Mask Pod Fresheners

This present invention is an improved face mask having replaceable scented pods that make the wearing of protective face masks a more pleasant and enjoyable experience by eliminating any offensive or unpleasant odors. The novel scented face mask comprises two holders attached to the sides of the mask and is designed to hold scented pods for freshening air coming into or leaving the mask. The unique scented face mask enables the user to select the scented pods as per their desires, and to replace the scented pods when the scent pod becomes worn out. The scented face mask of the present invention encourages users to wear their masks even for prolonged periods of time, to minimizes the chances of spreading harmful pathogens, and therefore protects the individuals from spread of infectious diseases.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of protective face masks. More specifically, the present invention relates to a protective face mask designed to hold scented pods for keeping masks smelling fresh. The masks comprise a pod holder on each side of the mask body, in which scented pods can be inserted to freshen the air coming into the mask and going out of the mask. The scented pods are available in a variety of fragrances and can be chosen as per the desires of the user. Additionally, the scented pods are detachable and are therefore replaceable as desired. Accordingly, this disclosure makes specific reference thereto the present invention. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

By way of background, various types of germs, viruses, bacteria and other harmful pathogens are present in the environment, which when inhaled by individuals, can be extremely dangerous for their health. Additionally, in the time of a pandemic, which is an epidemic of any disease that has spread across a large region, for instance multiple continents or worldwide, affecting a substantial number of individuals, and which is caused by exponential spread of virus, bacteria or pathogens causing the infectious disease, there is always a need for individuals to protect themselves from the transmission of harmful pathogens. The spread of infectious diseases and pandemics takes a toll on the lives of millions of people. In these situations, the infectious diseases can easily transmit from one person to another, thereby spreading around the world.

A number of solutions have been proposed in the state of the art for the containment and mitigation of pandemics and other infectious diseases. Amongst the personal hygiene measures such as frequent hand washing, wearing protective masks, surface sanitization, etc., the wearing of face masks has been a mandatory solution which has been adopted in many countries for the containment of pandemics such as COVID-19 and others.

Usually, the face masks cover the nose and mouth of the user and form a barrier between the nasal/oral passage and the environment to prevent the transmission of any germs, bacteria, viruses, and other harmful pathogens, from the environment to the individuals. As a preventive measure, people are required to wear face masks in all public places such as markets, schools, hospitals, offices and other similar places. There is a risk of transmission of harmful pathogens when face masks are not worn public places.

Although, wearing face masks minimizes individuals from spreading diseases, the wearing of face masks for a long period of time can be irritating for the users. Wearing a face mask for prolonged periods can be extremely difficult and may cause inconvenience to the users. The masks often take on an unpleasant odor and can make the users feel lightheaded. This may discourage users from keeping their mask on when they should, thereby leaving the individuals at the risk of germ transmission.

Further, pregnant women, patients, individuals with allergies or the like may easily get irritated with the unpleasant odors in the mask due to prolonged wearing of masks. The unpleasant odor may trigger nausea, sickness and the like, which may worsen the condition of the individuals, thereby requiring the individual to take off the mask and risking their life by catching the one or many infectious diseases.

Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for an improved protective face mask that prevents the user from the transmission of germs, viruses, bacteria or other harmful pathogens, and thereby protects the user from the spread of diseases. There is also a long felt need in the art for a face mask that enables the users to continuously wear the face mask for prolonged periods. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a face mask that eliminates any unpleasant odor as a result of prolonged wearing of face masks. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a face mask that can be comfortably worn in public places for long periods of time. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a face mask that eliminates the need to take off the mask in public areas, due to discomfort and inconvenience, and thereby protects the user from the spread of diseases. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved face mask that provides a comfortable mask-wearing experience for pregnant women, patients and other users suffering from allergies due to unpleasant odors. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a face mask that prevents unpleasant odors, thereby providing a pleasant and enjoyable mask-wearing experience.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an improved face mask with replaceable, scented pods that keep the face mask smelling fresh while maintaining safety against harmful pathogens such as viruses, germs, bacteria, etc. The improved face mask comprising a mask body having a left portion and a right portion, the left portion having a first pod holder, the right portion having a second pod holder, wherein scented pods may be inserted into the pod holders on the mask body to freshen the air coming in or leaving the mask. The novel face mask offers a more pleasant and enjoyable mask-wearing experience when the user is required to wear the mask for prolonged periods.

In this manner, the novel mask pod freshener of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, and provides a relatively safe, easy, convenient and efficient solution to eliminate any unpleasant odors due to the prolonged wearing of masks while taking care of the safety of the user. The mask pod freshener of the present invention is also user-friendly, inasmuch as it does not require the user to take off their masks in public places, and provides a pleasant experience while wearing masks for prolonged periods. Additionally, the mask pod fresheners enable the user to easily change the scented pods as per his or her desires and requirements.

SUMMARY

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an improved face mask with replaceable, scented pods to keep the mask smelling fresh, while maintaining safety against harmful pathogens such as virus, germs, bacteria, etc. The improved face mask comprising a mask body having a left portion and a right portion, the left portion having a first pod holder, the right portion having a second pod holder, wherein scented pods may be inserted into the pod holders on the mask body to freshen the air coming in or leaving the mask. The novel face mask offers a more pleasant and enjoyable mask-wearing experience.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a face mask comprising a mask body, two ear loops, a first holder, a second holder and a plurality of scent pods is disclosed. The mask pod freshener of the present invention can be marketed as a kit comprising a face mask with pod holders attached to the mask body and a plurality of scent pods of different fragrances. A user may select the scent pods of his or her choice and insert them into the pod holders on the mask to get the fragrance of their choice while wearing the face mask.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, a novel face mask for freshening the air entering in or coming out of the mask is disclosed. The mask comprising a mask body having two sides and pockets or pod holders fixedly attached to the mask body on each of the two sides. The pod holders include an attachment means for attaching the holder to the mask body and a holding means for securing the scented pods to the pod holder. The holding means enables the scented pods to be selectively inserted or removed from the mask, and enables a user to change the scent pods when the fragrance of the scented pod is diminished and worn out. Additionally, the scented pods may be replaced by scented pods of different fragrances as per the desires of the user.

The scent pod freshener face mask provides a protective face mask that freshens up the air inhaled or exhaled by the user while wearing the mask. The scented pod is preferably packaged as a small disc that provides a fragrance. The scented pod may be infused with an essential oil, or a blend of essential oils, or man-made fragrances. The aroma experience provided by the scented pods is not limited to, but includes eucalyptus, lavender, citrus, rosemary, peppermint, chamomile or others, and can be selected as per the desires of the user.

In yet a further embodiment of the presently-described invention, a method of using the novel mask pod freshener is disclosed. The method comprising the steps of initially inserting a first scented pod into a first pod holder and inserting a second scented pod into a second pod holder of the face mask. Once the scented pods are properly held in place by the pod holders, a user wears the mask by securing a left ear loop over a left ear and securing a right ear loop over a right ear and placing the mask body over his or her nose and mouth region.

The mask pod freshener of the present invention is particularly advantageous because the scented pods attached to the face mask freshen up any air coming into or leaving the mask. The scented pods in combination with the face mask provide a pleasant experience for the user and enables the user to wear the mask for prolonged periods, thereby minimizing the chances that the user will contract any infectious diseases. The mask pod freshener of the present invention eliminates the need to remove the mask due to any unpleasant odor experience.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for an improved protective face mask that prevents the user from the transmission of germs, viruses, bacteria or other harmful pathogens, and thereby protects the user from the spread of diseases. There is also a long felt need in the art for a face mask that enables the users to continuously wear the face mask for prolonged periods. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a face mask that eliminates any unpleasant odor as a result of the prolonged wearing of face masks. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a face mask that can be comfortably worn in public places for long periods of time. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a face mask that eliminates the need to take off the mask in public areas due to discomfort and inconvenience, and thereby protects the user from the spread of diseases. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved face mask that provides a comfortable mask-wearing experience for pregnant women, patients and other users suffering from allergies due to unpleasant odors. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a face mask that prevents unpleasant odors, thereby providing a pleasant and enjoyable mask-wearing experience.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, comprises an improved face mask with replaceable, scented pods that keep the face mask smelling fresh while maintaining safety against harmful pathogens such as viruses, germs, bacteria, etc. The improved face mask comprising a mask body having a left portion and a right portion, the left portion having a first pod holder, the right portion having a second pod holder, wherein scented pods may be inserted into the pod holders on the mask body to freshen the air coming in or leaving the mask. The novel face mask offers a more pleasant and enjoyable mask-wearing experience when the user is required to wear the mask for prolonged periods.

Referring initially to the drawings,FIG.1illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a novel mask pod freshener of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The novel mask pod freshener100is designed to cover the nose and mouth of a user and is similar in shape and size to that of a conventional face mask. The novel mask pod freshener100comprises a mask body102having a crease line116which substantially divides the mask body102into two halves, namely a right portion104and a left portion106. The crease line116is a line along which the mask100is folded to keep or store when not in use. Also, the crease line116is generally aligned with an imaginary vertical line passing through the center of the user's forehead, nose, and mouth when the novel mask100is properly worn by the user. A top seam108is fitted to cover the user's nose, and a bottom seam110is fitted to cover the user's chin and mouth area. The mask100further comprises a right ear loop112and a left ear loop114designed go over a user's right and left ear, respectively. The ear loops112,114are typically made from an elastic and flexible material, so that the novel mask100can be adjusted to fit different users.

The mask pod freshener100comprises a first pod holder120and a second pod holder122, in which a first scented pod121a second scented pod123are inserted to freshen up any incoming or outgoing air through the novel mask100. A first pod holder120is attached to the right portion104of the mask body102, and a second pod holder122is attached to the left portion106of the mask body102. The pod holders120,122are circular-shaped structures having an attachment means (such as adhesive) for attaching the pod holders120,122to the mask body102, and a holding means (such as snap-fit or frictional-fit) for securing holding the scented pods121,123to the mask100. The scented pods121,123are preferably circular or disc-shaped and sized to fit into the corresponding pod holders120,122. The scented pods121,123may be infused with an essential oil, or a blend of essential oils or man-made fragrances. The aroma experience provided by the scented pods121,123is not limited to but includes eucalyptus, lavender, citrus, rosemary, peppermint, chamomile or others, and can be selected as per the desires of the user. Additionally, the scent may include extracted fluids taken from certain plants using steam or pressure.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the scented pods121,123may be used to provide the delivery of certain inhaled over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Additionally, in a further embodiment, the scented pods121,123may be used to administer aromatherapy to the wearer to promote the health and well-being of the mask wearer.

The mask body102of the mask pod freshener100of the present invention may be manufactured using a filter material such as non-woven fabric, cloth, PTE material or any other material that filters out harmful pathogens such as germs, bacteria, viruses or the like from the air taken in through the mask body102, thereby providing pure or filtered air to the user's respiratory system and therefore preventing the face mask user from any type of cross-contamination and spreading of diseases. The material of the mask body102is preferably a particulate/bacteria filter, and is comprised of a non-woven, melt-blown filter material comprised of 100% polypropylene or other suitable material. The mask body102acts as a fine particulate filter, thereby protecting the wearer against at least 95% of any airborne dust, particulates, pathogens, or bacteria of 0.3+ microns-particles.

FIG.2illustrates a side perspective view of a user wearing the novel mask pod freshener of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown in theFIG.2, a user200wears the mask pod freshener100of the present invention by securing the right ear loop112over the right ear206, and the left ear loop114over the left ear (not shown). The novel face mask100covers the user's nose202and mouth204, thereby forming a barrier between the nasal and oral passages and the surroundings, to prevent the transmission of harmful pathogens and further prevent spread of diseases. The periphery of the mask body102provides a snug seal between the novel mask100and the user's200face.

The first pod holder120is preferably attached to the right portion104of the mask body102by an adhesive applied to the back portion1201of the first pod holder120that is then fixedly attached to the mask body102. Similarly, the second pod holder122is attached to the left portion106of the mask body102by an adhesive applied to the back of the holder122, that is then fixedly attached to the mask body102. Other methods for attaching the pod holders to the mask body102may include stitching or ultrasonic welding for instance. The pod holders120,122may be manufactured from plastic or other light-weight materials. The material used to manufacture the pod holders120,122is not limited, and other materials can also be used as per the desires and requirements of the users/manufacturers.

The scented pods121,123are slidably inserted into the pod holders120,122and held in place by conventional means such as snap-fit or frictional fit. The scented pods121,123are circular or disc-shaped, and are sized and shaped to fit the pod holders120,122. The shape of the pod holder and the scented pod is not limited, and any other shapes and sizes of the holder and sizes can be utilized, without affecting the overall concept of the invention, while providing convenience to the user in wearing the novel mask100. The scented pod121,123may be scented using essential and/or non-essential oils and may include fragrances of eucalyptus, lavender, citrus, rosemary, peppermint, chamomile or others. The position of the scented pod holders120,122is such that when the scented pod is inserted into the pod holders120,122, the fragrance is easily directed to the nostrils of the user. The pod holders120,122are positioned at an optimal distance away from the user's nostrils to provide a pleasant and comfortable experience to the user200. Additionally, the scent of the first scented pod121may differ or be the same as the scent of the second scented pod123.

FIG.3illustrates a transparent view of how the novel mask pod freshener of the present invention freshens the incoming and outgoing air in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown, the scented pod121is securely held in place by the pod holder120to freshen the incoming or outgoing air through the filter material of the mask100. The pod holder120is placed at an optimal distance away from the user's nose in order to provide a comfortable mask-wearing experience for the user200. If the pod holder120is too close to the user's nose202, the user200may have excessive intake of the fragrance through the scented pod121, which will eventually make the wearer uncomfortable. If the pod holder120is far away from the user's nose202, the user200may not be able receive the benefit of the scented pod and may experience an unpleasant odor when wearing the mask. Therefore, the mask pod holders are positioned on the mask body for the comfort of the user200, while providing advantages of the present invention. As shown, the air300that goes inside through the mask body to the user's nose202, is scented by the fragrance of the scented pod121. Similarly, the air exhaled out of the mask is also scented by the fragrance of the scented pod121. The scented pod121may be selected as per the needs and desires of the user, and can be replaced as needed to maintain the desired level of fragrance into and out of the novel mask100.

FIG.4illustrates a perspective view of another novel mask pod freshener of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown in theFIG.4, a different style of mask pod freshener400is disclosed. The mask400comprises a mask body402and an elastic securing band404for easily securing the novel mask400around a user's head. The band404is secured over the back of the head of the user while snugly fitting the mask body402over the user's face, and covering the user's nose and mouth. The novel mask400comprises a nose bridge406at the top central portion of the front of the mask body402. The nose bridge406is an elongated deformable member (also referred to as a “nose clip”) that conforms an upper portion of the mask, and holds it in place, over the bridge of a user's nose. The center of the nose bridge is positioned over the crease line414, which substantially divides the mask body402into two equal halves, such as a right portion and a left portion. The nose bridge406is made from a deformable material such as metal or plastic and is preferably attached to the mask body by an adhesive or other attachment means.

The mask400further comprises pores408and pod holders410,412that are suitably sized to hold scented pods. The pod holders410,412and the pores408are placed close to each other such that the pores408receive the fragrance created by the scented pods420,422that are placed in the pod holders410,412.

FIG.5illustrates a perspective view of the novel mask pod fresher of the present invention, showing how the scented pods are inserted into the holder of mask in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown in theFIG.5, scented pods420,422that are preferably circular or disc-shaped, are designed to be slidably inserted into the pod holders410,412. The pod holders410and412securely hold the scented pods420,422respectively, to freshen the air inhaled or exhaled by the user while wearing the mask400. The scented pods420,422are preferably held in place by any conventional means such as snap-fit, frictional fit, elastic bands and the like.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “Mask pod freshener”, “improved face mask”, “scented face mask”, “novel mask”, and “scent pod freshener face mask” are interchangeable and refer to the Mask pod freshener100of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the Mask pod freshener100,400of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the Mask pod freshener100,400as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the Mask pod freshener100,400are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the Mask pod freshener100,400are important design parameters for user convenience, the Mask pod freshener100,400may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use, and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.