FACE MASK OPERABLE OF RESISTING DAMAGE TO FACIAL COSMETICS

Abstract

An improved facial mask with a multilayered interior surface operable to minimize the damage to facial cosmetics while preventing the spread of airborne contagions. The first layer is comprised of breathable filtration material arranged on the interior surface to enable the user to comfortably breath through the mask while filtering airborne pathogens. The second layer is comprised of hydrophobic and/or lipophilic material arranged to minimize the damage to cosmetic arrangements made by the user.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a novel face mask design for preventing the spread of disease. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention pertain to a face mask with specialized layers that resist adsorbing, smearing, or otherwise affecting cosmetic applications on the face of a wearer, while inhibiting the droplet or airborne transmission of pathogens.

DISCUSSION OF THE BACKGROUND

[0002] In light of recent pandemics and the ease with which contagious diseases can be transmitted between individuals in dense social settings of the modern world, it's now required that individuals wear a face mask at almost all public spaces in order to impede the spread of airborne illnesses. However, in order to be effective, face masks are required to be tightly fitted around the cheek bones and jawline, which may cause a transfer of cosmetics from the surface of the skin to the material of the face mask. This may lead to the ruining cosmetic applications made by the user by causing smearing, smudging, lifting, creasing, or tarnishing user face paint. Thus, there remains a need for face mask operable to impede the spread of airborne pathogens while minimizing damage to facial cosmetics.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to an improved face mask operable to minimize disruption, smearing, and adsorption of facial cosmetic applications. Embodiments of the present invention provides a face mask with a multilayered interior surface operable to minimize the disruption, smearing, and/or to facial cosmetics while preventing the spread of airborne contagions. The first layer may comprise breathable filtration material arranged on the interior surface to enable the user to comfortably breath through the mask. The second layer may comprise hydrophobic and lipophilic material arranged to minimize disruption, smearing, and adsorption of cosmetic applications on the wearer.

[0004] The first layer and second layer of the presently disclosed face mask may be sandwiched together such that the second layer is interior to the first layer, with the first layer positioned over the second layer. The second layer may have a particular shape that interfaces with the areas of the face that are typically decorated with facial cosmetics. The second layer may prevent contact of these areas with the first layer to prevent adsorption of the cosmetics to the first layer, which may be a more absorbent material. In some embodiments, the second layer may have one or more openings that allow contact of the first layer with areas of the face that generally have little to no applied cosmetic thereon. For example, the openings in the second layer may have a rounded, rectangular shape around the area of the mouth. In some embodiments, the openings may include inward indents on each lateral side to allow for breathing and speech, while leaving areas around the mouth that generally have more contact with face masks, such as the cheeks, nose and chin area overlapping with the second layer. In some embodiments, the first layer may only be exposed in areas in proximity to the mouth structures such that the user may freely move their mouth without the risk of mask induced constriction or chafing or impacting breathing and speech.

[0005] Generally, the second layer may have a shape that overlaps with areas of the first layer that are in contact with the skin when wearing a face mask. The second layer may cover the nose, chin, and/or cheek areas. In another example, the second layer may simply cover all areas of the interior surface of the face mask.

[0006] The straps of the face mask may also a hydrophobic outer surface in order to avoid disruption, smearing, and adsorption of cosmetics applied in areas that they cross, such as the upper cheeks. The straps may secure the mask to the wearer by attachment to the ears or back of the head. In another embodiment, the first and/or second layer may be arranged such that there may be several areas where there are openings or gaps in the second layer, while still protecting areas to which cosmetics are typically applied. For example, the second layer may be present over only the area around the cheek bones, and may be absent from the lower cheeks lateral to and below the level of the mouth.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first layer of the face mask is comprised primarily of breathable filtration material, such as cotton, paper, polyester, nylon, silk or a mixture thereof, that enable the user to comfortably breath through the mask. The material may be comprised in a woven fabric or other textile. In some embodiments, the first layer of the face mask may be comprised of elastic material, such as a blend of cotton, spandex, polyester, and/or nylon, to stretch or distort its shape to better adapt to the user's facial structure during typical use, while the interior second layer maintains its hydrophobic and smear-resistant properties. In some embodiments, the first layer may include horizontal or substantially horizontal fold that allow the mask to expand vertically to accommodate faces of different shapes and sizes. It should be understood that materials that comprise the first layer may further comprise a substantial amount of non-breathable materials granted the mask is still substantially breathable and provides sufficient filtration.

[0008] The second layer is comprised primarily of lipophilic/hydrophobic materials such as polyester, acrylic, modacrylic, specialized paper treated with hydrophobic materials with lipophilic/hydrophobic properties, or a mixture thereof, that enable the mask to have little to no effect on aqueous based cosmetics and minimize disruption, smearing, and/or adsorption of the cosmetics. The hydrophobic layer may also wick away natural oils on the surface of the skin, aiding to maintain the applied cosmetics in position. The hydrophobic material may be coated with hydrophobic coating such as fluoropolymers (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)); polypropylene, mineral oil, dimethyldibenzylidene sorbitol; silica nano-coating, (heptadecafluoro-1,1,2,2-tetradecyl) trimethoxysilane; ultramarines or other hydrophobic coatings or treatments. In some embodiments, the straps of the masks may be comprised of similar material as the second layer so that the straps may also have hydrophobic properties. In an exemplary embodiment, the hydrophobic layer may comprise a material layer comprising ultramarines, polypropylene, mineral oil, and dimethyldibenzylidene.

[0009] In another embodiment, the present invention may further comprise an anti-fogging layer operable to resist fogging on the lenses of eyewear. The antifogging layer may be placed between the first and second layer or simply under the second layer, such that the area(s) covered by the anti-fogging layer does not affect the function of the second layer. The anti-fogging layer may be placed in the area over the bridge of the nose and/or along the borders of the mask (e.g., on areas most proximal to the eyes of a user or along the upper edge, along the lateral edges of the mask on the cheeks, and/or the bottom along the chin). For example, the anti-fogging layer may be comprised of a sponge that lines the upper edge of the face mask with a thickness in a range of about 1 mm to about 15 mm (e.g., about 5 mm to about 10 mm, or any value or range of values therein), and a width in a range of about 1/4 inch to about five inches (e.g., about 1/2 inch to about 4 inches, or any value or range of values therein). The material of the anti-fogging layer may be a sponge or foam or other material operable to block the movement of one's exhalation from flowing through the upper boundary of the face mask.

[0010] In another embodiment, the present invention may be a protective screen comprised of the hydrophobic, lipophilic material that that may be used in combination with a garment for the purpose of avoiding disruption, smearing, or adsorption of a hydrophilic material by an overlying garment or other covering layer. The device can be used to avoid disruption of any hydrophilic material applied to the skin, such as hydrophilic creams, hydrophilic pharmaceuticals, hydrophilic films, cosmetics, and other hydrophilic materials. For example, smearing, adsorption, and/or absorption of a medication that includes hydrophilic pharmaceutical compounds applied to the skin may be prevented by a garment wearable over the treated area of the skin with a protective screen, patch, or film comprising a hydrophobic material as described herein that may have a circular, elliptical, or polygonal shape and may be attached to the interior of the article of clothing in the area corresponding to the treated area. The hydrophobic material may be incorporated into a patch that includes an adhesive (e.g., around the perimeter of the patch) operable to attach the skin or an overlying garment.

[0011] In some embodiments, the present invention may be related to a hydrophobic liner operable to be secured to a garment, mask, or other wearable item. Such a removable liner may be attached to such wearable item by a securing mechanism, such as an adhesive, hook and loop fasteners, fusible tape/web, buttons, clips or any other suitable attachment mechanism, and may vary depending on the intended usage. For example, for a disposable mask intended for a single use, an inner cosmetic protective liner made of the lipophilic/hydrophobic material may be attached to an inner surface of the premanufactured mask to allow for cosmetic protection. This protective layer may easily be added or removed to allow for full functioning of the mask in circumstances where the user has, for instance, a N95 or K95 mask and would like to add cosmetic protection to these masks without interfering with the filtration. The cosmetic protective layer may further comprise an anti-fogging layer on the surface of the screen that is intended to adhere to the face mask or face mask liner or other suitable apparel. The anti-fogging layer may be in areas of the bridge of the nose, in proximity to the eyes of a user, or around the periphery of the mask liner.

[0012] The present invention includes several embodiments, examples of which are provided below. In one aspect, the present invention relates to a face mask operable to inhibit the spread of airborne pathogens and preventing disruption to cosmetic applications on the skin of a user, comprising a multilayer interior surface that includes a first layer comprised of breathable filtration material, and a second layer comprised of material operable to prevent disruption to the cosmetic applications. The second layer may be interior to the first layer and overlaps the first layer in one or more predetermined areas that leave open area(s) around the wearer's mouth to facilitate breathing. The open areas may be arranged such that they make minimal contact with facial structures of the user. The exposed areas may comprise an area around the user's mouth to allow the wearer to freely move their mouth without constriction or chafing caused by the second layer. The predetermined areas may be areas that generally secure the mask in place and make the most contact with facial structures of the user. The breathable material may be comprised of cotton, paper, polyester, nylon, silk, or a mixture thereof. The material may be operable to resist disruption to the cosmetic application comprises hydrophobic material such as mineral oil, polyester, acrylic, polypropylene, modacrylic, dimethyldibenzylidene sorbitol, ultramarines or a mixture thereof. The mask may also include an anti-fogging layer operable to resist the fogging of lenses on the eyewear of the user. The anti-fogging layer may be placed on the areas of the bridge of the nose, in proximity to the eyes of the user, and below the second layer in all areas overlapping with the second layer.

[0013] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a protective face mask having at least two layers, including a breathable layer to protect the wearer airborne particulates, respiratory droplets, and microbial particles and an inner layer comprising a material operable to prevent disruption to a cosmetic application to the skin of the wearer, and a securing mechanism operable to attach the protective screen to suitable headwear. The inner layer may have a predetermined pattern that includes at least one opening in proximity to the mouth of a user and having a shape that allows the wearer to freely move their mouth without or chafing caused by the inner layer. The securing mechanism may be based on adhesives, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, or clips for attaching to the headwear. The material may be operable to resisting damage to cosmetic arrangements comprises hydrophobic material such as polyester, polypropylene, acrylic, mineral oil, modacrylic, specialized paper, or a mixture thereof. The device may include an anti-fogging layer operable to resist the fogging of lenses on the eyewear of the user. The anti-fogging layer may be placed on the areas in proximity to the eyes of the user on the surface of the protective screen that is intended to adhere to the suitable headwear.

[0014] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to an attachable device for protecting an application of a material to the skin, comprising a layer comprised of a hydrophobic material operable to prevent disruption to a material applied to the skin; and an attachment layer for attachment to a garment or to the skin. The layer includes one or more openings in the hydrophobic material. The device may be configured to be attached to the interior of a face mask and includes an open area for accommodating the shape of a mouth. The hydrophobic material may be polyester, acrylic, modacrylic, or a mixture thereof. The hydrophobic material comprises a hydrophobic coating.

[0015] In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a method of using a face mask operable to inhibit the spread of airborne pathogens and preventing disruption to cosmetic applications on the skin of a user, comprising donning a multilayer interior surface that includes a first layer comprised of breathable filtration material, and a distinct removable second layer comprised of material operable to prevent disruption to the cosmetic applications. The second layer may be interior to the first layer and overlaps the first layer in one or more predetermined areas that leave open area(s) around the wearer's mouth to facilitate breathing and the wearer may decide whether to apply or remove the inner cosmetic protective layer. The open areas may be positioned such that they make minimal contact with facial structures of the user and over an area around the user's mouth to allow the wearer to freely move their mouth without constriction or chafing caused by the second layer. The predetermined areas may be areas that generally secure the mask in place and make the most contact with facial structures of the user. The breathable material may be comprised of cotton, paper, polyester, nylon, silk, or a mixture thereof. The material may be operable to resist disruption to the cosmetic application comprises hydrophobic material such as polyester, mineral oil, acrylic, dimethyldibenzylidene sorbitol, ultramarines, modacrylic, polypropylene or a mixture thereof. The mask may also include an anti-fogging layer operable to resist the fogging of lenses on the eyewear of the user. The anti-fogging layer may be placed on the areas most in proximity to the eyes of the user and below the second layer in all areas overlapping with the second layer.

[0016] In a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to a method of making a face mask operable to inhibit the spread of airborne pathogens and preventing disruption to cosmetic applications on the skin of a user, comprising applying a hydrophobic layer to a first layer comprised of breathable filtration material. The open areas may be arranged such that they make minimal contact with facial structures of the user. The exposed areas may comprise an area around the user's mouth to allow the wearer to freely move their mouth without constriction or chafing caused by the hydrophobic layer. The predetermined areas may be areas that generally secure the mask in place and make the most contact with facial structures of the user. The predetermined areas may be areas that generally secure the mask in place and make the most contact with facial structures of the user. The breathable material may be comprised of cotton, paper, polyester, nylon, silk, or a mixture thereof. The hydrophobic layer may be operable to resist disruption to the cosmetic application comprises hydrophobic material such as polyester, acrylic, modacrylic, or a mixture thereof. Attaching an anti-fogging layer operable to the interior of the mask resist the fogging of lenses on the eyewear of the user. The anti-fogging layer may be placed on the areas most in proximity to the eyes of the user and below the second layer in all areas overlapping with the hydrophobic layer.

[0017] In a sixth aspect, the present invention relates to a method attaching an attachable device to the interior of a garment for protecting an application of a material to the skin, comprising a layer comprised of a hydrophobic material operable to prevent disruption to a material applied to the skin; and an attachment layer for attachment to a garment or to the skin. The layer includes one or more openings in the hydrophobic material. The device may be configured to be attached to the interior of a face mask and includes an open area for accommodating the shape of a mouth. The hydrophobic material may be polyester, ultramarines, acrylic, dimethyldibenzylidene sorbitol, ultramarines modacrylic, polypropylene or a mixture thereof. The hydrophobic material comprises a hydrophobic coating.

[0018] In some embodiments the face mask may be a simple mask that may be worn as a standalone garment. In other embodiments the smear resistant face mask may be incorporated into a shirt, sweatshirt, headwear, jacket, or any suitable apparel.

[0019] It is an object of the present invention to provide a face mask operable to inhibit the spread of infectious diseases while minimizing damage to facial cosmetics.

[0020] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a face mask with breathable and smear resistant properties derived from a multilayer interior surface.

[0021] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a face mask device which may be incorporated into any suitable apparel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] FIG. 1 provides a front perspective view of the face mask, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 2 provides a back-perspective view of the face mask, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 3 provides a front view of the face mask, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 4 provides a back view of the face mask, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 5 provides a left side view of the face mask, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 6 provides a right-side view of the face mask, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 7 provides a top plan view of the face mask, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 8 provides a bottom plan view of the face mask, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 9 provides an environmental view of the arrangement of layers of the mask, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 10 provides a perspective view of a hydrophobic patch, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 11 provides a front and back views of a face mask attachment, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 12 provides a front and back views of a face mask attachment, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 13 provides a front and back views of a face mask attachment, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 14 provides a side view of a face mask attachment, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 15 provides an assembly diagram for a face mask attachment and a face mask, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in reference to these embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that are included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In the following disclosure, specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

[0038] As exemplified in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, present invention relates to an improved face mask 100 operable to minimize disruption, smearing, or removal of facial cosmetics from the skin. Embodiments of the present invention provides a face mask 100 with a multilayered interior surface 101 operable to minimize damage to facial cosmetics while preventing the spread of airborne contagions. The first layer 102 is comprised of breathable filtration material arranged on the interior surface to enable the user to comfortably breath through the mask. The second layer 103 is comprised of hydrophobic and/or lipophobic material arranged to minimize the disruption of cosmetic applications on the skin of the user.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 9, the first layer 102 of the multilayer interior surface 101 may be arranged such that only areas to which the face is exposed are those that generally make little to no contact to the face of a standard user 110. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the exposed areas of the first layer 102 may have a rounded rectangular shape with inward indents 104 or notches on each side to avoid the areas that generally make the most contact with facial structures, such as the cheeks, nose and chin area. Such arrangement of the first layer 102, enable the user to freely move their mouth without the risk of mask induced constriction or chafing. Conversely, second layer 103 may be arranged such that the areas of the interior surface 101 of the mask that generally secure the mask in place and/or make close contact with the facial structures of a user 110 are covered by the second layer. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the second layer 103 of the face mask 100 may just cover the edges, with indents 104 or notches made for areas that require more coverage, such as the nose, chin, or cheek areas.

[0040] In another embodiment, the first layer 102 may only be exposed in areas in proximity to the mouth structures such that the user may freely move their mouth without the risk of mask causing constriction, impingement, or chafing. In another example, the second layer 103 may simply cover all areas of the interior surface 101 of the face mask that are complimentary to the first layer 102. The straps of the face mask 105 may also be arranged or structured such that grasp or securing of the mask 100 via the facial structures are minimized, while maximizing the securing of the mask via other structures, such as the ears or back of the head. In other embodiments, the first and/or second layers may be arranged such that the first layer 102 has little to no overlap with the second layer 103. In such embodiments, the first layer 102 may meet and be attached to the second layer 103 at the border of the second layer 103. For example, to increase breathability, areas of the second layer 103 may be disconnected such that more areas of the first layer are exposed provided the face mask remains resistive to cosmetic damages.

[0041] The smear resistant face mask 100 may vary in shape and size in order to adjust breathability, facial coverage, cosmetic coverage, stability, and/or general user comfort. For example, the face mask 100 may initially have a flat rectangular or elliptical shape operable to cover the user's mouth and nose area during use. The mask 100 may include expandable folds in a horizontal or substantially horizontal direction to allow the mask 100 to be expanded in a vertical direction. As another example, the face mask 100, may also have a conical, hemi-spherical, duckbill or other complex shape and may be firm such that the mask may retain its shape when not in use. In some embodiments, the first layer 102 may be comprised of elastic material, such as a blend of cotton, spandex, polyester, and/or nylon, to stretch or distort its shape to better adapt to the user's 110 facial structure during typical use. In other embodiments, the first layer 102 may be comprised of inelastic materials, such as paper, with bends or seams arranged in a manner enabling the shape of the mask to adapt to the user's 110 facial structure.

[0042] In some embodiments, the first layer 102 of the face mask 100 is comprised primarily of breathable filtration material, such as cotton, paper, polyester, nylon, silk or a mixture thereof, that enable the user to comfortably breath through the mask. It should be understood that materials that comprise the first layer 102 may further comprise a substantial amount of non-breathable materials granted the mask is still substantially breathable and provides sufficient filtration to reduce or prevent droplet and/or aerial transmission of pathogens. The second layer 103 is comprised primarily of lipophilic/hydrophobic materials such as polyester, polypropylene, dimethyldibenzylidene sorbitol, ultramarines acrylic, modacrylic, mineral oil or other specialized fabric with lipophilic/hydrophobic properties, that enable the mask to avoid disrupting, smearing, and/or absorb cosmetic substances. The straps 105 of the masks may be comprised of similar material to the second layer so that the straps may also have lipophilic/hydrophobic properties. Similarly, the materials that comprise the second layer 103 may further comprise hydrophilic materials such that the layer is still substantially hydrophobic and therefore has no effect on aqueous based cosmetics.

[0043] In other embodiments, the present invention may further comprise an anti-fogging layer 110 operable to resist fogging on the lenses of eyewear. The antifogging layer 110 may be placed in between the first layer 102 and second layer 103 or simply under the second layer 103, such that the area(s) of the mask 100 in which the anti-fogging layer 110 is positioned so as not to affect the function of the second layer 103. The anti-fogging layer 110 may be placed on the areas most proximal to the eyes of a user or along the upper edge of the mask 100. For example, the anti-fogging layer 110 may be comprised of a fog resistant sponge that lines the upper edge of the face mask 100 with the width of about an inch. The material of the anti-fogging layer 110 may be a sponge or foam or any material known in the art for its anti-fogging properties.

[0044] In other embodiments, the present invention may be a protective screen 120 comprised of the hydrophobic and/or lipophilic material having an opening 121, and a securing mechanism 122, as shown in FIG. 10. This enables the protective device 120 to be used with various articles of clothing or on the skin to protect cosmetic applications or other skin applications (e.g., medications, etc.). For example, the protective screen 120 may be appended to a standard face mask (N95, K 95 or other) to minimize the disruption of cosmetics applied to the face. In such embodiments, the protective screen 120 may have a circular, elliptical, or other complex polygonal shape and may depend on the article of clothing to which it will be applied. The opening 121 may be shaped and located to enable the user to freely move their mouth without the risk of constriction or chafing induced by the screen. For example, the opening 121 may be located in proximity to the mouth area and have a rounded rectangular shape with inward indents or notches on each side such that the user may freely move their mouth without constriction or chafing induced by the screen 120. In such embodiments, the securing mechanism 122 may be a clip, hook and loop fasteners, fusible tape/web, buttons, an adhesive or any other suitable attachment mechanism, and may vary depending on the intended usage. For example, for a disposable mask intended for a single use, the securing mechanism 122 may comprise a series of clips or an adhesive layer on one side of the protective screen 120. The protective screen may further comprise an anti-fogging layer on the surface of the screen that is intended to adhere to the face mask or other suitable apparel. The anti-fogging layer may be areas in proximity to the eyes of a user or the upper edge of the protective screen.

[0045] FIGS. 11-15 show various embodiments of a protective screen comprised of the hydrophobic and/or lipophilic material according to the present invention. In FIG. 11, a protective screen 120A is shown having an inner hydrophobic layer 123A for interfacing with the skin of the wearer and an outer semi-rigid layer 121A. The outer layer 121A may provide structure to keep the inner hydrophobic layer 123A in proper position over the mouth and proximal areas of the wearer's face. The semi-rigid outer layer may be flexible to allow the wearer to adjust its shape to fit their particular anatomy. For example, the semi-rigid outer layer 121A may comprise a flexible cardboard, cardstock layer, or other formable layer that can be shaped to the better fit the wearer's facial structure. This protective device 120A that can be used with masks having a basic rectangular shape to protect cosmetic applications or other skin applications (e.g., medications, etc.). The protective screen 120A may have a substantially rectangular shape and the outer layer 121A may include an opening 122A, and the inner hydrophobic layer 123A may include an opening 124A that together facilitate breathing and communication. The openings 122A and 124A may each have a rounded rectangular shape located at the position of the wearer's mouth to enable the user to breathe freely. A securing mechanism may allow the protective screen 120A to be installed on the interior side of a face mask, thereby providing the protective hydrophobic layer 123A over the wearer's face. The securing mechanism may be one or more clips 125 to secure the protective screen 120A to the mask 150A. The protective screen may further comprise an anti-fogging layer on the surface of the screen that is intended to adhere to the face mask or other suitable apparel. The anti-fogging layer may be areas in proximity to the eyes of a user or the upper edge of the protective screen.

[0046] FIG. 12 shows a protective screen 120B comprised of a semi-rigid outer layer 121B having an opening 122B, a hydrophobic and/or lipophilic inner layer 123B, and a securing mechanism 125. The protective screen 120B may be appended to a standard face mask to minimize the disruption of cosmetics applied to the face. The hydrophobic layer 123B may have two crescent portions that are positioned above and below the opening 122B, such that they are positioned above and below the mouth when worn. The two crescent portions together form an elliptically shaped hydrophobic barrier 123B. The opening 122B may be shaped and located to enable the user to breath freely. For example, the opening 122B may be located in proximity to the mouth area and have an elliptical shape. In such embodiments, the securing mechanism 125 may be one or more clips, or any other suitable attachment mechanism, and may vary depending on the intended usage. The protective screen may further comprise an anti-fogging layer on the surface of the screen that is intended to adhere to the face mask or other suitable apparel. The anti-fogging layer may be areas in proximity to the eyes of a user or the upper edge of the protective screen.

[0047] FIG. 13 shows a protective screen 120C comprised of the hydrophobic and/or lipophilic material layer 123C, an outer layer 121B, and a securing mechanism 125. The protective device 120C may be operable to be used as a patch for various locations on the skin to protect hydrophobic compositions applied to the skin, such as lotions, creams, medicaments, etc. from absorption, removal, and other disruptions by overlying articles of clothing or other materials. The attachment mechanism may be an adhesive layer operable to safely adhere to the skin or tissue of the wearer, such as silicone-based adhesives, polydimethylsiloxanes (SAP) based adhesives, poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) based adhesives, cyanoacrylate monomers (e.g., 2-Octyl-cyanoacrylate, n-2-Butyl-cyanoacrylate, 2-Ethyl-cyanoacrylate, and combinations thereof), and other tissue-safe adhesives.

[0048] FIG. 14 provides a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a protective screen 120 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The protective screen may include a three-layer sandwich structure than includes an outer semi-rigid layer 121 for providing structure and shape to the protective screen 120, an anti-fogging layer 125 in mechanical connection to the outer layer 121 for preventing fogging in the glasses or other devices worn by the user, and the hydrophobic layer 123 that interfaces with the skin of the wearer to prevent smearing or other disruption of cosmetics or other hydrophobic compositions applied to the skin of the wearer. The anti-fogging layer 125 may be positioned only along the area of the protective screen 120 that is positioned below the eyes and over the nose of the wearer. In other examples, the anti-fogging layer 125 may be positioned along the entire perimeter of the hydrophobic layer 123, thereby catching moisture along the entire border of the protective screen 120. The outer layer 121, the anti-fogging layer 125, and the hydrophobic layer 123 may be mechanically connected to each other by adhesive, such as silicone adhesives, polyester adhesives, polyamide adhesive, polyurethane adhesives, cyanoacrylate adhesives, and other appropriate adhesives.

[0049] FIG. 15 provides views of the process of attaching the protective screen 120A to a face mask 150A, as an example of use of the protective screen embodiments. The protective screen 120A may be placed in alignment with the mask 150A, such that the protective screen 120A is position on the interior side of the face mask 150A. The clips 125 may then be used to clasp the outer layer 121 to the face mask 150A in multiple locations, as shown in FIG. 15. The combined mask 150A and protective screen 120A may be applied to the user's face using the bands 105.

[0050] It should be understood that the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. A protective structure operable to inhibit the spread of airborne pathogens and preventing disruption to cosmetic applications on the skin of a user, comprising: a. a multilayer structure having a structural layer comprised of breathable material and operable to maintain a pre-determined shape; and b. an inner second layer comprised of hydrophobic material operable to contact the face of the user without causing disruption to said cosmetic applications, wherein the said second layer is interior to said structural layer and comprises at least one open area that exposes said structural layer to facilitate breathing.

2. (canceled)

3. The protective structure of claim 1, wherein said at least one open areas is arranged such that said structural layer makes minimal contact with facial structures of said user during wear.

4. (canceled)

5. The protective structure of claim 1, wherein said protective structure is operable to be attached to the inner surface of a face mask.

6. The protective structure of claim 1, wherein said structural layer comprises a semi-rigid material.

7. The protective structure of claim 1, wherein said inner material operable to resist disruption to said cosmetic application comprises hydrophobic material including one or more of mineral oil, polyester, acrylic, dimethyldibenzylidene sorbitol, ultramarines, modacrylic, and polypropylene.

8. (canceled)

9. (canceled)

10. The protective structure of claim 1, wherein said structural layer comprises a semi-rigid paper material.

11. (canceled)

12. A protective mask insert having at least two layers, including a structural layer and an inner hydrophobic layer comprising a material operable to contact the face of the user without causing disruption to compositions applied to the skin of the user, and a securing mechanism operable to attach said protective mask insert to suitable headwear or the user's head.

13. The insert of claim 12, wherein said inner hydrophobic layer has a predetermined pattern that includes at least one opening in proximity to the mouth of a user and having a shape that allows the user to freely move their mouth without chafing caused by said inner hydrophobic layer, when worn.

14. (canceled)

15. The insert of claim 12, wherein said material operable to resist disruption to composition applied to the skin comprises hydrophobic material including one or more mineral oil, polyester, polypropylene, acrylic, modacrylic, dimethyldibenzylidene sorbitol, ultramarines, and specialized paper.

16. (canceled)

17. (canceled)

18. (canceled)

19. An attachable device operable to protect an application of a material to the skin, comprising: a. a layer comprised of a hydrophobic material operable to contact the skin of the user without causing disruption to a topical material applied thereto; and b. an attachment layer operable to attach to a surface on a garment or the skin of a user.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein said hydrophobic layer includes one or more openings in said hydrophobic material.

21. The device of claim 19, wherein said device is configured to be attached to an interior of a face mask and includes an open area for accommodating the shape of a mouth.

22. The device of claim 19, wherein said hydrophobic material is mineral oil, polyester, polypropylene, acrylic, dimethyldibenzylidene sorbitol, ultramarines, modacrylic, or a mixture thereof.

23. The device of claim 19, wherein said hydrophobic material comprises a hydrophobic coating.