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Multi-use eye mask or shield

Inactive Publication Date: 2012-08-02
MCMULLEN JOSEPH E
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014]In a second embodiment of the invention the eye mask partially blocks the ambient air and light transmitted to the eyes of a user for protection against airborne particles, for limited sight training and the like. The thin flexible plastic sheet with left and right protrusions is the same as in the first embodiment. The left and right protrusions formed in the plastic sheet again extend outward from the user's face. However, small openings are made in the protrusions to allow limited or controlled vision and provide a controlled sight device. Once again, the adhesive portion is placed on the same interior surface around an outer periphery of said foam sheet as in the first embodiment.

Problems solved by technology

However, small openings are made in the protrusions to allow limited or controlled vision and provide a controlled sight device.

Method used

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  • Multi-use eye mask or shield
  • Multi-use eye mask or shield
  • Multi-use eye mask or shield

Examples

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first embodiment

[0030]Referring now in more detail to the drawings, the invention will now be described in more detail. In the front elevation view of FIG. 1A an eye mask of the invention is placed on the face of the user. The eye mask 20 has a main mask portion 22 made of a flexible sheet. The mask portion fits around the left and right eye sockets 12 of the user 10 and extends over the lower forehead, above the eyebrows, across the nose bridge to both lateral temples and under both eyes along the upper cheeks. In this first embodiment the mask can be made opaque to serve as a sleeping mask. The material used should at least limit light transmission to the eyes of the user. A plastic or fabric material with adequate flexibility can be used. Reference to the flexible sheet means either a plastic or a fabric material. However, an open-celled plastic foam is best for good porosity to prevent build-up of moisture behind flexible sheet 22 and amassing of odors. This problem is partially solved in this ...

second embodiment

[0037]In the invention, apertures can be formed in right and / or left eye protrusions 24 and 26 respectively, as shown by the dotted lines in FIG. 4. The preferred apertures can be in the form of slots 27a or circular holes 27b. The slot aperture in one protrusion simulates “tunnel vision” in that eye and blindness in the opaque protrusion of the other eye. Therefore, the eye mask becomes a controlled sight device. A trainee becomes acclimated to sight impairment and learns to employ the skills necessary during sight impairment. (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,826,784). In addition, some people cannot sleep with total darkness. Therefore, the slot or apertures can solve this problem by allowing limited light to pass through the mask.

[0038]For the purpose of future discussions the previous discussion of the first and second embodiments of the invention used the term “eye mask” to describe the invention. The eye mask refers to the main embodiment and that with eye protrusions 24 and 26 for convex...

third embodiment

[0039]The main mask portion 22 of FIG. 4 has been formed in the opposite direction to provide an eye shield 40, as illustrated in the perspective view of FIG. 6. This perspective view illustrates how main shield portion 42 can be deformed to form eye shield 40. The eye shield is installed on the user's face when lateral tabs 43 make contact with the user's temples when the nose bridge 48 makes contact with the upper part of the user's nose. Forehead portion 45 is now in contact with the lower forehead of the user above the eyebrows and cheek portions 49 are in contact with the user's upper cheeks. The protrusions now become a right eye recess 44 and a left eye recess (not shown). In one aspect of the third embodiment this configuration of the eye shield protects both eyes from corneal abrasion and liquids contacting the delicate eyes during surgery. However, many medical applications of this embodiment will be to apply a pressure bandage to only one eye after surgery. This is illust...

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Abstract

The invention comprises a thin flexible plastic sheet shaped to cover a users eyes and the user's face adjacent to the eyes. Left and right protrusions or recesses formed in the plastic sheet correspond in shape to respective eye sockets of the user. An adhesive portion placed on the interior surface of the plastic sheet attaches the mask to the user's face so that light reaching the eyes of the user is at least limited and can be excluded. The recessed embodiment is used during and after medical treatment of the eye or eyes.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention is directed to providing a mask or shield for the protection or control of the environment affecting the human eyes. The mask or shield is a simple device to help cover the eyes when they would otherwise be in danger of being damaged or influence the health and well being of the user if left uncovered.[0002]Some of the most common uses of an eye mask or shield include the blocking out of light during sleep, protecting of an eye after surgery and protection against certain environmental conditions such as sand, dust and snow. Complete prevention of light transmission to the user helps one sleep. However, the mask should be attached to the user's face and kept from shifting which may occur during sleep by contact with a pillow. Prevention of a shift during sleep has been solved by attaching the sleep mask with an adhesive. Typical patents that disclose a protective mask or light shield held in place by an adhesive include U.S. Pat. Nos. ...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): A41D13/11
CPCA41D13/1184A41D13/1169
Inventor MCMULLEN, JOSEPH E.
Owner MCMULLEN JOSEPH E
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