Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
TITLE OF INVENTION ¨ Mask Case
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
On January 30th, 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the
coronavirus disease
(COVID-19) a Public Health Emergency of International Concern and on March
11th, 2020 a
worldwide pandemic.
The COVID-19 virus is spread primarily via nose and mouth secretions including
small droplets
produced by talking, coughing, sneezing, laughing, shouting, singing and other
activities. When
someone is infected with a respiratory virus like the one that causes COVID-
19, each aerosol
droplet can contain thousands of viral particles, each with the potential to
infect others nearby
who breathe them in. Surfaces contaminated due to respiratory viruses such as
the coronavirus
can infect a person who touches the contaminated surfaces and then touches
their face.
The coronavirus has been found to live on some surfaces for longer than 9
days. It is believed
that coronavirus can live on fabric for 24 to 48 hours until the virus is no
longer viable. As a
safety precaution, health authorities recommend to not shake clothes or cloth
masks after use as
this may cause the coronavirus to become airborne again causing secondary
transfer. It is also
recommended to wipe down and disinfect surfaces that may have been exposed to
worn face
masks. In addition, health expert's advice is to remove face mask without
touching mask fabric,
specifically the front section of the mask, by leaning forward and gently
removing mask from
behind by holding ear loops or ties. Touching the mask, specifically the front
area, after wear
presents a serious health concern. In fact in some countries used masks are
considered hazardous
material. Disinfectant is sprayed on discarded masks, containers and vehicles
that handle
discarded masks after which time they are incinerated to prevent possible
contamination.
Health experts also recommend washing hands or using alcohol-based sanitizer
or wipes before
and after touching face masks. This precaution may not be viable when in
public places due to
lack of accessibility to disinfectant products, lack of facilities, and simple
oversight or lack of
concern by the wearer.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-14
The recommended scientific understanding of reducing the spread of respiratory
viruses such as
COVDI-19 is through a combination of social distancing (2 metres or 6 feet)
when in public
spaces or gatherings, maintaining proper hand hygiene and wearing non-medical
cloth face mask
or disposable mask in public spaces, especially if social distancing is not
possible. The COVID-
19 worldwide pandemic has made wearing face masks a new daily reality. In
fact, in most
public spaces face masks are recommended or mandatory.
Masks cases are commercially available in carrying out their intended purpose.
In fact, during
the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies manufactured a range of mask cases of
various
dimensions, appearance and ingenuity such as ventilation, inserts and the
like. Although these
cases allow the wearer to store and transport face masks, they do not offer
the ability to do so
safely without touching the fabric of front area of mask.
As such a need exists for a case that reduces self contamination and secondary
transfer of
infectious respiratory droplets. Specifically, a case that allows the wearer
to safely store and
remove potentially contaminated mask after use. In addition, there is a need
for a case that is
attachable to objects, such as but not limited to, cellular phones, backpacks,
purses and the like
for maximum accessibility usage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An objective of the present invention is to reduce wearer's exposure from self
contamination and
precipitation of secondary transfer of infectious respiratory droplets such as
COVID-19 and other
viruses potentially embedded within mask fabric.
Another objective of the present invention is to create a mask case that
permits the wearer to
store or remove the mask in a safe manner by way of only touching the mask ear
loops or ties
therefore avoiding touching the front part of the mask where the majority of
virus particles
potentially expelled by the wearer would reside. This is achieved by way of
internal horizontal
hooks for the mask's ear loops or ties to wrap around.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-14
A further objective of the present invention is to ensure the mask is securely
stored within the
case. This is achieved through an internal lever located near the live hinge
that fastens over
middle part of mask for additional securement.
An added objective of the present invention is to allow the mask case to hang
open when not in
use and for the mask to dry. This objective is realized by inserting straps or
cord through pin-
hole apertures, raised or recessed, located on either side of the closing
mechanism.
An extra objective of the present invention is to use material that would
allow the case to be
thoroughly cleaned by using soap and water or any disinfected product without
causing damage
to the case material.
An objective of the present invention is to create an easy-to-open-and-close
case which is
achieved by way of a closing mechanism such as a self-locking tab, snap or
friction fit and the
like such that the front and back panels are opened or closed with little
pressure, strength or
expertise.
A yet further objective of the present invention is to create a slim, compact,
durable, accessible
and portable case that is adaptable for securement to objects such as, but not
limited to, the back
of cellular phones, bags, purses and the like whereby the case may be
conveniently carried in a
manner to maximize its use and be readily released from said securement if
desired.
A further objective of the present invention is to reduce pollution occurring
when wearer
improperly discards used masks by way of leaving them on the street or in
public places. Used
masks should be treated as a hazardous material with high risk of infecting
the public and public
surfaces.
A supplementary objective of the present invention is to create various size
cases adaptable to
accommodated additional items, such as but not limited to alcohol-base hand
sanitizers. Internal
compaiiment or compai intents are located lengthwise on either the right or
left side or both of
the case to store and transport additional items. Stationary belt or belts
bridging the
compaiiment or compai intents sides partially encloses the cavity or
cavities ensuring the
additional items are secure.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-14
Another objective of the present invention is to increase the life of non-
medical cloth and
disposable masks as well as to minimize loss, misplacement and the possibility
of accidentally
using someone else's mask by way of customizing the case outside and/or inside
perimeters.
In addition, another objective of the present invention is to reduce the
chance of wearer pushing
mask above or below mouth or hanging mask from one earlobe or carrying or
shaking mask in
hand where small infectious respiratory droplets can potentially fall and
contaminate public areas
or surfaces creating the potential of secondary transfer. This often occurs
when wearer has no
place to store the mask after use when out in public.
An objective of the present invention is to avoid face masks in becoming
unintended hazards
causing physical injury which can occur when masks are worn around the neck
and might get
caught on objects such as playground equipment.
A further objective of the present invention is to provide a reusable case
ideally constructed
using recycled and eco-friendly material in a cost-effective manner.
Still, a further objective of the present invention is to offer the ability to
have printed
advertisement, logo, statements, drawings, stickers and the like on the
outside and inside
perimeter of case.
A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with
each other
does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary,
varieties of optional
components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible
embodiments and objectives
of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the face mask case are described by way of example
only with
reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG 1 ¨ shows an elevation view of the invention when the case is closed in
accordance with
some embodiments;
FIG 2 ¨ shows an elevation view of the invention when the case is opened in
accordance with
some embodiments.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-14
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The following detailed description is directed to certain specific embodiments
of the invention,
however, the invention can be embodied in a multitude of different ways as
defined and covered
by the claims and their equivalents. In this description, reference is made to
the drawings
wherein like parts are designated with like numerals throughout.
As illustrated in FIG 1, the present invention comprises of a case (1) with
front panel (2), back
panel (3), top edge (4), bottom edge (5), right edge (6), left edge (7),
closure mechanism (8) and
pin hole apertures (14). The front panel (2) and back panel (3) each
substantially rectangular and
have distal rounded corners. One rounded corner may be different to another
rounded corner, as
suitable and desired. The front panel (2) and back panel (3) are configured in
such a way as to
form a space inside in a state where the top edge (4), right edge (6) and left
edge (7) abut against
each other with a live hinge (15) on the bottom edge (5) coupling the front
panel (2) and back
panel (3). A closing mechanism (8) is located on the top edge (4) of the case
(1) securing the
front panel (2) and the back panel (3). Various options for closing mechanism
(8) may be
considered such as but not limited to self-locking tab, snaps or a friction
fit. Pin-hole apertures
(14) either raised or recessed are located on either side of the closing
mechanism (8) to offer
wearer option to insert a straps or cord and the like (not shown) for
portability and/or
attachability to other objects. In another embodiment a straps or cord and the
like (not shown)
may be part of the case (1).
As illustrated in FIG 2, the open case (1) displays horizontal hooks (9) along
the inside top edge
(4) and bottom edge (5) of the case. The horizontal hooks (9) are recessed
within the top edge
(4) and bottom edge (5) to permit the case (1) to close without exposing the
horizontal hooks.
The purpose of the horizontal hooks (9) is for the wearer to safely secure the
ear loops or ties
(11) around the horizontal hooks for securement (9) without touching the
potentially
contamination front mask (10) area. Depending on the embodiment, the
horizontal hooks (9)
may be continuous or may have a notch or partition or incision (not shown) to
accommodate
larger face masks and longer ear loops or ties.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-14
In yet another embodiment, inside bands (not shown) may be found below both
horizontal hooks
(9) allowing wearer to slip the ear loops or ties (11) under the bands (not
shown) as opposed to
using the horizontal hooks (9). This is desirable for larger face masks and
longer ear loops or
ties. FIG 2 displays only one placement option when securing the mask (10)
within the case (1).
It should be understood that there exist many variations of securing a mask
(10) within the case
(1) in a safe manner depending on the mask (10) dimensions. FIG 2 displays a
lever (13)
permanently fastened on the right edge (6) or left edge (7) of the case (1).
The purpose of the
lever (13) is to fasten the middle part of the mask (10) within the case (10).
FIG 2 displays a
noose (16) and the like at the unfastened end of the lever (13) to secure
lever onto a small hook
(12) or pin and the like. The securing mechanism of the lever (13) displayed
in FIG 2 is one of
many variations. The lever (13) can be made of any material however utilizing
the same
material as the case allows for cost efficiency.
All features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying
abstract and drawings,
may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or
similar purposes, unless
expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise each
feature disclosed is one
example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
Referring to FIG 1, the mask case of the present invention is illustrated when
the case is closed.
The clamshell-type rigid case consists of two halves joined by a live hinge
which allows the
structure to come together to close. Case can be made using a variety of
durable material such as
polystyrene, polyester, PVC, foam sheets, and the like and manufactured by
thermoforming or
injection molding or any other process that is suitable for the desired
outcome.
A simple closing mechanism such as a self-locking tab, snap or friction fit
and the like located on
the top edge of the case allows the case to open or close with little
pressure, strength or expertise.
Strap or cord (not shown) can be inserted through pin-hole apertures located
on either side of
opening mechanism to act as a handle for transport and/or allow case to hang
open and mask to
dry. In another embodiment the functionality of securing the case to another
object can be
realized by utilizing a strap or cord with a carabiner. Having a readily
available face mask to
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-14
protect those around and oneself from sudden exposure to harmful elements such
as airborne
infectious particles, dust, smoke, bacteria and other toxic materials that
negatively effect the air
quality is essential for the public's well being.
Referring to FIG 2, the mask case of the present invention is illustrated when
the case is opened
with only one placement option of securing the mask within the case. It should
be understood
that there exist many variations of securing a mask within the case in a safe
manner. Located on
the inside top and bottom edges are horizontal hooks which allow the wearer to
safely secure the
ear loops or ties without touching the potentially contamination front mask
area. This objective
is achieved by holding the mask's ear loops or ties in each hand and looping
them around the
hooks. This action allows mask to stretch and lay flat inside the case with
surface side of mask
body that touched the wearer's face facing outwardly. Depending on the
embodiment, the
horizontal hooks may be continuous or may have a notch or partition or
incision (not shown).
The objective of the notch, partition or incision is to accommodate larger
masks wherein mask is
folded in half along its length by way of only touching fabric near the ear
loops or ties. The ear
loops or ties of the folded larger mask are fitted within the notch, partition
or incision thereby
securing larger face mask into the case.
In another embodiment, inside bands (not shown) are found below both
horizontal hooks
allowing wearer to quickly slip and secure the ear loops or ties under the
bands as opposed to
using the horizontal hooks or fitting the ear loops or ties within the notch,
partition or incision of
the horizontal hooks. It should be understood that there exist many variations
of securing a mask
within the case in a safe manner depending on the mask dimensions.
FIG 2 displays a lever permanently fastened on the inside right edge or left
edge of the case. The
purpose of the lever is to fasten the middle part of the mask, regardless of
the mask dimensions,
within the case. The securing mechanism of the lever displayed in FIG 2 is by
way of a noose or
small opening and the like onto a small hook or pin and the like. It should be
understood that
there exist many options to secure the lever onto the case. The lever can be
made of any material
however utilizing the same material as the case allows for cost efficiency.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-14
In one embodiment, the case is designed to accommodate a shape that can be
conveniently put in
a pocket and/or purse for portability and maximum usage. Individual components
and/or
combination of components of the case can be characterized by any lengths,
widths, heights,
depths, radiuses, circumferences, and/or suitable dimensions, and which can
correspond to any
suitable areas, volumes, and/or other suitable multi-dimensional
characteristics.
Mask cases can be manufactured in various sizes suitable to accommodate a
number of internal
compaaments (not shown) for holding or housing any suitable additional items
such as but not
limited to alcohol-base hand sanitizer and any other items the owner chooses.
Stationary belt
(not shown) partially enclosing the compaiiment's cavity ensures the
additional items are
secured. Once the mask and/or the additional items are secured within the
case, the case can be
safely closed by way of the closing mechanism.
An objective of the present invention is to create a slim, compact, durable,
accessible and
portable case that is adaptable for securement to objects such as but not
limited to, the back of
cellular phone, bags and the like whereby the case may be conveniently carried
in a manner to
maximize its use and be readily released from said securement if desired.
The case is designed and constructed so as to provide a stylish outer
appearance for marketability
and additional usage.
An extra objective of the present invention is to use material that would
allow the case to be
thoroughly cleaned using water and soap and any disinfecting products without
causing damage
to the case material.
A further objective of the present invention is to provide a reusable case
ideally constructed
using recycled and eco-friendly material in a cost-effective manner.
Still, a further objective of the present invention is to offer the ability to
have printed
advertisement, logo, statements, drawings, stickers and the like on the
outside and inside
perimeter of case.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-14
The intention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives
falling within the
spirit and scope of the flowing claims. It is to be further understood that
not all of the disclosed
embodiments in the foregoing specification will necessarily satisfy or achieve
each of the
objects, advantages, or improvements described in the foregoing
specifications.
A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with
each other
does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary
varieties of optional
components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible
embodiments of the present
invention.
Unless otherwise noted in this specification or in the claims, all of the
terms used in the
specification and the claims will have the meaning normally ascribed to these
terms by workers
in the art.
I CLAIM:
1. A mask case comprising:
a. Clamshell-type rigid case consisting of front and back panels configured
in such a
way that a closed space is formed between the front and back panels where the
top edge, right edge and left edge of each panel abut against each other with
a live
hinge on the bottom edge of each panel coupling the front and back panels.
b. Closing mechanism located on the top edge of the case securing the front
and
back panels.
c. Pin-hole apertures either raised or recessed located on either side of
closing
mechanism
d. Horizontal hooks located inside case below top and bottom edges
e. Internal lever located in along the live hinge with one end permanently
fastened
on right or left edge of the case and other end displaying noose for
securement to
small hook.
f. Stationary bands located below both horizontal hooks
g. Internal compaitment or compai __ intents with stationary belt partially
enclosing the
compaitment's cavity
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-14
