Patent Document

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to face masks, and more specifically, to a face mask treated with essential oils to provide the wearer with the therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The aroma of an essential oil is sensed by the olfactory nerve located in the back of the nose and carried to the brain, where it has its effect—perhaps stimulating or calming, perhaps imparting feelings of well-being and harmony to the whole self. 
         [0003]    By incorporating aromatherapy into one&#39;s daily work routine, one can enjoy the natural health benefits of essential oils. These essential oils are concentrated essences of various flowers, fruits, herbs, and plants that have been used for centuries all over the world. Modern scientific research has proven that essential oils are potent, with remarkable medicinal properties. Unlike chemical drugs, essential oils do not remain in the body, and they do not leave toxins behind. 
         [0004]    Disposable masks are used in many different settings, one of which is within a hospital setting. Such surgical face masks are intended for single-use purposes. However, none of the surgical face masks use aromatherapy. Therefore, a need exists for a face mask, and specifically a surgical face mask, that uses aromatherapy to combat symptoms or improve the user&#39;s mood, and thoughts. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a face mask that uses aromatherapy to combat symptoms or improve the user&#39;s mood and thoughts. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0006]    In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an aromatherapy face mask is disclosed. The aromatherapy face mask comprises a rectangular shield comprising a fluid-resistant first layer, an absorptive second layer infused with aromatherapy essential oils, and a fluid-resistant third layer and two ear loops extending from opposite ends of the rectangular shield, each ear loop comprising a first end coupled to a top corner of the rectangular shield and a second end coupled to a bottom corner of the rectangular shield. 
         [0007]    In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method for using aromatherapy is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a face mask comprising a face shield comprising a fluid resistant first layer, an absorptive second layer, and a fluid resistant third layer, two ear loops coupled at opposite ends of the face shield, infusing the second layer of the face shield with aromatherapy oils, wearing the face mask by a user, breathing in a scent of the aromatherapy oils by the user; and affecting a mood of the user with the scent of the aromatherapy oils. 
         [0008]    In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method for using aromatherapy in the health care profession is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a surgical face mask comprising a face shield comprising a fluid resistant first layer, an absorptive second layer, and a fluid resistant third layer, two ear loops coupled at opposite ends of the face shield, infusing the second layer of the face shield with aromatherapy oils, wearing the face mask by a health care provider, breathing in a scent of the aromatherapy oils by the health care provider, and affecting the mood of the health care provider with the scent of the aromatherapy oils. 
         [0009]    The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following, more particular, description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the face mask of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the face mask of  FIG. 1 , taken along lines  2 - 2 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the face mask of  FIG. 1  shown is use by a health care provider. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0013]    The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrated embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals and symbols represent like elements. 
         [0014]      FIGS. 1-3  together refer to an aromatherapy face mask, hereinafter referred to as face mask  10 . The face mask  10  has a face shield  12  that is infused with aromatherapy oils  30  and has two ear loops  26  coupled at opposite ends of the face shield  12 . 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the face mask  10  of the present invention. In this embodiment, the face shield  12  is rectangular and the two ear loops  26  extend from opposite ends of the rectangular face shield  12 . Each ear loop  26  has a first end coupled to a top corner  16  of the rectangular face shield  12  and a second end coupled to a bottom corner  18  of the rectangular face shield  12 . It should be clearly understood, however, that substantial benefit may be derived from the ear loops  26  being coupled to other suitable portions of the face shield  12 . The face mask  10  may also have a moldable nose piece  28  coupled along a top edge  14  of the rectangular face shield  12 . 
         [0016]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the face shield  12  is shown having three layers. The first layer  20  and the third layer  24  are both fluid-resistant. The second layer  22  is absorptive and is infused with essential aromatherapy oils  30  (see  FIG. 1 ). Here, the nose piece  28  is shown being coupled between the second layer  22  and the third layer  24 . 
       Statement of Use 
       [0017]      FIG. 3  shows the face mask  10  of  FIG. 1  in use by a user  32 . In this embodiment, the user  32  is a health care provider. However, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit may be derived from a user  32  that is not a health care provider. The absorptive second layer  22  of the face shield  12  is infused with aromatherapy oils  30 . The user  32  will wear the face mask  10  by placing the third layer  24  of the face shied  12  against his/her face and looping the ear loops  26  around the user&#39;s  32  ears. The user  32  will breathe in the scent of the aromatherapy oils  30  thus affecting the mood of the user  32 . 
         [0018]    The affect that the scent of the aromatherapy oils  30  have on the user  32  depends upon the scent of the oils  30 . Some scents will affect the mood of the user  32 . For example, vanilla scent will have a soothing and calming effect, sweet orange scent will promote happiness and reduce anxiety, grapefruit scent will induce euphoria and relieve performance anxiety, and chamomile will promote peace and reduce tension. Lemon scent will be refreshing and uplifting to the user  32 . And a combination of lavender and vanilla scents will help combat stress and relieve tension. 
         [0019]    Other scents may be useful in combating symptoms of the user  32 . For example, peppermint scent may soothe a headache or clear the user&#39;s  32  sinuses. A combination of lemon, grapefruit, and geranium scents will activate and balance the mind and emotions, and may help clear the user&#39;s  32  head. 
         [0020]    While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

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