Novelty mask cover

Abstract

A stick-on covering for a mask is disclosed. The cover is sized and configured to fit on a standard size surgical type mask. In a preferred embodiment, the cover is made of a breathable filter material. The invention discloses a novelty, breathable, peel-and-stick mask cover.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims benefit of copending and co-owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/958,956 entitled “Novelty Mask Cover”, filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Jul. 10, 2007 by the inventor herein, the specification of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to breathing masks, and more particularly to a breathable decorative cover that can be applied to a breathing mask.

2. Background of the Prior Art

People who are ill and particularly people in hospitals must protect themselves from infectious diseases. People with compromised immunity systems, such as someone undergoing chemotherapy for cancer treatment, are particularly susceptible to infection and disease from airborne pathogens. Typically, someone undergoing chemotherapy will wear a mask in order to protect him or herself against breathing harmful substances. Unfortunately, most masks are plain and ugly, and carry the stigma of poor health. With the inevitable loss of hair that results from such cancer treatment, having to wear such an ugly mask merely adds to the indignity and diminishes the spirit for healing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A principal concept of the present invention is to provide a cover for a breathing mask to enable a wearer to select the look that they desire to present to a viewer in order to enhance fashion and provide a means of self-expression.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a mask cover that avoids the disadvantages of the prior art.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mask cover having means to attach the cover to a standard breathing mask. A related object of the present invention is to provide a mask cover having a peel-and-stick attachment means.

Another object of the present invention is to enable a mask cover having a decorative image on at least one side thereof.

Another object of the present invention is to allow a wearer the opportunity for self-expression to enhance ones own image and self-esteem.

This invention enables stick-on covering for a mask. The cover is sized and configured to fit on a standard size surgical type mask. In a preferred embodiment, the cover comprises a breathable filter material. The invention comprises a novelty, breathable, peel-and-stick mask cover.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention are considered in more detail, in relation to the following description of embodiments thereof shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a decorative cover according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows the inside of a cover for describing attachment means according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method of attaching a decorative cover to a breathing mask according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a breathing mask having a decorative cover attached according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention summarized above and defined by the enumerated claims may be better understood by referring to the following description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference symbols are used for like parts. This description of an embodiment, set out below to enable one to build and use an implementation of the invention, is not intended to limit the enumerated claims, but to serve as a particular example thereof. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the conception and specific embodiments disclosed as a basis for modifying or designing other methods and systems for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent assemblies do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a front view of a decorative cover according to the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the cover is sized and configured to fit on a surgical breathing mask. The cover comprises a breathable material having a decorative or ornamental illustration on at least one side thereof. “Breathable material” is meant to be air permeable material that will not obstruct, or at least will only minimally obstruct, the breathing airflow through the mask. The illustration may comprise a facial drawing and may be humorous or may resemble an actual face. As shown in the figure, the illustration may resemble an animal face. Other illustrations may be used

As shown in FIG. 2, on the opposite side of the mask cover, a means for attaching the cover to a mask may be provided. In a preferred embodiment, the attachment means may comprise peel-and-stick adhesive spots. Other attachment means may be used, such as adhesives, mechanical devices, such as snaps or clips, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the mask cover can be removably attached to the mask and can be re-used.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method of attaching the mask cover to a surgical mask. After removing the peel-and-stick label covering shown in FIG. 2, the mask cover is attached to the outer surface of the surgical mask. The mask cover can be attached before or after the user places the mask on his or her face.

FIG. 4 shows the novelty, breathable, peel-and-stick mask cover according to the present invention attached to a surgical mask.

The invention has been described with references to a preferred embodiment. While specific values, relationships, materials and steps have been set forth for purposes of describing concepts of the invention, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the basic concepts and operating principles of the invention as broadly described. It should be recognized that, in the light of the above teachings, those skilled in the art can modify those specifics without departing from the invention taught herein. Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiments and certain modifications of the concept underlying the present invention, various other embodiments as well as certain variations and modifications of the embodiments herein shown and described will obviously occur to those skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with said underlying concept. It is intended to include all such modifications, alternatives and other embodiments insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or equivalents thereof. It should be understood, therefore, that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically set forth herein. Consequently, the present embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A mask cover, comprising:

a piece of material, sized and configured to fit on a breathing mask; and

means for attaching the material to the breathing mask.

2. The mask cover of claim 1 wherein said piece of material comprises substantially breathable material.

3. The mask cover of claim 1 wherein said piece of material covers most of said breathing mask.

4. The mask cover of claim 1 wherein said piece of material comprises a decoration on at least one side thereof.

5. The mask cover of claim 4 wherein said decoration comprises an ornamental illustration.

6. The mask cover of claim 4 wherein said decoration comprises a facial drawing.

7. The mask cover of claim 6 wherein said facial drawing resembles a human face.

8. The mask cover of claim 6 wherein said facial drawing resembles an animal face.

9. The mask cover of claim 1, said means for attaching the material to the breathing mask comprising adhesive.

10. The mask cover of claim 9, said means for attaching the material to the breathing mask comprising peel-and-stick adhesive spots.

11. The mask cover of claim 1, said means for attaching the material to the breathing mask comprising snaps.

12. The mask cover of claim 1, said means for attaching the material to the breathing mask comprising clips.

13. The mask cover of claim 1 wherein the piece of material is removably attached to the breathing mask.