PRINTABLE FACIAL MASK AND PRINTABLE FACIAL MASK SYSTEM WITH ENHANCED PERIPHERAL VISIBILITY

Abstract

A facial mask and related methods of manufacture wherein the facial mask include an image printed on a flexible substrate. A plurality of individual void spaces are defined within a perimeter of the image. These void spaces can be defined by the intentional absence of ink left during the printing process or by individual perforations through the flexible substrate that allow a wearer of the facial mask to see through the printed image without obscuring the user's field of view including peripheral vision. The plurality of void spaces are generally sized and spaced so as to minimize their effect on the aesthetic appearance of the image to observers while providing a user with the maximum possible visibility. The disclosed methods of manufacture can be used with conventional masks or accessories so as to reduce the visual impact of eye and mouth openings that detract from their overall appearance.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 61/407,096, filed Oct. 27, 2010 and entitled “TRICKSTICKMAXMASK,” and 61/483,793, filed May 9, 2011 and entitled “PRINTABLE FACIAL MASK AND PRINTABLE FACIAL MASK SYSTEM WITH ENHANCED PERIPHERAL VISIBILITY”, by the present inventor and both of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. In addition, this application is related to U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 13/282,168, entitled “PRINTABLE FACIAL MASK AND PRINTABLE FACIAL MASK SYSTEM WITH ENHANCED PERIPHERAL VISIBILITY”, by the present inventor and filed concurrently with the present application and is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention relates to a facial mask and related methods of manufacturing. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a facial mask providing enhanced visibility to a wearer while simultaneously displaying a high quality image to observers.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Facial masks are popular amusement devices used for a variety of events, holidays and celebrations. Although facial masks can be used to depict a variety of real or imaginary characters or images, the majority of facial masks generally comprise a mask portion covering at least of the portion of wearer's face including the eyes. Typically, these facial masts include eye holes cut from the mask portion to allow the wearer to see. While eye holes are necessary for both convenience and safety, the appearance of eye holes often detract from the overall aesthetic appearance of the mask and may result in observers being unable to recognize an otherwise well known character or person. As a result, eye holes are often cut as small as possible to minimize their overall impact upon the aesthetic appearance of the mask. Unfortunately, decreasing the size of the eye holes has the added drawback of limiting the field of vision of the wearer by essentially creating a tunnel vision effect. In particular, the wearer's peripheral vision is often sacrificed creating a safety risk and general discomfort for the wearer.

One approach that has been utilized in an attempt to overcome the vision issues has been to utilize woven and knit materials when constructing masks. Woven and other knit masks, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,717,882 to Schuessler, can comprise at least one stretchable opening through the mask positioned proximate to the wearer's eyes and contoured to the wearer's face in an attempt to improve visibility for the wearer. One drawback to this approach is that the stretchable openings requires that the entire mask to be constructed of a flexible and stretchable material that can make printing of the desired face or image on the mask difficult. Similarly, as the flexible and stretchable material contours to the wearer's face, the printed face or image can become deformed or distorted when contoured over different wearers' faces.

In another approach, masks such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,035,004 to Koester can comprise woven or knit covers for the eyes or even the entire mask. The woven or knit cover is loosely woven to create a plurality of perforations in the cover allowing wearers to peer through the perforations in the cover without requiring eye holes to be cut into the cover. Similarly, rigid masks can be perforated proximate to the wearer's eyes to allow the wearer to peer through the perforations or woven material as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,427 to Shields. While these approaches eliminate the need to cut eyeholes into a mask, these approaches again suffer from the potential of the woven or knit material distorting on a user's face making them unrecognizable.

Unfortunately, current mask designs face a tradeoff between image quality from the point of observers and vision quality from the perspective of wearer's of these masks. What is needed is a mask design that provides a high image quality to observers while enhancing visibility of a mask wearer to increase the wearer's safety while wearing the mask.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A facial mask according to the present invention generally comprises a facial mask printed on a transparent substrate such that the image comprises a patterned plurality of transparent spots or orifices allowing the user to see through the printed image. The pattern of transparent spots or orifices can be sized and spaced to minimize the effect on the aesthetic appearance of the image while providing a user with the maximum visibility. For example, a plurality of relatively small transparent spots or orifices can be arranged in a relatively dense pattern. The high density of spots allows the wearer to easily see through the mask while the small size of the spots prevents distortion of the image from the perspective of an observer when viewed at a distance. Furthermore, the pattern allows a detailed predetermined image to be applied to the facial mask with minimal distortion by eye holes or large perforations.

In one aspect of the present invention, a facial mask can include an image printed on a flexible sheet. The facial mask can include a plurality of individual void spaces that can be evenly spaced and small in overall size. Generally, the size and number of individual void spaces should be selected such that a wearer has an unobstructed field of view through the facial mask including peripheral vision while observers are generally unable to identify individual void spaces and instead, see a generally unobstructed and easily recognizable view of the image when the wearer's face is obscured. In some embodiments, void spaces can include individual perforations within the flexible sheet while in other embodiments, the void spaces can be defined by the absence of ink applied during printing of the image on a transparent, flexible sheet. The facial mask can include a mounting means such as a rubber band, string or stick allowing for a wearer to position the facial mask in front of a wearer's face. In certain embodiments, the image can comprise a high resolution image such as, for example, a high resolution digital image. In certain embodiments, the image can comprise an image instantly recognizable to observers including, for example, celebrities, politicians, athletes, fictional characters, trademarks, logos or similar graphical designs that are capable of being printed. Generally, the flexible sheet is flexible enough such that the facial mask can be otherwise wrapped about a wearer's face but otherwise does not distort through stretching either vertically or horizontally. In some embodiments, the facial mask can include elements of conventional masks such as, for example, hair. In some embodiments, the facial mask can comprise one or more score lines allowing for wrapping of specific portions of the mask, such as, for example, ears or hair about the wearer's head.

In other aspects of the present disclosure, a variety of methods can be utilized in producing a facial mask of the present invention. Generally, representative methods can comprise a step of selecting an image to be printed on a flexible sheet. In some embodiments, this image can comprise a digital image. Said images can comprise pictures of celebrities, politicians, athletes, animals, fictional characters and any other suitable image. The method can further comprise the step of printing the image on the flexible sheet utilizing suitable printing process. Representative printing process can include, for example, Four Color Process or CMYK (Cyan/Magenta/Yellow/Black), RGB Process (Red/Green/Blue) and other existing technologies including, but not limited to, silk screen, gavure, offset, digital printing, and flexography. In some embodiments, the image selected can commemorate a personal event such as a birthday or anniversary and a digital picture of a family member or other individual can be utilized with an appropriate printing process to create a lower volume of custom facial masks. The method can further comprise the step of removing the printed image from the flexible sheet utilizing a suitable cutting instrument such as, for example, a scissors. The method can further comprise the step of attaching a mounting means.

In other aspects of the disclosure, a variety of methods can be utilized in providing for a plurality of void spaces within a facial mask. In certain embodiments, a flexible sheet can be selected that includes the desired density and size of perforations. In alternative embodiments, a flexible sheet can be perforated either prior to or following the printing of an image on the flexible sheet. In yet other alternative embodiments, a flexible sheet can be transparent and the plurality of void spaces can be defined by an absence of ink applied during the printing process so as to define areas of transparency.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, various disclosed methods of forming a facial mask can be utilized in forming portions of a conventional facial mask or facial accessory. For instance, a conventional facial mask can include one or more eye portions, wherein said eye portions are formed with the disclosed methods of the present invention such that the eye portions include a printed image and a plurality of void spaces so as to provide visibility to a wearer while improving the overall appearance of the facial mask to an observer by removing the traditional eye openings of a conventional mask. Alternatively, a facial accessory such as, for example, glasses can include a lens portion formed with the disclosed methods of the present invention having a printed image with a plurality of void spaces to provide visibility to the wearer while depicting a desired printed image to observers.

The above summary of the various representative embodiments of the invention are not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the invention. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art can appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the invention. For the purposes of defining individual elements and interpretation of the claims, the definitions and disclosure of the present application are controlling to the extent of any inconsistencies between any related applications having their disclosures incorporated by reference. The figures in the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in combination with the accompanying drawings in which:

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

FIG. 2 is a perspective, front view of the facial mask of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a detailed partial view of an embodiment of a flexible sheet used to create a facial mask according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a flexible sheet used to create a facial mask according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a section view of a perforated polyester sheet used to create a facial mask according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow schematic illustrating a method of forming a facial mask according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a image used to create a facial mast of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an exploded section view of a single ply plastic sheet used to create a facial mask according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flow schematic illustrating a method of forming a facial mask according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flow schematic illustrating a method of forming a facial mask according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an exploded section view of a single ply plastic sheet used to create a facial mask according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flow schematic illustrating a method of forming a facial mask according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flow schematic illustrating a method of forming a facial mask according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a section view of a two ply plastic sheet including a liner and a protective substrate used to create a facial mask according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a section view of a two ply plastic sheet including a printed liner and clear substrate used to create a facial mask according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a front view of a facial mask according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a front view of a facial mask according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a front view of a facial accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a front view of the facial accessory of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a front view of a facial mask according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a front view of the facial mask of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a front, perspective view of a facial mask lacking distinctive features according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a front, perspective view of the facial mask of FIG. 22.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a representative facial mask 100 of the present invention can comprise a printed image 102 that is directly printed onto a flexible sheet 104. Flexible sheet 104 can comprise a perimeter 106 that substantially matches and defines the exterior boundaries of the printed image 102. As best seen in FIG. 3, facial mask 100 generally includes a plurality of void spaces 108 that are typically evenly spaced and small in overall size. In one representative embodiment, void spaces 108 can occupy from about 30% to about 50% of the area of flexible sheet 104. Individual void spaces 108 are generally sized so at to be indistinguishable from the perspectives of both a wearer and an observer without close, focused observation. Generally, each individual void space can have a size of between about 1 mm to about 2 mm. In one representative embodiment, each void space 108 has a diameter of 1.5 mm. Void spaces 108 can comprise physical perforations within the flexible sheet 104. Physical perforations can be advantageous in that they allow facial mask 100 to be both breathable and to allow sound from the wearer to pass through the flexible sheet 104 with reduced distortion. Alternatively, void space 108 can comprise portions of the printed image 102 that are intentionally left devoid of any ink during the printing process. Generally, void spaces 108 are small enough so as to be almost undetectable by observers who are not performing a close visual inspection of the facial mask 100. At the same time, the plurality of void spaces 108 provide almost an uninterrupted view to a wearer of the facial mask 100 including the peripheral vision of the wearer when the flexible sheet 104 is bent as seen in FIG. 2 for placement over a wearer's face. Facial mask 100 can further include a mounting means 110 such as, for example, a rubber band or string for hands free use as shown in FIG. 2 or alternatively, a stick or similar handheld implement that allows a wearer to hold the facial mask 100 directly in front of their face as desired.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, printed image 102 can comprise an image that is instantly and easily recognizable by an observer. The variety and type of images available for printed image 102 are limited only by the capability of the selected printing processes as will be further described. In some instances, printed image 102 can comprise well known characters or personalities wherein in other alternative embodiments, printed image 102 can comprise digital photographs or images that are generated for making custom versions of the facial mask 100. In some embodiments, the image selected can commemorate a personal event such as a birthday or anniversary and a digital picture of a family member or other individual can be utilized with an appropriate printing process to create a lower volume of custom facial masks. In some embodiments, the image 102 can constitute a high definition image, such as, for example, a digital photograph that brings enhanced detail and clarity to the facial mask 100. In some embodiments, image 102 can comprise a single color or be lacking in distinct facial features such that the image 102 assists facial mask 100 in looking to be part of an overall costume body or to give a wearer 103 a ghostly appearance 105 as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23.

Flexible sheet 104 generally comprises a polymeric sheet that is flexible enough to wrap about a wearer's head but otherwise does not stretch in either the vertical or horizontal dimensions. With such a flexible sheet 104, facial mask 100 can be retained closely to a wearer's face such that the wearer can easily see through the void spaces 108 while at the same time, flexible sheet 104 substantially covers the wearer's face such that the printed image 102 is clearly displayed to observers. Flexible sheet 104 can comprise a variety of suitable polymeric materials including, but not limited to, window perforated vinyl, perforated polyester and simple transparent plastic sheets. Flexible sheet 104 is available from a wide variety of vendors including, for example, 3M Company of Maplewood, Minn. and Clear Focus of Santa Rosa, Calif. Depending upon the printing process, flexible sheet 104 can comprise one or more substrates upon which printed image 102 can be printed. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, flexible sheet 104 allows for the printing of various facial features 112 including eyes, nose, ears, eyebrows, hair, wrinkles, mouth, lips, teeth and similar identifying features. As the facial features 112 are printed directly from the image, the color and overall appearance of the facial features 112 are incredibly lifelike and make the facial mask 100 instantly recognizable to observers. In some embodiments, the facial features 112 are even further enhanced through the use of a digital or digital, high definition image. As flexible sheet 104 does not stretch, facial features 112 remain lifelike when facial mask 100 is placed over a wearer's face and there is no distortion as found with stretchable materials.

In one representative embodiment of facial mask 100, flexible sheet 104 can comprise a perforated single ply polymeric sheet such as, for example, perforated polyester sheet 120 as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. With perforated polyester sheet 120, void spaces 108 are defined by individual perforations through the perforated polyester sheet 120. In one representative embodiment, perforated polyester sheet 120 can comprise panoRama film 1530 as manufactured by Continental Grafix Ltd. of Baar Switzerland. Generally, perforated polyester sheet 120 is supplied with a black rear surface 122 and a white front surface 124. White front surface 124 accepts inks from suitable printing methods and black reverse surface 122 provides maximum contrast for optimum display of the printed image 102.

Referring to FIG. 6, a method of fabricating facial mask 100 with perforated polyester sheet 120 can comprise a first step 126 of selecting an image 127 to be printed. In certain embodiments, image 127 can comprise a digital image formatted in a variety of formats including for example, .jpg, .bmp, .pdf, .gif and the like. In some instances, image 127 can comprise a well known or instantly recognizable image while in other instances, the image 127 can be created or captured with a digital camera. In some embodiments, image 127 can be a high resolution digital image that can be cropped or otherwise manipulated so as to possess appropriate aspects of height and width. In a second step 128, the image 127 is printed directly onto the white front surface 124 utilizing a suitable printer, such as, for example, a digital printer. In a third step 129, the printed image 102 is removed from the perforated polyester sheet 120 by cutting along the perimeter 106. Cutting along the perimeter 106 can be performed by plotters built into the printing equipment, by die-cut, by hand cutting or using other commonly known cutting devices. In a fourth step 130, the mounting means 110 can be attached to the printed image 102 so as to complete the facial mask 100. Advantages associated with the fabrication of facial mask 100 using perforated polyester sheet 120 as described is that facial mask 100 is totally breathable for the wearer and that sounds communicated by the wearer pass through the perforated polyester sheet 120 and are more easily understood by observers.

In another representative embodiment of facial mask 100, flexible sheet 104 can comprise a single ply plastic sheet 140 that is not perforated as illustrated in FIG. 8. With single ply plastic sheet 140, void spaces 108 are defined by the printing process by specifically avoiding the application of ink to areas on the single ply plastic sheet 140. Generally, single ply plastic sheet 140 is supplied with a transparent rear surface 142 and a transparent front surface 144.

A method of fabricating facial mask 100 with single ply plastic sheet 140 is illustrated generally in FIG. 9 and can comprise a first step 146 of selecting the image 127 to be printed. As described with the prior method, the image 127 can be formatted in a variety of formats, can include a wide variety of images and can comprise a high resolution digital image. In a second step 147, the image 127 is printed such that printed image 102 is formed directly on the transparent rear surface 142 utilizing a suitable printer, such as, for example, a digital printer. In a third step 148, a white layer 150 is printed directly on top of the printed image 102 utilizing the printer. In a fourth step 152, a black layer 154 is printed directly on top of the white layer 150. In a fifth step 156, printed image 102 is removed from the single ply plastic sheet 140 by cutting along the perimeter 106. In a sixth step 158, the mounting means 110 can be attached to the printed image 102 so as to complete the facial mask 100.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, another alternative method of fabricating facial mask 100 with single ply plastic sheet 140 can comprise a first step 160 of selecting a image 127 to be printed. Image 127 can include the various attributes as previously described with reference to the alternative embodiments. In a second step 162, a white ink layer 164 can be printed on the transparent front surface 144. White ink layer 164 is printed so as to include void spots 108 in the form of an absence of ink on the transparent front surface 144. In a third step 166, the image 127 is printed directly onto the white ink layer 164. Third step 166 can include the sequential application of layers of cyan 167a, magenta 167b, yellow 167c and black ink 167d as per conventional four color printing processes. During third step 166, the application of the various inks should include void spots 108 that are in alignment and conform with the void spots 108 printed during printing of the white ink layer 164 during second step 162 such that visibility is imparted through the image 127. In a fourth step 168, the printed image 102 is removed from the singly ply plastic sheet 140 by cutting along the perimeter 106. In a fifth step 170, the mounting means 110 can be attached to the printed image 102 so as to complete the facial mask 100.

Referring to FIG. 12, another alternative method of fabricating facial mask 100 with single ply plastic sheet 140 can comprise a first step 180 of selecting a image 127 to be printed. Image 127 can include the various attributes as previously described with reference to the alternative embodiments. In a second step 182, white ink layer 164 can be printed on the transparent front surface 144. White ink layer 164 is printed so as to be continuous on the transparent front surface 144 and to not include any void spots 108. In a third step 184, the image 127 is printed directly onto the white ink layer 164. Third step 184 can include the sequential application of cyan, magenta, yellow and black ink as per conventional four color printing processes. During third step 184, the application of the various inks is continuous on the white ink layer 164 and does not include the formation of any void spots. In a fourth step 186, void spots 108 are formed in the printed image 102 by perforating the single ply plastic sheet 140. In a fifth step 188, the printed image 102 is removed from the singly ply plastic sheet 140 by cutting along the perimeter 106. In a sixth step 190, the mounting means 110 can be attached to the printed image 102 so as to complete the facial mask 100.

Referring to FIGS. 13, 14 and 15, another alternative method of fabricating facial mask 100 can utilize a two ply sheet 200 of window perforated vinyl. Two ply sheet 200 can comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive printable substrate 202 and a release liner 204 that serves to protect the pressure sensitive adhesive printable substrate 202. Once again, a first step 206 can comprise selecting the image 127 to be printed. Image 127 can include the various attributes as described with reference to the alternate embodiments. In a second step 208, the image 127 is printed directly onto the pressure sensitive adhesive printable substrate 202. In a third step 210, the pressure sensitive adhesive printable substrate 202 and release liner 204 are separated. In a fourth step 212, a clear substrate 214 is adhered to the pressure sensitive adhesive printable substrate 202. In a fifth step 216, the printed image 102 is removed from the combined pressure sensitive adhesive printable substrate 202/clear substrate 214 by cutting along the perimeter 106. In a sixth step 218, the mounting means 110 can be attached to the printed image 102 so as to complete the facial mask 100.

As described throughout the prior methods, the step of printing the image 127 can utilize any variety of suitable printing means and systems including, for example, Four Color Process or CMYK (Cyan/Magenta/Yellow/Black), RGB Process (Red/Green/Blue) and other existing technologies including, but not limited to, silk screen, gavure, offset, digital printing, and flexography.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, an alternative embodiment of a facial mask 220 can utilize the aforementioned mentioned methods of fabrication with individual portions of the mask as opposed to the entire mask. For instance, facial mask 220 can comprise a mask body 222 that is fabricated with conventional fabrication techniques but which further include individual sections or portions that make use of the void spaces 108 as previously discussed. For instance, mask body 222 can include one or more eye portions 224 that are formed separately from the mask body 222 using any of the previously discussed methods. Eye portions 224 can provide an additional element of realism and enhance the recognition of the facial mask 220 by having observers view an image of the mask subject's actual eyes while providing the advantage of enhanced visibility to the wearer. As seen in FIG. 16, eye portion 224 can encompass both eyes or can include two eye portions 224, one for each eye, as shown in FIG. 17. In a similar fashion, a facial accessory 230, such as, for example, glasses 232 as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 can include a viewing portion 234 or lens area that displays an eyeball image 236 for purposes of enhancing a costume or look of the wearer. For example, eyeball image 236 can include effects such as different coloring, bloodshot appearance, differing shapes and the like that compliment a desired appearance of the wearer. At the same time, the wearer maintains their visibility through the void spaces 108 that are present in the eye portion 224 but are not noticeable to an observer.

Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, another alternative embodiment of a facial mask 240 can comprise facial mask 100 with the further inclusion of mask features 242 such as, for example, hair 244. The use of mask features 242 can further enhance the appearance and realism of facial mask 240 by providing an instantly recognizable, printed image 102 on a front portion 246 of the facial mask 240 while the coloring, style and appearance of hair 244 further enhances the appearance from the perspective of observers on the sides and rear of the wearer. In some embodiments, facial mask 240 can comprise one or more score lines 248 such that facial mask 240 can be intentionally bent such as around the sides or top of a wearer's head so as to further enhance the visual appearance of the facial mask 240 to observers.

In order to improve the appearance of the various masks as described herein, image 127 can be manipulated prior to the various printing steps. For instance, image 127 can be stretched or otherwise manipulated for the purpose of creating a parody image or adding features that make image 127 frightening in appearance. With respect to image 127 depicting a parody image, the images can be stretched or shrunk vertically and/or horizontally. With respect to image 127 being more frightening in appearance, image 127 can be manipulated to change eye colors, add features such as scars or wounds or change skin tone to make the image 127 appear less human.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and described in detail. It is understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An enhanced visibility facial mask, comprising:

a flexible sheet including a printed image, said flexible sheet cut so as to have a perimeter matching an exterior boundary of the printed image;

a mounting means attached to the flexible sheet so as to allow a user to position the flexible sheet in front of a user's face; and

a plurality of void spaces defined on the flexible sheet such that a user has an uninterrupted view through the void spaces in the flexible sheet while the void spaces are sufficiently small so as to remain undetected to an observer such that the printed image is instantly recognizable to the observer while the user's face is fully obscured by the printed image.

2. The facial mask of claim 1, wherein the plurality of void spaces comprise a plurality of individual perforations in the flexible sheet.

3. The facial mask of claim 1, wherein the flexible sheet comprises a transparent sheet and wherein the plurality of void spaces are individually defined by an absence of ink in the printed image.

4. The facial mask of claim 1, wherein the plurality of void spaces occupy from about 30% to about 50% of the flexible sheet.

5. The facial mask of claim 1, wherein each void space has a diameter of between about 1 mm to about 2 mm.

6. The facial mask of claim 1, wherein the flexible sheet includes a white surface, said printed image printed directly on the white surface.

7. The facial mask of claim 1, wherein the mounting means is selected from the group comprising: a rubber band, a string and a stick.

8. The facial mask of claim 1, wherein the printed image includes eyes.

9. A method for forming an enhanced visibility facial mask, comprising:

selecting an image to be printed on a flexible sheet;

printing the image on the flexible sheet such that a plurality of void spaces are defined within a perimeter of the image;

cutting along the perimeter of the image to remove a facial mask from the flexible sheet; and

attaching a means for mounting to the facial mask such that a user can position the facial mask in front of a user's face, wherein upon placement of the facial mask in front of the user's face, the users has an unobstructed view through the plurality of void spaces while said void spaces are undetected to an observer such that the image is instantly recognizable to the observer when the facial mask fully obscures the user's face.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of printing the image on the flexible sheet such that the plurality of void spaces are defined within the perimeter of the image, further comprises:

providing the flexible sheet so as to include a plurality of perforations.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of printing the image on the flexible sheet such that the plurality of void spaces are defined within the perimeter of the image, further comprises:

perforating the flexible sheet so as to include a plurality of perforations.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the flexible sheet comprises a transparent flexible sheet and the step of printing the image on the flexible sheet such that the plurality of void spaces are defined with the perimeter of the image, further comprises:

defining the void spaces as an absence of ink in the image.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein printing the image on the flexible sheet further comprises:

printing the image on a white surface of the flexible sheet.

14. A method for depicting an image on an enhanced visibility facial mask, comprising:

printing an image on a flexible sheet, wherein a plurality of void spaces are defined within the image;

cutting the image from the flexible sheet;

attaching a means for mounting to the flexible sheet to define a facial mask; and

positioning the facial mask in proximity to a user's face such that the user has uninterrupted vision through the facial mask while the image remains instantly recognizable to an observer.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the flexible sheet comprises a transparent sheet and the step of printing the image further comprises:

defining individual void spaces as an absence of ink in the image.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

perforating the flexible sheet to define the plurality of void spaces.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

providing the flexible sheet with perforations so as to define the plurality of void spaces.