Title of Invention: Medical Face Protective Device with Optimum Protection

Background Art Medical face masks and face shields have been used for years by medical professionals to protect them against airborne viruses and droplets containing pathogens. Due to Covid-19, medical face masks and face shields are now being widely used by the general population. There are various types, shapes and forms of medical face masks and face shields available, however, it is desirable to have improvements made, to make medical face masks and face shields more user-friendly with less environmental and economical consequences, and most importantly, with optimum protection against airborne viruses and pathogens.

Summary of Invention The preferred embodiment of present invention provides a medical face protection device which protects and covers all portals of entry of airborne viruses and droplets containing pathogens, thus providing optimum protection for the healthy persons and prevent onward transmission, i.e. , source control, freeing the wearer from wearing a medical face mask and a face shield simultaneously or alone, while maintaining free passage of air and complete visibility of the wearers face, also reducing the potential of autoinoculation and cross contamination by preventing the wearer from touching their face, eyes, neck and ears. The preferred embodiment of present invention is adjustable, comfortable to be worn for long periods of time, durable and reusable, thus reducing the environmental and economical consequences. The preferred embodiment of present invention comprises a flexible, attachable/ detachable "headgear", a straight, flexible, attachable/detachable "bar", an attachable/detachable "clear plastic sheet", a pre-tailored, attachable/detachable, washable/disposable "drape" with a pre-installed "fastening cord/band" inside a "hem" provided on the outer margin-section of the "drape" for fastening and retention purposes, and a pre-tailored, attachable/detachable, washable/disposable “gap cover”.

Brief Description of Drawings

For a better understanding of the preferred embodiment of present invention, references may be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[Fig.1 ] is a perspective view of the "headgear" section of the preferred embodiment of present invention.

[Fig ,2A] is a perspective view of the inner surface of the "bar” section of the preferred embodiment of present invention.

[Fig ,2B] is a frontal view of the outer surface of the "bar" section of the preferred embodiment of present invention.

[Fig.3] is a top view of the "headpiece" section of the preferred embodiment of present invention.

[Fig.4] is a frontal view of the "clear plastic sheet" section of the preferred embodiment of present invention.

[Fig.5] is a frontal view of the "drape" section of the preferred embodiment of present invention.

[Fig.6] is a view of the "gap cover" section of the preferred embodiment of present invention.

[Fig.7] is a frontal view of "unit number two” section of the preferred embodiment of present invention, which is the "drape", "clear plastic sheet", and the "bar" sections of the preferred embodiment of present invention, attached to each other.

[Fig.8] is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of present invention, worn about a person's face, unfastened.

[Fig.9] is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of present invention, worn about a person's face, fastened. Disclosure of Invention The preferred embodiment of present invention and its advantages are best described and understood by referring to [Fig.1] through [Fig.9] of drawings, like numerals plus small alphabetical letters being used for different parts of each drawing. The preferred embodiment of present invention comprises: A flexible, attachable/detachable, hard plastic apparatus, in the shape of a horseshoe, which will be referred to as the “headgear" from here on, [Fig.1], with a pre-installed, female part of a rotating, adjustable, click-on attachment, one on the left and one on the right side of the "headgear", part 1a. An attachment section, (coarse surface of a Velcro tape), is provided along the upper ridge-section of the "headgear", part 1b. A flexible, straight, attachable/detachable hard plastic bar, (rod/stick/shaft), which will be referred to as the "bar" from here on, [Fig.2A] and [Fig.2B], with two pre-installed male part of a rotating, adjustable, click-on attachments, part 2a, one on the left and one on the right side of the inner surface of the "bar”. Two hooks, part 2b, are provided, one on the left and one on the right side of the outer surface of the "bar", i.e., on the surface which after being attached to the "headgear", is farthest from the face of the wearer. An attachment section, (coarse surface of a Velcro tape), is provided along the upper margin-section of both inner and outer surfaces of the "bar", part 2c. The "headgear" and the "bar”, when attached to each other, are referred to as the "headpiece" from here on, [Fig.3], The "bar" is flexed, part 3a, and attached to the "headgear", part 3b, via corresponding male-female attachments, the space which is created between the inner surface of the "bar" and the outer surface of the "headgear", will be referred to as the "gap" from here on, part 3c. A crescent shaped cushion/pad, part 3d, is pre-attached along the inner surface of the "head gear" section of the "headpiece", i.e., on the surface which leans against the head and the forehead of the wearer. A transparent, attachable/detachable, plastic sheet, which will be referred to as the "clear plastic sheet" from here on, [Fig.4], The "clear plastic sheet" has the attachment section, part 4a, (coarse surface of a Velcro tape), all around the margin-section of the front surface of the "clear plastic sheet". A pre-tailored, washable/disposable, attachable/detachable fabric, which will be referred to as the "drape" from here on, [Fig.5], The "drape" has an attachment section, (soft surface of a Velcro tape), all around the inner margin-section, part 5a, and on the left and right upper margin-sections of the "drape", part 5b. A "hem" is also provided all around the outer margin-section of the "drape", part 5c, with a small opening in the middle of the outer-lower margin-section of the "drape". Two cords/bands are preinstalled inside of the "hem”, which will be referred to as the "fastening cords/bands" from here on, part 5d, one on the left and one on the right side of the "drape", with one end of the "fastening cord/band" secured inside the upper-margin-section of the "hem", and the other end, exiting from the small opening provided in the middle of the outer- lower margin-section of the "drape", with a loop/knob pre-attached to the end of each "fastening cord/band", which will be referred to as the "fastening loops/knobs" from here on, part 5e. A loop/knob is also attached to both corners of the bottom margin-section of the "drape", one on the left corner and one on the right corner, which will be referred to as the "releasing loops/knobs" from here on, part 5f. A pre-tailored, washable/disposable, attachable/detachable fabric, which will be referred to as the "gap cover" from here on, [Fig.6], The margin-section of the "gap cover" has an attachment section (soft side of a Velcro tape), part 6a, all around one surface of the "gap cover. To assemble the different parts of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, first, the front surface of the "clear plastic sheet" is attached to the inner margin-section, of the "drape" via corresponding Velcro attachments, with the "drape" overlapping the front surface of the "clear plastic sheet", creating a unit, which will be referred to as "unit number one" from here on. Then, the upper margin-section of "unit number one" is attached to the upper margin-section of the inner surface of the "bar" via corresponding Velcro attachments, creating yet another unit, which will be referred to as "unit number two" from here on, [Fig.7], The "unit number two" is attached to the "headgear", via male-female attachments, and finally the "gap cover" is attached to the upper ridge-section of the "headgear" and to the upper margin-section of the outer surface of the "bar”, via corresponding Velcro attachments, covering the existing "gap" on the "headpiece". The "unit number two" and the "gap cover" attached to the "headgear", will be referred to as the "face protective device" from here on. The "headgear" part of the "face protective device" is placed horizontally, over the wearer’s forehead/head, the wearer can now hold both "fastening loops/knobs" with one hand, pulling the "fastening loops/knobs" downward, away from the chin, while simultaneously, with the other hand holds both "fastening cords/bands" loosely, right where they exit from the "hem", sliding the hand upward, towards the chin. Now, by crossing the "fastening cords/bands" over each other and engaging each “fastening cord/band" to the opposite "hook" which has been provided on the left and the right side of the outer surface of the "headpiece”, (on the "bar" part of the "headpiece”), the "face protective device" is fastened and fitted to the wearers face and head, thus providing optimum protection by covering and protecting all portals of entry of airborne viruses and droplets containing pathogens, while maintaining free passage of air and complete visibility of the wearers face. To unfasten the "face protective device”, one must simply unhook the "fastening cords/bands" from the "headpiece", then uncross the "fastening cords/bands", and pull the "releasing loops/knobs" downward and outward. The "face protective device" may be worn, either, "unfastened", [Fig.8], or "fastened", [Fig.9], interchangeably, depending on the precision of the protection one chooses to have in different environments. It is very important to understand that in the preferred embodiment of present invention, the "fastening cords/bands", fastened under the chin, provide the main means of retention of the whole "face protective device", therefore, the "headpiece" could be worn loosely on top of the head, lessening the discomfort of the "headpiece” by far. As a result of the "retentive function" of the "fastening cords/ bands", in another embodiment of the present invention, the "headpiece" may be designed only as an "attachment apparatus" which keeps all parts of the "face protective device" together and over the head/ears of the wearer, or as secondary means of retention for the "face protective device". In the preferred embodiment of present invention, the "fastening cords/bands" not only have retentive function, but they also have size-adjusting function. To demonstrate the spirit and the functionality of the preferred embodiment of present invention, the "drape" and the "gap cover", comprise a single layer of cotton fabric, however, it is important to understand that in other embodiments of the present invention, the "drape" and the "gap cover" may either be single-layered or multi-layered, with the layers either pre-attached or attachable to each other. In other embodiments of the present invention, the "drape" and the "gap cover" may also comprise any type of material/fabric commonly used in commercial/ medical masks presently used by medical professionals and the general public, washable or disposable alike, as long as the material/fabric allows free passage of air and prevents the permeation of airborne viruses and pathogens, material such as polypropylene, different types of woven or non-woven cotton, silk, or medical barrier fabrics, used for surgical masks which are washable, reusable and autoclavable, and all other similar washable/disposable and fluid-impermeable materials/ fabrics. In the preferred embodiment of present invention, the "drape" and the "gap cover" are fabricated in two separate pieces of material/fabric, but in other embodiments of the present invention, the "drape" and the "gap cover" may comprise one continues piece of material/fabric. The "drape" and the "gap cover" may also comprise a filtering and ventilation component. Even though, In the preferred embodiment of present invention, the "gap cover" comprises a fabric, in another embodiment of the present invention, the "gap cover" may comprise a solid material such as hard plastic or any other lightweight, suitable hard material, with or without a mechanical/non-mechanical filtering and ventilation device. The "gap cover", may also be attached either all around, or be free ended. In another embodiment of present invention, the upper margin-sections and the "inner margin-section" of the "drape" may comprise two plies with corresponding attachments on both inner surfaces of the plies, for the purpose of attaching the upper marginsections of the "drape" to the "bar", and also for the purpose of attaching the "inner margin-section" of the "drape" to the corresponding openings (holes)/attachments, on the "clear plastic sheet". Corresponding protrusions may also be provided on the inner/outer surface of the "bar", for the purpose of attaching "unit number one" to the "bar" or to the "headpiece". In the preferred embodiment of present invention, after the "face protective device" is worn and fastened, the size of the "drape" is such that, on the left and the right side of the wearer's face, the "drape" extends, preferably, to the border of the face and ears, (up to the Tragus of ear), leaving the ears uncovered, and at the bottom, the size of the "drape" is such that after fastening the "protective device", the "drape" fits tightly around the face and under the chin, providing a comfortable, yet precise fit for individuals of different sizes, however, in other embodiments of the present invention, the size and the shape of the "drape" may vary if desired. In the preferred embodiment of present invention, the "drape" is attachable, and detachable, to and from, the "clear plastic sheet", however, in other embodiments of the present invention, the "drape" may be pre-attached to the "clear plastic sheet" and undetachable. In the preferred embodiment of present invention, the "drape" overlaps the front surface of the “clear plastic sheet", however, in a different embodiment of the present invention, the “clear plastic sheet" may overlap the "drape". In the preferred embodiment of present invention, the "fastening cords/bands" comprise the same material/fabric as the "drape" is made of, however, in other embodiments of present invention, "fastening cords/bands" may comprise polyester, cotton, silk, rayon or any other suitable material, either elastic or nonelastic. In the preferred embodiment of present invention, "fastening cords/bands" are preinstalled inside a "hem", however, in other embodiments of present invention, said "fastening cords/bands" may be installed directly on the outer margin-section of the "drape" and not inside a "hem", depending on the type of material used in fabricating the "fastening cords/bands". The preferred embodiment of present invention comprises a "clear plastic sheet" of an appropriate size, to protect the facial region of an average adult, preferably, in a manner that the length of the "clear plastic sheet" extends to or beyond the wearer's chin, and on top, over the eyebrows. The width of the "clear plastic sheet" is extended at least one to two centimeters beyond the outer corner of each eye of the wearer, to allow peripheral vision, however, in other embodiments of present invention, the length and the width of the "clear plastic sheet" may vary if needed or desired. The shape of the "clear plastic sheet" and the shape of the "drape" in the preferred embodiment of present invention are shown in [Fig.4] and [Fig.5], however, in other embodiments of present invention, the shape of the "clear plastic sheet", may comprise any shape such as a square, trapezoid, circle, oval, or any other suitable shape, and may include rounded corners as well as sharp corners. The shape and the size of the "drape" may also vary depending on the shape and the size of the "clear plastic sheet". The "clear plastic sheet" may comprise any lightweight, transparent, liquid impermeable material with high optical clarity and dimensional stability, such as acrylic, polyethylene, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate [PET], and the like. The "clear plastic sheet", may or may not be coated with anti-fog and anti-glare agents. In the preferred embodiment of present invention, the "drape" and the "clear plastic sheet" are attachable to the inner surface of the "bar”, however, in another embodiment of present invention, the "drape" and the "clear plastic sheet", (unit number one), may be attachable to the outer surface of the "bar". In the preferred embodiment of present invention, the “headpiece" comprises a "headgear" and a "bar", however, in other embodiments of the present invention, the "headpiece" may be fabricated in one piece, l.e., one pre-attached, adjustable, or un- adjustable piece. In the preferred embodiment of present invention, the “headpiece" comprises a flexible, hard plastic, however, in other embodiments of present invention, any flexible, lightweight, suitable hard material may be used to fabricate the "headpiece". The "headpiece" may also comprise a hat or a cap. In the preferred embodiment of present invention, the crescent-shaped cushion/pad comprises a foam membrane, however, in other embodiments of the present invention, any other suitable soft membrane may be used. In other embodiments of the present invention, the presence of the crescent-shaped cushion/pad may be optional. In the preferred embodiment of present invention, one pre-installed female part of a rotating, adjustable, click-on attachment, is provided, one on the left and one on the right side of the "headgear", however, in other embodiments of present invention, two or more of such attachments may be pre-installed on the "headgear” for the purpose of adjusting the size of the "gap", and the size of the "gap" may be adjusted to the desired size, according to which female attachment on the “headgear”, is used. The length of the "bar" is accorded with the size of the "headgear" and the maximum and minimum desired "gap" size. In the preferred embodiment of present invention, the size, and the shape of the “gap cover”, corresponds with the size and the shape of the existing "gap" on the "headpiece", however, any other suitable shape and size may be used in other embodiments of present invention. The size of the "headpiece" may be small, medium, or large, to be used for children, or adults of different sizes. In another embodiment of the present invention, the "bar" may comprise a pre attached, frame-like attachment piece which will be used to attach "the drape" and the "clear plastic sheet" to each other and to the "bar", the said attachment may comprise click-on attachments, clip-on attachments, key and keyhole attachments, male-female attachments, different types of adhesive, tapes/buttons, or any other suitable attachments, with the corresponding parts of the attachments on the "drape" and the “clear plastic sheet". The said frame-like attachment may also be unattached to the "bar” and serve as a separate piece. If the said frame-like attachment is used, the "clear plastic sheet" may also comprise a soft "clear plastic sheet", pre-attached to the "drape". In the preferred embodiment of present invention, a combination of Velcro tape and male-female attachments have been used as means of attachment in different parts of the "face protective device", however, it is very important to understand that in other embodiments of the present invention any other types and combinations of attachments may be substituted instead, such as click-on attachments, clip-on attachments, key and keyhole attachments, male-female attachments, sleeve attachments, two ply attachments, button attachments, different types of adhesive, tapes/buttons, or any other suitable attachments. Advantages of the preferred embodiment of present invention are listed below but are not limited to: The preferred embodiment of present invention provides visibility of full face, lip movements and facial expressions for speech perception, without compromising the protection of the wearer and of other people, (source control), against airborne viruses and droplets containing pathogens. The prevention and protection benefit of the preferred embodiment of present invention is derived from the combination of source control and personal protection of the wearer, it combines blocking and filtering effectiveness as well as comfort and durability. The preferred embodiment of present invention covers all open spaces/gaps, such as the space/gap between the forehead and the "clear plastic sheet", on the top portion of the "face protective device", and also covers the space/gap between the "clear plastic sheet" and the sides of the face and the space/gap under the chin, therefore, the preferred embodiment of present invention, covers and protects all portals of entry of airborne viruses and droplets containing pathogens, while providing passage of air, thus freeing the wearer from using a medical mask on its own or under the face shield, while maintaining visibility of the whole face without compromising the protection of the wearer and of other people, (source control). In the preferred embodiment of present invention, the "drape" can be fastened and adjusted to the size of the wearer's face, adults, and children alike, by a pre-installed "fastening cord/band", fastened under the chin without the need to touch the face, ears, and/or head, thus providing precise and comfortable fit, and ease of use, which is very convenient and useful for medical professionals who wear head covers for protection, or hundreds of millions of people around the world who either for religious purposes or cultural reasons, wear some sort of head covering, and have their head, ears, and neck covered, and as a result, removing or putting on the preferred embodiment of present invention will be an easy task. It is also important to mention that in most medical face shields, the "headpiece" is the main means of retention of the face shield, which could be uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time, but in the preferred embodiment of present invention, the "fastening cords/bands", fastened under the chin, provide the main means of retention of the whole "face protective device", therefore lessening the discomfort of the "headpiece" by far, and enabling the wearer to wear the "face protective device” for long periods of time, with comfort. The preferred embodiment of present invention protects the eyes and allows the wearer to use prescription eyeglasses simultaneously, if needed. To put on or to take off the preferred embodiment of present invention, the wearer does not have to touch her/his face, ears, head, or head-covering, thus reducing the potential for cross contamination and auto-inoculation by preventing the wearer from touching their face, ears, head, and head-covering. Also, the preferred embodiment of present invention, can be removed and put on again, simply by removing the "headpiece" from the head, while all parts of the "face protective device" remain intact. The preferred embodiment of present invention does not have to be removed for identification purposes in public areas with community cluster, such as airports and banks, thus reducing the potential for transmission of viruses and pathogens in community settings. All parts of the preferred embodiment of present invention are attachable/ detachable and can be cleaned and disinfected by soap and water, and common household disinfectants, and are also durable and can be used and reused indefinitely, minimizing the economical, and environmental consequences. The preferred embodiment of present invention is well-fitted, light, stable and comfortable to be worn for long periods of time without needing to be touched or changed, thus suitable for medical professionals, teachers, students, flight attendants, airport and bank employees, people working in different public services, passengers of long flights, trains and buses, and everyone else. The preferred embodiment of present invention could be worn "unfastened", and be partially re-adjusted, allowing the wearer to manage eating and drinking without completely removing the "face protective device". Other advantages of the preferred embodiment of present invention will be recognized as it is used. The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a medical "face protective device" which protects and covers all portals of entry of airborne viruses and droplets containing pathogens, thus providing adequate and precise protection for the healthy persons and prevent onward transmission, i.e. , source control, freeing the wearer from wearing a medical face mask and a face shield simultaneously or by themselves, while maintaining free passage of air and complete visibility of the wearer’s face, also, reducing the potential of auto inoculation and cross contamination by preventing the wearers from touching their face, eyes, neck and ears. While the preferred embodiment of present invention has been shown and described, various modification and substitution may be had thereto without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present invention, accordingly, it is to be understood, the present invention has been described by the means of illustration and not by limitation. 0070 With Covid-19, wearing a medical mask and/or a medical face shield has become an absolute necessity for not only the medical professionals but also for the general population, to protect against covid-19 and other airborne viruses and pathogens. Since wearing medical face masks and medical face shields have become a daily routine for everyone, it is imperative that they be made in such manner that along with providing optimum protection, they will also be easy to use, have minimal effect on the daily activities of the wearer, and with less environmental and economical consequences.

0071 Wearing a medical face mask or a face shield, alone, even if it is worn correctly, is insufficient to provide adequate protection against airborne viruses and droplets containing pathogens, for healthy persons, or to prevent onward transmission (source control), thus it has been suggested that the most efficient way of protection is to wear a medical face mask and a face shield simultaneously.

0072 Wearing a medical face shield, alone, even though it protects the eyes, and it provides good visibility, it is insufficient to provide adequate protection for the healthy persons or prevent onward transmission, i.e. Source control, because medical face shields are open on the sides of the face, under the chin, and sometimes on top, thus airborne viruses and pathogens, can easily get in and out of the face shield, compromising the protection of the wearer, and of other people, (source control). Therefore, medical face masks have become a necessity to be worn, either on their own or under the face shields, however, medical face masks, also have their own disadvantages, for example:

0073 Medical face masks, washable or disposable alike, must be connected to the ears, or be tied to the back of the neck or head, therefore, one needs to touch the ears, head or neck, and the face, in order to put on a medical face mask or to take it off, hence cross contamination and auto-inoculation may occur.

0074 The moisture presented in one's breath dampens the mask, making breathing difficult, and it often must be replaced.

0075 Furthermore, medical professionals who wear head covers for protection, or hundreds of millions of people around the world, who either for religious purposes or cultural reasons, wear some sort of head covering, have their head, ears, and neck covered, thus removing, or putting on a medical face mask becomes a difficult and timeconsuming task, in addition to cross contamination and auto-inoculation. 0076 Another disadvantage of most medical face masks is that the mouth is completely covered, and it presents a real problem for people with hearing loss who rely on lip movements for speech perception.

0077 Medical face masks, also must be removed at any place where one's identity must be checked, for instance, in banks, at airports, and other similar areas with community clusters, where because of crowding, the outmost protection is needed, also masks become loose easily and could drop under the nose or chin, and one must touch the mask and re-adjust it repeatedly, which again, cross contamination and auto-inoculation may occur. In addition, a medical mask does not protect the eyes, if used by itself.

0078 Disposable medical face masks have limited durability and little potential for reprocessing, and since it must be changed and discarded many times over the course of an active day, therefore, it creates a huge environmental and economical concern over time.

0079 While the preferred embodiment of present invention has been shown and described, various modification and substitution may be had thereto without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present invention, accordingly, it is to be understood, the present invention has been described by the means of illustration and not by limitation.