US20220087335A1

US20220087335A1 - Garment with Integral Facemask

Info

Publication number: US20220087335A1
Application number: US17/479,293
Authority: US
Inventors: Steven Lorenz; Kimberly Lorenz
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-09-24
Filing date: 2021-09-20
Publication date: 2022-03-24

Abstract

A garment with integral face mask is provided. The garment includes a front panel affixed to a rear panel defining a lower torso opening, an upper head opening, and a pair of arm sleeves. A mask panel is affixed to the front panel along a perimeter of the upper head opening. A pair of ear loops are affixed to the mask panel, wherein an ear loop of the pair of ear loops is affixed to each opposing lateral side of the mask panel. A pocket is disposed on an interior side of the front panel, wherein the pocket includes an open upper end disposed adjacent to the upper head opening. The pocket is dimensioned to removably secure the mask panel therein.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/082,698 filed on Sep. 24, 2020. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to facemask systems. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a garment having an integrated facemask, allowing a user to rapidly deploy a facemask without the need to carry a separate facemask.
Many individuals wear facemasks throughout the day due to various circumstances. For example, many workplaces or worksites may require facemasks due to close confines or particulate in the air. Alternatively, individuals with compromised immune systems, those who live in highly polluted areas, or during times of a highly contagious pandemic or otherwise difficult cold or flu season may wish to regularly wear a facemask in public. However, typical facemasks may be uncomfortable to wear for extended periods, which can lead to reluctance to wear a facemask. Additionally, many individuals may misplace or forget a facemask at home or in a vehicle, which can leave the individual without the desired protections. Individuals may risk exposure to undesirable conditions rather than return to retrieve the forgotten facemask. Failing to wear a facemask in such circumstances may result in exposure to harmful ambient conditions, such as pollution, or risk contracting a contagious illness. Additionally, failure to wear a facemask can lead to increased spread or mutation of contagious illnesses, risking the lives of others. Therefore, a garment that includes an attached facemask that can be easily worn when necessary is desired.
In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the known art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing facemask systems. In this regard, the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of facemask systems now present in the known art, the present invention provides a garment with an integrated facemask wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when utilizing a facemask without the need to carry a separate facemask.
The present system comprises a front panel affixed to a rear panel defining a lower torso opening, an upper head opening, and a pair of arm sleeves. A mask panel is affixed to the front panel along a perimeter of the upper head opening. In some embodiments, the mask panel comprises a plurality of layers including an interior layer, an exterior layer, and a central filter layer, wherein the central filter layer is disposed between the interior layer and the exterior layer. A pair of ear loops are affixed to the mask panel, wherein an ear loop of the pair of ear loops is affixed to opposing lateral sides of the mask panel. A pocket is disposed on an interior side of the front panel, wherein the pocket includes an open upper end disposed adjacent to the upper head opening. The pocket is dimensioned to removably secure the mask panel therein.
In some embodiments, the pair of ear loops are of unitary construction with the mask panel. In another embodiment, the pair of ear loops comprise an inelastic material. In other embodiments, the pair of ear loops comprise an elastic material. In yet another embodiment, an upper edge of the mask panel is arcuate defining a nose protrusion. In some embodiments, the opposing lateral sides of the mask panel are angled such that an upper edge of the mask panel comprises a greater length than a lower edge of the mask panel. In another embodiment, the open upper end of the pocket is coextensive with a border of the upper head opening along the front panel. In other embodiments, the open upper end of the pocket terminates at the upper head opening. In yet another embodiment, a perimeter of the pocket mimics a perimeter of the mask panel. In some embodiments, a lower edge of the mask panel is affixed to the interior side of the front panel within an interior of the pocket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the garment with integral facemask.

FIG. 2 shows a close-up view of the mask panel of an embodiment of the garment with integral facemask.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the pocket of an embodiment of the garment with integral facemask.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the pocket and mask panel of an embodiment of the garment with integral facemask.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the garment with integral facemask. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the garment with integral facemask. The garment with integral facemask 11 comprises a front panel 12 affixed to a rear panel 13 defining a lower torso opening 14, an upper head opening 15, and a pair of arm sleeves 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the garment with integral facemask 11 is shown to comprise a T-shirt style of garment, however, other upper body garment styles are contemplated to suit various aesthetic or environmental preferences. As such, the integral facemask system can be incorporated into clothing suitable for hot, temperate, or cold climates for universal appeal. A mask panel 17 is affixed to the front panel 12 along a perimeter of the upper head opening 15, wherein the mask panel 17 is selectively movable between a deployed position as shown in FIG. 1, and a stored position, wherein the mask panel 17 is disposed within a pocket (as shown in FIG. 3, 20) disposed on an interior side (as shown in FIG. 3, 21) of the front panel 12. The mask panel 17 is dimensioned to cover a mouth and nose of a user to provide a filtration layer between the user's respiratory system and the surrounding environment. Furthermore, as the mask panel 17 is affixed to the interior side of the front panel 12, air exhaled by the wearer is partially diverted downwards into the interior of the garment, redirecting exhalations away from other individuals. In the shown embodiment, the mask panel 17 further comprises a pair of ear loops 18 affixed to opposing lateral sides of the mask panel 17, wherein the pair of ear loops 18 are configured to removably secure about the ears of the user to secure the mask panel 17 over the mouth and nose of the user. In this manner, the mask panel 17 is retained in the deployed position during use.
Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a close-up view of the mask panel of an embodiment of the garment with integral facemask. In the shown embodiment, a lower edge 25 of the mask panel 17 is affixed to an interior side of the front panel below a border 26 of the upper head opening 15, such that the front panel 17 is disposed entirely within an interior of the garment when not in use. In this manner, the garment resembles a traditional upper body garment when the mask panel 17 is not deployed over the user's face. In the illustrated embodiment, the mask panel 17 comprises an arcuate upper edge 24 defining a nose protrusion 23, wherein the nose protrusion 23 is dimensioned to extend upwards to secure about a bridge of a user's nose. In some embodiments, a malleable clip is disposed within the nose protrusion 23, wherein the malleable clip is configured to bend about the bridge of the user's nose to secure the nose protrusion 23 to the user's nose. Furthermore, in the shown embodiment, the opposing lateral sides 19 of the mask panel 17 are angled such that the upper edge 24 comprises a greater length than that of the lower edge 25. In this manner, the upper portion of the mask panel 17 can be wrapped about the face of the user providing greater coverage and ensuring the user's exhalations are filtered through or redirected by the mask panel 17.
Each ear loop of the pair of ear loops 18 are affixed to opposing lateral sides 19 of the mask panel 17. In the shown embodiment, the pair of ear loops 18 are of unitary construction with the mask panel 17, such that no seam is defined therebetween. In this manner, the pair of ear loops 18 are more durably affixed to the mask panel 17. As ear loops of traditional face mask systems are affixed via seams or other connection means along a narrow surface area, the unitary construction minimizes the risk that the pair of ear loops 18 are detached from the mask panel 17. In some embodiments, the pair of ear loops 18 comprise an inelastic material. As many elastic materials degrade in efficacy over time, the inelastic material is better suited for repeated use as would be expected for a typical garment. Additionally, the inelastic material of the pair of ear loops 18 is much less likely to degrade due to typical wear and tear for garments, including repeated washing. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the pair of ear loops 18 comprise an elastic material suitable for securing the mask panel 17 to users of various head shapes and sizes.
Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a perspective view of the pocket of an embodiment of the garment with integral facemask. A pocket 20 having an open upper end 22 is affixed to an interior side 21 of the front panel 12, wherein the pocket 20 is dimensioned to removably receive the mask panel 17 therein via the open upper end 22. In the illustrated embodiment, a perimeter 27 of the pocket 20 conforms to a perimeter of the mask panel 17, such that the pocket 20 is dimensioned to receive the mask panel 17 therein in a flat configuration. In this manner, the front panel 12 of the garment is not visibly deformed by a folded mask panel 17, thereby maintaining the appearance of a traditional upper body garment when the mask panel 17 is not in use. In the shown embodiment, the perimeter 27 of the pocket 20 further comprises a protrusion corresponding to the nose protrusion 23 defined by the arcuate upper edge of the mask panel 17. In the shown embodiment, the open upper end 22 is aligned with the border 26 of the upper head opening, such that the pocket 20 terminates at the border 26 of the upper head opening. In this manner, the pocket 20 is disposed adjacent to the upper head opening, ensuring that the garment mimics the appearance of a traditional garment when the mask panel 17 is not in use. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the open upper end 22 of the pocket 20 is coextensive with the border 26 of the upper head opening along the front panel 12, such that the pocket 20 is accessible along an entire front side of the garment. In this manner, the mask panel 17 can be easily transitioned between a deployed position and a stored position.
When the user wishes to transition the mask panel 17 between the deployed position and the stored position, the user can simply fold the pair of ear loops 18 inwardly to rest along a rear side of the mask panel 17 and tuck the mask panel 17 into the pocket 20. Once in the pocket 20, the mask panel 17 can then be smoothed to rest within the pocket 20 in a flat configuration. In this manner, the mask panel 17 does not produce bumps, folds, or other visual impact to the garment when the mask panel 17 is not in use. In the shown embodiment, the lower edge 25 of the mask panel 17 is affixed to the front panel 12 within an interior of the pocket 20. In this manner, the mask panel 17 is entirely within the pocket 20 when the mask panel 17 is in the stored position.
Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a cross-sectional view of the pocket and mask panel of an embodiment of the garment with integral facemask. In the shown embodiment, the pocket 20 is affixed to the interior side 21 of the front panel 12, wherein the open upper end 22 of the pocket 20 is aligned with the border 26 of the front panel 12. In this manner, the pocket 20 terminates at the upper head opening of the garment, thereby ensuring that the pocket 20 is not visible when the garment is worn and the mask panel 17 is stored within the pocket 20. In the shown embodiment, the mask panel 17 further comprises a plurality of layers, wherein the plurality of layers includes an external layer 30, an internal layer 29, and a central filter layer 31 disposed between the internal and external layers 29, 30. The external layer 30 is contemplated to comprise the same material as the front panel 12, such that the mask panel 17 matches the front panel 12 of the garment. In some embodiments, the interior layer 29 is contemplated to comprise a distinct material from that of the external layer 30 designed to maximize user comfort when the mask panel 17 is in use, such as silk or a high thread count fabric. Alternatively, the exterior layer 30 and the interior layer 29 are contemplated to comprise the same fabric material to reduce complexity of manufacture. The central filter layer 31 is contemplated to comprise a variety of filtration rates suitable for a desired use, such as N95, N99, N100, P95, P99, P100, R95, R99, R1100, or the like. In some such embodiments, the central filter layer 31 can be removably securable between the exterior and interior layers 30, 29. In this manner, the central filter layer 31 can be removed before washing the garment, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the central filter layer 31. Alternatively, while the central filter layer 31 can increase the efficacy of the mask panel 17, the mask panel 17 can comprise a single cloth layer to increase durability and longevity of the mask panel 17 between uses.
It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in various embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly, and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and ail equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

We claim:

1. A garment with integral facemask, comprising:

a front panel affixed to a rear panel defining a lower torso opening, an upper head opening, and a pair of arm sleeves;

a mask panel affixed to the front panel along a perimeter of the upper head opening;

a pair of ear loops, wherein an ear loop of the pair of ear loops is affixed to opposing lateral sides of the mask panel;

a pocket disposed on an interior side of the front panel, the pocket having an open upper end disposed adjacent to the upper head opening;

wherein the pocket is dimensioned to removably secure the mask panel therein.

2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the pair of ear loops are of unitary construction with the mask panel.

3. The garment of claim 1, wherein the pair of ear loops comprise an inelastic material.

4. The garment of claim 1, wherein the pair of ear loops comprise an elastic material.

5. The garment of claim 1, wherein an upper edge of the mask panel is arcuate defining a nose protrusion.

6. The garment of claim 1, wherein the opposing lateral sides of the mask panel are angled such that an upper edge of the mask panel comprises a greater length than a lower edge of the mask panel.

7. The garment of claim 1, wherein the open upper end of the pocket is coextensive with a border of the upper head opening along the front panel.

8. The garment of claim 1, wherein the open upper end of the pocket terminates at the upper head opening.

9. The garment of claim 1, wherein a perimeter of the pocket conforms to a perimeter of the mask panel.

10. The garment of claim 1, wherein a lower edge of the mask panel is affixed to the interior side of the front panel within an interior of the pocket.

11. A garment with integral facemask, comprising:

wherein the mask panel comprises a plurality of layers including an interior layer, an exterior layer, and a central filter layer disposed between the interior layer and the exterior layer;

wherein the pocket is dimensioned to removably secure the mask panel therein.

12. The garment of claim 11, wherein the pair of ear loops are of unitary construction with the mask panel.

13. The garment of claim 11, wherein the pair of ear loops comprise an inelastic material.

14. The garment of claim 11, wherein the pair of ear loops comprise an elastic material.

15. The garment of claim 11, wherein an upper edge of the mask panel is arcuate defining a nose protrusion.

16. The garment of claim 11, wherein the opposing lateral sides of the mask panel are angled such that an upper edge of the mask panel comprises a greater length than a lower edge of the mask panel.

17. The garment of claim 11, wherein the open upper end of the pocket is coextensive with a border of the upper head opening along the front panel.

18. The garment of claim 11, wherein the open upper end of the pocket terminates at the upper head opening.

19. The garment of claim 11, wherein a perimeter of the pocket conforms to a perimeter of the mask panel.

20. The garment of claim 11, wherein a lower edge of the mask panel is affixed to the interior side of the front panel within an interior of the pocket.