Stimulatory facial protector

Abstract

A wearable facial barrier with a stimulation element is provided for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and / or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that otherwise are transmitted by oral sex. Embodiments of the invention provide a wearable facial barrier with a stimulation element. In a specific embodiment a modified KN95 or N95 mask is die cut to form an opening that allows for insertion and mounting of a stimulation element. In a specific inventive embodiment, the stimulation element is a commercially available vibratory mouthpiece. The use of widely available masks (i.e., KN95, N95) and commercially available vibratory mouthpieces helps to lower the price of the wearable facial barrier. The design of the wearable facial barrier as an intended single use barrier also keeps the price of the facial barrier affordable.

Description

STIMULATORY FACIAL PROTECTORCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority of United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 546,041, filed October 27, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a barrier against sexually transmitted diseases, and in particular to a wearable facial barrier with a stimulation element.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] While condoms have gained general acceptance for their effectiveness in preventing the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and / or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during intercourse, the dental dam has generally met with limited acceptance. The dental dam, originally developed as an adjunct to dental procedures, has been adapted as a barrier against the spread of STDs during oral sex. The dental dam has a thin sheet of latex which serves as a barrier between partners when placed intermediate therebetween. However, oral dams tend to become displaced from the recipient partner's anal or vaginal area during usage.

[0004] Latex presents problems to many users as many people have allergic reactions to latex. In addition, users have found latex to be uncomfortable to cheeks and chin area. Furthermore, in order to encourage safer sexual practices, there is a need to make barrier products more widely available and at a low cost.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a low-cost wearable and comfortable facial barrier that protects the wearer while delivering stimulation to a partner during sexual activity.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A wearable facial barrier is provided. The wearable facial barrier includes a mask with an aperture located in an area that corresponds to a user’s mouth, a stimulation element affixed in the aperture, and at least one strap that secures and retards movement of the wearable facial barrier on a user’ s face.

[0007] A protective tongue fitted device is provided that includes a body portion, a slot at a proximal end of the body portion adapted for insertion of a user’s tongue, and a vibratory tip positioned at the distal end of the tongue fitted device.

[0008] A facial shield is provided that includes a chin mounted walled barrier, a tongue guard and a mouth guard inserted within the chin mounted walled barrier, and a strap to secure the facial shield.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The subject matter that is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0010] FIG. 1 is an outer, frontal view of a wearable facial barrier with a stimulation element in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

[0011] FIG. 2 is an inner view of the wearable facial barrier with the stimulation element of FIG. 1 ;

[0012] FIG. 3 is an inner view of the wearable facial barrier with the stimulation element of FIG. 1 covered by material that forms a pocket in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the wearable facial barrier with the stimulation element of FIG. 1 positioned for use on a user in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

[0014] FIG. 5 is a sideview of a protective tongue fitted device with a vibratory tip with a shape similar to the glans of a penis in accordance with embodiments of the invention; and

[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a chin mounted facial shield with a tongue and mouth guard in accordance with embodiments of the invention.DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention has utility as a device for the prevention of STDs that otherwise are transmitted by oral sex. Embodiments of the invention provide a wearable facial barrier with a stimulation element. In specific inventive embodiments a modified KN95 or N95 mask is die cut to form an opening that allows for insertion and mounting of a stimulation element. In a specific inventive embodiment, the stimulation element is a commercially available vibratory mouthpiece. The use of widely available masks (i.e., KN95, N95) and commercially available vibratory mouthpieces helps to lower the price of the inventive wearable facial barrier. The design of the wearable facial barrier as an intended single use barrier also keeps the price of the facial barrier affordable.

[0017] Embodiments of the inventive facial shields and wearable stimulatory devices provide an optimal user fit and stability, which unlike dental dams that tend to become displaced during usage, embodiments of the invention are designed to fit securely on the face, acting as an oral protective device. This ensures a stable and consistent barrier between partners, enhancing the effectiveness of STD prevention. Furthermore, unlike dental dams, which can be thin and sometimes uncomfortable, embodiments of the inventive facial shields and wearable stimulatory devices prioritizes user comfort. The portion of the device that restson the face is soft, ensuring a pleasant experience during use. The masks are designed to be breathable, allowing for optimal airflow without compromising protection. This thoughtful product design aims to enhance pleasure and diminish any discomfort or distraction during intimate moments thereby allowing for uninterrupted pleasure while ensuring long-lasting protection against bodily fluids and STDs / STIs.

[0018] Embodiments of the inventive facial shields and wearable stimulatory devices are designed to have limited latex contact to a user’s skin. The tongue area and straps are the only parts that utilize latex, reducing the risk of allergic reactions. Furthermore, in embodiments of the inventive facial shields and wearable stimulatory devices, the portion of the mask that rests on the face is crafted from soft, hypoallergenic materials illustratively including polypropylene. This ensures optimal comfort during use, allowing for a pleasurable experience without compromising on protection and minimizing potential allergic reactions. In contrast, the tongue area and straps employ standard condom materials such as latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene, which act as a barrier against fluids and STDs / STIs. This material combination provides optimal comfort, safety, and flexibility.

[0019] Embodiments of the inventive facial shields and wearable stimulatory devices have excellent breathability while maintaining protective function. The facial shields and wearable stimulatory devices allow for natural airflow, reducing discomfort during use and enabling users to enjoy extended periods of protection.

[0020] Specific embodiments of the inventive facial shields and wearable stimulatory devices go beyond STD protection by incorporating a tongue vibrator. This unique feature provides stimulation with minimal effort from the user, allowing for a more pleasurable experience. The user experience is customizable with different levels of intensity and buzz settings for the tongue vibrator. Users may adjust the settings according to their preferences, ensuring personalized pleasure during sexual encounters. Specific embodiments provide aremote control feature that enables enhanced partner participation, and allows both parties to control the speed and buzz settings, creating a shared experience and promoting intimacy.

[0021] The present invention will now be described with reference to the following embodiments. As is apparent by these descriptions, this invention can be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. For example, features illustrated with respect to one embodiment can be incorporated into other embodiments, and features illustrated with respect to a particular embodiment may be deleted from the embodiment. In addition, numerous variations and additions to the embodiments suggested herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the instant disclosure, which do not depart from the instant invention. Hence, the following specification is intended to illustrate some particular embodiments of the invention, and not to exhaustively specify all permutations, combinations, and variations thereof.

[0022] It is to be understood that in instances where a range of values are provided that the range is intended to encompass not only the end point values of the range but also intermediate values of the range as explicitly being included within the range and varying by the last significant figure of the range. By way of example, a recited range of from 1 to 4 is intended to include 1-2, 1-3, 2-4, 3-4, and 1-4.

[0023] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The terminology used in the description of the invention herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

[0024] Unless indicated otherwise, explicitly or by context, the following terms are used herein as set forth below.

[0025] As used in the description of the invention and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0026] Also as used herein, “and / or” refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, as well as the lack of combinations when interpreted in the alternative (“or”).

[0027] Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 is an outer, frontal view of a specific embodiment of a wearable facial barrier 10 formed from a mask 12 with a stimulation element 18 affixed in the area of the mask 12 that corresponds to the mouth of a wearer. It is appreciated that the low cost design using disposable masks will encourage use by sexually active users. As shown the mask 12 is a KN95 mask that has been modified to accommodate a stimulation element 18. It is appreciated that other masks, illustratively including N93, N95, etc., may be modified to implement embodiments of the invention. A set of elastic straps 14 and an adjustable nose clip 16 secure and retard movement of the wearable facial barrier 10 on a user’ s face. FIG. 2 is an inner view of the wearable facial barrier 10 that shows the stimulation element 18 with an isolation tab 20 inserted to keep the stimulation element 18 in a deactivated state. The isolation tab 20 prevents a battery within the stimulation element 18 from completing contact with a battery contact that would complete an operational circuit of the stimulation element 18. When ready for use, a user pulls the isolation tab out of the stimulation element 18 so as to allow operation. In a specific embodiment, the stimulation element 18 provides a vibratory sensation. FIG. 3 is an inner view of the wearable facial barrier 10 with the stimulation element 18 covered by material that forms a pocket 22 with an opening that allows access to the isolation tab 20.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the wearable facial barrier 10 with a stimulation element 18 positioned for use on a user. As shown for a KN95 mask the straps 14 are position about the ears of the user. It is appreciated that if an N95 mask is used, the straps 14 would be positioned to the back of the head and neck.

[0029] An inventive wearable facial barrier is formed by creating a hole in the mask that is adapted to receive the stimulation element therein. The stimulation element is retained in position with a friction fit, adhesive, sonic welding, mechanical fasteners, or a combination thereof. In some inventive embodiments, a precut mask and the stimulation element are provided as a kit with instructions as to assembly. In still other embodiments, replacement cut masks are provided such that the stimulation element is removed from the mask, the mask discarded, and the stimulation element joined in a like fashion to a replacement mask.

[0030] It is appreciated that an inventive wearable facial barrier 10 is suitable for modification with conventional additives illustratively including pigments or dyes, antimicrobial compounds, fragrances, plasticizers and the like. Additionally, a wearable facial barrier 10 is amenable to dusting with conventional anti-stick powders such as talc, cornstarch, and the like. While the mask 12 is shown as plain white, it is appreciated that other colors such as red, yellow, blue, black, and combinations thereof to form patterns or artwork may be used. Furthermore, indicia, advertisements, and artistic designs may be printed on the mask 12.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a sideview of a protective tongue fitted device 30 with a body portion 32 and a vibratory tip 34 with a shape similar to the glans of a penis at the distal end of the tongue fitted device 30. A slot 36 is provided at a proximal end of the protective tongue fitted device 30 for insertion of a user’s tongue. A battery housed in battery compartment 38 powers the vibratory tip 34. The device 30 is readily formed or biocompatible materials such as glass, stainless steel, or medical-grade silicone. While medical-grade latex is readily used caution should be exercised owing to growing concerns about latex allergies in a non-negligible percentage of the population.In specific embodiments, a remote control feature is adapted to control speed and buzz settings of a stimulation element that provides the vibratory action. In a specific embodiment the body portion 32 that fits over the user’s tongue is made of silicon.

[0032] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a facial shield 40 with a chin mounted walled barrier 42 with a tongue guard 44 and mouth guard 46 inserted therein. A strap 48, which may be elastic wraps around the back of a wearer’s head and secures to the barrier 42 with a securement 50. The securement may illustratively include a button, snap, or a rivet. The strap 48 may also include an adjustment feature 52, illustratively including a buckle. The walled barrier 42 portion of the facial shield 40 that rests on the face may be crafted from soft, hypoallergenic materials illustratively including polypropylene, silicone rubber, and other biocompatible polymeric materials. This ensures optimal comfort during use, allowing for a pleasurable experience without compromising on protection and minimizing potential allergic reactions. The tongue guard 44 and mouth guard 46 may employ standard condom materials such as latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene, which act as a barrier against fluids and STDs / STIs. This material combination provides optimal comfort, safety, and flexibility.

[0033] Continuing with FIG. 6, motion of the tongue guard 44 is provided directly by a wearer’s tongue that is inserted into the tongue guard 44. The mouth guard 46 may have the form of lips, where the lips may be actuated by the wearer or the lips may provide a battery actuated vibratory action. In specific embodiments, a remote control feature is adapted to control speed and buzz settings of a stimulation element that provides the vibratory action. The motion or action of the tongue guard 44 and mouth guard 46 may be independent of each other.

[0034] In specific embodiments, the facial shield 40 may further include pigments or dyes, antimicrobial compounds, fragrances, and plasticizers. The facial shield 40 may be amenable to dusting with conventional anti-stick powders. In specific embodiments, the facial shield 40 may be see through or provided in different colors to approximate the skin color of the wearer.The facial shield 40 may further include at least one of indicia, advertisements, and artistic designs printed on the mask.

[0035] Patent documents and publications mentioned in the specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. These documents and publications are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual document or publication was specifically and individually incorporated herein by reference.

[0036] The foregoing description is illustrative of particular embodiments of the invention but is not meant to be a limitation upon the practice thereof. The following claims, including all equivalents thereof, are intended to define the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A wearable facial barrier comprising: a mask with an aperture located in an area that corresponds to a user’ s mouth; a stimulation element affixed in the aperture; and at least one strap that secures and retards movement of the wearable facial barrier on a user’s face.

2. The wearable facial barrier of claim 1 wherein the mask is one of KN93, KN95, N95.

3. The wearable facial barrier of claim 1 further comprising an adjustable nose clip.

4. The wearable facial barrier of any one of claims 1 to 3 further comprising a remote control feature; wherein the stimulation element provides vibration; and wherein the remote control feature is adapted to control speed and buzz settings of the stimulation element.

5. The wearable facial barrier of any one of claims 1 to 3 further comprising an isolation tab inserted in the stimulation element to keep the stimulation element in a deactivated state; and wherein when the isolation tab is removed the stimulation element begins to operate.

6. The wearable facial barrier of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the stimulation element is covered by material that forms a pocket.

7. The wearable facial barrier of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the wearable facial barrier further comprises pigments or dyes, antimicrobial compounds, fragrances, and plasticizers; and wherein the wearable facial barrier is amenable to dusting with conventional anti-stick powders.

8. The wearable facial barrier of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the wearable facial barrier is provided in different colors.

9. The wearable facial barrier of any one of claims 1 to 3 further comprising at least one of indicia, advertisements, and artistic designs printed on the mask.

10. A method of forming a wearable facial barrier of any one of claims 1 to 3 comprising: creating a hole in the mask that is adapted to receive the stimulation element therein; and retaining the stimulation element in the hole with a friction fit, adhesive, sonic welding, mechanical fasteners, or a combination thereof.

11. A kit comprising: the wearable facial barrier of claim 1 having the aperture adapted to receive the stimulation element therein; and the stimulation element along with instructions as to assembly of the stimulation element and a precut mask.

12. The kit of claim 11 further comprising a replacement cut mask.

13. A protective tongue fitted device comprising:a body portion; a slot at a proximal end of the body portion adapted for insertion of a user’s tongue; and a vibratory tip positioned at the distal end of the tongue fitted device.

14. The device of claim 13 wherein the vibratory tip is shaped similar to the glans of a penis.

15. The device of claim 13 further comprising a battery housed in a battery compartment, where the battery supplies power to the vibratory tip; and wherein a remote control feature is adapted to control speed and buzz settings of a stimulation element that provides the vibratory action.

16. The device of claim 13 wherein the body portion is made of silicon.

17. A facial shield comprising: a chin mounted walled barrier; a tongue guard and a mouth guard inserted within the chin mounted walled barrier; and a strap to secure the facial shield.

18. The facial shield of claim 17 wherein the chin mounted walled barrier portion of the facial shield that is adapted to rest on a wearer’s face is crafted from hypoallergenic materials.

19. The facial shield of claim 17 wherein the tongue guard and the mouth guard 46 are formed of standard condom materials comprising one or more of latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene.

20. The facial shield of claim 17 wherein motion of the tongue guard is provided directly by a wearer’s tongue that is adapted to be inserted into the tongue guard; and wherein the mouth guard are shaped as a set of lips, where the lips are actuated by the wearer or the set of lips are actuated with vibratory action provided by battery power; and wherein motions or actions of the tongue guard and the mouth guard are independent of each other.

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