Threadline fixation system for facial covering devices

Abstract

A securing device allowing a face shield, face guard or goggles to be adjustably secured to a wearer's head, the securing device being formed of a first part having a strap, a first end portion with a securing clasp, and a connecting element, and a second part having a strap, a first end portion with a securing clasp, and a connecting socket portion for interacting with the connecting element to connect the two straps together. The securing clasp is formed by a top plate connected to a bottom plate via a connecting leg member, the connecting leg member having a cross section with an acute corner portion. The bottom plate has a slit extending from an outer edge on both sides of the acute corner portion to the connecting leg member, such that by inserting a string into one of the slits, wrapping the string around the acute corner portion of the connecting leg member and exiting from the other of the slits, the string can be secured to the securing clasp.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a securing system for adjustably securing two or more strings or two loops of strings together. In particular, the present invention relates to a securing system for securing loops or strings of a face shield or a mask, in particular a medical mask or goggles, in place when wearing the mask. BACKGROUND

[0002] Medical masks usually have a closed loop on each side of the mask formed by a single string to secure the mask to the face of the wearer. The mask is secured on the wearer by hooking the loops over the ears of the wearer. This can be an effective and simple method, but can also cause discomfort due to the pressure of the string, which is often elastic, acting on the back of the ear of the wearer. In addition, the mask is often only manufactured in a single size, which can not fit the wearer. Another type of mask has two strings on each side of the mask. These strings are tied behind the head of the wearer to the corresponding string on the other side of the mask. These strings are often not elastic and it is often difficult to tie them with sufficient tension to properly hold the mask in place and still be comfortable. It would be desirable to have a device that attaches to the strings and / or loops on a mask, face shield or goggles that can secure them together on the head of the wearer in an easy to use and adjustable manner so that they can be worn safely and comfortably. SUMMARY

[0003] This object is achieved by a device for securing strings, which is formed by a first part and a second part that are adjustably connected together. The first part is formed by a strap, a first end portion with a securing clasp for attaching to a string and a connection element, and the second part is formed by a strap, a first end portion with a securing clasp for attaching to a string, and a connection socket portion configured to interact with the connection element on the first part in order to connect the strap of the first part with the strap of the second part in an adjustable manner.

[0004] Each of the securements on the first and second portions is formed by a top plate connected to a bottom plate via a connecting leg member having a cross-section with at least one acute corner. The bottom plate has a slit extending from an outer edge of the bottom plate on both sides of the acute corner to the connecting leg member. A string can be secured to the securement by inserting the string into one of the slits, wrapping the string around the acute corner of the connecting leg member, and exiting from the other of the slits. Once in place, the friction created by the string bending around the slits and around the acute corner of the connecting leg member prevents the string from sliding, such that the securement holds the string in place. The slits can be sized to correspond to or even be smaller than the width of a standard string on a medical face mask, in order to add additional friction to the string when in place. In securing the string to the securements on both the first and second portions, the tension on the string can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the connecting element on one strap relative to the connecting socket on the other strap, without the need to adjust the string itself at all.

[0005] The securement can be configured such that the acute corner faces the rear side of the securement, and the top and bottom plates are directly connected to each other at the front side of the securement. The string approaches the slit from underneath the bottom plate, enters the space between the top and bottom plates via the slit, and wraps around the acute corner of the connecting leg member. The slit itself can be configured in a V-shape, which adds an additional acute corner for the string to travel through, reducing the likelihood of slippage during use. The V-shape prevents the string from exiting the securement even if there is slack in the string. The securement can be integrally constructed with the strap via an integral molding process, or can be attached to the strap via any conventional method.

[0006] In one embodiment that achieves adjustability in a simple and effective manner, the connecting element includes at least one protrusion, and the connecting socket includes at least one aperture configured to secure the protrusion therein. A series of protrusions and apertures along the first and second straps allows a user to easily adjust the straps to the correct length. The protrusions have an end portion that is slightly larger in size than the protrusions.

[0007] In another embodiment, a ratchet system can be used to adjust the position of the straps relative to each other. This ratchet system can be any suitable ratchet system, but a preferred system is the system disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 10,405,612, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In this system, the connection socket includes a housing having a bottom, two sidewalls, a resilient arm connected to each of the sidewalls, a front opening, and a rear opening, and a cam cover rotationally connected to the sidewalls of the housing. The cam cover has a top, a bottom, two sidewalls, an internal cavity, a front opening, a rear opening, and at least one locking element disposed in the internal cavity. The connection element on the first portion includes a ratchet system on the strap of the first portion, the ratchet system consisting of a plurality of teeth extending along the length of the strap. The cam cover is configured to lock the strap of the first portion to the housing when the strap of the first portion is fed through the openings in the front and rear of the housing and the cam cover such that the at least one locking element on the cam cover engages at least one of the teeth of the ratchet bar. Pressing the resilient arms of the housing toward each other causes the resilient arms of the housing to press against the sides of the cam cover and rotate the cam cover to release the at least one locking element from at least one of the teeth of the ratchet system. This system is particularly useful as the user can easily adjust the straps while wearing the face mask or face shield as the structure can not be seen during adjustment. The user simply has to reach behind their head and place their fingers on the resilient arms of the housing to release the ratchet system. Simply pushing the strap with the ratchet system deeper into the connection socket can tighten the strap.

[0008] In another embodiment, each of the straps is configured to hold a loop of two cords or lines in two positions. In this embodiment, the first end of the first and second portions includes a hinge connected to two rotatable arms, each arm having a free end on which one of the fixed clasps is disposed, such that each strap has two fixed clasps. The arms can be placed in a desired position for holding two separate lines, or in the two positions on a loop of lines. In one embodiment, the hinge is configured to hold the arms in place such that the arms remain in the set position when not acted upon by a force, however the position of the arms can be changed by applying a force that exceeds the frictional resistance of the hinge. The hinge can be formed by a post on one of the arms that snaps into an orifice in the other arm. The orifice can have a varying circumference to provide resistance to rotation of the post, particularly if the post has a polygonal cross-section.

[0009] The securing device according to the present invention is particularly useful for securing a face mask, such as a medical face mask or a face shield, onto a user's face. It can also be used for securing goggles or other eyewear. In embodiments of the securing device, where each of the straps has a single securing buckle, the securing device can be used to secure a face mask or shield having two side edges, and for securing the cords attached to the side edges, where one end of each cord is attached at a top portion of each side edge, and the other end of each cord is attached at a bottom portion of each side edge, so as to form a loop on each side of the face covering portion. One of the loops is secured in the securing buckle of the first portion, and the other of the loops is secured in the securing buckle of the second portion. The straps are connected to each other at the back of the user's head, and the fit of the face mask or shield on the user can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the straps relative to each other, without the need to adjust the cord loops themselves. In addition, the securing device according to the present invention eliminates the discomfort caused by the cord loops pressing on the back of the wearer's ears, which is common during the conventional use of these face masks.

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention, where each of the first and second portions is connected to two securing buckles, can be used with various face masks, face shields or goggles. In the face masks described above, one loop on each side of the face mask is secured in both securing buckles on each side. This prevents compression of the face covering portion of the face mask, as each side of the loop is held apart due to the spatial separation of the securing buckles on each side. This embodiment can also be used with face masks or face shields having two cords attached to the side edges, where one cord is attached at a top portion of each side edge, and the other cord is attached at a bottom portion of each side edge. For this type of face mask or face shield, the cords are secured in the securing buckles of the first portion at the top and bottom portions of one of the side edges, and the cords are secured in the securing buckles of the second portion at the top and bottom of the other side edge. The securing device according to the present invention eliminates the need to tie the cords together at the back of the wearer's head, and allows for easy adjustment of the face mask without the need to adjust the cords themselves. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the invention.

[0012] In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the several views:

[0013] Figure 1 A first embodiment of a device for use on a medical face mask according to the present invention is shown;

[0014] Figure 2 A device according to the present application is shown in use on a face mask having different cord arrangements;

[0015] Figure 3 A device according to the present application is shown in a disassembled state;

[0016] Figure 4 A device according to the present application is shown in an assembled state;

[0017] Figure 5 A top view of the assembled device is shown;

[0018] Figure 6 A side view of the securing buckle with a cord passing therethrough is shown;

[0019] Figure 7 A top view of the securing buckle on one of the arms is shown, with the inner portion indicated in dashed lines;

[0020] Figure 8 A top view and a side view of the securing buckle of Figure 7 is shown, with a cord passing therethrough;

[0021] Figure 9 Another arm for connection to the arms shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8 is shown;

[0022] Figure 10 A second embodiment of a securing device according to the present application is shown;

[0023] Figure 11 A top view of the device of Figure 10 is shown;

[0024] Figure 12 A side view of the device of Figure 10 is shown;

[0025] Figure 13 A device of Figure 10 in use on a medical face mask is shown; and

[0026] Figure 14 A rear view of the securing buckle in the device of Figure 10 is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Reference will now be made in detail to the drawings, in which Figure 1 and Figure 2 a first version of a securing device 10 according to the present application is shown in place on a medical face mask 50, which has two different cord arrangements 51 and 52, respectively. As Figures 3 to 5Further shown, the device 10 is comprised of a first portion 11 and a second portion 12. The first portion 11 has a strap 111 adjustably connected to a strap 112 of the second portion 12. As Figures 3 to 5 shown, the first portion 11 is secured to the second portion 12 by a plurality of protrusions 13 on the strap 111 that are insertable into apertures 14 on the strap 112. The protrusions 13 are shaped such that at least a portion of them are slightly wider than the width of the apertures 14 so that the protrusions 13 snap into the apertures 14 and cannot be removed without the application of additional force. There are enough apertures 14 to allow a user to adjust the combined length of the straps 111 and 112 to comfortably fit the size of the user's head.

[0028] Each end of the first portion 11 and the second portion 12 has a strap securing device in the form of two arms 16, 17 connected by a hinge 15 that allows the arms 16, 17 to be positioned at any desired angle. The structure and operation of the hinge 15 will be discussed below Figures 7 to 9 with respect to FIGS. 6-8. A securing clasp 20 is connected to the end of each arm 16, 17, which can be integrally formed with the arm 16, 17 or formed as a separate component.

[0029] As Figures 1 to 5 shown, and in more detail as Figures 6 to 8 shown, each securing clasp includes a top plate 21 connected to a bottom plate 22 via a connecting leg member 23 having a cross-section with at least one acute corner 24. The bottom plate 22 has slits 25, 26 of the connecting leg member extending from the outer edge of the bottom plate to either side of the at least one acute corner 24, such that a cord 51 can be secured to the securing clasp by inserting the cord into one slit 25, wrapping the cord around the acute corner 24 of the connecting leg member 23, and exiting from the other slit 26. As Figure 6 and Figure 8 shown in the perspective views of FIGS. 6-8, as the cord 51 enters the slits and wraps around the acute corner 24 of the connecting leg member 23, the cord 51 bends upward from the underside of the bottom plate 22. It then bends downward again as the cord exits the slit 26 so as to extend back under the bottom plate 22. The multiple bend angles of the cord 51 (and in particular the acute corner 24) hold the cord 51 in place due to the frictional resistance of the bent portions on the cord 51. As Figure 6 shown, the end 17 of the securing clasp 20 has the top plate 21 and the bottom plate 22 connected together, and the opposite end has the top plate open around the connecting leg member 23, so that the cord 51 can be wrapped around the acute corner 24 without having to pass through a narrow passage.

[0030] As Figure 7As shown, slits 25 and 26 can be configured in a V-shape, which prevents the cord 51 from accidentally detaching from the retaining buckle 20 during use (even if there is slack in the cord 51).

[0031] The retaining buckle 20 can be used to secure the cord 51 at two different locations along the loop. The cord is in the form of a loop. Figure 1 As shown. Alternatively, the retaining clip 20 can be used to secure each cord 52 to the mask 50, as shown. Figure 2 As shown, it can be attached to a face shield (not shown). The device 10 according to the invention can be connected to the face shield 50 via cords 52 or 51, then placed on the wearer's head, and the device is adjusted when wearing the face shield 50 by adjusting the positions of the straps 111 and 112 relative to each other. This eliminates the need to adjust the individual cords during use. Figure 1 In one embodiment, the device 10 according to the invention also reduces discomfort caused by positioning the loop of the cord 51 around the wearer's ear.

[0032] The hinge 15 can be constructed in any preferred manner. Figures 3 to 5 A construction is shown that has Figures 7 to 9 The separated portions are shown. As shown, hinge 15 consists of a post 115 integrally formed with arm 16 and extending through plate 117 on arm 17. This post has a varying aperture 119 to connect arms 16 and 17 together. The varying sidewalls of the socket 118 surrounding the aperture 119 on plate 116 create resistance to rotation of post 115 (which has a polygonal cross-section), allowing the arm to be positioned and held in place in a desired arrangement until sufficient force is generated to move the arm about post 115.

[0033] Figures 10 to 14 A second embodiment of the fixing device 100 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 10 The fixing device 100 is shown in a disassembled state, and Figure 10 The assembled device 100 is shown. In this embodiment, the strip 60 is connected at one end to the ratchet retaining mechanism 70 and at the other end to the retaining buckle 20. The retaining buckle 20 is connected to... Figures 1 to 9 The fixing buckle 20 on the device shown is the same.

[0034] One end of the strip 61 is also connected to a retaining buckle and has a ratchet system 62 formed by a plurality of teeth 63 extending along its underside (see...). Figure 14The ratchet retaining mechanism 70 is disclosed in detail in U.S. Patent No. 10,405,612, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The ratchet retaining mechanism 70 comprises a housing 71 having a bottom 72, two sidewalls 73, a resilient arm 74 connected to one of these sidewalls, a front opening 75, and a rear opening 76. A cam cover 77 is rotatably connected to the sidewalls 73 of the housing. The cam cover has an inner cavity, a front opening, a rear opening, and at least one locking element 78 disposed in the inner cavity. The cam cover 77 is configured to lock the strip 61 to the housing 71 as it is fed through the openings in the front and rear portions of the housing 71 and the cam cover 77, such that at least one locking element 78 engages at least one tooth of the teeth 63 of the ratchet system 62. Once engaged, the strip 61 cannot be pulled back out of the ratchet retaining mechanism 70. To release the strip 61, the user presses the resilient arms 74 of the housing 71 toward each other, causing the resilient arms 74 of the housing to press against the side of the cam cover 77 and rotate the cam cover 77 downward to release the locking element 78 from at least one tooth 63 of the ratchet system 62. At this time, the strip 61 can be pulled away from the ratchet retaining mechanism 70 to remove or readjust the position of the strip.

[0035] Alternatively, any other known ratchet retaining device may be used to ensure the adjustability of the strips 60, 61 relative to each other.

[0036] In order to use the fastening device 100 on the mask 50, the fastening buckle 20 is used to engage with the corresponding fastener 100. Figures 1 to 9 The same method is used to fix the cord 51 to the mask 50 as described in the implementation scheme. Figure 13 As shown. The only difference is that here there is only one retaining buckle 20 for each loop of the cord 51. In the securing device 100, the retaining buckles 20 are directly connected to the straps 60, 61, without using a rotatable arm. The wearer connects the cord 51 to the retaining buckle 20 before placing the mask 50 on their head. Then, once the mask 50 is in place, it can be adjusted by moving the straps 61 through the ratchet securing mechanism 70 until the desired fit is achieved.

[0037] Figure 14 A rear view of the retaining buckle 20 on the strip 61 with ratchet mechanism 62 is shown. As shown, the cord 51 enters the space between the top plate 21 and the bottom plate 22 through slits 25 and 26, and at the slits 25 and 26 the cord travels around the acute angle 24 of the connecting leg member 23 to secure the cord 51 to the retaining buckle 20.

[0038] This invention provides a simple and effective method for securing a face mask or face shield in an adjustable and comfortable manner. By allowing the face mask or shield to be adjusted to the user's head size, discomfort, slippage, and the need for the user to touch the face mask during use for readjustment are reduced.

[0039] Thus, although only a few embodiments of the application have been described in detail above, other modifications and alterations will occur to those skilled in the art based upon the detailed description contained herein, it is intended that the application encompass all such modifications and alterations.

Claims

1. A fixing device, comprising: a first part having a strap, a first end with a fixing clasp, and a connection element, and a second part having a strap, a first end with a fixing clasp, and a connection socket configured to interact with the connection element on the first part to connect the strap of the first part with the strap of the second part, wherein the fixing clasps on the first part and the second part each comprise a top plate connected to a bottom plate via a connection leg part having a cross-section with at least one acute corner, wherein the acute corner faces towards the back side of the fixing clasp, and wherein the top plate and the bottom plate are directly connected to each other at the front side of the fixing clasp, wherein the bottom plate has a slit extending from the outer edge of the bottom plate on both sides of the at least one acute corner to the connection leg part, such that a string can be fixed to the fixing clasp by inserting the string into one of the slits, wrapping the string around the acute corner of the connection leg part, and exiting from the other slit.

2. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the connection element comprises at least one protrusion, and the connection socket comprises at least one aperture configured to fix the protrusion therein.

3. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the connection element comprises a ratchet system on the strap of the first part, the ratchet system consisting of a plurality of teeth along the length of the strap, and wherein the connection socket comprises a ratchet fixing device configured to engage the teeth of the ratchet system.

4. The fixture of claim 3, wherein the ratchet fixture comprises: a housing having a bottom, two side walls, a resilient arm connected to each of the side walls, a front opening, and a back opening; and a cam cover rotationally connected to the side walls of the housing, the cam cover having a top, a bottom, two side walls, an inner cavity, a front opening, a back opening, and at least one locking element disposed in the inner cavity, wherein the cam cover is configured to lock the strap of the first part to the housing when the strap of the first part is fed through the openings in the front and back of the housing and the cam cover, such that the at least one locking element engages at least one of the teeth of the ratchet system, and wherein the resilient arms of the housing are pressed towards each other to cause the resilient arms of the housing to press against the side of the cam cover and rotate the cam cover to release the at least one locking element from at least one of the teeth of the ratchet system.

5. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the first ends of the first part and the second part comprise a hinge connected to two rotatable arms, each rotatable arm having a free end, one of the fixing clasps being disposed on the free end.

6. The fixing device according to claim 5, wherein the hinge is configured such that the arms remain in a set position when not acted upon by a force.

7. The fixture according to claim 1, wherein the slit is V-shaped.

8. The fixture according to claim 1, wherein the fixing clasp is integrally formed with each of the straps.

9. A face covering device having the fixture according to claim 1, wherein the face covering device comprises a face covering portion having two side edges, and cords connected to the side edges, wherein one end of each cord is connected to a top portion of each side edge, and the other end of each cord is connected to a bottom portion of each side edge, thereby forming a loop on each side of the face covering portion, wherein one of the loops is fixed in the fixing clasp of the first portion, and the other of the loops is fixed in the fixing clasp of the second portion.

10. The face covering device according to claim 9, wherein the first end of the first and second portions of the fixture comprises a hinge connected to two rotatable arms, each arm having a free end on which one of the fixing clasps is provided, and wherein the loops are fixed in the two fixing clasps on each side of the fixture.

11. A face covering device having the fixture according to claim 5, wherein the face covering device comprises a face covering portion having two side edges, and cords connected to the side edges, wherein one of the cords is connected to a top portion of each side edge, and the other cord is connected to a bottom portion of each side edge, wherein the cords are fixed in the fixing clasps of the first portion at the top and bottom portions of one of the side edges, and the cords are fixed in the fixing clasps of the second portion at the top and bottom of the other side edge.

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