FACE MASK

A face mask may include a main body that has a rear, a front, a bottom, a top, and a pair of opposing side portions extending between the top and the bottom. The face mask may also include an opening formed through the front and the rear of the main body and an opening cover member moveable between an opened position and a closed position. The face mask may further include a first fastener member connected to the main body and positioned to surround the opening and a second fastener member connected to an inner portion of the opening cover member and adapted to engage the first fastener member to secure the opening cover member to the main body.

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Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to personal protective equipment and, more specifically, to face masks for personal use to prevent the spread of disease.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the day and age of the spread of infectious diseases, such as Covid-19, swine flu, influenza, SARS, Ebola, etc., it is important to wear face coverings to slow down or prevent the spread of disease. Face coverings, such as a typical surgical style face mask, have been worn in many countries for many years and many cultures have become used to wearing face masks.

In other countries, however, the use of face masks is somewhat new and people are still adapting to using them. There are still struggles for some people to adapt. It is preferable to keep the mask on as much as possible when in public places. However, when eating or drinking in a public places, the mask must be removed, thereby increasing the chances of being exposed to an infectious disease. It would be preferable to keep the face mask on when eating or drinking.

This background information is provided to reveal information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the present invention. No admission is necessarily intended, nor should be construed, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art against the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

With the above in mind, embodiments of the present invention are related to a face mask that allows for the face mask to be worn by a user while simultaneously providing an opening to allow access to the user's mouth for a short period of time.

The face mask according to embodiments of the present invention may include a main body. The main body may comprise a rear that is adapted to be positioned adjacent a user's face when worn by a user and a front that is adapted to face away from the user's face when worn by the user. The main body may also comprise a bottom, a top positioned opposite the bottom, and a pair of opposing side portions extending between the top and the bottom.

The face mask may also include an opening formed through the front and the rear of the main body. The face mask may further include an opening cover member connected to the front of the main body and moveable between an opened position and a closed position. A first fastener member may be connected to the main body and positioned to surround the opening. A second fastener member may be connected to an inner portion of the opening cover member and adapted to engage the first fastener member to secure the opening cover member to the main body.

The opened position of the opening cover member is defined as the opening cover member being partially separated from the main body to expose at least a portion of the opening. The closed position of the opening cover member is defined as the opening cover member being positioned in contact with the main body so that the opening is fully covered.

The opened position may further be defined as the opening cover member having a first side in contact with the main body and three other sides separated from the main body to expose the opening, The opening cover member may advantageously be opened in a number of different ways. In one embodiment, the first side is a left side of the opening cover member, and the remaining three sides are a right side, a top and a bottom. In another embodiment, the first side is a right side of the opening cover member, and the remaining three sides are a left side, a top and a bottom. In still another embodiment, the first side is a top of the opening cover member, and the remaining three sides are a right side, a left side and a bottom. In yet another embodiment, the first side is a bottom of the opening cover member, and the remaining three sides are a right side, a left side and a top.

The first fastener member and the second fastener member may be provided by hook and loop fasteners. The face mask may also include a tab connected to a portion of the opening cover member. The face mask may further include a securing member connected to the main body. The main body may include a plurality of passageways and the securing member may be connected to the main body by engaging the passageways. The securing member may have an adjustable length.

In an alternate embodiment, the face mask may also include a pair of opposing securing members that connect to and extend outwardly from end portions of the main body. The pair of opposing securing members may be integrally formed with the main body as a monolithic unit. Each one of the pair of opposing securing members may include a fastener. The fasteners on each of the pair of opposing securing members may engage one another so that when engaged, the opposing securing members connect to one another around a rear portion of the user's head so that the face mask is secured to the user's face,

The face mask may further include a first cover member opening fastener connected to a portion of the main body and a second cover member opening fastener connected to an outer portion of the opening cover member. The first cover member opening fastener may engage the second cover member opening fastener when the opening cover member is in the opened position to secure the opening cover member when the opening cover member is in the opened position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a face mask according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the face mask illustrated in FIG. 1 and showing an opening cover member in an open position.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the face mask illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A is a front view of the face mask illustrated in FIG. 1 and showing the opening cover member being opened to a first direction.

FIG. 4B is a front view of the face mask illustrated in FIG. 1 and showing the opening cover member being opened to a second direction.

FIG. 4C is a front view of the face mask illustrated in FIG. 1 and showing the opening cover member being opened to a third direction.

FIG. 4D is a front view of the face mask illustrated in FIG. 1 and showing the opening cover member being opened to a fourth direction.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the face mask illustrated in FIG. 1 and showing the opening cover member in an open position.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the face mask illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is another embodiment of the face mask illustrated in FIG. 1 and showing a different type of fastening member.

FIG. 8 is an environmental view of the face mask illustrated in FIG. 1 being worn by a female.

FIG. 9 is an environmental view of the face mask illustrated in FIG. 1 being worn by a male.

FIG. 10 is an environmental view of the face mask illustrated in FIG. 1 being worn by an infant.

FIG. 11 is an environmental view of the face mask according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 being worn by a male.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a face mask according to present invention and showing a pair of cover member opening fasteners to hold the opening cover member in the opened position.

FIG. 12B is a perspective view of an embodiment of a face mask according to the present invention and showing a over member opening fastener to hold the opening cover member in the opened position.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Those of ordinary skill in the art realize that the following descriptions of the embodiments of the present invention are illustrative and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Other embodiments of the present invention will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

Although the following detailed description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many variations and alterations to the following details are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following embodiments of the invention are set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the claimed invention.

In this detailed description of the present invention, a person skilled in the art should note that directional terms, such as “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” and other like terms are used for the convenience of the reader in reference to the drawings. Also, a person skilled in the art should notice this description may contain other terminology to convey position, orientation, and direction without departing from the principles of the present invention.

Furthermore, in this detailed description, a person skilled in the art should note that quantitative qualifying terms such as “generally,” “substantially,” “mostly,” and other terms are used, in general, to mean that the referred to object, characteristic, or quality constitutes a majority of the subject of the reference. The meaning of any of these terms is dependent upon the context within which it is used, and the meaning may be expressly modified.

Some of the illustrative aspects of the present invention may be advantageous in solving the problems herein described and other problems not discussed which are discoverable by a skilled artisan.

An embodiment of the invention, as shown and described by the various figures and accompanying text, provides a face mask 10 to be worn by a user to prevent and slow the spread of infectious disease. More specifically, in this current day in age when infectious disease is spreading and it is advisable, and in some cases mandatory, to wear face masks, the face mask 10 according to the present invention advantageously allows a user to comfortably wear the face mask, and provide the user with the ability to access an opening to their mouth for various reasons, such as, for example, eating, drinking, or even smoking. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the face mask 10 according to the present invention allows for an opening to be exposed as desired by the user, but for the opening to be sealed to provide the user with protection of wearing the face mask.

The face mask 10 may include a main body 12. The main body 12 includes a rear 14. The rear 14 of the main body 12 is adapted to be positioned adjacent to the user's face when the face mask 10 is being worn by the user. The main body 12 also includes a front 16. The front 16 is positioned opposite the rear 14 and is adapted to be positioned so that it faces away from the user's face when the face mask 10 is being worn by the user. The main body 12 also includes a bottom 18, and a top 20 positioned opposite the bottom. The main body 12 further includes a pair of opposing side portions 22 that extend between the top 18 and the bottom 20.

The face mask 10 illustratively includes an opening 24 formed through the front 16 and the rear 14 of the main body 12. The opening 24 is perhaps best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4A-4B.

The face mask 10 according to embodiments of the present invention illustratively includes an opening cover member 26 that is connected to the front 16 of the main body 12. As illustrated, for example, in FIG. 2, the opening cover member 26 is moveable between an opened position and a closed position. As further illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4B, the opening cover member 26 may be moveable in any number of directions to provide access to the opening 24.

Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 4A-4B, additional details of the interaction between the opening cover member 26 and the main body 12 are provided. More specifically, a first fastener member 28 is connected to the main body 12 and positioned to surround the opening. Further, a second fastener member 30 is connected to an inner portion of an opening cover member 26. The first fastener member 28 and the second fastener member 30 are adapted to engage one another to secure the opening cover member 26 to the main body 12 when the opening cover member is in a closed position. Accordingly, when the opening cover member 26 is in the closed position, the user will enjoy the same protection as using a face mask that did not have an opening. However, the face mask 10 according to the present invention advantageously allows for the opening 24 to be exposed to allow the user to have access to their mouth, while simultaneously providing an opening cover member 26 that can be closed to cover the opening 24 and fasteners that do not allow for excessive air from the environment to pass through the mask. In other words, the first fastener member and the second fastener member 28, 30, allow for the outer perimeter of the opening cover member 26 to be secured to the main body 12 around its entirety.

The open position of opening cover member 26 is defined as the opening cover member being partially separated from the main body 12 to expose at least a portion of the opening. As perhaps best illustrated in HG. 2, the opening cover member 26 is partially lifted away from the main body 12 so that a portion of the opening 24 is exposed. FIG. 2 demonstrates an open position, as does FIGS. 4A-4B. The closed position is illustrated, for example, in FIG. 1 and is defined as the opening cover member 26 being positioned in contact with the main body 12 so that the opening 24 is fully covered by the opening cover member. FIG. 3 illustrates the rear 14 of the main body 12 and shows the opening cover member 26 being positioned in the closed position so that when the rear 14 of the main body 12 is positioned adjacent to the user's face when being worn by the user, the opening cover member 26 being positioned in the closed position covers the opening 24 and prevents exposure of the user's mouth and nose to the environment.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4B, the various configurations of the opening cover member 26 will now be described in greater detail. In these illustrations, three sides of the opening cover member 26 are shown as being separated from the main body 12. Those skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that the present invention also contemplates that the opening cover member 26 may be fully removed and separated from the main body 12, i.e., all four sides of the opening cover member can be separable from the main body 12.

Referring now back to FIGS. 4A-4B, the open position of the opening cover member 26 of the face mask 10 according to the present invention is defined in each of these figures as the opening cover member 26 having a first side in contact with the main body 12 and the three remaining sides separated from the main body (or at least partially separated from the main body) to expose the opening 24 or a portion of the opening. Although in FIGS. 4A-4D, the opening 24 is illustrated as being fully-exposed, those skilled in the art will appreciate, after having had the benefit of reading this disclosure that the opened position is to be defined as the opening 24 being at least partially exposed, and that when in the opened position in any of these embodiments, at least one side of the opening cover member 26 remains in contact with the main body. In FIG. 4A, the side of the opening cover member 26 to remain in contact with the main body 12 is the right side, and the remaining three sides, i.e. the left side, the top, and the bottom are separable from the main body. Similarly, in FIG. 4B, the side that is to remain in contact with the main body 12 is the left side of the opening cover member 26 and the remaining three sides, i.e., the right side, the top, and the bottom may be separated from the main body to allow the opening cover member to be open towards the left to move the opening cover member between the opened position and the closed position. FIG. 4C illustrates an embodiment of the face mask 10 according to the present invention wherein the top of the opening cover member 26 remains in contact with the main body 12, and the remaining three sides, i.e., the right side, the left side, and the bottom, are separable from the main body to allow the opening cover member to be moved from the opened position to the closed position. Lastly, FIG. 4D illustrates an embodiment of the face mask 10 according to the present invention wherein the side to remain in contact with the main body 12 is the bottom of the opening cover member, and the remaining 3 sides, i.e., the left side, the right side, and the top, may be separable from the main body.

The opening cover member 26 is illustrated as being made of the same material as the main body 12. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is contemplated to provide a clear material for the opening cover member 26. Using a clear material for the opening cover member advantageously allows for the mouth and nose of the user to be visible to others when the face mask 10 according to the present invention is being used. Allowing for visibility of the user's mouth allows for non-verbal communication to occur, such as when the user smiles while talking. Further, some people that are hearing impaired communicate, in part, by reading lips and allowing for visibility of the user's mouth allows for ease of communication with people that are hearing impaired.

The first fastener member 28 and the second fastener member 30 are illustrated in the accompanying drawings as being provided by hook and loop fasteners. Those skilled in the art, however, will appreciate that other types of fasteners may be contemplated by the present invention. For example, it is contemplated that the first and second fasteners may be provided by magnets embedded in the respective main body 12 and the opening cover member 26. It is also contemplated that a plurality of snap fasteners may be used to provide the first and second fasteners 28, 30. However, although it is possible to provide snap fasteners for the first and second fasteners 28, 30, it is more preferable to provide such fasteners as hook and loop fasteners or magnets as these will cause a continuous connection between the opening cover member 26 and the main body 12 to allow for the face mask 10 according to the present invention to be a continuous barrier between from the environment for the user when the opening cover member is in the closed position.

As illustrated in the appended drawings, the face mask 10 according to the present invention may include a tab 32. The tab 32 is connected to a portion of the opening cover member 26 and advantageously provides the user with the ability to grasp and more readily move the opening cover member 26 between the opened position and the closed position. The tab 32 is illustrated as being a loop that is connected to the opening cover member 26. Those skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that the tab may be provided by any additional piece of material that is connected to the opening cover member 26 that allows for the user to readily move the opening cover member between the opened position and the closed position. Further, the tab 32 may be connected to a portion of the opening cover member 26 by being sewn to the opening cover member. Those skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that the tab 32 may be connected in any manner to the opening cover member. It is also contemplated that the tab 32 may be integrally formed with the opening cover member 26 as a monolithic unit.

The face mask 10 may include a nose bridge 44. The nose bridge 44 may, for example, be embedded within material of the main body 12. The nose bridge 44 may be provided by a bendable material, such as a metal, that may allow the user to position the face mask 10 to cover their nose and mouth and to allow for the nose bridge 44 to be shaped to contour the nose of the user, thereby providing a more secure fit of the face mask to the user's face.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, 8-10, and 12A-12B, the face mask 10 according to the present invention may also include a securing member 34. In the illustrated embodiments, a pair of securing members 34 are connected to outer edges of the main body 12. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the securing members 34 may be connected to any portion of the main body 12 of the face mask 10, but it is preferable that the securing members 34 connect to outer edge portions of the main body 12 so as to provide a better fit of the face mask on the user's face.

The main body 12 may include a plurality of passageways 36. The passageways 36 are preferably located along the outer edge of the main body 12, and, more specifically, preferable located in corner portions of the main body. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the securing members 34 may connect to the main body 12 by engaging the passageways 36. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the securing members 34 will also be connected to the main body 12 in other manners such as, for example, being sewn to the main body, or using any other type of connection suitable for connecting the securing members 34 to the main body 12 and the face mask 10. The securing members 34 may illustratively have an adjustable length. More specifically, a length adjusting member 38 may be connected to each of the securing members 34 so that the length of the securing member may be adjusted and/or customized to be used by people of various sizes. The securing members 34 may be made of an elastic material to provide enhanced flexibility for people of different sizes and also to provide a tighter fit of the face mask 10 on the face of the user. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the securing members 34 may be made of any other type of material suitable for securing the face mask 10 to the face of the user.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, the face mask 10 according to embodiments of the present invention may be provided in different sizes to accommodate the needs of different people. For example, in FIG. 8, a first size of the face mask 10 according to the present invention is illustrated as being worn by a female user. The face mask 10 is secured to the female user's face using the securing members 34 which are connected to the edge portions of the main body 12 and that allow the user to loop the ends of the securing members 34 around her ears to thereby secure the face mask to the user's face. As illustrated in FIG. 9, a different size of the face mask 10 may be provided for males, and, as illustrated in FIG. 10, a smaller size of the face mask 10 may be provided for infants. It is further contemplated that a larger size face mask 10 may be provided to accommodate males that maintain a beard. A larger size face mask 10 would advantageously allow for the face mask to appropriately cover the face of a male with a beard and still provide a barrier between the male's nose and mouth from the environment.

Referring now to FIG. 11, an alternative embodiment 10″ according to the present invention is now provided. In this embodiment of the face mask 10′, a pair of opposing securing members 34′ are connected to and extend outwardly from end portions of the main body 12′. In this embodiment of the face mask 10′, the pair of opposing securing members 34′ may be integrally formed with the main body 12′ as a monolithic unit. Each of the pair of opposing securing members 34′ may include a fastener, and the fasteners of each of the opposing securing members may engage one another so that, when engaged, the opposing securing members connect to one another around a rear portion of the user's head. This embodiment of the face mask 10′ is advantageous as it eliminates the need for the securing members 34′ to engage the ear of the user. Wearing a face mask that engages the ear of a user for a significant amount of time can become uncomfortable and, accordingly, this embodiment of the face mask 10′ addresses that discomfort by eliminating the need to engage the securing members 34 to the ears of the user and, instead, allowing for the opposing securing members 34′ to connect to one another around a rear portion of the user's head so that the face mask 10′ is secure to the user's face.

Referring now additionally to the face mask 10 that is illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12B, another feature of the face mask is now described in greater detail. More specifically, and with reference to FIG. 12B, the face mask may include a first cover member opening fastener 40 that is connected to a portion of the main body 12 and a second cover member opening fastener 42 connected to an outer portion of the opening cover member 26, When in the opened position, the opening cover member 26 may be secured to the main body using the connection between the first cover member opening fastener 40 and the second cover member opening fastener 42. More specifically, the first cover member opening fastener 40 may engage the second cover member opening fastener 42 when the opening cover member 26 is in the opened position. This advantageously allows for the opening cover member 26 to be secured in the opened position.

Allowing for the opening cover member to be secured in the opened position advantageously allows a user access to their nose and/or mouth for an extended period of time. This may be advantageous to a user that desires to drink a beverage with a straw, or to simply drink a beverage from a container. This may also be advantageous for allowing a user to eat while wearing the face mask. Further, for user's that smoke or use vapor devices, allowing the opening cover member 26 to remain in the opened position may be advantageous to allow the user to smoke or vape for a period of time and, upon completion of smoking or vaping, move the opening cover member 26 back to the closed position.

Such an arrangement may be advantageous for a face mask that is being worn by an infant when a parent or caregiver wishes to feed the infant. In such an arrangement, the caregiver may move the opening cover member 26 to the opened position and maintain it in the opened position using the engagement between the first cover member opening fastener 40 and the second cover member opening fastener 42. For example, a caregiver may wish to maintain the opening cover member 26 in the opened position while feeding an infant a bottle.

The embodiment of the face mask 10 illustrated in FIG. 12A shows a pair of first cover opening member fasteners 40 and a pair of second cover member opening fasteners 42. The pair of first cover member opening fasteners 40 may engage the respective pair of second cover member opening fasteners 42 to maintain the opening cover member 26 in the open position as desired by the user. Both embodiments of the face mask 10 illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B advantageously allow a user to maintain the opening cover member in an opened position.

While the above description contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any embodiment, but as exemplifications of the presented embodiments thereof. Many other ramifications and variations are possible within the teachings of the various embodiments. While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best or only mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Also, in the drawings and the description, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms may have been employed, they are unless otherwise stated used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention therefore not being so limited. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. Furthermore, the use of the terms a, an, etc. do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not by the examples given.

Claims

1. A face mask comprising:

a main body comprising: a rear that is adapted to be positioned adjacent a user's face when worn by a user, a front that is adapted to face away from the user's face when worn by the user, a bottom, a top positioned opposite the bottom, and a pair of opposing side portions extending between the top and the bottom,
an opening formed through the front and the rear of the main body;
an opening cover member connected to the front of the main body and moveable between an opened position and a closed position;
a first fastener member connected to the main body and positioned to surround the opening; and
a second fastener member connected to an inner portion of the opening cover member and adapted to engage the first fastener member to secure the opening cover member to the main body;
wherein the opened position of the opening cover member is defined as the opening cover member being partially separated from the main body to expose at least a portion of the opening; and
wherein the closed position of the opening cover member is defined as the opening cover member being positioned in contact with the main body so that the opening is fully covered.

2. The face mask of according to claim 1 wherein the opened position is defined as the opening cover member having a first side in contact with the main body and three other sides separated from the main body to expose the opening,

3. The face mask according to claim 2 wherein the first side is a left side of the opening cover member, and the remaining three sides are a right side, a top and a bottom.

4. The face mask according to claim 2 wherein the first side is a right side of the opening cover member, and the remaining three sides are a left side, a top and a bottom.

5. The face mask according to claim 2 wherein the first side is a top of the opening cover member, and the remaining three sides are a right side, a left side and a bottom.

6. The face mask according to claim 2 wherein the first side is a bottom of the opening cover member, and the remaining three sides are a right side, a left side and a top.

7. The face mask according to claim 1 wherein the first fastener member and the second fastener member are provided by hook and loop fasteners.

8. The face mask according to claim 1 further comprising a tab connected to a portion of the opening cover member.

9. The face mask according to claim 1 further comprising a securing member connected to the main body.

10. The face mask according to claim 9 wherein the main body includes a plurality of passageways; and wherein the securing member is connected to the main body by engaging the passageways.

11. The face mask according to claim 9 wherein the securing member has an adjustable length.

12. The face mask according to claim 1 further comprising a pair of opposing securing members that connect to and extend outwardly from end portions of the main body.

13. The face mask according to claim 12 wherein the pair of opposing securing members are integrally formed with the main body as a monolithic unit.

14. The face mask according to claim 12 wherein each one of the pair of opposing securing members includes a fastener; and wherein the fasteners on each of the pair of opposing securing members engage one another so that when engaged, the opposing securing members connect to one another around a rear portion of the user's head so that the face mask is secured to the user's face.

15. The face mask according to claim 1 further comprising a first cover member opening fastener connected to a portion of the main body and a second cover member opening fastener connected to an outer portion of the opening cover member;

and wherein the first cover member opening fastener engages the second cover member opening fastener when the opening cover member is in the opened position to secure the opening cover member when the opening cover member is in the opened position.

16. A face mask comprising:

a main body comprising: a rear that is adapted to be positioned adjacent a user's face when worn by a user, a front that is adapted to face away from the user's face when worn by the user, a bottom, a top positioned opposite the bottom, and a pair of opposing side portions extending between the top and the bottom,
an opening formed through the front and the rear of the main body;
an opening cover member connected to the front of the main body and moveable between an opened position and a closed position;
a first fastener member connected to the main body and positioned to surround the opening;
a second fastener member connected to an inner portion of the opening cover member and adapted to engage the first fastener member to secure the opening cover member to the main body;
a tab connected to a portion of the opening cover member; and
a securing member connected to the main body;
wherein the opened position is defined as the opening cover member having a first side in contact with the main body and three other sides separated from the main body to expose the opening;
wherein the closed position of the opening cover member is defined as the opening cover member being positioned in contact with the main body so that the opening is fully covered;
wherein the first fastener member and the second fastener member are provided by hook and loop fasteners
wherein the main body includes a plurality of passageways; and wherein the securing member is connected to the main body by engaging the passageways; and
wherein the securing member has an adjustable length.

17. The face mask according to claim 16 wherein the first side is a left side of the opening cover member, and the remaining three sides are a right side, a top and a bottom.

18. The face mask according to claim 16 wherein the first side is a right side of the opening cover member, and the remaining three sides are a left side, a top and a bottom.

19. The face mask according to claim 16 wherein the first side is a top of the opening cover member, and the remaining three sides are a right side, a left side and a bottom.

20. The face mask according to claim 16 wherein the first side is a bottom of the opening cover member, and the remaining three sides are a right side, a left side and a top.

21. The face mask according to claim 16 further comprising a first cover member opening fastener connected to a portion of the main body and a second cover member opening fastener connected to an outer portion of the opening cover member; and wherein the first cover member opening fastener engages the second cover member opening fastener when the opening cover member is in the opened position to secure the opening cover member when the opening cover member is in the opened position.

22. A face mask comprising:

a main body comprising: a rear that is adapted to be positioned adjacent a user's face when worn by a user, a front that is adapted to face away from the user's face when worn by the user, a bottom, a top positioned opposite the bottom, and a pair of opposing side portions extending between the top and the bottom,
an opening formed through the front and the rear of the main body;
an opening cover member connected to the front of the main body and moveable between an opened position and a closed position;
a first fastener member connected to the main body and positioned to surround the opening;
a second fastener member connected to an inner portion of the opening cover member and adapted to engage the first fastener member to secure the opening cover member to the main body;
a tab connected to a portion of the opening cover member;
a pair of opposing securing members that connect to and extend outwardly from end portions of the main body;
a first cover member opening fastener connected to a portion of the main body; and
a second cover member opening fastener connected to an outer portion of the opening cover member;
wherein the opened position is defined as the opening cover member having a first side in contact with the main body and three other sides separated from the main body to expose the opening;
wherein a configuration of the opened position is selected from one of the following configurations: the first side is a left side of the opening cover member, and the remaining three sides are a right side, a top and a bottom; the first side is a right side of the opening cover member, and the remaining three sides are a left side, a top and a bottom; the first side is a top of the opening cover member, and the remaining three sides are a right side, a left side and a bottom; and the first side is a bottom of the opening cover member, and the remaining three sides are a right side, a left side and a top
wherein the closed position of the opening cover member is defined as the opening cover member being positioned in contact with the main body so that the opening is fully covered;
wherein the pair of opposing securing members are integrally formed with the main body as a monolithic unit;
wherein each one of the pair of opposing securing members includes a fastener; and wherein the fasteners on each of the pair of opposing securing members engage one another so that when engaged, the opposing securing members connect to one another around a rear portion of the user's head so that the face mask is secured to the user's face; and
and wherein the first cover member opening fastener engages the second cover member opening fastener when the opening cover member is in the opened position to secure the opening cover member when the opening cover member is in the opened position.
Patent History
Publication number: 20220022571
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 23, 2020
Publication Date: Jan 27, 2022
Applicant: Apparel Solutions LLC (Lewes, DE)
Inventor: Roberta Araujo (North Redington Bch, FL)
Application Number: 16/937,197
Classifications
International Classification: A41D 13/11 (20060101);