FACELACE FACE MASK HOLDER

Abstract

A FaceLace mask holder has a length of a flexible elongate member. The flexible elongate member has a pair of ends with a connector attached to each end. The length of flexible elongate member can be 6 inches or more and can be worn as a necklace. The connectors are configured to attach to ear loops of a facial mask. The FaceLace mask holder when attached to the loops of the mask allows the wearer to unmask from his or her face mask while allowing the mask to remain hanging about the wearer's neck in a ready to don position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an accessory to be used with a face mask. More particularly, to a device to hold a face mask about the wearer's neck when the mask is not donned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

To avoid contracting illnesses, particularly airborne diseases, it is common practice to wear a facial mask. It is most commonly seen being worn by people most susceptible to contracting a disease like those with immune deficiencies. It is culturally accepted and widely worn in Asian countries, but in Western countries much less so, until recently with the global pandemic. The Covid 19 virus has resulted in widespread use of facial coverings. The most common being the N-95 mask with a pair of ear loops for securing the mask onto the face, the pair of ear loops being placed over and behind the ears.

These facial masks filter the air the wearer breathes and also blocks the wearers ability to spread particles when he or she sneezes, coughs or even talks.

As the wearing of masks has become mandatory in most large cities and required to enter most stores and businesses there is a need to make the wearing of the mask convenient and easily accessible to the wearer.

The present invention provides a novel way to make the mask comfortable and accessible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A FaceLace mask holder has a length of a flexible elongate member, the flexible elongate member having a pair of ends with a connector attached to each end. The length of flexible elongate member can be 6 inches or more and can be worn as a necklace. The connectors are configured to attach to ear loops of a facial mask. The FaceLace mask holder when attached to the loops of the mask allows the wearer to unmask from his or her face mask while allowing the mask to remain hanging about the wearer's neck in a ready to don position. This keeps the mask available to be placed on the face or taken off the face quickly and easily. Often when outside whether walking or jogging, the use of the mask inhibits breathing but this can be overcome by lowering the mask and only wearing it over the face when coming into proximity of other people.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a drawing of an exemplary face mask with a FaceLace mask holder of the present invention on the face of a wearer.

FIG. 2 is a drawing of the exemplary face mask with a FaceLace mask holder of the present invention removed from the face and hanging around the neck of the wearer.

FIG. 3 is a view of the FaceLace mask holder of the present invention with open hooks for holding a face mask.

FIG. 4 is a view of the FaceLace mask holder of the present invention with open hooks attached to and holding a face mask.

FIG. 5A is a view of the FaceLace mask holder of the present invention with open hook connectors attached to and holding a face mask on the face of a wearer.

FIG. 5B is a close up view taken from FIG. 5 showing the open hook connector attached to one of the face mask loops.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are exemplary views of different types of hooks or connectors for holding the FaceLace mask holder of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Many people face inconvenience from their protective masks. Frequently mask users end up storing their face-coverings in their hands, around their wrists, or their ears lobes. The FaceLace mask holder, aims to make mask storage convenient. The hope is the FaceLace will make mask-wearing more manageable, and therefore encourage more frequent mask-usage.

As shown in FIG. 1, the FaceLace device 10 provides a wearable and convenient storage solution for face coverings 100, such as N-95 masks and other protective masks, when an individual seeks to remove, but not dispose of their face-cover. FaceLace is a term coined by the inventor to describe her unique mask holder product.

As shown in FIG. 2, like a necklace, the “FaceLace” 10 drapes over a wearer's 2 chest with ease when their face-cover/mask 100 is not in use. When a wearer's 2 face mask or coving 100 is in use, the “FaceLace” 10 will dangle behind the wearer's 2 ears and head, shown in FIG. 1.

The FaceLace is a product designed to connect a protective mask 100 such as an N-95 mask and/or other face coverings by the ear loops 101 to a lace or flexible elongate member 5. The link between the face-covering and the lace is enabled by a connector 1 at each end 6 of the lace or flexible elongate member 5. These connectors 1 may be, but are not limited to small hooks or clasps, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

The simplest FaceLace embodiment possesses an ornamental chain as the flexible elongate member 5, and two connectors 1, one at either end 6 of the lace or flexible elongate member 5. However, some FaceLaces' may require an adhesive material to secure the lace 5 with the connector 1 at each end 6. Additionally, depending on the material(s) comprising each FaceLace device 10, some may require a soft top-coating(s) over various sections of the FaceLace to promote user comfort.

A FaceLace 10 flexible elongate member 5 can be made from a variety of different materials. These materials include, but are not limited to bioplastics, plastics, natural fiber cloth, glass, rubber, latex, silicon, wool, cotton, metals, stones, beads, and braided cords. The metals can be any alloy or pure metal including aluminum, stainless steel, copper, brass, silver or gold.

A single-purpose, disposable, FaceLace 10 is produced from less-expensive materials, such as bioplastics. This FaceLace 10 is also more likely to have hooks as their connectors 1, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

Multipurpose FaceLaces 10 is constructed from materials, suitable for repeated wear. Multipurpose FaceLaces 10 may also possess clasp type connectors 1 at each-end 6 of the flexible elongate member 5 that can hook together and become a decorative necklace when a protective mask 100 is not in use, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B.

The components of the FaceLace device 10 includes, but is not limited to the following key elements: A flexible elongate member 5 varying in length from at least 6 inches, preferably between 14′-33′ inches or more, two connective areas at either end 6 of the flexible elongate member 5 that attaches the FaceLace 10 to protective masks 100.

Variations of the FaceLace may also require an adhesive or linking structure that joins the two connective piece areas at the ends 6 to each end of the flexible elongate member 5. A top coating or layer of a pleasant, soft material such as cotton could also be used with the flexible elongate member 5. The flexible elongate member 5 can also be a stretchable material, elastic or any other suitable material.

In one embodiment, the connectors 1 are hooks with a spiral open end as shown in FIG. 6A. Alternatively, the connectors 1 can be hooks with a flexible or deflectively locking member 3 as shown in FIG. 6B. These features keep the mask holder connector 1 from inadvertently detaching from the mask 100 ear loops 101.

Variations in the present invention are possible in light of the description of it provided herein. While certain representative embodiments and details have been shown for the purpose of illustrating the subject invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in this art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the subject invention. It is, therefore, to be understood that changes can be made in the particular embodiments described, which will be within the full intended scope of the invention as defined by the following appended claims. The surgical access window described herein encompasses the dimensions presented and any and all variations applicable to the methods and surgical technique described directly or indirectly intended with this device.

Claims

1. A mask holder comprises:

a length of a flexible elongate member, the flexible elongate member having a pair of ends; and

a pair of connectors, one connector being attached to each end of the flexible elongate member, wherein the connectors are configured to attach to ear loops of a facial mask.

2. The mask holder of claim 1 wherein the mask holder when attached to the loops of the mask allows the wearer to unmask from his or her face mask while allowing the mask to remain hanging about the wearer's neck in a ready to don position.

3. The mask holder of claim 1 wherein the link between the face-covering and the lace is enabled by a connector at each end of the lace or flexible elongate member, wherein the connectors are small hooks or clasps.

4. The mask holder of claim 1 wherein the flexible elongate member is an ornamental chain.

5. The mask holder of claim 1 wherein the flexible elongate member is made from a variety of different materials, including one or more of bioplastics, plastics, natural fiber cloth, glass, rubber, latex, silicon, wool, cotton, metals, stones, beads, and braided cords.

6. The mask holder of claim 1 wherein the flexible elongate member is metal, the metal being any alloy or pure metal including aluminum, stainless steel, copper, brass, silver or gold.

7. The mask holder of claim 1 wherein the connectors are clasps, one clasp at each end of the flexible elongate member that can hook together and become a decorative necklace when a protective mask is not in use.

8. The mask holder of claim 1 wherein the flexible elongate member varies in length from at least 6 inches, preferably between 14′-33′ inches or more.

9. The mask holder of claim 1 wherein the flexible elongate member has a top coating or layer of a soft cotton material.

10. The mask holder of claim 1 wherein the flexible elongate member is a stretchable material, elastic or any other suitable material.

11. The mask holder of claim 1 wherein the connectors are hooks with a spiral open end.

12. The mask holder of claim 1 wherein the connectors are hooks with a flexible or deflectively locking member.