Mask with integral handle

Abstract

Described herein are masks for entertainment purposes. The masks are characterized by the absence of means to secure the mask in its intended position. The masks are further characterized by inclusion of an integral handle, wherein the handle is part of the mask design itself. The integral handle is further disposed to provide a natural pose when the mask is held in an intended position by the user.

1 . An unsecured mask comprising a mask design and a handle integral to the mask design, wherein by grasping the integral handle and positioning the mask in the intended position, a user's hand is disposed in a natural pose as viewed by a viewer from at least one point of view, wherein a visual effect of the intended position is that the user's hand is disposed in a position that the user's hand would assume if the user were grasping an actual item represented by the mask. 
     
     
         2 . The mask of  claim 1  wherein the integral handle is designed to be grasped by one hand. 
     
     
         3 . The mask of  claim 1  comprising two or more integral handles. 
     
     
         4 . The mask of  claim 3  wherein the mask is designed to be grasped by two users. 
     
     
         5 . The mask of  claim 1  wherein the intended position is proximal to the user's head. 
     
     
         6 . The mask of  claim 5  wherein the intended position further covers a portion of the face. 
     
     
         7 . The mask of  claim 1  wherein the mask is substantially planar and comprises a first major side and a second major side, wherein the mask design is printed on the first major side. 
     
     
         8 . The mask of  claim 7  wherein the mask design is a first mask design and further comprising a second design printed on the second major side thereof. 
     
     
         9 . The mask of  claim 8  wherein the second mask design is intended to provide a second view by a viewer from a second point of view. 
     
     
         10 . The mask of  claim 8  wherein the second mask design is intended to provide a reversible mask. 
     
     
         11 . A kit comprising two or more masks of  claim 1  and optionally one or more props. 
     
     
         12 . A method of using a mask, comprising
 a. forming a mask shape from a planar substrate, the substrate having a first major side and a second major side, the shape comprising an integral handle;   b. printing a mask design on at least the first major side to form a planar mask;   c. grasping the integral handle by a user; and   d. positioning the mask in an intended position by the user, wherein the positioning results in a natural pose as viewed by a viewer from at least one point of view, wherein a visual effect of the intended position is that the user's hand is disposed in a position that the user's hand would assume if the user were grasping an actual item represented by the mask.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein b. is carried out before a., further wherein the mask shape substantially corresponds to the mask design. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12  further comprising printing a second mask design on the second major side. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the grasping is accomplished using at least one hand of at least one user, further wherein the positioning is proximal to the at least one user's head. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12  further comprising viewing the user by a viewer. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16  further comprising recording an image of the user.