described example embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An adjustable facemask strap comprising:

a first strap fabricated by a fabric material, the first strap having a first fastener set near a terminal end of the first strap;

a second strap fabricated by the fabric material, the second strap having a second fastener set near a terminal end of the second strap;

a ring, the ring being a common jointing point of the adjustable facemask strap wherein the first strap is secured to the ring and the second strap is secured to the ring; and

an adjustable clip, the adjustable clip secured to the fabric material of either the first strap or the second strap and able to variate an overall length of the adjustable facemask strap.

2. The adjustable facemask strap of claim 1, wherein the first fastener set comprises a first fastener, a second fastener, and a middle fabric portion between the first fastener and the second fastener.

3. The adjustable facemask strap of claim 2, wherein a facemask can be secured to the first strap by placement of a first ear loop of the facemask in the middle fabric portion between the first fastener and the second fastener when the first fastener is affixed to the second fastener.

4. The adjustable facemask strap of claim 1, wherein the second fastener set comprises a third fastener, a fourth fastener, and a second middle fabric portion between the third fastener and the fourth fastener.

5. The adjustable facemask strap of claim 4, wherein a facemask can be secured to the second strap by placement of a second ear loop of the facemask in the second middle fabric portion between the third fastener and the fourth fastener when the third fastener is affixed to the fourth fastener.

6. The adjustable facemask strap of claim 1, wherein the fabric material of the second strap envelopes around the ring and passes through an inner ring portion before attachment to itself by a sewing stitch.

7. The adjustable facemask strap of claim 1, wherein the fabric material of the first strap envelopes around a middle rung of the adjustable clip before attachment to itself by a sewing stitch.

8. The adjustable facemask strap of claim 7, wherein the fabric material of the first strap envelopes around the ring and passes through an inner ring portion before attachment to the adjustable clip.

9. The adjustable facemask strap of claim 8, wherein the fabric material of the first strap after passing through the inner ring portion attaches to the adjustable clip by passing under a second side rung of the adjustable clip, over the middle rung of the adjustable clip, and under a first side rung of the adjustable clip.

10. A facemask system, the facemask system comprising:

a facemask having a face covering portion, a first ear loop, and a second ear loop; and

an adjustable facemask strap, the adjustable facemask strap comprising:

a first strap fabricated by a fabric material, the first strap having a first fastener set near a terminal end of the first strap, the first fastener set configured to securely attach the first ear loop to the adjustable facemask strap;

a second strap fabricated by the fabric material, the second strap having a second fastener set near a terminal end of the second strap, the second fastener set configured to securely attach the second ear loop to the adjustable facemask strap;

11. The facemask system of claim 10, wherein the first fastener set comprises a first fastener, a second fastener, and a middle fabric portion between the first fastener and the second fastener.

12. The facemask system of claim 11, wherein the first ear loop is secured to the first strap by placement in the middle fabric portion between the first fastener and the second fastener when the first fastener is affixed to the second fastener.

13. The facemask system of claim 10, wherein the second fastener set comprises a third fastener, a fourth fastener, and a second middle fabric portion between the third fastener and the fourth fastener.

14. The facemask system of claim 13, wherein the second ear loop is secured to the second strap by placement in the second middle fabric portion between the third fastener and the fourth fastener when the third fastener is affixed to the fourth fastener.

15. The facemask system of claim 10, wherein the fabric material of the second strap envelopes around the ring and passes through an inner ring portion before attachment to itself by a sewing stitch.

16. The facemask system of claim 10, wherein the fabric material of the first strap envelopes around a middle rung of the adjustable clip before attachment to itself by a sewing stitch.

17. The facemask system of claim 16, wherein the fabric material of the first strap envelopes around the ring and passes through an inner ring portion before attachment to the adjustable clip.

18. The facemask system of claim 17, wherein the fabric material of the first strap after passing through the inner ring portion attaches to the adjustable clip by passing under a second side rung of the adjustable clip, over the middle rung of the adjustable clip, and under a first side rung of the adjustable clip.

19. A method of securing a facemask system to a user, the method comprising:

attaching a facemask to an adjustable facemask strap;

placing a face covering portion of the facemask over a nose and mouth region of the user;

positioning the adjustable facemask strap on a back of the head of the user in alignment with the ears of the user; and

adjusting the adjustable facemask strap by an adjustable clip attached to the adjustable facemasks strap, the adjustable clip configured to move along the adjustable facemask strap to either tighten or loosen the fit of the facemask on the nose and mouth region of the user.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:

removing the face covering portion of the facemask from the nose and mouth region of the user;

positioning the adjustable facemask strap on a neck back of the user;

resting the face covering portion of the facemask on an upper chest region of the user; and

adjusting the adjustable facemask strap by the adjustable clip attached to the adjustable facemask strap to provide loose resting of the facemask on the upper chest region of the user.