ADJUSTABLE FACE MASK
The present invention incorporates a unique construction for a face mask device comprising a fabric face mask element FIG. 1.1 with adjustable cord length using a cord locking mechanism FIG. 1.5. A cord routing envelope FIG. 1.3 is incorporated into one or more corners of said fabric face mask element FIG. 1.1. Said envelope FIG. 1.3 is created by unique construction method comprising two openings FIG. 1.3 in the fabric face mask element FIG. 1.1, separated by a fixed seam, weld, fuse, rivet or bond FIG. 1.4, through which a cord 2 can be passed.
The present invention pertains generally to face masks, and more particularly to face masks intended to filter particulate matter from the air for breathing, protect the face during sporting activities, or limit airflow during exercise to increase aerobic tension.
The present invention incorporates a unique system of construction for quick and simple cord length adjustment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThere are a variety of face mask devices which are commonly and widely used to filter particulate matter from the air for breathing, protect the face during sporting activities, or limit airflow during exercise to increase aerobic tension.
These devices typically combine a fabric face mask element with cords of various materials to secure the fabric face mask element tightly against the face by passing the cords around the ears or back of the head.
While these devices may be suitable under some conditions for some users, they can cause pain and fitment issues for many users due to lack of easy cord adjustment.
Examples of these kinds of non-adjustable devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 657,051S1, issuing to Amin, U.S. Pat. No. 657,053S1, issuing to Amin, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,028,689B2, issuing to Martin and Xue.
For example, users of a face mask device who have a larger head and face circumference can experience significant pain when cords which lack an adjustment mechanism are routed around the ears to secure said face mask tightly to the face.
There are a variety of adjustable face mask devices comprising a fabric face mask element fixed to an adjustable cord or strap system. Examples of these kinds of adjustable face mask devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,753,051B2, issuing to Burrow, McGrail, Irlbeck and Bouchez, U.S. Pat. No. 8,826,909B2, issuing to Nashed, U.S. Pat. No. 6,550,070B2, issuing to Wiegand, and U.S. Pat. No. 9,067,086B2, issuing to Danford.
While these adjustable face mask devices may be suitable under some conditions for some users, the invention disclosed herein provides a unique construction to achieve simple cord adjustment and optimum fit.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIt is the object of the invention to provide an improved face mask device that allows for simple and easy adjustment of the cord or strap (together, the “cord”) length by the wearer.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved face mask device that ensures better fit via cord length adjustment.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved face mask device that provides independent cord length adjustment.
These and other objects are achieved in accordance with the present invention by providing a fabric face mask element consisting of one or more layers of fabric with cord routing envelopes which are incorporated into one or more corners of the fabric mask element. These envelopes are created by sewing, welding, riveting or bonding the fabric to create an envelope at the corner of the fabric face mask element through which a cord can be passed. A locking mechanism is applied to the end of each cord. Each cord can be routed around the ear or around the back of the head. The cord length can be adjusted by sliding or adjusting the locking mechanism.
The general environment of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown and illustrated in side perspective view in
A face mask element 1 which is sewn with two layers of fabric is fitted tightly to the face using an adjustable length cord 2 with a cord locking mechanism 5. In this configuration, the cord 2 is fixed to the top corner of the fabric face mask element 1 in a static position 6. At the bottom corner of the fabric face mask element 1, an envelope is created by unique construction method comprising two openings 3 in the fabric face mask element 1 separated by a fixed seam, weld, fuse, rivet or bond 4 (in this case a sewn seam). The cord 2 is routed through the envelope 3 and secured with a cord locking mechanism 5.
Turning now to
It will therefore be understood that various changes in the details, materials and arrangement of parts which have been herein described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the invention may be made by those skilled in the art within the principal and scope of the invention as expressed in the following claims.
Claims
1. A face mask device to be worn by a user comprising:
- a fabric face mask element of one or more layers of fabric that is either sewn, molded, heat bonded, or welded;
- one or more cord routing envelopes which are created by sewing, welding, riveting or bonding said fabric face mask element to create two openings in said fabric face mask element and incorporated into one or more corners of said fabric face mask element;
- one or more adjustable length cords which are fixed to the fabric face mask element, either in a static or adjustable configuration, which pass behind the ear or behind the head to secure said fabric face mask element tightly against the face, and which are routed through said cord routing envelopes;
- one or more locking mechanisms which are applied to the end of each adjustable length cord; and
- one or more cords whose length can be adjusted by sliding or adjusting said locking mechanisms.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 30, 2020
Publication Date: Oct 1, 2020
Inventor: WILLIAM BELK
Application Number: 16/863,016
