Protective face mask for attachment to protective eye-ware

A strapless, personal protective face mask that includes glasses, a nosepiece, and a mouth covering is described. The glasses are configured to be worn by a user and includes a bridge. The face mask may include a nosepiece having a curved body, an attachment portion disposed along the top of the body, and an attachment feature configured to securely attach the nosepiece to, for example, the bridge of the glasses. The mouth covering extends from the bottom of the body and covers at least a majority of the user's mouth. An embodiment having a transparent shield over the zone about a user's mouth is also described.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The application relates to face masks and, more particularly, to face masks that cover the user's eyes, nose, and mouth.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Face masks are a type of personal protective equipment (PPE) that is commonly worn by a user to protect the user from harmful, or otherwise undesired, foreign particulate matter. This may include, for example, pathogens (e.g., viruses, bacteria, fungus, etc.), dust, pollen, soot, smoke, and liquid droplets. In effect, face masks may also prevent the spread of particulate matter (e.g., respirable particulate matter) from the user to the user's environment.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has elevated the importance of wearing PPE, especially in public places. As a result, the global stock of face masks has come into short supply, prompting those in search of PPE to improvise ways of fabricating their own face masks, many of which are ill-fitting or not effective, or to go without. Accordingly, those skilled in the art continue with research and development efforts in the field of PPE.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed are face masks that include glasses, nosepieces, and mouth coverings.

In one embodiment, the protective eye-ware of the present invention may comprise glasses configured to be worn by a user and may include a nose bridge. A face mask extends from the glasses and may include a nosepiece preferably having a curved body portion, and an attachment portion disposed along the top of the body portion. The attachment portion may include an attachment feature configured to securely attach the nosepiece to the bridge of the glasses. A mouth covering may extend from the bottom of the body portion and substantially cover the user's mouth.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the attachment feature may include a clip that receives a portion of the bridge. Further, the mouth covering may include a filter portion and an outer edge portion that extends along the perimeter of the filter portion. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the mouth covering includes a transparent mouth shield within the center of the filter portion to facilitate visibility of mouth movements by the user.

Other examples of the disclosed face mask will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific examples described by the disclosure. Other examples having different structures and operations do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure. Like reference numerals may refer to the same feature, element, or component in the different drawings.

Illustrative, non-exhaustive examples, which may be, but are not necessarily, claimed, of the subject matter according to the present disclosure are provided below. Reference herein to “example” means that one or more feature, structure, element, component, characteristic and/or operational step described in connection with the example is included in at least one embodiment and/or implementation of the subject matter according to the present disclosure. Thus, the phrase “an example” and similar language throughout the present disclosure may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same example. Further, the subject matter characterizing any one example may, but does not necessarily, include the subject matter characterizing any other example.

Referring toFIGS.1-13, the present disclosure provides an example of a face mask100for protecting the eyes, nose, and mouth of a user. The face mask100includes glasses20(i.e., “a pair of glasses”), a nosepiece40, and a mouth covering60. By putting on the glasses20, the nosepiece40and the mouth covering60may be brought into close proximity with the user's nose and mouth, thereby functioning as a barrier to prevent the user from inhaling undesired particulate matter. In this way, the face mask100may also prevent the user from spreading his/her own particulate matter to the surrounding environment.

Any structurally sound type of glasses20may be utilized. This may include, for example, safety glasses (e.g., “goggles”), prescription eyeglasses, conventional sunglasses, and the like. In preferred embodiments, the glasses20may include a bridge22(e.g., between the lenses24) that, as discussed below, may facilitate the attachment of the nosepiece40.

The nosepiece40includes a body42and an attachment portion50disposed along the top44of the body42. The attachment portion50further includes an attachment feature52that enables the nosepiece40to be attached to the glasses20. As shown, the attachment portion50may be configured to overlay on top of the glasses20, along the center. The attachment portion50may be curved inwards along the vertical dimension of the attachment portion50so as to minimize, if not eliminate, any obstruction to the user's vision. Further, considering as how glasses20of varying dimensions may be used, it is generally contemplated that the size and shape of the attachment portion50, including the attachment feature52, may also vary commensurate with the dimensions of the glasses20actually used.

In one or more examples, the attachment feature may be configured to attach to the bridge22of the glasses20. In effect, doing so may secure the nosepiece40and the mouth covering60to the glasses20, while also transferring the weight of the nosepiece40and mouth covering60to the user at the bridge22and the temples26of the glasses20. This attachment may be removeable or permanent, and may be achieved in one or more of a variety of different ways. In one example, the attachment feature52may include a clip54that may receive a portion of the bridge22in a press fit, friction fit, snap fit, some combination thereof, or the like arrangement (FIG.5). In another example, the attachment feature52may include an adhesive such that the nosepiece40may be adhered to the bridge22of the glasses20. In yet another example, the attachment feature52may be fabricated around the bridge22so as to completely enclose at least a portion of it (thereby forming a permanent attachment).

In one exemplary embodiment, at least one of the nosepiece40(including the body42and the attachment portion50) and the mouth covering may be fabricated (e.g., molded) with the glasses20as a single monolithic piece.

The body42of the nosepiece40may be sized and shaped as appropriate to receive the nose of the user. As shown, the body42may define a generally concave, triangular shape that protrudes outward relative to the face of the user. Further, the body42may form an arcuate shape that substantially matches the curvature of the user's dorsum nasi. When worn by the user, the body42of the nosepiece40may be closely received over at least a portion of the dorsum nasi and preferably, may also cover the apex of the nose, as well as both alae (plural of ala).

In one embodiment, the mouth covering60may be attached to the bottom46of the nosepiece40, extending downwards such that it covers at least a portion of the user's mouth (e.g., the user's philtum, lips, and mentolabial sulcus). In preferred embodiments, the mouth covering60may cover the user's mouth entirely in addition to portions of the user's chin and cheeks. As shown, the mouth covering60may include a gas permeable filter portion62and an outer edge portion64that encompasses the perimeter of the filter portion62.

The outer edge portion64may be connected to the nosepiece40by any suitable means. For example, the outer edge portion64may be connected to the nosepiece40by way of an adhesive. In another example, the outer edge portion64may be connected to the nosepiece40by way of a mechanical fastener. In yet another example, the outer edge portion64may be integral with the nosepiece40(i.e., formed as a single monolithic piece).

The filter portion62may be sized and shaped to cover at least a majority of the user's mouth, and possibly also a portion of the user's nose (particularly around the apex and the alae). Ideally, the filter portion62should be gas permeable, so as to enable the user to breath, while also filtering out undesired particulate matter. Various materials may be used to fabricate the outer edge portion64such as, for example, silicone, neoprene, rubber, combinations thereof, and/or the like. The actual filter material of the filter portion62may be cloth or filter paper material, or layers thereof, or other filtering materials known to those of ordinary skill in the art of breathing filters.

Referring toFIG.14-24, in an alternative embodiment, at least part of the filter portion62may be replaced with one or more transparent or semitransparent windows80. These windows80may permit others to see the user's mouth while the user is wearing the face mask100, thereby facilitating ease of communication. As shown, the window80may generally encompass the bottom half of the filter portion62. However, the size, shape, and number of windows is not meant to be limiting, and variations in these design considerations will not result in a departure from the present disclosure. The material composition of these windows may be a polymeric material such as acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), acetal, acrylic, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polystyrene, nylon, polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMW), combinations thereof, and other materials known for use in transparent face masks, by those of ordinary skill in the art of protective face shields.

It is to be noted that the face mask100of the present disclosure may be worn with (i.e., in addition to) conventional face masks, or a conventional face mask may form a part of (i.e., be built into) the face mask100. Examples of conventional face masks may include basic cloth face masks, surgical face masks, N95 respirators (e.g., the 3MTM Particulate Respirator 07048 available from 3M Corp. of Saint Paul, Minnesota), KN95 respirators, and the like. Depending on the conventional face mask, the user may either put on the conventional face mask first, and then face mask100over it; or the user may drape the conventional face mask over face mask100, most likely covering the mouth covering60and portions of the nosepiece40.FIGS.14-24show an N95 respirator82received over the mouth covering60and most of the nosepiece40.

Specifically in regards to N95 and KN95 respirators (as well as other types of conventional face masks that may have a shaped, relatively rigid structure), the attachment portion50and/or the nosepiece40may be raised relative to the face of the user such that a gap is present between the user's face and the nosepiece40and/or mouth covering60. The N95/KN95 respirator may then be attached to face mask100(at any point along the attachment portion50, nosepiece40, and mouth covering60) such that it is close to the user's face, but only touches very little of it, if any. This attachment may occur either over or under the nosepiece40and/or mouth covering60, and by way of any suitable method of attachment (e.g., bendable metal clip/strips84, adhesives, etc.). It is generally contemplated that by raising the attachment portion50and/or nosepiece50in this way, the user may be afforded greater airflow to and from the user's mouth while still providing some degree of protection from particulate matter. Such a configuration may be preferable to those with claustrophobia, or who are prone to anxiety attacks. Further, as those skilled in the art will appreciate, such a configuration may enable the N95/KN95 respirator to be worn without strings and/or straps.

In embodiments where both windows and conventional face masks are provided, holes or gaps86may be provided in the conventional face mask so as to not obstruct the view of the user's mouth. Of course, these holes or gaps86may ideally correspond in size, shape, number, and location to the window(s) provided in the mouth covering60.

Referring toFIGS.25-36, in an alternative embodiment, the mouth covering60may include a mouth shield66. The mouth shield66may be shaped as a half-cone that flares radially outward towards the bottom68. The upper portion70of the mouth shield66may be attached to the body42of the nosepiece40. As in the example shown, this upper portion70may be attached to the interior surface48(e.g., by way of an adhesive) of the nosepiece40(i.e., between the nosepiece40and the nose of the user). When worn by the user, the mouth shield66may cover at least a majority of the user's mouth. The material composition of the mouth shield66may be a polymeric material such as acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), acetal, acrylic, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polystyrene, nylon, polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMW), combinations thereof, and/or the like. Further, this mouth shield66may also be transparent, or semi-transparent. However, transparency need not be a limiting feature.

In one or more examples, mouth shields66having different shapes, such as hemispherical, polygonal, and/or planar shapes, may also be utilized without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, in exemplary embodiments, the mouth shield66may be fabricated with the nosepiece40and the glasses20as a single monolithic piece.

Referring toFIG.37-48, in yet another alternative embodiment, the body42of the nosepiece40may also be provided with one or more openings41extending through said body42to improve airflow to and from the nose. As shown, two lower openings and one upper opening may be provided. The lower openings may have a generally triangular shape extending from the alae to the apex of the nose, whereas the upper opening may have a generally ovoid shape vertically disposed across the dorsum. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the nosepiece40may cover a substantial majority of the user's nose, if not all of it, and thus may make it more difficult for the user to breathe. These openings41may rectify this problem by providing a channel to and from the user's nostrils. Of course, different shaped openings41may also be employed, and may be employed in different locations along the body42of the nosepiece40. Further, either more or less openings41may be provided, also without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.49, in alternative embodiments, any of the face masks100ofFIGS.1-13,FIGS.14-24,FIGS.25-36and/orFIGS.37-48may further be provided with an additional face shield400disposed in front of the nosepiece40. The additional face shield400may be attached to the glasses20by way of a mount420that includes an outer rim440, an inner rim460, and temple attachments480.

The additional face shield400may be fabricated from a transparent or semi-transparent material, such as glass and/or a polymeric material. The additional face shield400may be curved or straight, and may be configured to cover at least a portion of the user's face. The size and shape of the additional face shield400are design considerations that may be varied as desired.

The inner rim460includes a body462that is curved to correspond with the curvature of a human forehead. The bottom portion464of the body462may be shaped to align with the top of a pair of glasses, and may define a channel466extending along the length of the body462within which the top of the glasses may be received. This configuration enables the inner rim460to be received over the user's forehead without uncomfortably abutting against it. In some embodiments, however, the inner rim460may be configured to rest against the user's forehead, though such is not required. Further, the attachment portions50of the nosepieces show inFIGS.1-48may be connected to the inner rim460. Alternatively, the inner rim460and the attachment portions50may be connected to the glasses20separately.

The outer rim440includes a body442that extends past the inner rim460in an arcuate shape, though other shapes are also contemplated. This configuration enables the additional face shield400, once attached, to prevent transmission and receipt of particulate matter, while also preventing the user's face from fogging or inadvertently contacting the additional face shield. Like with the inner rim460, the body442of the outer rim440may be curved as appropriate to correspond with the shape of the additional face shield400(more specifically, an edge402of the additional face shield400). The outer rim440may also include one or more clips448spaced along the length of the outer rim440to facilitate attachment of the additional face shield400.

The temple attachment480may be configured to receive, or otherwise attach to, the temple26of the glasses20. As shown, the temple attachment480may be fabricated as a hollow cylinder, though other shapes are also contemplated. In practice, the temples26of the glasses20may first be inserted through the temple attachments480, and then raised into the channel466of the inner rim460.

The inner rim460, the outer rim440, and the temple attachments480may be connected at end portions490,492. These end portions490,492may be disposed proximate the temple of the user. In one example, the inner rim460, the outer rim440, and the temple attachments480may be fabricated as a single monolithic piece, converging at the end portions490,492. In another example, inner rim460, the outer rim440, and the temple attachments480may be fabricated as separate pieces and affixed together at the end portions490,492. Various other configurations may also be utilized without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Alternatively, in one or more examples, the additional face shield400and the mount420(including any components thereof), in part or in its entirety, may be fabricated with the glasses20as a single monolithic piece.

Referring toFIG.50, the present disclosure provides an example of a system200for manufacturing that may be used to manufacture the any of the face masks100ofFIGS.1-48. The system may include, among other things, a 3D scanner210, a 3D printer220, a computer230, a data store240, and glasses20. The 3D scanner210, the 3D printer220, the computer230, and the data store240may all be in electronic communication with one another. Further, such a system200may also include filter portions62and/or mouth shields66.

Referring toFIG.51, as an example method300, the 3D scanner210may be used to scan the exterior of the glasses20to generate a rendering of the glasses20(block310). The 3D scanner210may also be used to scan the exterior of the filter portions62and/or mouth shields66to generate renderings thereof (block320). These renderings may be stored on the data store240(block330), until retrieved by the computer230as needed (block340). From there, the computer230may be used to transmit instructions to the 3D printer220(block350) to fabricate at least a portion of an appropriately shaped nosepiece40(block360) capable of attachment to the glasses20and the filter portions62and/or mouth shields66. The filter portions62and/or mouth shields66may then be attached to the nosepiece (block370), which may then be attached to the glasses (block380).

The 3D printer100may be any type of 3D printer including, but not limited to, stereolithography (SLA), digital light processing (DLP), fused deposition modeling (FDM), selective laser sintering (SLS), selective laser melting (SLM), electronic beam melting (EBM), laminated object manufacturing (LOM), binder jetting (BJ), material jetting (MJ), some combination thereof, or the like.

Certain operations described herein may be performed by one or more electronic devices. Each electronic device may comprise one or more processors, electronic storage devices, executable software instructions, and the like configured to perform the operations described herein. The electronic devices may be general purpose computers or a specialized computing device. The electronic devices may comprise personal computers, smartphone, tablets, databases, servers, or the like. The electronic connections and transmissions described herein may be accomplished by wired or wireless means. The computerized hardware, software, components, systems, steps, methods, and/or processes described herein may serve to improve the speed and automation of the computerized hardware, software, systems, steps, methods, and/or processes described herein.

Although various examples of the disclosed face mask100have been shown and described, modifications may occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification. The present application includes such modifications and is limited only by the scope of the claims.