DESC:CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application is based on and derives the benefit of Indian Provisional Application 202041032363 filed on 28/07/2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to face masks, and more particularly to a multi-functional face mask which is adapted to provide protection against airborne infections and deliver health benefits to a user.

BACKGROUND
[002] There are varieties of air filtering and protective masks conventionally available whose design and performance characteristics are tailored in accordance to an approved standard and field of application. Generally known as facemasks, surgical masks, procedural masks, or personal respirators, these protective masks are constructed in different sizes and shapes. Further, they are made of different types of permeable materials, and are provided with different types of donning or attachments. Furthermore, the masks may be formed with one or several filtering layers in order to achieve a specific level of protection.
[003] In the medical and healthcare field, surgical masks are typically used for protecting the wearers and their surrounding environment from transfer of microorganisms, bodily fluids, particulate matter and other contaminants either dispersed in the ambient air or emitted by the wearer.
[004] The existing masks and respirators pose constraints on the natural breathing cycle and facial articulation, which may prevent the wearer from speaking naturally and clearly, or most importantly, may be bothersome and uncomfortable in cases of prolonged use. Further, certain protective masks may include the seal of the mask against the wearer's face which does not allow even a slight movement of the facial muscles. Thereby, inducing additional stress and in some cases causing headaches due to inhalation of exhaled CO2.
[005] Furthermore, high barrier masks and respirators generate heat in the mask's breathing chamber, thereby inherently posing difficulty for the wearer to inhale and exhale easily. In order to avoid restricted air flow through the protective device, wearers of the masks commonly do not attach the device properly to their faces, thus creating a great potential for harmful exposure to airborne contaminants.
[006] Although there are several styles of respirator and protective masks designed for specific fields of application, most masks and respirators present one or more drawbacks as described above. The conventional masks are all constructed with a prime object of providing filtration of bacteria and particulate matter, which includes filtration fabric and treatment of anti-bacterial or anti-viral for achieving bacteria/viral free inhalation. But none of conventional masks have any mechanism to provide health benefits besides mere protection or filtration. Accordingly an established and proven method to enhance health condition, improve moods, and provide a better or feel-good factor, is by both radiating Far Infra Red (FIR) rays and also creating ambience of negative air ions and the breathing of the same to result in improved moods and enhanced health. The inhalation of negative ions not only contribute to good moods but they also help in healing many ailments such as reducing symptoms of depression, having an activating influence on body systems and cognitive performance, and promoting antimicrobial activity. However, the main challenge posed to the manufacturers are to generate negative ions (Anions)and FIR in the masks where there is space constraint, non availability of external sources (cannot connect on account of both appearance & practicality), cannot be provided external to the mask as an add-on feature, needs to be simple and should not distort the basic structure of a face mask. Negative air ion generation has been accomplished by many methods. The various natural and artificial methods available for generating negative air ions includes radiant and cosmic rays in the atmosphere, sunlight including ultraviolet, natural & artificial corona discharge including thunder & lightning, Lenard Effect (shearing forces of water), plant based sources of energy and utilizing a Tourmaline. However, each method has an inherent challenge even in use cases that are unconstrained or low constrained. For example, the Lenard effect needs water, discharge method generates Ozone, and methods using only radiation are very expensive.
[007] Therefore, there exists a need for a multi-functional face mask which is adapted to provide protection against airborne infections and also deliver health benefits to a wearer, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS
[008] The principal object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a multi-functional face mask which is adapted to provide protection against airborne infections and deliver health benefits to a user.
[009] Another object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a multi-functional face mask which provides protection against air borne infections caused by bacteria, virus and other types of micro-organisms to the user.
[0010] Yet another object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a multi-functional face mask which is used for general and non-hospital purposes to provide protection against dust particles and pollution.
[0011] Still another object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a multi-functional face mask which is embedded with negative ion generating agents to automatically generate negative ions and also simultaneously generate Far Infra Red (FIR) radiation.
[0012] Another object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a multi-functional face mask which is used for delivering health benefits to a wearer such as but not limited to inducing positive mood, and reducing levels of serotonin in blood or brain.
[0013] Another object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a multi-functional face mask which is used for delivering health benefits to a wearer such as but not limited to several dermatologic diseases including Psoriasis and Facial Atopic Dermatitis.
[0014] Yet another object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a multi-functional face mask which includes one or more antimicrobial agents and/or odor-eliminating or masking agents.
[0015] Another object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a multi-functional face mask which prevents passage of airborne infection causing organisms, and respiratory secretions through the mask.
[0016] Still another object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a multi-functional face mask which facilitates in delivering health benefits such as but not limited to reducing stress, alleviating symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder(SAD), relieving symptoms in mood disorders, improving psychological health, chronic depression, productivity and overall well-being by creating an ambience of negative air ions in the mask and breathing the same and also by generating Far Infra Red electromagnetic radiation.
[0017] Still another object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a multi-functional face mask which is made-up of multi-layers having a skin friendly layer, an intermediate filtration layer, a reinforcement layer and a surface layer.
[0018] Still another object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a multi-functional face mask which includes anion fabric that is composed of polyester fibers containing fine-crusted tourmaline and an exciting agent that emits electromagnetic radiation in the far-infrared region and generate negative ions.
[0019] Another object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a multi-functional face mask which is adapted to automatically generate negative ions without using water, electricity, without producing ozone and requiring expensive radiation producing materials.
[0020] Another object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a multi-functional face mask which is adapted to automatically generate electromagnetic radiation in the Far Infra Red (FIR) region which is also known as “biogenetic radiation” and “biogenetic rays” without using water, electricity, without producing ozone and requiring expensive radiation producing materials.
[0021] These and other objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0022] The embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0023] FIG. 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a multifunctional mask worn on a human face (wearer), according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0024] FIG. 2 depicts an exploded view of the multifunctional mask, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0025] FIG. 3 depicts a histogram of number of clinical trials vs amount of negative ions (pcs/cc), according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein; and
[0026] FIG. 4 depicts a graph plot between ion count and time considered in static condition of the multifunctional mask, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0028] The embodiments herein achieve a multi-functional mask which is adapted to provide protection against airborne infections and deliver health benefits to a wearer. Further, the embodiments herein achieve the multi-functional face mask which is embedded with negative ion generating agents to automatically generate negative ions. Furthermore, the embodiments herein achieve the multi-functional face mask which facilitates in delivering health benefits such as but not limited to reducing stress, alleviating symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder(SAD), relieving symptoms in mood disorders, improving psychological health, chronic depression, productivity and overall well-being by creating an ambience of negative air ions in the mask and breathing the same. Also, the embodiments herein achieve the multi-functional face mask which is made-up of multi-layers having an inner layer, a filtration layer, a reinforcement layer with negative ion generating and Far Infra Red radiation generating capability and an outer layer. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 4, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0029] FIG. 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a multifunctional mask worn on a human face (user), according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. FIG. 2 depicts an exploded view of the multifunctional mask, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the multifunctional mask (100) (also referred to as mask in this description) is directed to a mask which is designed to be worn on a human face to provide protection against airborne infections and deliver health benefits to the wearer. In an embodiment, the multifunctional mask (100) is designed such that it covers a lower portion of a nose, a front portion of the nose, mouth, chin/cheeks and extends from the sides of the chin running up to ears on both the sides. In an embodiment, the multifunctional mask (100) includes a body portion (102), a pair of ear straps (104), a skin friendly layer (106), an intermediate filtration layer (108), a reinforcement layer (110), and a surface layer (112).In an embodiment, the multifunctional mask (100) is designed to fit the shape of the face. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any shape for the mask (100) without otherwise deterring the intended function of mask as can be deduced from this description and corresponding drawings. The mask (100) is retained on the face of the user by the pair of ear straps (104). The multi-functional face mask (100) provides protection to the wearer against air borne infections caused by bacteria, virus and other types of micro-organisms. In an embodiment, the multi-functional face mask (100) includes one or more antimicrobial agents and/or odor-eliminating or masking agents. The antibacterial/anti-viral and odor eliminating agents are provided in the mask (100) in the form of coating to the at least one fabric of the mask (100). For example, at least one fabric of the mask (100) i.e. the surface layer (112), the skin friendly layer (106) and the intermediate layer (108)are treated with different antibacterial/anti-viral and odor eliminating agents to collectively achieve the objective of filtration, bacteria and virus killing effect, and odor elimination in the mask(100).
[0030] The skin friendly layer (106) of the mask (100) is adapted to contact/touch the human face. In an embodiment, the skin friendly layer (106) is made-up of moisture absorbent knit fabric. In an embodiment, the skin friendly layer (106) may be made-up of fabric selected from group consisting of soft cotton, poly-cotton, and viscose which are hydrophilic. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any type of fabric for manufacturing the skin friendly layer without otherwise deterring the intended function of mask as can be deduced from this description and corresponding drawings. The skin friendly layer (106) is fabricated such that it fits the human face and provides wear comfort. Further the skin friendly layer (106) is connected with a pair of ear loops (104) at both the sides as shown in FIG. 2. Further, the intermediate filtration layer (108) is provided adjacent to the skin friendly layer (106) and away from the human face. In an embodiment, the intermediate filtration layer (108) is made-up of non-woven single layer hydrophobic PSTB-DL fabric and is fabricated in the shape same as the skin friendly layer (106). In an embodiment, the intermediate layer (108) may include a plurality of layers. The plurality of layers may include a spun bond layer and a meltblown layer. In an embodiment, the intermediate filtration layer (108) may be fabricated in a combination having spun bond-spun bond-meltblown-meltblown-spun bond (SSMMS)arrangement. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any type of fabric for manufacturing the intermediate filtration layer without otherwise deterring the intended function of mask as can be deduced from this description and corresponding drawings. The intermediate layer (108) is configured to filter the air inhaled by the human through the mask (100). The intermediate layer (108) is configured to filter particles of size > 0.3 microns and bacteria of size > 0.3 microns. However, it is within the scope of the invention to use intermediate filtration layer (108) that is configured to filter particles of size <0.3 microns without otherwise deterring the intended function of mask as can be deduced from this description and corresponding drawings.
[0031] The mask (100) further includes the at least one reinforcement layer (110) which is embedded with negative ion generating agents. The reinforcement layer (110) is disposed adjacent to the intermediate layer (108) and away from the skin friendly layer (106)i.e., the reinforcement layer (110) is provided between the intermediate layer (108) and the surface layer (112). The reinforcement layer (110) includes a first portion (110a) and a second portion (110b) extending on both sides of the first portion (110a) along a longitudinal direction of the mask (100). The first portion (110a) is defined at the center and is made up of air mesh fabric which permits air flow. Further, the air mesh fabric at first portion (110a) is adapted to filter large particles (dust). In an embodiment, the first portion (110a) may be fabricated using other fabrics such as but not limited to organic canvas, and other woven and knit fabrics. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any type of fabric for manufacturing the first portion (110a) without otherwise deterring the intended function of mask as can be deduced from this description and corresponding drawings. In an embodiment, the second portions (110b) are tourmaline embedded fabrics. The second portions (110b) include the negative ion and Far Infra Red radiation generating agents embedded within the fabric of the second portions (110b). In an embodiment, the reinforcement layer (110) is adapted to support the mask (100). Also, the reinforcement layer (110) is fabricated in the same shape as that of the skin friendly layer (106).
[0032] The negative ion and Far Infra Red (FIR) generating agents includes mainly tourmaline crystal powder and at least one exciting agent which are combined in predetermined proportions to generate anions and FIR. In an embodiment, the Tourmaline is a ceramic crystal of boron silicate mineral compounded with elements, such as aluminium, iron, magnesium, sodium or potassium. Tourmaline has pyroelectric and piezoelectric properties, and radiates (electromagnetic radiation)far-infrared rays and negative ions. The Tourmaline exhibits improved far infrared emission properties as the particle size decreases. For example, the at least one exciting agent is lithium. In an embodiment, an average particle size of the tourmaline crystal powder used is not greater than 20 microns which are characterized by its spontaneous polarization to generate negative ions. The tourmaline crystal powder is mixed with the powder of the exciting agent (small amount of radiation) for exciting the tourmaline powder so that it effectively generates negative ions. The tourmaline crystal powder and the powder of the exciting agent are held together by a conductive medium. In an embodiment, a fabric whose fibers are coated with blend of the tourmaline and the exciting agent powders of size of 3 microns may be used in the mask (100). In an embodiment, the intermediate layer(108) used in the mask (100) has filtration capability of filtering particles greater than 0.3 microns, thus the tourmaline particles coated on the fibers of the fabric does not penetrate through the intermediate layer (108) to reach an inhalation track of the wearer. Further, the second portion (110b) simultaneously generates FIR whose wavelength is too long to be perceived by human eyes, however the second portion (110b) experiences its energy as a gentle radiant heat which may penetrate upto 4 cms beneath the skin, without producing any detectable skin heating but having positive biological effects.
[0033] In static condition, the second portion (110b) reinforcement layer (110) coated with the blend of the tourmaline and the exciting agent powders may approximately generate 700 pcs/cc negative ions at a distance of 1 cm from its surface as shown in FIG. 4. Further, with application of an external force such as friction/pressure/force on the second portion (110b) reinforcement layer (110)whose fibers are coated with the blend of the tourmaline and the exciting agent powders, higher level of negative ions are obtained. The level of negative ions generated with application of pressure/force may range from 3000 (pcs/cc) to 5000 (pcs/cc). Thus, the second portion (110b) reinforcement layer (110) coated with the blend of the tourmaline and the exciting agent powders ensures generation of negative ions both in static condition and under external force such as the pressure/friction as may be applied by the wearer of the face mask.
[0034] A prolonged proximity to ambience of generated negative ions thereby delivers a beneficial/positive effect on the health of the wearer of the multi-functional face mask (100) in many a ways such as but not limited to reducing stress, alleviating symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), relieving symptoms in mood disorders, improving psychological health, chronic depression, productivity and overall well-being by creating an ambience of negative air ions in the mask and breathing the same. Further, the multi-functional face mask (100) provides health benefits such as but not limited to inducing positive mood, and reducing levels of serotonin in blood or brain.
[0035] An ideal amount of negative ions for being effective and its impact on the human varies from one person to another and their health condition. However, the effect of the negative ions even at least concentration (minimal) is seen to have a positive effect on the wearer of the multi-functional face mask (100).The amount of negative ions generated depends on a surface area of the fabric whose fibers are coated with mixture of tourmaline and exciting agent powders. For example, 1 sqcm of such fabric may generate 1000 -10000 pcs/cc of negative ions. The variation in generation of the negative ions is dependent on weight of the tourmaline and exciting agent powder. In an embodiment, the weight of the tourmaline and exciting agent powder may range from 0.01 to 0.1 g/sqcm to 5X the weight of fabric/sqcm. In an embodiment, the proportions of the tourmaline and exciting agent powders may be varied depending on the target concentration and density of negative ions to be generated per sq.cm of the given fabric whose fibers will be coated with the mixture of tourmaline and exciting agent powders. In an embodiment, the area of such negative ion generating fabric used in the face mask (100) shall be not less than 150sqcm.There are various researches and clinical trials conducted to establish the ideal amount of the negative ions needed to be impactful and effective for treatment of ailments or betterment of health condition of humans. According to experts the ideal amount of negative ions required falls in the range of 1,000-500,000 (pcs/cc).
[0036] FIG. 3 depicts a histogram of number of clinical trials vs amount of negative ions(pcs/cc), according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the clinical trials are explained herein below with reference to clinical trial conducted on humans by Japanese researchers. The results obtained are as follows:
• Total number of clinical trials: 53
• Average: 462,552 (pcs/cc)
• Minimum: 1,000 (pcs/cc)
• Maximum: 12,000,000 (pcs/cc)
[0037] Approximately 54% of all the trials are found in the range of 1,000-50,000(pcs/cc) and approximately 85% are in the range 1,000-500,000 (pcs/cm3), as seen in FIG. 3. Based on above data, it can be concluded that the ideal amount of negative ions required falls between 1,000-500,000 (pcs/cc) as approximately 85% of the clinical trials were conducted in this range, and the negative ions produce significant effects when the ion count is up to 50,000 (pcs/cc) as approximately 54% of the clinical trials were conducted in this range. Thus, the amount of negative ions that would be generated by the tourmaline fabric layer of surface area of 150 sqcm would be in the order of (700*150pcs/cc)in static condition and with application of mild pressure/force by hands of the wearer would generate (3000*150 pcs/cc) which falls in the range of 1,05,000 to 4,50,000 pcs/cc which is adequate enough or beyond an established amount of negative ions for a positive health impact. Further, this phenomenon of generating the negative ions does not generate ozone. Thereby, avoids any negative impact on the health of the wearer. In an embodiment, the process of inhalation and exhalation, movement of the jaws and cheeks imparts pressure and force on the surface of the reinforced layer (110) of the mask (100) which thereby triggers the generation of the negative ions. This way the negative ions are continuously produced to deliver the desired health benefits.
[0038] Further, the second portion (110b) of the reinforcement layer (110) is an anion fabric whose fibers are coated with at least one of micro-particle and nano-particles of the mixture of the tourmaline and the exciting agent powders to generate the FIR radiation of a predetermined wavelength to infuse positive biological effects to the user. The FIR radiation is generated when said anion fabric is heated by a temperature (or heat) emitted from said user i.e. the source of energy needed to power the FIR emission from the fabric comes from the human body, as the human body temperature is at a higher temperature than the surrounding air (or ambience).Thus, the energy from the human body is transferred to the ceramic particles, which are acting as “perfect absorbers”, maintain their temperature at sufficiently high levels and then emit FIR back to the body. In an embodiment, other sources of heat that can transfer energy from the body to the ceramic particles with a net gain of FIR are either convection, conduction, or both. A balance between conduction and convection depends on the contact between the fabric and the skin of the user. If the fabric is fitted tightly against the skin, then conduction occurs between the fabric and the skin which initiates generation of the FIR rays, while if the fabric is loosely fitted against the skin of the user, then convection (heating up a layer of air between the skin and the garment) initiates generation of the FIR rays.
[0039] Further, the mask (100) includes the surface layer (112) which forms the outer most layer of the mask (100) which is exposed to surrounding atmosphere. The surface layer (112) is disposed adjacent to the reinforcement layer (110) and away from the intermediate layer (108). In an embodiment, the surface layer (112) is made-up of nylon microfiber based net design knit fabric, hydrophilic, having wicking effect and duly treated with anti-viral agent. In an embodiment, the surface layer (112) may be made-up of at least one of 3D air-mesh fabrics, poly-cotton woven, and poly-cotton knit. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any type of fabric for manufacturing the outer layer without otherwise deterring the intended function of mask as can be deduced from this description and corresponding drawings. Further, the surface layer (112) is connected with the pair of ear loops (104) at both the sides as shown in FIG. 2. In an embodiment, the ear loops (104a) and (104b) are connected to the skin friendly layer (106) and the surface layer (112), respectively as shown in FIG. 2. Further, the ear loops (104a) and (104b) provided on the skin friendly layer (106) and the surface layer (112) are integrated so as to form a single ear loop on both sides of the mask (100) such that it can be easily worn on human ears. In an embodiment, the ear loops (104) are made up of elastic material. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any type of material and any other design for manufacturing the ear loops without otherwise deterring the intended function of mask as can be deduced from this description and corresponding drawings.
[0040] In an embodiment, the entire mask (100) (including the tourmaline fabric used in the face mask (100)) is washable and reusable without loss of the aforementioned properties for long time. In another embodiment, the health benefits obtained using the tourmaline fabric may be extended to animals.
[0041] The technical advantages of the multi-functional face mask (100) described in the embodiments herein includes the face mask being simple in construction and inexpensive, the face mask is washable and reusable without loss of any of its properties, expected/targeted functionality of the mask achieved only through the constituents of the mask (i.e. built within the mask), protection against airborne infections, reducing stress, alleviating symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder(SAD), relieving symptoms in mood disorders, improving psychological health, chronic depression, productivity and overall well-being of the wearer.
[0042] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
,CLAIMS:We claim,
1. A multifunctional face mask (100),comprising:
a body portion (102); and
a pair of ear straps (104), each strap (104) connected to left side and right side of said body portion (102),said body portion (102) includes:
a skin friendly layer (106), an intermediate layer (108), a reinforcement layer (110), and a surface layer (112) sequentially adhered to form said body portion(102) of said mask (100),
wherein,
said reinforcement layer (110) is embedded with at least one of a plurality of negative ion generating agents and a plurality of Far Infra Red (FIR) generating agents to generate corresponding negative ions (or anions) and Far Infra Red (FIR) radiation, respectively.

2. The multifunctional face mask (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said intermediate layer (108) is provided adjacent to said skin friendly layer (106) and away from human face, said intermediate layer (108) is at least a filtration layer which is adapted to filter air inhaled by a human through said mask (100), said intermediate layer (108) is configured to filter particles and –micro-organisms of size > 0.3 microns and more.

3. The multifunctional face mask (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said intermediate layer (108) is made-up of non-woven single layer hydrophobic PSTB-DL fabric, wherein said filter material is meltblown, spunbonded, or a combination of meltblown and spunbonded.

4. The multifunctional face mask (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said reinforcement layer (110) is adapted to support the mask (100), said reinforcement layer (110) includes a first portion (110a) disposed at mid portion and a second portion (110b) extending on both sides of said first portion (110a) along a longitudinal direction of said mask (100).

5. The multifunctional face mask (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first portion (110a) is at least an air mesh fabric which is adapted to filter large particles and said second portion (110b) is a fabric embedded with at least one of said negative ion generating agents and said Far Infra Red (FIR)generating agents.

6. The multifunctional face mask (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said ear straps (104) of said mask (100) are made of elastic material.

7. The multifunctional face mask (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said negative ion generating agents and said Far Infra Red (FIR) generating agents includes a mixture of predetermined quantity of tourmaline crystal powder and a predetermined quantity of powder of an exciting agent, said tourmaline crystal powder and said exciting agent are held together by a conductive medium, said exciting agent is at least lithium, said second portion (110b)fabric is coated with blend of said tourmaline and said exciting agent powders of size of at least 3 microns or more.

8. The multifunctional face mask (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said tourmaline crystal powder used is of size not greater than20 microns which is characterized by a spontaneous polarization to generate negative ions.

9. The multifunctional face mask (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said second portion (110b) of said reinforcement layer (110) is at least an anion fabric whose fibres are coated with at least one of micro-particle and nano-particles of said mixture of said tourmaline and said exciting agent powders to generate negative ions ranging from 700 pcs/cc to 5000 (pcs/cc) at a distance of 1 cm from a surface of said second portion (110b)
10. The multifunctional face mask (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said second portion (110b) of said reinforcement layer (110) is said anion fabric whose fibres are coated with at least one of micro-particle and nano-particles of said mixture of said tourmaline and said exciting agent powders to generate said FIR radiation of a predetermined wavelength to infuse positive biological effects to a user, said FIR radiation is generated when said anion fabric is heated by a heat emitted from said user.

11. The multifunctional face mask (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said skin friendly layer (106) is made-up of moisture absorbent knit fabric, said moisture absorbent knit fabric is at least one of soft cotton, poly-cotton, and viscose which are hydrophilic.

12. The multifunctional face mask (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said surface layer (112) is made-up of at least one of nylon microfiber based net design knit fabric, and hydrophilic, and having wicking characteristics and said surface layer (112) made-up of at least one of 3D air-mesh fabrics, poly-cotton woven, and poly-cotton knit.

13. The multifunctional face mask (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said body portion (102)of said mask (100) is configured to cover mouth and nose portion of the user.

14. The multifunctional face mask (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said tourmaline and the exciting agent powders ensures generation of negative ions both in static condition and under external force such as pressure/friction which is applied by the user of the face mask (100).

15. The multifunctional face mask (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one of said skin friendly layer (106), said intermediate layer (108), and said surface layer (112) is coated with at least one of antimicrobial agent, anti-viral agent, odor-eliminating agent and masking agent.

16. The multifunctional face mask (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein weight of said tourmaline and said exciting agent powder ranges from 0.01 to 0.1 g/sqcm to 5X weight of said fabric/sqcm.

17. The multifunctional face mask (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said ear straps (104) includes ear loops (104a) and (104b) provided on the skin friendly layer (106) and the surface layer (112), respectively, said ear loops (104a) and (104b) provided on the skin friendly layer (106) and the surface layer (112) are integrated so as form a single ear loop on both sides of the mask (100).