WO2022153085A1

WO2022153085A1 - Silicone face mask

Info

Publication number: WO2022153085A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/050319
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rachael ARAGON
Original assignee: Aragon Rachael
Priority date: 2021-01-16
Filing date: 2021-01-16
Publication date: 2022-07-21

Abstract

A face mask includes a body extending from a first side to a second side; one or more securing devices to secure the body to a user's head and face; a transparent section positioned near a middle region of the body, the transparent section providing visibility to a user's mouth; one or more pockets disposed within the body; and one or more filters secured within the one or more pockets; the one or more filters block particles from entering the user's mouth and nose.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to protection systems, and more specifically, to a protective mask system that provides for improved filtration, comfort, visibility, and fit.

2. Description of Related Art

[0002] Protection systems are well known in the art and are effective means to help protect individuals from bacteria and viruses. For example, FIG. 1 depicts a conventional protection system 101 having one or more ear loops 103, 105 and a mask 107. During use, the user will secure the mask over their mouth and nose via the ear loops.

[0003] One of the problems commonly associated with system 101 is limited use. For example, the mask obscures the user’s face, which can lead to communication issues. In addition, many masks are uncomfortable for long wear by the user and do not provide for an ideal fit to the user’s unique face structure.

[0004] Accordingly, although great strides have been made in the area of protection systems, many shortcomings remain.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a conventional face mask; FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a face mask in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 3 is an inside view of the face mask of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method of use of the face mask of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment if a face mask in accordance with the present application.

[0006] While the system and method of use of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0007] Illustrative embodiments of the system and method of use of the present application are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer’s specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0008] The system and method of use in accordance with the present application overcomes one or more of the above-discussed problems commonly associated with conventional face mask systems. Specifically, the present invention provides for visibility of the wearers mouth for improved communication and identification. In addition, the face mask of the present invention is composed of a silicone material, thereby being more comfortable for long wear. In addition, silicone provides for the ability to be reused and disinfected by conventional methods, such as washing in the dishwasher, microwaving, hand washing with hot water, placing in a conventional oven and autoclaving. These and other unique features of the system and method of use are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0009] The system and method of use will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the system are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless described otherwise.

[0010] The preferred embodiment herein described is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is chosen and described to explain the principles of the invention and its application and practical use to enable others skilled in the art to follow its teachings.

[0011] Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 2 and 3 depicts exterior and interior views of a face mask 201 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application. It will be appreciated that mark 201 overcomes one or more of the above-listed problems commonly associated with conventional face mask systems.

[0012] In the contemplated embodiment, face mask 201 includes a body 203 extending from a first side 205 to a second side 207. One or more securing devices 209, 211 are provided to secure the body to a user’s head and face. It should be appreciated that in the preferred embodiment, the securing devices are ear loops, however it is contemplated that other straps or securing means could be used. As shown, the body further includes a top malleable structure 212 and a bottom malleable structure 302 which will help form the face mask to the user’s face for comfort and improved fit. In the preferred embodiment, the body and securing devices are composed of a silicone material and are a uniform and integral piece of material, thereby eliminating seams and improving comfort for the user. The silicone composition of the face mask allows for improved conforming of the mask to the user’s face, wherein the mask is malleable to the user’s face regardless of the shape or size of the user’s face.

[0013] The face mask of the present invention further includes a transparent section 213 positioned near a middle region of the body, the transparent section providing visibility to a user’s mouth. This feature provides for complete visibility of the user’s face and mouth. This helps provide for improved communication, as it can be difficult to understand the user when speaking when the user’s mouth is covered. Further, this provides for improved identification of the user.

[0014] The mask 201 further includes one or more pockets 215, 217 disposed within the body and holding one or more filters 219 therein. The one or more filters block particles from entering the user’s mouth and nose, thereby improving sanitation of the air the user is breathing. As shown, the one or more pockets will include a perforated front surface 221 and back surface 301 to allow air to pass therethrough. In the preferred embodiment, the one or more filters are triboelectric smart filters. It should be appreciated and understood that the filters are capable of filtering out nano sized particles and are composed of three inner layers and one outer layer, which their combination of positive and negative charges will allow inactivation of bacterial and viral containing aerosols from both the user and the outside environment.

[0015] It should be appreciated that in the preferred embodiment, the transparent section 213 is positioned substantially in the middle of the body and provides for easy transparency to the user’s mouth. The one or more pockets in the preferred embodiment are two pockets, one positioned on either side of transparent section and having a substantially triangular shape. It should however be appreciated that the exact shape and configuration of the mask can vary.

[0016] It should be appreciated that one of the unique features believed characteristic of the present application is the combination of a silicone mask with a transparent section and one or more filters. This combination of features provides for a mask with improved comfort, fit, visibility of the mouth, and improved sanitation of the air.

Claims

5 What is claimed is:

1. A face mask, comprising: a body extending from a first side to a second side; one or more securing devices to secure the body to a user’s head and face; a transparent section positioned near a middle region of the body, the transparent section providing visibility to a user’s mouth; one or more pockets disposed within the body; and one or more filters secured within the one or more pockets; wherein the one or more filters block particles from entering the user’s mouth and nose.

2. The face mask of claim 1 , wherein the body is composed of silicone.

3. The face mask of claim 1, wherein the body and one or more securing devices are integral with one another and composed of silicone.

4. The face mask of claim 1 , wherein the one or more securing devices are ear loops.

5. The face mask of claim 1, wherein the one or more filters are triboelectric filters.

6. The face mask of claim 1 , further comprising: 6 one or more malleable elements secured along a top and bottom edge of the body for adjusting fit.

7

7. A method of personal protection, the method comprising: providing a face mask having a body extending from a first side to a second side, one or more securing devices to secure the body to a user’s head and face, a transparent section positioned near a middle region of the body, the transparent section providing visibility to a user’s mouth, one or more pockets disposed within the body, and one or more filters secured within the one or more pockets; securing the face mask to the user’s face such that the transparent section is in front of the user’s mouth; and wearing the face mask for protection; wherein the one or more filters block bacteria and particles from entering the user’s mouth and nose.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the body is composed of silicone.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the body and one or more securing devices are integral with one another and composed of silicone.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the one or more securing devices are ear loops.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein the one or more filters are triboelectric smart filters.

12. The method of claim 7, further comprising: 8 one or more malleable elements secured along a top and bottom edge of the body for adjusting fit.