FACE SHIELD FOR PROTECTING GARMENTS

Abstract

A makeup shield implement including a band segment configured to form a shape of a circle, the band segment has an elastic material having a first end portion and a second end portion, and a fastening system secured to said first end portion and said second end portion configured to allow adjustability in the circumference of said circle. A fabric panel section attached to the band segment is configured to protect a garment of a user, in which said fabric panel section includes an upper portion attached to a portion of said band segment and a lower hem portion, wherein said lower hem portion is configured to cover a neck and chest area of the user.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

RELATED CO-PENDING U.S. PATENT APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF SEQUENCE LISTING PROVIDED AS A TEXT FILE

Not applicable.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX

Not applicable.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection by the author thereof. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure for the purposes of referencing as patent prior art, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE RELEVANT PRIOR ART

One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to the protection of garments. More particularly, certain embodiments of the invention relate to a face shield for protecting garments from soiling due to makeup transfer from the face, neck, and chest area.

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. It is believed that garments that are typically put on and taken off over the head may often become soiled due to makeup transfer from the face as well as from the neck and chest area. In addition, similar soiling of the garments may arise from the transfer of substances in the hair including, without limitation, styling products, oils, or dyes. One may expect that such transfer may most likely occur upon the donning and removal of the garments. One may further expect that such soiling may result in other nuisances such as, but not limited to, added dry cleaning costs, added laundry, and time wasted choosing non-soiled garments to wear.

By way of educational background, an aspect of the prior art generally useful to be aware of is that there are some currently available approaches for protecting garments from makeup transfer. One such approach is a hood with a zipper that may help keep the hood in place while putting on and removing garments. It is believed that the zipper may snag garments as they are put on or removed or may become caught in a user's hair. This approach typically does not provide coverage extending to the chest area. Furthermore, one may expect that, when a garment is removed, the hood can rise up to expose areas of the face and neck to which makeup is applied. Other approaches cover only the face such as, but not limited to, disposable makeup masks, and typically do not protect garments from makeup transfer from the neck or chest areas. It is believed that some such approaches do not comprise support to keep the devices in place, which may result in the devices slipping off of the face upon donning and removing over the head garments. By way of educational background, another aspect of the prior art generally useful to be aware of is that there are other devices currently available that cover the head, face, and/or neck of a user for various purposes. One such device is headgear to help protect a user against facial injury such as, sunburn and windburn. The headgear comprises a fabric wall which substantially surrounds the face and neck of the user and has an aperture adjacent the user's eyes to allow vision. Stiffening ribs may help stabilize the wall fabric adjacent to the aperture. It is believed that this approach does not extend coverage to the chest area and does not cover the entire face due to the aperture. The stiffening ribs may also limit the flexibility of the fabric wall upon donning and removal of garments. Embodiments of this approach are configured as a hood, which can weigh down and/or ruin a hairstyle. Another such approach is a headscarf sewn to a predetermined formed style to covers a user's head and neck. This approach typically does not cover the face or chest. Additionally, this approach typically covers the head, which can weigh down and/or ruin a hairstyle and may be bulky.

In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional techniques are not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIGS. 1A through 1D illustrate an exemplary makeup shield, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a diagrammatic front view of the shield. FIG. 1B is a diagrammatic rear view of a user wearing the shield. FIG. 1C is a diagrammatic front view of the user wearing the shield, and FIG. 1D is a diagrammatic front view of the user wearing the shield with a lower portion of the shield tucked into a garment;

FIGS. 2A through 2D illustrate an exemplary makeup shield, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a diagrammatic front view of the shield. FIG. 2B is a diagrammatic rear view of a user wearing the shield. FIG. 2C is a diagrammatic front view of the user wearing the shield, and FIG. 2D is a diagrammatic front view of the user wearing the shield with a lower portion of the shield tucked into a garment;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic front view of an exemplary makeup shield, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention

FIGS. 4A through 4C illustrate an exemplary makeup shield, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A is a diagrammatic front view of the shield. FIG. 4B is a diagrammatic side view of a user wearing the shield, and FIG. 4C is a diagrammatic front view of the user wearing the shield with a lower portion of the shield tucked into a garment;

FIGS. 5A through 5E illustrate an exemplary makeup shield, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5A is a diagrammatic front view of the shield. FIG. 5B is a diagrammatic top view of the shield in an open configuration. FIG. 5C is a diagrammatic rear view of a user wearing the shield. FIG. 5D is a diagrammatic front view of the user wearing the shield, and FIG. 5E is a diagrammatic front view of the user wearing the shield with a lower portion of the shield tucked into a garment;

FIGS. 6A through 6D illustrate an exemplary makeup shield, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6A is a diagrammatic front view of the shield. FIG. 6B is a diagrammatic top view of the shield in an open configuration. FIG. 6C is a diagrammatic side view of a user wearing the shield, and FIG. 6D is a diagrammatic front view of the user wearing the shield with a lower portion of the shield tucked into a garment;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for using a makeup shield when putting on an over the head garment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for using a makeup shield when removing an over the head garment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

All words of approximation as used in the present disclosure and claims should be construed to mean “approximate,” rather than “perfect,” and may accordingly be employed as a meaningful modifier to any other word, specified parameter, quantity, quality, or concept. Words of approximation, include, yet are not limited to terms such as “substantial”, “nearly”, “almost”, “about”, “generally”, “largely”, “essentially”, “closely approximate”, etc.

As will be established in some detail below, it is well settle law, as early as 1939, that words of approximation are not indefinite in the claims even when such limits are not defined or specified in the specification.

For example, see Ex parte Mallory, 52 USPQ 297, 297 (Pat. Off. Bd. App. 1941) where the court said “The examiner has held that most of the claims are inaccurate because apparently the laminar film will not be entirely eliminated. The claims specify that the film is “substantially” eliminated and for the intended purpose, it is believed that the slight portion of the film which may remain is negligible. We are of the view, therefore, that the claims may be regarded as sufficiently accurate.”

Note that claims need only “reasonably apprise those skilled in the art” as to their scope to satisfy the definiteness requirement. See Energy Absorption Sys., Inc. v. Roadway Safety Servs., Inc., Civ. App. 96-1264, slip op. at 10 (Fed. Cir. Jul. 3, 1997) (unpublished) Hybridtech v. Monoclonal Antibodies, Inc., 802 F.2d 1367, 1385, 231 USPQ 81, 94 (Fed. Cir. 1986), cert. denied, 480 U.S. 947 (1987). In addition, the use of modifiers in the claim, like “generally” and “substantial,” does not by itself render the claims indefinite. See Seattle Box Co. v. Industrial Crating & Packing, Inc., 731 F.2d 818, 828-29, 221 USPQ 568, 575-76 (Fed. Cir. 1984).

Moreover, the ordinary and customary meaning of terms like “substantially” includes “reasonably close to: nearly, almost, about”, connoting a term of approximation. See In re Frye, Appeal No. 2009-006013, 94 USPQ2d 1072, 1077, 2010 WL 889747 (B.P.A.I. 2010) Depending on its usage, the word “substantially” can denote either language of approximation or language of magnitude. Deering Precision Instruments, L.L.C. v. Vector Distribution Sys., Inc., 347 F.3d 1314, 1323 (Fed. Cir. 2003) (recognizing the “dual ordinary meaning of th[e] term [“substantially”] as connoting a term of approximation or a term of magnitude”). Here, when referring to the “substantially halfway” limitation, the Specification uses the word “approximately” as a substitute for the word “substantially” (Fact 4). (Fact 4). The ordinary meaning of “substantially halfway” is thus reasonably close to or nearly at the midpoint between the forwardmost point of the upper or outsole and the rearwardmost point of the upper or outsole.

Similarly, the term ‘substantially’ is well recognized in case law to have the dual ordinary meaning of connoting a term of approximation or a term of magnitude. See Dana Corp. v. American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc., Civ. App. 04-1116, 2004 U.S. App. LEXIS 18265, *13-14 (Fed. Cir. Aug. 27, 2004) (unpublished). The term “substantially” is commonly used by claim drafters to indicate approximation. See Cordis Corp. v. Medtronic AVE Inc., 339 F.3d 1352, 1360 (Fed. Cir. 2003) (“The patents do not set out any numerical standard by which to determine whether the thickness of the wall surface is ‘substantially uniform.’ The term ‘substantially,’ as used in this context, denotes approximation. Thus, the walls must be of largely or approximately uniform thickness.”); see also Deering Precision Instruments, LLC v. Vector Distribution Sys., Inc., 347 F.3d 1314, 1322 (Fed. Cir. 2003); Epcon Gas Sys., Inc. v. Bauer Compressors, Inc., 279 F.3d 1022, 1031 (Fed. Cir. 2002). We find that the term “substantially” was used in just such a manner in the claims of the patents-in-suit: “substantially uniform wall thickness” denotes a wall thickness with approximate uniformity.

It should also be noted that such words of approximation as contemplated in the foregoing clearly limits the scope of claims such as saying ‘generally parallel’ such that the adverb ‘generally’ does not broaden the meaning of parallel. Accordingly, it is well settled that such words of approximation as contemplated in the foregoing (e.g., like the phrase ‘generally parallel’) envisions some amount of deviation from perfection (e.g., not exactly parallel), and that such words of approximation as contemplated in the foregoing are descriptive terms commonly used in patent claims to avoid a strict numerical boundary to the specified parameter. To the extent that the plain language of the claims relying on such words of approximation as contemplated in the foregoing are clear and uncontradicted by anything in the written description herein or the figures thereof, it is improper to rely upon the present written description, the figures, or the prosecution history to add limitations to any of the claim of the present invention with respect to such words of approximation as contemplated in the foregoing. That is, under such circumstances, relying on the written description and prosecution history to reject the ordinary and customary meanings of the words themselves is impermissible. See, for example, Liquid Dynamics Corp. v. Vaughan Co., 355 F.3d 1361, 69 USPQ2d 1595, 1600-01 (Fed. Cir. 2004). The plain language of phrase 2 requires a “substantial helical flow.” The term “substantial” is a meaningful modifier implying “approximate,” rather than “perfect.” In Cordis Corp. v. Medtronic AVE, Inc., 339 F.3d 1352, 1361 (Fed. Cir. 2003), the district court imposed a precise numeric constraint on the term “substantially uniform thickness.” We noted that the proper interpretation of this term was “of largely or approximately uniform thickness” unless something in the prosecution history imposed the “clear and unmistakable disclaimer” needed for narrowing beyond this simple-language interpretation. Id. In Anchor Wall Systems v. Rockwood Retaining Walls, Inc., 340 F.3d 1298, 1311 (Fed. Cir. 2003)” Id. at 1311. Similarly, the plain language of claim 1 requires neither a perfectly helical flow nor a flow that returns precisely to the center after one rotation (a limitation that arises only as a logical consequence of requiring a perfectly helical flow).

The reader should appreciate that case law generally recognizes a dual ordinary meaning of such words of approximation, as contemplated in the foregoing, as connoting a term of approximation or a term of magnitude; e.g., see Deering Precision Instruments, L.L.C. v. Vector Distrib. Sys., Inc., 347 F.3d 1314, 68 USPQ2d 1716, 1721 (Fed. Cir. 2003), cert. denied, 124 S. Ct. 1426 (2004) where the court was asked to construe the meaning of the term “substantially” in a patent claim. Also see Epcon, 279 F.3d at 1031 (“The phrase ‘substantially constant’ denotes language of approximation, while the phrase ‘substantially below’ signifies language of magnitude, i.e., not insubstantial.”). Also, see, e.g., Epcon Gas Sys., Inc. v. Bauer Compressors, Inc., 279 F.3d 1022 (Fed. Cir. 2002) (construing the terms “substantially constant” and “substantially below”); Zodiac Pool Care, Inc. v. Hoffinger Indus., Inc., 206 F.3d 1408 (Fed. Cir. 2000) (construing the term “substantially inward”); York Prods., Inc. v. Cent. Tractor Farm & Family Ctr., 99 F.3d 1568 (Fed. Cir. 1996) (construing the term “substantially the entire height thereof”); Tex. Instruments Inc. v. Cypress Semiconductor Corp., 90 F.3d 1558 (Fed. Cir. 1996) (construing the term “substantially in the common plane”). In conducting their analysis, the court instructed to begin with the ordinary meaning of the claim terms to one of ordinary skill in the art. Prima Tek, 318 F.3d at 1148. Reference to dictionaries and our cases indicates that the term “substantially” has numerous ordinary meanings. As the district court stated, “substantially” can mean “significantly” or “considerably.” The term “substantially” can also mean “largely” or “essentially.” Webster's New 20th Century Dictionary 1817 (1983).

Words of approximation, as contemplated in the foregoing, may also be used in phrases establishing approximate ranges or limits, where the end points are inclusive and approximate, not perfect; e.g., see AK Steel Corp. v. Sollac, 344 F.3d 1234, 68 USPQ2d 1280, 1285 (Fed. Cir. 2003) where it where the court said [W]e conclude that the ordinary meaning of the phrase “up to about 10%” includes the “about 10%” endpoint. As pointed out by AK Steel, when an object of the preposition “up to” is nonnumeric, the most natural meaning is to exclude the object (e.g., painting the wall up to the door). On the other hand, as pointed out by Sollac, when the object is a numerical limit, the normal meaning is to include that upper numerical limit (e.g., counting up to ten, seating capacity for up to seven passengers). Because we have here a numerical limit—“about 10%”—the ordinary meaning is that that endpoint is included.

In the present specification and claims, a goal of employment of such words of approximation, as contemplated in the foregoing, is to avoid a strict numerical boundary to the modified specified parameter, as sanctioned by Pall Corp. v. Micron Separations, Inc., 66 F.3d 1211, 1217, 36 USPQ2d 1225, 1229 (Fed. Cir. 1995) where it states “It is well established that when the term “substantially” serves reasonably to describe the subject matter so that its scope would be understood by persons in the field of the invention, and to distinguish the claimed subject matter from the prior art, it is not indefinite.” Likewise see Verve LLC v. Crane Cams Inc., 311 F.3d 1116, 65 USPQ2d 1051, 1054 (Fed. Cir. 2002). Expressions such as “substantially” are used in patent documents when warranted by the nature of the invention, in order to accommodate the minor variations that may be appropriate to secure the invention. Such usage may well satisfy the charge to “particularly point out and distinctly claim” the invention, 35 U.S.C. § 112, and indeed may be necessary in order to provide the inventor with the benefit of his invention. In Andrew Corp. v. Gabriel Elecs. Inc., 847 F.2d 819, 821-22, 6 USPQ2d 2010, 2013 (Fed. Cir. 1988) the court explained that usages such as “substantially equal” and “closely approximate” may serve to describe the invention with precision appropriate to the technology and without intruding on the prior art. The court again explained in Ecolab Inc. v. Envirochem, Inc., 264 F.3d 1358, 1367, 60 USPQ2d 1173, 1179 (Fed. Cir. 2001) that “like the term ‘about,’ the term ‘substantially’ is a descriptive term commonly used in patent claims to avoid a strict numerical boundary to the specified parameter,” see Ecolab Inc. v. Envirochem Inc., 264 F.3d 1358, 60 USPQ2d 1173, 1179 (Fed. Cir. 2001) where the court found that the use of the term “substantially” to modify the term “uniform” does not render this phrase so unclear such that there is no means by which to ascertain the claim scope.

Similarly, other courts have noted that like the term “about,” the term “substantially” is a descriptive term commonly used in patent claims to “avoid a strict numerical boundary to the specified parameter.”; e.g., see Pall Corp. v. Micron Seps., 66 F.3d 1211, 1217, 36 USPQ2d 1225, 1229 (Fed. Cir. 1995); see, e.g., Andrew Corp. v. Gabriel Elecs. Inc., 847 F.2d 819, 821-22, 6 USPQ2d 2010, 2013 (Fed. Cir. 1988) (noting that terms such as “approach each other,” “close to,” “substantially equal,” and “closely approximate” are ubiquitously used in patent claims and that such usages, when serving reasonably to describe the claimed subject matter to those of skill in the field of the invention, and to distinguish the claimed subject matter from the prior art, have been accepted in patent examination and upheld by the courts). In this case, “substantially” avoids the strict 100% nonuniformity boundary.

Indeed, the foregoing sanctioning of such words of approximation, as contemplated in the foregoing, has been established as early as 1939, see Ex parte Mallory, 52 USPQ 297, 297 (Pat. Off. Bd. App. 1941) where, for example, the court said “the claims specify that the film is “substantially” eliminated and for the intended purpose, it is believed that the slight portion of the film which may remain is negligible. We are of the view, therefore, that the claims may be regarded as sufficiently accurate.” Similarly, In re Hutchison, 104 F.2d 829, 42 USPQ 90, 93 (C.C.P.A. 1939) the court said “It is realized that “substantial distance” is a relative and somewhat indefinite term, or phrase, but terms and phrases of this character are not uncommon in patents in cases where, according to the art involved, the meaning can be determined with reasonable clearness.”

Hence, for at least the forgoing reason, Applicants submit that it is improper for any examiner to hold as indefinite any claims of the present patent that employ any words of approximation.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

References to a “device,” an “apparatus,” a “system,” etc., in the preamble of a claim should be construed broadly to mean “any structure meeting the claim terms” exempt for any specific structure(s)/type(s) that has/(have) been explicitly disavowed or excluded or admitted/implied as prior art in the present specification or incapable of enabling an object/aspect/goal of the invention. Furthermore, where the present specification discloses an object, aspect, function, goal, result, or advantage of the invention that a specific prior art structure and/or method step is similarly capable of performing yet in a very different way, the present invention disclosure is intended to and shall also implicitly include and cover additional corresponding alternative embodiments that are otherwise identical to that explicitly disclosed except that they exclude such prior art structure(s)/step(s), and shall accordingly be deemed as providing sufficient disclosure to support a corresponding negative limitation in a claim claiming such alternative embodiment(s), which exclude such very different prior art structure(s)/step(s) way(s).

From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein.

Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present Application or of any further Application derived therefrom.

References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “embodiments of the invention,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every possible embodiment of the invention necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” “an embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may. Moreover, any use of phrases like “embodiments” in connection with “the invention” are never meant to characterize that all embodiments of the invention must include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic, and should instead be understood to mean “at least some embodiments of the invention” includes the stated particular feature, structure, or characteristic.

References to “user”, or any similar term, as used herein, may mean a human or non-human user thereof. Moreover, “user”, or any similar term, as used herein, unless expressly stipulated otherwise, is contemplated to mean users at any stage of the usage process, to include, without limitation, direct user(s), intermediate user(s), indirect user(s), and end user(s). The meaning of “user”, or any similar term, as used herein, should not be otherwise inferred or induced by any pattern(s) of description, embodiments, examples, or referenced prior-art that may (or may not) be provided in the present patent.

References to “end user”, or any similar term, as used herein, is generally intended to mean late stage user(s) as opposed to early stage user(s). Hence, it is contemplated that there may be a multiplicity of different types of “end user” near the end stage of the usage process. Where applicable, especially with respect to distribution channels of embodiments of the invention comprising consumed retail products/services thereof (as opposed to sellers/vendors or Original Equipment Manufacturers), examples of an “end user” may include, without limitation, a “consumer”, “buyer”, “customer”, “purchaser”, “shopper”, “enjoyer”, “viewer”, or individual person or non-human thing benefiting in any way, directly or indirectly, from use of, or interaction with, some aspect of the present invention.

In some situations, some embodiments of the present invention may provide beneficial usage to more than one stage or type of usage in the foregoing usage process. In such cases where multiple embodiments targeting various stages of the usage process are described, references to “end user”, or any similar term, as used therein, are generally intended to not include the user that is the furthest removed, in the foregoing usage process, from the final user therein of an embodiment of the present invention.

Where applicable, especially with respect to retail distribution channels of embodiments of the invention, intermediate user(s) may include, without limitation, any individual person or non-human thing benefiting in any way, directly or indirectly, from use of, or interaction with, some aspect of the present invention with respect to selling, vending, Original Equipment Manufacturing, marketing, merchandising, distributing, service providing, and the like thereof.

References to “person”, “individual”, “human”, “a party”, “animal”, “creature”, or any similar term, as used herein, even if the context or particular embodiment implies living user, maker, or participant, it should be understood that such characterizations are sole by way of example, and not limitation, in that it is contemplated that any such usage, making, or participation by a living entity in connection with making, using, and/or participating, in any way, with embodiments of the present invention may be substituted by such similar performed by a suitably configured non-living entity, to include, without limitation, automated machines, robots, humanoids, computational systems, information processing systems, artificially intelligent systems, and the like. It is further contemplated that those skilled in the art will readily recognize the practical situations where such living makers, users, and/or participants with embodiments of the present invention may be in whole, or in part, replaced with such non-living makers, users, and/or participants with embodiments of the present invention. Likewise, when those skilled in the art identify such practical situations where such living makers, users, and/or participants with embodiments of the present invention may be in whole, or in part, replaced with such non-living makers, it will be readily apparent in light of the teachings of the present invention how to adapt the described embodiments to be suitable for such non-living makers, users, and/or participants with embodiments of the present invention. Thus, the invention is thus to also cover all such modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of such adaptations and modifications, at least in part, for such non-living entities.

Headings provided herein are for convenience and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure in any way.

The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise.

It is understood that the use of specific component, device and/or parameter names are for example only and not meant to imply any limitations on the invention. The invention may thus be implemented with different nomenclature/terminology utilized to describe the mechanisms/units/structures/components/devices/parameters herein, without limitation. Each term utilized herein is to be given its broadest interpretation given the context in which that term is utilized.

Terminology. The following paragraphs provide definitions and/or context for terms found in this disclosure (including the appended claims):

“Comprising.” This term is open-ended. As used in the appended claims, this term does not foreclose additional structure or steps. Consider a claim that recites: “A memory controller comprising a system cache . . . ” Such a claim does not foreclose the memory controller from including additional components (e.g., a memory channel unit, a switch).

“Configured To.” Various units, circuits, or other components may be described or claimed as “configured to” perform a task or tasks. In such contexts, “configured to” or “operable for” is used to connote structure by indicating that the mechanisms/units/circuits/components include structure (e.g., circuitry and/or mechanisms) that performs the task or tasks during operation. As such, the mechanisms/unit/circuit/component can be said to be configured to (or be operable) for perform(ing) the task even when the specified mechanisms/unit/circuit/component is not currently operational (e.g., is not on). The mechanisms/units/circuits/components used with the “configured to” or “operable for” language include hardware—for example, mechanisms, structures, electronics, circuits, memory storing program instructions executable to implement the operation, etc. Reciting that a mechanism/unit/circuit/component is “configured to” or “operable for” perform(ing) one or more tasks is expressly intended not to invoke 35 U.S.C. sctn. 112, sixth paragraph, for that mechanism/unit/circuit/component. “Configured to” may also include adapting a manufacturing process to fabricate devices or components that are adapted to implement or perform one or more tasks.

“Based On.” As used herein, this term is used to describe one or more factors that affect a determination. This term does not foreclose additional factors that may affect a determination. That is, a determination may be solely based on those factors or based, at least in part, on those factors. Consider the phrase “determine A based on B.” While B may be a factor that affects the determination of A, such a phrase does not foreclose the determination of A from also being based on C. In other instances, A may be determined based solely on B.

The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing conditions, concentrations, dimensions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending at least upon a specific analytical technique.

The term “comprising,” which is synonymous with “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by” is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. “Comprising” is a term of art used in claim language which means that the named claim elements are essential, but other claim elements may be added and still form a construct within the scope of the claim.

As used herein, the phase “consisting of” excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim. When the phrase “consists of” (or variations thereof) appears in a clause of the body of a claim, rather than immediately following the preamble, it limits only the element set forth in that clause; other elements are not excluded from the claim as a whole. As used herein, the phase “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of” limits the scope of a claim to the specified elements or method steps, plus those that do not materially affect the basis and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed subject matter (see Norian Corp. v Stryker Corp., 363 F.3d 1321, 1331-32, 70 USPQ2d 1508, Fed. Cir. 2004). Moreover, for any claim of the present invention which claims an embodiment “consisting essentially of” or “consisting of” a certain set of elements of any herein described embodiment it shall be understood as obvious by those skilled in the art that the present invention also covers all possible varying scope variants of any described embodiment(s) that are each exclusively (i.e., “consisting essentially of”) functional subsets or functional combination thereof such that each of these plurality of exclusive varying scope variants each consists essentially of any functional subset(s) and/or functional combination(s) of any set of elements of any described embodiment(s) to the exclusion of any others not set forth therein. That is, it is contemplated that it will be obvious to those skilled how to create a multiplicity of alternate embodiments of the present invention that simply consisting essentially of a certain functional combination of elements of any described embodiment(s) to the exclusion of any others not set forth therein, and the invention thus covers all such exclusive embodiments as if they were each described herein.

With respect to the terms “comprising,” “consisting of,” and “consisting essentially of,” where one of these three terms is used herein, the presently disclosed and claimed subject matter may include the use of either of the other two terms. Thus in some embodiments not otherwise explicitly recited, any instance of “comprising” may be replaced by “consisting of” or, alternatively, by “consisting essentially of”, and thus, for the purposes of claim support and construction for “consisting of” format claims, such replacements operate to create yet other alternative embodiments “consisting essentially of” only the elements recited in the original “comprising” embodiment to the exclusion of all other elements.

Devices or system modules that are in at least general communication with each other need not be in continuous communication with each other, unless expressly specified otherwise. In addition, devices or system modules that are in at least general communication with each other may communicate directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries.

A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present invention.

As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application.

It is to be understood that any exact measurements/dimensions or particular construction materials indicated herein are solely provided as examples of suitable configurations and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Depending on the needs of the particular application, those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of the following teachings, a multiplicity of suitable alternative implementation details.

An embodiment of the present invention may provide protection from makeup transfer upon donning and removal of garments that pass over the head. Some embodiments may comprise a band with attached sheer fabric that covers the entire face and extends down to the neck and chest. In typical use of such embodiments, upon removal of a garment, the draped fabric may be inserted inside the neckline of the garment in order to help prevent the fabric from moving up and out of place.

FIGS. 1A through 1D illustrate an exemplary makeup shield implement 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a diagrammatic front view of shield 100. FIG. 1B is a diagrammatic rear view of a user 105 wearing shield 100. FIG. 1C is a diagrammatic front view of user 105 wearing shield 100, and FIG. 1D is a diagrammatic front view of user 105 wearing shield implement 100 with a lower portion of shield 100 tucked into a garment 110. In the present embodiment, shield implement 100 may be used to protect garment 110, or other garments that user 105 may wear, from soiling due to makeup transfer from the face, neck, and chest areas. Shield implement 100 comprises a band segment 115 and a sheer fabric panel section 120. A first end portion 112 and a second end portion 113 of band segment 115 may be connected by attachment means such as, but not limited to, sewing or adhesive to form the shape of a circle. An upper portion 118 of fabric panel section 120 may be attached to band segment 115 approximately greater than, less than, or equal to ¾ of the way around band segment 115 using various attachment means including, without limitation, sewing or adhesive and may have a length that is long enough and configured to be operable to drape over the face of user 105 and extend down to the chest of user 105. Fabric panel section 120 may have a separation part 130 along the length of the fabric panel section 120 which may be oriented at the back side of user 105, wherein said separation part 130 may enable the fabric panel section 120 to loosely drape over the face and extend down to the chest of user 105. Band segment 115 may be made of various different elastic materials that may enable band segment 115 to conform to the head of user 105 including, without limitation, woven or braided elastic straps, rubber straps, stretch webbing, and stretch fabrics such as, but not limited to, spandex, stretch mesh, or neoprene. In alternative embodiments, fabric panel section 120 may be attached to band segment 115 approximately less than, greater than, or equal to ½ of the way around band segment 115. Since sheer fabric panel section 120 is typically placed over the face of user 105, it may be preferred that the material used for sheer fabric panel section 120 be breathable and sheer for the comfort of user 105. In addition, it may be preferred that the material used for sheer fabric panel section 120 be pliable enough to be easily tucked into the neck of garment 110. Suitable materials for sheer fabric panel section 120 may include without limitation, various mesh materials, sheer nylon, sheer silk, voile, muslin, polyester chiffon, and chiffon. A lower hem portion 125 of sheer fabric panel section 120 is shown as a straight hem 135. It is contemplated that hems in other embodiments may be pointed hem 140, curved hem 145, or otherwise configured.

In typical use of the present embodiment, user 105 may place band segment 115 around their head along the hairline, allowing fabric panel section 120 to drape down over the face, neck, and chest. Then, user 105 may put garment 110 on over their head as usual. As garment 110 passes over the head, fabric panel section 120 typically creates a barrier between garment 110 and areas of the face, neck, and chest where makeup has been applied. Referring to FIG. 1D, after garment 110 is pulled over the head of user 105, the lower portion of fabric panel section 120 is inside the neckline of garment 110. Once garment 110 is in place on the body, user 105 may remove shield implement 100 and wear garment 110 normally. Prior to removing garment 110, user 105 may secure shield implement 100 to their head and insert the lower portion of fabric panel section 120 inside the neckline of garment 110, as shown by way of example in FIG. 1D. Then, user 105 may remove garment 110 as usual. The insertion of fabric panel section 120 into the neckline of garment 110 before removal helps to prevent fabric panel section 120 from riding up upon garment removal, providing protection from the transfer of makeup applied to the chest, neck, and/or face as garment 110 passes over these areas. In an alternate use, user 105 may place band segment 115 around the head along the hairline with fabric panel section 120 draped over the hair rather than the face to protect garments from the transfer of substances in the hair such as, but not limited to, dyes, oils, and styling products.

It is believed that shield implement 100 and similar embodiments typically provide complete coverage protection, extending from the entire face to the chest, from makeup transfer onto garments that may be put on or taken off over the head. Such embodiments may also be pliable overall to provide flexibility for over the head garments to easily glide on and off of a user. Moreover, such embodiments are typically easy to put on and remove and typically stay securely in place upon garment donning and removal without the need to hold the shield in place. Such embodiments may be designed without items that may snag garments, hair, or areas of the user's body. Furthermore, such embodiments may be secured to the head near the upper forehead by a band that can fit around nearly any hairstyle. This typically eliminates the need to place anything on the head beyond the hairline and may protect the hairstyle from being weighed down and/or ruined.

The following embodiments illustrated by way of example in FIG. 2A through FIG. 4C show makeup shields that are akin to the embodiment described in the foregoing. These embodiments provide shields that may be used in a similar manner to protect garments from soiling due to makeup transfer from the face, neck, and chest areas. The differences in these embodiments are in the types of bands used to secure the shields to the heads of users.

FIGS. 2A through 2D illustrate an exemplary makeup shield implement 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a diagrammatic front view of shield implement 200. FIG. 2B is a diagrammatic rear view of a user 205 wearing shield implement 200. FIG. 2C is a diagrammatic front view of user 205 wearing shield implement 200, and FIG. 2D is a diagrammatic front view of user 205 wearing shield implement 200 with a lower portion of shield implement 200 tucked into a garment 210. In the present embodiment, shield implement 200 comprises a band segment 215 with a fastening system 217 and a fabric panel section 220. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that a multiplicity of suitable means may be used for fastening system 217 such as, but not limited to, buttons, hook and loop material, snaps, hook and eye closures, hook clasps, toggle clasps, snap fit buckles, prong buckles, tie-back, or a snapback closure similar to a baseball cap. Fastening system 217 may be secured to both the first end portion 212 and second end portion 213 of band segment 215. Band segment 215 may be made of various different elastic materials that may enable band segment 215 to conform to the head of user 205. Alternatively, fastening system 217 may allow for adjustability in the circumference of band segment 215 to conform to the head of user 205 so that non-elastic materials may be used to form band segment 215 including, without limitation, nylon webbing, non-stretch fabrics, and plastic straps. Band segment 215 can be made from same fabric as that used for fabric panel(s). An upper portion 218 of fabric panel section 220 may be attached along band segment 215 so as to cover approximately greater than, less than, or equal to ¾ of band segment 215, and fabric panel section 220 may have a length that is long enough to drape over the face down to the chest of user 205. Fabric panel section 220 may have a separation part 230 along the length of the fabric panel section 220 which may be oriented at the back side of user 205, wherein said separation part 230 may enable the fabric panel section to loosely drape over the face and extend down to the chest of user 205. A lower hem portion 225 of fabric panel section 220 is shown as a straight hem. However, hems in other embodiments may be pointed, curved, or otherwise configured. In alternative embodiments, fabric panel section 220 may be attached to band segment 215 approximately less than, greater than, or equal to ½ of the way around band segment 215.

In typical use of the present embodiment, band segment 215 is placed around the hairline of user 205 and fastening system 217 is connected near the base of the back of the head to secure shield implement 200 to the head of user 205 with fabric panel section 220 draping down over the face. Once shield implement 200 is in place, user 205 may put on or take off an over the head garment as usual. Shield implement 200 typically creates a barrier between the garment and areas of the face, neck, and chest where makeup has been applied. Referring to FIG. 2D, tucking the lower portion of fabric panel section 220 inside the neckline of garment 210 may help prevent fabric panel section 220 from riding up upon the removal of garment 210. In some applications, user 205 may place band segment 215 around the head along the hairline with fabric panel section 220 draped over the hair rather than the face to protect garments from the transfer of substances in the hair.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic front view of an exemplary makeup shield implement 300, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, shield implement 300 comprises a band segment 315 and a fabric panel section 320 that may be long enough to drape over the face down to the chest. An upper portion 318 of fabric panel section 320 may be attached along approximately ¾ of circumference of band segment 315. A stretchable section 323 of band segment 315 may be made of an elastic material to typically enable band segment 315 to conform to the heads of multiple users. The rest of band segment 315 may be made of non-elastic material for stronger grip around the head of a user. Alternatively, the rest of band segment 315 may be made of elastic material. A lower hem 325 of fabric panel 320 is shown as a curved hem 335. However, hems in other embodiments may be pointed, straight, or otherwise configured.

In typical use of the present embodiment, band segment 315 may be placed along the hairline around the head of a user, allowing fabric panel section 320 to drape down over the face. Once shield implement 300 is in place, the user may put on or take off an over the head garment as usual. Shield implement 300 typically creates a barrier between the garment and areas of the face, neck, and chest where makeup has been applied. Fabric panel section 320 is typically long enough to remain under the neckline of the garment when the garment is donned and to be inserted inside the neckline of the garment prior to removal. Fabric panel section 320 may have a separation part 330 along the length of the fabric panel section 320, wherein said separation part 330 may enable the fabric panel section to loosely drape over the face and extend down to the chest of a user. Alternatively, band segment 315 may be placed around the head along the hairline with fabric panel section 320 draped over the hair rather than the face to protect garments from the transfer of substances in the hair.

FIGS. 4A through 4C illustrate an exemplary makeup shield 400, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A is a diagrammatic front view of shield 400. FIG. 4B is a diagrammatic side view of a user 405 wearing shield 400, and FIG. 4C is a diagrammatic front view of user 405 wearing shield 400 with a lower portion of shield 400 tucked into a garment 410. In the present embodiment, shield 400 comprises a headband 415 and a fabric panel 420 long enough to drape over the face down to the chest. An upper portion 418 of fabric panel 420 may be shaped to form a curve and secured along the entire length of headband 415. The curve shape of the fabric panel and a first end portion 412 and a second end portion 413 of headband 415 typically are not connected so that headband 415 forms a horseshoe shape. Fabric panel 320 may have a separation part 330 along the length of the fabric panel 320, wherein said separation part 330 may enable the fabric panel section to loosely drape over the face and extend down to the chest of a user. Headband 415 may be made of a rigid but flexible material such as, but not limited to, plastic, metal, or fabric reinforced with an interface to enable headband 415 to hold its shape while being flexible enough to stretch to conform to the head of user 405. A lower hem 425 of fabric panel 420 is shown as a straight hem. It is contemplated that hems in other embodiments may be pointed, curved, or otherwise configured

In typical use of the present embodiment, user 405 places headband 415 along the hairline of the forehead and behind the ears so that fabric panel 420 drapes down over face to the chest. Once shield 400 is in place, user 405 may put on or take off an over the head garment as usual. Shield 400 typically creates a barrier between garment 410 and areas of the face, neck, and chest where makeup has been applied. Referring to FIG. 4C, fabric panel 420 is typically long enough to remain inside the neckline of garment 410 after donning and to be inserted into the neckline of garment 410 prior to removal. In some applications, user 405 may place band 415 around the head along the hairline with fabric panel 420 draped over the hair rather than the face to protect garments from the transfer of substances in the hair. In other alternate embodiments comprising of a headband, a fastening system can be attached to the ends of the headband, which can be in the form of a tie back or any other fastening system which can help further secure the headband in place upon donning and/or removal of garments.

FIGS. 5A through 5E illustrate an exemplary makeup shield 500, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5A is a diagrammatic front view of shield 500. FIG. 5B is a diagrammatic top view of shield 500 in an open configuration. FIG. 5C is a diagrammatic rear view of a user 505 wearing shield 500. FIG. 5D is a diagrammatic front view of user 505 wearing shield 500, and FIG. 5E is a diagrammatic front view of user 505 wearing shield 500 with a lower portion of shield 500 tucked into a garment 510. In the present embodiment, shield 500 may be used to provide protection against the transfer of substances in the hair such as, but not limited to, temporary hair dye or styling products as well as the transfer of makeup on the face, neck and chest onto garments put on and taken off over the head. Shield 500 comprises a band 515 and two fabric panels 520 and 523 secured to band 515. One fabric panel 520 may drape over the face and the other fabric panel 523 may drape over the hair. Band 515 is a circular band that may be similar to the bands illustrated by way of example in FIG. 1A through FIG. 3. Band 515 may or may not comprise a fastening system and/or may or may not be made entirely or partially from an elastic material.

In typical use of the present embodiment, user 505 may secure band 515 along hairline, ensuring fabric panel 520 drapes down over the face. User 505 may then drape fabric panel 523 over the hair. Optionally, user 505 may allow both fabric panels 520 and 523 to be draped forward over the face or backward over the hair. Once fabric panels 520 and 523 are in place, user 505 may put on or take off garment 510 as usual. Shield 500 typically creates a barrier between the garment and areas of the face, neck, and chest where makeup has been applied as well as the hair. Referring to FIG. 5E, fabric panel 520 is typically long enough to remain inside the neckline of garment 510 after donning and to be inserted into the neckline of garment 510 prior to removal.

FIGS. 6A through 6D illustrate an exemplary makeup shield 600, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6A is a diagrammatic front view of shield 600. FIG. 6B is a diagrammatic top view of shield 600 in an open configuration. FIG. 6C is a diagrammatic side view of a user 605 wearing shield 600, and FIG. 6D is a diagrammatic front view of user 605 wearing shield 600 with a lower portion of shield 600 tucked into a garment 610. In the present embodiment, shield 600 comprises a headband 615 and two fabric panels 620 and 623 secured to headband 615. One fabric panel 620 may drape over the face and the other fabric panel 623 may drape over the hair. Headband 615 forms a horseshoe shape, similar to the headband illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 4A through 4C.

In typical use of the present embodiment, user 605 places headband 615 along the hairline of the forehead and behind the ears so that fabric panel 620 drapes down over face to the chest. Then, user 605 may drape fabric panel 623 over the hair. Optionally, user 605 may allow both fabric panels 620 and 623 to be draped forward over the face or backward over the hair. Once shield 600 is in place, user 605 may put on or take off an over the head garment as usual. Shield 600 typically creates a barrier between the garment and areas of the face, neck, and chest where makeup has been applied as well as the hair. Referring to FIG. 6D, fabric panel 620 is typically long enough to remain inside the neckline of garment 610 after donning and to be inserted into the neckline of garment 610 prior to removal.

Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that alternate embodiments may be implemented with various different configurations. For example, without limitation, in some embodiments the fabric panel may be removably attached to the band rather than permanently attached. Removable attachment means may include, without limitation, hook and loop material, snaps, buttons, and hook and eye closures. In such embodiments a user may secure the band alone to the head then attach the fabric panel to the band. In such embodiments comprising two fabric panels, one or both of the fabric panels may be removably attached. In other alternate embodiments comprising two fabric panels, the panel meant to cover the hair may be made of an opaque material rather than a sheer material. In other alternate embodiments comprising two fabric panels, the fabric panels may be sewn (attached) together down along each side that drapes down, or be one continuous panel, thereby further preventing any open space down the sides so that garment does not come into contact with any hair or skin that may be exposed. Furthermore, a multiplicity of suitable alternate or additional features may be included in some embodiments such as, but not limited to, loops or hooks that may be used to hang the shield when not in use, a pocket into which the shield may be folded up and inserted for transport, and loops that may be placed around the ears to further secure the shield to the head.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for using a makeup shield when putting on an over the head garment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In typical use of the present embodiment, a user begins by placing the band of the shield around their head along the hairline in step 701. Then, in step 705, the user arranges the fabric panel or panels of the shield as desired. For example, without limitation, if the shield comprises one fabric panel and the user would like to protect the garment from makeup transfer, the user may position the fabric panel so that the fabric panel drapes down over the face, neck, and chest. Alternatively, the user may position the fabric panel over the hair to protect the garment from the transfer of hair product. If the shield comprises two fabric panels, the user may position one panel over the face and the other over the hair, both panels over the face, or both panels over the hair. Once the shield is in place, the user may put the garment on over the head as usual in step 710. As the garment passes over the head the fabric panel or panels typically creates a barrier between the garment and areas of the face, neck, and chest where makeup has been applied and/or the hair. After the garment is properly on the user, the user may remove the shield in step 715. Then, in step 720 the user may wear the garment normally.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for using a makeup shield when removing an over the head garment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, prior to removing the garment, the user places the band of the shield around their head along the hairline in step 801. Then, in step 805, the user arranges the fabric panel or panels of the shield as desired. In step 810 the user inserts the lower portion of the fabric panel(s) into the neckline of the garment. Once the shield is in place, the user may remove the garment over the head as usual in step 815. The insertion of the fabric panel(s) into the neckline of the garment before removal helps to prevent the fabric panel(s) from riding up upon garment removal, providing protection from the transfer of makeup or other substances applied to the chest, neck, face, and/or hair as the garment passes over these areas. After the garment is removed, the user may remove the shield in step 820.

Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that any of the foregoing steps may be suitably replaced, reordered, removed and additional steps may be inserted depending upon the needs of the particular application. Moreover, the prescribed method steps of the foregoing embodiments may be implemented using any physical and/or hardware system that those skilled in the art will readily know is suitable in light of the foregoing teachings. For any method steps described in the present application that can be carried out on a computing machine, a typical computer system can, when appropriately configured or designed, serve as a computer system in which those aspects of the invention may be embodied.

All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

It is noted that according to USA law 35 USC § 112 (1), all claims must be supported by sufficient disclosure in the present patent specification, and any material known to those skilled in the art need not be explicitly disclosed. However, 35 USC § 112 (6) requires that structures corresponding to functional limitations interpreted under 35 USC § 112 (6) must be explicitly disclosed in the patent specification. Moreover, the USPTO's Examination policy of initially treating and searching prior art under the broadest interpretation of a “mean for” claim limitation implies that the broadest initial search on 112(6) functional limitation would have to be conducted to support a legally valid Examination on that USPTO policy for broadest interpretation of “mean for” claims. Accordingly, the USPTO will have discovered a multiplicity of prior art documents including disclosure of specific structures and elements which are suitable to act as corresponding structures to satisfy all functional limitations in the below claims that are interpreted under 35 USC § 112 (6) when such corresponding structures are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patent specification. Therefore, for any invention element(s)/structure(s) corresponding to functional claim limitation(s), in the below claims interpreted under 35 USC § 112 (6), which is/are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patent specification, yet do exist in the patent and/or non-patent documents found during the course of USPTO searching, Applicant(s) incorporate all such functionally corresponding structures and related enabling material herein by reference for the purpose of providing explicit structures that implement the functional means claimed. Applicant(s) request(s) that fact finders during any claims construction proceedings and/or examination of patent allowability properly identify and incorporate only the portions of each of these documents discovered during the broadest interpretation search of 35 USC § 112 (6) limitation, which exist in at least one of the patent and/or non-patent documents found during the course of normal USPTO searching and or supplied to the USPTO during prosecution. Applicant(s) also incorporate by reference the bibliographic citation information to identify all such documents comprising functionally corresponding structures and related enabling material as listed in any PTO Form-892 or likewise any information disclosure statements (IDS) entered into the present patent application by the USPTO or Applicant(s) or any 3^rd parties. Applicant(s) also reserve its right to later amend the present application to explicitly include citations to such documents and/or explicitly include the functionally corresponding structures which were incorporate by reference above.

Thus, for any invention element(s)/structure(s) corresponding to functional claim limitation(s), in the below claims, that are interpreted under 35 USC § 112 (6), which is/are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patent specification, Applicant(s) have explicitly prescribed which documents and material to include the otherwise missing disclosure, and have prescribed exactly which portions of such patent and/or non-patent documents should be incorporated by such reference for the purpose of satisfying the disclosure requirements of 35 USC § 112 (6). Applicant(s) note that all the identified documents above which are incorporated by reference to satisfy 35 USC § 112 (6) necessarily have a filing and/or publication date prior to that of the instant application, and thus are valid prior documents to incorporated by reference in the instant application.

Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of implementing a face shield for protecting garments from soiling due to makeup transfer from the face, neck, and chest area according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Various aspects of the invention have been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. The particular implementation of the face shield may vary depending upon the particular context or application. By way of example, and not limitation, the face shields described in the foregoing were principally directed to implementations meant to protect garments; however, similar techniques may instead be applied to provide protection to the face from irritants such as, but not limited to, wind or rain during inclement weather, hairspray as it is being sprayed on the hair, or dye as it is being applied to the hair, which implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims. It is to be further understood that not all of the disclosed embodiments in the foregoing specification will necessarily satisfy or achieve each of the objects, advantages, or improvements described in the foregoing specification.

Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. Section 1.72(b) requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to ascertain the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. That is, the Abstract is provided merely to introduce certain concepts and not to identify any key or essential features of the claimed subject matter. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to limit or interpret the scope or meaning of the claims.

The following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

Claims

1. An implement comprising:

a band segment, said band segment is configured to form a shape of a circle, in which said band segment comprising: an elastic material having a first end portion and a second end portion; and a fastening system secured to said first end portion and said second end portion, wherein said fastening system is configured to allow adjustability in the circumference of said circle;

a fabric panel section, said fabric panel section is operable for protecting a garment of a user from soiling due to makeup, in which said fabric panel section comprising: an upper portion, wherein said upper portion is attached to a portion of said band segment; and a lower hem portion, wherein said lower hem portion is configured to cover a neck and chest area of the user.

2. The implement of claim 1, in which said fabric panel section comprises a length that is configured to cover a face and extend down to a neck and a chest of a user.

3. The implement of claim 2, in which said fabric panel section further comprises a separation part configured to enable said fabric panel section to loosely cover the face and extend down to the neck and the chest of the user.

4. The implement of claim 3, wherein said upper portion of said fabric panel section is attached to said band segment at approximately ¾ of the way around said band segment.

5. The implement of claim 4, in which said elastic material comprises at least a woven or braided elastic strap.

6. The implement of claim 5, in which said fabric panel section comprises at least a sheer nylon or a sheer silk, wherein said upper portion is attached at said approximately ¾ of the way around said band segment by sewing or adhesive.

7. The implement of claim 6, in which said lower hem portion includes a straight hem portion.

8. The implement of claim 7, in which said implement is a makeup shield that is operable to protect a garment that a user may wear, from soiling due to makeup transfer from the face, neck, and chest areas.

9. The implement of claim 8, further comprising a second fabric panel section attached to said band segment, wherein said second fabric panel section is operable to cover the hair of the user.

10. The implement of claim 9, in which said lower hem portion includes at least a straight hem portion, wherein said straight hem portion is operable for inserting into a neckline of the garment.

11. The implement of claim 3, wherein said upper portion of said fabric panel section is attached to said band segment at approximately ½ of the way around said band segment.

12. The implement of claim 11, in which said elastic material comprises at least one of, a spandex and a stretch webbing.

13. The implement of claim 12, in which said fabric panel section comprises at least one of, a voile and a chiffon, wherein said upper portion is attached at said approximately ½ of the way around said band segment by sewing or adhesive.

14. The implement of claim 13, in which said lower hem portion includes at least a pointed hem portion, wherein said pointed hem portion is operable for inserting into a neckline of the garment.

15. The implement of claim 14, further comprising a second fabric panel section attached to said band segment, wherein said second fabric panel section is operable to cover the hair of the user.

16. The implement of claim 9, in which said lower hem portion includes at least a curved hem portion, wherein said curved hem portion is operable for inserting into a neckline of the garment.

17. An implement comprising:

a band segment configured to form a shape of a circle, in which said band segment comprising: an elastic material section having a first end portion and a second end portion, in which said elastic material section is a stretchable section that is operable for allowing adjustability in the circumference of said circle; a non-elastic material section fastening system secured to said first end portion and said second end portion, wherein said non-elastic material section is configured to provide a stronger grip;

a fabric panel section configured to protect a garment worn by a user from soiling due to makeup, in which said fabric panel section comprising: an upper portion, wherein said upper portion is attached at approximately ¾ of the way around said band segment; a length that is operable to cover a face and extend down to a neck and a chest of the user; a separation part along said length, wherein said separation part is configured to enable said fabric panel section to loosely cover the face and extend down to the neck and the chest of the user; a lower hem portion, said lower hem portion is configured to cover a neck and chest area of the user, in which said lower hem portion includes at least a curved hem portion, wherein said curved hem portion is operable for inserting into a neckline of the garment worn by the user;

a makeup shield implement, wherein said makeup shield implement comprises said band segment and said fabric panel section.

18. The implement of claim 17, further comprising a second fabric panel section attached to said band segment, wherein said second fabric panel section is operable to cover the hair of the user.

19. A makeup shield implement comprising:

a band segment, in which said band segment comprising: a headband implement having a non-connected first end portion and second end portion, wherein said headband implement is configured to hold its shape while being flexible enough to stretch to conform to the head of a user;

a fabric panel section being operable for protecting a garment worn by a user from soiling due to makeup, in which said fabric panel section comprising: an upper portion having a curved shape is attached to said band segment, wherein said upper portion having said curved shape; a length that is configured to cover a face and extend down to a neck and a chest of the user; and a pointed lower hem portion, wherein said pointed lower hem portion is operable for inserting into a neckline of the garment worn by the user;

a separation part that is operable for enabling said fabric panel section to loosely cover the face and extend down to the neck and the chest of the user; and

a second fabric panel section attached to said band segment, wherein said second fabric panel section is operable for covering the hair of the user.

20. The makeup shield implement of claim 19, in which said fabric panel section comprises at least a sheer nylon or a sheer silk, and wherein said upper portion is attached at said headband implement by adhesive.