Face mask having closable opening and method of reducing exposure to respiratory illness

a mask and closable technology, applied in the direction of garments, garment fasteners, protective garments, etc., can solve the problems of inconvenient wearing of masks, people risk exposing themselves or others to respiratory illnesses, etc., and achieve the effects of convenient opening and closing, greater societal acceptance of masks, and improved protection

Inactive Publication Date: 2020-10-22
OFF CAMPUS SOCIAL LLC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]The face mask may also have clasps for the flap. The mask may include a first clasp for securing the flap over the opening and a second clasp for securing the flap away from the opening. The first clasp has a first portion attached to the cloth on a first side of the mask selected from the right side or the left side and a second portion of the first clasp attached to the flap. The second clasp has a first portion attached to the cloth on a second side of the mask opposed to the first side and a second portion of the second clasp attached to the flap. Preferably, the flap comprises a free end and the second portion of the first clasp is attached proximal to the free end, i.e. distal from the end opposite to the free end. The free end may extend more than about 0.25 inches and preferably more than 0.5 inches away from the mouth opening so that it is easy for the wearer to open the flap without touching the mouth opening and the mouth. Preferably, the first portion of the first clasp is located more than about 0.25 inches from the mouth opening too so that it is easy for the wearer to open the flap without touching the mouth opening and the mouth.
[0009]Preferably, the clasps are magnetic to make it easy to use the clasps and to make it less likely for a wearer to accidentally touch the mouth opening or the wearer's mouth while undoing the clasp. More preferably, the first portion of the first clasp has a first magnet, the second portion of the first clasp has a second magnet, the first portion of the second clasp has a third magnet, and the second portion of the second clasp has the second magnet. Preferably, the flap has a free end and the second magnet is attached proximal to the free end, i.e. distal from the end opposite to the free end. The free end extends more than about 0.25 inches and preferably more than 0.5 inches away from the mouth opening so that it is easy for the wearer to open the flap without touching the mouth opening and the mouth. Preferably, the first magnet is located more than about 0.25 inches from the mouth opening too so that it is easy for the wearer to open the flap without touching the mouth opening and the mouth.
[0014]The mask of the invention permits eating and drinking so it isn't necessary to remove a mask. Because the opening can be opened and closed easily, it is likely that the mask of the invention will be more protective than ones that have to be removed for eating and drinking. Additionally, this convenience may cause greater societal acceptance of masks and therefore reduce exposures to respiratory illnesses and reduce the personal (physical, psychological and emotional) effects and societal effects of a pandemic of a respiratory illness.

Problems solved by technology

Some people object to use of face masks because wearing them is inconvenient.
As a result, these people risk exposing themselves or others to respiratory illnesses.

Method used

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  • Face mask having closable opening and method of reducing exposure to respiratory illness
  • Face mask having closable opening and method of reducing exposure to respiratory illness
  • Face mask having closable opening and method of reducing exposure to respiratory illness

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0019]In a first aspect of the invention, a face mask 10 is provided. Face mask 10 has one or more straps 12, cloth 14, and flap 16. Straps 12 may be woven or non-woven cloth and may be elastic, particularly if the mask is intended to loop around the ears as shown, or substantially non-elastic if the straps are intended to be tied around the back of the head or fastened in any other manner. Cloth 14 has an exterior face 18 and an interior face (not shown). Exterior face 18 may be convex such that the interior face (not shown) is concave to better fit over the chin of a wearer. Cloth 14 may be made from any suitable woven or non-woven fabric including, but not limited to, cotton, synthetic plastic fibers (polypropylene and others), neoprene, chiffon, silk, nylon, polyester, flannel, spandex satin and fabrics qualified for use in personal protective equipment or provided that the cloth is breathable. Cloth 14 may have different layers which may be of different materials. Flap 16 has a...

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PUM

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Abstract

A face mask having an opening covered by a flap is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of reducing exposure to a respiratory illness while eating or drinking.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 039,073, filed Jun. 15, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]Respiratory illnesses including COVID-19 can be spread by droplets and aerosols. The Centers for Disease Control and authorities in countries outside the US recommend the wearing of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These masks cover the mouth and nose. To eat or drink, it is necessary for the wearer to remove the mask.[0003]A need therefore exists for a mask that permits eating or drinking.[0004]Some people object to use of face masks because wearing them is inconvenient. As a result, these people risk exposing themselves or others to respiratory illnesses.[0005]A need therefore exists for a mask that is ore convenient to wear.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[0006]A first aspect of the invention is a face mask to be worn by a wearer for reducing exposure...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): A41D13/11
CPCA41D13/1107A41D13/11A41F1/002
Inventor HOWARD, CHARLESDAWSON, JAMES CONNORGRACE, TAYLOR
Owner OFF CAMPUS SOCIAL LLC
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