The present invention relates to a headband adjusting device, in particular a flexible and re-usable device which provides a comfortable fit to the face and head of wearer. Particularly, the present invention discloses the headband adjuster which restrict the band from slipping off from the head while using the mask without applying pressure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Airborne contaminants are omnipresent in the surroundings. These, contaminants include a variety of airborne respiratory infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis and measles, and emerging diseases such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), H1N1 influenza A, Covid-19 etc. In highly polluted areas, aerosol, which is suspension of solid or liquid particles in gas, becomes the major airborne contaminant. Further, on absorbing the airborne particles into lungs through the respiratory system, it is prone to both acute and chronic health hazards.
[003] To prevent such exposure, face masks are worn by health care professionals as well as by general public to protect themselves from hazardous situations. Such masks can catch bacterial and viral particles shed from the wearer's mouth and nose. There are different types of commercially available masks depending upon utility, effectiveness and connecting loops. Surgical masks, cloth masks and respiratory masks etc. are used to prevent exposure to bacterial and viral infections. Generally, these masks are worn on the face of the user either by elastic headbands, non-elastic straps or by elastic ear loops. Such masks are usually of loose fitting with the wearer's exhalation gases flowing around the perimeter of the face mask, typically at the lower edges of the cheeks and around the chin of the wearer. The commercially available adjusters for snug fitting of face masks are generally of cylindrical design due to which it is not easy to make adjustments. Also for longer period of time, it hurts the area onto which it rests, due to its conical profile.
[004] The cited prior art document US20150151070A1 discloses system for securing a breathing mask about a user's face includes a mask that is configured to fit about the user's face, a padded member that is position able on the back of the user's head, and at least one strap that extends from the padded member toward the mask. The system also includes a closure system that is coupled with the mask and with the strap. However, such mask is aimed to provide restrain to movement of the head and to minimize leakage of oxygen or other gas being delivered to the user via the mask.
[005] US7421763B2 discloses an adjuster for a facemask comprising a main body and a plurality of fixing pillars. Each of the fixing pillars further comprises a fixing groove and an anti-move-back elastic member. The free end of the respective girding band, which is attached to the facemask, is capable of passing through the fixing groove and adjustably held by the anti-move-back elastic member tightly. However, the prior art invention is only applicable to the masks with free ends and at least two adjusters out of which at least one rests on back of the neck of the user.
[006] The problem associated with the state of the art technology pertaining to headband adjuster is improper fitting of the masks on wearers. The size and shape of face varies considerably between different people. Further, since the head includes bone, cartilage and soft tissue, different regions of the face respond differently to mechanical forces. Furthermore, these existing prior arts masks are not comfortable when used for long duration as the headband on the mask keeps on sliding down and/or applies undue pressure on the head.
[007] Therefore, keeping in view of the problems associated with the state of the art, Hence, there is a need for an adjuster which is easier to use as well as ergonomically designed to fit.¬¬
OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION
[008] The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a flexible headband adjuster which provides snug fitting to variety of head diameters of the wearer.
[009] Another objective of the present invention is to provide reusable headband adjuster compatible with all types of face masks having elastic loops.
[0010] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide anti-slip headband adjuster having ability to hold the headband without pressure on head.
[0011] Other objectives and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, the aspects of the present invention are disclosed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0012] The present invention will be better understood after reading the following detailed description of the presently preferred aspects thereof with reference to the appended drawings, in which the features, other aspects and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the invention will be more apparent from the accompanying drawing in which:
[0013] Figure 1 illustrates the schematic view of the headband adjuster;
[0014] Figure 2(a), (b) and (c) illustrates the headband positioning in the adjuster.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The present invention relates to a headband adjusting device having anti-skid property. The disclosed headband adjuster is flexible which provides a snug fit to the face and head of wearer. The headband adjuster has a plurality of one type of slots which are interconnected to a second type of wider slot to form a continuous channel for passage of a headband/loop therefrom and tightly securing the headband in the first type of slot of the adjusting device. The headband is inserted from one side of the second type of slot which after passing through it further slides into a first type of parallel slots to fit inside it and to restrict the strap from slipping from the head while using the mask. The headband adjuster allows for easy adjustment of the headband to fit a variety of head diameters of the wearer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0016] The following detailed description and embodiments set forth herein below are merely exemplary out of the wide variety and arrangement of instructions which can be employed with the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. All the features disclosed in this specification may be replaced by similar other or alternative features performing similar or same or equivalent purposes. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, they all are within the scope of the present invention.
[0017] Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.
[0018] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention.
[0019] It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0020] It should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.
[0021] The present invention relates to a face mask headband adjuster for holding the face mask, which offers a wearer a particularly high level of protection.
[0022] In accordance with the present invention a headband adjusting device is provided for holding a headband/loop of a face mask in an extremely secured manner on the headband adjuster.
[0023] In accordance with the present invention, a headband adjusting device (100) is provided. The device comprises a plurality of first type of parallel slots (102); - a second type of slot (104) positioned in between the first type of slots (102) to form a continuous channel.
[0024] In an embodiment, the adjusting device as shown in Figure 1 comprises two vertical slots (102) separated by a wider slot (104) in between. All the slots are interconnected to form a continuous channel. The continuous channel thus includes two parallel vertical slots (102), a wider slot (104) in between the parallel slots and horizontal slots (106) formed in between these slots.
[0025] The second type of slot (104) is wider than the first type of parallel slots (102). The second type of slot (104) is configured to insert an elastic cord (108) of a mask therein to slide the cord into the parallel slots (102) as shown in Figure 2a. In an embodiment as shown in Figure 2c, the elastic loop of the face mask may be folded outwards and inserted from one side of the device through second slot (104) and pulled out on the other side of the device and thereafter it is made to slide through the continuous channel, making either side of the fold (108) to pass through the horizontal slots(106) and finally in between the parallel slots (102) as shown in Figure 2a.
[0026] In an embodiment the parallel slots in the adjuster are devised in a particular manner to maintain the grip of elastic headband cord. Due to its design, the headband cord always remain in position and the width of the slot does not allow the cord to slip loose. Further, as per the requirement of the wearer, elastic cord elongates when stretched for adjustment thereby reducing the thickness of the cord. The elongated cord easily slides through the slot. Further, on releasing the cord it attains its actual thickness and is positioned between the slot width so to prevent slippage.

[0027] The horizontal slots in the continuous channel are welded pursuant to sliding the elastic cord in the parallel slots. The welding of the horizontal slots is done at the interconnection of the parallel (102) and horizontal slots (106) to prevent headband elastic cord from sliding out of parallel slots. Preferably, ultrasonic welding is done on the horizontal slots of the adjuster device (100). Ultrasonic welding uses ultrasonic energy at high frequencies to produce low amplitude mechanical vibrations. Particularly, the vibrations generate heat at the joint interface of the parts being welded, resulting in melting of the material and weld formation after cooling. The ultrasonic welding closes the passage of the horizontal slot and restricts the cord from moving out of parallel slots.
[0028] The parallel slots are positioned such that the adjuster takes the shape of the head and provides a snug fit when assembled with headband elastic cord. Size of the parallel slots (102) in the adjuster (100) are designed such that it grips elastic headband cord. Due to this, the headband cord always remain in position and slot width does not allow the cord to slip loose. The extreme ends of the first type of parallel slots have a circular profile (114) to prevent the elastic cord of the mask from abrasion.
[0029] The headband adjuster is typically made from a polymer having elasticity to provide a comfortable interface to the user's head. The material of the headband adjuster may be made of any elastic material including but not limited to a polymer. The material of the headband adjuster may be of low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, poly propylene, PVC, thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic urethane, nylon, absolac etc.
[0030] The adjusting device due to its flexibility takes the shape of the head and provides a snug fit when assembled with headband elastic cord. The headband adjuster may be of any shape such as an oval, circular, parabolic, rectangular etc. The headband adjuster allows for easy adjustment of the headband to fit a variety of head diameters of the wearer.
[0031] The profile of the wider slot may be of any shape such as oval, rectangular, or circular and should be wide enough to allow the folded loop of the headband to pass through it. The width of the parallel slots is such that it is able to pass through the parallel slots only when stretched. In accordance with the present invention size of parallel slots in the adjuster is designed to provide grip to elastic headband cord. Due to this headband cord always remain in position and slot width does not allow the cord to slip loose.
[0032] The ends of the headband/loop having adjusting device fixed thereon, are fixedly attached to the face mask such that it is loop around the head of the wearer. The adjusting device may be configured anywhere on the headband loop between the two ends attached to the mask.
[0033] In accordance with the present invention as illustrated in Fig 2(a), 2(b) and 2(c) the method of fitting headband in the adjuster comprising the following steps:
(a) stretching the head band for elongation;
(b) inserting the elongated head band in the wider slot;
(c) sliding the headband into the parallel slot;
(d) leaving the headband to attain its normal shape;
(e) locking the headband by welding it to prevent anti-slip.
[0034] In accordance with the present invention the headband adjusting device has the following advantages:
1. The headband adjuster allows the respiratory mask to be securely fixed in place on the face.
2. The headband adjuster is re-usable and fits any head diameter.
3. The headband has anti-skid property and holds the headband in place without applying pressure on the head.
[0035] While this invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

WE CLAIM:
1. A headband adjusting device, comprising:
- a plurality of first type of parallel slots;
- a second type of slot positioned in between the first type of slots to form a
continuous channel for passage of a headband loop of a mask therefrom;
wherein
the second type of slot is wider than the first type of parallel slots;
the second type of slot is configured to insert an elastic cord of a mask
therein to slide the cord into the parallel slots;
horizontal slots in the continuous channel are welded pursuant to sliding
the elastic cord in the parallel slots;
the extreme ends of the first type of parallel slots have a circular profile to
prevent the elastic cord of the mask from abrasion;
the size of parallel slots is devised to prevent the slippage of the elastic
cord.
2. The headband adjusting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device is made up of
flexible materials selected from but not limited to flexible polymers.
3. The headband adjusting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein shape of the adjusting
device is selected but not limited to circular, round, parabolic etc.
4. The headband adjusting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elastic cord’s
extension and compression assists in positioning the headband adjuster on the wearer’s
head.