CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority from provisional U.S. Pat. Appl. No. 62/936,253, filed on Nov. 15, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
BACKGROUND Field of the Disclosure The present disclosure relates generally to devices for covering facial hair, and more specifically, to beard guards and similar devices that keep facial hair from contaminating a hygienic environment, such as an examination room or a surgical suite.
Description of the Related Art Protective facial wearables are common place in various industries across the country and world. From health care to food preparation to computer chip fabrication, protective facial wearables (for example, facemasks, face shields, beard guards, and so forth) are worn to protect not only the person (also referenced herein as the “wearer”) wearing the protective facial wearable but also the environment (for example, the patient, the food product, the computer chip, and so forth). Various configurations of protective facial wearables exist. However, existing protective facial wearables do not enable ease of use while providing comfort and stability when worn. For example, current protective facial wearables may include separate components that are individually attached to or affixed do the wearer. Thus, the wearer may have two or three different wearables on his/her face, each having its own straps or strings to hold the wearable on the wearer's face (for example, looped around the wearer's ears). This many straps or strings may be uncomfortable, especially if the wearer wears the wearables for many hours. Additionally, the separate wearables may result in one or more portions of the wearer's face being relatively uncovered by any wearable at places where the wearables meet. For example, because the wearables are not connected together, the lack of a “seam” where the wearables meet may result in spaces between the wearables, which may allow facial hair or other “contaminants” from the wearer to be exposed to the hygienic environment.
As such, alternatives for protective facial wearables that provide improved comfort and protection are desirable.
SUMMARY Various embodiments of systems, methods and devices within the scope of the appended claims each have several aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for the desirable attributes described herein. Without limiting the scope of the appended claims, some prominent features are described herein.
Details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. Note that the relative dimensions of the following figures may not be drawn to scale.
In one aspect, a face piece or facemask is described. The face piece or facemask has a first side and a second side and is configured to block first particulates and second particulates. The face piece or face mask comprises face portion configured to cover a nose and a mouth of a wearer, a facial hair portion configured to cover a chin of the wearer, and a first seam connecting the face portion and the facial hair portion. The face portion and the facial hair portion are arranged and connected such that the first particulates and the second particulates are prevented from passing from the first side of the face piece to the second side at the first seam.
In one aspect, a face piece or facemask is described. The facemask includes a face portion configured to cover a nose and a mouth of a wearer and a facial hair portion. The face portion includes one or more first breathable layers configured to prevent conveyance of first particulates of a first size from a first side to a second side of the face piece and one or more face straps configured to extend to and around at least one portion of the wearer's head and hold the face portion in a position covering the nose and mouth of the wearer. The facial hair portion is configured to cover a chin of the wearer and includes one or more second breathable layers configured to prevent conveyance of second particulates of a second size from the first side to the second side of the facial piece, the second size being larger than the first size and one or more straps configured to hold the facial hair portion in a second position such that a majority of facial hair of the wearer is arranged within a cavity formed on the first side of the face piece by the one or more breathable layers of the facial hair portion. The face portion and the facial hair portion are arranged and connected such that the first particulates and the second particulates are prevented from passing from the first side of the face piece to the second side at a first seam where the first portion and the facial hair portion are connected.
In another aspect, another face piece is described. The other face piece includes a face portion and a facial hair portion. The face portion is configured to cover a nose and a mouth of a wearer and includes one or more first breathable layers and one or more face straps attached to the one or more first breathable layers. The facial hair portion is configured to cover a chin of the wearer and includes one or more second breathable layers and one or more straps attached to the one or more second breathable layers, wherein the face portion and the facial hair portion are arranged and connected at a first seam.
In another aspect, a method of wearing a face piece is described. The method comprises positioning a face portion of the face piece to cover a nose and a mount of a wearer. The face portion comprises one or more first breathable layers and one or more face straps attached to the one or more first breathable layers. The method further comprises positioning a facial hair portion to cover a chin and beard of the wearer. The facial hair portion comprises one or more second breathable layers and one or more straps attached to the one or more second breathable layers. The face portion and the facial hair portion are arranged and connected at a first seam.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows a person wearing a combination beard guard, facemask, and face shield wearable.
FIG. 2 is a close up of front side of the combination beard guard, facemask, and face shield wearable of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a close up of a back side of the combination beard guard, facemask, and face shield wearable of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a top view of a beard guard wearable having straps attached thereto to hold the beard guard in place on a person.
FIG. 5A shows a diagram of a front view of a first option of the beard guard and the facemask of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5B shows a diagram of a side view of the first option of the beard guard and the facemask of FIG. 1 including one or more straps to hold the beard guard and a tether to hold the facemask in place on a person's head.
FIG. 5C shows a diagram of a front view of a second option of the beard guard and the facemask of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5D shows a diagram of a side view of the second option of the beard guard and the facemask of FIG. 1 including one strap to hold the beard guard and the facemask in place on a person's head.
FIG. 5E shows a diagram of a front view of a third option of the beard guard and the facemask of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5F shows a diagram of a side view of the third option of the beard guard and the facemask of FIG. 1 including straps to hold the beard guard and the facemask in place on a person's head.
The various features illustrated in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. Accordingly, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. In addition, some of the drawings may not depict all of the components of a given system, method or device. Finally, like reference numerals may be used to denote like features throughout the specification and figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. The term “exemplary” used throughout this description means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other exemplary embodiments. The detailed description includes specific details for providing a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments. In some instances, some devices are shown in block diagram form.
The present disclosure includes a plurality of protective facial wearables that may be worn or used by a person in combination or separately. For example, in various settings different protective facial wearables may be worn to reduce risk of infection for the person wearing the protective facial wearable (for example, from those people in the vicinity of the person) but also those people in the vicinity of the person wearing the protective facial wearable (for example, from the person wearing the protective facial wearable).
Additionally, the protective facial wearables may be worn in environments that contain microorganisms that cause infection to also reduce risk of infection to the person wearing the wearables. Specifically, the protective facial wearables may prevent those microorganisms (for example, bacteria, fungi, yeast, molds, viruses, and so forth) in the air and/or on various surfaces from being spread to the person wearing the protective facial wearables through the person's eyes, nose, and/or mouth when the protective facial wearable covers the person's eyes, nose, and mouth.
In some embodiments, the person may be one or more individual protective facial wearables. For example, the person may wear a facemask, a face shield, and a beard guard, where each of these wearables are independent and/or separate protective facial wearables. For example, the facemask includes (1) a portion that covers at least part of the person's face (for example, the person's mouth and/or nose) and (2) one or more elastic bands or ties to hold the facemask in place on the person's face. The portion that covers the part of the person's face may be formed from one or more filtering materials. The face shield may include (1) a portion that covers at least a portion of the person's eyes and (2) one or more elastic bands or ties to hold the face shield in place on the person's face. The portion that covers the person's eyes may be made of a transparent but impervious material that allows the person to see through the face shield but remain protected from objects entering the person's eyes. The beard guard may include (1) a portion that covers at least a portion of the person's beard or other facial hair and (2) a one or more elastic bands or ties to hold the beard guard in place on the person's face.
FIG. 1 illustrates a person wearing a beard guard 220, a facemask 202, and a face shield 240 separately or as a combined wearable. As shown, the beard guard 220 covers, encloses, and/or contains the entirety of the person's beard and other facial hair not covered by the facemask 202 and/or the face shield 240. Therefore, the beard guard 220 prevents any of the person's facial hair from falling into the environment and/or setting in which the person is present. Additionally, the beard guard 220 prevents any objects from the environment from entering the person's beard or facial hair. The facemask 202 is shown generally covering the person's nose and mouth. In some embodiments, the facemask 202 may also cover the person's moustache (or similar facial hair). As such, the facemask 202 prevents any fluids, particles, food, hair and so forth from passing from the person's mouth, nose, or moustache from entering the environment in which the person is present. Additionally, the facemask 202 prevents anything from the environment from entering the person's mouth, nose, or moustache. The face shield 240 in FIG. 1 is shown generally covering an upper portion of the person's face, including the person's eyes and forehead. In some embodiments, the face shield may also cover at least a portion of the person's hair on the person's head. As such, the facemask 202 prevents any fluids, particles, and so forth from entering the person's eyes from the environment while enabling the person to see things in the environment. Additionally, the face shield 240 prevents anything from passing from the person's eyes and/or forehead into the person's environment. Further details and options for these protective facial wearables are provided below.
The facemask 202 may contain one or more materials to prevent liquids, food, or other particles from passing from one side of the facemask 202 to another side of the facemask 202. In some embodiments, the facemask 202 may be made from a synthetic or natural material that substantially prevents the passage of liquids, solids or other particles from one side to the other. In some embodiments, the facemask 202 may include a plurality of layers of materials to improve the preventative passage features of the facemask 202.
FIG. 2 is a close up of front side of the combination beard guard 220, facemask 202, and face shield 240 wearable 200 of FIG. 1. As shown, the facemask 202 may include a plurality of features that improve its functionality to prevent passage of liquids, solids, and other particles from passing from a first side of the facemask 202 to a second side of the facemask 202.
The facemask 202 may include a right edge 212 (when viewed from the front of the facemask 202) and a left edge 214. As shown, the right edge 212 and the left edge 214 are substantially straight and parallel with each other. In some embodiments, the right edge 212 and the left edge 214 are not parallel (for example, the right edge 212 and the left edge 214 are tapered toward each other or are curved). As shown, the facemask 202 includes crimped surfaces 215 along the right edge 212 and the left edge 214. In some embodiments, the crimped surfaces may be used to generally hold the facemask 202 together such that the materials forming a filter portion 209 of the facemask 202 are maintained in place. The facemask 202 includes a bottom edge 208 and a top edge 210. As shown, the bottom edge 208 and the top edge 210 are substantially straight and parallel with each other. In some embodiments, the bottom edge 208 and the top edge 210 are not parallel (for example, the bottom edge 208 and the top edge 210 are curved). The facemask 202 further includes a bottom-crimped portion 216 along the bottom edge 208 and a top mask portion 217 along the top edge 210 that may be formed of a different material from a remainder of the facemask 202. In some embodiments, the facemask 202, when flat on a surface, may be substantially rectangular in shape, though other shapes are envisioned instead. In some embodiments, the top edge 210, the bottom edge 208, the left edge 214, and the right edge 212 are all substantially flexible to allow the facemask 202 to form or adapt to the contours of the person's face. In some embodiments, only a subset of these edges is substantially flexible.
The facemask 202 includes a right side tether 204 and a left side tether 206. The right side tether 204 and the left side tether 206 may be used to hold the facemask 202 in position on the person's face (for example, wrapping the right side tether 204 around one of the person's ears and wrapping the left side tether 206 around the other of the person's ears). In some embodiments, the right side tether 204 and the left side tether 206 are made or formed from an elastic material or can be tied around the person's respective ears.
In some embodiments, the filter portion 209 of the facemask 202 includes one or more folds in the material forming the filter portion 209. In some embodiments, the folds may allow the filter portion 209 of the facemask 202 to expand in one or more directions to accommodate the facial features of the person (for example, the protrusion of the person's nose, lips, facial hair, and so forth). In some embodiments, the filter portion 209 comprises one or more materials that filter particles from the air as the person wearing the facemask 202, for example a cloth-like material or other particulate filter material. The facemask 202 further includes a front side 203 as shown in FIG. 2 and a back side 205 (not shown in this figure). The front side 203 may face away from the person's face and the back side 205 may face toward the person's face.
As shown in FIG. 2, the beard guard 220 is positioned below the facemask 202 on the person's face. The beard guard 220 includes an inner portion 223 (not shown in this figure) and an outer portion 221. The inner portion 223 may face the person's face and generally contain a person's beard while the outer portion 221 faces away from the person's face. The beard guard 220 may include a trim portion 222 that functions as an edge of the beard guard 220 and defines an opening of the beard guard 220. The trim portion 222 and the corresponding opening of the beard guard 220 may be substantially circular in some embodiments (for example, when the trim portion 222 is formed from an elastic material and completely encloses the opening of the beard guard 220). In some embodiments, the trim portion 222 is not elastic and does not create a circular opening in the beard guard 220. For example, the opening may be any other shape. On the outer portion 221, the beard guard includes one or more folds that allow the beard guard 220 to expand and/or contract as needed to accommodate the beard and/or facial hair and other features of the person's face. In some embodiments, the beard guard 220 is substantially formed from a net or similar material. For example, the beard guard 220 may include a synthetic or natural material netting material. Alternatively, the beard guard 220 may be formed substantially from the same material as the facemask 202. In some embodiments, the beard guard 220 is formed of some material that inhibits hair, particles, facial features (including dead skin or dandruff), and/or jewelry from passing through the beard guard 220 but may allow liquids to pass through the beard guard 220. In some embodiments, though not shown in this figure, the beard guard 220 includes one or more tethers or ties used to hold the beard guard 220 on the person's beard or face. In some embodiments, the one or more tethers or ties may loop around the person's ears or may tie above or behind the person's head. In some embodiments, the one or more tethers or ties may include one or more of an adhesive, a hook and loop connection, a clasp, a button, magnetic connections, a zipper, or similar adhering means to cause the one or more tethers or ties to connect to each other or to another wearable to hold the beard guard 220 in position. In some embodiments, the beard guard 220 may include an adhesive or other means for fastening the beard guard 220 to the facemask 202 instead of using the tether. Further details and options regarding the beard guard 220 are provided below with reference to FIGS. 5A-5B.
As shown in FIG. 2, the face shield 240 is positioned above the facemask 202 on the person's face. The face shield 240 may include a front side 241 and a back side 243. The back side 243 may face toward or be nearer the person's nose, eyes and face while the front side 241 may face away from or be farther from the person's nose, eyes and face than the back side 241. In some embodiments, the face shield 240 is formed substantially from a transparent material, such as a clear plastic, for example, a low density or high density polyurethane, a polycarbonate, or similar composite or glass. In some embodiments, the face shield 240 may comprise a coating on an inner that prevents condensation buildup while worn. In some embodiments, the face shield may be formed to have a shape or form that generally conforms to facial features and structures of the wearer to make the face shield 240 generally comfortable for the wearer. In some embodiments, the clear plastic or similar material may be lighter than glass, thereby reducing strain on the person wearing the face shield 240. The face shield 240 shown in FIG. 2 may include a plurality of edges that form a perimeter of the face shield 240. Starting at a right side of the face shield 240 looking at the face shield 240 from the front side 241 and moving clockwise, the face shield 240 includes a right edge 242 and a bottom right edge 254. Continuing clockwise, the face shield 240 includes a bottom left edge 256. Between the bottom left edge 256 and the bottom right edge 254 exists a notched portion 258. The notched portion 258 may exist to allow the person to wear the facemask 202 without it interfering with the face shield 240 or to give the face shield 240 sufficient flexibility to accommodate various facial features and/or structures of the person's face, such as the person's nose bridge. Continuing clockwise around the face shield 240, the face shield 240 includes a left edge 248, a top left corner 250, and a top left edge 246. The face shield 240 includes a top right edge 244 and a top right corner 252 before reaching the right edge 242 again. In some embodiments, one or more of these edges and/or corners may be curved and/or rounded, which may improve the flexibility of the face shield 240 and/or allow the face shield 240 to better contour to the person's face. The face shield 240 may include one or more tethers (not shown in this figure). In some embodiments, the one or more tethers may be used to hold the face shield 240 in place on the person's head by looping around the person's ears or head. In some embodiments, the face shield 240 may include an adhesive or other fastening means that allows the person to attach the face shield 240 to the facemask 202, a hair net being worn by the person, glasses being worn by the person, and so forth, instead of the tether.
In some embodiments, though not explicitly shown in FIG. 2, the facemask 202 may be physically connected to the beard guard 220. For example, the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 are joined along the bottom edge 208 of the facemask 202 where the trim 222 of the beard guard 220 meets the facemask 202. In some embodiments, a seam (not shown in this figure) exists where the facemask 202 is connected to the beard guard 220. In some embodiments, the seam (for example, the connection between the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220) is physical, for example when the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 are sewn, taped, melted, welded, hook and loop fastened, or glued together (or adhered in some other manner) at one or more locations where the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 meet or contact. In some embodiments, a physical seam does not exist joining the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 but the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 are joined together, for example using a zipper, a hook and loop fastener, or any other means for fastening that produces a continuous seam, joint, or connection. In some embodiments, the seam is a continuous seam and ensures that there is no gap where the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 meet. In some embodiments, when the seam is continuous, the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 do not overlap, but instead but against each other. In some embodiments, when the seam is continuous, the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 overlap such that the facemask 202 is on top of the beard guard 220. Alternatively, facemask 202 is below the beard guard 220. By making the seam continuous, no gap or other opening exists where the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 meet, ensuring that the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 maintain their protective properties. For example, when the seam is continuous, there is no gap or space for anything to pass from one side of the facemask 202 or the beard guard 220 to the other, therefore maintaining the protective features of the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 for the person and people in the person's vicinity. In some embodiments, the seam is not continuous (for example, when a plurality of buttons or similar fasteners attaches the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220). When the seam is not continuous, the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 may overlap such that the beard guard 220 covers at least a portion of the front side 203 of the facemask 202. By having the beard guard 220 cover at least the portion of the front side 203 of the facemask 202, any particles that fall from the back side 204 of the facemask 202 will fall into the beard guard 220 and not into the environment, thereby maintaining protection of the environment from particles from the person. Alternatively, the beard guard 220 and the facemask 202 overlap such that the facemask 202 covers at least a portion of the beard guard 220. This may ensure that any particles from the environment do not fall into the beard guard 220, thereby maintaining protection of the person from the environment. This embodiment is shown in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the seams where the beard guard 220 and the facemask 202 meet may comprise one or more folds to ensure that nothing from inside the facemask 202 enters into the beard guard 220 or falls outside the beard guard 220 or the facemask 202, or vice versa. Similarly, the seams where the face shield 240 and the facemask 202 meet may comprise one or more folds to ensure that nothing from inside the face shield 240 enters into the facemask 202 or falls outside the face shield 240 or the facemask 202, or vice versa.
Similarly, in some embodiments, though not explicitly shown in FIG. 2, the facemask 202 may be physically connected to the face shield 240. For example, the facemask 202 and the face shield are joined along the top edge 210 of the facemask 202, for example near where the face shield 240 (for example, the bottom right edge 254 and the bottom left edge 256) touches the face shield 240. In some embodiments, a seam (not shown in this figure) exists where the facemask 202 is connected to the face shield 240. In some embodiments, the seam (for example, the connection between the facemask 202 and the face shield 240) is physical, for example when the facemask 202 and the face shield 240 are sewn, taped, melted, hook and loop fastened, welded, or glued together (or adhered in some other manner) together. In some embodiments, a physical seam does not exist joining the facemask 202 and the face shield 240 but the facemask 202 and the face shield 240 are joined together, for example using a zipper, a hook and loop fastener, or any other means for fastening that produces a continuous seam, joint, or connection. In some embodiments, the seam is a continuous seam and ensures that there is no gap where the facemask 202 and the face shield 240 meet. In some embodiments, when the seam is continuous, the facemask 202 and the face shield 240 do not overlap. In some embodiments, when the seam is continuous, the facemask 202 and the face shield 240 overlap such that the facemask 202 is on top of the face shield 240. Alternatively, facemask 202 is below the face shield 240. By making the seam continuous, no gap or other opening exists where the facemask 202 and the face shield 240 meet, ensuring that the facemask 202 and the face shield 240 maintain their protective properties. For example, when the seam is continuous, there is no gap or space for anything to pass from one side of the facemask 202 or the face shield 240 to the other, therefore maintaining the protective features of the facemask 202 and the face shield 240 for the person and people in the person's vicinity. In some embodiments, the seam is not continuous (for example, when a plurality of buttons or similar fasteners attaches the facemask 202 and the face shield 240). When the seam is not continuous, the facemask 202 and the face shield 240 may overlap such that the face shield 240 covers at least a portion of the front side 203 of the facemask 202. By having the face shield 240 cover at least the portion of the front side 203 of the facemask 202, any particles that fall from the inside 243 of the face shield 240 will fall into the facemask 202 and not into the environment, thereby maintaining protection of the environment from particles from the person. Alternatively, the face shield 240 and the facemask 202 overlap such that the facemask 202 covers at least a portion of the outside 241 of the face shield 240. This may ensure that any particles from the environment do not fall into the facemask 202, thereby maintaining protection of the person from the environment.
In some embodiments, the facemask 202, the beard guard 220, and the face shield 240 may be individual components or pieces held onto the person's face via individual means (for example, via individual tethers). However, when the facemask 202, the beard guard 220, and the face shield 240 are connected together using one or more fastening means, as described herein, the combination facial protection wearable may be more easily applied, worn, and removed. For example, when the facemask 202, the beard guard 220, and the face shield 240 form a single wearable, only one tether or set of tethers may be needed to hold the entire wearable in place on the person's head as opposed to using tethers for each individual component. The reduced number of tethers may reduce the forces applied to different parts of the person's head without reducing an ability to hold the wearable in place without moving. In some embodiments, by reducing the number of tethers, the different components of the wearable (for example, the facemask 202, the beard guard 220, and the face shield 240) do not move as much relative to each other as when they are not connected together and tethered by a single set of tethers. Additionally, when the facemask 202, the beard guard 220, and the face shield 240 are combined in the wearable, the wearable may be formed to ensure that no particles from the person will enter the environment, vice versa, or both (for example, when the seams between the individual components are continuous). Further details of combining the facemask 202, the beard guard 220, and the face shield 240 into the single wearable are provided below, with reference to FIGS. 3-5B.
FIG. 3 is a close up of a back side of the combination beard guard 220, facemask 202, and face shield 240 wearable of FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the beard guard 220 is attached to the facemask 202 via a tape 302 (for example, a cloth tape, a fabric tape, and so forth) or any other attachment means (such as a sewn or threaded connection, glue, hook and loop fasteners, melting, and so froth). In some embodiments, the tape 302 (or other means for adhering the facemask 202 to the beard guard 220) may be permanently attached or removably attached. Though not shown, the facemask 202 and the face shield 240 may also be attached using tape. The wearable shown in FIG. 3 includes the single set of tethers (the right tether 204 and the left tether 206 from the facemask 202). The face shield 240 is shown connected to the facemask 202 along the top edge 210 of the facemask 202. The beard guard 220 is shown connected to the facemask 202 along the bottom edge 208 of the facemask 202. The right tether 204 and the left tether 206 are shown attached to the facemask 202 at tether connections 207. As shown, the right tether 204 connects to the facemask 202 at two tether connections 207 along the right edge 212 and the left tether 206 connects to the facemask 202 at two tether connections along the left side 214. As shown, the tether connections 207 may be positioned on or near the right and left crimped portions 215. In some embodiments, the tether connections 207 may comprise one or more of crimped connections, permanent connections, glued connections, removable connections, and so forth. When the tether connections 207 are removable, the tethers 204 and 206 may be removed from and attached to the facemask 202. The back side of the wearable shown in FIG. 3 also depicts the inside 223 of the beard guard 220, the back side 205 of the facemask 202, and the inside 243 of the face shield 240. Additionally, the wearable shown in FIG. 3 also shows a piece of tape 275 that adheres the beard guard 220 to the bottom edge 208 of the facemask 202. In some embodiments, the face shield 240 may be adhered to the top edge 210 of the facemask 202 using an adhesive not explicitly shown in this figure. The wearable of FIG. 3 provides a better view of the substantially circular opening of the beard guard 220 as formed by the trim 222. In some embodiments, the trim 222 is formed from an elastic material to enable the shape of the trim 222 to change to accommodate the facial features and beard/facial hair of the person, as described above.
The wearable of FIG. 3 shows both the inside 223 and the outside 221 of the beard guard 220, along with the folds 224 of the beard guard 220. The wearable of FIG. 3 also shows the back side 205 of the facemask 202, along with the bottom crimped edge 216, the right and left crimped edges 215, a top mask portion 217, the right edge 212 and the left edge 214, the top edge 210 and the bottom edge 208, and the folds 218. The view of the beard guard 220 may show how the trim 222 (when made of an elastic or similar material) can expand (for example, be pulled out from the page) to accommodate larger beards or facial hair or facial features). In some embodiments, one or more of the top mask portion 217, the sides mask portions 215, and the bottom mask portion 216 includes a component that allows the corresponding edge of the facemask 202 to be bent and maintained in a particular shape. For example, the component may include a piece of malleable metal, plastic, or similar material. In some embodiments, wearable of FIG. 3 shows the inside 243 of the face shield 240, the top left edge 244, the right edge 242, the left edge 248, and the bottom right edge 254 of the face shield 240. The tape 275 may be replaced with any other fastening means as described herein. In some embodiments, the tape 275 is shown covering an edge or seam 225 where the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 meet and are connected together. In some embodiments, this seam 225 may rest along the person's face to create a “seal” between the wearable of FIG. 3 and person's face (or at least a portion thereof). Similarly, in some embodiments, the top edge 210 of the facemask 202 may rest along the person's face to create another seal between the wearable of FIG. 3 and the person's face (or at least a portion thereof). In some embodiments, the left edge 248 and the right edge 242 are curved or tapered from top edges 250, 246, 247, 244, and 252 to lower edges 256 and 258 to enable the face shield 240 to be comfortably worn by different people of different facial structures and sizes while maximizing protection provided.
While FIGS. 1-3 above discuss the wearable as a combination of the facemask 202, the beard guard 220, and the face shield 240, FIG. 4 below describes an alternate embodiment of the beard guard 220 that may be used in conjunction with the wearable described with relation to FIGS. 1-3 and herein.
FIG. 4 is a top view of the beard guard 220 wearable having straps attached thereto to hold the beard guard 220 in place on the person of FIG. 1. The beard guard 220 as shown shows the trim 222 forming a deformed shape that would be placed around the person's face and/or beard, the inside 223 of the beard guard 220, the outside 221 of the beard guard 220, and the folds 224 of the beard guard 220. The folds in the beard guard 220 allow the beard guard 220 to expand or contract in size to accommodate different sized beards and so forth. Additionally, the beard guard 220 in FIG. 4 shows a plurality of straps 226. These straps 226 may be positioned around the beard guard 220 to better hold the beard guard 220 to the person's head. For example, the large width of the straps 226 ensure that more of the beard guard 220 is held directly by the straps 226. Additionally, the large width of the straps 226 also spreads the force applied by the straps 226 to person's head out over a larger surface area of the person's head as compared to the tethers described above or narrower straps 226. In some embodiments, the contact by the straps 226 with the larger surface area of the person's head also increases the friction by the straps 226 on the person's head, thereby improving the ability for the straps 226 to hold the beard guard 220 in place on the person's face or beard.
FIG. 4 also shows that one or more of the straps 226 are attached to the beard guard 220 via the tape 302 or other attachment means. In some embodiments, the straps 226 may be positioned or distributed around the trim 222 of the beard guard 220. In some embodiments, the straps 226 may be distributed equidistantly from each other. In some embodiments, the straps 226 may be positioned on the beard guard 220 such that the straps 226 hold the beard guard 220 on the wearer's head while not disrupting the wearer's vision, breathing, and so forth. In some embodiments, the straps 226 may comprise one or more of crimped connections, permanent connections, taped connections, glued connections, removable connections, and so forth. When the straps 226 are removable, the straps 226 may be removed from and reattached to the beard guard 220.
FIG. 5A shows a diagram of a front view of a first option of the beard guard 220 and the facemask 202 of FIG. 1. The facemask 202 is shown covering at least a portion of the person's moustache 502, which is shown substantially between the person's nose and mouth, such that the person's moustache 502 may be in contact with the back side 205 of the facemask 202. The beard guard 220 covers the person's beard, which is shown on the person's chin, such that the person's beard 504 may be in contact with the inner portion 223 of the beard guard 220. As shown, a bottom edge of the facemask 202 and a top edge of the beard guard 220 generally form a seam along with the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 are attached, at least along a front portion of the wearer's face. Though not shown in this figure, the facemask 202 may be attached to the person's face using tethers that wrap around the person's ears. Similarly, the beard guard 220 may be attached to the person's head using the straps 226. In some embodiments, though not shown in this figure, the person may be wearing a hair net 240. In such embodiments, one or both of the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 attaches to a hair net worn by the person (for example, using hook and loop fasteners, magnetic fasteners, buttons, clips, ties, and any other fastening means). In some embodiments, as described herein, the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 may be connected so that only one of the tethers 204-206 and/or the straps 226 are needed to attach the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 to the person. The other of the tethers and the straps may be removed.
FIG. 5B shows a diagram of a side view of the first option of the beard guard 220 and the facemask 202 of FIG. 1 including one or more straps 226 to hold the beard guard 220 and a tether 204 to hold the facemask 202 in place on a person's head. The side view shows that the facemask 202 is attached to the person's head using the tether 204 that wraps around the person's ear. Additionally, the side view generally shows how much of the person's face the facemask 202 will cover. Similarly, the side view generally shows how much of the person's beard and face the beard guard 220 will cover. The beard guard 220 is shown covering the person's beard and using the straps 226 to attach the beard guard 220 to the person's head. The beard guard 220 also shows how the trim 222 is generally on the person's face to hold the beard guard 220 to the person's face so that hair cannot escape from the beard guard 220. In some embodiments, the combination of the tethers 204/206 and the straps 226 may be used together to hold the beard guard 220 and the facemask 202 onto the person's head in a matter that reduces stress on the person's ears and head and make the combination beard guard 220 and facemask 202 comfortably wearable for extensive periods of time (for example, many hours at a time). In some embodiments, the combination of tethers 204/206 and straps 226 may make the beard guard 220 and facemask 202 each for the person to put on themselves or have others put on the person. In some embodiments, one or more of the tethers 204/206 and straps 226 described herein may be detachable or removable. For example, when the beard guard 220 and the facemask 202 are connected to create the single protective facial wearable, one or more of the tethers 204/206 and the straps 226 may become extraneous. For example, the tethers 204/206 may be unnecessary when the straps 226 are available to attach to hold the protective facial wearable on the person's face, or vice versa. In such a case, the unnecessary or extraneous tethers 204/206 or straps 226 may be removed. This prevents these tethers 204/206 or straps 226 from getting in the way of the person. In some embodiments, the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 may not overlap for an entirety of the respective bottom and top edges. For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, portions of the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 do not overlap, for example along a cheek and/or jaw of the person. In some embodiments, though not shown in this figure, the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 do overlap for substantially an entirety of the respective bottom and top edges.
FIG. 5C shows a diagram of a front view of a second option of the beard guard and the facemask of FIG. 1. The facemask 202 is shown covering at least a portion of the person's moustache 502, which is shown substantially between the person's nose and mouth, such that the person's moustache 502 is in contact with the back side 205 of the facemask 202. The beard guard 220 covers the person's beard, which is shown on the person's chin, such that the person's beard 504 is in contact with the inner portion 223 of the beard guard 220. As shown, a bottom edge of the facemask 202 and a top edge of the beard guard 220 generally form a seam along with the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 are attached, at least along a front portion of the wearer's face. Though not shown explicitly in this figure, the facemask 202 may be attached to the person's face using the straps 226 that wrap around, for example, a top of the person's head. Similarly, the beard guard 220 may be attached to the person's head using the straps 226. In some embodiments, though not shown in this figure, the person may be wearing a hair net. In such embodiments, one or both of the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 attaches to the hair net (for example, using hook and loop fasteners, magnetic fasteners, buttons, clips, and any other fastening means). In some embodiments, as described herein, the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 may be connected so that only one of the tethers and/or the straps are needed to attach the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 to the person.
FIG. 5D shows a diagram of a side view of the second option of the beard guard and the facemask of FIG. 1 including one strap to hold the beard guard and the facemask in place on a person's head. Different from the side view of FIG. 5B of the first option, the side view of FIG. 5D of the second option shows that both the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 are attached to the person's head using the straps 226. Additionally, the strap 226 shown from the side view is a wide strap that extends along a majority of the side of the head of the person. Such a large/wide strap will improve the holding of the beard guard 220 and the face shield 202 on the person's head without movement and may make the beard guard 220 and the face shield 202 easier to wear (for example, reduced stress on the person's head at any one location). As shown, the straps 226 may tie or be attached at the top of the person's head. Additionally, the side view of the beard guard 220 and the face shield 202 are joined with the seam 225 of FIG. 3 shown. Additionally, the side view generally shows how much of the person's face the facemask 202 will cover. Similarly, the side view generally shows how much of the person's beard and face the beard guard 220 will cover. The beard guard 220 also shows how the trim 222 generally helps form the seam 225 on the person's face to hold the beard guard 220 to the person's face so that hair cannot escape from the beard guard 220. The seam 225 is created as the facemask 202 (face portion) and the beard guard 220 (facial hair portion) are clasped, buttoned, magnetically attached, zippered, sewn, taped, melted, welded, hook and loop fastened, glued or adhered together. The seam 225 extends continuously between the facemask 202 (face portion) and the beard guard 220 (facial hair portion) and from a first edge on a first side of the user's face to a second edge on a second side of the user's face. The seam 225 is configured to disallow hair or facial features or dead skin or dandruff or jewelry from a first side (closer to the user's face) of the facemask 202 (face portion) and the beard guard 220 (facial hair portion) from passing through to the other side positioned away from the user's face of the facemask 202 (face portion) and the beard guard 220 (facial hair portion).
In some embodiments, the straps 226 are generally connected to the facemask 202 as shown. Alternatively, the straps 226 may be connected directly to the beard guard 220. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5D, the straps 226 may have a tapered shape from where the connect to the beard guard 220 or the facemask 202 to where they tie or connect on top of the person's head. For example, the straps 226 may attach to an entire top surface or edge of the beard guard 220 or the facemask 202. As shown in FIG. 5D, the straps 226 may attach to a majority of the top surface or edge of the beard guard 220 or the facemask 202. For example, the strap 226 may attach to the facemask 202 or the beard guard 220 near where the facemask 202 covers the person's nose, and the strap 226 may have a width that extends to near the person's ear. In some embodiments, the width of the strap 226 tapers from a first width where it attaches to the beard guard 220 or the facemask 202 (for example, a distance from near the person's nose to near the person's ear) to a second width where the straps are tied or attached to each other, of approximately half the first width. In some embodiments, the second width may be one third or one quarter of the first width. As shown in FIG. 5D, the taper from the first width to the second width is not linear; for example, the reduction or tapering in the width of the straps 226 may be greater nearest where the straps 226 attach to the beard guard 220 or the facemask 202. In some embodiments, the taper of the strap 226 from the first width to the second width is linear. In some embodiments, the tapered straps 226 may be attached to the beard guard 220 or the facemask 202 near a back portion of the beard guard 220 or the facemask 202 (for example, portion near the back of the person's head). In some embodiments, instead of the tethers 204/206 on the facemask 202, the straps 226 (tapered or not tapered) may be used to attach the facemask 202 to the wearer's head. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5D as compared to FIG. 5B, one or more of the tethers 204/206 or the straps 226 may be removable; specifically, FIG. 5D shows that the tethers 204/206 are not used to attach the protective facial wearable including the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 to the wearer's head and, thus, may be removable. In some embodiments, the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 may or may not overlap for an entirety of the respective bottom and top edges. For example, as shown in FIG. 5D, portions of the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 do contact along the entire seam, for example along a cheek and/or jaw of the person. In some embodiments, though not shown in this figure, the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 do overlap for substantially an entirety of the respective bottom and top edges.
FIG. 5E shows a diagram of a front view of a third option of the beard guard and the facemask of FIG. 1. The facemask 202 is shown covering at least a portion of the person's moustache 502, which is shown substantially between the person's nose and mouth, such that the person's moustache 502 is in contact with the back side 205 of the facemask 202. The beard guard 220 covers the person's beard, which is shown on the person's chin, such that the person's beard 504 is in contact with the inner portion 223 of the beard guard 220. As shown, a bottom edge of the facemask 202 and a top edge of the beard guard 220 generally form a seam along with the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 are attached, at least along a front portion of the wearer's face. Thought not shown explicitly in this figure, the facemask 202 may be attached to the person's face using the straps 226 that wrap around, for example, a top of the person's head. In some embodiments, the facemask 202 shown in FIG. 5C is smaller than the facemask 202 shown in FIGS. 1-5B. Thought not shown in this figure, the facemask 202 may be attached to the person's face using the straps 226 that wrap around the person's head. Similarly, the beard guard 220 may be attached to the person's head using the straps 226. In some embodiments, though not shown in this figure, the person may be wearing a hair net. In such embodiments, one or both of the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 attaches to the hair net (for example, using hook and loop fasteners, magnetic fasteners, buttons, clips, and any other fastening means). In some embodiments, as described herein, the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 may be connected so that only one of the tethers and/or the straps are needed to attach the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 to the person.
FIG. 5F shows a diagram of a side view of the third option of the beard guard and the facemask of FIG. 1 including straps to hold the beard guard and the facemask in place on a person's head. Different from the side view of FIG. 5B of the first option and the side view of FIG. 5D of the second option, the side view of FIG. 5F of the third option shows that both the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 are attached to the person's head using the straps 226. However, unlike the second option, the third option shows two straps 226, one at the front of the person's head (for example, near the face) and one at the back of the person's head. Additionally, the straps 226 shown from the side view are narrower than the strap shown in FIG. 5D. By having a plurality of straps 226 as shown in FIG. 5F, the person may have additional customization options and/or attachment options for the straps 226. Additionally, more straps 226 may improve the holding of the beard guard 220 and the face shield 202 on the person's head without movement and may make the beard guard 220 and the face shield 202 easier to wear (for example, reduced stress on the person's head at any one location). As shown, the straps 226 may tie or be attached at the top of the person's head. Additionally, the side view of the beard guard 220 and the face shield 202 are joined with the seam 225 of FIG. 3 shown. Additionally, the side view generally shows how much of the person's face the facemask 202 will cover. Similarly, the side view generally shows how much of the person's beard and face the beard guard 220 will cover. The beard guard 220 also shows how the trim 222 generally helps form the seam 225 on the person's face to hold the beard guard 220 to the person's face so that hair cannot escape from the beard guard 220. In some embodiments, the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 may overlap or create the seam along an entirety of the respective bottom and top edges. For example, as shown in FIG. 5F, portions of the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 do overlap or form the seam, for example along a cheek and/or jaw of the person. In some embodiments, though not shown in this figure, the facemask 202 and the beard guard 220 do overlap for substantially an entirety of the respective bottom and top edges.
Additional Embodiments It is to be understood that not necessarily all objects or advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment described herein. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that certain embodiments may be configured to operate in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.
The various features and processes described herein may be used independently of one another, or may be combined in various ways. All possible combinations and sub-combinations are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure.
Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.
Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, or Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to present that an item, term, and so forth, may be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (for example, X, Y, and/or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and should not, imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.
Unless otherwise explicitly stated, articles such as “a” or “an” should generally be interpreted to include one or more described items. Accordingly, phrases such as “a device configured to” are intended to include one or more recited devices. Such one or more recited devices can also be collectively configured to carry out the stated recitations. For example, “a processor configured to carry out recitations A, B and C” can include a first processor configured to carry out recitation A working in conjunction with a second processor configured to carry out recitations B and C.
It should be emphasized that many variations and modifications may be made to the herein-described embodiments, the elements of which are to be understood as being among other acceptable examples. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure. The foregoing description details certain embodiments. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the systems and methods can be practiced in many ways. As is also stated herein, it should be noted that the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the systems and methods should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the systems and methods with which that terminology is associated.
