Face mask having closable opening and method of reducing exposure to respiratory illness

Abstract

A face mask having an opening covered by a flap is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of reducing exposure to a respiratory illness while eating or drinking.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A face mask to be worn by a wearer for reducing exposure to a respiratory illness which allows eating or drinking, the mask comprising:
 a cloth having a shape to cover a lower portion of the wearer's face including at least a portion of the wearer's nose;   a mouth opening through the cloth for the mouth of the wearer;   a flap for selectively covering the opening; and   one or more straps for holding the mask on the wearer's face and the opening over the wearer's mouth, the opening when uncovered providing access to the mouth.   
     
     
         2 . The face mask of  claim 1  further comprising a first clasp for securing the flap over the opening, a first portion of the first clasp attached to the cloth on a first side of the mask selected from the right side or the left side and a second portion of the first clasp attached to the flap. 
     
     
         3 . The face mask of  claim 2  wherein the flap comprises a free end, the second portion of the first clasp attached proximal to the free end, the free end extending more than about 0.5 inches away from the mouth opening. 
     
     
         4 . The face mask of  claim 2  wherein the first portion of the first clasp is located more than about 0.5 inches from the mouth opening. 
     
     
         5 . The face mask of  claim 2  further comprising a second clasp for securing the flap away from the opening, a first portion of the second clasp attached to the cloth on a second side of the mask opposed to the first side and a second portion of the second clasp attached to the flap. 
     
     
         6 . The face mask of  claim 3  wherein the first portion of the first clasp comprises a first magnet, the second portion of the first clasp comprises a second magnet, the first portion of the second clasp comprises a third magnet, and the second portion of the second clasp comprises the second magnet. 
     
     
         7 . The face mask of  claim 6  wherein the flap comprises a free end, the second magnet attached proximal to the free end. 
     
     
         8 . The face mask of  claim 7  wherein the free end extends more than about 0.5 inches away from the mouth opening. 
     
     
         9 . The face mask of  claim 6  wherein the first magnet is located more than about 0.5 inches away from the mouth opening. 
     
     
         10 . A method of reducing exposure to a respiratory illness while eating or drinking, the method comprising:
 wearing a face mask over a face of the wearer including over the wearer's mouth and at least a portion of the wearer's nose, the face mask comprising (1) a cloth having a shape to cover a lower portion of the wearer's face, (2) a mouth opening through the cloth for the mouth of the wearer, (3) a flap for selectively covering the opening, and (4) one or more straps for holding the mask on the wearer's face and the opening over the wearer's mouth;   opening the flap uncovering the mouth opening;   inserting an item into the mouth through the uncovered mouth opening; and   closing the flap after the insertion to cover the mouth opening.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein opening the flap comprises grasping a free end of the flap, the free end extending more than about 0.5 inches away from the mouth opening. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the mask further comprises a first clasp for securing the flap over the opening, a first portion of the first clasp attached to the cloth on a first side of the mask selected from the right side or the left side and a second portion of the first clasp attached to the flap, the first portion located more than about 0.5 inches from the mouth opening and wherein opening the flap comprises unfastening the first clasp holding the flap over the mouth opening. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the mask further comprises a second clasp for securing the flap away from the opening, a first portion of the second clasp attached to the cloth on a second side of the mask opposed to the first side and a second portion of the second clasp attached to the flap, the method further comprising fastening the second clasp to hold the flap away from the mouth opening before the insertion.