Fog-Preventing Face Mask Device

Abstract

A face mask accessory or assembly that inhibits the passage of fog-causing breath vapors between a face mask, such as a surgical or fabric mask, and a wearer's eyewear. The device may further assist in maintaining the intended fit and functionality of both the mask and glasses, and may be shipped flat. In some embodiments, the accessory is removable, adjustable and/or reusable. In other embodiments, the assembly is a face mask integrated with an anti-fogging flange.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/145,767, filed Feb. 4, 2021, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is in the technical field of face masks and face mask accessories.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wearing glasses with a face mask such as a common surgical mask or other fabric face masks frequently causes the lenses of a wearer's eyewear to fog up from hot breath permeating upwards through gaps between the wearer's face and the top of the mask. These breath vapors accumulate in the form of fog on the lens of the eyeglasses creating visual interference for the wearer. In situations where masks are required, those who require eyewear to see are left compromised and in potential danger. Accordingly, there remains a need for an inexpensive and cost-effective an anti-fogging face mask device and/or assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Some embodiments of the present invention provide a face mask accessory device, which may be removable, adjustable and reusable, that inhibits the passage of fog-causing breath vapors between a face mask, such as a surgical or fabric mask, and a wearer's eyewear. The device may assist in maintaining the intended fit and functionality of both the mask and glasses.

Some embodiments of the invention include an adjustable and reusable face mask accessory that creates a comfortable, well-fitting, effective vapor barrier at the top of a face mask. And for those who simultaneously wear glasses, it assures that the wearer's vision will not be impeded by fogged lenses during the course of daily activities, allowing them to behave as they normally would and not having to choose between the protection of a mask and the necessity of their glasses.

According to some embodiments of the invention, used in connection with disposable masks used for respiratory filtration, the ability to remove and reuse the device may allow users the ability to change masks as needed to maintain optimal functionality without compromising their ability to see and without incurring exorbitant additional costs or waste from single use aftermarket devices. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention that are not permanently affixed to a mask may allow opportunities to adjust placement for optimal functionality. Further, the ability to reuse the device according to embodiments of the invention may add convenience in that the user does not need to carry additional replacement devices if the user needs to swap an old mask for a new one as the device may be removed and connected to a new mask.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the adjustable face mask accessory may be attached to a face mask during manufacturing and sold to consumers as a single integrated assembly.

Whereas other prior solutions that span across the bridge of the nose interfere with the normal positioning of glasses across the bridge of the nose, embodiments of the present invention may account for such interference and allow the glasses to rest in their normal position.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a face mask accessory and/or face mask that reduces and/or avoids fogging of eyewear when worn by a user, and may be manufactured and shipped easily and cost-efficiently. For example, some embodiments of the invention may be manufactured to ship flat, saving cost in transport and storage, and make end-user use easier by remaining flat until needed, at which point they may be configured into a contoured three dimensional shape conducive to creating a continuous seal adapted to the shape of the user's face.

Some embodiments of the invention provide a face mask accessory comprising: a flexible substantially planar flange body having a proximal plane and a distal plane, said flange body having a top, a scalloped bottom, and two sides, wherein said scalloped bottom comprises two arcuate portions and a bridge thereinbetween and attaching means proximate to the top of the flange body for attaching said flange body to a face mask, wherein when the flange body is attached to the face mask using the attaching means, the scalloped bottom is capable of being folded upward, such that when the face mask fitted with the flange body is worn by a wearer, the arcuate portions are adjacent to the wearer's face, and breath vapors exhaled by the wearer are substantially prevented from rising to the wearer's eyes.

Further, according to some embodiments of the invention, the attaching means comprises one or more clip members, located proximate to the top of the flange body, so as to allow attachment of the flange body to the face mask by folding the top of the flange body over a top of the face mask.

In some embodiments of the invention, the attaching means comprises an adhesive portion along the top of the flange body. Yet further, according to some embodiments of the invention, the attaching means comprises an adhesive strip along substantially the entire length of the top of the flange body.

In some embodiments of the invention, a top of the flange body is substantially linear.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the top of the flange body comprises two substantially co-linear portions, wherein the mask attaching means comprises two respective mask attaching means. In some embodiments of the invention, the substantially co-linear portions are separated by a perforation. Yet further, in some embodiments, the substantially co-linear portions are offset from each other by an offset angle of no greater than 30 degrees. In some embodiments, the offset angle is no greater than 15 degrees.

According to some embodiments of the invention, there is provided a face mask integrated with an anti-fogging device, comprising: a face mask having an interior and an exterior; and a flexible substantially planar flange having a proximal plane and a distal plane, said flange having a top, a scalloped bottom, and two sides, wherein said scalloped bottom comprises two arcuate portions and a bridge thereinbetween, wherein said flange is attached to the face mask proximate to the top of the flange, and wherein the scalloped bottom is capable of being folded upward, such that when the face mask fitted with the accessory body is worn by a wearer, the arcuate portions are adjacent to the wearer's face, and breath vapors exhaled by the wearer are substantially prevented from rising to the wearer's eyes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention, as well as the invention itself, is more fully understood from the following description of various embodiments, when read together with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a face mask accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a face mask accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a face mask accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a face mask accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a face mask accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention situated on a surgical face mask.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a face mask accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention situated on a face mask.

FIG. 7 is a back view of a face mask accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention situated on a face mask.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a face mask accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention situated on a face mask positioned on a face.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a face mask accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention being situated on a face mask.

FIGS. 10 and 11 depict an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are views of an embodiment of the invention in which the fastener has clipping portions connected by a transverse member.

FIGS. 14 and 15 depict front and back views of an embodiment of the invention using a means of attachment between areas of the face mask accessory.

FIG. 16 depicts another embodiment of the invention, in which the top portion may be separated into substantially co-linear portions.

FIGS. 17 and 18 depict a face mask and face mask accessory according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 19 depicts an embodiment of the invention deployed on the face of a wearer wearing glasses and a face mask.

It will be appreciated that, for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, various aspects of the present invention are described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without some of the specific details presented herein. Furthermore, well known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the present invention.

There is depicted in the drawings, and will herein be described in detail, one or more preferred embodiments of the invention, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and the associated functional specifications for its construction and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiment illustrated. Those skilled in the art will envision many other possible variations within the scope of the technology described herein.

FIGS. 1 to 4 depict a face mask accessory 17, folded so as to create a channel 12 with an opening facing downward, to be affixed to the top of a face mask. The accessory may further provide a flange body 10 with flexible resilient properties which may be folded upward substantially perpendicular from the lower proximal edge of channel 12. Flange body 10 may have scalloped lower edges, which may create a seal against a wearer's cheeks, and between the scalloped lower edges, a bridge 11 may be created to accommodate a user's nose. The accessory may further include means of attaching the channel to a face mask, such as one or more fasteners 13, such as clips that may be attached to the top of a face mask, positioned between the middle and outer sections of the channel.

FIGS. 5-9 depict a face mask accessory according to an embodiment of the invention deployed on a face mask. Accessory 17 may include a channel 12 with an opening wide enough to insert the upper portion of a face mask 15. Once a face mask 15 is inserted into the channel 12, the fasteners 13 may apply additional pressure to hold the face mask 15 in a fixed position relative to the face mask accessory 17 so that the resulting assembly may be positioned on the face simultaneously as a unit. Disassembly of the face mask accessory 17 from the face mask 15 may be achieved by opening the fasteners 13 and 14 and pulling the face mask 15 out of the channel 12. The process of assembly and disassembly of the face mask assembly 17 and face mask 15 may be repeated whenever desired such as when a new face mask 15 is needed. The process of applying the assembled face mask accessory 17 and face mask 15 on a face is substantially the same as applying a face mask 15 only. In an alternate embodiment, an additional resilient member may be incorporated along the length of the channel 12, substantially over the bridge of the nose, to provide additional fit adjustability, which may be advantageous with face masks that have no such built-in adjustability.

Referring to FIG. 8, the assembled face mask accessory 17 and face mask 15 may be applied to a user's face so that the bridge 11 sits on the bridge of the user's nose and the scalloped bottom edges of flange 10 may flex to continuously contact and conform to the user's face from one end of the flange to the other so as to create a continuous vapor barrier between the top of the face mask 15 and the lenses of a wearer's glasses 16. The curvature of the bottom edge of the flange 10 along with its resilience, allow it to conform to the vast majority of variations within normal facial structures.

In further detail, referring to FIGS. 5-9, the face mask accessory 17 may be sufficiently wide so as to span substantially the entire width of a standard surgical face mask 15 of approximately 170 mm length, providing a vapor barrier along substantially the entire upper edge of the mask. Flange 10 may protrude towards the wearer's face at a substantially perpendicular orientation from the bottom edge of channel 12 and sweep upwards as it reaches bridge 11. The resulting curvature provides a substantial surface area that makes continuous contact with the user's nose so that the pressure from affixing face mask 15 to the user's face is distributed along a greater surface area than with a face mask alone, providing greater comfort. The curvature of the face-contacting edge and flexibility of the material of flange 10, along with sufficient depth to create continuous contact with the face, assures that standard facial geometries will be conformed to without gaps, creating an effective seal to prevent vapor from escaping upward towards the lenses of a wearer's glasses 16. If any breath were to escape between the channel 12 and the top of the face mask 15, the channel would redirect it downward, away from the user's glasses lenses. Excess depth in the flange 10 when applied against the face may be mitigated by the resilience of the material that may automatically conform along the face and rest upon the cheeks and nose of the user. The positioning of flange 10 protruding from the bottom edge of the channel and substantially below the top edge of the mask, may create an effective fit along the face and also create a space for the bottom edge of deeper glasses to sit so as not to impinge on positioning of glasses 16 on the face.

In further detail, referring to FIGS. 5 to 9, the flexible resilient material that substantially comprises the face mask accessory 17 allows channel 12 to conform to a variety of standard mask sizes and shapes. Fasteners 13 may provide additional pressure to hold the assembly in place once face mask 15 is positioned within channel 12. In some embodiments, the attachment means may utilize magnets, hook and loop material, piercing features, or side fasteners to produce a similar, non-permanent attachment of face mask accessory 17 to face mask 15. In some embodiments, channel 12 may include only one wall, so that only the fasteners 13 may be visible on the outer face of face mask 15 when assembled with the face mask accessory 17. In another embodiment, fasteners 13 may be situated fully or partially inside the channel 12, or may be embedded or integrated with portion of the accessory comprising the portion of channel 12. In some embodiments, the material properties and design of the channel 12 may perform the function of a fastener 13.

The face mask accessory according to embodiment of the invention may largely or entirely be made from a single resilient material such as a silicon, closed cell foam, or resilient plastic. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 9, fasteners 13 may be made of a harder, stiffer resilient material such as plastic or metal so as to exert pressure to hold face mask assembly 17 in position when assembled with face mask 15. In some embodiments, channel 12 may integrate the functionality of the fasteners 13, thus removing the need for separate fasteners 13 altogether. In some embodiments, the flange and channel portions of face mask assembly 17 (i.e., the material body excluding discrete fasteners) may be constructed from a single sheet material or molded in a material such as plastic or silicon, providing advantages for environmental impact, manufacturing, function, efficacy, and cost.

According to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 10, face mask assembly 17 may be folded downward to create channel 12, wherein the fold is reinforced by fasteners 13, which may be placed on the inside of channel 12, or for example inserted or otherwise embedded inside the material using molding or other manufacturing techniques. Flange 10 is created by another fold upward in the material, and bridge 11 to accommodate the nose is created by a perpendicular fold in the material toward the upper part of channel 12.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are views of yet another embodiment of the invention in which fastener 13 may be an element having clipping portions connected by a transverse member, wherein the fastener is adhered onto the exterior of channel 12. In this embodiment, the transverse member may be deformed to conform to the contour of the bridge of the nose.

FIGS. 14 and 15 depict front and back views of an embodiment of the invention (shown in its unfolded form), which may use some form of attachment between areas of the face mask accessory including resilient member 20 to create a channel. Referring to the front (face side), in the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, for example, a region 19 may be folded over and fastened to region 18, creating a channel on the inside of the folded portion of the material. It will be understood that any means of fastening may be used, for example, glue, bonding, a reusable sticker that may adhered and removed as needed, hook and loop fasteners, or any other suitable means of fastening. In some embodiments of the invention, the mask accessory may be advantageously manufactured from a single sheet of material, thereby allowing it to be packed and shipped flat, in order to reduce the cost and shelf space, and make it easier for a user to carry in a pocket or a purse. It will be understood that the mask accessory may attach to any single-use or reusable face mask. Referring to the back (mask side), the assembly may have a linear adhesive strip 21, that remains covered during packaging and non-use when changing face masks, and when uncovered, may be fastened to a face mask for use. In some embodiments (not shown), there may be in lieu of adhesive strip 21, a fastening device, such as a button, snap, or other similar mechanical fastening device. The top portion may be perforated, for ease of conforming the assembly to a mask and the bridge of the nose.

FIG. 16 depicts another embodiment of the invention, in which the top portion may be separated into right and left co-linear portions, in which the portions have angled sides, and are offset from each other. It will be understood that this may enable the assembly to better align and fit with face masks that are not straight across the upper edge. In some embodiments, the portions are offset from each other at an angle of no greater than 30 degrees. In some embodiments, the offset angle is no greater than 15 degrees.

FIGS. 17 and 18 depict a face mask (comprising fabric portion 5 and ear loops 4) and face mask accessory according to embodiment of the invention. It will be understood that in one embodiment, the accessory and face mask may be integrated during manufacturing and shipped as a single unit. In other embodiments, the assembly may be fastened to the face mask as discussed hereinabove. FIG. 17 depicts the face mask accessory in its flat configuration, and FIG. 18 shows the deployed configuration, in which the channel has been created by folding the accessory on itself, as described herein.

FIG. 19 depicts embodiments of the invention deployed on the face of a wearer 7 wearing glasses 6 in connection with mask having a fabric portion 5 and ear loop 4. It will be understood that mask accessory 3 may be attached on the inside of the face mask so as to form a channel 2 that traps breath vapors rising within the mask and directs them to the sides of the mask, thereby reducing and/or avoiding fogging of glasses.

It will be appreciated that the numerous advantages of the present invention include, without limitation, improved fit, comfort, efficacy, and the prevention of breath vapor fogging up the lenses of glasses, for those who wear them whilst wearing a face mask. Additional advantages include the ability of a user to adjust the assembly for comfort and fit and to attach and reattach the same face mask accessory on multiple masks. This has a significant financial and environmental advantage over disposable accessories that are permanently affixed to a mask. By making the device removable and re-attachable, it allows for both masks and the device to be cleaned to maintain optimal hygienic function. An additional advantage of the present invention is that the same geometry that creates a breath vapor barrier between a mask and glasses, also creates a space for the bottom of said glasses to sit as they normally would without interference from a mask or additional device.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the subject invention will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering this specification and the accompanying drawings, which discloses the preferred embodiments thereof. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention, which is to be limited only by the claims which follow.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation. In addition, different embodiments are disclosed herein, and features of certain embodiments may be combined with features of other embodiments, such that certain embodiments may be combinations of features of multiple embodiments. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A face mask accessory comprising:

a flexible substantially planar flange body having a proximal plane and a distal plane, said flange body having a top, a scalloped bottom, and two sides, wherein said scalloped bottom comprises two arcuate portions and a bridge portion thereinbetween; and

attaching means proximate to the top of the flange body for attaching said flange body to a face mask,

wherein when the flange body is attached to the face mask using the attaching means, the scalloped bottom is capable of being folded upward, such that when the face mask fitted with the flange body and worn by a wearer, the arcuate portions and bridge are in continuous contact with the wearer's face, and breath vapors exhaled by the user are substantially prevented from rising toward the wearer's eyes.

2. The face mask accessory according to claim 1, wherein said attaching means comprises one or more clip members, located proximate to the top of the flange body, so as to allow attachment of the flange body to the face mask by folding the top of the flange body over a top of the face mask.

3. The face mask accessory of claim 1, wherein the attaching means comprises an adhesive portion along the top of the flange body.

4. The face mask accessory according to claim 1, wherein said attaching means comprises an adhesive strip along substantially the entire length of the top of the flange body.

5. The mask accessory according to claim 4, wherein a top of the flange body is substantially linear.

6. The face mask accessory according to claim 5, wherein said top of the flange body comprises two substantially co-linear portions, wherein the mask attaching means comprises two respective mask attaching means.

7. The face mask accessory according to claim 6, wherein the substantially co-linear portions are separated by a perforation.

8. The face mask accessory according to claim 7, wherein the substantially co-linear portions are offset from each other, and the offset angle is no greater than 30 degrees.

9. The face mask accessory according to claim 8, wherein the substantially co-linear portions are offset from each other, and the offset angle is no greater than 15 degrees.

10. An anti-fogging face mask comprising:

a face mask having an interior and an exterior; and

a flexible substantially planar flange having a proximal plane and a distal plane, said flange having a top, a scalloped bottom, and two sides,

wherein said scalloped bottom comprises two arcuate portions and a bridge thereinbetween,

wherein said flange is attached to the face mask proximate to the top of the flange, and

wherein the scalloped bottom is capable of being folded upward, such that when the face mask fitted with the accessory body is worn by a wearer, the arcuate portions and bridge are in continuous contact with the wearer's face, and breath vapors exhaled by the wearer are substantially prevented from rising to the wearer's eyes.

11. The face mask accessory according to claim 10, wherein said flange is attached to the face mask using adhesive.

12. A face mask accessory comprising: wherein when the flange body is attached to the face mask using the attaching means, the arched bottom is capable of being folded upward, such that when the face mask fitted with the flange body and worn by a wearer, the arched portion is in continuous contact with the wearer's face, and breath vapors exhaled by the user are substantially prevented from rising toward the wearer's eyes.

a flexible substantially planar flange body having a proximal plane and a distal plane, said flange body haying a top and an arched bottom; and

attaching means proximate to the top of the flange body for attaching said flange body to a face mask,