Sanitizing face mask
OwnerRandall J. Lewisinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A sanitizing face mask inhibits the transmission of pathogens in air respired through the nose and mouth of a wearer. The mask includes hydrophobic inner and outer layers and an intermediate layer enclosed between them. The intermediate layer is saturated with a sanitizing liquid such as an ethanol solution. Respired air encounters the sanitizing liquid as it passes through the intermediate layer, killing pathogens borne on droplets or aerosols. The sanitizing mask protects the wearer, from pathogens in the inspired air, and others, from possible pathogens in the expired air of the wearer.
Claims14
1-10. (canceled)
11) A method for inhibiting the transmission of pathogens in air respired through the nose and mouth of a wearer, comprising:
- a) providing a mask preform comprising an inner layer and an outer layer having top and bottom edges and two side edges, and securing ties, and wherein:
- (i) the inner layer is permanently attached to the outer layer on at least one of the edges;
- (ii) the inner layer is configured to be adhered to the outer layer on the remaining edges to form a cavity;
- and (iii) the securing ties are configured to secure the mask across the nose and mouth of the wearer;
- b) providing an intermediate layer configured to be saturated with a sanitizing liquid and thereafter enclosed in the cavity between the inner and outer layers;
- c) saturating the intermediate layer with a sanitizing liquid;
- d) situating the saturated intermediate layer within the mask preform;
- e) adhering the inner layer to the outer layer on the remaining edges,
- whereby the intermediate layer is enclosed in the cavity to form a mask body and the mask is prepared for use by the wearer.
12) A kit for assembling a sanitizing face mask for inhibiting the transmission of pathogens in air respired through the nose and mouth of a wearer, the mask having top and bottom edges and two side edges, the kit comprising a mask preform and an intermediate layer, the mask preform comprising an inner layer, an outer layer, and securing ties, and wherein:
- a) the inner layer is permanently attached to the outer layer on at least one of the edges;
- b) the inner layer is configured to be adhered to the outer layer on the remaining edges to form a cavity;
- c) the intermediate layer is configured to be saturated with a sanitizing liquid and thereafter situated in the cavity between the inner and outer layers and enclosed therein to form a mask body;
- and
- d) the securing ties are configured to secure the mask with the mask body disposed across the nose and mouth of the wearer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.