Aroma Face Protection

Abstract

A face mask comprised of a collar, a shaft, and a base that is used to store and diffuse aromatherapy components. The collar may include a fitting feature used to secure a portion of the face mask above the user's mouth or nose. The shaft may further include one or more insertion pockets and one or more storage pockets, each configured to secure or contain an aromatherapy pod, which are designed to diffuse the aromatherapy components, e.g., an essential oil. The base may also contain a storage pocket configured to secure or contain an aromatherapy pod.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 63/038,399 filed on Jun. 12, 2020, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Face masks and face protection come in a variety of shapes and sizes. However, such protection does not usually include an aromatherapy component. Further, such protection does not provide a convenient way to store, combine, or sufficiently diffuse or disperse the aromatherapy.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a face mask includes one or more aromatherapy pods used to diffuse aromatherapy components, such as essential oils, at varying degrees of concentration to the user. The face mask may include a collar having a fitting feature that may be used to secure a portion of the face mask above the user's mouth or nose. The face mask may also include a shaft, which may further include one or more insertion pockets, each configured to secure or contain an aromatherapy pod. The face mask may also include a base, which may include a storage pocket configured to secure or contain one or more additional aromatherapy pods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a depiction of one embodiment of a face protection being worn in a passive manner, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2a-b are depictions of one embodiment of a face protection being worn in an active manner, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a face protection, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a face protection, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a face protection, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The face protections of the current disclosure, herein referred to as the Aroma Haelo™ Unit (“Haelo™), may provide protection from a variety of unwanted aspects—including dust and debris, bacteria, viruses, smells, etc.—while also providing an aromatherapy component for the user.

The Haelo™ may be made of flexible naturally antimicrobial fabrics including but not limited to merino wool, bamboo viscose, eucalyptus fiber, tencel, antimicrobial cotton, polyester, polyester-vinyl composites, vinyl, and even acrylics and/or silver or stainless steel treated fabrics. Any suitable material may be used. The Haelo™ may provide broad-spectrum UV protection and/or a hydrophilic barrier absorbing droplets and pollutants the user may come in contact with. It may be machine or hand washable, reusable and/or biodegradable.

As shown in FIG. 1, the Haelo™ 100 may be worn down or in a passive manner (like a scarf) or, as seen in FIGS. 2a-b, the Haelo™ 100 may be worn up, in an active manner. Active use is when the Haelo™ is lifted or positioned onto the face and rests above the mouth and/or nostrils, e.g., along the cheekbones and bridge of the nose. When worn along the face in an active manner, the fabric hangs from the nasal tip to the sternum allowing generous airflow between the face and the fabric creating an enclosed pocket of naturally filtered airflow. Passive use of the Haelo™ is when it rests along the clavicle and/or shoulders, which may provide additional broad spectrum UV protection to the chest, back, and/or shoulders of the user. As shown in FIG. 5, any shape or length of fabric 502 may be used.

With reference to FIG. 3, the Haelo™ 300 may be comprised of a collar 302, shaft 304, and base 306. In some embodiments, the collar 302, shaft 304, and/or base 306 may not be present. In still other embodiments, the collar 302 and/or base 306 may be combined with the shaft 304. Any suitable arrangement may be used.

Within the Haelo™ 300, along the inside of the unit, there are one or more insertion pockets 310a-c for aromatherapy pods, products, or patches. The user may insert one or more pods, products, or patches within the Haelo™ to access an aromatherapy experience while using the Haelo™, and which generally will allow for a more concentrated aromatherapy experience while using the Haelo™ in an active state and a softer aromatherapy experience while wearing it in a passive state. However, as will be appreciated, a user may vary the number and placement of the aromatherapy pods, products, or patches to provide any desirable aromatherapy experience in any state. As will also be appreciated, the aromatherapy pods, products, or patches may come in any desirable size, shape, aroma, or concentration.

The collar 302 of the Haelo™ 300 may be comprised of the top or uppermost rim of the unit. The collar may include one or more features designed to assist with the accurate fitting and proper placement of the Haelo™ for active use. These features may include but are not limited to cording or drawstrings, adhesive or non-slip grips, and/or flexible inserts or rods for fitting along the nose (or other desired placement). The cording or drawstring may be comprised of elastic or non-elastic materials and may include an adjustable toggle, bead, and/or clasp to support proper fitting. In other embodiments, magnets, snaps, buttons, or other securing mechanisms may be used to close or position the scarf in the correct or desired position. In still other embodiments, with reference to FIG. 4, an adhesive or non-slip grip 414 may be used, which may be comprised of any suitable material, e.g., silicon. The flexible inserts or rods may also be comprised of any suitable material, including but not limited to plastic, aluminum, steel, nitinol, and/or interwoven woods or bamboo. The collar may also include inserts for one or more aromatherapy pods or products, which may be used for storage or use of the aromatherapy pods or products.

The shaft of the Haelo™ may be comprised of the fabric between the collar and the base (described more below). The shaft may include one or more layers, including but not limited to an internal shaft and an external shaft. The internal shaft of the Haelo™ may be one or multi-ply and designed with one or more internal aromatherapy pod insertion points. With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the insertion pockets 310a-c, 410 may include one or more insertion points 410a-c, which may be used to insert an aromatherapy pod into the insertion pockets 310a-c, 410. The insertion points 410a-c may be designed vertically, horizontally and/or placed throughout the shaft or insertion pockets 310a-c, 410. As may be appreciated, the aromatherapy pod insertion points may be located in any desirable location. The inserts may be made with mesh material that allows for the aeration of aromatherapy blends to diffuse throughout enclosed airflow. In other embodiments, other materials that provide sufficient aeration or are sufficiently porous may additionally or alternatively be used. The inserts may be made of any suitable material. Aromatherapy pods may be placed in any of the inserts at the discretion of the user to design a customized aromatherapy experience. For example, as may be appreciated, pods placed closest to the nostril may provide a stronger, more concentrated experience than pods inserted further away from the nostril, which may provide a lighter aromatherapy experience for the user. However, as also will be appreciated, several aspects of the current invention, including but not limited to the insert material, the location of the insert, and/or the strength of the aromatherapy pod may be varied to create a customized and desired aromatherapy experience. The user may also distribute multiple pods of the same or varying aromatherapy blends to design a custom blend for their specific preferences.

The base of the Haelo™ may be comprised of the bottom or lower rim of the unit. The base may rest at or around the clavicle, along the inner shoulders, and/or at the top of the rear of the neck. However, as may be appreciated any suitable length may be used and any suitable resting or securing location may be used. With reference to FIG. 3, the base 306 may include one or more hidden pockets 312 configured to store one or more aromatherapy patches or other items, e.g., personal effects. There may also be aromatherapy inserts along the base of the Haelo™, which may be used for storage or use of the aromatherapy pods or products. The base may be wider in length or diameter than the collar. The base may be designed to generally maintain its position below the collar. This may assist in protecting the collar and shaft from being exposed to external pollutants or the outside environment and allow the collar and shaft to rest along and only be exposed to the face or upper chest of the user. Aroma Haelo™. In other embodiments, as seen in FIG. 4, the pocket may not be located in base 406. In other embodiments, the pocket 412 may be located within the shaft 404. As will be appreciated, any suitable location(s) for the one or more pockets may be used.

In at least some embodiments, an added piece of fabric 416 may be used. As seen in FIG. 4, a triangle shaped fabric component may be added, which may create a cinched fit at the collar when worn in an active position. Additionally or alternatively, the added fabric 416 may maintain a secure enclosed position allowing the unit to rest along the clavicle and shoulder without exposing the inside fabric to outside elements when worn passively. In at least one embodiment, the added fabric 416 may include an insertion pocket or storage pocket for an aromatherapy pod. This design and other draping comparative technologies are unique to Aroma Haelo™ and ensure the inside of the unit is not exposed when worn and allows for increased airflow causing enhanced aromatherapy inhalation and less constricted breathing compared to other all masks and aromatherapy products marketed today.

One or more Aroma Haelo™ aromatherapy pods, patches, or products may be used with the current invention. For example, Bioesse has developed an aromatherapy product that may be used with the Haelo™. The aromatherapy pods, patches, or products may be individually packaged and may be used with or without adhesive backing. The aromatherapy prods, patches, or products may be used within the one or more designated Haelo™ inserts located in the collar, shaft, or base or the Haleo™ or may be, additionally or alternatively, placed wherever the user prefers using the adhesive backing including applying directly to the skin. The aromatherapy pod, patch, or product may preferably be inhalation only, i.e., no oils reach the skin due to our occlusive barrier. The aromatherapy pod, patch, or product may or may not operate through a timed-release design. By placing the aromatherapy pod, patch, or product within an enclosed portion of the Haelo™, the life of the pod, patch, or product may be extended, e.g., instead of lasting 6-8 hours if placed outside of the Haelo™ it may last several days if placed within the enclosed portion of the Haelo™. The adhesive may be a hypoallergenic medical grade hydrogel adhesive that has been approved using dermal testing. Using an inert reservoir may ensure there are no undesired chemical interactions. The patches may be made with essential oils or any suitable oil or material for a therapeutic effect. The aromatherapy pods, patches, or products may or may not be configured to be able to be refilled by the user with an essential oil or essential oil blend of their choice.

The Aroma Haelo™ can be used in a variety of settings including daily use by school aged children, teens, adults and the elderly. The Haelo™ can be used outdoors or indoors and in any weather. Aroma Haelo™ can be used as Personal Protective Equipment in a medical setting and used by medical professionals, administrative workers and prescribed to patients within a medical setting to alleviate symptoms associated with various disorders. The Haelo™ can be used by professional athletes to aid in protection from pollutants and/or to increase performance. The Haelo™ may be an adjustable one size fits all for adults and children. In other embodiments, the Haelo™ may be further customized to better fit the user.

The Aroma Haelo™ can take on different shapes that could make it useful as a scarf, mask, face/neck warmer, or others functional accessories. The Haelo™ could be augmented and designed for professional purposes as a functional accessory or mask for medical professionals like dentists, doctors, nurses or emergency responders, e.g., EMTs where excess fabric may be undesirable. It may also be worn as a scarf for fashion, travel, athletic gear, for educators and so on. In other embodiments, the functional elements may be combined with or configured to be combined with other clothing, such as with a shirt, turtleneck, sweater, jacket, etc., or with other active gear, such as a helmet.

The Haelo™ may further include a cloth drawstring pouch for an easy, reusable storage solution for the user. When not in use the Haelo™ can be folded, or drawn closed on one side with the elastic cording then folded and secured with the cord. The Haelo™ may be purchased with or without aromatherapy pods, patches, and products. Aroma Haelo™ may sell additional accessories that compliment the use of the Haelo™ including but not limited to, aromatherapy hand sanitizer, reusable antimicrobial handkerchief, lozenges and so forth, which may be designed to be stored in the one or more inserts described herein.

Claims

1. A face protection comprising:

a collar including fitting feature;

a shaft comprised of an antimicrobial fabric;

wherein the shaft includes one or more insertion pockets, each pocket configured to contain an aromatherapy pod, each insertion pocket configured to allow the aromatherapy pods to diffuse out of the face protection; and

wherein the shaft further includes a storage pocket configured to secure a plurality of aromatherapy pods.