Garment mask for filtering breathable particles

Abstract

A garment formed of a fabric that permits passage of inhaled and exhaled breath therethrough, comprising a portion of the garment optionally configurable between a first mode wherein the portion is folded away from the mouth and nose of a wearer of the garment and a second mode wherein the portion is disposed over the mouth and nose of a wearer of the garment, and an element of a medical filtration material disposed within the portion such that the element is positioned in the pathway of the inhaled and exhaled breath when the garment is in the second mode.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A garment formed of a fabric that permits passage of inhaled and exhaled breath therethrough, comprising:
 a) a portion of said garment optionally configurable between a first mode wherein said portion is folded away from the mouth and nose of a wearer of said garment and a second mode wherein said portion is disposed over the mouth and nose of a wearer of said garment; and   b) an element of a medical filtration material disposed within said portion such that said element is positioned in the pathway of said inhaled and exhaled breath when said garment is in said second mode.   
     
     
         2 . A garment in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said garment is in the form of a turtleneck garment having a turtleneck collar wherein said portion is part of said turtleneck collar and is folded over the remainder of said turtleneck collar when said garment is in said first mode and is unfolded from said remainder of said turtleneck collar when said garment is in said second mode. 
     
     
         3 . A garment in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said element of medical filtration material is selected from the group consisting of PM2.5, N95, and N99. 
     
     
         4 . A garment in accordance with  claim 1  further comprising a pouch disposed within said portion for receiving and removably retaining said element of medical filtration material. 
     
     
         5 . A garment in accordance with  claim 1  further comprising a deformable nose bridge insert disposed in said portion. 
     
     
         6 . A garment in accordance with  claim 1  further comprising a drawcord and releasable catch disposed within said portion. 
     
     
         7 . A garment in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said garment type is selected from the group consisting of shirt, bib, dickey, and sweater. 
     
     
         8 . A garment in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said fabric is formed by knitting. 
     
     
         9 . A garment in accordance with  claim 2  further comprising a bodice attached to said turtleneck collar. 
     
     
         10 . A method for forming a respiratory mask, comprising the steps of:
 a) providing a garment formed of a fabric that permits passage of inhaled and exhaled breath therethrough, a portion of said garment being optionally configurable between a first mode wherein said portion is folded away from the mouth and nose of a wearer of said garment and a second mode wherein said portion is disposed over the mouth and nose of a wearer of said garment, said garment further including an element of a medical filtration material disposed within said portion such that said element is positioned in the pathway of said inhaled and exhaled breath when said garment is in said second mode; and   b) unfolding said portion from said first mode to said second mode.   
     
     
         11 . A method in accordance with  claim 10  wherein said garment is in the form of a turtleneck garment having a turtleneck collar wherein said portion is part of said turtleneck collar and is folded over the remainder of said turtleneck collar when said garment is in said first mode and is unfolded from said remainder of said turtleneck collar when said garment is in said second mode.