[001] The present invention relates to a face mask and more particularly to a mask which not only provides complete protection to the users from the viruses in the air but also designed with versatile smart filter adaptor for the purpose of integrating a variety of functionalities suitable for outdoor as well as indoor conditions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

[002] Many harmful particles and viruses are present in the atmosphere that may pose threat to the human health especially in hazardous work areas. During this pandemic time, wearing a normal surgical mask or any other mask is not sufficient as the virus is travelling in the air and can still be inhaled by the user wearing any of the above mentioned masks. Many doctors and patients have lost their lives during this pandemic time due to the lack of protective masks which can prevent the virus to enter into the human body.

[003] The masks currently present in the markets are not so comfortable and the users have to remove them from their face from time to time in order to breath. More over the users have to remove the mask from their face due to the extreme weather conditions.

[004] In order to provide safety for such people full face masks are designed. Full face mask are useful for protecting the eyes from any harmful viruses and particles, and also accommodates particle filters that spare the lungs of human beings. The full face mask acts as a shield to the face from harmful viruses and particles present in the atmosphere.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:

[005] An objective of the present invention is to design a full face mask for the enhanced safety of the user from viruses and hazardous particles.

[006] Another object of the invention is to provide enhanced comfort to the users so that the need of removing the face mask from time to time can be parted off.

[007] Another object of the invention is to provide the directional flow of the air breathed inside the mask for increased comfort to the user.

[008] Another object of the invention is to design a full face mask with versatile smart filter adaptor for the purpose of integrating a variety of functionalities suitable for outdoor as well as indoor conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

[009] In order to achieve the above objectives, a face mask for protection against the hazardous viruses comprising a frame (1) with an air filter and vents that are snap-fit into place a visor (10); a sealing gasket (13); a fastening straps (12) and a smart adaptor characterized in that it may fit on any type of air filter and also enables the use of a size adaptor that can help integrate the mask into other respiration/ life support systems like medical ventilators, positive pressure ventilation systems. A smart filter adaptor also enables integrating a variety of functionalities suitable for outdoor as well as indoor conditions.

[010] An embodiment of the invention is to claim a face mask wherein the frame of the mask is manufactured using either injection molding or thermoforming process.

[011] An another embodiment of the invention is to claim a face mask wherein the filter and vents may be snap-fit onto the mask and are easily removed for cleaning or replacing filter fabric.
[012] An another embodiment of the invention is to claim a face mask wherein the vents are provided at the top of the mask and are consciously positioned to create air-flow across the forehead.

[013] An another embodiment of the invention is to claim a face mask wherein the vent assembly consists of a ring (7) a circular piece of filter fabric (8) that is placed over this ring.

[014] An another embodiment of the invention is to claim a face mask wherein the filter and Filtered Non Return Valves maintains the directional flow of the air breathed inside the mask.

[015] An another embodiment of the invention is to claim a face mask wherein the carbon dioxide level inside the mask is minimized due to its unique contours and directional flow.

[016] An another embodiment of the invention is to claim a face mask wherein the air inlet inside the mask can be increased through “Jet Streams” created by the Mask contours, through “Pressure Gradient” created inside and outside the mask, through “Temperature Gradient”.

[017] An another embodiment of the invention is to claim a face mask wherein there is a provision for attachments that can increase the air inlet of the mask with the help of technology like fans, blowers, pumps, diaphragm and pistons.

[018] An another embodiment of the invention is to claim a face mask wherein the inlet air temperature is controlled in the mask with the help of various tech attachments on the mask and geometry & construction on the mask frame.

[019] An another embodiment of the invention is to claim a face mask wherein the mask has separate Modular Electric Air Filter unit which helps in easy inhalation and easy exhalations without retaining CO2 within the mask.

[020] An another embodiment of the invention is to claim a face mask wherein the mask has Auto UV Sanitizer unit which sanitize mask automatically after each use.

[021] An another embodiment of the invention is to claim a face mask wherein certain health parameters like pulses rate, body temperature are also displayed through app via Bluetooth connectivity.

[022] An another embodiment of the invention is to claim a face mask wherein calls can be taken by the user without removing mask through Bluetooth connectivity.

[023] An another embodiment of the invention is to claim a face mask wherein wherein CO2 meter reading is displayed on the app via Bluetooth.

[024] An another embodiment of the invention is to claim a face mask wherein the circular filters enables the fitment of smart modules on any of the circular filter openings that can hold fans for forced air-exchange and increased comfort, speakers and mic modules connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth to enable a medical worker to attend calls without touching the phone.

[025] An another embodiment of the invention is to claim a face mask wherein the frame has an attachment of a smart bio-filter that uses UV light that automatically keeps the filter material sanitized at all times.

[026] An another embodiment of the invention is to claim a face mask wherein the visor (10) is secured to a corresponding rim on the inside of the mask (11).

[027] An another embodiment of the invention is to claim a face mask wherein the straps (12) consists of two loops around the head and is secured to the mask through a pair of holes on each side (13).

[028] An another embodiment of the invention is to claim a face mask wherein the sealing gasket (13) sits on a corresponding rim in the mask body (14).

[029] An another embodiment of the invention is to claim a face mask wherein the mask touches the face only at the edges which makes it possible to talk without lips brushing against the mask.

[030] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[031] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrative examplary embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system and/or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[032] Fig. 1 illustrates a front view of face mask in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[033] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of face mask in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[034] Fig. 3 illustrates different components of face mask in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[035] Fig. 4 illustrates side view of face mask in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[036] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams represent conceptual views of illustrative systems embodying the principles of the present subject matter. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow chart, flow diagrams, state transition diagram, pseudo code, and the like readable medium and executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[037] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments: on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[038] It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

[039] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes” and/or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.

[040] In addition, the description of “first”, “second”, “third”, and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number f technical features indicated. Thus features defining “first” and “second” may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.

[041] It should be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
[042] Unless otherwise defines, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g. those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[043] Fig. 1 illustrates a front view of face mask in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The face mask comprising a frame (1) with an air filter and vents that are snap-fit into place; a visor (10); a sealing gasket (13); a fastening straps (12) and a smart adaptor characterized in that it may fit on any type of air filter and also enables the use of a size adaptor that can help integrate the mask into other respiration/ life support systems like medical ventilators, positive pressure ventilation systems. A smart filter adaptor also enables integrating a variety of functionalities suitable for outdoor as well as indoor conditions.

[044] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of face mask in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[045] Fig. 3 illustrates different components of face mask in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. According to the Fig. 3 of the present invention, the full face mask comprises of a frame (1) with an air filter and vents that are snap-fit into place. It also comprises a visor (10), a sealing gasket (13) and fastening straps (12). The front air filter assembly on the front consist of a mounting ring (2), an air filter i.e. a circular piece of multi- layered fabric (3) that is secured into the mounting ring by means of a secondary ring (4) which snaps into the mounting ring (2). The mounting ring (2) snaps into the corresponding aperture (6) in the mask body. A silicon seal (5) helps make the contact between the mounting ring and the mask body air-tight. The upper air vent assembly consists of a ring (7) a circular piece of filter fabric (8) that is placed over this ring. This arrangement is then snapped into the aperture at the top of the mask (9). The visor (10) is secured to a corresponding rim on the inside of the mask (11). The straps (12) consists of two loops around the head and is secured to the mask through a pair of holes on each side (13). The Sealing gasket (13) sits on a corresponding rim in the mask body (14).

[046] The face mask provides a comfort-fit to the face with an anti-microbial foam gasket. All the critical components of the mask may be produced by the following processes:
thermoforming/ injection molding for the mask body and visor and 3D printing/ injection molding for the filter assemblies. Vents at the top of the face mask are consciously positioned to create air-flow across the forehead. The forehead is the part of the face especially susceptible to perspiration, hence when air is sucked through the nose a stream of air is created across the forehead by means of the vents in order to provide thermal comfort to the face without the need for any mechanical ventilation.

[047] The circular filters provided in the face mask enables maximum customization. Said face mask enables the use of a smart adaptor that may fit any type of air filter and also enables the use of a size adaptor that can help integrate the mask into other respiration/ life support systems like medical ventilators, positive pressure ventilation systems. The circular filters enables the fitment of smart modules on any of the circular filter openings that can hold fans for forced air- exchange and increased comfort, speakers and mic modules connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth to enable a medical worker to attend calls without touching the phone; attachment of specialized gas mask filters for use by police/ mine- worker; the mounting of module with light for night applications and use by police; the attachment of a smart bio-filter that uses UV light that automatically keeps the filter material sanitized at all times. The mask is designed with the vision-visor as a separate part that enables the option of making the mask body in a different material, thus increasing cost- effectiveness due to reduction in material wastage. Flat circular surfaces for filters so that the seal between filters and mask body completely restricts stray air exchange. The surfaces that hold the filters are designed in a way that they ‘’step-out’’ from the surface of the mask so that the filter assembly components that sit there do not brush against/ hurt the face. A rim of constant width makes it very easy to paste a gasket/ seal of uniform width to the mask- this makes assembly easy. The mask completely covers the face preventing reflex touching of eyes, nose mouth- especially important during respiratory/ airborne pandemics. The mask touches the face only at the edges-this makes it possible to talk without lips brushing against the mask unlike surgical or other cloth masks- where-in the lips are largely touching the cloth surface.

[048] Fig. 4 illustrates side view of face mask in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES

[049] The face mask as provided by the instant invention provides enhanced safety to the user by preventing the viruses and hazordous particles to enter human body. The mask as provided by the instant invention is cost effective and also provide increased comfort to the user. It also provides various features to the users like bluetooth connectivity to the mobile. The smart adaptor provided in the face mask may fit on any type of air filter and also enables the use of a size adaptor that can help integrate the mask into other respiration/ life support systems like medical ventilators, positive pressure ventilation systems. A smart filter adaptor also enables integrating a variety of functionalities suitable for outdoor as well as indoor conditions.

[050] The above description does not provide specific details of the manufacture or design of the various components. Those of skill in the art are familiar with such details, and unless departures from those techniques are set out, techniques, known, related art or later developed designs and materials should be employed. Those in the art can choose suitable manufacturing and design details.

[051] It should be understood, however that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the discussion herein, it is appreciated that throughout the description, discussion utilizing terms such as “receiving” or “determining”, or “retrieving” or “controlling” or the like refer to the action and processes of an control unit or similar electronic device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the control unit’s registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the control unit memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.

[052] Further, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above-described and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.

[053] The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teaching described herein, including those that re presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others.

We Claim:

1.A face mask for protection against the hazardous viruses comprising:
- a frame (1) with an air filter and vents that are snap-fit into place;
- a visor (10);
- a sealing gasket (13);
- a fastening straps (12) and
- a smart adaptor characterized in that it may fit on any type of air filter and also enables the use of a size adaptor that can help integrate the mask into other respiration/ life support systems like medical ventilators, positive pressure ventilation systems. A smart filter adaptor also enables integrating a variety of functionalities suitable for outdoor as well as indoor conditions.

2. A face mask as claimed in claim 1 wherein the frame of the mask is manufactured using either injection molding or thermoforming process.
3. A face mask as claimed in claim 1 wherein the filter and vents may be snap-fit onto the mask and are easily removed for cleaning or replacing filter fabric.
4. A face mask as claimed in claim 1 wherein the vents are provided at the top of the mask and are consciously positioned to create air-flow across the forehead.
5. A face mask as claimed in claim 4 wherein the vent assembly consists of a ring (7) a circular piece of filter fabric (8) that is placed over this ring.
6. A face mask as claimed in claim 1 wherein the filter and Filtered Non Return Valves maintains the directional flow of the air breathed inside the mask.
7. A face mask as claimed in claim 1 wherein the carbon dioxide level inside the mask is minimized due to its unique contours and directional flow.
8. A face mask as claimed in claim 1 wherein the air inlet inside the mask can be increased through “Jet Streams” created by the Mask contours, through “Pressure Gradient” created inside and outside the mask, through “Temperature Gradient”.
9. A face mask as claimed in claim 1 wherein there is a provision for attachments that can increase the air inlet of the mask with the help of technology like fans, blowers, pumps, diaphragm and pistons.
10. A face mask as claimed in claim 1 wherein the inlet air temperature is controlled in the mask with the help of various tech attachments on the mask and geometry & construction on the mask frame.
11. A face mask as claimed in claim 1 wherein the mask has separate Modular Electric Air Filter unit which helps in easy inhalation and easy exhalations without retaining CO2 within the mask.
12. A face mask as claimed in claim 1 wherein the mask has Auto UV Sanitizer unit which sanitize mask automatically after each use.
13. A face mask as claimed in claim 1 wherein certain health parameters like pulses rate, body temperature are also displayed through app via Bluetooth connectivity.
14. A face mask as claimed in claim 1 wherein calls can be taken by the user without removing mask through Bluetooth connectivity.
15. A face mask as claimed in claim 1 wherein CO2 meter reading is displayed on the app via Bluetooth.
16. A face mask as claimed in claim 1 wherein the circular filters enables the fitment of smart modules on any of the circular filter openings that can hold fans for forced air-exchange and increased comfort, speakers and mic modules connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth to enable a medical worker to attend calls without touching the phone.
17. A face mask as claimed in claim 1 wherein the frame has an attachment of a smart bio-filter that uses UV light that automatically keeps the filter material sanitized at all times.
18. A face mask as claimed in claim 1 wherein the visor (10) is secured to a corresponding rim on the inside of the mask (11).
19. A face mask as claimed in claim 1 wherein the straps (12) consists of two loops around the head and is secured to the mask through a pair of holes on each side (13).
20. A face mask as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sealing gasket (13) sits on a corresponding rim in the mask body (14).
21. A face mask as claimed in claim 1 wherein the mask touches the face only at the edges which makes it possible to talk without lips brushing against the mask.