Garment mask for filtering breathable particles

Abstract

A garment formed of a fabric that permits passage of inhaled and exhaled breath therethrough, comprising a portion of the garment optionally configurable between a first mode wherein the portion is folded away from the mouth and nose of a wearer of the garment and a second mode wherein the portion is disposed over the mouth and nose of a wearer of the garment, and an element of a medical filtration material disposed within the portion such that the element is positioned in the pathway of the inhaled and exhaled breath when the garment is in the second mode.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention relates to an apparatus for filtering particles from air to be breathed or exhaled or both; more particularly, to masks for the protection of wearers, including but not limited to health workers, first responders, construction workers and athletes in in addition to ordinary people, from inhaling bacteria and / or viruses; as well as airborne irritants and most particularly to a garment, exemplarily a turtleneck-type, containing a mask material element concealed within a garment portion that is deployable over a wearer's mouth and nose.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]It is well known in the filtration and health arts to provide so-called disposable or single-use surgical and / or dust masks in the form of a pouch that covers a wearer's mouth and nose and semi-seals against the surrounding skin to condition the air being inhaled and exhaled by the wearer. Such masks typically are held in place during use by one or more straps, that may be elasti...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a device that can be worn to filter air. The device has a collar that can be tightened around the wearer's face and ears to prevent air from leaking. The collar can be secured with a draw-cord or slots in the turtleneck. The turtleneck also has a deformable nose bridge that helps create a better seal with the wearer's face. This device is designed to provide effective air filtration and comfort for the wearer.

Problems solved by technology

Wearers of such commercial masks are obvious and in some cases are embarrassed to wear them.

Many people also resist using these masks because they look like hospital wear and identify the user as either unhealthy or wary of those they are sharing the environment with.

A shortcoming of this invention is that the entire mask is formed of the filtration material, which is expensive, wasteful of such material, and uncomfortable since only the portion through which the wearer breathes is actually used.

Further, in use the mask is not adequately secured in position over the user's face.

In the deployed positon, this mask looks like a typical mask so that the filtration system is very conspicuous to anyone the wearer encounters, which in turn results in stigmatizing both the wearer (as discussed above), as well as people in visual contact with the wearer.

Contrary to the application's assertion that “the hoodie garment creates a socially acceptable means of wearing a HEPA facemask to protect the wearer from environmental factors including allergens, bacteria, and viruses”, in various societies hoodie garments are perceived as socially undesirable or threatening.

Further, a hoodie garment is not a garment of choice in warm-weather climates as the entire head and torso is covered and thus insulated against cooling.

Still further, this invention fails to provide a sealed fit that restricts the flow of air in and out as the user breathes through the mask portion while in use.

Finally, since the garment simply incorporates what looks like a standard HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter into a hood, the filtration system is very conspicuous to anyone the wearer encounters, which in turn results in stigmatizing both the wearer (as discussed above), as well as people in visual contact with the wearer.

A mask such as Gray that captures microbes by adherence to its surface will likely have an even shorter use-life between washings.

Another issue with this garment is that the filtration portion of the garment is sticky and uncomfortable for the wearer.

And still a further issue with that garment is that the filtration system is very conspicuous to anyone the wearer encounters, which results in stigmatizing both the wearer (as discussed above), as well as people in visual contact with the wearer.

For airborne contaminants, irritants and dust the Gray filtration is not efficacious and by capturing the particles on its surface will quickly become clogged and inhibit breathing, not to mention look menacing and unattractive.

In addition, the Gray filter is not designed for use by an active user such as an athlete or even a construction worker whose actions will dislodge the garment from its position about the mouth and lose of its wearer.

Because the Grey filter needs moisture to work its efficacy would likely be compromised in dry climates and condition.

It does not permit the user to change the type or characteristics of the filtration to suit the circumstances.

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