Mask

Abstract

The invention relates to a mask (1) for at least partly covering the nose (12) and cheeks (13) of a wearer. The mask comprises a strip-like main part (2) and fastening elements (3) on opposite ends of the strip-like main part (2), each for fastening to an ear (11) of the wearer.

Description

[0001] mask

[0002] The invention relates to a mask for at least partially covering the nose and cheeks of a wearer.

[0003] When outside in cold weather, particularly when doing activities with strong drafts such as cycling or skiing, various aids are used to cover the head, and in particular the face of the wearer. This is intended to protect the face from the cold and wind (when driving) and to keep the face warm. Hoods or scarves, for example, are used for this purpose. Often a gap remains between the eyes and the chin. In order to cover and warm this area, in particular the nose and cheeks, balaclavas, for example, are known. These are usually made of a relatively thin material and cover the entire head and neck, usually with a cutout for the eyes.

[0004] Another well-known way to cover the nose-cheek area of ​​a person is to place a scarf around the neck and pull it up until the nose and cheeks are covered.

[0005] A disadvantage of these known options, however, is that not only the bridge of the nose is covered, but also the nostrils. This makes breathing more difficult and is therefore particularly disadvantageous during sporting activities such as cycling or skiing. Furthermore, most people find covering the nostrils unpleasant. It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device that makes it possible to at least partially cover only the cheeks and the nose itself, in particular the bridge of the nose.

[0006] According to the invention, a mask is provided for at least partially covering the nose and cheeks of a wearer, comprising a strip-shaped base body and fastening elements arranged at opposite ends of the strip-shaped base body for fastening to one ear of the wearer in each case.

[0007] The mask provided according to the invention allows for the targeted coverage of only the cheeks and the nose, particularly the bridge of the nose. The nostrils remain uncovered, allowing the wearer to breathe freely. Other head coverings, such as a hood or a (pulled-up) scarf, can easily be combined with the mask to protect other areas of the head or face as well.

[0008] The strip-shaped base body preferably has a plurality of regions, in particular a nose region, cheek regions arranged on either side of the nose region, and end regions adjoining the cheek regions. These regions are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the base body, i.e. in the direction of the longer extension. The nose region is arranged substantially in the middle of the strip-shaped base body and, during use, serves to protect the nose, in particular the bridge of the nose of the wearer. The strip-shaped base body is preferably not exactly rectangular, but curved in order to enable a good fit to the shape of the wearer's face. The longitudinal extension or longitudinal direction is curved accordingly.

[0009] The cheek areas, arranged longitudinally on both sides of the nose area, are each designed to (partially) cover one cheek. When in use, the cheek areas rest preferably on the wearer's cheeks and touch them.

[0010] The end regions are each arranged on the side of the cheek regions facing away from the nose region and form the two ends in the longitudinal direction of the base body. The end regions have the fastening elements for attachment to a respective ear of the wearer or the end regions are connected to the fastening elements. For this purpose, the base body preferably has at least one, preferably two openings in the end regions, in which a fastening element can be arranged. Particularly preferably, a first opening and a second opening are each arranged in the respective edge region close to a corner of the base body. This allows the mask to fit snugly on the wearer's face. To enable good adaptability to different wearers, three openings are preferably provided, with two of the three openings being particularly preferably arranged close to one another.The distance between a first opening and a second opening is therefore smaller than the distance between the first opening and the third opening and smaller than the distance between the second opening and the third opening. Preferably, two openings are arranged in the upper third or in the lower third (in the width direction) and one opening in the lower third or in the upper third (in the width direction). The three openings are preferably arranged substantially along an imaginary line which preferably runs substantially in the width direction. In this embodiment, a fastening element can be arranged optionally in one of the closely arranged openings, depending on the size of the wearer's ear.

[0011] The fastening elements are designed, for example, as bands, each of which is connected to an end region in such a way that the bands form a loop that can be attached to the wearer's ear by hooking it in. The bands are preferably flexible, e.g., as a rubber band. Furthermore, the bands are formed, for example, as a single piece with the base body, so that no connection between the base body and the fastening elements is required. Alternatively, the bands are designed to be arranged in openings in the base body. The fastening in the openings can be achieved, for example, by tying a knot in the bands.

[0012] It is preferably provided that the strip-shaped base body has a greater width in two end regions than in adjacent cheek regions. This enables particularly pleasant wearing comfort, since the fastening elements, in particular the straps, can be arranged further apart from one another, whereby the fastening elements rest less on the wearer's ear. The end regions preferably have their greatest width in the edge region in order to particularly improve wearing comfort. Particularly preferably, the width in the end region becomes smaller, starting from the edge region with the greatest width towards the other end region.

[0013] The length of the base body is preferably approximately 20 to 30 cm and, when worn, extends essentially from one ear of the wearer to the other. The width of the base body is preferably approximately 3 to 6 cm, with the width particularly preferably varying in the longitudinal direction.

[0014] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the strip-shaped base body consists essentially of two symmetrical sections. The two sections each comprise, for example, an end region, a cheek region, and a part (essentially half) of the nose region and are symmetrical with respect to an axis running essentially parallel to the width direction.

[0015] In order to improve the hold of the mask, it is preferably provided that a stabilizing element is arranged in the region of the middle of the base body in the longitudinal direction. The stabilizing element is therefore arranged in the nose region and preferably runs essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction or essentially perpendicular to the width direction. The stabilizing element is preferably flexible and can therefore be adapted non-destructively to the nose or the shape of the face of the wearer. The stabilizing element can, for example, be a wire or a flexible plastic or comprise such a wire. Furthermore, the stabilizing element can, for example, have a round cross-section or a rectangular cross-section. The stabilizing element can, for example, be sewn into a pocket of the base body, glued to the base body, or connected to the base body in some other way.The stabilizing element preferably has a length of 2 to 6 cm in the longitudinal direction.

[0016] The stabilizing element can, for example, be designed in the form of a nose clip. The stabilizing element is preferably detachably connected to the mask, in particular to the base body of the mask. This allows for easy replacement of the stabilizing element, for example, if it no longer functions or a different size is required.

[0017] Two or more stabilizing elements can also be provided, which are arranged either close together or spaced apart from one another. For example, two or more stabilizing elements can be sewn into a common pocket of the base body. If at least two stabilizing elements are provided, at least one stabilizing element can be arranged in the lower third of the strip-shaped base body in the width direction, and at least one stabilizing element can be arranged in the upper third of the strip-shaped base body (in each case in the width direction). This further improves the stability of the mask when worn.

[0018] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the stabilizing element is arranged in the region of the center of the base body in the width direction. The stabilizing element is thus arranged essentially in the center between an upper edge of the strip-shaped base body and a lower edge of the strip-shaped base body. Preferably, the stabilizing element runs essentially parallel to the upper edge or to the lower edge of the strip-shaped base body. This enables particularly good stabilization of the mask in the area of ​​the wearer's nose.

[0019] To enable the mask to be worn by different people, it is preferably provided that at least one of the fastening elements is adjustable. This design makes it possible to change or adjust the position of the mask on the wearer's face so that the mask sits well and securely on the face, which is comfortable for the wearer. The fastening elements can, for example, comprise a Velcro fastener, a hook-and-eye fastener, or a strap detachably connected to the base body to allow adjustability.

[0020] To facilitate a better fit against the wearer's nose, a recess is preferably provided in the longitudinal direction of the center of the base body. The recess is therefore preferably formed in the nose area and preferably located in the upper area of ​​the base body (in the width direction). The recess can, for example, be shaped like a circular segment.

[0021] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the base body has at least two layers. The layers preferably each run essentially over the entire longitudinal extent as well as the entire width extent of the base body. For example, an outer layer can be water and air repellent, while an inner layer is heat insulating. The inner layer is formed on the side of the base body facing the wearer’s skin during use. The outer layer is arranged on the side of the base body facing away from the wearer’s skin during use. The at least two layers can, for example, be sewn, glued or connected to one another.

[0022] Particularly preferably, the base body comprises at least three or more layers. At least one further intermediate layer is arranged between the inner layer and the outer layer. The at least one intermediate layer can, for example, be an additional air-repellent or warming layer.

[0023] Preferably, at least one nasal layer, for example, the inner layer or the outer layer, is arranged only in the nasal region. The nasal layer can, for example, comprise a flexible material so that it can be bent into the desired shape in the nasal region, adapted to the respective nose. The nasal layer is not formed in the cheek areas and the end areas.

[0024] Preferably, at least one cheek layer, for example, the inner layer or the outer layer, is arranged only in the cheek areas. The cheek layer can, for example, comprise a relatively rigid material in order to achieve better stability of the mask in the cheek area, where relatively little deformation is necessary to adapt to the shape of the face.

[0025] Preferably, at least one end layer, for example, the inner layer or the outer layer, is arranged only in the end regions. The end layer can, for example, comprise a rigid material and / or be reinforced, for example, with the aid of particularly rigid reinforcing elements, in order to enable a relatively rigid structure in the end regions. This is advantageous, for example, when the fastening elements are designed as strips.

[0026] For example, a sectional layer can be formed which has a first material as the nose layer in the nose region, a second material as the cheek layer in the cheek regions and / or a third material as the end layer in the end regions. The individual regions of the layer can, for example, be sewn or glued to one another and to the other layers. The sectional layer can be the only layer of the base body. For example, the first material and the second material or the second material and the third material or the first material and the third material can be the same material or comprise the same material.

[0027] The base body or a layer of the base body is preferably made of a breathable, cold-protective, and heat-retaining material. The base body or a layer of the base body can, for example, consist of a nonwoven fabric, a felt, a woven fabric, and / or (artificial) leather, or comprise such a material.

[0028] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that a nose region arranged in the longitudinal direction substantially in the center of the base body has a greater width than adjacent cheek regions. For example, the nose region has a greater width than the cheek regions, at least in some sections, so that the nose, in particular the bridge of the nose, is better covered by the mask. The greatest width of the nose region is therefore greater than at least one width of the cheek regions.

[0029] Furthermore, a bracket is preferably provided that connects two regions of the base body to one another. Preferably, a first region and a second region of the base body each have a connection point at which the bracket is connected to the base body. The first connection point and the second connection point are preferably arranged symmetrically relative to an axis. Such a bracket further improves the stability of the mask when worn.

[0030] Preferably, the temple runs substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the temple is preferably connected to the base body in such a way that the base body has a fold between the connection points. The base body is therefore not flat between the connection points, but has a raised area. This fold or raised area forms a limited pocket and serves in particular to accommodate the wearer's nose. The temple can limit the size of the raised area and thus improve the fit against the wearer's nose.

[0031] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the temple and a nose region of the base body delimit a temple opening. When worn, the temple opening is arranged in the region of the wearer's nostrils and allows the wearer to breathe through the temple opening. In this case, the temple is arranged on the side of the nostrils facing away from the tip of the nose to enable comfortable wearing. The temple opening preferably lies in a plane that is essentially perpendicular to the base body.

[0032] To avoid uncomfortable pressure on the headband during wear, the headband is preferably made of a textile material. The headband is preferably made of the same material as the base of the mask. Due to its flexibility, the headband can be easily adjusted to the wearer's face shape, particularly the shape of the nose.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the bracket is designed in such a way that the distance between the two areas of the base body can be changed. For example, the length of the bracket can be optionally changed. Adjusting the distance between the two areas of the base body, in particular the distance between the connection points, enables the mask to be easily adapted to the shape of the wearer's face. This ensures that the bracket is adjustable so that the mask sits well and comfortably on the nose. The bracket can, for example, be detachably connected to the base body, e.g. using a Velcro fastener, so that the distance between the two areas of the base body can be changed by adjusting the connection point(s). Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the length of the bracket itself can be varied, e.g.in that the bracket has two sections which are arranged so as to be selectively movable relative to one another. The sections can be connected to one another, for example by means of a hook or a Velcro fastener. The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in the drawing. In this drawing: Fig. 1 shows a mask according to the invention in a perspective view from the front, Fig. 2 shows a mask according to the invention in a side view, Fig. 3 is a front view of a first embodiment of a mask according to the invention, Fig. 4 is a front view of a second embodiment of a mask according to the invention and Fig. 5 is a front view of a third embodiment of a mask according to the invention.

[0034] Fig. 1 shows a mask 1 according to the invention, which is arranged schematically on the face of a wearer. The mask 1 comprises a strip-shaped base body 2 and fastening elements 3. The base body 2 has a nose region 4, two cheek regions 5 adjoining the nose region 4 and two end regions 6 each adjoining a cheek region 5. The nose region 4, the cheek regions 5 and the end regions 6 are arranged along a longitudinal direction 7 of the base body 2. A width direction 8 runs substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 7. In the nose region 4, which is arranged substantially in the middle of the base body 2 as seen in the longitudinal direction 7, a stabilizing element 9 is arranged which runs substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction 7 and substantially perpendicular to the width direction 8.The stabilizing element 9 is also located, in the width direction 8, substantially in the middle of the base body 2, so that a particularly good stabilization of the base body 2 is achieved. In the end regions 6 there are two openings 10 in each case, in which the fastening elements 3 designed as straps are fixed. The fastening elements 3 are fastened to the ears 11 of the wearer in the used state shown. The nose 12 and the cheeks 13 are at least partially covered by the mask 1, wherein the nostrils and the eyes 14 are free. The base body 2 has two symmetrical halves which are connected to one another or are formed in one piece, wherein the axis of symmetry runs substantially parallel to the width direction 8 and through the nose region 4.

[0035] Fig. 2 shows a side view of the mask 1 according to Fig. 1. It can be seen that the width of the base body 2 is greater in the end region 6 than in the cheek regions 5. Furthermore, it can be seen that the width is greater in the nose region 4 than in the cheek regions 5. This enables the mask 1 to fit comfortably and well on the wearer's face.

[0036] Fig. 3 shows a front view of the mask 1 according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The shape of the base body 2 on the face is clearly visible. The fastening elements 3, including the openings 10, are not shown.

[0037] Fig. 4 shows a second embodiment of a mask 1 according to the invention. In contrast to the embodiment according to Fig. 3, a recess 15 is arranged in the nose region 4, which improves the fit against the nose 12. The recess 15 essentially has the shape of a circular segment.

[0038] Fig. 5 shows a third embodiment of a mask 1 according to the invention. In contrast to the embodiment according to Fig. 3, a temple 16 is provided which is connected to the base body 2 by means of two fastening points 17, whereby a fold or elevation of the base body 2 is formed. In this case, a temple opening is formed by the temple 16 and the nose region 4 of the base body 2. The temple opening is arranged in the region of the nostrils when worn, so that the temple 16 is on the side of the nostrils facing away from the tip of the nose. The nose of the wearer is located within the fold of the base body 2. This arrangement can further improve the stability of the mask, in particular the fit against the side walls of the nose.

Claims

Patent claims:

1. A mask for at least partially covering the nose (12) and the cheeks (13) of a wearer, comprising a strip-shaped base body (2) and fastening elements (3) arranged at opposite ends of the strip-shaped base body (2) for fastening to one ear (11) of the wearer in each case.

2. Mask according to claim 1, characterized in that the strip-shaped base body (2) has a greater width in two end regions (6) than in adjacent cheek regions (5).

3. Mask according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the strip-shaped base body (2) is substantially symmetrical to an axis running substantially parallel to the width direction (8).

4. Mask according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that a stabilizing element (9) is arranged in the region of the center of the base body (2) in the longitudinal direction (7).

5. Mask according to claim 4, characterized in that the stabilizing element (9) is arranged in the region of the center of the base body (2) in the width direction (8).

6. Mask according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one of the fastening elements (3) is adjustable.

7. Mask according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that in the region of the center of the base body (2) a recess (15) is arranged in the longitudinal direction (7).

8. Mask according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the base body (2) has at least two layers.

9. Mask according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a nose region (4) arranged in the longitudinal direction (7) substantially in the middle of the base body (2) has a greater width than adjacent cheek regions (5).

10. Mask according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a bracket (16) is provided which connects two regions of the base body (2) to one another.

11. Mask according to claim 10, characterized in that the bracket (16) runs substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction (7).

12. Mask according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the temple (16) and a nose region (4) of the base body (2) delimit a temple opening.

13. Mask according to claim 10, 11 or 12, characterized in that the bracket (16) consists of a textile material.

14. Mask according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the bracket (16) is designed such that the distance between the two regions of the base body (2) can be changed.

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