Face Covering Spacer For Use With Eyewear and Headwear

A broad object of a particular embodiment of the invention can be to provide a spacer for spacing a face covering from a mouth of a wearer, the spacer including a first attachment point, a second attachment point, and a shape-retaining first support member outwardly and downwardly extending between the first and second attachment points. The first support member can be configured for disposition in front of the face of the wearer to distance the face covering from the mouth of the wearer to create a space therebetween. The first and second attachment points can be configured to releasably couple the first support member to eyewear and/or headwear.

Now referring primarily to, which illustrate a particular embodiment of the inventive spacer () including a shape-retaining first support member () outwardly and downwardly extending between first and second attachment points ()(), whereby the first support member () can be configured for disposition in front of a face () of a wearer () to distance (or separate) a face covering () from a mouth () of the wearer (), correspondingly creating a space therebetween. The first and second attachment points ()() can be configured to releasably couple the first support member () to eyewear (), such as eyeglasses, sunglasses, safety glasses, or goggles (), and/or headwear (), such as a hat or helmet ().

In use, the spacer () may preclude direct contact between the face covering () and the mouth () of the wearer (). Additionally, the spacer () can create an air pocket (or a functional airspace) between the face covering () and the mouth () of the wearer (), which may advantageously make breathing considerably easier for the wearer (), reduce moisture accumulation and/or ice formation on the face covering (), reduce fogging of eyewear (), preclude the face covering () from being drawn into the mouth () of the wearer () with inhalation, etc. Moreover, the spacer () can add a measure of tension to the face covering (), which may assist in maintaining its position on the face () of the wearer ().

Overall, the spacer () may be comfortable and ergonomically designed, and may not interfere with (i) normal freedom of movement of the head, (ii) line of sight, (iii) central vision, and/or (iv) peripheral vision of the wearer (). As to particular embodiments, the spacer () may not generally contact or rest against the mouth () of the wearer (). Further, as to particular embodiments, the spacer () may not generally contact or rest against the face () of the wearer ().

To assist in the description of the instant spacer (), terms such as top, bottom, front, rear, right, and left can be used to describe the accompanying figures. It will be appreciated, however, that the spacer () may be otherwise oriented and the relative descriptors can be interpreted accordingly.

Spatially relative terms, such as “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe an element's relationship to another element when the spacer () is right side up as shown in the accompanying figures and with respect to the spacer () being worn by a wearer () as intended with the wearer () standing upright. Thus, an upper component of the spacer () would be located closer to the top of the head of the wearer (), and a lower component of the spacer () would be located closer to the neck () of the wearer (). Likewise, the right side of the spacer () would be located adjacent to the right side of the face () of the wearer (), and the left side of the spacer () would be located adjacent to the left side of the face () of the wearer ().

As used herein, terms such as “first,” “second,” etc. may be used to describe various elements, but these elements should not necessarily be limited by these terms, as these terms are used to distinguish one element from another element. Following, a “first” element could also be termed a “second” element and a “second” element could also be termed a “first” element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

Now referring primarily to, and, the spacer () includes a first support member () which can be shape-retaining, meaning that the first support member () can maintain its predefined three-dimensional shape independently or substantially independently. The first support member () can have a length which extends (i) between opposing first support member first and second ends ()() or (ii) from the first support member first end () to the first support member second end (), whereby the first support member first end () can couple to, connect to, or be integrated with the first attachment point () and the first support member second end () can couple to, connect to, or be integrated with the second attachment point (). In use, when coupled to eyewear () or headwear (), the first support member first end () can dispose proximate the right temple of the wearer (), and the first support member second end () can dispose proximate the left temple of the wearer ().

As to particular embodiments, the length of the first support member () can be adjustable, for example relative to the first and second attachment points ()(), meaning shortened or lengthened as desired by the wearer (), for example to contour to the face () of the wearer (), to dispose the first support member () a desired distance in front of or beyond the face () of the wearer (), etc.

The first support member () can outwardly extend between or from the first and second attachment points ()(); correspondingly, the first support member () can comprise a curve or arc between the first support member first and second ends ()(), whereby the curve can convexly bend or bow to facilitate the outward extension which disposes the first support member () in front of or beyond the face () of the wearer () to laterally traverse the face () and bridge the mouth () of the wearer () without contact when worn. As to particular embodiments, the first support member () may be described as generally U-shaped or having a U-shape.

Now referring primarily to, in addition to outwardly extending between the first and second attachment points ()(), the first support member () can downwardly extend between or from the first and second attachment points ()() to facilitate disposition of the first support member () below a top plane () extending through the first and second attachment points ()() and proximate the nose (), mouth (), jawline, or chin () of the wearer (), depending upon the embodiment.

Following, as to particular embodiments, the first support member () can dispose downwardly and extend outwardly in front of or proximate the chin () of the wearer () to distance (or separate) the face covering () from the mouth () of the wearer (), correspondingly creating a space therebetween. As to these particular embodiments, the first support member () disposes below the nose () and the mouth () of the wearer ().

As to other particular embodiments, the first support member () can dispose downwardly and extend outwardly in front of or proximate the jawline of the wearer () to distance (or separate) the face covering () from the mouth () of the wearer (), correspondingly creating a space therebetween.

As to yet other particular embodiments, the first support member () can dispose downwardly and extend outwardly in front of or proximate the mouth () of the wearer () to distance (or separate) the face covering () from the mouth () of the wearer (), correspondingly creating a space therebetween. As to these particular embodiments, the first support member () disposes below the nose () and above the chin () of the wearer ().

As to still yet other particular embodiments, the first support member () can dispose downwardly and extend outwardly in front of or proximate the nose () of the wearer () to distance (or separate) the face covering () from the mouth () of the wearer (), correspondingly creating a space therebetween. As to these particular embodiments, the first support member () disposes above the mouth () and the chin () of the wearer ().

Again referring primarily to, for further illustration, a set of reference planes is provided, specifically a top plane () through which a z-axis () passes, a front plane () through which an x-axis () passes, and a right plane () through which a y-axis () passes, whereby the top plane (), the front plane (), and the right plane () all pass through the first and second attachment points ()(), such as through a center of the first and second attachment points ()(), and share a common origin. As to particular embodiments, the x-axis () may be parallel with a horizontal direction, the y-axis () may be parallel with a vertical direction, and the z-axis () may be parallel with a direction normal to both the x-axis () and the y-axis (). Now regarding the outward and downward extension of the first support member () between the first and second attachment points ()(), the first support member () can be disposed along an angled plane () between the top plane () and the front plane (). Regarding axes, the outward and downward extension of the first support member () between the first and second attachment points ()() can be between the positive (+) z-axis () and the negative (−) y-axis ().

As to particular embodiments, the first support member () can extend along an angled plane () which disposes at an angle of about 45° from the top plane () and the positive (+) z-axis (). Correspondingly, the first support member () extends along the angled plane () which disposes at an angle of about 45° from the front plane () and the negative (−) y-axis ().

As to particular embodiments, the first support member () can extend along an angled plane () which disposes at an angle of less than about 45° from the top plane () and the positive (+) z-axis (). Correspondingly, the first support member () extends along the angled plane () which disposes at an angle of greater than about 45° from the front plane () and the negative (−) y-axis ().

As to particular embodiments, the first support member () can extend along an angled plane () which disposes at an angle of greater than about 45° from the top plane () and the positive (+) z-axis (). Correspondingly, the first support member () extends along the angled plane () which disposes at an angle of less than about 45° from the front plane () and the negative (−) y-axis ().

As but one illustrative example, the first support member () can extend along an angled plane () which disposes at an angle of about 50° from the top plane () and the positive (+) z-axis (). Correspondingly, the first support member () extends along the angled plane () which disposes at an angle of about 40° from the front plane () and the negative (−) y-axis ().

As to particular embodiments, the first support member () can be substantially planar; however, the first support member () need not be planar, thus a portion of the first support member () can dispose above and/or below the angled plane ().

As to particular embodiments, the first support member () can extend sufficiently downwardly between the first and second attachment points ()() such that the first support member () disposes below the eyes () of the wearer () and does not interfere with (i) line of sight, (ii) central vision, and/or (iii) peripheral vision of the wearer ().

As to particular embodiments, the first support member () can extend sufficiently outwardly and downwardly between the first and second attachment points ()() to space the face covering () from the mouth () of the wearer () by a distance of at least about 0.5 inches.

As to particular embodiments, the first support member () can extend sufficiently outwardly and downwardly between the first and second attachment points ()() to space the face covering () from the mouth () of the wearer () by a distance of at least about 0.75 inches.

As to particular embodiments, the first support member () can extend sufficiently outwardly and downwardly between the first and second attachment points ()() to space the face covering () from the mouth () of the wearer () by a distance of at least about 1 inch.

As to particular embodiments, the first support member () can extend sufficiently outwardly and downwardly between the first and second attachment points ()() to space the face covering () from the mouth () of the wearer () by a distance of at least about 1.25 inches.

As to particular embodiments, the first support member () can extend sufficiently outwardly and downwardly between the first and second attachment points ()() to space the face covering () from the mouth () of the wearer () by a distance of at least about 1.5 inches.

As to particular embodiments, the first support member () can extend sufficiently outwardly and downwardly between the first and second attachment points ()() to space the face covering () from the mouth () of the wearer () by a distance of at least about 1.75 inches.

As to particular embodiments, the first support member () can extend sufficiently outwardly and downwardly between the first and second attachment points ()() to space the face covering () from the mouth () of the wearer () by a distance of at least about 2 inches.

As to particular embodiments, the first support member () can extend sufficiently outwardly and downwardly between the first and second attachment points ()() to space the face covering () from the mouth () of the wearer () by a distance of at least about 2.25 inches.

As to particular embodiments, the first support member () can extend sufficiently outwardly and downwardly between the first and second attachment points ()() to space the face covering () from the mouth () of the wearer () by a distance of at least about 2.5 inches.

The actual size and curvature of the first support member () may vary depending on (i) the eyewear () or the headwear () to which it is intended to couple thereto, and/or (ii) the intended wearer () and their corresponding facial dimensions, shape, and structures, and/or (iii) the face covering () which the first support member () is intended to space from the mouth () of the wearer ().

The first support member () can be formed with the desired curvature made during the manufacturing process and be ready for immediate use, or the first support member () can be formed as a straight piece and be bendable by a wearer () so as to fit varying facial dimensions, shapes, and structures, depending upon the embodiment. However, in all embodiments, the first support member () provides the requisite support and rigidity to space the face covering () from the mouth () of the wearer () as the wearer () breaths and performs activities with the spacer () coupled to eyewear () or headwear ().

To provide the requisite support and rigidity, the first support member () can be formed from a numerous and wide variety of materials, such as plastics, wires, rubbers, plant materials (e.g., bamboo resin), metals, rods, braided cables, combinations thereof, or the like. As to particular embodiments, the first support member () can have a high-friction coating which can prevent slippage of the face covering () during use. Regardless of material, the first support member () can be relatively thin, such as not greater than about 0.1 inches, not greater than about 0.2 inches, not greater than about 0.3 inches, not greater than about 0.4 inches, not greater than about 0.5 inches, not greater than about 0.75 inches, not greater than about 1 inch, not greater than about 1.25 inches, not greater than about 1.5 inches, not greater than about 1.75 inches, not greater than about 2 inches, not greater than about 2.25 inches, or not greater than about 2.5 inches, depending upon the embodiment.

As to particular embodiments which may be bendable by a wearer (), the first support member () can comprise an elongated piece of shape-retaining deformable material having a cover, such as a twist tie device detailed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,387,216, 8,776,322, and 8,806,723, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

Now referring primarily to, the spacer () can include first and second attachment points ()() configured to releasably couple the first support member () to eyewear () or headwear (), whereby the first support member () outwardly and downwardly extends between the first and second attachment points ()(), as detailed above.

As used herein, the term “releasable,” which may be synonymous with removable and/or detachable, means capable of being relatively easily separated without destroying the integrity of the separated pieces. For example, the first support member () can be releasably coupled to eyewear () or headwear () and as such, can be relatively easily separated from the eyewear () or the headwear () without destroying the integrity of the first support member () or the eyewear () or the headwear ().

As to particular embodiments, the first attachment point () can couple to, connect to, or be integrated with the first support member first end () and the second attachment point () can couple to, connect to, or be integrated with the first support member second end ().

The first and second attachment points ()() can provide a surface to which an attachment element can be coupled; specifically a first attachment element () can couple to the first attachment point () and a second attachment element () can couple to the second attachment point (). As to particular embodiments, the first attachment element () can be connected to the first attachment point () and the second attachment element () can be connected to the second attachment point (). As to particular embodiments, the first attachment element () can be integrated with the first attachment point () and the second attachment element () can be integrated with the second attachment point ().

The first and second attachment elements ()() can be configured to releasably couple the first support member () to eyewear () or headwear (); following, each of the first and second attachment elements ()() can comprise an attachable pair of components (A)(B), one couplable to the respective first or second attachment point ()() and the other couplable to the eyewear () or the headwear (). As to particular embodiments, the first and second attachment elements ()() can releasably couple the first support member () to opposing sides of the eyewear () or the headwear (). As but a first illustrative example, the first and second attachment elements ()() can releasably couple the first support member () to glasses, such as eyeglasses, sunglasses, safety glasses, etc. (not shown), whereby attachment can be to a frame of the glasses. As but a second illustrative example, the first and second attachment elements ()() can releasably couple the first support member () to goggles (), such as ski or snowboard goggles (as shown in the example of), etc., whereby attachment can be to a frame () or a strap () of the goggles (), depending upon the embodiment. As but a third illustrative example, the first and second attachment elements ()() can releasably couple the first support member () to a hat, such as a cap, a beanie, etc. (not shown), or a visor (not shown), whereby attachment can be to a bill, a brim, a crown, a body, etc., depending upon the embodiment. As but a fourth illustrative example, the first and second attachment elements ()() can releasably couple the first support member () to a helmet (), such as a ski helmet (as shown in the example of), etc., whereby attachment can be to a shell () or a strap of the helmet (), depending upon the embodiment.

The first and second attachment elements ()() can be any of a numerous and wide variety of coupling mechanisms, such as mechanical fasteners, interlocking fasteners, clips, clamps, magnets, snaps, ties, buttons, zippers, threaded fasteners, hooks, loops, hook and loop fasteners (such as VELCRO®), interference fits, twist locks, detents, buckles, pressure fit connections, adhesives, combinations thereof, or the like.

As to particular embodiments, the first and second attachment elements ()() can comprise magnets. As but one illustrative example, the first and second attachment elements ()() can be provided by a mechanical-magnetic connecting structure (). Each mechanical-magnetic connecting structure () can include a first connecting module () and a second connecting module () which can be arranged on each other in a closing direction and can be mechanically latched to each other in a closed position. Additionally, the mechanical-magnetic connecting structure () can include magnetic means which establish a magnetic attraction force between the first and second connecting modules ()() to assist the transfer of the first and second connecting modules ()() into the closed position. The first connecting module () can be released from the second connecting module () by means of a movement of the first connecting module () or a part of the first connecting module () in an opening direction that differs from the closing direction, whereby the magnetic means counteract movement of the first connecting module () in the opening direction.

As but one illustrative example, the mechanical-magnetic connecting structure () can be similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,794,682, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

As but a second illustrative example, the mechanical-magnetic connecting structure () can be a SNAP fastener, such as a SNAP buckle, which can be obtained from Fidlock GmbH, Hindenburgstraße 37, 30175 Hannover, Germany. Of course, any mechanical-magnetic connecting structure () having a similar functionality to this product may also be used, such as any product which combines a magnetic fastener with a mechanical snap or buckle fastener.

As to particular embodiments, the first attachment element () can comprise a first connecting module () which couples to the first attachment point () and a second connecting module () which couples to the eyewear () or the headwear (). Correspondingly, the second attachment element () can comprise a first connecting module () which couples to the second attachment point () and a second connecting module () which couples to the eyewear () or the headwear ().

As to other particular embodiments, the first attachment element () can comprise a second connecting module () which couples to the first attachment point () and a first connecting module () which couples to the eyewear () or the headwear (). Correspondingly, the second attachment element () can comprise a second connecting module () which couples to the second attachment point () and a first connecting module () which couples to the eyewear () or the headwear ().

Now referring primarily to, a face covering () can be supported in front of the face () of the wearer () and distanced (or separated) from the mouth () of the wearer () by the first support member (), whereby the face covering () can cover a portion of the face () of the wearer () without covering the eyes () of the wearer () so as to not interfere with (i) line of sight, (ii) central vision, and/or (iii) peripheral vision of the wearer ().

The face covering () can comprise any of a numerous and wide variety of materials, such as rigid materials, semi-rigid materials, flexible materials, fabrics, cloths, textiles, woven materials, nonwoven materials, knit materials, combinations thereof, or the like. As to particular embodiments, the face covering () can be reusable. As to particular embodiments, the face covering () can be washable.

Now referring primarily to, as to particular embodiments, the face covering () can comprise a fabric panel () having a fabric panel length () extending between fabric panel upper and lower ends ()(), and a fabric panel width () extending between fabric panel left and right sides ()(). Regarding the latter, the fabric panel width () can be sufficient to span the first support member () from proximate the first attachment point () to proximate the second attachment point () to cover the portion of the face () of the wearer () disposing therebetween, which may include the nose (), the chin (), and the cheeks of the wearer (). As but a first illustrative example, the fabric panel width () can be in a range of about 1 inch to about 32 inches. As but a second illustrative example, the fabric panel width () can be in a range of about 6 inches to about 12 inches. As but a third illustrative example, the fabric panel width () can be about 9 inches.

The fabric panel length () can be sufficient to extend downwardly and cover at least a portion of the front of the neck () of the wearer (). As to particular embodiments, the fabric panel length () can be sufficient to extend downwardly and cover the entirety of the front of the neck () of the wearer (). As to particular embodiments, the fabric panel length () can be sufficient to extend downwardly beyond the front of the neck () of the wearer (). As to particular embodiments, the fabric panel length () can be sufficient to extend downwardly to proximate the front of the shoulders of the wearer (). As to particular embodiments, the fabric panel length () can be sufficient to extend downwardly beyond the front of the shoulders of the wearer (). As but a first illustrative example, the fabric panel length () can be in a range of about 1 inch to about 32 inches. As but a second illustrative example, the fabric panel length () can be in a range of about 8 inches to about 16 inches. As but a third illustrative example, the fabric panel length () can be about 12 inches.