BACKGROUND

[0001] In various settings, for example industrial settings (e.g., factory floors), medical settings (e.g., clinics and hospitals) and construction settings, persons generally are required to use safety protection such as eyeglasses. With the spread of contagious diseases such as COVID 19, it is further generally required to protect people from coming into contact with diseases spreading microbes, viruses, bacteria and other contaminants. In addition, masks can provide a physical barrier for fluids and particulate materials such as smoke and dust. However, wearing of face masks in conjunction with safety glasses or optical glasses can be cumbersome and further has the propensity to fog the glasses due to expiration of air from the user.

SUMMARY

[0002] A face mask assembly includes a mask pad configured to cover at least a portion of a face of a wearer and a frame supported by ears and a nose of the wearer. An elastic member is connected with the frame and positioned to hold the mask pad to the face of the wearer.

[0003] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. In the drawing, like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the views in which.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a face mask assembly disposed in front of a face of a wearer;

[0005] FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of the face mask assembly illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0006] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of a mask pad of the face mask assembly illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0007] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a face mask assembly disposed in front of a face of a wearer; and [0008] FIG. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of the face mask assembly illustrated in FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] Referring to FIG. 1, a face mask assembly 100 according to an embodiment is shown. The face mask assembly 100 includes a mask pad 102 and a frame 104 coupled to the mask pad 102. Mask pad 102 is adapted to be arranged in front of a face of a wearer and cover a nose and mouth of the wearer. Frame 104 is worn by the wearer and supports the mask pad 102 such that mask pad 102 covers the mouth and nose of the wearer. In one embodiment, mask pad 102 may be made of soft fabric (e.g., nonwoven polypropylene), a paper material or any other suitable material (e.g., including various filtration media) known in the art. Mask pad 102 can be formed of a single layer or multiple layers. Frame 104 is supported on the wearer by the ears and nose of the wearer.

[0010] In the illustrated embodiment, the mask pad 102 is formed of multiple layers, including a first layer 106 (shown in FIG. 1) and a second layer 108 (shown in FIG. 2) disposed opposite to the first layer 106 and extending along and laid on the first layer 106. The first layer 106 and the second layer 108 are attached to each other along respective edges (e.g., by stitching, ultrasonic welding). In one embodiment, the first layer 106 and the second layer 108 are made of a flexible material, such as, cotton, non-woven poly propylene, or any reusable cover material that is air permeable and permits the passage of air therethrough, and may filter the air by restricting the passage of any foreign particles, such as, microbes, particulates, etc., having a size greater than a predetermined threshold size. In some embodiments, the mask pad 102 may include a plurality of inserts made of flexible metal, or plastic pieces and disposed between the first layer 106 and the second layer 108 to improve face fit, seal, and comfort to the wearer. In further embodiments, the mask pad 102 is formed of a single layer.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the mask pad 102 includes a first surface 110 (i.e. inner surface 110, shown in FIG. 2) and a second surface 112 (i.e. outer surface 112, shown in FIGS. 1 and 3), disposed opposite to the inner surface 110. The inner surface 110 of the mask pad 102 is adapted to be disposed proximate and facing the face of the wearer, while the outer surface 112 of the mask pad 102 is disposed away from the face of the wearer when the face mask 100 is worn by the wearer. In one embodiment, the face mask 100 includes a substantially rectangular shape, and has a first edge 120 (i.e. top edge 120), a second edge 122 (i.e. bottom edge 122) disposed opposite to the top edge 120, a first side edge 124 extending from the top edge 120 to the bottom edge 122, and a second side edge 126 disposed parallel and space apart from the first side edge 124 and extending between the top edge 120 and the bottom edge 122. The top edge 120 may be disposed proximate to a forehead of the wearer, while the bottom edge 122 is disposed distally from the forehead of the wearer when the face mask 100 is secured to the wearer. Accordingly, the bottom edge 122 may be disposed on the underside of the chin or proximate to the neck of the wearer relative to the top edge 120. In other embodiments, the face mask 100 can be different shapes such as round.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 3, the mask pad 102 defines a pair of cut-outs 130, 132 extending from the top edge 120 towards the bottom edge 122. The pair of cut-outs, for example, a first cut-out 130 disposed proximate to the first side edge 124, and a second cut-out 132 disposed proximate to the second side edge 126, defines a nose portion 136 therebetween. The nose portion 136 is adapted to cover the nose of the wearer, and is adapted to rest on top of the nose of the wearer. In some embodiments, nose portion 136 can be a protrusion extending outwardly from the top edge 120 of the mask pad 102. In such a case, the pair of cut-outs 130, 132 may be eliminated. In one embodiment, the nose portion 136 may include one or more inserts made of a flexible metal or a plastic and disposed between the inner surface 110 and the outer surface 112 for facilitating the sealing of the nose portion 136 between the frame 104 and the nose of the wearer. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the nose portion 136 and the top edge 120 of mask pad 102 are engaged with the frame 104.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the frame 104 includes a front bar 150 and two lenses 152, 154 supported on the front bar 150 and adapted to be disposed in front of the eyes of the wearer. In one embodiment, the lenses 152 and 154 are shaped to at least partially rest upon opposed cheek bones of the wearer such that a portion of the mask pad 102 is positioned between the lenses 152, 154 and the wearer’s cheek bones. In a further embodiment, lenses 152 and 154 can be eliminated. The frame 104 also includes two temples or arms 156, 158 arranged spaced apart from each other, and a bridge 162 adapted to be supported on a nose of the wearer. The temples 156, 158 are adapted to rest on the ears of the wearer and facilitate the engagement of the mask pad 102 with the wearer. Further, the frame 104 may also include nose pads 166, 168 secured under the bridge 162 and adapted to abut the nose of the wearer and assist to keep the frame 104 in place, while providing comfort and a snug fit. Further, the front bar 150 may include a first rim portion 170 extending from the bridge 162 to the first temple 156, and a second rim portion 172 extending from the bridge 162 to the second temple 158. The first rim portion 170 engages with the first lens 152 and supports the first lens 152, while the second rim portion 172 engages with the second lens 154 and supports the second lens 154. Also, in some embodiments, the first temple 156 may be pivotally coupled to the first rim portion 170, while the second temple 158 may be pivotally coupled with the second rim portion 172. In an embodiment, the rim portions 170, 172 may include circular, or elliptical shape. Alternatively, the rim portions 170, 172 may include semi-circular or semi-elliptical shape.

[0014] In one embodiment, the mask pad 102 is directly connected to frame 104. To facilitate connection of the mask pad 102 to the frame 104, the frame 104 can include a plurality of clips 180. The clips 180 connect the mask pad 102 with the rim portions 170, 172. In one embodiment, the clips 180 connect to the rim portions 170, 172 proximate to the pivotal connections of the rim portions 170, 172 with respective temples 156, 158. In one embodiment, clips 180 can connect mask pad 102 with the lower edges of the rim portions 170, 172. Additionally, clips 180 can removably engage the mask pad 102 with the frame 104.

[0015] Although clips 180 are contemplated for connecting the mask pad 102 to the frame 104, it may be appreciated that the mask pad 102 may be attached to the frame 104 by other approaches such as screws, staples, adhesives, etc. Alternatively, temples 156 and 158 can slide through apertures formed in an upper portion of the mask pad 102 or the mask pad 102 can include integral loops that can surround temples 156 and 158 and secured with snaps or the like. In addition, clips 180 or other form of connection can be used to secure the mask pad 102 to the lenses 152 and 154, as well as to the bridge 162, for example by securing protrusion 136 to the bridge 162.

[0016] Face mask assembly 100 further includes an elastic member 190 forming a u-shape, connected to the frame 104 and positioned to bias the mask pad 102 toward the frame 104. As such, the elastic member 190 is positioned to hold the mask pad 102 to a chin of the wearer. In the embodiment illustrated, elastic member 190 is connected to frame 104 through clips 180. In other embodiments, loops connected with the elastic member 190 can be slid over temples 156 and 158 to attach the member 190 to the frame 104. The elastic member 190 is connected with the frame 104 at a first position on a first side of a nose of the wearer (e.g., proximate temple 156) and also connected with the frame 104 at a second position on a second, opposite side of a nose of the wearer (e.g., proximate temple 158).

[0017] In a further embodiment, the elastic member 190 can be connected with the mask pad 102 at a first position proximate an intersection of the top edge 120 and first side edge 124 to a second position proximate an intersection of the top edge 120 and the second side edge 126. In the embodiment illustrated, elastic member 190 is positioned on outer surface 112. In alternative embodiments, the elastic string 190 can be embedded within mask pad 102, be positioned within stitching or guides within mask pad 102 or otherwise configured to assist in biasing the mask pad 102 toward the frame 104 and securing the mask pad 102 to the wearer’s face. During use, the mask pad 102 can come preassembled to the frame 104, with the mask pad 102 hanging from the frame 104 as the mask pad 102 is connected to the frame 104 using clips 180 or other methods to secure the mask pad 102 to the frame, such as loops, snaps and the like. A wearer can then position frame 104 on the wearer’ s face, with the bridge 162 supporting the frame 104 on the wearer’s nose and the temples 156 and 158 supporting the frame 104 on the wearer’s ears. In other embodiments, mask pad 102 and elastic member 190 can be separate from the frame 104 and assembled to the frame 104 at time of use.

[0018] The top edge 120 extends above a bottom portion of the lenses 152 and 154, with nose protrusion 136 extending under bridge 162. As such, along top edge 120, the mask pad 102 is positioned between the lens 152 and the wearer’s face (i.e. proximate a wearer’s cheek bone on a first side of the nose), between the bridge 162 and the wearer’s nose and between the lens 154 and the wearer’s face (i.e., proximate a wearer’s cheek bone on a second side of the nose). This arrangement creates a seal along top edge 120, which inhibits exhaled air from the wearer from entering the eye region of the wearer. As such, fogging of the lenses 152 and 154 can be reduced, as exhaled air is more apt to exit mask pad 102 along side edges 124 and 126 or through mask pad 102 instead of along top edge 120. In further embodiments, a bottom portion of each of the lenses 152 and 154 can include a spacer element (e.g., formed of a cushion or other filler material) that provides further sealing between the mask pad 102 and the wearer’s face.

[0019] Once frame 104 is positioned on the wearer’s face, elastic member 190 can then be extended to loop around the wearer’s chin and secure the mask pad 102 to the wearer’s face. In one embodiment, the bottom edge 122 of mask pad 102 extends sufficiently below the wearer’s chin, for example proximate a neck region of the wearer. The elastic member 190 is extended to be positioned over the wearer’s chin and thus securing the mask pad 102 to the wearer’s chin and the bottom edge 122 extending below the elastic member 190. In one embodiment, a number of face mask assemblies 100 can be positioned within a dispenser (e.g., positioned on a factory floor, within a medical clinic, at a construction site) for easy access to wearers. With the mask pad 102 pre-assembled to the frame 104, a wearer can easily apply the frame 104 to the wearer’s face and pull the elastic member 190 over the wearer’s chin to secure mask pad 102 to the wearer and provide protection to the wearer’s eyes and mouth in a simple, easy-to-use manner.

[0020] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a face mask assembly 200 having similar features to face mask assembly 100 described above, including a mask pad 202 and a frame 204. In this embodiment, face mask assembly 200 includes an elastic member 206 positioned within a hem 208 of the mask pad 202. Like face mask assembly 100, elastic member 206 is positioned to bias the mask pad 202 toward the frame 204. Elastic member 206 terminates at loop ends 210 that are slid over frame 204. In the illustrated embodiment, loop ends 210 can be slid over temples 212 and 214 of frame 204. As such, a wearer can easily assemble and remove the mask pad 202 and elastic member 206 from frame 204. For example, a wearer with prescription lenses can carry the mask pad 202 and elastic member 206 separately such that, when going into a situation where a face covering is desired, the wearer can slide loop ends 210 over temples 212 and temples 214, put on the frame 204 and extend the elastic member 206 over the wearer’s chin. After use, the wearer can remove the mask pad 202 and elastic member 206 from the frame 204 and use the prescription lenses without the pad 202 and member 206.

[0021] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.