MASK

Abstract

A mask assembly is herein disclosed wherein the mask assembly comprises a main mask portion, a moveable mask portion, wherein the moveable mask portion is moveable between a first and second position relative to the main mask portion; and a trigger mechanism remote from the main mask portion, wherein actuation of the trigger mechanism causes the moveable mask portion to move from the first position to the second position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to masks. It is particularly related to an improved face mask.

BACKGROUND

Face masks are objects worn normally on the face but can be positioned elsewhere on or off the wearer's body for effect. Masks range in size and design, some covering the full face, some covering only a part thereof and some covering the entire head and neck.

Throughout history to present day, face masks have been popular amongst young children and adults alike as they exist in a variety of styles, shapes and sizes. Often, these masks are accompaniments to costumes and other getups. Although some masks may be used for protection, often they are worn for entertainment purposes. Examples of events where these masks may be worn include at children's parties, to complete masquerade outfits, at Halloween, during stage plays and likewise.

Masks come in a range of styles and are fabricated out of a range of materials including wood, ceramic, plastics, cardboard and even paper. In general, masks tend to consist of a material which is contoured to have a substantially conforming fit to the face and attached to the head by suitable means, often by an elastic string or ribbon. These masks can be further sculpted to have various external design features and decoration providing a desired effect and entirely changing the facial appearance of the wearer.

However, these known masks suffer from several drawbacks. As they have only one facial expression, users tend to wear them on one occasion and discard them, or fail to use them again. Additionally, in view of their static nature, users tend to get bored by the masks as they are one-dimensional and do not provide anything more than elaborate make-up would provide. Additionally, known masks are devoid of the lifelike effect of facial expressions and movements, particularly during articulation.

Therefore, there is a need for an improved face mask which addresses the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In a first aspect there is disclosed a mask assembly comprising a main mask portion, a moveable mask portion, wherein the moveable mask portion is moveable between a first and second position relative to the main mask portion and a trigger mechanism remote from the main mask portion, wherein actuation of the trigger mechanism causes the moveable mask portion to move from the first position to the second position. Advantageously, the mask assembly provides a lifelike effect of facial expressions and movements, particularly during articulation. The wearer can reflect his or her individual expressions which results in increased entertainment value for the viewers, in contrast to the known one piece static masks. Furthermore, this invention provides an efficient and cost effective means in providing a novel mask.

Preferably, the mask assembly may further comprise a spring assembly configured to bias the moveable mask portion at the first position when the trigger mechanism is not actuated.

Additionally, the spring assembly may be fixed to the main mask portion. Preferably, the spring assembly may comprise attachment means for attaching the moveable mask portion to the main mask portion.

The mask assembly may further comprise a hinge to secure the moveable mask portion to the main mask portion. The spring assembly may be coupled to the trigger mechanism by a connection means. The dimensions and shape of the connection means are preferably selected to allow a wearer of the mask to conceal the trigger mechanism, in for example a pocket or down their sleeve, thereby hiding the processes involved in initiating the motion of the movement portions.

Preferably, the connection means may comprise a Bowden cable comprising a wire encased in plastic tubing having first and second ends, and wherein the first end of the wire is attached to the spring assembly and the second end of the wire is connected to the trigger mechanism. The use of a wire and tubing assembly for the connection means provides a reliable way of ensuring actuating the movement in the mask without requiring expensive materials or a burdensome manufacturing process.

Additionally or alternatively, the connection means may comprise a wire encased in substantially transparent flexible tubing.

Optionally, the trigger mechanism may comprise an actuator and a spring, and wherein the spring may be attached to the second end of the wire and may be compressed when the trigger is actuated. Preferably, the arrangement of the connection means is such that when the trigger is actuated the compression of the spring in the trigger mechanism pulls the wire into the trigger assembly causing the moveable mask portion to move from the first position to the second position. This allows a user to actuate and control the movement of the mask using a means which is located remote from the mask itself.

Additionally or alternatively, the trigger mechanism may comprise pulling means actuateable by exertion of a pulling force asserted thereto, the pulling means being connected to the second end of the wire, such that when a pulling force is asserted, the pulling means pulls the wire thereby causing the moveable mask portion to move from the first position to the second position.

Optionally, the moveable mask portion may be slideably engageable with the main mask portion. Furthermore, the moveable portion optionally, may comprise a cut out from the main mask portion.

In another aspect, the moveable mask portion and the main mask portion may be three-dimensional.

In a further aspect there is disclosed costume or clothing comprising the mask assembly herein before described. The costume or clothing provides an enhanced overall effect and/or experience on the viewers.

In a further aspect there is disclosed a mask assembly as illustrated in any of figures and/or optionally as substantially described herein.

The preferred features may be combined as appropriate, as would be apparent to a skilled person, and may be combined with any of the aspects of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is diagrammatically illustrated, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a mask in an open position attached to a trigger mechanism;

FIG. 2a illustrates schematically a sliding mechanism in an open position suitable for attaching to the rear of the mask of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2b illustrates schematically a sliding mechanism in a closed position suitable for attaching to the rear of the mask of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the mask of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the components of the mask of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a mask attached to a trigger mechanism; and

FIG. 6 shows perspective view of the mask of FIG. 1 attached to an additional or alternative trigger mechanism.

Common reference numerals are used throughout the figures to indicate similar features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a mask in an open position attached to a trigger mechanism.

In particular, the mask 1 is depicted as comprising a main portion 2 and at least one moveable portion 3. As depicted in this figure, the moveable portion 3 is sized and arranged such that in use it substantially covers the chin area whereas the main portion 2 substantially covers the remainder of the user's face. It will be appreciated that alternative shapes and arrangements of the main portion 2 and moveable portion 3 may be provided. For example, although the main portion 2 in this figure is depicted to cover substantially the entirety of a user's face in use, and the moveable portion 3 is a chin cut out thereof, the main portion 2 could be adapted to cover only a portion of the face, for example the mouth section only or the eye and/or forehead area, or could be adapted to cover the entirety of the head. For example, the moveable portion 3 may be shaped as an eye(s) and/or eyebrow(s) cut out of the main portion 2 which could be adapted to cover substantially only a user's eyes and forehead in use.

Preferably, the main portion 2 of the mask 1 contains at least one eye aperture 4, and more preferably two apertures as depicted in FIG. 1. The aperture 4 is arranged on the mask 1 to be proximal to a user's eye(s) when the mask is in use. The mask 1 may include additional design features as will be explained below.

In this example, the mask 1 is comprised of a cardboard material. However, it will be appreciated that the mask 1 maybe comprised of any suitable material; for example, plastic, paper, wood pulp, etc.

The movable portion 3 is connected via at least one connection means 5 to a trigger mechanism 6. The connection means 5 may comprise flexible tubing comprising an inner cable or wire, for example, a Bowden cable. By providing for connection means 5 which are flexible, the means will allow the wearer to hide the connection means 5 away from public view; by for example, by hiding the connection means 5 under clothing.

Preferably, the length of the connection means 5 will be sufficient to allow the wearer to place the mask 1 on their face and allow the wearer to hide the connection means 5, whilst still being able to access the trigger mechanism 6 to actuate movement. Preferably, the connection means 5 is between 50 to 100 cm in length, and even more preferably the connection means 5 is between 60 to 80 cm in length. At this preferable length, it has been found that the connection means 5 would allow most adult users to wear the mask whilst having the trigger mechanism 6 located in their trouser or skirt pocket. It will be appreciated that the length of the connection means 5 can be adapted to suit particular costumes, and made integral thereto, or be shortened when the mask 1 is to be used for a child.

When a user wishes to activate movement in the mask 1, for example to show articulation, the trigger mechanism 6 may be actuated by the wearer. Actuation causes the moveable portion 3 to move downwards relative to the mask 1. In one example, as is depicted in FIG. 1, the trigger mechanism 6 is actuated when the actuator button 7 is pressed. Therefore, by applying a force in direction A, the user causes movement of the connection means 5 which in turn draws the moveable portion 3 downwards relative to the position of the mask 1, depicted by arrow B. The mechanism for achieving this effect is illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 2a and 2b.

FIG. 2a illustrates schematically a sliding mechanism in an open position suitable for attachment to the rear of the mask of FIG. 1. In particular, FIG. 2a illustrates sliding mechanism 13, which is suitable for attachment to the rear of the mask 1 (whereby the rear is the face of the mask 1 proximal to the user's face when in use).

The sliding mechanism 13 comprises at least one moveable portion 3 which is slideably engageable with housing 14. As illustrated in this figure, the sliding mechanism 13 comprises at least one spring 15 attached to the moveable portion 3.

Although the connection means 5 illustrated in FIGS. 2a and 2b are not depicted to have any encasing, but simply comprises a single wire 10, it will be appreciated that such casing may optionally be provided. In one example, the wire 10 may be a fishing line which has great strength, knot strength, limpness and abrasion resistance. One advantage with having a fishing wire is that it has great strength even with a small diameter such that it cannot be easily seen and it can be easily hidden from view, when the mask 1 is in use. In another example, the wire 10 may be a material which facilitates in decreasing the visibility of the connection means 5 from a distance relative to the wearer.

A first end of the connection means 5 attaches to the moveable portion 3 of the sliding mechanism 13 at interlock mechanism 16 whereas the second end of the connection means 5 attaches to the trigger mechanism 6.

In this example, the trigger mechanism 6 comprises at least one actuating spring 21 and an actuator button 7, wherein the connection means 5 is attached to actuating spring 21. The trigger mechanism 6 is arranged such that when pressure is applied, in direction A, to the actuator button 7, the actuating spring 21 is compressed. This consequently draws the connection means 5, which is attached to spring 21, into the housing of the trigger mechanism 6, which in turn pulls the connection means 5 in a direction opposite to that as illustrated by direction A, thereby applying a downwards force, in direction B, to the sliding mechanism 13.

The arrangement and specifications for each of the components of the mask assembly are selected such that the actuating force causes the moveable portion 3 to be pulled downwards in direction B thereby contracting spring 15. This results in the open ‘mouth’ position of mask 1 as illustrated in FIG. 1.

As the actuator button 7 is released, the actuating spring 21 reverts back to its original position, thereby releasing the connection means 5 which was drawn into the housing of the trigger mechanism 6. This releasing of the connection means 5 causes the force on the sliding mechanism 13 to also release. Spring 15 which was compressed when the trigger mechanism 6 was actuated, decompresses to revert back to its original position thereby causing the moveable portion 3 to move upwards relative to the housing 14 of the sliding mechanism 13 resulting in the closed ‘mouth’ position illustrated in FIG. 2b.

It will be appreciated that although trigger mechanism 6 comprises a spring in this example, this is optional and therefore, actuation of the trigger mechanism 6 does not require this feature to be implemented. It will also be appreciated that the sliding mechanism 13 may be arranged in a transverse direction to the arrangement currently illustrated such that when the actuator button 7 is pressed by force A, the moveable portion 3 can move upwards relative to the mask 1 rather than downwards.

FIG. 3 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the mask of FIG. 1. In particular, FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section of the mask 1, and specifically, a cross-section of sliding mechanism 13 when it is fixed to mask 1. In this example, the movable portion 3 is secured to the sliding mechanism 13 via attachment means 12. The attachment means 12 are attached to spring 15 comprised in the housing 14 of the spring mechanism 13 such that when spring 15 is compressed the attachment means 12 moves in a downward motion relative to the mask 1 thereby causing the moveable portion 3 to move downwards. For the same reasoning, when spring 15 reverts to its uncompressed position, the attachment means 12 and therefore the moveable portion 3 also moves in an upwards direction relative to the mask 1. It will be appreciated that although the attachment means 12 is depicted as separate from moveable portion 3 in this example, this feature can be integrally formed with moveable portion 3.

Further means may be provided to stabilize the moveable portion 3 during its movement between the open and close positions. For example, the moveable portion 3 can be provided with a notch which slides in a groove provided on the sized cutout from the main portion 2. It will be appreciated that alternative arrangement and features may be provided.

The housing 14 of the sliding mechanism is preferably secured on the rear face of the mask 1 (the face proximal to the user when the mask 1 is in use) and is arranged such that the moveable portion 3, which is attached to the sliding mechanism 13, slots into a cut out from the main portion 2 of the mask 1. It will be appreciated that alternative arrangements are possible, wherein the arrangement is suitable for transposing the moveable portion 3 relative to the main portion 2 of the mask 1 between two positions in a position about the mask 1; for example causing a movable portion 3 representing a mouth to move up and down relative to the main portion 2 which represents a face.

The connection means 5 in this example comprises a wire 10 and tubing 11. Although the wire 10 can be comprised of any substantially rigid material, in this case the wire comprises fishing wire and the tubing 11, which in this case is substantially flexible and comprises plastic.

Alternatively, the connection means may comprise of tubing and a flexible bladder suitable for squeezing air through the tubing. In this example, the moveable portion moves between the open and closed position by virtue of a piston assembly and/or balloon. The application of firm pressure to the bladder forces air to travel from the bladder into the tubing. The air from the tubing causes actuation of the piston assembly and/or balloon which in turn moves the moveable portion relative to the main portion of the mask. The air then flows back from a high pressure state (from the balloon and/or piston assembly) to a low pressure state (the bladder), resulting in the moveable portion to revert back to its original position.

The connection means 5 in this figure are attached to the sliding mechanism 13 by virtue of wire 10 being coupled to the attachment means 12 at the interlock mechanism 16. In this example, the interlock mechanism 16 is a hook, but it will be appreciated that any type of fastener suitable for securing wire 10 to the attachment means 12 may be used.

As the interlock mechanism 16 fastens the attachment means 12 to the wire 10 and the attachment means 12 is coupled to spring 15, when the wire 10 is pulled down relative to the mask 1 (as a result of the trigger mechanism 6 being actuated), the spring 15 is compressed thereby causing the attachment means 12 and the moveable portion 3 to move in a downwards away from the mask 1. This arrangement therefore enables the sliding motion in directions D when the connection means 3 is drawn or released per directions C.

The tubing 11 which encases the wire 10 may additionally be attached to the exterior of the housing 14 of the sliding mechanism 13. Such tubing 11 provides safety and security for the wearer against contact with the wire 10. It also protects the integrity of the wire 10 by reducing the likelihood of damage.

Preferably, in use, the connection means 5 is not in direct view of the public. This could be achieved by threading the connection means 5 underneath the clothing the user is wearing or could even be comprised in the clothing itself; particularly where the clothing is a costume and the mask is an accompaniment thereto.

FIG. 4 provides an exploded view of the components within the mask 1 of FIG. 1. In this figure, the main portion 2 of the mask 1 has protrusions on either side which represent ears 24 and has visual markings on into surface to indicate an upper lip including a mustache and teeth 22. The moveable part 3 in this example also has visual markings in the form of teeth 23 such that when the moveable portion 3 is in use and moves from the open position to the closed position, the mask 1 provides the appearance of a mouth opening and closing.

The sliding mechanism 13 is preferably fixed to the back of the main portion 2 of the mask 1 so that it is arranged to not to be in clear view of the public. The attachment means 12 are also preferably attached to the moveable portion 3 so that it cannot be seen when the mask 1 is in use. Preferably, the attachment means 12 are arranged to be centered within the housing 14 of the sliding mechanism 13. The shape and dimensions of the housing 14 in this example provides wings which increases the surface area to which it will be fixed to the rear of the main portion 2.

Optionally, the housing 14 may comprise an image or other design features such that when the moveable portion 3 is in the open position, the image or other design features are visible. In one example, this may include an image of an inside the mouth such as the tongue and/or teeth and likewise.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a mask attached to an alternative or additional trigger mechanism to that represented in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4. The mask 20 illustrated in FIG. 5 is a three dimensional mask comprising of a main portion 2 and a moveable portion 17. The moveable portion 17 may be further connected to the main portion 2 via a pivotably moveable attachment means 19, such as a hinge or likewise, on either side of the mask 20. Mask 20 is shaped to contour around the features of the face and optionally contains at least one eye aperture 4, nose section 18, and/or ear protrusions 24. Other visual markings may be designed on the mask in order to provide a desired appearance.

The mask 20 will preferably also contain means for securing the mask to wearer's head 9. These means will preferably be secured on opposed sides of the mask 20 by a fastening means 25, such as eyelets. In this example, the fastening means may be provided proximal to ear portions 24; however, it will be appreciated that these means can be secured at alternative points.

The sliding mechanism 13 in this example is substantially similar to that which was described in each of the preceding figures. It should be noted that more than one sliding mechanism 13 may be provided; for example, two sliding mechanisms may be provided on distal ends of the moveable portion 17 such that when a trigger mechanism 6 is actuated, each sliding mechanism 13 acts substantially in unison thereby moving the moveable portion 17 from the closed to the open position.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the mask of FIG. 1 attached to an alternative trigger mechanism. The connection means 5 of FIG. 6 comprising a wire 10 encased in tubing 11 and is connected to the sliding mechanism 13 in a similar manner to that described above. In this example, the tubing 11 terminates at tab 26 and the wire 10 continues through the tab and is connected to a ring 8 which provides for ease of pulling for the convenience of the wearer. When the ring 8 is drawn downwards in direction E, the moveable portion 3 is drawn downwards in direction B, resulting in the open ‘mouth’ position illustrated in FIG. 6.

Although, a ring is provided in this example, it will be appreciated that any other means sufficient to allow a user to pull the wire 10 can be used. To this end, not further such means may be required and the wire 10 can be used as the pulling means.

Additionally or alternatively, the sliding mechanism 13 may provide for a movement in the eye section 4 resulting in the ‘winking’ of the eye. In another example, the sliding mechanism 13 could slide a pair of glasses (as the moveable portion) to be placed on the eyes and on the head. In another example, the eyebrows could slide at an angle in order to result in different emotional expressions. In another example, all or some of the features as mentioned can be combined. It will be appreciated that the mask in any of these examples can be a full face or semi face mask.

It will be understood that the above description of a preferred embodiment is given by way of example only and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art. Although various embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A mask assembly comprising: a main mask portion; a moveable mask portion, wherein the moveable mask portion is moveable between

a first and second position relative to the main mask portion; and

a trigger mechanism remote from the main mask portion, wherein actuation of the trigger mechanism causes the moveable mask portion to move from the first position to the second position.

2. The mask assembly of claim 1, wherein the mask assembly further comprises a spring assembly configured to bias the moveable mask portion at the first position when the trigger mechanism is not actuated.

3. The mask assembly of claim 2, wherein the spring assembly is fixed to the main mask portion.

4. The mask assembly of claim 2, wherein the spring assembly comprises attachment means for attaching the moveable mask portion to the main mask portion.

5. The mask assembly of claim 1 wherein the mask assembly further comprises a hinge to secure the moveable mask portion to the main mask portion.

6. The mask assembly of claim 2 wherein the spring assembly is coupled to the trigger mechanism by a connection means.

7. The mask assembly of claim 6, wherein the connection means comprises a Bowden cable comprising a wire encased in plastic tubing having first and second ends, and wherein the first end of the wire is attached to the spring assembly and the second end of the wire is connected to the trigger mechanism.

8. The mask assembly of claim 7, wherein the trigger mechanism comprises an actuator and a spring, and wherein the spring is attached to the second end of the wire and is compressed when the trigger is actuated.

9. The mask assembly of claim 8, wherein the arrangement of the connection means is such that when the trigger is actuated the compression of the spring in the trigger mechanism pulls the wire into the trigger assembly causing the moveable mask portion to move from the first position to the second position.

10. The mask assembly of claim 7, wherein the trigger mechanism comprises pulling means actuateable by exertion of a pulling force asserted thereto, the pulling means being connected to the second end of the wire, such that when a pulling force is asserted, the pulling means pulls the wire thereby causing the moveable mask portion to move from the first position to the second position.

11. The mask assembly of claim 1 wherein the moveable mask portion is slideably engageable with the main mask portion.

12. The mask assembly of claim 1 wherein the moveable mask portion comprises a cut out from the main mask portion.

13. The mask assembly of claim 1 wherein the moveable mask portion and the main mask portion are three-dimensional.

14. The mask assembly of claim 1 incorporated into clothing or a costume.

15. (canceled)