Abstract:
Disclosed is a protective mask with imbedded functionality and an interchangeable face panel. The protective mask includes an upper support that extends across a wearer&#39;s face and a lower support extending downward therefrom so that the mask covers the wearer&#39;s nose and chin, leaving the eyes uncovered. The each of the ends of the upper support includes an earphone, whereby each of the earphones includes a microphone, a speaker, a wireless headphone circuitry, a power source, and related components enclosed therein. The wireless headphone circuitry includes a wireless transceiver and an antenna assembly that communicates with an external electronic device. The wireless transceiver is connected to a processor that can decode input signals to emit sound through the speaker, and that can process speech into a signal for transmission. In this way, the present invention provides a hands-free and a wireless method of communicating with external electronic devices.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/847,385 filed on Jul. 17, 2013. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a protective mask. More specifically, the present invention pertains to an improved protective mask with imbedded functionality. The protective mask includes a wire frame with a removably attached mask portion. Each of the ends of the wire frame comprises an earphone thereon. In one embodiment, the earphone comprises a microphone, a speaker, and a wireless headphone circuitry to enable the wearer to utilize external electronic devices. 
         [0003]    Protective masks are worn to afford protection to the wearer&#39;s face. Protective masks are configured to cover the nose and mouth of the wearer. In this way, protective masks generally filter the outside air and protect the face against airborne objects or dangerous environments, while allowing vision. Conversely, protective masks also block exhaled particles and respiratory excretions of the wearer. Thus, protective masks are worn in various environments such as hospitals, kitchens, laboratories, workshops, construction sites, and other such venues. 
         [0004]    Conventional protective masks, however, are typically ill-fitting because they are available in one size. Even though some masks may include adjustable straps to secure to the wearer&#39;s face, these masks are not configured to follow the contours of the wearer&#39;s face. Thus, conventional protective masks may not provide an adequate barrier or a seal against the outside environment when worn. Additionally, conventional protective masks are designed to be disposable, and are composed of cloth-like material that may be discarded after a single use. Thus, it can be wasteful and costly to utilize disposable protective masks. 
         [0005]    Furthermore, individuals who wear the protective masks may desire to utilize electronic devices while engaging other tasks. This may not be feasible, however, when the wearers have contaminants on their hands, or are otherwise unable to hold electronic devices in their hands. Therefore, a protective mask that is designed to comfortably fit the wearer&#39;s face while enabling the wearer to utilize electronic devices in a hands-free manner is desired. 
         [0006]    The present invention provides a protective mask having an upper support and a lower support. The upper and lower supports are flexible and are configured to ergonomically fit over the wearer&#39;s face. Each of the upper and lower supports comprises a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end of the lower supports are connected to the upper support so that the two supports are unitary in structure and the lower support extends below the upper support. The lower support is adapted to cover the wearer&#39;s nose and mouth and comprises a removably secure a face panel thereon. The first and second ends of the upper support are secured over the wearer&#39;s ears for so that the face panel is in position over the mouth and the nose of the wearer. 
         [0007]    Each of the first end and the second end of the upper support comprises an earphone thereon. The earphone comprises a speaker, an audio amplifier, a microphone, a processor, a wireless transceiver, an antenna assembly, a power source, and related components imbedded therein. The wireless transceiver is operable via a power button that is connected to the power source, which comprises a battery. The wireless transceiver and the antenna assembly can communicate wirelessly with an external electronic device having wireless capability by receiving and transmitting signals. The processor can decode input signals from external electronic devices and apply output signals in form of audible sound through the speaker. The speaker can also apply input signal from the microphone to transmit it to external electronic devices. In this way, the wearer can listen to music, transmit voice commands, and communicate with the external electronic device in a wireless and a hands-free manner. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
       [0008]    Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that claim protective masks for various uses. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. The prior art devices generally disclose protective masks having straps, loops, and ties that hold the mask in position over the wearer&#39;s mouth and nose. These devices, however, do not disclose a protective mask with imbedded functionality for playing music and communicating on a mobile device. The foregoing is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art. 
         [0009]    Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 7,836,887 to Kling discloses a protective mask having a malleable wire frame that is connected to a filtration bag by means of a tether. The filtration bag is adapted to cover a wearer&#39;s mouth and nose. The wire frame can be bent to fit the wearer&#39;s face. Unlike the present invention, however, the wire frame does not comprise any imbedded functionality. The present invention comprises a wire frame with imbedded electronic features such as wireless capability for interacting with other electronic devices, an imbedded microphone, and imbedded speakers. In this way, the wearer can listen to music and communicate on a mobile device while wearing the mask. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,717,991 to Nozaki, U.S. Pat. No, 7,044,131 to Griesbach, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,819,731 to Dyrud disclose protective masks having a mask body and a strap system attached thereto. These devices generally comprise a strap that encircles a wearer&#39;s head, and a pair of straps that wrap around the wearer&#39;s ears. While the foregoing Nozaki, Griesbach, and Dyrud devices disclose a protective mask, these devices differ from the present invention in that these devices do not comprise a metal frame having imbedded functionalities therein. The present invention comprises a metal frame having a removably attached mask. The metal frame comprises a defined interior volume having electrical components to provide wireless capability means for interacting with other electronic devices, an imbedded microphone, and imbedded speakers. 
         [0011]    Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 5,561,863 to Gerald discloses a surgical protective mask comprising a see-through portion and a porous portion wherein the see-through portion is adapted for viewing a wearer&#39;s mouth. The mask is substantially rectangular in shape and comprises four corners. Each of the corners comprises a strap. The straps may be tied to form a pair of loops so that each loop can be worn on the wearer&#39;s ear. While Gerald discloses a protective mask, the design and intent of the Gerald device differ from the present invention in that the present invention intends to provide a protective mask with imbedded functionality. In contrast, Gerald discloses a protective mask that comprises multiple sections wherein each section is composed of a different material. 
         [0012]    The devices disclosed in the prior art have several known drawbacks. These devices do not comprise a frame and a mask, wherein the mask is removably attached to the frame, so that the frame may be used with a number of different masks. Additionally, the prior art devices do not comprise wireless capability and a means to utilize other electronic devices in a hands-free manner. The present invention overcomes these limitations by disclosing a protective mask frame having imbedded functionality. The earphones of the mask frame comprise a hollow interior having a microphone, speakers, wireless capability means, and related components. It is therefore submitted that the present invention is substantially divergent in design elements from the prior art, and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to protective masks. In this regard, the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of protective masks now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new and improved protective mask with imbedded functionality wherein the same can be utilized for creating a physical barrier between the mouth and nose of the wearer and any contamination while enabling wearer to use other electronic devices in a hands-free manner. 
         [0014]    It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a new and improved protective mask with imbedded functionality that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages. 
         [0015]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved protective mask that comprises a mask frame and an interchangeable face panel that is removably attached to the mask frame. 
         [0016]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved protective mask with imbedded speakers and microphone to allow a wearer to communicate with other electronic devices. 
         [0017]    Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved protective mask that is ergonomically shaped. 
         [0018]    Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein the numeral annotations are provided throughout. 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  shows a view of the present invention as worn. 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  shows an exemplary schematic diagram of the earphone of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0024]    References are made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the protective mask with imbedded functionality. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used to create a physical barrier between the mouth and nose of the wearer and any contamination while enabling wearer to use other electronic devices in a hands-free manner. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect. 
         [0025]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a first embodiment of the present invention. The present protective mask  11  comprises a mask frame having a hollow elongated upper support  14  and a lower support  13  attached thereto. The upper support  14  and the lower support  13  are semi-rigid so that the mask is comfortable to wear. The upper support  14  is curved and ergonomically shaped so that it is configured to span across a wearer&#39;s face. When viewed from the top, the upper support  14  is substantially U-shaped. The upper support  14  comprises a first end  15  and a second end  16 . The hollow interior of the upper support  14  spans between the first end  15  and the second end  16 . Each of the first end  15  and the second end  16  is adapted to hug the sides of the wearer&#39;s face, generally above the ears. In this way, the mask  11  is prevented from falling off of the wearer. 
         [0026]    The lower support  13  extends below the upper support  14  and comprises a first end  17  and a second end  18 . Each of the first end  17  and the second end  18  is attached to the upper support  14 . It is contemplated that the upper support  14  and the lower support  13  are unitary in structure. The lower support  13  is configured so that it spans across the wearer&#39;s nose, mouth, and chin, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In this way, the lower support  13  is substantially U-shaped when viewed from the front. The lower support  13  comprises hook fasteners  35  along the length thereof. In this way, the lower support  13  can removably secure a face panel  12  thereon. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the upper support  14  may comprise hook fasteners between the first end  17  and the second end  18  of the lower support  13  so as to provide a complete seal around the peripheral edge of the face panel. 
         [0027]    The face panel  12  comprises an outer surface that is coextensive with an inner surface, and includes a defined peripheral edge  19 . The inner surface of the panel  12  is adapted to directly contact the wearer&#39;s face to cover the wearer&#39;s nose and mouth, and the outer surface of the panel  12  faces outward or away from the wearer&#39;s face. In a preferred embodiment, the face panel  12  comprises one or more layers that overlap one another. For example, the layers may include an inner layer that rests against a wearer&#39;s face, a filter layer that prevents microbes from passing through the face panel, and an outer layer. In this way, the panel  12  can filter the outside air as the wearer inhales, while blocking exhaled particles and respiratory excretions of the wearer. In one embodiment, the face panel  12  comprises a three-ply material that is made up from a melt-blown material placed between non-woven fabric. The melt-blown material acts as the filter that stops microbes from entering or exiting the face panel  12 . In another embodiment, the face panel  12  comprises layers of mesh material. 
         [0028]    In one embodiment, the peripheral edge  19  of the face panel  12  comprises loop fasteners thereon. The loop fasteners are disposed on the inner surface of the face panel  12  so that it can removably attach to the hook fasteners  35  on the lower support  13 . The loop fasteners are positioned so that it does not extend substantially beyond the peripheral edge  19  and rub against the wearer&#39;s face. Alternatively, the peripheral edge  19  of the face panel  12  and the lower support  13  may comprise snap fasteners or other suitable fasteners. The face panel  12  can be easily interchanged and the protective mask  11  can be used with multiple face panels  12 . This allows the wearer to simply discard a contaminated face panel  12  after use and replace it with a new face panel  12 . 
         [0029]    Each of the first end  15  and the second end  16  comprises an earphone  20  attached thereto. The earphone  20  comprises a housing  21  that is adapted to be positioned within or adjacent to the wearer&#39;s ears, as shown in  FIG. 3 . Without limitation, the housing  21  comprises an interior volume in which electrical components such as a speaker  22 , a microphone, wireless headphone circuitry, a power source, and related components are enclosed. The electrical components in each earphone  20  may be connected by wires that run along the hollow interior of the upper support  14 . In this way, the protective mask  11  can communicate with another electronic device with wireless capability, such as a mobile phone, an MP3 player, a tablet computer, or the like. 
         [0030]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment of the protective mask  23  comprises an upper support  24  and a lower support  30  connected thereto. The lower support  30  comprises a first end  31  and a second end  32  connected to the upper support  24 . The lower support  30  extends downward to span the lower portion of the wearer&#39;s face. The lower support  30  comprises hook fasteners  36  along the length thereof so as to removably attach a peripheral edge  34  of a face panel  33  thereto, wherein the peripheral edge  34  may comprise loop fasteners. 
         [0031]    The upper support  24  also comprises a first end  25  and a second end  26 , wherein each of the first  25  and second ends  26  is configured to wrap around the wearer&#39;s ears so that the earphones  29  extend upward from the bottom portion of the wearer&#39;s ears. Thus, each of the first and second ends  25 ,  26  include a C-shape that can be disposed around a user&#39;s ears. The earphones  29  comprise a housing  27  with an on/off button  38 , a speaker  28 , a microphone, wireless headphone circuitry, a power source, and related components imbedded therein. The speaker  28  is adapted to be placed within the user&#39;s ear to allow the user to more easily hear the sound produced thereby. 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , there is shown an exemplary schematic diagram of the earphone of the present invention. Each earphone comprises a housing  21  with an interior volume having electrical components such as a speaker  22 , a microphone  42 , wireless headphone circuitry, a power source  37 , and related components therein. The electrical components of the present invention are internally powered via a battery  37  so that the device is portable. The speaker  22  is connected to an audio amplifier  43  that is in communication with a processor  41 . The processor is connected to the wireless headphone circuitry comprising a wireless transceiver  40  having an antenna assembly  39 . The wireless transceiver  40  and the antenna assembly  39  communicate with an external electronic device  45  having wireless capability. Without limitation, the electronic device  45  may comprise a mobile phone, an MP 3  player, or a tablet computer, among others. It is contemplated that the electronic device  45  may generally comprise a wireless transceiver  47  in communication with an RF power amplifier  46 , which converts a low-power radio-frequency signal into a larger signal of a significant power to drive the antenna assembly  39 . 
         [0033]    The wireless transceiver may be operable by means of an on/off button  38 . In some embodiments, the on/off button  38  may be accessible from the exterior of the housing  21 . When the on/off button  38  is actuated, a wireless connection is established between the electronic device  45  and the wireless headphone circuitry so that the protective mask and the electronic device  45  are paired. Thereafter, an audio signal from the electronic device  45  can be transmitted by means of the RF power amplifier  46  and the wireless transceiver  47  so that the antenna assembly  39  can convert the input audio signal and apply the signal to the transceiver  40 . The processor  41  can decode the received input signal so that the output signal can be amplified and emitted through the speaker  22  as audible sound. In this way, the wearer can listen to music or an audio recording that is transmitted to or stored in the electronic device  45  without physically connecting to the same. Alternatively, the electronic device  45  may comprise text to speech means so that the wearer can listen to texts and communicate with the electronic device  45  in various ways. 
         [0034]    Additionally, the microphone  42  enables the wearer to speak to the electronic device  45  without physically connecting thereto. In one embodiment, the protective mask can be used with an electronic device  45  having voice command and dictation means. The wearer can speak into the microphone  42  so that the processer can process the input signal comprising the wearer&#39;s speech and convert it into an output signal that can be transmitted by means of the transceiver  40  and the antenna assembly  39 . The electronic device  45  can convert the received signal into a text, thereby eliminating the need for the wearer of the protective mask to manually enter text into the electronic device  45 . In this way, the present invention allows the wearer to communicate with or otherwise utilize electronic devices  45  in a hands-free manner. 
         [0035]    It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above descriptions then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specifications are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
         [0036]    Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.