GARMENT APPARATUS AND METHODOLOGY THAT FACILITATES WEARING OF MASK
Aspects directed towards mask-wearing are disclosed. In one example, a garment apparatus includes a shirt and a shirt extension having a first and second end. The first end is affixed to an inside portion of the shirt, and the second end includes a mask attachment mechanism that facilitates attaching and detaching a mask. In another example, a mask apparatus includes ear lobes, a shell coupled to the ear lobes, and a fragrance region positioned on an inner portion of the shell in which the material of the fragrance region is different than the material of the shell. In yet another example, a fragrance apparatus includes a fragrance region in which fluid is absorbed by a moisture-absorbent material, and an attachment mechanism couples the fragrance apparatus to an inner portion of a mask. A seal is affixed to the fragrance region and prevents an evaporation of the fluid.
This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/063,112, filed on Aug. 7, 2020, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth below in its entirety and for all applicable purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe subject disclosure generally relates to garments, and more specifically to a garment apparatus and methodology that facilitates the wearing of a mask or facial covering.
BACKGROUNDCurrently, the human race is facing a global pandemic, the likes of which have not been seen since the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918. The entire world population is affected by COVID-19—a highly contagious and deadly respiratory virus infection—and, vaccines remain out of reach for at least another 18 to 24 months. While cleanliness is paramount, germ containment with face masks became the “new normal” for Americans and the rest of the world population. Market research of available face masks reveals a plethora of styles, sizes, materials, and levels of protection. Improvisation is also quite common, with many donning scarves, costume masks, sanitary napkins, undergarments, and various other insufficient or inappropriate materials. Disposable medical masks were difficult to find in the early months of the pandemic, as individuals panic-bought them from stores all across the country; now, used disposable masks measurable in tonnage litter the streets as people thoughtlessly remove them and drop them outside the grocery stores and other “essential” services they patronize.
Disposable masks are a biohazard and are creating measurable waste on city streets, in landfills, and they are starting to turn up in oceans and inside the bellies of ocean flora and fauna. There is currently so much variation in style, fabric, material, construction, and level of protection that consumers can feel overwhelmed by all the choices to make. Also, because of costs, having a fresh mask to wear for each workday of the week can be expensive. If a mask gets lost or damaged, the replacement cost can become a significant budget concern as well for the affluently challenged.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an adequate apparatus and methodology that overcomes these limitations. To this end, it should be noted that the above-described deficiencies are merely intended to provide an overview of some of the problems of conventional face masks, and are not intended to be exhaustive. Other problems with the state of the art and corresponding benefits of some of the various non-limiting embodiments may become further apparent upon review of the following detailed description.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLESThe following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects of the present disclosure, in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated features of the disclosure, and is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of all aspects of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope of any or all aspects of the disclosure. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects of the disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
In one example, a garment apparatus is disclosed. In this example, the garment apparatus includes a shirt and a shirt extension having a first end and a second end. The first end is affixed to an inside portion of the shirt, and the second end comprises a mask attachment mechanism configured to facilitate attaching and detaching a mask.
In a second example, a mask apparatus is disclosed. In this example, the mask apparatus includes ear lobes, a shell coupled to the ear lobes, and a fragrance region. The fragrance region is positioned on an inner portion of the shell in which the material of the fragrance region is different than the material of the shell.
In a third example, a fragrance apparatus is disclosed. In this example, the fragrance apparatus includes a fragrance region, an attachment mechanism, and a seal affixed to the fragrance region. The fragrance region includes a moisture-absorbent material in which at least one drop of fluid is absorbed by the moisture-absorbent material, and the attachment mechanism is configured to facilitate a coupling of the fragrance apparatus to an inner portion of a mask. The seal is affixed to the fragrance region and configured to prevent an evaporation of the at least one drop of fluid while the seal is affixed to the fragrance region.
These and other aspects of the invention will become more fully understood upon a review of the detailed description, which follows. Other aspects, features, and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, upon reviewing the following description of specific, exemplary embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures. While features of the present invention may be discussed relative to certain embodiments and figures below, all embodiments of the present invention can include one or more of the advantageous features discussed herein. In other words, while one or more embodiments may be discussed as having certain advantageous features, one or more of such features may also be used in accordance with the various embodiments of the invention discussed herein. In similar fashion, while exemplary embodiments may be discussed below as device, system, or method embodiments it should be understood that such exemplary embodiments can be implemented in various devices, systems, and methods.
Various non-limiting embodiments are further described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
As discussed above, wearing a mask to protect against the current global pandemic has become essential. The embodiments disclosed herein are directed towards overcoming the limitations of using conventional masks including, for example, the waste associated with losing masks. In a particular embodiment disclosed herein, as illustrated in
The garment-mask combination disclosed herein desirably simplifies choices at a reasonable price point for individuals and families, and the shirt extension 110 allows the wearer to doff the face mask 120 without risk of losing it out of a pocket or accidentally leaving it behind. Also, children can be better trusted to keep track of their masks, when the mask can remain attached to the garment.
Various aspects directed towards a reusable mask attached clothing are thus contemplated. For instance, although shirt 100 is a T-shirt, it is contemplated that almost any article of clothing can be similarly used including, but not limited to: a dress shirt or blouse, a polo shirt, medical scrubs, workout clothing, sports uniforms, cosplay costumes, dresses, leotards, law enforcement and military uniforms, religious garb, etc. It is further contemplated that the garment apparatus disclosed herein may be sold as a whole, with the mask attached, but may also be sold separately. For instance, in a particular aspect, the user can swap masks with other garments, wherein the shirt extension 110 (e.g., mesh material) and mask attachment mechanism (e.g., Velcro) are attached to the shirt 100. It should also be appreciated that the finished edges of the shirt extension 110 (e.g., mesh material) are meant to provide a more attractive appearance, and provide a connection fabric that is not cumbersome, heavy, or uncomfortable for the wearer.
Exemplary Garment EmbodimentsReferring next to
In one particular aspect, it is contemplated that masks of various sizes may be designed. For instance, as shown in
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Various examples of the utility provided by the garment apparatus embodiments disclosed herein are now provided.
In a first example, it is contemplated that the garment apparatus embodiments disclosed herein provide a “standard” for consumers. For instance, the shirt and mask may comprise material (e.g., classic cotton jersey) that allow the wearer to breathe comfortably while still protecting the wearer and with whomever they interact. Similarly, the ear straps may be elastic, which allow the wearer to adjust them to fit more comfortably and protectively. It should also be appreciated that the classic sport mesh of the shirt extension, coupled with the Velcro attachment mechanism disclosed herein, provide an easier and more practical method for storing one's mask. For instance, when the mask is not being worn on the face, the design disclosed herein allows the mask to hang on the wearer's chest, which minimizes hand-to-mask contact and ear irritation caused by strap friction. The mask and mesh even tuck into the wearer's shirt to create an inside “facing” (i.e., an ornamental and/or protective layer) without creating awkward bulges or fabric bunching, and can easily and quickly be pulled out again when the wearer needs to don. The entire garment is machine-washable, just like a conventional shirt. The masks can be customized and swapped, reattached to the mesh and shirt with the sewn-in Velcro strap, which itself also tucks behind a fold of fabric to keep from scratching or chafing the chin of the wearer when not attached to a shirt. This standard can be modified to any type of garment worn on the upper body, and the shirt fits comfortably under sweatshirts, large coats, and other additional layers of garments. The shirt is a classic layering piece, and makes the most sense to begin marketing to the masses. It can begin to provide a worldwide standard for clothing during this pandemic.
The garment apparatus disclosed herein also provides clarity of choice for all types of consumers during this pandemic. Parents can send their children to school knowing the masks will protect their child, and that a secure attachment mechanism (e.g., the attachment mechanism illustrated in
It should also be appreciated that the garment apparatus disclosed herein makes the act of wearing a face mask on a daily basis easier by making it part of another garment all humans wear daily. The mask can be constructed of fabric known to be tolerable to wear in hot climates, while also facilitating easy respiration for the wearer. It gives consumers a clear, simple choice for pandemic garb in a very noisy, yet-unregulated market. It helps eliminate unnecessary paper waste and litter, as all parts of the garment can be made washable and reusable. Its ease-of-use design may be particularly desirable with the elderly and those with special needs and mobility issues.
The garment apparatus embodiments disclosed herein make mask-wearing more tolerable and provide wearers with various fashion options. For instance, the shirt can be layered under additional garments like sweaters, jackets, blazers, and coats. It can be dressed up or dressed down. The entire garment is machine-washable and reusable; the masks are removable and re-attachable with Velcro, and can be swapped out for different colors or prints according to the wearer's tastes (additional masks will be sold separately). The fabric mask fits over the nose and mouth more comfortably and securely than a disposable paper mask, eliminating problems of facial chafing and friction burns around the ears. The mesh allows the mask to remain attached to the clothing without creating an additional cumbersome piece of fabric—air flows freely through it, helping the wearer to control their body temperature in hotter weather while keeping the mask attached. This garment also easily accommodates facial hair and beards, containing the hair behind a layer of fabric.
Furthermore, it is contemplated that the garment apparatus disclosed herein will reduce waste by mitigating the need to buy disposable paper masks, which should be left for working medical professionals on the front lines of this pandemic. The mask cannot get lost because it is always attached to the shirt, so children can be trusted to wear them at school and other public places without taking them off and forgetting them on the playground, in the classroom, or anywhere else. The jersey material is easily repaired with a needle and thread if it is torn. There are no straps to tie, fasten, or tighten, so hands with tremors or other limits of mobility will be able to use them more easily.
Exemplary Mask Apparatus EmbodimentsReferring next to
It should be appreciated that adding a particular fragrance to mask 600 can be done in any of various ways. For instance, as illustrated in
Alternatively, rather than having the user apply the fragrance, it is contemplated that the fragrance may be pre-applied. For instance, mask 600 may further comprise a removable seal affixed to the fragrance region 630, wherein the removable seal is configured to prevent an evaporation of the at least one drop of fluid absorbed by the moisture-absorbent material while the removable seal is affixed to the fragrance region 630.
Various embodiments are also contemplated in which the fragrance region 630 is configured to facilitate a coupling of a removable fragrance component. For instance, as illustrated in
Referring next to
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As illustrated in
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The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “has,” “contains,” and other similar words are used in either the detailed description or the claims, for the avoidance of doubt, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as an open transition word without precluding any additional or other elements.
The aforementioned systems have been described with respect to interaction between several components. It can be appreciated that such systems and components can include those components or specified sub-components, some of the specified components or sub-components, and/or additional components, and according to various permutations and combinations of the foregoing. Sub-components can also be implemented as components coupled to other components rather than included within parent components (hierarchical). Additionally, it is noted that one or more components may be combined into a single component providing aggregate functionality or divided into several separate sub-components, and any one or more middle layers may be provided to couple to such sub-components in order to provide integrated functionality. Any components described herein may also interact with one or more other components not specifically described herein but generally known by those of skill in the art.
In view of the exemplary systems described supra, methodologies that may be implemented in accordance with the disclosed subject matter can be appreciated with reference to the various figures. While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the methodologies are described as a series of steps, it is to be understood and appreciated that the disclosed subject matter is not limited by the order of the steps, as some steps may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other steps from what is described herein. Moreover, not all disclosed steps may be required to implement the methodologies described hereinafter.
While the various embodiments have been described in connection with the exemplary embodiments of the various figures, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments may be used or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiment for performing the same function without deviating there from. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to any single embodiment.
Claims
1. A garment apparatus, comprising:
- a shirt; and
- a shirt extension having a first end and a second end, the first end affixed to an inside portion of the shirt, and the second end comprising a mask attachment mechanism configured to facilitate attaching and detaching a mask.
2. The garment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mask attachment mechanism is a Velcro attachment mechanism.
3. The garment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mask attachment mechanism is a ring attachment mechanism.
4. The garment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mask attachment mechanism is a clamp attachment mechanism.
5. The garment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shirt extension comprises at least one of mesh material or fleece material.
6. The garment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first end of the shirt extension is sewn onto the inside portion of the shirt.
7. A mask apparatus, comprising:
- ear lobes;
- a shell coupled to the ear lobes; and
- a fragrance region positioned on an inner portion of the shell, wherein a material of the fragrance region is different than a material of the shell.
8. The mask apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the fragrance region comprises a moisture-absorbent material configured to absorb at least one drop of fluid.
9. The mask apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a removable seal affixed to the fragrance region, wherein the removable seal is configured to prevent an evaporation of the at least one drop of fluid absorbed by the moisture-absorbent material while the removable seal is affixed to the fragrance region.
10. The mask apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the fragrance region is configured to facilitate a coupling of a removable fragrance component.
11. The mask apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the fragrance region comprises a material that facilitates a coupling of a repositionable adhesive.
12. The mask apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the fragrance region comprises at least one pocket configured to receive the removable fragrance component.
13. The mask apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the fragrance region comprises a material that facilitates a Velcro coupling of the removable fragrance component.
14. A fragrance apparatus, comprising:
- a fragrance region comprising a moisture-absorbent material, wherein the fragrance region includes at least one drop of fluid absorbed by the moisture-absorbent material;
- an attachment mechanism configured to facilitate a coupling of the fragrance apparatus to an inner portion of a mask; and
- a seal affixed to the fragrance region, wherein the seal is configured to prevent an evaporation of the at least one drop of fluid while the seal is affixed to the fragrance region.
15. The fragrance apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the at least one drop of fluid is a fluid comprising a medicinal aroma.
16. The fragrance apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a repositionable adhesive.
17. The fragrance apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a Velcro material.
18. The fragrance apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the seal comprises a first portion adjacent to a second portion, and wherein a bending of the fragrance region creates a gap between the first portion of the seal and the second portion of the seal that enables an aroma associated with the at least one drop of fluid to escape.
19. The fragrance apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the seal is a removable seal.
20. The fragrance apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the moisture absorbent material is a gauze pad.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 6, 2021
Publication Date: Feb 10, 2022
Inventor: Linda S. Bauer (Fresno, CA)
Application Number: 17/396,615