Facial Spacer Device and Associated Methods

Abstract

The present invention provides systems and methods for decreasing breath condensation on a facial garment or covering. In one aspect, for example, a system for creating a breathing space between a facial covering and a subject's mouth and nose can include a facial covering operable to at least partially encircle at least a portion of a subject's head and / or neck and a facial spacer operable to be removably positioned between the facial covering and the subject adjacent the subject's mouth and nose. The facial spacer is free to move relative to the facial covering when the facial covering is in position adjacent the subject's mouth and nose.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to face coverings and devices and methods associated therewith.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Conventional cold weather face masks, neck garments, and the like, have been used for some time to protect users from cold environments. While some such articles provide a comfortable fit, others can be cumbersome and restrictive, particularly when used in cold environments. In some cases, such has been accomplished by wrapping the face and head with various materials. In some cases, holes have been added to facilitate breathing. Such wrapping can provide some protection from the cold, but can also facilitate breath condensation forming around the mouth and nose. Breath condensation tends to make a user feel cold and uncomfortable, and can in some cases restrict breathing and speech.[0003]Specific types of head / neck wrappings that are common at ski resorts include balaclavas and neck garments, also known as “neck gators.”...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004]Accordingly, the present invention provides systems and methods for decreasing breath condensation on a facial garment or covering. In one aspect, for example, a system for creating a breathing space between a facial covering and a subject's mouth and nose can include a facial covering operable to at least partially encircle at least a portion of a subject's head and / or neck and a facial spacer operable to be removably positioned between the facial covering and the subject adjacent the subject's mouth and nose. The facial spacer is free to move relative to the facial covering when the facial covering is in position adjacent the subject's mouth and nose and while the spacer is positioned between the facial covering and the subject's mouth and nose.

[0006]In another specific aspect, the facial spacer has a structural configuration such that, when positioned over the mouth and nose, a space is created between a subject's chin and the facial spacer sufficient to allow the chin to move without contacting the facial spacer. Such a configuration allows a subject to move the chin during speaking and breathing without having the chin contact the facial spacer.

[0008]The present invention additionally provides methods of reducing breath condensation on a facial covering. Such a method can include pulling a facial covering way from a contact position with a subject's mouth and nose, and inserting a facial spacer between the facial covering and the subject adjacent the subject's mouth and nose. Thus the facial spacer maintains the facial covering in position away from the subject's mouth and nose. In one aspect, the facial spacer is held in a position adjacent the subject's mouth and nose by pressure between the facial covering and the subject. Furthermore, the method can also include removing the facial spacer from between the facial covering and the subject's mouth and nose to allow the facial covering to return to the contact position. Once removed, the facial spacer can be collapsed to reduce the effective volume of the facial spacer for storage.

[0009]In another aspect, a method of reducing breath condensation on a facial covering can include observing breath condensation on a facial covering adjacent a subject's mouth and nose, pulling the facial covering way from a contact position with the subject's mouth and nose, and inserting a facial spacer between the facial covering and the subject adjacent the subject's mouth and nose. In this case the facial spacer maintains the facial covering in position away from the subject's mouth and nose. The method can further include observing a reduction in the breath condensation on the facial covering, removing the facial spacer from between the facial covering and the subject's mouth and nose to allow the facial covering to return to the contact position, and collapsing the facial spacer to reduce the effective volume of the facial spacer for storage.

Problems solved by technology

While some such articles provide a comfortable fit, others can be cumbersome and restrictive, particularly when used in cold environments.

Breath condensation tends to make a user feel cold and uncomfortable, and can in some cases restrict breathing and speech.

As many of these garments are designed to elastically fit to the face and neck, moisture from exhaled air can penetrate the material and freeze, leaving the frozen or moist garment wrapped tightly around the users face.

Additionally, goggles and glasses often tend to fog as well when breath is dispersed throughout the garment.

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