Face Covering Hook-and-Loop Attachments for Rapid Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for storing and transporting face coverings, such as surgical masks and N95 respirators, lead to cross-contamination and are cumbersome, impractical, and do not facilitate rapid deployment, especially for first responders and individuals engaged in high-intensity activities.

Innovation Solution

Face coverings equipped with fastening members like hook-and-loop (Velcro) or snap buttons that allow easy attachment to clothing, armbands, or other surfaces, enabling efficient storage, transportation, and rapid deployment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If face coverings are stored in plastic or paper bags, then face coverings can be transported and stored, but cross-contamination occurs and excessive hand contact facilitates the spread of infectious disease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from contaminationVSAvoidcross-contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the storage system into separate compartments: a first compartment for clean face coverings and a second compartment for used face coverings. This segmentation prevents cross-contamination between clean and used masks while eliminating the need for excessive hand contact with multiple separate bags.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a nested structure where the second compartment (for used face coverings) is positioned within or adjacent to the first compartment (for clean face coverings) in a single device. This nesting allows both storage functions to be integrated into one unit, reducing the need for multiple separate bags and minimizing hand contact points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If multiple bags are used to carry clean and used face coverings separately, then cross-contamination is reduced, but the method becomes cumbersome and impractical

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of cross-contaminationVSAvoidconvenience of carrying

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the functionality of multiple separate bags (one for clean face coverings, one for used face coverings) into a single integrated device with distinct compartments. This combining maintains the cross-contamination prevention benefits while eliminating the cumbersome nature of carrying and managing multiple separate bags.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If face coverings are stored on a lanyard around the user's neck, then storage location is near the user's body, but rapid deployment is not achieved and contamination hazards exist

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of storageVSAvoidspeed of deployment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention positions clean face coverings in a ready-to-deploy state within the first compartment of the wearable device, with the most recent clean face covering easily accessible for immediate use. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need to search through bags or manipulate lanyards, enabling rapid deployment when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Quantity of substance

If face coverings are stored in bags or on lanyards, then storage is possible, but rapid replacement during high-intensity activities is impractical and impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavailability of face coveringsVSAvoidspeed of replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the storage device into clearly defined compartments with the first compartment holding multiple clean face coverings in a structured arrangement. This segmentation allows the user to quickly access and replace face coverings during high-intensity activities without the impracticality of searching through bags or manipulating lanyards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution reduces cross-contamination and provides a convenient, sanitary method for storing and deploying face coverings, ensuring they are readily available for use, even during physical activities.

Implementation Method 1

The fastening member of the face covering is capable of readily engaging a corresponding fastening member sewn or attached to a clothing wear, armband, removable patch, openable patch or other surface, item or the like

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHook-and-loop fastening: Velcro

Data Source

PatentUS12433354B2Face covering

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 PERRY SHAWN F D

AI summary

A face covering generally worn to cover the nose and mouth of a user where the face covering includes attachments that are capable of engaging other surfaces including apparel items and wears.