FACE MASK ACCESSORY AND METHOD

A face mask accessory may include a nosepiece and a clip which may be configured to removably secure a face mask there between and to fit over the nose and cheeks of a user. A flap may be provided that may flex onto the user's face when the mask accessory is placed thereon. This flexion may create a hermetic seal between a portion of the user's face above the nosepiece and a portion of the user's face below the nosepiece. The seal may promote airflow through the mask and away from the eyes providing an anti-fogging feature for user's wearing eyewear. The flap may also provide an anti-slip quality preventing the face mask from slipping and rubbing up and down on a user's face while in use. The nosepiece and the clip may be flexible so as to flex while in use to comfortably fit on a user's face.

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Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/342,524, filed May 16, 2022.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Face masks have been widely used throughout the world for over one-hundred years. In fact, use of face masks can be traced all the way back to ancient Greek medicine. Today, face masks are used for a variety of purposes. For example, it is standard in the industry for healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, and dentists to wear face masks in situations where they are performing surgeries, cleaning teeth, treating sick or immunocompromised patients, etc. Face masks are also standard in the construction industry such as painting, machining, and working around other harmful fumes and airborne particles. Furthermore, it has become common for members of the general public to wear face masks during pandemics within public transit and communal workspaces.

In any of the situations in which face masks are used, a common purpose of wearing a face mask is to prevent harmful airborne particles and pathogens from being inhaled or transmitted. Unfortunately, many factors may reduce the effectiveness of face masks in accomplishing this purpose. These factors include user error in not wearing face masks properly or poorly fitted masks which compromise effectiveness.

Accordingly, there has been an ongoing need for improvements in methods and apparatuses to strengthen the effectiveness and overall quality of face masks for users. Therefore, new apparatuses, methods, and systems for improving the effectiveness and overall quality of face masks would be well received not only by healthcare professionals, but also by construction workers, trades workers, and in general by members of the public.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A mask accessory may include a nosepiece and a clip. The nose piece may have a first end, a second end, an outer surface, and an inner surface. The first end and the second end may define a length of the nosepiece. The inner surface may be configured to fit over a user's nose and cheeks with the outer surface facing away from the user's face. The clip may be configured to removably secure a face mask between the clip and the nosepiece.

In some embodiments, the mask accessory may include a flap that has one edge attached to the inner surface of the nosepiece. The flap may be configured to flex against a user's face upon placement of the nosepiece on the user's face. In this manner, the flap may create a hermetic seal between an upper portion of the user's face above the nosepiece and a lower portion of a user's face below the nosepiece. The flap may also have a high coefficient of friction with the skin of the user such that the flap of the nosepiece may keep the face mask from slipping down the user's face when in use.

In some embodiments, the flap of the nosepiece may include a slit running from an outer edge of the flap toward the edge attached to the inner surface of the nosepiece. The slit may act to separate the flap into two sections upon flexion of the flap against the user's face. The flap may also function to allow the nosepiece to better fit the user's nose and in allowing the flap to contact more of the user's nose and cheeks. This may result in the flap forming a better hermetic seal and a better non-slip surface on the user.

As already mentioned above, the flexion of the flap may provide an anti-slip quality wherein the use of the face mask accessory may prevent a face mask from slipping or rubbing up and down on a user's face while in use. Furthermore, the hermetic seal provided by the face mask accessory may provide an anti-fog quality wherein the use of the face mask accessory may prevent eyewear of a user from fogging up while the user is using the face mask accessory in connection with the wearing of a face mask.

In some embodiments, the nosepiece of the mask accessory may be made up of a nose section and two cheek sections. The nose section may be curved to fit over the user's nose and the two cheek portions may be configured to fit over the user's cheeks. In this manner, the nosepiece of the mask accessory may be configured to ergonomically fit over the user's face.

In some embodiments, the clip may be configured to removably secure a face mask between the clip and the nosepiece through the use of magnets. In other embodiments, the clip may be configured to removably secure a face mask between the clip and the nosepiece through mechanical means such as through a zipper, buttons, clips, snaps, etc. In other embodiments, the clip may be configured to removably secure a face mask between the clip and the nosepiece through both magnetic and mechanical means.

In some embodiments, the nosepiece may include a flexible band, a magnetic band, and a housing. The flexible band and the magnetic band of the nosepiece may be encased within the housing. The clip may also include a frame and a magnetic band. The magnetic band of the clip may be configured to form a magnetic attraction with the magnetic band of the nosepiece. In this manner, a mask may be secured between the clip and the nosepiece.

In some embodiments, the nosepiece may include one or more end magnets at both ends of the nosepiece. The clip may also include one or more end magnets at each end of the clip. The end magnets of the clip and of the nosepiece may be configured to removably secure together such that a mask may be removably secured and sealed between the clip and the nosepiece.

In some embodiments, the nosepiece may be semi-rigid such that it may flex when placed on a user's face but may return to its original shape after flexion. In some embodiments, the nosepiece may be bendable such that a user may bend the nosepiece to customize it to fit comfortably over their face. In some embodiments, the clip may be semi-rigid such that it may flex when placed on a user's face but may return to its original shape after flexion. In other embodiments, the clip may be bendable such that a user may bend the nosepiece to customize it to fit comfortably over their face.

A method of wearing a face mask may include removably securing a face mask between a nosepiece and a clip of a mask accessory. Another step may include determining whether or not a face mask has a nose bar and if the face mask does have a nose bar, flipping the mask upside down so that the nose bar is proximate to the user's chin rather than the user's nose. Another step may be securing the nosepiece, face mask, and clip to a user's face by placing ear bands of a face mask around a user's ear. Another step may include pressing the nosepiece against a user's face such that a flap of the nosepiece flexes on the user's face and forms a hermetic seal on the user's face. Another step may include pressing the nosepiece against a user's face such that a flap of the nosepiece flexes on the user's face and prevents the face mask from slipping down the user's nose while in use. Another step may include forming the nose bar of the face mask around the user's chin.

Other features and advantages of the various embodiments of the face mask accessory and method will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the various embodiments of the face mask accessory and the various methods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments, methods, and systems will be described herein and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an environmental view of a face mask accessory showing a user wearing the face mask accessory and a face mask;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the face mask accessory of FIG. 1 with the face mask;

FIG. 3 illustrates another exploded perspective view of the face mask assessor of FIGS. 1 and 2 showing the user, a nosepiece of the face mask accessory, a face mask, and a clip of the face mask accessory;

FIG. 4 illustrates a top perspective view of the face mask accessory of FIGS. 1 and 2 showing a clip separated from a nose piece;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top plan view of the clip of the face mask accessory of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 6 illustrates a top plan view of the nosepiece of the face mask accessory of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom plan view of the nosepiece of the face mask accessory of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom plan view of the clip of the face mask accessory of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional elevational view of the back side of the clip of the face mask accessory of FIGS. 1-3 cut at a point between two lateral ends of the clip;

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional elevational view of the back side of the nosepiece of the face mask accessory of FIGS. 1-3 cut at a point between two lateral ends of the nosepiece;

FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional environmental view of the face mask accessory of FIGS. 1-3 with the cross-section taken along the nasal ridge of the user's nose;

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional top plan view of the clip of FIGS. 4 and 7 with the cross-section taken along the horizontal length of the clip;

FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional top plan view of the nosepiece of FIGS. 5 and 6 with the cross-section taken along the horizontal length of the nosepiece;

FIG. 14 illustrates a zoomed up cross-sectional top plan view of the clip of FIGS. 4, 7, and 11 at the dashed circle labeled 14 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 illustrates a zoomed up cross-sectional top plan view of the nosepiece of FIGS. 5, 6, and 12 at the dashed circle labeled 15 of FIG. 13; and

FIG. 16 illustrates a flowchart of a method of wearing a face mask.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in the drawings and for purposes of illustration, the one or more embodiments disclosed herein illustrate a face mask accessory generally referred to herein by the reference numeral 10. Generally, the face mask accessory 10 may be comprised of a nosepiece 12 and at least one clip 14. The nosepiece 12 may fit over the face of a user 100, preferably over the user's 100 nose and upper cheeks just below the eyes. The one or more clips 14 may removably secure a face mask 16 between the one or more clips 14 and the nosepiece 12. Ear bands 18 of the face mask 16 may be used to removably secure the face mask 16 along with the face mask accessory 10 to the face of a user 100. While removably secured to the face of a user 100, the nosepiece 12 may prevent the flow of air between the nose and mouth of the user 100 and the eyes of the user 100. In this manner, a face mask 16 may be properly fitted and secured over the face of a user 100 so as to increase the effectiveness of the face mask 16 in preventing the user 100 from inhaling harmful fumes, airborne particles, pathogens, etc.

With Reference now to FIGS. 1-3, environmental views of the face mask accessory 10 used in connection with a face mask 16 on a user 100 are illustrated. As shown in FIGS. 1-3 and as described above, the face mask accessory 10 may be comprised of a nosepiece 12 and at least one clip 14. The nosepiece 12 and the at least one clip 14 function together so as to removably secure a face mask 16 in-between the nosepiece 12 and the at least one clip 14. The face mask 16 may be a disposable surgical mask or any other type of mask known in the art. Ear bands 18 of the face mask 16 may help in securing the nosepiece 12 to the face of a user 100. Preferably, the nosepiece 12 and the at least one clip 14 may removably secure a face mask 16 between them at an upper border of the face mask 16 or at a portion of the face mask 16 that is proximate to the upper border of the face mask as shown in the FIGS. 1-3.

The nosepiece 12 may be comprised of a housing 20, a flexible band 22, a magnetic band 24 and one or more end magnets 26. The housing 20 may be configured to house the flexible band 22, the magnetic band 24, and the one or more end magnets 26. The flexible band 22 may be located posterior to the magnetic band 24 and the one or more end magnets 26, with the magnetic band 24 and the one or more end magnets 26 being positioned anteriorly to the flexible band 22 within the housing 20. In some embodiments, the flexible band 22 may be posterior but adjacent to the magnetic band 24 and the one or more end magnets 26 within the housing 20. The housing 20 may be comprised of a soft and pliable material such as silicone, rubber, or some other similar material known in the art. The housing 20 may be configured to comfortably fit over the nose and upper cheeks of a user 100, just below the eyes. The housing 20 may also be made of a material with a high frictional coefficient with human skin such that the nosepiece 12 may stay securely on the face of a user 100 without slipping.

The flexible band 22 may be comprised of a flexible material such as a plastic or other similar material which may provide support to both the housing 20, to the magnetic band 24, and to the one or more end magnets 26. The flexible band 22 may give support to the housing 20 by providing structure and shape to the housing 20. The flexible band 22 may give support to the magnetic band 24 and one or more end magnets 26 by giving them a frame to be attached to within the housing 20. In some embodiments, the flexible band 22 may be semi-rigid so as to allow the nosepiece 12 to be flexed by a user 100 while still maintaining its shape after flexion. In other embodiments, the flexible band 22 may be comprised of a flexible material such as a thin metal such as an aluminum band, a metal wire, or some other similar material known in the art. In these embodiments, the flexible band 22 may be bendable such that a user 100 may bend the nosepiece 12 into a position that is customized to and most comfortable for their face.

The magnetic band 24 of the nosepiece 12 may be a flexible magnetic band as known in the art. The magnetic band 24 may be secured to the flexible band 22 in a manner such that the flexible band 22 provides support for and shape to the magnetic band 24.

The one or more end magnets 26 may be positioned at one or both ends of the housing 20. The one or more end magnets 26 may be block magnets, rigid magnets, or any other type of magnet known in the art. The ends of the flexible band 22 may be configured and shaped to hold and secure the one or more end magnets 26 within the housing 20. In some embodiments, the nosepiece 12 may be comprised of two end magnets 26 with one end magnet 26 positioned at each end of the housing 20. In other embodiments, the nosepiece 12 may be comprised of four end magnets 26 with two end magnets 26 positioned at each end of the housing 20. The end magnets 26 may function to form a stronger connection between the clip 14 and the nosepiece 12, such that the clip 14 and the nosepiece may be able to form a stronger clamp and seal on the face mask 16 therebetween. In some embodiments, instead of end magnets 26, the nosepiece 12 may be comprised of mechanical clips, buttons, snaps, or the like to accomplish the same purpose.

The clip 14, as described above, may be configured to secure a face mask 16 between the clip 14 and the nosepiece 12. The clip 14 may be comprised of a frame 28, a magnetic band 30, and one or more end magnets 26. The frame 28 may be comprised of a first end and a second end with a length defined there between. In general, the magnetic band 30 and the one or more end magnets 32 may attach to and be supported along an inside of the frame 28 facing the user 100 with the magnetic band 30 running along a length of the frame 28 and one or more end magnets 32 being positioned at one or more ends of the frame 28. In some embodiments, the clip 14 may be comprised of two end magnets 32 with one end magnet 32 positioned at either end of the frame 28. In other embodiments, the clip 14 may be comprised of four end magnets 32 with two end magnets 32 positioned at either end of the frame 28. Similar to the nosepiece 12 above, in some embodiments, instead of end magnets 32, the clip 14 may be comprised of mechanical clips, buttons, snaps, or the like may be to accomplish the same purpose.

The magnetic band 30 of the clip 14 may be a flexible magnetic band as known in the art. The magnetic band 30 may be secured to the frame 28 in a manner such that the frame 28 provides support for and shape to the magnetic band 30. The one or more end magnets 32 may be positioned at one or both ends of the frame 28. The one or more end magnets 32 may be block magnets as known in the art.

A channel 34 may run along the length of an inner face of the frame 28. The channel 34 may be configured to hold the magnetic band 30 and the one or more end magnets 32 such that the magnetic band 30 and the one or more end magnets 32 are flush with the frame 28.

In general, the magnetic band 24 of the nosepiece 12 may be configured to line up with the magnetic band 30 of the clip 14 such that the magnetic band 30 of the clip 14 may be magnetically attracted to the magnetic band 24 of the nosepiece 12. In this manner the clip 14 may be removably secured to the nosepiece 12 and may removably secure and seal a face mask 16 there between.

In like manner, the one or more end magnets 26 of the nosepiece 12 may be configured to line up with the one or more end magnets 32 of the clip 14 such the one or more end magnets 32 of the clip 14 may be magnetically attracted to the one or more end magnets 26 of the nosepiece 12. In this manner the clip 14 may be removably secured to the nosepiece 12 and may removably secure a face mask 16 there between.

In some embodiments, the nosepiece 12 may only be comprised of the magnetic band 24 of the nosepiece 12 and not the one or more end magnets 26 of the nosepiece 12. Similarly, the clip 14 may only be comprised of the magnetic band 30 of the clip 14 and not the one or more end magnets 32 of the clip 14. The magnetic band 24 of the nosepiece 12 and the magnetic band 30 of the clip 14 may correspond with each other and be magnetically attracted to each other as described above.

In other embodiments, the nosepiece 12 may only be comprised of the one or more end magnets 26 of the nosepiece 12 while the clip 14 may only be comprised of the one or more end magnets 32 of the clip 14. The one or more end magnets 26 of the nosepiece 12 and the one or more end magnets 32 of the clip 14 may correspond with each other and be magnetically attracted to each other as described above.

In some embodiments, the nosepiece 12 and the clip 14 may not make the use of magnets to removably secure together. Rather, the nosepiece 12 and the clip 14 may removably connect together mechanically through a zip and lock function, a clip function, a snap function, or some other mechanical function known in the art. In other embodiments, the nosepiece 12 and the clip 14 may removably secure together through the use of both a mechanical function as described above and a magnetic function as described above.

In some embodiments, the face mask accessory 10 may not be comprised of a clip 14, but rather may only be comprised of a nosepiece 12. The nosepiece 12 may be comprised of a clip or other means for removably securing a facemask thereto.

In some embodiments, the frame 28 of the clip 14 may be semi-rigid so as to allow the clip 14 to be flexed by a user 100 while still maintaining its shape after flexion. In other embodiments, the frame 28 may be comprised of a flexible material such as a thin metal such as an aluminum band, a metal wire, or some other similar material known in the art. In these embodiments, the frame 28 may be bendable such that a user 100 may bend the clip 14 into a position that is customized to and most comfortable for their face.

With reference now to FIGS. 4-8, various views of the nosepiece 12 and the clip 14 of the face mask accessory 10 are illustrated. As can be seen from the figures, the frame 28 of the clip 14 may be comprised of an inner surface with a channel 34 and an outer surface. The channel 34 of the frame 28 of the clip 14 may allow the magnetic band 30 of the clip 14 and the one or more end magnets 32 of the clip 14 to be partially housed within the frame 28 of the clip 14 such that they are flush with the inner surface of the frame 28. In some embodiments, the channel 34 may be split into three sections: one section for the magnetic band 30 of the clip 14 spanning the length of the frame 28, one section for one or more of the end magnets 32 of the clip 14 at a first end 48 of the clip 14 and another section for one or more of the end magnets 32 of the clip 14 at a second end 50 of the clip 14. The sections for the end magnets 32 may be deeper than the section of the channel 34 for the magnetic band 30 of the clip 14. In some embodiments, the magnetic band 30 of the clip 14 and the one or more end magnets 32 of the clip 14 may be fully encased within the frame 28.

The nosepiece 12 may be further comprised of a first end 36 and a second end 38 defining a length of the nosepiece 12. The nosepiece 12 may also have an outer surface 40 and an inner surface 42. The nosepiece 12 may further be comprised of at least one flap 44. The flap 44 may be attached to a bottom edge of the inner surface 42 and extend outwardly therefrom. The flap 44 may function to form a hermetic seal between the nosepiece 12 and the face of a user 100 (as seen in FIGS. 1, 2, and 11). When the nosepiece 12 is place on the face of a user 100 and secured by the ear bands 18 as described above, the flap 44 of the nosepiece 12 may flex against the face of a user 100 so as to form a hermetic seal between the nosepiece and the face of a user 100 (best seen by comparing FIGS. 1 and 3). The seal formed may greatly help to improve the purpose of the face mask 16 in helping to further prevent the user 100 from inhaling harmful fumes, airborne particles, pathogens, etc. by forcing airflow through the filter of the face mask 16 (best seen in connection with FIG. 11). Furthermore, for user's that wear eyeglasses or protective eyewear, the seal may help in preventing the eyeglasses or protective eyewear from fogging up while the user is wearing the face mask 16 secured by the face mask accessory 10. Furthermore, the flexion of the flap 44 against the face of a user 100 may allow a higher area of the nosepiece 12 to press against the face of a user 100 and thereby help in increasing the friction of the nosepiece 12 on the face of a user 100 to prevent the nosepiece 12 and mask 16 from slipping or rubbing up and down on the user's 100 face.

In some embodiments, the nosepiece 12 may further be comprised of a slit 46. The slit 46 may extend through the flap 44 from an outer edge of the flap 44 to the inner surface 42 of the nosepiece 12 as shown in the figures. In some embodiments, the slit 46 may extend completely through the flap 44 to the inner surface 42 of the nosepiece 12 and thereby dividing the flap 44 into two flaps. In other embodiments, the slit 46 may only extend partially through the flap 44 from an outer edge of the flap 44 toward the inner surface 42 of the nosepiece 12. In some embodiments, the slit 46 may be placed proximate to the center of the flap 44 at a place where the flap 44 would flex on the nasal ridge of a user's nose. The slit 46 may further help the flap 44 to flex against a user's face and to fit the user's nose and form a stronger hermetic seal as it would allow more surface area of the flap 44 to compress against a user's face while in use.

With reference now to FIG. 9, a close-up sectional view of the clip 14 showing the second end 50 and a vertical cross-section along the length of the clip 14 is illustrated. As described above, the one or more end magnets 32 of the clip 14 and the magnetic band 30 of the clip 14 may be partially housed within the frame 28 of the clip 14 so as to be flush with the inner surface of the frame 28.

With reference now to FIG. 10, a close-up sectional view of the nosepiece 12 showing the second end 38 and a vertical cross-section along the length of the nosepiece 12 is illustrated. As described above, the flexible band 22, the magnetic band 24 of the nosepiece 12, and the one or more end magnets 26 of the nosepiece 12 may be encased within the housing 20 of the nosepiece 12. As shown in the figure, the flexible band 22 may be located posteriorly to the magnetic band 24 of the nosepiece 12 within the housing 20. In some embodiments, the flexible band 22 and the magnetic band 24 of the nosepiece 12 may be adjacent to each other while encased within the housing 20.

With reference now to FIG. 11, an environmental cross-sectional view is illustrated showing a cross-section of the face mask accessory 10 and mask 16 as worn by a user 100 with the face mask 16 removably secured and sealed between the nosepiece 12 and the clip 14. As can be seen from FIG. 11, when the face mask accessory 10 is worn by a user 100, the flap 44 of the nosepiece 12 may flex downward on the face of a user 100. In this manner, as described above, a hermetic seal may be created along the nosepiece 12 and the nose and cheeks of the user 100 so as to limit the flow of air between the user's 100 nose and mouth and the user's 100 eyes. The air flow lines extending through the face mask 100 of FIG. 11 illustrate that the seal created promotes airflow in and out of the face mask 10 and thereby forcing air through a filter of the face mask 10 rather than toward the eyes of the user 100. This may have the advantages as described above such as limiting exposure to harmful fumes, particles, pathogens, etc., as well as to prevent fogging of eyewear while wearing a face mask 16 because air is prevented from moving toward the eyes and is pushed through a filter of the mask 16. In addition, because the flap 44 has a high coefficient of friction with the skin of a user 100, the flexion of the flap 44 against the face of a user 100 may prevent the mask 16 from slipping or rubbing up and down on a user's 100 face while in use. This consequently may increase the effectiveness of the mask 16 as well as limit irritation from the wearing of a mask 16.

With reference now to FIG. 12, a cross-sectional view of the clip 14 is illustrated with the cross-sectional cut being taken horizontally along the length of the clip 14. As can be shown in FIG. 12 and as described above, the clip 14 may have a first end 48 and a second end 50 that define a length of the clip 14. The magnetic band 30 of the clip 14 may be partially housed within the frame 28 of the clip 14 so as to be flush with the inner surface of the frame 28. The magnetic band 30 of the clip 14 may span a portion of the length of the clip 14. In some embodiments, the magnetic band 30 of the clip 14 may extend the majority of the length of the clip 14. The one or more end magnets 32 of the clip 14 may also be partially housed within the frame 28 of the clip 14 so as to be flush with the inner surface of the frame 28. The one or more end magnets 32 of the clip 14 may be positioned proximate to the first end 48 and the second end 50 of the frame 28. The clip 14 may be configured to removably secure to the nosepiece 12.

With reference now to FIG. 13, a cross-sectional view of the nosepiece 12 is illustrated with the cross-sectional cut being taken horizontally along the length of the nosepiece 12. As can be seen from FIG. 13 and as has been described above, the nosepiece 12 may have a first end 36 and a second end 38 defining a length of the nosepiece 12. The nosepiece 12 may be configured to fit conformably on a user's face. The magnetic band 24 of the nosepiece 12, the one or more end magnets 26 of the nosepiece 12, and the flexible band 22 may be encased within the housing 20 of the nosepiece 12. The flexible band 22 may extend proximate to the first end 36 of the nosepiece 12, along the length of the nosepiece 12, and proximate to the second end 38 of the nosepiece 12. The flexible band 22 may be positioned posteriorly to the magnetic band 24 of the nosepiece 12. The magnetic band 24 of the nosepiece 12 may extend along the length of the nosepiece 12 within the housing 20. The one or more end magnets 26 may be positioned anteriorly to the flexible band 22 and may be positioned proximate to the ends 36 and 38 of the nosepiece 12. The flap 44 is also illustrated as described above. The flap 44 may have a slit 46 positioned proximate to the center of the flap 44 extending from an outer edge of the flap 44 toward the inner surface 42 of the nosepiece 12.

With reference now to FIG. 14, a close-up view taken along the circle labeled 14 of FIG. 12 is illustrated. As can be seen, one or more end magnets 32 of the clip 14 and the magnetic band 30 of the clip 14 may be partially housed within the frame 28 of the clip 14 as described above. The one or more end magnets 32 of the clip 14 may be proximate to the ends of the clip 14 with FIG. 14 showing one end magnet 32 of the clip 14 proximate to the second end 50 of the clip 14.

With reference now to FIG. 15, a close-up view of the second end 38 of the nosepiece 12 taken along the circle labeled 15 of FIG. 13 is illustrated. As can be seen, one or more end magnets 26 of the nosepiece 12 may be positioned proximate to the second end 38 of the nosepiece 12 within the housing 20. The flexible band 22 of the nosepiece 12 may be comprised of a bend 52 proximate to the first and second ends 36 and 38 of the nosepiece 12. The bends 52 may be configured to hold and be attached to the one or more end magnets 26 of the nosepiece 12. In this manner, the end magnets 26 of the nosepiece 12 may be posteriorly positioned when compared with the magnetic band 24 of the nosepiece 12.

With reference now to FIG. 16, a method of properly fitting and securing a face mask to the face of a user will now be disclosed. The method may also provide for the prevention of eyewear fogging up while a user wears both a face mask and eyewear. The method may further provide for the prevention of a face mask slipping or rubbing up and down on a user's face while in use. One skilled in the art would recognize that the method may include some or all of the steps described below. One skilled in the art would also recognize that the steps described below may work just as well in different order from what is described below.

One step 110 may include determining whether a face mask has a nose bar and if the face mask has a nose bar, flipping the mask upside down such that the nose bar of the face mask is proximate with a chin of a user.

Another step 112 may include removably securing the face mask between a nosepiece and a clip of a face mask accessory.

The step of 112 may further include removably securing a portion of a face mask proximate to an upper border of a face mask, proximate to a user's eyes, between the nosepiece and the clip of the face mask accessory.

The step of 112 may further include removably sealing the face mask between the nosepiece and the clip of the face mask accessory.

The step 112 may utilize magnets to removably secure and seal the face mask between the nosepiece and the clip of the face mask accessory.

The step 112 may utilize a mechanical means of removably securing the face mask between the nosepiece and the clip of a face mask accessory such as a zipper system, buttons, clips, snaps, etc.

The step 112 may utilize both magnetic and mechanical means of removably securing and sealing the face mask between the nosepiece and the clip of a face mask accessory.

Another step 114 may include placing the nosepiece over a user's face so as to be over the user's nose and cheeks.

When the nosepiece is placed over a user's nose and cheeks, the face mask may be positioned to completely cover the user's nose and mouth. In the instance of the face mask having the nose bar, the nose bar may be positioned proximate to the user's chin.

Another step 116 may include stretching elastic ear bands of the face mask over the user's ears.

The step 116 may include securing and pressing the nosepiece over the user's face while stretching the elastic ear bands of the face mask over the user's ears.

The step of 116 may further include pushing and securing a flap of the nosepiece of the face mask accessory against the face of a user such that the flap flexes against the user's face to prevent the face mask from slipping down the user's face while in use.

Another step 118 may include creating a hermetic seal at the nosepiece such that air is blocked from flowing from a portion of the user's face below the nosepiece to a portion of the face above the nosepiece and vice versa.

The step of 118 wherein the hermetic seal is created by flexion of the flap against a user's face when the nosepiece is pressed against the user's face.

Another step 120 may be, if the face mask has a nose bar, forming the nose bar of the face mask around the chin and/or lower jaw of the user.

Although specific embodiments of the face mask accessory 10 along with systems and methods of fitting and securing face masks to a user's face have been described in detail above for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited except as by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A mask accessory comprising:

a nosepiece having a first end, a second end, an outer surface, and an inner surface, wherein the first and the second end define a length of the nosepiece and wherein the inner surface may be configured to fit over a user's nose with the outer surface facing away from the user's face; and
a clip configured to removably secure a face mask between the clip and the nosepiece.

2. The mask accessory of claim 1, further comprising at least one flap, wherein one edge of the flap is attached to the inner surface of the nosepiece, the flap being configured to flex against a user's face upon placement of the nosepiece on a user's face.

3. The mask accessory of claim 2, wherein, upon flexion against the user's face, the at least one flap forms a hermetic seal between a portion of the user's face being inferior to the placement of the nosepiece on the user's face and a portion of the user's face being superior to the placement of the nosepiece.

4. The mask accessory of claim 2, wherein the at least one flap is comprised of a slit running from an outer edge of the flap toward the edge attached to the inner surface of the nosepiece, wherein the slit acts to separate the at least one flap into two sections upon flexion of the flap against the user's face.

5. The mask accessory of claim 1, wherein the nosepiece further comprises a nose section and two cheek sections, the nose section being curved to fit over the user's nose and the two cheek portions being configured to fit over the user's cheeks.

6. The mask accessory of claim 2, wherein the nosepiece and the at least one flap are configured to ergonomically fit over the user's face.

7. The mask accessory of claim 1, wherein the clip is configured to removably secure a face mask between the clip and the nosepiece through the use of magnets.

8. A mask accessory comprising:

a nosepiece having a first end and a second end that define a length of the nosepiece, the nosepiece being comprised of a flexible band, a magnetic band, and a housing, the flexible band having an outer face and an inner face, the magnetic band being secured to the outer face of the flexible band, and the housing configured to enclose the flexible band and the magnetic band; and
a clip having a first end and a second end that define a length of the clip, the clip being comprised of a frame and a magnetic band, the frame having an outer face and an inner face, the magnetic band being secured to the inner face of the frame, and the clip being configured to magnetically removably secure a face mask between the clip and the nosepiece.

9. The mask accessory of claim 8, wherein the flexible band of the nosepiece is semi-rigid so as to allow flexion while maintaining its shape after flexion and wherein the frame of the clip is bendable so as to allow a user to alter its shape.

10. The mask accessory of claim 8, wherein the flexible band of the nosepiece is bendable so as to allow a user to alter its shape and wherein the frame of the clip is semi-rigid so as to allow flexion while maintaining its shape after flexion.

11. The mask accessory of claim 8, wherein the housing is comprised of an elastomer.

12. The mask accessory of claim 8, further comprising at least one flap, wherein one edge of the flap is attached to an inner surface of the housing of the nosepiece, the flap being configured to flex against a user's face upon placement of the nosepiece on a user's face.

13. The mask accessory of claim 12, wherein, upon flexion against the user's face, the at least one flap forms a hermetic seal between a portion of the user's face being inferior to the placement of the nosepiece on the user's face and a portion of the user's face being superior to the placement of the nosepiece.

14. The mask accessory of claim 12, wherein the at least one flap is comprised of a slit running from an outer edge of the flap toward the edge attached to the housing, wherein the slit acts to separate the at least one flap into two sections upon flexion of the flap against the user's face.

15. The mask accessory of claim 8, wherein the nosepiece is further comprised of at least one rigid magnet positioned proximate to the first end of the nosepiece and at least one rigid magnet positioned proximate to the second end of the nosepiece, wherein the clip is further comprised of at least one rigid magnet positioned proximate to the first end of the clip and at least one rigid magnet positioned proximate to the second end of the clip, and wherein the rigid magnets of the clip are configured to removably secure to the rigid magnets of the nosepiece.

16. The mask accessory of claim 13, wherein the hermetic seal is further configured to prevent eyewear of a user from fogging and wherein the flap is further configured to prevent the mask from slipping on the user's face.

17. A method of wearing a face mask comprising:

removably securing a disposable face mask having elastic ear loops between a nosepiece and a clip of a face mask accessory;
placing the nosepiece over a user's nose and cheeks such that the face mask covers the user's nose and mouth;
stretching the elastic ear loops of the mask over the user's ears such that the mask accessory is removably secured on a user's face; and
pushing a flap of the nosepiece against the user's face such that the flap flexes against the user's face to prevent the face mask from slipping on the user's face while in use.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the step of removably securing a disposable face mask having elastic ear loops between a nosepiece and a clip of a face mask accessory further comprises removably securing an upper border of the face mask between the nosepiece and the clip.

19. The method of claim 17 further including the step of determining whether the face mask has a nose bar and if the face mask has a nose bar, flipping the mask upside down such that the nose bar of the face mask is proximate with a chin of the user.

20. The method of claim 17 further including the step of pushing a flap of the nosepiece against the user's face such that the flap flexes against the user's face forming a hermetic seal between a portion of the user's face inferior to the placement of the nosepiece and a portion of the user's face superior to the placement of the nosepiece.

Patent History
Publication number: 20230363474
Type: Application
Filed: May 16, 2023
Publication Date: Nov 16, 2023
Applicant: Aquila Co., LLC (Centennial, CO)
Inventors: Garret DeCarlo (Centennial, CO), Nicholas Zdeb (Arlington, VA)
Application Number: 18/318,688
Classifications
International Classification: A41D 13/11 (20060101);