Patent ID: 12194323

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter of this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.

The present invention describes a decorative respirator and communication mask that overcomes disadvantages inherent in the existing respirator and face mask apparatuses. The present invention provides an equally protective face mask that may be attractive and stylish in appearance and may provide additional benefit to the user through speakers and a microphone, among other benefits. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved respirator which provides the advantages and overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages.

A face mask, decorative appearance and communication device for a user, is presented herein. The face mask comprises a decorative skin, having at least one strap attached to an outer perimeter of the decorative skin, a respirator which utilizes at least one filter, the respirator being attached to a connection piece, and the connection piece being attached to the decorative skin. The face mask further comprises at least one speaker and at least one microphone mounted to an interior of the face mask, an electronic transceiver module attached to the face mask and a power source attached to the face mask. The at least one strap secures the face mask to a head of the user. The at least one filter is connected to the respirator, the respirator forming an air-tight seal with a face of the user. The power source powers the at least one speaker, the at least one microphone, and the electronic transceiver module. The electronic transceiver module comprises a processor coupled to a computer memory and non-transitory computer readable media, the processor configured to transmit and receive signals from the electronic transceiver module and the at least one speaker or the at least one microphone.

In some embodiments, the electronic transceiver module comprises a wireless signal receiver, the processor being configured to wirelessly transmit and receive signals from the electronic transceiver module and the at least one speaker or the at least one microphone.

FIG.1provides a front view1000of an example decorative face mask, according to some embodiments. Face mask skin102may be decoratively colored. For example, in some embodiments, it may be patterned with a camouflage design. In some embodiments the face mask may glow in the dark. In alternate embodiments face mask skin102may be formed from different materials, such as plastic, wood, metal, aluminum, among others.

Face mask skin102may, in alternate embodiments, have a different overall shape. For example, the design of the mask may be modeled after a superhero's mask, a famous person, a video game character, a princess, among others.

Eye lenses104may allow for a user's vision to not be obstructed when wearing face mask skin102. In some embodiments, eye lenses104may be non-tinted, clear lenses, and in others they may be shaded. In some embodiments eye lenses104may use prescription lenses. The shape of eye lenses104may vary depending on the design of face mask skin102. For example, face mask skin102may be designed to look like a particular superhero and eye lenses104may be shaped accordingly to fit this design, in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the eye lenses104are selected from a group the group consisting of prescription lenses, tinted lenses, and tinted prescription lenses.

Face mask skin102may have strap attachment connections106, which may provide a location to connect any attachments such as straps. Vent holes108may provide breathability, and the size, shape, and location may vary in some embodiments, depending on the design of face mask skin102.

FIG.2provides a side view200of an example decorative face mask skin102, according to some embodiments. In this view, eye lenses104, strap attachment connections106, and vent holes108can also be seen.

FIG.3provides a back view300of an example decorative face mask skin102, according to some embodiments. Once again, in this view eye lenses104, strap attachment connections106, and vent holes108can be seen.

An inside302of face mask skin102can also be seen. In some embodiments, inside302may be made from a different material than face mask skin102. For example, in some embodiments, inside302may be felt or a hook-and-loop fastener material, such as Velcro, among others. In some embodiments, a hook-and-loop fastener inside302may provide easy adjustment of attachments connected to strap attachment connections106.

Cushion pads304may be easily adjustable face pads. In some embodiments, cushion pads304may provide the user of face mask skin102additional comfort, and in some embodiments, may provide additional benefit such as sweat retention, better fit of face mask skin102, among others. In some embodiments, at least one sweat pad is attached to the interior of the face mask to absorb the user's sweat.

FIG.4provides a top view400of an example decorative face mask skin102, according to some embodiments. In this view, eye lenses104and strap attachment connections106can be seen.

FIG.5provides a perspective view500of an example decorative face mask skin102, according to some embodiments. Once again, in this view eye lenses104, strap attachment connections106, and vent holes108can be seen.

FIG.6provides a perspective view600of an example respirator, according to some embodiments. A respirator half face mask602may be made of rubber, or a similar material, and conforms to the user's face to create a tight seal. Front mounting bracket604provides support to the respirator half face mask602and may be made from a harder material than rubber respirator half face mask602.

In some embodiments, the respirator half face mask602may have filter connection ports606. Filter connection ports606may be the standard shape and dimension, which may allow multiple different filter types, by various manufacturers to be attached. In other embodiments, filter connection ports606may have the ability to conform with other tube attachments from other manufacturers, or other additional attachments. For example, drinking tubes to carry a beverage to the user of face mask skin102, or oxygen tubes to provide oxygen to the user may be attached to the filter connection ports606, in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the respirator half face mask602may include a condensation drip valve.

Filters608may be a simple attachment piece to a respirator half face masks602connected to the filter connection ports606and may be easy for everyone to use. For instance, installation of filters608may be done by children, and seniors. In some embodiments, connecting filters608to the filter connection ports606may provide an audible click, or some form of confirmation that the filter connection ports606has been connected properly. This additional confirmation of proper connection to filter connection ports606, in some embodiments, may further increase the ease of use for everyone. As a non-limiting example, in some embodiments filters608may be N95 or P100 filters. In other embodiments, filters608may be more specialized filters for airborne gasses, extra fine particulates, among others.

Connection plate610may, in some embodiments, provide the main mounting area for connection piece900. In some embodiments, connection plate610may act as an exhale vent.

The respirator half face mask602may be a uniform shape to fit most human faces, to provide the tight seal and comfort for the user, as described above. In some embodiments, the respirator half face mask602may be a custom shape fit the individual shape of the user's face.

FIG.7provides a back view700of an example respirator, according to some embodiments. Respirator half face mask602can be seen from the back and shows the shape which may easily conform the user's face, creating a tight seal. A front mounting bracket604can also be seen from the back, as well as respirator half face masks602.

FIG.8provides an exploded view800of an example respirator, according to some embodiments. This figure provides a clear view of respirator half face mask602. In some embodiments, filters608may be attached to a respirator half face mask602by being connected to the filter connection ports606. Connection plate610, in some embodiments, may be attached to respirator half face mask602, sitting on top of a front mounting bracket604.

FIG.9provides a perspective view of an example connection piece900, according to some embodiments. Connection piece900may have pre-milled screw holes902which can provide an attachment location for connection piece900to the face mask skin102and the respirator half face mask602.

Connection piece900may contain an expanding/retracting area904. The expanding/retracting area904may, in some embodiments, be made out of a spongey, elastic, rubbery, among others, material that may be designed such that it maintains the appropriate amount of pressure on the user's face, creating an air-tight seal while not being discomforting.

To attach connection piece900to face mask skin102, in some embodiments, an attachment plate906may be used. Attachment plate906may be a softer material to allow it to better conform to the respirator and allow for a better air-tight seal to be created. In some embodiments, a retaining piece908may be used in between connection piece900and attachment plate906. Retaining piece908may be made from a durable material and would provide support between the respirator half face mask602and the face mask skin102. In some embodiments, retaining piece908may have a detachable clip location, which may allow for quick and easy changing of the respirator half face masks602and respirator half face mask602.

To attach connection piece900to respirator half face mask602, in some embodiments, an attachment plate910may be used. Attachment plate910may be made of a spongey material to conform to a variation of different masks. In some embodiments, there may be a harder material between expanding/retracting area904and attachment plate910to increase durability. In some embodiments, the connection piece900comprises an elastic expanding and retracting area such that a desired amount of pressure is achieved such that an air-tight seal against the face of the user is maintained between the face of the user and the respirator.

FIG.10provides a front view1000of an example connection piece900, according to some embodiments. Front view100provides a better view of attachment plate906and pre-milled screw holes902. Expanding/retracting area904and attachment plate910can also be seen, which may, in some embodiments, comprise connection piece900.

FIG.11provides a back view1100of an example connection piece900, according to some embodiments. Back view1100provides a better view of attachment plate910, and also shows pre-milled screw holes902, and expanding/retracting area904.

FIG.12provides a top view1200of an example connection piece900, according to some embodiments. In this embodiment, both attachment plate906and attachment plate910can be seen, as well as expanding/retracting area904and retaining piece908.

FIG.13illustrates an exploded view1300of an example assembled unit, according to some embodiments. Screws1302may be used to secure connection piece900to an inside302of face mask skin102, connection piece900being connected with screws1302to connection plate610which is attached to a respirator half face mask602, in some embodiments.

FIG.14provides a perspective view of an example partially assembled mask1400, according to some embodiments. Straps1402may be used to attach face mask skin102securely to the head of the user. Straps1402may be made from traditional canvas, leather, or fabric straps, among others. In some embodiments, the straps1402may have elastic properties, that allow for more comfort, easier adjustment, and may aid in maintaining a proper seal of the respirator half face mask602on the face of the user. In alternate embodiments, the straps1402may have the ability to have add-on connections. For instance, in an example embodiment, straps1402may be connected to a nylon sock material, or an insulated winter cap material, among other add-on connections.

In some embodiments, the straps1402may have strap adjusters1404which may further help in providing a secure fit to the head of the user. Straps1402may be connected to a face mask skin102using strap mask connectors1406. Strap mask connectors1406may vary in the amount of connecting and adjustable items, such as simple as a hook and hole, a button, an adjustable belt clip, an adjustable ratcheting belt clip, among others. In some embodiments, the straps1402may be designed to allow for the mask to rest on top of the head of the user easily, for example, if the user needed to take the mask off quickly for a moment.

Straps1402may be secured behind the head of the user, in some embodiments, with a back strap connector1408. Back strap connector1408may act as a uniform connection point for some, many, or all mask straps1402. In some embodiments back strap connector1408may have other attachment connections for other add-on pieces. For example, in alternate embodiments, there may be a simple clip on the back strap connector1408, such that when the mask is not in use, it could be hung up, on a bag, backpack, purse, belt, or coat hook, among others. In other embodiments, there may be a ratcheting tightening bracket, similar to those found in a hard hat, which may further provide better comfort, more secure fit, and a tighter seal with a respirator half face mask602.

In some embodiments, the respirator half face mask602may potentially require an additional respirator strap1410around the back of the neck of the user. Respirator strap1410may be secured behind the neck of the user with a respirator strap clip1412.

FIG.15provides a perspective view of an example mask1500, according to some embodiments. Mask1500may have one or more speakers1502. In alternate embodiments speakers1502may be earphones. In some embodiments, speakers1502may be connected to a central computer1504. In some embodiments, speakers1502may have wireless connection ability, such as Bluetooth®, and may connect to a user's electronic device. For example, the user of mask1500may want to listen to music through speakers1502and could connect wirelessly through Bluetooth® to their phone. In some embodiments, mask1500may have external speakers, so that those other than a user of the mask may hear what may be playing.

In some embodiments, mask1500may have a microphone1506, which similar to speakers1502, may be connected to a central computer1504, and in some embodiments may have wireless connection ability. In alternate embodiments, microphone1506may be an internal microphone, attached to the inside302of face mask skin102. Conversely, in other embodiments, microphone1506may be a simple external microphone. In some embodiments, microphone1506may be moisture resistant. In some embodiments, central computer1504may include a power source, such as, a battery pack.

Central computer1504may act as a central connection hub for the various electronic components of mask1500, such as speakers1502and microphone1506, and in some embodiments, may provide other electronic features via wired or wireless connection. In some embodiments, central computer1504may have connection ports to allow wired to connection to other electronic devices, for example, plugging in a phone or connect to a vehicle. In other embodiments, central computer1504may have an external battery pack, radio, Global Positioning System (GPS), an SD card slot, among others. For an example embodiment, central computer1504may have an SD or micro SD slot which a user could upload their music library onto, and plug said SD or micro SD card into the central computer1504to listen to their music through speakers1502. In some embodiments, the electronic transceiver module comprises an SD card slot, the processor being configured to process the non-transitory computer readable media read from the electronic transceiver module.

As a non-limiting example, say John Doe may be wearing mask1500, and receives a phone call on his cell-phone. John may answer the call on his phone, and because his phone may be wirelessly connected to central computer1504, John can hear the caller through speakers1502and the caller can hear John because he may be speaking into microphone1506. When John is finished with the call, he may want to listen to music, but he may not have any music locally on his phone. Luckily, John has a micro SD card loaded with all of his favorite songs and can insert the micro SD card in central computer1504and listen to his music through speakers1502while continuing to wear mask1500the entire time.

In some embodiments, a simple application may be created for mask1500. The application may be run on central computer1504and may provide additional functionality. For example, in some embodiments, the app may provide simple connectivity, warranty items, directions, emergency calling, chatting or messaging platform, Walkie-Talkie, games, among others. For example, in a non-illustrative embodiment, central computer1504may have a music playing application, which may allow friends to upload different songs to create a unique playlist.

Mask1500may, in some embodiments, have special features or add-ons. For instance, in some embodiments, central computer1504may be powered and continuously charged by one or more solar panels attached to the mask. In some embodiments, mask1500may include an external battery pack, which could act as a larger charging hub able to charge the user's phone, for example. In some embodiments, mask1500may be equipped with head lights to help the user see better in dark places or at night. Mask1500may also have decorative lights in some embodiments, such as holiday lights during winter festivities. In some embodiments, a plurality of lights for decorative or visual aid are attached to the mask1500, the plurality of lights being powered by the power source.

In some embodiments, mask1500may have a drinking tube attached. For example, this could be an additional component attached to the side of respirator half face mask602, and a tube may pass through the side of the respirator, or one of the filter connection ports606which could carry water or any drink to the user. In some embodiments this drink tube may contain a non-drip sucker on the inside of respirator half face mask602, which may be pulled over to the user's mouth using their tongue, and when the user is finished drinking from the sucker may retract and not drip. This add-on may be convenient to a user working in a hot environment for example, who may want to keep their respirator and mask on but would still like to be able to take a drink of water. Further, in some embodiments, mask1500may have fans, such as cooling fans which may provide better air circulation inside the mask.

In some embodiments, mask1500may have a smoking tube attached, which may allow the user to use a cigarette, a cigar, a vape, among others. Similar to a drinking tube, in some embodiments, a smoking tube may be pass through the side of respirator half face mask602or through one of the filter connection ports606. In some embodiments, a single fluid tube may be attached to mask1500, passing through the side of respirator half face mask602or through one filter connection ports606, which may allow a user to consume fluids, such as smoking, oxygen, water, among others. In some embodiments, the at least one filter connection port606produces an audible clicking sound when the at least one filter608has been connected properly to the respirator.

In some embodiments, mask1500may have sweat collecting pads to collect sweat and avoid sweat dripping on the user's face and may have a sweat draining tube which may drain the user's sweat out of the mask. In some embodiments, mask1500may have a heart rate monitor, blood tester, or other health related monitors attached. In some embodiments, the face mask comprises a heart rate monitor connected to the electronic transceiver module, the processor being configured to process heart rate data from the heart rate monitor.

In alternate embodiments, respirator half face mask602may be replaced with a tube connection, which may allow for connection to more sophisticated filters, or an oxygen device. For example, in some embodiments, an external filter which may last longer and/or may provide better filtration may be attached to the side of straps1402, or onto the user's back.

In some embodiments, mask1500may have an antenna, which may be used for Walkie-Talkie connection, AM or FM radio, satellite radio, among others. In some embodiments, a screen may be mounted on an inside302, and may connect to an electronic device, such as a phone, tablet, smartwatch, among others. This add-on may allow for the user to see incoming messages, who is calling, or the time, for example. Said screen may also allow for display of information related to other electronic devices connected to central computer1504. For example, in some embodiments, said screen may display speed, step counter, heart rate, blood sugar level, battery power level, among others. In some embodiments, said screen may be a heads-up display, which may allow the user to take advantage of augmented reality. For example, a user may be able to see both the road and directions through eye lenses104on said screen. In alternate embodiments, a screen may provide additional features such as, but not limited to, tinting features, a reverse display, wireless connection strengths, and others. For instance, in some embodiments, mask1500may have a reverse display screen which may allow the user to see through eye lenses104clearly while others may see a different image on the reverse display screen, such as different colored eyes, or superhero eyes, among others. In some embodiments, a screen is attached to the interior of the face mask, the electronic transceiver module being connected to said screen, the processor being configured to display images graphically.

In some embodiments, mask1500may have a face plate or face shield, which may, dependent on the design, be spring loaded, clicking into place and retracting at a touch of a button. In alternate embodiments, a camera unit may be connected to central computer1504and may be attached to mask1500. In some embodiments, mask1500may be fitted to provide the appropriate protection required for a safety helmet for various activities, such as, skateboard, bike, scooter, roller blades, horse riding, machine operation, motorcycle, All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) riding, Sea-Doo®, Ski-Doo®, Argo®, among others. In alternate embodiments, mask1500may be water-resistant and/or waterproof, such that mask1500would not fail if a user is caught in rain or submerged in water.

In alternate embodiments, mask1500may be shaped like a helmet. In some embodiments mask1500may be equipped with a solar panel to charge the battery pack in central computer1504. Similar to face mask skin102, said helmet may also be customized with unique designs, such as glow in the dark, camouflage, plaid, among others. Said helmet may be made out of different materials, such as plastic, wood, metal, aluminum, among others in some embodiments. For example, mask1500may be shaped like a helmet and made with the proper material and design to resemble a superhero.

In some embodiments, mask1500may be equipped with an air conditioning unit, which may keep the internal atmosphere within a helmet mask1500, for example, at a user's desired temperature. In some embodiments, mask1500may be a helmet form factor, and central computer1504may be connected to a mounted screen which may display a break or connection line, indicating the rough location of where it may be safe for the user to remove a helmet.

In some embodiments, mask1500may have latches. In some embodiments said latches may be on straps1402, or a part of strap adjusters1404.

In some embodiments, particularly those where mask1500is in a helmet form factor, a neck connection pad may be worn by a user. Said neck connection pad may worn by a user, and may provide an air-tight, comfortable seal. In some embodiments, said neck connection pad may also include straps1402to attach comfortably and securely to a user. In some embodiments, mask1500may have exhaust ports which may allow relief of negative pressure buildup.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. As can be understood, the examples described above are intended to be exemplary only.

The embodiments described were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

The term “connected” or “coupled to” may include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements).

As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed, the perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.