WO2015003239A1

WO2015003239A1 - Convenient on/off face mask

Info

Publication number: WO2015003239A1
Application number: PCT/CA2013/050548
Authority: WO
Inventors: Romana DURRANI
Original assignee: Durrani Romana
Priority date: 2013-07-12
Filing date: 2013-07-12
Publication date: 2015-01-15

Abstract

Described herein is a convenience mask. The convenience mask is mounted on a user's arm so that the mask can be quickly placed over a user's mouth and/or nostrils with a single arm motion. The mask comprises: a mask frame comprising a concave-like interior surface and an exterior surface conjoined at a perimeter, the perimeter defining an open area sized to receive at least mouth and nasal orifices; an arm band coupled to the frame at or proximal to a central location and distal to the perimeter, the arm band extending outwardly from the exterior surface; and optionally a wicking material covering at least a portion of the interior surface.

Description

CONVENIENT ON/OFF FACE MASK

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to masks, and more particularly masks that can be conveniently removed from or placed over a portion of a user's face using one hand.

Description of the Related Art

In daily life many instances can occur when sheltering inhalation and/or exhalation of an individual from the environment may be useful. For example, an individual may wish to shelter inhalation from the environment when experiencing a noxious smell, spraying an insecticide or herbicide, or in the presence of others suffering from a flu or cold. Examples of sheltering exhalation from the environment may be when an individual is suffering from a flu or cold and wishes to shelter a cough or a sneeze out of consideration for others.

Many functional solutions have been practiced to shelter inhalation and/or exhalation from the environment. For example, one or both hands have been placed over mouth and nasal orifices. Generally, to achieve sufficient coverage of the orifices both hands must be used. Moreover, bringing bare hands to the orifices may be undesirable from a hygiene or sanitary perspective. An improvement to using bare hands is to hold a piece of material such as a napkin or handkerchief in the palm of the hand. An alternative is to place a mask over the mouth and nasal orifices with loops from the mask extending behind the ears or straps from the mask tied behind the head of the individual. However, both hands are generally needed to properly position a cover such as the handkerchief or the mask over the orifices and becomes particularly cumbersome when the removal of the cover at multiple intervals is desired.

Accordingly, there is a continuing need for alternative for conveniently covering mouth and nasal orifices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an aspect there is provided, an arm mountable mask comprising:

a mask frame comprising a concave-like interior surface and a convex-like exterior surface conjoined at a perimeter, the perimeter defining an open area sized to receive at least mouth and nasal orifices; a wicking material covering at least a portion of the interior surface; and an arm band coupled to the frame at or proximal to a central location and distal to the perimeter, the arm band extending outwardly from the exterior surface.

In another aspect there is provided, an arm mountable mask comprising:

a mask frame comprising a concave-like interior surface and a convex-like exterior surface conjoined at a perimeter, the perimeter defining an open area sized to receive at least mouth and nasal orifices;

at least one fold line defined within the mask frame to guide movement of the mask frame from a collapsed position to an expanded position; and

an arm band coupled to the mask frame at or proximal to a central location and distal to the perimeter, the arm band extending outwardly from the exterior surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a perspective view (A), and cross-section views (B) and (C) of an arm mountable mask;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view (A), and cross-section views (B) and (C) of a first variant of the arm mountable mask shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view (A), and cross-section views (B) and (C) of a second variant of the arm mountable mask shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view (A), and cross-section views (B) and (C) of a third variant of the arm mountable mask shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view (A), and cross-section views (B) and (C) of a fourth variant of the arm mountable mask shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 6 shows a use of the arm mountable mask shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 7 shows a modified arm mountable mask comprising a trapezoid frame;

Figure 8 shows another modified arm mountable mask comprising a semi-tubular frame with one end open;

Figure 9 shows yet another modified arm mountable mask comprising a semi-tubular frame with both ends open; and

Figure 10 shows a modification of the arm mountable mask shown in Figure 6 to be moveable from an expanded position (A) to a collapsed position (B). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMB ODEVIENT

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 A shows a perspective view of an arm mountable face mask 10. The face mask 10 comprises a cup-shaped frame 12 having a generally concave interior surface 14 and a generally convex exterior surface 16 conjoined at a perimeter 18. The frame 12 is wider than its deep. The width is the largest diameter of the perimeter 18. The depth is the shortest distance between the plane defined by perimeter 18 and a central location 20 of the frame. The perimeter 18 defines an open area sized to receive mouth and/or nasal orifices of a user. The frame 12 tapers from the perimeter 18 to the central location 20. An arm band 24 extends outwardly from the exterior surface 16 at or proximal to the central location 20 of the exterior surface 16 and generally distal to the perimeter 18. A wicking material 22 is coupled to the interior surface 14 to absorb moisture generated when the frame is used to cover mouth and/or nasal orifices.

Figure IB shows a cross-section view of the arm mountable face mask 10 shown in Figure 1A taken along line IB-IB. The wicking material 22 is generally disc shaped and attached to a plurality of points along the interior surface 14. The wicking material 22 is held taut so as to be linearly positioned at a chord covering the central location 20 so as to form an air gap 23 between the central location 20 and the wicking material 22. The air gap aids in evaporation of moisture absorbed by the wicking material by allowing evaporation from a surface of the wicking material facing the interior surface 14.

Figure 1C shows a cross-section view of the arm mountable face mask 10 with an alternative attachment pattern of the wicking material 22 to the interior surface 14. The wicking material 22 is layered on substantially the entire interior surface 14 without providing an air gap between the wicking material 22 and the central location 20. Providing an air gap between the wicking material and the central location is not critical, particularly for applications where little moisture accumulation is expected.

Figure 2 A shows a perspective view of a variant of the arm mountable face mask 10 shown in Figure 1A. Similar to face mask 10, the first variant face mask 10a comprises a cup- shaped frame 12 having a generally concave interior surface 14 and a generally convex exterior surface 16 conjoined at a perimeter 18. The frame 12 is wider than its deep. The width is the largest diameter of the perimeter 18. The depth is the shortest distance between the plane defined by perimeter 18 and a central location 20 of the frame. The perimeter 18 defines an open area sized to receive mouth and/or nasal orifices of a user. The frame 12 tapers from the perimeter 18 to the central location 20. An arm band 24 extends outwardly from the exterior surface 16 at or proximal to the central location 20 of the exterior surface 16 and generally distal to the perimeter 18. A wicking material 22 is coupled to the interior surface 14 to absorb moisture generated when the frame is used to cover mouth and/or nasal orifices. One or more ventilation apertures 26 are formed at or proximal to the central location 20. The ventilation aperture(s) 26 can promote evaporation of moisture from wicking material 22 and/or provide a source of air intake for a use of the face mask 10a to shelter inhalation.

Figure 2B shows a cross-section view of the first variant arm mountable face mask 10a shown in Figure 2A taken along line 2B-2B. The wicking material 22 is generally disc shaped and attached to a plurality of points along the interior surface 14. The wicking material 22 is held taut so as to be linearly positioned at a chord covering the central location 20 so as to form an air gap 23 between the central location 20 and the wicking material 22. The ventilation aperture(s) 26 formed at or proximal to the central location 20 are communicative with the air gap 23. The air gap 23 and the ventilation aperture(s) 26 can cooperate to aid in evaporation of moisture absorbed by the wicking material by allowing evaporation from a surface of the wicking material facing the interior surface 14.

Figure 2C shows a cross-section view of the first variant arm mountable face mask 10a with an alternative attachment pattern of the wicking material 22 to the interior surface 14. The wicking material 22 is layered on substantially the entire interior surface 14 without providing an air gap between the wicking material 22 and the central location 20. Providing an air gap between the wicking material and the central location is not critical, particularly for applications where little moisture accumulation is expected. Furthermore, the presence of ventilation aperture(s) 26 can aid in providing air circulation and evaporation of moisture.

Figure 3 A shows a perspective view of a second variant of the arm mountable face mask

10 shown in Figure 1A. The variant face mask 10b comprises a cup-shaped frame 12 having a generally concave interior surface 14 and a generally convex exterior surface 16 conjoined at a perimeter 18. The frame 12 is wider than its deep. The width is the largest diameter of the perimeter 18. The depth is the shortest distance between the plane defined by perimeter 18 and a central location 20 of the frame. The perimeter 18 defines an open area sized to receive mouth and/or nasal orifices of a user. The frame 12 tapers from the perimeter 18 to the central location 20. An arm band 24 extends outwardly from the exterior surface 16 at or proximal to the central location 20 of the exterior surface 16 and generally distal to the perimeter 18. A wicking material 22 is coupled to the interior surface 14 to absorb moisture generated when the frame is used to cover mouth and/or nasal orifices. The wicking material 22 has a first surface exposed to a user's mouth and/or nasal orifices, and an opposing second surface facing the interior surface 14. A further absorbent material 28 is coupled to the interior surface 14 in juxtaposition with the second surface of the wicking material 22. Communicative contact between the absorbent material and the wicking material allows moisture to be removed from the wicking material to the absorbent material to promote drying of the first surface of the wicking material.

Figure 3B shows a cross-section view of the second variant arm mountable face mask

10b shown in Figure 3A taken along line 3B-3B. The wicking material 22 and the absorbent material 28 are formed as a generally disc shaped laminate and attached to a plurality of points along the interior surface 14. The wicking material 22 and absorbent material 28 laminate is held taut so as to be linearly positioned at a chord covering the central location 20 so as to form an air gap 23 between the central location 20 and the absorbent material 28. The air gap aids in evaporation of moisture absorbed by the wicking material and communicated to the absorbent material 28 by allowing evaporation from a surface of the absorbent material 28 facing the interior surface 14.

Figure 3C shows a cross-section view of the second variant arm mountable face mask 10b with an alternative attachment pattern of the wicking material 22 and absorbent material 28 to the interior surface 14. The wicking material 22 and absorbent material 28 are layered on substantially the entire interior surface 14 without providing an air gap between the absorbent material 28 and the central location 20. Providing an air gap between the absorbent material and the central location is not critical, particularly for applications where little moisture accumulation is expected. In such cases, the absorbent material can act as a reservoir for moisture accumulation and function as a desiccant.

Figure 4A shows a perspective view of a third variant of the arm mountable face mask 10 shown in Figure 1A. The third variant face mask 10c comprises a cup-shaped frame 12 having a generally concave interior surface 14 and a generally convex exterior surface 16 conjoined at a perimeter 18. The frame 12 is wider than its deep. The width is the largest diameter of the perimeter 18. The depth is the shortest distance between the plane defined by perimeter 18 and a central location 20 of the frame. The perimeter 18 defines an open area sized to receive mouth and/or nasal orifices of a user. The frame 12 tapers from the perimeter 18 to the central location 20. An arm band 24 extends outwardly from the exterior surface 16 at or proximal to the central location 20 of the exterior surface 16 and generally distal to the perimeter 18. A wicking material 22 is coupled to the interior surface 14 to absorb moisture generated when the frame is used to cover mouth and/or nasal orifices. A ventilation grid 30 comprising a matrix of apertures formed at or proximal to the central location 20 is covered by an air filter 32 coupled to the interior surface 14.

Figure 4B shows a cross-section view of the third variant of the arm mountable face mask 10c shown in Figure 4A taken along line 4B-4B. The wicking material 22 is generally disc shaped and attached to a plurality of points along the interior surface 14. The air filter 32 is also generally disc shaped and attached to a plurality of points along the interior surface 14. The air filter 32 is positioned in between the wicking material 22 and the interior surface 14 of the central location 20. The wicking material 22 and the air filter 32 are held taut so as to be linearly positioned at generally parallel chords covering the central location 20 so as to form an air gap 23 between the central location 20 and the air filter 32 as well as a second air gap 23a between wicking material 22 and air filter 32. The second air gap 23a aids in evaporation of moisture absorbed by the wicking material by allowing evaporation from a surface of the wicking material facing the air filter 32. The second air gap 23a also acts as a barrier to prevent liquid communication of moisture from the wicking material 22 to the air filter 32.

Figure 4C shows a cross-section view of the third variant arm mountable face mask 10c with an alternative attachment pattern of the wicking material 22 to the interior surface 14. The wicking material 22 is layered on a portion of the interior surface 14 proximal to perimeter 18 while maintaining the second air gap 23a between the wicking material 22 and the air filter 32.

Figure 5A shows a perspective view of a fourth variant of the arm mountable face mask

10 shown in Figure 1A. The fourth variant face mask lOd comprises a cup-shaped frame 12 having a generally concave interior surface 14 and a generally convex exterior surface 16 conjoined at a perimeter 18. The perimeter 18 defines an open area sized to receive mouth and/or nasal orifices of a user. The frame 12 tapers from the perimeter 18 to the central location 20. An arm band 24 extends outwardly from the exterior surface 16 at or proximal to the central location 20 of the exterior surface 16 and generally distal to the perimeter 18. A wicking material 22 is coupled to the interior surface 14 to absorb moisture generated when the frame is used to cover mouth and/or nasal orifices. A tubular compartment 34 is coupled to the arm band 24 proximal to the central location 20. The tubular compartment 34 may be used for housing hygiene accessories such as tissue paper, anti-microbial compounds, moisturizing compounds and the like or therapy accessories such as magnets, aroma therapy compounds, and the like.

Figure 5B shows a cross-section view of the fourth variant arm mountable face mask lOd shown in Figure 5A taken along line 5B-5B. The wicking material 22 is generally disc shaped and attached to a plurality of points along the interior surface 14. The wicking material 22 is held taut so as to be linearly positioned at a chord covering the central location 20 so as to form an air gap 23 between the central location 20 and the wicking material 22. The air gap aids in evaporation of moisture absorbed by the wicking material by allowing evaporation from a surface of the wicking material facing the interior surface 14. The tubular compartment 34 is coupled to the arm band 24 proximal to the central location 20.

Figure 5C shows a cross-section view of the fourth variant arm mountable face mask lOd with an alternative coupling of the tubular compartment 34. The tubular compartment 34 is coupled to frame 12 proximal to central location 20 and within the air gap 23 formed between wicking material 22 and central location 20.

In use, the arm mountable face mask 10 or a variant or modification thereof is secured to a user's arm by arm band 24. As shown in Figure 6, the arm mountable face mask 10 is secured to a user's wrist by arm band 24 with the user's wrist and the back of the user's hand providing abutting support for the exterior surface 16 of the frame 12. Accordingly, positioning of the frame 12 on the user's wrist is maintained throughout motion of the user's arm and hand. Moreover, the user's hand is not hindered from performing manipulative tasks. When desired the user simply raises the wrist so that frame 12 covers mouth and/or nasal orifices with the mouth and/or nasal orifices received within the opening defined by perimeter 18. In this manner a user may repeatedly and conveniently don and remove a face mask with a single hand, thus providing an advantage over most masks that require two hands for donning or removal. Furthermore, when the frame 12 of face mask 10 is removed from the user's mouth and/or nasal orifices, the face mask 10 remains secured to the user's wrist in position to be donned at a moment' s notice by a quick movement of the wrist towards the face. Several illustrative versions of an arm mountable face mask have been described above. Further variants and modifications will now be described. Still further variants and modifications will be apparent to the person of skill in the art.

Any compatible mask configuration, shape or technology may be combined with the features of the arm mountable face mask.

Any mask shape providing a generally concave interior surface may be used including semi-spherical shapes, trapezoid shapes, semi-tubular shapes, cone shapes and the like. The terms "generally concave" and "concave-like" are used interchangeably and include smooth concave curves and line segment combinations that approximate concave curves, for example a plurality of straight line segments that combine to approximate a concave curve. A generally concave interior surface will be a surface that is bounded by a best-fit concave curve from the choices of a best-fit concave curve, a best-fit straight line, and a best-fit convex curve. Thus, the generally concave interior surface need not be a smooth concave curve as shown in Figure 1A, and includes concave curves defined by two or more straight sides. For example, the generally concave interior surface may be a concave curve defined by two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more sides. Furthermore, the generally concave interior surface may be a concave curve defined by a combination of one or more straight sides and one or more arcuate segments. Figure 7 shows an example of a variant arm mountable face mask 50 comprising a trapezoid cup-shaped frame having a generally concave interior surface with a cross-section concave curve defined by three sides. The trapezoid cup-shaped frame comprises a central base side joined to four peripheral sides with a concave curve defined by a combination of a pair of opposing peripheral sides and the central base side. The wicking material 22 is coupled to a plurality of points along each of the four peripheral sides and is suspended above the central base side forming an air gap between the wicking material and the central base side. Ventilation apertures (not shown) may be formed in the central base side to provide air circulation and aid evaporation of moisture from the surface of the wicking material facing the central base side.

Figures 8 and 9 provide further examples of variant arm mountable face masks comprising a frame having a generally concave interior surface. Figures 8 and 9 show variant arm mountable face masks 60 and 70, each comprising a frame that is a partial tube defining two opposing ends and providing an open face along an axial plane. The two opposing ends of the partial tube may be open as shown in Figure 9, one of the opposing ends may be open while the other opposing end is closed as shown in Figure 8, or both of the opposing ends may be closed (not shown). In both Figures 8 and 9, wicking material 22 is attached to a dome shaped skeleton which is coupled to a central location of the partial tube frame. Ventilation apertures (not shown) may be formed in the central location within the region of the partial tube frame that is coupled to the dome shaped skeleton to provide air circulation and aid evaporation of moisture from the surface of the wicking material facing the generally concave interior surface of the partial tube frame.

The shape of the exterior surface of the mask is not critical and may be any shape. Typically, a mask shape providing a generally convex exterior surface may be used including semi-spherical shapes, trapezoid shapes, semi-tubular shapes, cone shapes and the like. The terms "generally convex" and "convex-like" are used interchangeably and include smooth convex curves and line segment combinations that approximate convex curves, for example a plurality of straight line segments that combine to approximate a convex curve. A generally convex exterior surface will be a surface that is bounded by a best-fit convex curve from the choices of a best-fit concave curve, a best-fit straight line, and a best-fit convex curve. Thus, the generally convex exterior surface need not be a smooth convex curve as shown in Figure 1A, and includes convex curves defined by two or more straight sides. For example, the generally convex exterior surface may be a convex curve defined by two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more sides. Furthermore, the generally convex exterior surface may be a convex curve defined by a combination of one or more straight sides and one or more arcuate segments.

The interior and exterior surfaces of the mask frame may be mating or symmetrical where stacking of masks during storage is desired. However, in applications not requiring stacking, the interior and exterior surfaces may be asymmetrical or non-mating, for example, a spherical interior surface combined with a cube shaped exterior surface or a cone shaped interior surface combined with a spherical exterior surface. In another example, both the interior and exterior surfaces may have concave portions, with the concave portion of the exterior surface mating with the radius of curvature of the arm band and the user's arm.

The mask may be made of any suitable material including plastics, foams, polymers, paper or wood products such as cardboard, metals or combinations thereof. The mask may be reuseable or disposable. For reusable masks, the mask may be washable by hand, machine or both hand and machine. For disposable masks, paper or wood product frames may be particularly useful.

A wicking material may be coupled to the mask frame. The benefit of the wicking material is that moisture absorbed by a localized region in the wicking material is spread through the material to allow for quicker evaporation of moisture compared to a material without wicking properties. Air gaps and/or ventilation apertures formed between the wicking material and the mask frame may be used to further facilitate evaporation. As the function of the wicking material is to collect and disperse moisture, the use of the wicking material will depend on the expectation of moisture accumulation in a particular application. In applications where frequent moisture accumulation is expected, such as a mask used to shelter a user's coughing and sneezing exhalations, covering greater than 20% of the interior surface of the mask frame can be advantageous. In applications where little moisture accumulation is expected, such as sheltering inhalation while walking through an airport terminal, covering less than 20% of the interior surface of the mask frame may be sufficient to provide the moisture collection and quick evaporation advantages of the wicking material. In applications where no moisture accumulation is expected, such as a precautionary mask used infrequently and for short duration, the wicking material may be absent.

The wicking material may be any natural or synthetic material having wicking properties. Any material compatible with human skin that can take up liquid and provide pores for the liquid to flow through capillary action may be used. Typically, sponges, foams and fabrics may be useful. The fabric may be woven or non-woven and may be natural or synthetic. Examples of useful materials may be selected from wool, cotton, sponge, polymers (eg. polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylacetate, polyethylene, polypropylene), hemp, paper, bamboo, microfiber, wood or cork.

Any wicking material compatible with human skin may be used, including wicking materials from sanitary napkin, diaper or athletic wear technologies. For example, quick dry wicking materials in athletic wear composed of 85% to 95% polyester and 15% to 5% spandex may be used.

When a wicking material is coupled to the mask frame, the location of the wicking material may be varied. The wicking material may be coupled to the interior surface, the exterior surface or both the interior surface and exterior surface of the mask frame. For example, the wicking material may cover a portion of the interior surface of the mask frame at or near the perimeter, at or near the central location or both at or near the perimeter and at or near the central location. As another example, the wicking material may cover a portion of the exterior surface of the mask frame at or near the perimeter, at or near the central location or both at or near the perimeter and at or near the central location.

When a wicking material is coupled to the mask frame, the wicking material will cover at least a portion of the interior or exterior surface of the mask frame. When a wicking material is used it will cover at least 10% of the interior or exterior surface of the mask frame. Typically, when in use the wicking material may cover the interior surface of the mask frame at a percentage greater than 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or greater than any percentage therebetween. A wicking material may also be used to cover at least a portion or substantially all of the exterior surface of the mask frame.

The choice of the absorbent material can tolerate variation. The absorbent material is characterized by an absorbent rate and/or wicking capacity greater than the absorbent rate or wicking capacity of the wicking material. Absorbent materials may be selected from the same groups of materials that wicking materials are chosen from. Many examples of absorbent materials may be found in the tissue paper, paper towel, baby diaper and feminine napkin industries as materials used in these devices are developed to quickly absorb and disperse liquid. When used, the absorbent material will typically be in fluid communication with the wicking material and will typically located in between the wicking material and the interior surface of the mask frame.

Assays to determine absorbent rate and wicking capacity are known. For example, US Patent No 5830558 describes such an assay. The absorbent rate is a measure of the rate at which a material sample acquires liquid by wicking. The wicking capacity is a measure of the weight of water wicked into a material sample per gram of sample dry weight. The absorbent rate and wicking capacity may be measured using the following procedure. The sample sheet, which is cut into a circular shape having a 3 inch diameter, is supported horizontally on a tared filament tray. The weight of the dry sample is determined.

A vertical tube having a diameter of 0.312 inches and holding a column of liquid is provided. The tube is supplied with liquid from a reservoir to provide a convex meniscus adjacent the lip of the tube. The liquid level in the tube is adjustable, such as by a pump, so that the meniscus can be raised to contact a sample sheet positioned above the lip of the tube. The sample sheet supported in the filament tray is positioned above the vertical tube, such that the filament tray is about 1/8 inch above the lip of the tube. The liquid level in the tube is then varied so that the meniscus contacts the sample, after which the pressure used to raise the meniscus (about 2 psi when the liquid is water) is reduced to zero. The weight of the sample sheet is monitored as water is taken up by the sample. Time zero is set at the instant when the sample first takes up liquid (first change in balance reading from dry weight). At time equals two seconds (two seconds after time zero), the contact between the meniscus and the sample sheet is broken by suction (about 2 psi when the liquid is water) applied to the liquid in the tube, and the wetted sample weight is recorded. The wetted sample is weighed after breaking contact between the meniscus and the sample so as not to include surface tension in the weight measurement.

The absorbent rate is the weight of the wetted sample minus the sample dry weight, divided by 2 seconds. A small positive pressure (about 2 psi when the liquid is water) is applied to the liquid in the tube to cause the meniscus to recontact the sample. The weight of the sample is again monitored until time equals 180 seconds. At time equals 180 seconds, the contact between the meniscus and the sample sheet is broken by suction (about 2 psi when the liquid is water) applied to the liquid in the tube, and the wetted sample weight is again recorded. The wetted sample is weighed after breaking contact between the meniscus and the sample so as not to include surface tension in the weight measurement. The wicking capacity is calculated as the wetted sample weight at 180 seconds minus the dry weight, divided by the dry weight. The absorbent rate and wicking capacity are each reported as an average of at least 4 measurements.

The arm band may be composed of any rigid or flexible material sized to secure the mask to any portion of the arm from the fingers to the upper arm, typically the forearm, and more typically the wrist. Thus, the arm band may be a finger band, a palm band, a wrist band, a forearm band, an elbow band and the like depending upon a desired preference of the user. The arm band may be elastic or non-elastic. The arm band may be a continuous band or may be a discontinuous band (ie., interrupted by a gap). An arm band having a gap length less than 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2% or less than any percentage therebetween of the total distance of the arm band can readily be used to secure the mask to a desired portion of a user's arm. The arm band may be of any type including sleeves, straps, bracelets, rings and the like. The arm band may comprise any type of clasp such as a buckle, a button, a hook and pile/loop fastener (eg, Velcro), a clip, a clamp, and the like. An example of a useful arm band is a slap wrap bracelet which is closeable from an opened and straight form to a closed form that curls to take the shape of a user's wrist when slapped against the wrist. Another example of a useful arm band is an elastic ring that can receive one or more fingers to secure the mask frame to the back of a user's hand.

The arm band may be coupled to the mask frame by any convenient permanent or reversible technique, including for example, adhesives, stitching, staples, rivets, pins, nuts and bolts, clips, snap buttons, hook and pile/loop fasteners (eg, Velcro), etc.

The mask frame may be composed of any rigid or flexible material. For example, the mask frame may be any material selected from plastics, foams, polymers, woods, metals and the like. Typically, the mask frame will be made of a flexible material. The mask frame may be composed of any variety of soft or hard materials. Typically, the hardness of the mask frame will be less than 60 on the Shore D durometer scale. Typically, the mask frame will be sufficiently soft and flexible to allow for radial and/or axial deformation of the mask frame by manual manipulation of a user' s fingers.

The mask frame may be expandable from a collapsed state to an expanded state, collapsible from an expanded state to a collapsed state, or both expandable and collapsible. For example, Figures 10A and 10B show a variant arm mountable face mask 80 in a collapsed state (Figure 10B) and an expanded state (Figure 10A). The variant arm mountable face mask 80 is repeatedly moveable from a collapsed state to an expanded state. The face mask 80 comprises a cup shaped frame comprising a plurality of concentric closed loop accordion folds formed by a plurality of ridge 86 and valley 84 pairs interconnected by annular side walls 88 that can be manually manipulated by a user's fingers to collapse or expand the frame.

A mask frame comprising a plurality of concentric accordion folds can be collapsed and expanded and moved from a collapsed position to an expanded position by increments. The number of increments is a linear positive correlation with the number of accordion folds. Manual manipulation of an accordion-folded mask frame may achieve symmetrical or asymmetrical expansion or retraction as desired. Concentric closed-loop annular accordion-folds have been shown in Figures 10A and 10B. Alternative accordion-folds are contemplated. For example, certain interior surface structures such as those shown in Figures 8 or 9 can be collapsed and expanded by forming concentric open-loop accordion folds. Alternatively, concentric closed-loop accordion folds may be substituted with spiral or helical accordion-folds. Furthermore, accordion-folds are shown as an example only, and other types of collapsing/expanding mechanisms are contemplated. Collapsing/expanding mechanisms may be derived, for example, from collapsible packaging technologies, collapsible container technologies, origami techniques, pop-up card technology and the like. Typically, at least one fold line will be defined within the mask frame to guide movement of the mask frame from a collapsed position to an expanded position. For example, a spiral or helical accordion fold can be provided as a single open-loop spiral or helical fold line that guides collapsing or expanding movement. As another example, a fold line along a line of symmetry of the mask frame can allow the mask frame to be folded in half with opposing halves optionally coupled by a reversible fastener, and flattened along the user's arm. Of course, providing a plurality of fold lines will allow for many more alternatives for guiding movement to collapse/expand the mask frame.

Since the mask is intended for convenient and repeated donning and removal from a user's mouth and/or nasal orifices, ear loops or fastening straps extending from the perimeter of the mask frame for securing the mask to a user's face will typically be unnecessary.

The tubular compartment 34 may be substituted with any other convenient shaped compartment or retainer including a pouch, a clip, a sleeve, and the like.

The opening of the mask frame may be removably covered with a cap to cover the interior surface of the mask frame when the mask is not in use. The cap may be made of any convenient rigid, flexible, deformable or elastic material. The cap may be tethered to the mask; for example tethered to the exterior surface of the mask frame.

Any compatible therapy such as aroma therapy or magnet therapy may be accommodated by the arm mountable face mask. For example, magnets may be incorporated within the arm band and/or within the mask frame at or proximal to the perimeter. As another example, aroma therapy compounds may be placed within compartments or retainers formed within the interior surface of the mask frame. As yet another example, anti-microbial particles may be coated on and/or embedded within the wicking material, the interior surface of the mask frame, the exterior surface of the mask frame, the arm band, or any combination thereof.

Further variants, modifications, equivalents and combinations thereof will be recognized by the person of skill in the art.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An arm mountable mask comprising:

a wicking material covering at least a portion of the interior surface; and

an arm band coupled to the frame at or proximal to a central location and distal to the perimeter, the arm band extending outwardly from the exterior surface.

2. The arm mountable mask of claim 1, wherein the arm band is continuous.

3. The arm mountable mask of claim 1, wherein the arm band is discontinuous.

4. The arm mountable mask of claim 1, wherein the arm band is a slap bracelet.

5. The arm mountable mask of claim 1, wherein the arm band is a wrist band.

6. The arm mountable mask of claim 1, wherein the arm band comprises a clasp.

7. The arm mountable mask of claim 1, wherein the arm band is a finger ring.

8. The arm mountable mask of claim 1, wherein an air gap is formed between the wicking material and the interior surface.

9. The arm mountable mask of claim 1, further comprising one or more ventilation apertures in the frame at the portion of the interior surface covered by the wicking material.

10. The arm mountable mask of claim 1, further comprising an absorbent material in fluid communication with the wicking material located between the wicking material and the interior surface.

11. The arm mountable mask of claim 10, wherein an air gap is located between the absorbent material and the interior surface.

12. The arm mountable mask of claim 11. further comprising one or more ventilation apertures in the frame at the portion of the interior surface covered by the absorbent material.

13. The arm mountable mask of claim 1, wherein the frame is cup-shaped.

14. The arm mountable mask of claim 13, wherein a cross-section of the frame has a shape selected from the group consisting of arcuate, semi-circular, triangular, trapezoidal, and square.

15. The arm mountable mask of claim 1, wherein the frame has a partial tubular shape.

16. The arm mountable mask of claim 1, wherein the frame is collapsible.

17. The arm mountable mask of claim 16, wherein the frame comprises a plurality of concentric closed loop accordion folds for moving the frame by increments from a collapsed position to an expanded position.

18. The arm mountable mask of claim 1, wherein the mask is disposable.

19. The arm mountable mask of claim 18, wherein the mask is made of a paper material.

20. The arm mountable mask of claim 1, wherein the mask is washable and reuseable.

21. An arm mountable mask comprising:

22. The arm mountable mask of claim 21, wherein the arm band is continuous.

23. The arm mountable mask of claim 21, wherein the arm band is discontinuous.

24. The arm mountable mask of claim 21, wherein the arm band is a slap bracelet.

25. The arm mountable mask of claim 21, wherein the arm band is a wrist band.

26. The arm mountable mask of claim 21, wherein the arm band comprises a clasp.

27. The arm mountable mask of claim 21, wherein the arm band is a finger ring.

28. The arm mountable mask of claim 21, further comprising a wicking material covering at least a portion of the interior surface.

29. The arm mountable mask of claim 28, further comprising one or more ventilation apertures in the frame at the portion of the interior surface covered by the wicking material.

30. The arm mountable mask of claim 28, further comprising an absorbent material in fluid communication with the wicking material located between the wicking material and the interior surface.

31. The arm mountable mask of claim 28, wherein an air gap is located between the wicking material and the interior surface.

32. The arm mountable mask of claim 30, wherein an air gap is located between the absorbent material and the interior surface.

33. The arm mountable mask of claim 30. further comprising one or more ventilation apertures in the frame at the portion of the interior surface covered by the absorbent material.

34. The arm mountable mask of claim 21, wherein the frame is cup-shaped.

35. The arm mountable mask of claim 34, wherein a cross-section of the frame has a shape selected from the group consisting of arcuate, semi-circular, triangular, trapezoidal, and square.

36. The arm mountable mask of claim 21, wherein the frame has a partial tubular shape.

37. The arm mountable mask of claim 21, wherein the frame comprises a plurality of concentric closed loop accordion folds for moving the frame by increments from a collapsed position to an expanded position.

38. The arm mountable mask of claim 21, wherein the mask is disposable.

39. The arm mountable mask of claim 38, wherein the mask is made of a paper material.

40. The arm mountable mask of claim 21, wherein the mask is washable and reuseable.