Safe Dining Mask

Abstract

This present invention relates to a modified face mask that helps to reduce the spread of airborne pathogens while allowing the wearer to eat and drink without removing their mask. The dual-layer face mask features an internal frame and a middle hinge that allows a user to pull one layer of the mask outwards in a diamond-like shape to create space under the mask, enables the user to insert an eating utensil or straw into their mouth while consuming food or beverages. In this manner, the face mask of the present invention improves the safety of the users and prevents the spread of infectious diseases.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A protective mask configured to provide a protective barrier to a face of a user, the protective mask comprising:
 a first inner layer including a first frame;   a second outer layer including a second frame;   said second outer layer hingedly connected to said first inner layer;   wherein said outer layer hingedly movable from a first orientation adjacent to said first inner layer and a second orientation spaced from said first layer;   said second orientation includes a space between said outer layer and said inner layer for access to a user's mouth; and   said first frame including at least a first anchor point on the user's nose ridge for supporting said mask when said second layer is moved back and forth from said first orientation to said second orientation.   
     
     
         2 . The protective mask of  claim 1 , wherein said second frame includes a right protruding member and a left protruding member, and said right and left protruding members are slidable between loops mounted on a bottom edge of said first frame. 
     
     
         3 . The protective mask of  claim 1 , wherein said space includes access for an eating utensil. 
     
     
         4 . The protective mask of  claim 3 , wherein said eating utensil is selected from a group consisting of a fork, a spoon, and a straw. 
     
     
         5 . The protective mask of  claim 4 , wherein said first layer and said second layer material are selected from a group consisting of a polypropylene, a cotton weave, and a polyester. 
     
     
         6 . The protective mask of  claim 1  further comprising a first arm and a second arm for retention over a user's first ear and second ear, respectively. 
     
     
         7 . The protective mask of  claim 6 , wherein said first arm provides a second anchor point and said second arm provides a third anchor point for supporting said first frame when said second layer is moved back and forth from said first orientation to said second orientation. 
     
     
         8 . The protective mask of  claim 7 , wherein said first anchor point is adjacent to a top of a center hinge of said second frame. 
     
     
         9 . The protective mask of  claim 8  further comprising eye shields mounted to said first frame for shielding the eyes of the user. 
     
     
         10 . A protective mask configured to provide a protective barrier to a face of a user, the protective mask comprising:
 a first inner layer including a first frame;   a second outer layer including a second frame;   said second outer layer hingedly connected to said first inner layer;   wherein said second outer layer hingedly movable from a first orientation adjacent to said first inner layer and a second orientation spaced from said first layer; and   said second orientation includes a space between said outer layer and said inner layer for access to a user's mouth, wherein said second frame includes a right protruding member and a left protruding member, and further wherein said protruding members slidable between loops mounted on a bottom edge of said first frame.   
     
     
         11 . The protective mask of  claim 10 , wherein said space includes access for an eating utensil. 
     
     
         12 . The protective mask of  claim 11 , wherein said eating utensil is selected from a group consisting of a fork, a spoon, and a straw. 
     
     
         13 . The protective mask of  claim 12 , wherein said first layer and said second layer material are selected from a group consisting of a polypropylene, a cotton weave, and a polyester. 
     
     
         14 . The protective mask of  claim 10 , wherein said first frame including at least a first anchor point on the user's nose ridge for supporting said mask when said second layer is moved back and forth from said first orientation to said second orientation. 
     
     
         15 . The protective mask of  claim 14  further comprising a first arm and a second arm for retention over a user's first ear and second ear, respectively. 
     
     
         16 . The protective mask of  claim 15 , wherein said first arm provides a second anchor point and said second arm provides a third anchor point for supporting said first frame when said second layer is moved back and forth from said first orientation to said second orientation. 
     
     
         17 . The protective mask of  claim 16 , wherein said first anchor point is adjacent to a top of a center hinge of said second frame. 
     
     
         18 . The protective mask of  claim 17  further comprising at least one eye shield mounted to said first frame for shielding a user's eyes. 
     
     
         19 . A protective mask configured to provide a protective barrier to a face of a user, the protective mask comprising:
 a first inner layer including a first frame;   a second outer layer including a second frame, wherein said second outer layer is attached to, but repositionable in relation to, said first inner layer, and further wherein said second outer layer is repositionable between a first orientation adjacent to said first inner layer and a second orientation spaced from said first layer; and   said second orientation includes a space between said outer layer and said inner layer for access to a user's mouth.   
     
     
         20 . The protective mask of  claim 19  further comprising at least one eye shield mounted to said first frame for shielding a user's eyes.