FACE COVERING

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a face covering. background

[0002] Face coverings, also called masks, mouth guards, makeshift masks, mouth-nose protection or mouth-nose protection masks, are generally known from the state of the art. A mouth-nose protection as a face covering serves to contain germs, viruses and pathogens, as well as environmental toxins that are secreted and / or inhaled by the wearer of the face covering. A face covering can also offer a certain degree of protection, sometimes with a time delay, before larger droplets are absorbed. Face coverings for this purpose are known, for example, from CN 108 211 157 A or CN 109 463 819 A. Medical and PPE mouth-nose protection masks are also known. Non-medical makeshift masks are also usually sewn by the meter and are available on the market in various designs. Various materials and holders for the head and ears in the form of sewn-on elastic bands are available.

[0003] In this context, it has now become apparent that there is a need to further improve such a face covering, in particular, there is a need to provide a cost-effective and comfortable face covering. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved face covering, in particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a face covering that is as cost-effective and comfortable as possible.

[0004] These and other objects, which will be mentioned upon reading the following description or which may be recognized by a person skilled in the art, are achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims develop the central idea of ​​the present invention in a particularly advantageous manner. Summary of the invention

[0005] A face covering according to the invention comprises: a tubular member; a first loop disposed on the tubular member and configured to be attached to a first ear of a human; a second loop disposed on the tubular member and configured to be attached to a second ear of the human; and wherein the tubular member, the first loop, and the second loop are integral.

[0006] The term face covering is to be understood broadly in this case and includes all elements that are designed to be placed on the face and cover it. Synonyms for face covering include, for example, mask, makeshift mask, mouth and nose protection mask and mouth and nose protection mask. The term tubular element is to be understood broadly in this case and includes hollow-shaped textile elements. The textile element is, for example, single-layered or double-layered. The tubular element is, for example, manufactured seamlessly. The tubular element is, for example, manufactured using a pantyhose machine. The term loop is to be understood broadly in this case and includes openings that are designed to at least partially enclose an ear in such a way that the loop can hold on to the ear or be attached there without any further action.

[0007] The invention is based on the finding that there are various materials and holders on the market in the form of sewn-on elastic bands for face coverings, with the face covering usually being sewn from meter-long fabric. These holders tend to cut in after a while and consequently offer little wearing comfort. By providing a one-piece face covering made of a material that is preferably pleasant to the human being, lasting wearing comfort is ensured. By omitting elastic bands or the like, cutting into the human skin or increased pressure on a contact surface of the holder on the human ear is avoided. The one-piece face covering makes it possible to reduce manufacturing steps, as well as overall storage and production costs and the environmental impact.A soft and gradual rebound of the ear loop material from the main material of the textile from which the face covering is made enables a comfortable wearing experience.

[0008] Preferably, the face covering is circularly knitted or warp-knitted. Knitting, circular knitting, and / or warp-knitting as manufacturing processes for the face covering enable fully automated production. Circular knitting or warp-knitting allows for the introduction of holes into the face covering that function as loops. Knitting, circular knitting, or warp-knitting allows for the introduction of different material properties during the manufacturing process, preferably the adjustment of elasticity at local points of the material. For example, the loops are produced through automatically knitted, machine-programmed hole selection.

[0009] Preferably, the first loop and the second loop are bi-elastic. This bi-elastic design prevents the loops from cutting into the skin. The bi-elastic design can be adjusted directly during the manufacturing process by weakening the material structure. For example, the density of the area can be reduced.

[0010] The face covering is preferably made of a single- or double-layer synthetic fiber fabric, such as multi-fiber fabric or a single- or double-layer microfiber fabric, or natural fibers and / or a water-repellent fabric. For improved personal protection, a surgical nonwoven mask or a finished synthetic or natural fiber material, such as cotton (BW), can be inserted into the two-layer textile structure. The materials can be biodegradable and / or made from recycled fibers, meaning they can be recycled after use.

[0011] In the following, the term "finishing" refers to the application of an agent, such as silver chloride or zinc. In other words, the term "finishing" refers to impregnation.

[0012] Preferably, the face covering has no seams. This is achieved by manufacturing it using embroidery, circular knitting, or warp knitting.

[0013] Preferably, the tube element is configured to accommodate a nonwoven respiratory protection mask and / or a respiratory protection fabric inside the tube element. This can increase the protective effect and the range of application of the face covering.

[0014] According to the invention, the first loop and the second loop are arranged at a first end of the tubular element. Such a design is referred to as a bandana. For example, the bandana is single-layered. For example, the bandana is produced using a circular knitting process on a body cylinder of a seamless machine (e.g., Santoni type SM8). The bandana can be worn comfortably over the head.

[0015] The tubular element preferably comprises a textile pocket designed to accommodate a textile middle layer. The textile middle layer comprises, for example, a fleece, a non-woven fleece, an antiviral material, bacteriostatic material, or an FFP2 material. The textile material to be inserted can be made of synthetic fiber, such as polyamide, or natural fiber, such as cotton, and can also be antiviral and / or bacteriostatic. As a further option, a 3-5 layer non-woven respiratory protection fleece can be inserted in front of the mouth and nose. The production of the textile pocket, which creates an insertable third middle layer, thus also enables an FFP 1-3 respiratory protection mask to be inserted into the intermediate layer in front of the mouth and nose. The textile middle layer can be sewn in and / or inserted. This can have an overall beneficial effect on the protective effect and flexibility of use of the face covering.

[0016] Preferably, the tubular element has a three-dimensional knitted structure, wherein the three-dimensional knitted structure is shaped to include a recess for a person's mouth and nose. Using a special selection on the machine and the addition of gradual compression and variable elastane dosages during the manufacturing process, the 3D zone can be created in such a way that a slightly cup-shaped bulge of a respiratory protection zone of the face covering is created, adapted to the anatomy of the mouth and nose.

[0017] Preferably, the three-dimensional structure is further configured to adjust a breathing resistance pressure value. By varying the material thickness using the circular knitting or warp-knitting process, the breathing resistance pressure value can be adjusted or adjusted fully automatically. This can advantageously increase the range of applications of the face covering.

[0018] Preferably, silver chloride and / or a combination of silver chloride with and without liposomes is applied to the tubular element. This application, also referred to as a finish, can be significantly effective for up to at least five washes (at 60°C). The silver chloride can have a bacteriostatic effect and can inhibit odor. Furthermore, silver chloride is non-ionic. It is a biocidal product. For antiviral and bacteriostatic finishes, the following recipe can be used, for example: 0.3% silver chloride and / or 6% antiviral liposome finish are applied in proportion to the face covering weight. Application is preferably carried out using an exhaustion method.

[0019] The tube element preferably has ventilation areas. This can increase wearing comfort.

[0020] The face covering preferably comprises cooling or warming functional yarns. This allows for comfortable use of the face covering at different temperatures and enables use in different seasonal applications.

[0021] Face coverings, such as sheer stocking masks and bandana masks, can be manufactured in various sizes. For example, the face coverings can be produced in size 1 (adults, women, and men), size 2 (teenagers), and size 3 (children / toddlers). Size-specific adjustments can be achieved by using different cylinders during circular knitting and / or warp knitting.

[0022] The face coverings can be knitted or printed with designs fully automatically.

[0023] For example, washing the face covering removes any spool oils that may come from a needle bed of the knitting machine during manufacture.

[0024] For example, the face covering includes a first water-repellent finish: A hydrophobic agent is applied to the face covering to potentially reduce droplet infection. Hydrophobic agents are water-repellent, breathable, wash-resistant, and fluorine-free. Furthermore, the water-repellent finish can prevent the face covering from becoming moist while speaking, thus positively impacting comfort and the duration of wear.

[0025] For example, the face covering includes a second bacteriostatic finish: silver chloride is applied to the face covering with a bacteriostatic effect and to potentially inhibit odor (e.g. biocidal product).

[0026] Silver chloride is non-ionic.

[0027] For example, the face covering includes a water-repellent and bacteriostatic finish.

[0028] For example, the water-repellent finish and the bacteriostatic finish are prepared according to the following recipe: 0.3% silver chloride finish and 6% hydrophobic finish to the face covering weight of, for example, 13g.

[0029] For example, the material of the face covering is treated with a water-repellent additive. The active ingredient silver chloride is also applied in a drum at 60°C for 20 minutes using an exhaust process. The material is then dried at approximately 90°C and finally fixed at 150°C for 120 seconds. These treatments are significantly effective for at least five washes. Description of the preferred embodiments

[0030] Below is a detailed description of the figures, showing: Figure 1a schematic partial view of a face covering not according to the invention; Figure 2 a second schematic partial view of a face covering not according to the invention; Figure 3 a schematic partial view of a preferred embodiment of a face covering according to the invention; Figure 4 a second schematic partial view of a preferred embodiment of a face covering according to the invention; Figure 5 a first schematic partial view of a preferred embodiment of a face covering; Figure 6 a first schematic partial view of a preferred embodiment of a face covering; Figure 7 a first schematic partial view of a fifth preferred embodiment of a face covering; Figure 8 a second schematic partial view of a preferred embodiment of a face covering; Figure 9 a schematic oblique front view of a face covering not according to the invention; Figure 10a schematic rear view of a face covering not according to the invention; Figure 11 a schematic side view of a face covering not according to the invention; Figure 12 a schematic partial view of a face covering not according to the invention; Figure 13 a schematic partial view of a face covering not according to the invention; Figure 14 a second schematic partial view of a face covering not according to the invention; Figure 15 a schematic partial view of a face covering not according to the invention; and Figure 16 a schematic partial view of a face covering not according to the invention.

[0031] Figures 1 and 2show schematic partial views of an embodiment of a face covering 10 not according to the invention. The face covering 10 comprises a tubular element 11. The tubular element 11 is in this case a transverse, double-layered seamless pantyhose machine-knitted tubular fabric. Alternatively, it could also be a warp-knitted fabric. The tubular element 11 is produced fully automatically from a material using circular knitting or warp-knitting. The face covering 10 has two loops 12, 13 that were automatically knitted or warp-knitted using machine-programmed hole selection. The loops 12, 13 are designed as double-layered cuffs. The loops 12, 13 are located at two opposite ends of the tubular element 11. The tubular element 11 and the loops 12, 13 are made of the same material ("one piece"). For example, the face covering 10 is made of PA / PP / PES / BW / CV and / or EL blends.For example, the face covering 10 is produced fully automatically on a circular knitting or warp-knitting machine. The face covering 10 has an opening 14, 15 on the left and right, into which a surgical nonwoven mask or a protective material, e.g. made of cotton, can be inserted if necessary to additionally protect the wearer. The face covering 10 can include bi-elastic bars, slats, ventilation zones with colorful designs and motifs, or 3D knitted / knitted fabric. These can be incorporated using machine-programmed selections for gathering and a better fit. The face covering 10 can include versions for children / toddlers (size 3), teenager masks (size 2), and adults (size 1). The face covering 10 is worn crosswise with the two loops 12, 13 in two layers over the mouth / nose / chin and fastened at the ears.

[0032] Figure 3 and Figure 4show schematic partial views of a preferred embodiment of the invention. In contrast to Figures 1 and 2 , the loops 21 and 22 of the face covering 20 are arranged on the same side. This form, known as the bandana variant, is a tube scarf with two loops 21, 22 on the same side for positioning or fastening to the ears. The face covering 20 is designed as a single layer. The bandana variant can also be designed as a double layer. Figure 3 shows an external view and Figure 4An interior view. Bandana variant 20 is knitted as a seamless tube. Alternatively, it could also be manufactured using a warp-knitting process. The bandana variant is pulled over the head. The tube element 23 has a three-dimensional knitted structure 24, wherein the three-dimensional knitted structure 24 is shaped such that it has a recess for a person's mouth and nose area. With the help of a special selection and addition of gradual compression and variable elastane dosages during the manufacturing process, the 3D zone is created in such a way that a slightly bowl-shaped bulge of a respiratory protection zone of the face covering is created, adapted to the anatomy of the mouth and nose.

[0033] Figure 5shows a bandana variant of a face covering 30, which comprises a textile pocket 31 configured to accommodate a textile middle layer. The textile pocket 31 is arranged vertically on the face covering. The textile middle layer comprises, for example, a fleece, a non-woven fleece, a BW antiviral material, bacteriostatic material, or an FFP2 material. The textile material to be inserted can, for example, consist of cotton and can additionally be antiviral and / or bacteriostatically treated. As a further option, a 3-5 layer non-woven respiratory protection fleece can be inserted in front of the mouth and nose. The textile middle layer can be inserted or sewn in.

[0034] Figure 6 also shows a bandana variant of a face covering 40, which comprises a textile pocket 41, which is designed to receive a textile middle layer. In contrast to the Figure 5In the variant shown, the textile pocket 41 is arranged horizontally on the face covering 40.

[0035] Figure 7 and Figure 8 show an extension of the Figures 1 and 2 shown embodiment is a textile bag 51. The Figure 7 shows an external view and the Figure 8 An interior view of a face covering 50 with a textile pocket 51 for accommodating a textile middle layer. The textile middle layer can be inserted or sewn in. The textile middle layer can be, for example, an FFP1-3 respirator mask.

[0036] Figure 9, Figure 10 and Figure 11each show an oblique front view, a rear view, and a side view of an embodiment of a face covering 60 not according to the invention. The face covering 60 has a single-layer tubular element 62 with two loops 63 each. Furthermore, the face covering 60 has a shaping seam 61, which is designed to create a shape corresponding to a mouth-nose contour on the face covering 60. The face covering 60 is designed to accommodate an FFP2 mask (not shown).

[0037] Figure 12 shows a schematic partial view of a non-inventive embodiment of a face covering 70. In contrast to the Figures 9, 10 and 11 shows Figure 12An FFP2 mask 73 is arranged in the face covering 70, wherein the ear loop 72 of the FFP2 mask is guided through the loop 74 of the face covering such that a wearer can comfortably wear the FFP2 mask underneath the face covering. The ear loop 72 of the FFP2 mask is arranged on the wearer's ears.

[0038] Figure 13 and Figure 14 show schematic partial views of an embodiment of a face covering 80 not according to the invention. The face covering 80 is designed in two layers and further has a shaping seam 81 which is designed to depict a shape corresponding to a mouth-nose contour on the face covering 80.

[0039] Figure 15shows a schematic partial view of an embodiment of a face covering 90 not according to the invention. The face covering 90 comprises a tube element 91, which is designed in two layers, and loops 92. Furthermore, the face covering 90 comprises a textile pocket, which is designed via a centrally arranged opening 93 for receiving a respiratory mask and / or a nonwoven.

[0040] Figure 16 shows a schematic partial view of a non-inventive embodiment of a face covering 100. The face covering 100 comprises a tube element 101, which is designed in two layers, and loops 103. In contrast to the Figure 15 In the embodiment shown, the face covering comprises a textile pocket which is arranged via two openings 102 arranged on the left and right for receiving a respiratory mask and / or a fleece. List of reference symbols

[0041] 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100Face covering 11, 23, 62, 91Tube element 12, 13, 21, 22, 63, 74, 82, 92, 103Loop 14, 15, 93, 102Opening 24Three-dimensional knitted structure 31, 41, 51Textile pocket 61, 71, 81Shaping seam 72Ear holder FFP2 mask 73FFP2 mask

Claims

1. A face covering (20, 30, 40) comprising: a tubular member (23); a first loop (21, 22) disposed on the tubular member (23) and configured to be attached to a first ear of a human; a second loop (21, 22) disposed on the tubing member (23) and configured to be attached to a second ear of the human; and wherein the tubing member (23), the first loop (21, 22) and the second loop (21, 22) are in one piece, characterized in that the first loop (21, 22) and the second loop (21, 22) are arranged at a first end of the tubular element (23).

2. Face covering (20, 30, 40) according to claim 1, wherein the tubular element (23) is circularly knitted or crocheted.

3. Face covering (20, 30, 40) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first loop (21, 22) and the second loop (21, 22) are bi-elastic.

4. Face covering (20, 30, 40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the face covering (20, 30, 40) is made of a double-layered multifiber fabric or a double-layered microfiber fabric and / or a water-repellent fabric.

5. Face covering (20, 30, 40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the face covering (20, 30, 40) has no seams.

6. Face covering (20, 30, 40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular element (23) is configured to receive a nonwoven respirator mask and / or a respirator fabric in the interior of the tubular element (23).

7. Face covering (20, 30, 40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular element (23) comprises a textile pocket (31, 41, 51) configured to receive a textile middle layer.

8. Face covering (20, 30, 40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular member (23) comprises a three-dimensional knitted structure (24), the three-dimensional structure (24) being shaped to have a recess for a human's mouth and nose.

9. Face covering (20, 30, 40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein silver chloride and / or a combination of silver chloride with liposome is applied to the tubular element (23).

10. Face covering (20, 30, 40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular element (23) has ventilation areas.

11. Face covering (20, 30, 40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the face covering (20, 30, 40) comprises cooling and / or warming functional yarns.