Patent Description:
Facial masks are widely used for various purposes. For instance, medical doctors or clinical staff usually wear facial masks while being present in an operating room or theatre to prevent spread of germs during surgery. However, facial masks are increasingly used in other fields, including offices, universities and schools, as well as in the public domain, such as by civilians in public transportation, shopping malls, at events, or the like.

Typically, facial masks comprise an air-permeable filter covering the mouth and nose of the user and one or more straps to fix the mask or filter to the user's head. For instance, the one or more straps can be tied around the user's neck, head and/or ears.

These conventional facial masks can have certain drawbacks that can limit their applicability or usability for certain users and use cases or applications. For instance, the above-mentioned fixation of the filter using one or more straps can be uncomfortable for the user and may not sufficiently fix the filter to the user's face, for example in case the user's head is subject to quick movements or the like, such as during physical activities or sports. Further, conventional facial masks usually cover a large area of the user's face, which may adversely affect the user's comfort and aggravate visibility of facial expressions.

Document <CIT> describes a face mask with double seal, triple seal or quadruple seal, with distinct spacing between each of the seals within a set of seals. Each of the seals within a double seal, triple seal, or quadruple seal may stand alone or may be interconnected to other seals by bridging, where such bridging is formed of the same adhesive as the seal itself.

Documents <CIT> describes a facial mask comprising a covering layer having a first and second surface being cut into a mask shape and having a fluid absorbent adhesive on its first surface.

Document <CIT> describes a sealing mask, which includes a mask body having a protective surface and a breathing surface on an opposite side.

Document <CIT> describes a face mask having an oval surface, which is made of a transparent elastic plastic material.

For the reasons set out hereinabove, it may be desirable to provide for an improved facial mask for covering at least a part of a face of a user that at least mitigates or even overcomes some of or all of the drawbacks of conventional facial masks. This may in turn increase usability of the facial mask in many different fields both in the professional as well as in the public domain.

The invention is defined in the independent claims, wherein further embodiments are incorporated in the dependent claims and the following description.

An aspect of the present invention relates to a facial mask for covering at least a part of a face of a user, such as e.g. at least a part of a nose and a mouth of the user. The mask comprises at least one filter layer configured to filter air passing through the facial mask, wherein the filter layer comprises an outer surface configured for being directed towards a skin of the user and an inner surface arranged opposite to and/or opposing the outer surface of the at least one filter layer. The facial mask further comprises a carrier layer with an inner surface, which is directed towards the inner surface of the at least one filter layer, and an outer surface arranged opposite to and/or opposing the inner surface of the carrier layer. Therein, at least a part and/or portion the carrier layer is elastically stretchable, stretchable, elastically deformable and/or deformable in at least one spatial direction. Further, a size and/or area of the carrier layer is larger than a size and/or area of the at least one filter layer, for instance in a non-deformed state of the carrier layer and the filter layer, such that a fixing portion of the carrier layer surrounds the at least one filter layer along at least a part of a perimeter of the at least one filter layer. The size of the filter layer and/or the carrier layer may be given by a length and width of the respective layer. Moreover, the carrier layer comprises an adhesive material arranged at at least a part of the inner surface of the carrier layer, such that the inner surface of the at least one filter layer is fixedly attached to the inner surface of the carrier layer and/or such that the at least one filter layer is fixedly attached to the carrier layer, and such that the fixing portion of the carrier layer is attachable and/or can be attached to the skin of the user by the adhesive material.

Accordingly, the adhesive material of the carrier layer can be configured for fixing the filter layer to the carrier layer and for fixing the carrier layer and/or the facial mask to the user's skin. This can render further fixation means, such as straps as used for conventional masks, unnecessary, while ensuring that the facial mask can be robustly and reliably affixed to the user's face. Moreover, it can be ensured that no mouth or nose contact is possible while wearing the facial mask, because displacements of the facial mask can be reliably prevented. In turn, droplet infection or airborne infection can be reliably prevented.

In addition, due to the elastically deformable and/or stretchable properties of the carrier layer, and optionally of the filter layer, in combination with the fixability of the mask via the fixing portion of the carrier layer, a comfort for the user may be significantly increased when compared to conventional masks. This relates to both the comfort in wearing, e.g. because the mask can elastically adapt to movements of the user's facial skin, as well as the climate comfort, e.g. because insulating air layers or enclosures between the mask and the skin can be reduced.

Moreover, due to the design of the facial mask with the fixing portion that is attachable to the user's skin, an area of the user's face that is covered by the mask during wearing can be minimized, which can allow for a better identity recognition, and visibility of facial expressions. Hence, interactive communication can be improved.

For at least these reasons, the facial mask according to the present disclosure can be used to advantage in basically any field of application, including sports activities, physical activities, events, concerts, meetings, learning activities, schools, universities, offices, public transportation systems, medical applications, surgical applications, and others.

Also, a cost-efficient production of facial masks for any field of application or for any application can be provided, e.g. requiring only minimum or even no modification of the facial mask for different applications. Further, facial masks can be provided in different sizes for users of nearly any age in a cost-efficient manner, while maintaining the advantageous characteristics and properties of the facial mask.

In the context of the present disclosure, the at least one filter layer may refer to an air-permeable filter comprising one or more layers of filter material. The at least one filter layer and/or the outer surface thereof may be in direct or indirect contact with the user's skin, when the mask is worn by the user. The at least one filter layer may be replaceable or may be fixedly attached to the carrier layer.

Accordingly, the filter layer may be in direct contact with the skin or one or more further layers may be comprised or disposed between the skin and the at least one filter layer. Such one or more further layers may be attached to the at least one filter layer and/or to the carrier layer, e.g. via the adhesive material arranged at the carrier layer and/or via another fixation. For instance, a pocket or compartment may be formed by one or more further layers, e.g. comprising multiple layers and/or a 3ply material, in which the at least one filter layer may be at least partly arranged. Therein, the one or more further layers forming the pocket or compartment can be attached to the carrier layer via the adhesive material and/or another fixation arranged thereon, and the at least one filter layer may be held by the one or more further layers and/or may be attached to the carrier layer via the one or more further layers. Hence, the at least one filter layer can be directly attached to the carrier layer via the adhesive material or can be indirectly attached to the carrier layer, e.g. via one or more further layers. Generally, the one or more further layers may comprise the same or different material than the at least one filter layer. The one or more furthers layer may for example be configured for absorbing moisture or sweat, and/or for skin protection.

In the context of the present disclosure, the elastic stretchability and/or deformability of the carrier layer (and/or any other layer) in at least one spatial direction may mean that upon exerting a force along the at least one spatial direction, a length of the carrier layer can be increased, wherein the carrier layer contracts itself to its original length when the force is reduced again. Generally, elastically deformable may mean that the length of the carrier layer and/or any other layer referred to in the present disclosure can be elastically increased by at least <NUM>%, for example at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, or even more, relative to a length of the carrier layer and/or the respective layer measured along the at least one spatial direction when no force is exerted.

It should be noted that the at least one filter layer may be inelastic and/or not elastically deformable, at least when compared to the carrier layer. Accordingly, the at least one filter layer may be less elastically deformable than the carrier layer or the filter layer may have elastic properties similar (or identical) to those of the carrier layer.

When the at least one filter layer is less elastic than the carrier layer, the elastic deformability and/or stretchability of the carrier layer may be reduced in a region or portion of the carrier layer that is attached and/or coupled to the at least one filter layer, such as e.g. a middle portion of the carrier layer. Further, the fixing portion of the carrier layer may be more elastic, more elastically deformable and/or more stretchable than the middle region of the carrier layer. This may allow for a reliable and comfortable fixation of the mask on the user's face via the fixing portion. Optionally, a size or area of the fixing portion may be increased, e.g. if the at least one filter layer is less stretchable than the carrier layer and/or if the middle region of the carrier layer is less stretchable than the fixing portion of carrier layer.

Further, the fixing portion may refer to a part or portion of the carrier layer that at least partly surrounds the at least one filter layer along a perimeter and/or circumference thereof. For instance, the fixing portion may extend radially outward from at least a part of a boundary of the at least one filter layer. At at least a part or portion of the fixing portion the adhesive material may be arranged. For instance, the fixing portion may entirely surround the at least one filter layer and adhesive material may be arranged at the entire fixing portion, such that a closed compartment can be formed by the user's skin and the fixing portion. Alternatively, at at least a part or portion of the perimeter of the at least one filter layer no fixing portion may be formed and/or at at least a part of the fixing portion no adhesive material may be arranged.

For instance, a portion of the carrier layer and/or of the fixing portion for covering the user's chin may be adhesive-free and configured for not being attached to the user's skin. Such portion may be designed or formed as a flap extending downwards, when the mask is worn by a user. This may, for example, allow to take a drink, insert or remove a gumshield during sports, disgorge, or the like.

Generally, the adhesive material may in the context of the present disclosure refer to any adhesive material allowing to attach the fixing portion to the user's skin. As noted above, the adhesive material may be configured to attach the fixing portion to the skin and to attach or fix the inner surface of the at least one filter layer to the inner surface of carrier layer, either directly or via one or more further layers that are attached to the carrier layer. The adhesive material may be arranged or disposed at the inner surface of the carrier layer in the form of an adhesive layer. Alternatively or additionally, at least a part of the carrier layer may be impregnated, coated and/or saturated with the adhesive material.

Optionally, the adhesive material may be covered with a protection layer that may be pulled off in order to use the mask. Alternative or additionally, an adhesive effect or force of the adhesive material may be triggered or activated, for instance by application of pressure or thermal energy, when attaching the mask to the user's skin. Optionally, instructions for use, such as instructions for applying the mask on the face, may be printed and/or illustrated on the protection cover.

Further, the adhesive material may be elastically deformable along at least one spatial direction, particularly without losing its adhesive effect or force. Therein, the adhesive material may have similar, like, identical or different elastic properties than the carrier layer. Similarly, the at least one filter layer and/or any other layer comprised in the mask may have similar, like, identical or different elastic properties than the carrier layer.

According to an embodiment, the adhesive material is arranged substantially across the entire inner surface of the carrier layer, e.g. including the fixing portion. Accordingly, the adhesive material may cover substantially the entire inner surface of the carrier layer. Therein, substantially may mean at least <NUM>%-<NUM>% of the inner surface of the carrier layer. Generally, this may allow to reliably fix the at least one filter layer, directly or indirectly, to the carrier layer, while ensuring that the adhesive material is disposed at a sufficient portion or area of the fixing portion allowing to reliably attach the mask to the user's skin. Further, such design may allow for a cost-efficient production of the facial mask.

According to an embodiment, the at least part and/or portion of the carrier layer is elastically deformable and/or stretchable in at least two spatial directions, such as at least two transverse and/or perpendicular spatial directions. Accordingly, by exerting two forces to the carrier layer along the at least two spatial directions, an area of the carrier layer may be elastically increased along said at least two spatial directions. Generally, the area of the carrier layer (and/or any other layer referred to in the present disclosure) can be elastically increased by at least <NUM>%, for example at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, or even more, relative to an area of the carrier layer (and/or the respective layer) when no force is exerted.

According to an embodiment, the at least one filter layer is elastically deformable and/or stretchable in one or more spatial directions. Therein, the at least one filter layer may have similar, like, identical or different elastic properties than the carrier layer. For instance, the at least one filter layer may be less elastic than the carrier layer.

According to an embodiment, the at least one filter layer is at least partly foldable. When using the mask, the at least one filter layer may be unfolded or may stay in the folded state. For instance, depending on the size of the user's face and/or depending on the extent the carrier layer is stretched when the mask is worn, more or less layers (or sub-layers) of the filter layer may be unfolded to fit to the user's face. Also, a number of filter layers (or sub-layers) arranged between the user's face and the carrier layer may be varied by folding or unfolding the at least one filter layer.

According to an embodiment, the mask is a self-adhesive facial mask and/or the adhesive material of the carrier layer is a self-adhesive material. This may mean that no additional fixation means, such as one or more straps, may be required to fix the mask to the user's face.

According to an embodiment, the adhesive material of the carrier layer comprises an acrylate adhesive, a silicone gel, or a combination thereof. Such adhesive materials may provide a sufficient adhesive force for reliably attaching the mask to the face, while also being skin-friendly and non-allergic as well as elastic and/or stretchable. Also, such adhesive materials may allow to re-use the facial mask several times, while substantially maintaining the adhesive properties. It should be noted, however, that any other suitable adhesive material may be used.

For instance, different types of adhesive material may be combined. The adhesive material may for example be pressure-sensitive and/or heat-sensitive, such that an adhesive effect is triggered by applying pressure and/or heat.

According to an embodiment, the carrier layer comprises a fabric and/or a yarn, which is at least partly coated by the adhesive material.

According to an embodiment, the carrier layer comprises a weft-knitted fabric, a knitted, and/or a woven material. Such materials may be advantageous in terms of climate comfort, thermal exchange, skin breathability, and moisture transport. Also, a breathing resistance may be reduced for the user. It should be noted, however, that the carrier layer can comprise other material, such as e.g. a warp-knitted fabric.

According to an embodiment, the carrier layer comprises an elastically deformable and/or stretchable fabric formed by a monofilament yarn, a multifilament yarn, cotton, lycra, spandex or a combination thereof. For example, the fabric of the carrier layer and/or the carrier layer may comprise about <NUM>% (weight%) cotton and about <NUM>% spandex (weight %). However, other combinations or compositions are conceivable.

According to an embodiment, the carrier layer comprises an elastically deformable and/or stretchable fabric, which is at least partly formed by an elastically deformable and/or stretchable yarn. Alternatively or additionally, the carrier layer can comprise a fabric, which is elastically deformable and/or stretchable in at least two transverse spatial directions. Accordingly, the carrier layer may be elastically deformable and/or stretchable due to the elastic yarn and/or due to the stretchable fabric. Using an elastic yarn and/or stretchable fabric for the carrier layer may allow to further increase elasticity and/or stretchability of the carrier layer. In turn, comfort in wearing can be increased and an adaption of the size and geometry of the mask to faces of different sizes and geometries can be provided.

According to an embodiment, the at least one filter layer comprises at least one of a melt-blown filter and a carbon filter. However, the invention is not limited to such filters. Rather, any other suitable type of filter material can be used.

According to an embodiment, a material of the at least one filter layer, a material of the carrier layer and/or the adhesive material of the carrier layer is non-allergic and/or skin-friendly. Hence, skin irritations and/or allergic reactions can be avoided and user comfort can be further increased.

According to an embodiment, the carrier layer comprises at least one vent opening and/or at least one ventilation slot configured to let air pass therethrough. By the at least one vent opening and/or ventilation slot, a breathing resistance may be reduced for the user, which may make the mask particularly suitable for being used during physical activity, such as sports. Generally, the at least one vent opening may have a cross-sectional size or area that is significantly larger than a mesh size of meshes of the carrier layer. The at least one vent opening and/or ventilation slot may be arranged at a middle portion of the carrier layer and/or may be configured for being arranged adjacent the user's nose and/or mouth, such that the user's breathing activity is not or at least not significantly affected by the mask.

According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the carrier layer is perforated and/or comprises one or more cut-outs. For instance, one or more perforation openings and/or cut-outs may be introduced into the carrier layer by laser-cutting, cutting, die cutting, and/or any other mechanical or thermal cutting processes. Generally, a size, cross-sectional size, cross-sectional area, length, geometry and/or shape of the one or more perforation openings and/or cut-outs can be arbitrarily chosen, for instance depending on the application of the mask.

According to an embodiment, the carrier layer comprises a middle portion, which is at least partly surround by the fixing portion of the carrier layer along a perimeter and/or circumference of the middle portion, wherein substantially the entire middle portion of the carrier layer is perforated with a plurality of perforation openings. By the perforation openings, a breathing resistance may be reduced for the user, which may make the mask particularly suitable for being used during physical activity, such as sports. Generally, the perforation openings may have a cross-sectional size or area that is significantly larger than a mesh size of meshes of the carrier layer. The middle portion of the carrier layer may be configured for being arranged adjacent the user's nose and/or mouth.

According to an embodiment, a cross-sectional area, size and/or number of the perforation openings per unit area of the carrier layer decreases from a center of the middle portion (or from the middle portion) towards the fixing portion, e.g. in radial direction. Accordingly, a breathing resistance may be efficiently reduced for the user.

According to an embodiment, a cross-section, geometry, and/or shape of the perforation openings is round, rounded, elliptic, oval, slot-like formed, triangular shaped, polygonal shaped, Mercedes star like formed, star-like shaped and/or trapezoidal shaped. It should be noted that the cross-section, geometry, and/or shape of all perforation openings may be identical or perforation openings of different cross-sections, geometries, and/or shapes may be arranged in the carrier layer.

According to an embodiment, the carrier layer comprises at least one cut-out and/or slot arranged laterally at the carrier layer and extending, e.g. radially, through at least a part of the fixing portion of the carrier layer. The cut-out and/or slot may be arranged near one or both cheeks of the user, e.g. improving comfort and wearability for the user.

According to an embodiment, an outer contour of the carrier layer is substantially triangular or trapezoidal. This may allow to cover substantially the entire mouth and nose of the user, while minimizing the coverage of further skin areas by the mask. Hence, person recognition and visibility of facial expressions can be improved.

According to an embodiment, the mask further comprises a nostril improvement. Configured for spreading alar wings of the nose. The nostril improvement may be arranged at an upper part or portion of the mask configured for being arranged opposite and/or adjacent to the nose of the user. The nostril improvement may comprise one or more strips or elongated elements configured for encompassing at least a part of the user's nose. For instance, the one or more strips may be biased and/or pre-stressed, e.g. such that alar wings of the nose can be spread and/or spaced apart from each other by the nostril improvement. Therein, the nostril improvement or at least a part thereof may be in direct contact with at least a part of the user's nose, e.g. the alar wings of the nose. By means of the nostril improvement, it may be ensured that the user can breathe more freely through its nose, making the mask particularly suitable for sports activities.

Optionally, at least a part of the mask may be soaked with a scent, flavor, ethereal oil, an essence, or the like, for instance, in order to open respiratory ducts or pathways of the user. For instance, one or more of such substances can be included in a part or portion of one or more of the carrier layer, the at least one filter layer and one or more further layers. Alternatively or additionally, a pad at least partly soaked with one or more of such substances can be attached to the mask, e.g. inserted into a pocket, a slot, and/or a compartment.

A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to the use of a facial mask, as described hereinabove and hereinbelow, during and/or for a sports activity of the user for reducing a risk of infection of the user and/or of at least one further user.

A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to the use of a facial mask, as described hereinabove and hereinbelow, during and/or for a learning activity, training, education, physical education, an educational session, university, work, and/or school of the user for reducing a risk of infection of the user and/or of at least one further user. It should be noted that the mask according to the present disclosure may also be used for any other application or use, such as medical applications, surgical applications, events, concerts, meetings, shopping malls, retail environments, public transportation, travelling, and/or any area or environment where social distancing may hardly be guaranteed all the time.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of fabricating a facial mask, e.g. a mask as described hereinabove and hereinbelow. The method comprises the steps of:.

It should be noted that any feature, function and/or element of the facial mask, as described hereinabove and hereinbelow, can be a feature, step, and/or element of the method, as described hereinabove and hereinbelow, and vice versa. Accordingly, any feature, function, step, and/or element, as described hereinabove and hereinbelow with reference to one aspect of the present disclosure, equally applies to any other aspect of the present disclosure.

The subject matter of the disclosure will be explained in more detail in the following text with reference to exemplary embodiments and examples which are illustrated in the attached drawings.

The figures are schematic only and not true to scale. In principle, identical or like parts are provided with identical or like reference symbols in the figures.

<FIG> shows a top view or top-side view of a facial mask <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment, and <FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of the facial mask <NUM> of <FIG>.

The mask <NUM> comprises a carrier layer <NUM> with an outer surface <NUM> that is directed away from a user's skin (not shown), when the mask <NUM> is worn, and an inner surface <NUM> arranged opposite to the outer surface <NUM>.

The mask <NUM> further comprises at least one air-permeable filter layer <NUM> with an outer surface <NUM> configured for being directed towards and/or for being in contact with the user's skin and an inner surface <NUM> arranged opposite to the outer surface <NUM> and opposite to the inner surface <NUM> of the carrier layer <NUM>. Accordingly, the inner surface <NUM> of the filter layer <NUM> may be arranged between the outer surface <NUM> of the filter layer <NUM> and the inner surface <NUM> of the carrier layer <NUM>.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the filter layer <NUM> adjoins or contacts the carrier layer <NUM>. It should be noted, however, that one or more further layers may be arranged between the filter layer <NUM> and the carrier layer <NUM>. Alternatively or additionally, one or more further layers may be arranged at the outer surface <NUM> of the filter layer <NUM>.

In <FIG>, a size, extension and/or area of the filter layer <NUM> is shown by a dashed line. As can be seen in <FIG>, a size, extension and/or area of the carrier layer <NUM> is larger than the size, extension and/or area of the filter layer, such that a fixing portion <NUM> of the carrier layer <NUM> radially extends from an edge or border of the filter layer <NUM>.

Moreover, an adhesive material <NUM> (see <FIG>) is arranged at at least a part or portion of the carrier layer <NUM>, including at least a part or portion of the fixing portion <NUM>. By means of the adhesive material <NUM>, the filter layer <NUM> can be fixedly attached to the carrier layer <NUM> and the carrier layer <NUM> and/or the fixing portion can be attached to the user's skin. For instance, the adhesive material <NUM> may be arranged at substantially the entire outer surface <NUM> of the carrier layer <NUM>. In particular, the adhesive material <NUM> may be arranged at at least a part of a middle portion <NUM> of the carrier layer <NUM>, at which the filter layer <NUM> is arranged, and at at least a part of the fixing portion <NUM>. Optionally, a part of the fixing portion <NUM> may not comprise and/or may not be covered or coated with adhesive material <NUM>, such as e.g. a chin part or portion of <NUM> of the fixing portion <NUM>, which is configured for being arranged opposite to the user's chin.

It should be noted that the filter layer <NUM> or at least a part thereof may be indirectly attached to the carrier layer <NUM> via one or more further layers arranged therebetween, which further layers can be attached to the carrier layer <NUM> by means of the adhesive material <NUM>. The filter layer <NUM> can be attached to the one or more further layers by a further adhesive material and/or any other connection or coupling. Alternatively or additionally, at least a part of the filter layer <NUM> can be attached to the carrier layer <NUM> by a connection or coupling other than the adhesive material <NUM>. a part of the filter layer <NUM> can be stitched to the carrier layer <NUM>.

Generally, the adhesive material <NUM> may comprise acrylate adhesive material, silicone gel, a combination thereof, and/or other adhesive materials or components. The adhesive material <NUM> may be arranged as a layer <NUM> on at least a part of the inner surface <NUM> of the carrier layer <NUM>. Alternatively or additionally, a yarn and/or fabric of the carrier layer <NUM> may be coated at least partly with the adhesive material <NUM>.

Further, the carrier layer <NUM> and optionally the filter layer <NUM> is elastically deformable and/or stretchable in at least one, preferably at least two spatial directions, such that a size and shape of the mask <NUM> can be adjusted according to the user's demands. Therein, the carrier layer <NUM> may be more elastic than the filter layer <NUM>.

Further, the carrier layer <NUM> may comprise an elastically deformable and/or stretchable yarn. By way of example, the carrier layer <NUM> may comprise cotton and spandex.

Alternatively or additionally, the carrier layer <NUM> may comprise an elastically deformable and/or stretchable fabric, e.g. a woven fabric and/or a weft-knitted fabric.

The filter layer <NUM> may, for example, comprise a carbon filter and/or a melt-blown filter. It should be noted that the filter layer <NUM> can be folded in one or more sub-layers to increase a filter effect or to allow for an adjustment in size of the filter layer depending on user-specific needs or demands, as shown in <FIG>.

For attaching the mask <NUM> to the face, the user may simply place the mask <NUM> onto its nose and mouth and gently press the mask <NUM> against the skin. Due to the adhesive material <NUM>, the mask <NUM> can be attached to the skin without requiring any additional fixation means, such as straps or the like. Further, the adhesive material <NUM> may be pressure-sensitive and/or sensitive to heat, such that the mask <NUM> can be fixed to the face by manually pressing the mask <NUM> onto the skin.

Optionally, the mask <NUM> comprises a vent opening <NUM> and/or a ventilation slot <NUM> arranged at the middle portion <NUM> of the carrier layer <NUM> and configured for letting air pass therethrough.

As can be seen in <FIG>, a contour or geometry of the mask <NUM> is substantially triangular with rounded corners or edges. This may allow for an efficient coverage of the user's mouth and nose, while minimizing coverage of other portions of the user's face. However, other shapes, contours or geometries are conceivable for the mask <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a facial mask <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment worn by a user <NUM>. Unless stated otherwise, the mask <NUM> of <FIG> comprises the same features, functions and/or elements as the mask <NUM> of <FIG>.

As can be seen, the mask <NUM> covers at least a part of a face of the user <NUM>. In particular, the mask <NUM> covers the mouth <NUM> and the nose <NUM> of the user <NUM>. Due to the design and configuration of the mask <NUM> with the adhesive material <NUM> and the fixing portion <NUM>, a significant part of the user's <NUM> cheeks may not be covered by the mask <NUM>, which may increase comfort for the user <NUM> and be of particular advantage when using the mask <NUM> during sports.

Further, in the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the fixing portion <NUM> only partly surrounds and encompasses the filter layer <NUM>, e.g. at an upper portion <NUM> of the carrier layer <NUM> arranged adjacent the nose <NUM> of the user <NUM>. Alternatively or additionally, the adhesive material <NUM> may only be arranged at a part or portion, e.g. the upper portion <NUM> of the carrier layer <NUM>. Accordingly, a chin portion <NUM> of the fixing portion <NUM> and/or the carrier layer <NUM> may not comprise adhesive material <NUM>, such that the chin portion <NUM> of the carrier layer <NUM> forms a flap and/or serves as a vent opening.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the mask <NUM> further comprises a nostril improvement <NUM> arranged at the upper portion <NUM> of the mask <NUM> and configured for being arranged opposite and/or adjacent to the nose <NUM> of the user <NUM>. The nostril improvement <NUM> may comprise one or more strips <NUM> or elongated elements <NUM> configured for encompassing at least a part of the user's nose <NUM>. For instance, the one or more strips <NUM> may be biased and/or pre-stressed, e.g. such that alar wings of the nose <NUM> can be spread and/or spaced apart from each other by the nostril improvement <NUM>. Therein, the nostril improvement <NUM> or at least a part thereof may be in direct contact with at least a part of the user's nose <NUM>, e.g. the alar wings of the nose. By means of the nostril improvement <NUM>, it may be ensured that the user can breathe more freely through its nose <NUM>, making the mask <NUM> particularly suitable for sports activities.

<FIG> shows a backside view of a facial mask <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment. Unless stated otherwise, the mask <NUM> of <FIG> comprises the same features, functions and/or elements as the masks <NUM> described with reference to the aforegoing figures.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the filter layer <NUM> is folded several times to form a plurality of sub-layers <NUM>, as described hereinabove.

Further, also the example of <FIG> comprises a nostril improvement <NUM> as described with reference to <FIG>.

In the example of <FIG>, however, the fixing portion <NUM> comprises an upper portion <NUM> for being arranged adjacent the nose <NUM> of the user <NUM> and a lower portion <NUM> or chin portion <NUM> arranged opposite thereto. Further, the upper portion <NUM>, and optionally the lower portion <NUM> or chin portion <NUM>, may comprise adhesive material <NUM> for attaching the mask <NUM> to the user's skin.

On the lateral sides, borders or edges of the carrier layer <NUM> and/or the mask <NUM>, however, no fixing portion <NUM> is formed or arranged in the example of <FIG>. Accordingly, the mask <NUM> may be attached to the user <NUM> via the upper portion <NUM> and optionally via the chin portion <NUM>, whereas the lateral sides, borders or edges may not be fixed to the user's skin. This may allow for an increased air transfer via the lateral sides, borders or edges of the carrier layer <NUM> and/or of the mask <NUM>.

<FIG> each show a facial mask <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment. Unless stated otherwise, the masks <NUM> of <FIG> each comprises the same features, functions and/or elements as the masks <NUM> described with reference to the aforegoing figures.

In the exemplary embodiments shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the carrier layer <NUM> and/or the mask <NUM> comprises a plurality of perforation openings <NUM> arranged in a pattern on the carrier layer <NUM>, each opening <NUM> extending through the entire carrier layer <NUM> parallel to a surface normal vector of the inner surface <NUM> of the carrier layer <NUM>. Therein, a cross-section of the perforation openings <NUM> can be round (<FIG>, <FIG>), rounded (<FIG>, <FIG>), elliptic (<FIG>), oval, slot-like formed (<FIG>), triangular shaped (<FIG>), polygonal shaped (<FIG>), Mercedes star like formed (<FIG>), or trapezoidal shaped. However, any other cross-section and/or geometry of the perforation openings <NUM> is conceivable.

Also, perforation openings <NUM> of different geometries, shapes, sizes, and/or cross-sections may be combined. For instance, a cross-sectional area and/or diameter of the perforation openings <NUM> arranged at a middle portion <NUM> of the carrier layer <NUM> may be larger than a cross-sectional area and/or diameter of the perforation openings <NUM> arranged close to the fixing portion <NUM>. Therein, the cross-sectional area and/or diameter of the perforation openings <NUM> may step-wise or continuously decrease from the middle portion <NUM> towards the fixing portion <NUM> and/or towards the boundaries or edges of the carrier layer <NUM>.

Further, the masks <NUM> of <FIG> each comprise at least one cut-out <NUM> and/or slot <NUM> arranged laterally at the carrier layer <NUM> and/or the mask <NUM> and extending through at least a part of the fixing portion <NUM> in radial direction. Thereby, deformability of the entire mask <NUM> can be increased, such that the mask can be adjusted in geometry and shape according to the user's face.

In contrast to the examples of <FIG>, and <FIG>, the mask <NUM> of <FIG> comprises a plurality of slots <NUM> and/or ventilation slots <NUM> arranged in the carrier layer <NUM> that allow to let pass air therethrough. It should be noted that the ventilation slots <NUM> can also be combined with one or more perforation openings <NUM>.

The shapes or contours of all masks <NUM> shown in <FIG> are substantially triangular. These shapes or contours are illustrative only and many variations are conceivable.

<FIG> shows a flow chart illustrating a method of fabricating a facial mask <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment. The mask <NUM> may be one of the masks <NUM> described hereinabove.

Step S1 comprises providing a carrier layer <NUM> having an inner surface <NUM> and an outer surface <NUM>, wherein the carrier layer <NUM> is elastically deformable and/or stretchable in at least one spatial direction and comprises an adhesive material <NUM> arranged at at least a part of the inner surface <NUM>.

Step S2 comprises providing at least one filter layer <NUM> configured to filter air passing through the facial mask <NUM>, wherein the at least one filter layer120 comprises an outer surface <NUM> configured for being directed towards a skin of the user and an inner surface <NUM> arranged opposite to the outer surface <NUM>.

Step S3 comprises arranging the at least one filter layer <NUM> on the carrier layer <NUM> and/or relative to the carrier layer <NUM>, such that the inner surface <NUM> of the at least one filter layer <NUM> is directed towards and/or opposes the inner surface <NUM> of the carrier layer <NUM>.

Step S4 comprises fixedly attaching and/or fixing, by means of the adhesive material <NUM> of the carrier layer <NUM>, the inner surface122 of the at least one filter layer <NUM> to the inner surface <NUM> of the carrier layer <NUM>, such that a fixing portion <NUM> of the carrier layer <NUM> surrounds the at least one filter layer <NUM> along at least a part of a perimeter of the at least one filter layer <NUM>, wherein the fixing portion <NUM> of the carrier layer <NUM> is attachable to the skin of the user by means of the adhesive material <NUM> of the carrier layer <NUM>.

Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art and practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

Claim 1:
A facial mask (<NUM>) for covering at least a part of a face of a user (<NUM>), the mask comprising:
at least one filter layer (<NUM>) configured to filter air passing through the facial mask, wherein the filter layer comprises an outer surface (<NUM>) configured for being directed towards a skin of the user and an inner surface (<NUM>) arranged opposite to the outer surface (<NUM>) of the at least one filter layer (<NUM>); and
a carrier layer (<NUM>) with an inner surface (<NUM>), which is directed towards the inner surface (<NUM>) of the at least one filter layer (<NUM>), and an outer surface (<NUM>) arranged opposite to the inner surface (<NUM>) of the carrier layer (<NUM>);
wherein at least a part of the carrier layer (<NUM>) is elastically deformable and/or stretchable in at least one spatial direction;
wherein a size of the carrier layer (<NUM>) is larger than a size of the at least one filter layer (<NUM>), such that a fixing portion (<NUM>) of the carrier layer (<NUM>) surrounds the at least one filter layer (<NUM>) along at least a part of a perimeter of the at least one filter layer; and
wherein the carrier layer (<NUM>) comprises an adhesive material (<NUM>) arranged at at least a part of the inner surface (<NUM>) of the carrier layer, such that the inner surface (<NUM>) of the at least one filter layer (<NUM>) is fixedly attached to the inner surface (<NUM>) of the carrier layer (<NUM>) and such that the fixing portion (<NUM>) of the carrier layer (<NUM>) is attachable to the skin of the user by the adhesive material (<NUM>).