MULTIPURPOSE FACE MASK/SLEEPING AID TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a multipurpose/multifunction face mask/sleeping aid and in particular but not exclusively to an aid which incorporates one or more of detachable and replaceable eye pads, ear plugs and pads and a nasal feature/comppnent.

BACKGROUND ART

Gaining sleep particularly in. hospitals is difficult due to the light, noise and odours, and is a constant cause of stress between patients, nurses and doctors. Current face masks which are available are not particularly effective. Whilst ear plugs can be used in an attempt to block out noise, current ear plugs are also not particularly effective and in addition, ear plugs because of their small size are easily lost. No effective means exist to prevent a person Smelling unpleasant odours as may be encountered in hospitals. Recent scientific studies and medical trials have confirmed that modern less invasive methods obtain better results and are more popular with patients. ^' SUMMARY Off THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to provide sleeping aid which can safely assist and aid people to sleep and to stay soundly asleep, especially in hospitals. By assisting people to sleep naturally, the usage of habit-forming central nervous systems depressants such as Tamazepan can be reduced.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a multipurpose face mask/sleeping aid which has the benefits of supplying consumers with a more functional and comfortable aid in one convenient package to promote sleep and relaxation by blocking out light and noise, and

preferably replacing unpleasant odours with sleep enhancing aromas. The present invention in another aspect, provides a sleeping aid which can safely and hygienically hold, store and dispense prescribed and non-prescribed medications and essential aromas, both as solids, absorbed liquids and sprays, and to contain those medications within the desired anatomical areas/locations to maximize their benefits.

Further objects and advantages to the present invention will become apparent from the ensuring description which is given by way of example relating to the sleeping aid design that incorporates a specifically improved face mask that caters to and accommodates replaceable eye pads, car plugs with ear pads and a nose feature all of which can hold and. dispense medications.

According to the present invention there is provided a multipurpose face mask/sleeping aid comprising: a. a primary face mask for wearing over the eyes; b. a head strap for securing said face mask to the head of a user; and c. one or more components associated with said primary face mask for blocking light, noise and/or unpleasant odours.

The one or more components suitably comprise eye pads/patches, ear plugs and ear pads/patches and a nasal component typically in the form of a cone or cap which can be located over the nose of a user.

The above mentioned special design features make the face mask/sleeping aid fat more efficient at blocking out light, noise and odours and provide more comfort and certainty of the benefits of regular, uninterrupted deep sleep. The eye pads/patches and nasal caps are suitably releasable attached to the face mask via Vclcro touch and grip material or other releasable fastener and the ear plugs and pads are suitably attached to the head strap so as to be capable of free movement thereof

Preferably three of the four replaceable components, being eye pads, ear plugs and the nasal feature are adapted to hold, store and dispense medications. Each of these three components suitably has an absorption section to accommodate this design feature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which;

Figure 1 show the face mask/sleep aid according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 2 illustrates the manner in which the face mask/sleep aid is worn by a person

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to Figure 1 , there is illustrated a face mask/sleep aid according to an embodiment of the present invention comprising a primary member face mask which embodies the following replaceable attachments: a. a pair of replaceable eye pads/patches that add to comfort of the mask and guarantees the blocking of all peripheral light These replaceable eye pads have an

absorbent centre that can hold and dispense lubricants to the eyes, and are attached to the inside of the face mask by Velcro or other releasable fastener arrangement, b. a pair of replaceable ear plugs and supplementary ear pads. The prime task of the ear plugs and pads is to block all noise to the patient/consumer. They aUo embody a specific absorbent tip facility that can hold and dispense ear drops and other medications by pressing and compressing the ear plugs. The ear plugs are comfortably held in place by replaceable ear pads. The plugs and pads are looped and slide along the head strap to position them at the ears. The ear plugs do not work their way out of the ear as they are retained in position by the head strap, c. a nose/nasal feature suitably in the form of a hollow cap of cover which locates over the nose and which has a specific lower inside portion adjacent to the nostrils that is absorbent or contains an absorbent pad which allows the inhalation of various medications., essential oils and other aromatherapy substances carried thereon that aid relaxation and sleep especially in odøurous hospital wards and other unpleasant odour environments. The nose/nasal feature is replaceable and attached to the primary mask via Velcro or other releasable fastener means as shown.

Figure 1 shows the form of the improved face mask/sleep aid according to the present invention where numbered arrows illustrate and identify the various components. The aid comprises a primary face mask 1 formed of any pliable material such as of a fabric or plastics material and preferably of a dark colour. A pair of eye patches 2 are detachably secured to the inside of the face mask by touch and grip material such as Velcro provided

around their periphery. The eye patches 2 are thus replaceable. The eye patches 2 have a central absorption portion 4

A pair of hollow ar pings 5 are mounted on supporting ear pads 6, the ear pads 6 being provided with loops 7 for a purpose which will be described below to allow for perfect positioning at the ears The tips 8 of the ear plugs 5 are absorbent or include an absorbent material. The ear plugs 5 additionally include an internal membrane 8 to direct the medications into the ear

A nose/nasal cover.10 typically in the lbim of a cap is shaped to be positioned over the nose and extend over the nostrils. The inner lower side of the cover 10 carries or comprises an absorbent material 11 for carrying medicinal inhalants. The cover 10 may comprise a relative stiff material such as plastics or may be a fabric type material which can either be relative stiff or flexible. The nose/nasal cover 10 is detactiably secure to a lower central portion of the face mask at 12 by Velcro touch and grip material or other fastening arrangement.

An pair of elastic head straps 13 are connected to opposite sides of the face mask 1 and terminate in Velcro end portions 14. This enables the straps 13 to interconnected and looped around the head and provide for comfortable fit to the wearer. The straps 13 extend through the ear pad loops 17 so that the ear pads 6 and plugs 5 are captured to the straps 13 but free for movement therealong.

The ear plugs and pads 5 and 6 can be detachable by disconnected the end portions 14 of the straps 13 and sliding them beyond the end portions 14 of the straps 13 due to the looped connections 7 as shown at A. to allow their replacement.

Figure Z illustrates the face mask/sleep aid as worn by a person, the face mask 1 being positioned so that the patches 2 are located over the eyes and the ear plugs 5 supported on the ear pads 6 are held within the ears by means of the elasticized head straps 13 which extend around nthe head and across the ears. In addition, the nose cap or cover 10 is located over the nose of the person,

Varies medications or other substances can be applied to the absorbent parts of the respective plugs or patches as required to promote sleep and/or reduce the effect of unpleasant aromas.

The aid of the invention has unlimited practical commercial and private uses in a very wide cross section of markets. The examples which follow are to help describe the invention and some useful applications, but its uses are by no means limited to these. a. Hospitals and nursing homes. Hospitals are notorious for insomnia because, apart from being a strange environment, they are always light, noisy and smelly. b. Due to our changing modem lifestyles creating more stressful situations, there is more blame attributed to insomnia for causing the following health problems. Primary prevention, should be easily and cheaply available in a simple invention to ail consumers, 80% of whom suffer a sleep disorder with the resulting documented

health problems. The cost to the tax payer of a hospital bed for the day is between $800 and $1000.

1. Depression

2. Stress 3. Obesity

4. High Blood Pressure

5. Cardiovascular Disease

6. Sleep Apnoea

7- Sleep Deprivation. 8. Car Accidents

9, Work Accidents

10. Anemia

11, Sexual Dysfunction

12. Thyroid Disease 13. Increased Heart Rate

Retail Use: Therapeutic/personal health, this invention could be easily retailed through the following outlets: pharmacies, doctor's surgeries, other allied health professionals, supermarkets, corner stores and health food outlets, .

Statistics confirm that more people are seeking natural remedies with more acceptances from the medical professions. This invention provides a perfect vehicle for consumers to take both prescribed and non-prescribed natural remedies in a pleasant and comfortable

environment . The invention allows a very simple, hygienic, cheap, one-off, convenient product for consumers to aid relaxation and sleep.

Government-subsidized use PBS: because this product has such a broadband of uses, both in the secondary hospital market and more importantly primary preventative lifestyle market, the product could possibly attract a PBS subsidy for use in hospitals, nursing homes and through doctor's surgeries and pharmacies. Medical professionals and global distributors have indicated support.

Reusable Use; This invention has reusable materials that can be washed and sterilized. Replacement components will be readily available in packet multiples. Complementary medication will also be available in solids, creams,, liquids and sprays at the same point of sale. This invention has unlimited beneficial uses in a very wide cross-section of markets as outlined.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only, and modifications and additions thereto may be made without departing from the spirit or scope thereof.