US 5,699,791 AGranted

Universal fit face mask

AssigneeKimberley-Clark Corporation

InventorsCorrine A. Sukiennik, Michael P. Mathis, Vivian Gray

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Abstract

A conformable face mask for health care workers is provided. The use of elastomeric materials applied under tension helps define a plurality of gathers which facilitate the donning and positioning of the mask. An elastomeric headband maintains a comfortable and efficient seal while a similar elastomeric chin strap helps provides a pouch-like enclosure for the wearer's chin. The substantially rectangular face mask includes a plurality of horizontal stays which are individually adjustable to create a three dimensional shaped mask which defines a spaced breathing area around the wearer's nose and mouth. Additional rigidity is provided by the selected melting of horizontal bands of the filter portion of the mask.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A flexible face mask comprising:

a generally rectangular filtration pad having an inner layer and an outer layer, said pad having a top edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of opposing side edges, said bottom edge being folded to define a pouch between opposing portions of said inner layer;
securing means for retaining the mask on the head of a wearer;
a first deformable stay integral with said upper sealed edge;
a second deformable stay secured along said bottom fold;
a third deformable stay secured by said pad a spaced distance from said first stay so as to be opposite the nose and mouth of a wearer when said mask is donned;
an elastomeric strip carried under tension by a terminal flap of a pocket and being in further tensioned communication at either terminus of said strip with a corresponding mid-point of a side edge of said pad;
wherein when said masked is donned, said plurality of stays are adjustable by the wearer to position a periphery of said mask in close conformity to the wearer's face, while further defining a cup-like chamber opposite the nose and mouth of the wearer.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.