Expandable face mask with engageable stiffening element
Assignee3M Innovative Properties Company
InventorDean R. Duffy
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Face masks that are provided in a generally flat configuration and are capable of being expanded to a cup-shaped configuration. Such masks include at least one porous layer that includes at least one pleat and that is capable of being expanded by at least partially unfolding the at least one pleat. The mask further includes at least one stiffening element that comprises at least one engaging feature. Upon expanding the porous layer, the engaging feature engages with the porous layer so as to enhance the ability of the mask to maintain the expanded, cup-shaped configuration.
Claims22
A flat-folded, pleated face mask that is expandable into a cup shape for fitting over the mouth and nose of a person, comprising:
- at least one porous layer that comprises first and second major surfaces and that comprises at least two generally parallel, oppositely oriented pleats and that is capable of being expanded by at least partially unfolding the at least two pleats;
- and,
- at least one stiffening element adjacent at least a portion of the first major surface of the porous layer and with at least portions of the stiffening element being in overlapping relation with at least portions of the at least two pleats, the stiffening element comprising a sheet-like material comprising an interior area bounded by a perimeter, and wherein engaging features are provided at least at two locations on the perimeter of the stiffening element,
- wherein each engaging feature is arranged to allow sliding movement of an adjacent portion of the porous layer in a direction generally outward from the interior area of the stiffening element during expansion of the at least one porous layer into a cup shape, and wherein each engaging feature is further arranged to prevent sliding movement of an adjacent portion of the expanded porous layer in a direction generally inward toward the interior area of the stiffening element while the porous layer is in the cup shape.
A flat-folded, pleated face mask that is expandable into a cup shape for fitting over the mouth and nose of a person, comprising:
- at least one porous layer that comprises at least one pleat and that is capable of being expanded by at least partially unfolding the at least one pleat;
- and,
- at least one stiffening element adjacent at least a portion of the porous layer, the stiffening element comprising:
- at least a first engaging feature in a first location on the stiffening element, arranged to allow a portion of the porous layer that is adjacent to the first engaging feature to slidably move past the first engaging feature in a first direction during expansion of the at least one porous layer into a cup shape, and wherein each first engaging feature is further arranged to prevent an adjacent portion of the expanded porous layer from slidably moving past the first engaging feature in a second direction opposite the first direction while the porous layer is in the cup shape;
- and,
- at least a second engaging feature in a second location on the stiffening element, arranged to allow a portion of the porous layer that is adjacent to the second engaging feature to slidably move past the second engaging feature in a first direction during expansion of the at least one porous layer into a cup shape, and wherein each second engaging feature is further arranged to prevent an adjacent portion of the expanded porous layer from slidably moving past the second engaging feature in a second direction opposite the first direction while the porous layer is in the cup shape;
- wherein the direction in which the first engaging feature prevents slidable movement of the portion of the porous layer adjacent to the first engaging feature, is generally opposite the direction in which the second engaging feature prevents slidable movement of the portion of the porous layer adjacent to the second engaging feature.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.