Headgear Attachment for Protective Mask

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a headgear. The headgear includes a first attachment portion and a second attachment portion. The first attachment portion is on one side of the headgear. The first attachment portion is proximate a headband of the headgear. The second attachment portion is on a second side of the headgear. The second attachment portion is proximate the headband of the headgear. The first and second attachment portions are configured such that loops extending from a face mask may be removably connected thereon.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) to U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/015,561, filed Apr. 25, 2020 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] This disclosure relates to a headgear attachment and, more particularly, to a headgear attachment for a protective mask.

[0003] Recent global pandemics such as COVID-19 and H1N1 have made the need for face masks (such as N95 masks), or other protective face coverings (such as surgical masks) more prevalent for use in everyday life. Additionally, state and local governments have mandated the use of such protective coverings in certain situations (i.e. such as when social distancing guidelines cannot be followed), or specific locations (i.e. retail stores, public buildings, etc.). Many of these protective masks and face coverings include elastic configurations configured to maintain the mask or face covering on the user's face during use. Although the elastic string provides a resilient attachment, it can cause discomfort, scratching, chaffing, etc. around the ear, neck, or head areas when used for several hours at a time.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need to provide an improved configuration that is practical and more comfortable for a user.

SUMMARY

[0005] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a headgear is disclosed. The headgear includes a first attachment portion and a second attachment portion. The first attachment portion is on one side of the headgear. The first attachment portion is proximate a headband of the headgear. The second attachment portion is on a second side of the headgear. The second attachment portion is proximate the headband of the headgear. The first and second attachment portions are configured such that loops extending from a face mask may be removably connected thereon.

[0006] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a headgear attachment is disclosed. The headgear attachment includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The second portion is opposite the first portion. The third portion is between the first portion and the second portion. The headgear attachment is configured to be attached to a headgear such that a headband of the headgear extends between the first portion and the second portion when the headgear attachment is attached to the headgear.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a headgear (comprising clips and/or buttons) incorporating features of the invention;

[0008] FIGS. 2-4 show various views of a clip used with the headgear shown in FIG. 1;

[0009] FIGS. 5-6 show views of the headgear shown in FIG. 1 with a mask attached thereto;

[0010] FIG. 7 is a side view of a user with a headgear and mask attached thereto;

[0011] FIGS. 8-9 show views of another clip used with the headgear shown in FIG. 1, 7;

[0012] FIGS. 10-14 show enlarged side views of the clip shown in FIGS. 8-9;

[0013] FIG. 15 shows an alternate embodiment of the clip shown in FIGS. 8-9;

[0014] FIG. 16 shows an alternate embodiment of the clip shown in FIGS. 8-9; and

[0015] FIG. 17 shows an alternate embodiment of the clip shown in FIGS. 8-9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Referring to the figures, there are shown various views of exemplary embodiments incorporating features of the invention. Although the invention will be described with reference to the exemplary embodiment shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the invention can be embodied in many alternate forms of embodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used.

[0017] FIG. 1 shows a headgear attachment for a mask. According to this embodiment, the headgear attachment comprises clips 100 attached on the left and right sides of a hat 10. As shown in FIG. 1, elastic ear loops 12 extending from the mask 14 are attached the clips 100.

[0018] According to various exemplary embodiments, each clip 100 comprises a first portion 102, a second portion 104, and general U-shaped portion 106 between the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 (see FIGS. 2-4). The first and second portions 102, 104 together with the U shaped portion 106 are configured such that the first and second portions provide substantially rigid clamping portions that are resiliently flexible so as to be able to clamp on to the hat 10, ora portion of the hat 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the ear loop portions 12 of the mask 14 extend between the first and second portions 102, 104 of the clip 100 (proximate the u-shaped connecting portion 106). This allows for the mask to be connected to clips (such as by being looped around the general u-shaped portion 106), which are connected to the sides of the hat, and together secure the mask to the user's face (when the hat is worn by the user).

[0019] Although FIG. 1 shows the clips 100 on the left and rights sides of the hat, some embodiments may have the clips 100 on the front and/or back of the hat (see FIGS. 5, 6). Many face coverings, such as surgical masks for example, have ear loops extending from the sides of the face covering portion 16 of the mask 14, however some other face coverings comprise elastic (or drawstrings, cords, etc.) that extend around the user's head and/or neck portions (see head/neck loops 18 in FIG. 7). With these types of face coverings, a clip at the back of the hat may provide an additional attachment point to the head loop and or the neck loop. Additionally, in some embodiments, a clip at the front of the hat may provide an additional attachment point to the head loop and or the neck loop such as when the hat is worn "backwards".

[0020] In some embodiments, the clips 100 are permanently secured to the hat. For example, the clip may clamp around the outer portion of the hat such that one of the first or second portions is between the headband 20 of the hat 10 and the outer portion 22 of the hat 10. In other embodiments, the clips 100 are removably attached to the hat 10. For example, the clip may clamp around the headband portion of the hat such that the outer portion 22 of the hat 10 and the headband 20 are received between the first and second portions 102, 104 of the clip 100. However, in other alternate embodiments, the clip may be attached to any portion of the hat in any suitable fashion. Additionally, it should be noted that although the various exemplary embodiments have been described above in connection with the clip 100, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the clip is not required and that in alternate embodiments, any suitable attachment feature (configured to allow for securing of the elastic ear loops and/or head/neck loops) connected to the inside/outside of the hat may be provided. For example, according to some embodiments, the headgear attachment shown in FIG. 1 may comprise buttons attached to the exterior of the hat 10, such as by sewing for example. In other alternate embodiments, the clip 100 may comprise a button attached the first portion 102 of the clip 102. In either of the alternate embodiments described above, the button would be sized and shaped to allow for the elastic ear loops 12 of the mask 14 to loop around the button for securing the mask 14 to the hat 10.

[0021] According to various exemplary embodiments, the mask may remain connected to clips 100 when the hat is removed from the user's head. Additionally, the mask 14 may be stowed inside the hat as seen in FIGS. 5, 6 (such as between the inside of hat and the users head) when the mask is not in use. Additionally, some embodiments may further comprise a pouch or sleeve on the inside of the hat which is sized and shaped to receive the mask (when the mask is not in use and stowed inside the hat).

[0022] Referring now also to FIGS. 8, 9, an alternate embodiment of a clip is shown. The clip 200 is similar to the clip 100, wherein the clip 200 comprises a first portion 202, a second portion 204, and general U-shaped portion 206 between the first portion 204 and the second portion 206. However, in this embodiment the clip 200 comprises loop attachment features 208 on the first portion 202 of the clip. It should be noted that in some other alternate embodiments, the loop attachment features may be provided on the second portion 204 of the clip 200 (or on both the first and second portions of the clip).

[0023] The attachment features 208 (best shown in FIGS. 10-14) may each comprise an opening 210 with a cantilevered post 212 therein. Each of the openings 210 and posts 212 are sized and shaped so as to accommodate and receive the ear loop 12 (or the head/neck loop 18) in the opening so that the mask can be secured to the clip by the position of the loop being wrapped around the post. In some embodiments, the attachment features may be spaced on the first portion of the clip so as to be proximate the headband portion 20 of the hat (see FIG. 10). In some other embodiments, the attachment portions may be spaced further along the length of the first portion of the clip so as to be spaced from the headband portion 20 of the hat (see FIGS. 11-13).

[0024] The attachment features may be orientated or spaced in any suitable fashion. For example, FIGS. 10, 11, 14 show orientations for attaching ear loop masks. FIGS. 10-14 show orientations for attaching head/neck loop masks.

[0025] Additionally, the posts 212 may face inward toward center of clip 200 (as shown in FIGS. 10-14), or may face outward toward lateral edges of the clip (as shown in FIG. 15).

[0026] According to some embodiments, the post may further comprise a retention feature for the loop. As shown in Fig, 15, the retention feature 214 includes a general "T" shape at the end of the cantilevered post 212. The retention feature helps maintain the loop to be wrapped around the post and prevents the loop from inadvertently sliding off or becoming unwrapped from the post.

[0027] Referring now also to FIG. 16, some alternate embodiments may comprise another attachment feature 216 in the form of a post at the general U-shaped portion 206 between the first and second portions 202, 204 of the clip 200. The post may comprise a straight, bent, or angled, configuration suitably spaced between first and second portions of the clip to allow for the ear loop (or the head/neck loop) to extend around the post. In other alternate embodiments, the attachment feature 216 may not be provided and the ear loop of the mask may connect to the clip similar to as shown in FIG. 1 where the ear loop of the mask loops around the u-shaped portion 206.

[0028] The clip 100, 200 may include any suitable shape for attaching to a hat proximate a user's head. In some embodiments, the clip 100, 200 may include a concave shaped profile 218 so as to increase the comfort of the user (see FIG. 17). For example, the concave shaped profile may be sized and shaped so as to be complementary with the user's head. Although FIG. 17 shows both the first and second portions 202, 204 as having the concave shaped profile, it should be noted that in some embodiments, only one of the first or second portions comprises the concave shaped profile.

[0029] It should be noted that although the embodiments above have been described in connection with a surgical mask, any suitable type of face covering (such as a face mask, dust mask, surgical mask, n95 mask, etc.) may be attached to the clip 100, 200. Additionally, any suitable configuration or orientation of the features of the clip may be provided.

[0030] It should be noted that the disclosed headgear attachment may be used with any type of face mask or protective mask patterns which calls for fabric to be secured to the user's face with ear loops, had/neck loops, straps, elastic, ties, strips, cords, or the like. Additionally, it should be understood that the headgear mentioned above and shown in the figures may comprise a cap, a hat, or any other suitable item worn on the head.

[0031] Technical effects provide for improved comfort when wearing a mask or face covering, as elastic ear loops (or head/neck loops) are not pulling or tugging on the user's ears (or causing discomfort on the neck or head areas), as the mask attaches to the clips on the hat, and not to the user's ears, head, and/or neck areas.

[0032] It should be noted that the above-described exemplary embodiments may be practiced in conjunction with one or more other aspects or exemplary embodiments. That is, the exemplary embodiments of the invention, such as those described above, may be implemented, practiced or utilized in any combination (e.g., any combination that is suitable, practicable and/or feasible) and are not limited only to those combinations described herein.

[0033] Below are provided further descriptions of various non-limiting, exemplary embodiments. The below-described exemplary embodiments may be practiced in conjunction with one or more other aspects or exemplary embodiments. That is, the exemplary embodiments of the invention, such as those described immediately below, may be implemented, practiced or utilized in any combination (e.g., any combination that is suitable, practicable and/or feasible) and are not limited only to those combinations described herein and/or included in the appended claims.

[0034] In one exemplary embodiment, a headgear comprising: a first attachment portion on one side of the headgear, wherein the first attachment portion is proximate a headband of the headgear; and a second attachment portion on a second side of the headgear, wherein the second attachment portion is proximate the headband of the headgear; wherein the first and second attachment portions are configured such that loops extending from a face mask may be removably connected thereon.

[0035] The headgear as above wherein the first and second attachment portions comprise buttons.

[0036] The headgear as above wherein the first and second attachment portions comprise clips.

[0037] The headgear as above wherein the each one of the clips comprises a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion between the first portion and the second portion.

[0038] The headgear as above wherein the third portion comprises a general u-shaped portion.

[0039] The headgear as above wherein the headgear comprises a hat.

[0040] In another exemplary embodiment, a headgear attachment comprising: a first portion; a second portion opposite the first portion; and a third portion between the first portion and the second portion; wherein the headgear attachment is configured to be attached to a headgear such that a headband of the headgear extends between the first portion and the second portion when the headgear attachment is attached to the headgear.

[0041] The headgear attachment as above wherein the third portion comprises a general u-shaped portion.

[0042] The headgear attachment as above wherein the first and second portions are configured to provide substantially rigid clamping portions that are resiliently flexible so as to be able to clamp on to a portion of the headgear.

[0043] The headgear attachment as above wherein the headgear attachment comprises a one-piece member.

[0044] The headgear attachment as above wherein the first and second portions are configured such that loops extending from a face mask may be removably connected thereto.

[0045] The headgear attachment as above wherein the headgear comprises a hat.

[0046] It should be understood that components of the invention can be operationally coupled or connected and that any number or combination of intervening elements can exist (including no intervening elements). The connections can be direct or indirect and additionally there can merely be a functional relationship between components.

[0047] It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances which fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A headgear comprising: a first attachment portion on one side of the headgear, wherein the first attachment portion is proximate a headband of the headgear; and a second attachment portion on a second side of the headgear, wherein the second attachment portion is proximate the headband of the headgear; wherein the first and second attachment portions are configured such that loops extending from a face mask may be removably connected thereon.

2. The headgear of claim 1 wherein the first and second attachment portions comprise clips.

3. The headgear of claim 1 wherein the first and second attachment portions comprise buttons.

4. The headgear of claim 2 wherein the each one of the clips comprises a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion between the first portion and the second portion.

5. The headgear of claim 4 wherein the third portion comprises a general u-shaped portion.

6. The headgear of claim 1 wherein the headgear comprises a hat.

7. A headgear attachment comprising: a first portion; a second portion opposite the first portion; and a third portion between the first portion and the second portion; wherein the headgear attachment is configured to be attached to a headgear such that a headband of the headgear extends between the first portion and the second portion when the headgear attachment is attached to the headgear.

8. The headgear attachment of claim 7 wherein the third portion comprises a general u-shaped portion.

9. The headgear attachment of claim 7 wherein the first and second portions are configured to provide substantially rigid clamping portions that are resiliently flexible so as to be able to clamp on to a portion of the headgear.

10. The headgear attachment of claim 7 wherein the headgear attachment comprises a one-piece member.

11. The headgear attachment of claim 7 wherein the first and second portions are configured such that loops extending from a face mask may be removably connected thereto.

12. The headgear attachment of claim 7 wherein the headgear comprises a hat.