Fog-Preventing Face Mask Device

Abstract

A face mask accessory or assembly that inhibits the passage of fog-causing breath vapors between a face mask, such as a surgical or fabric mask, and a wearer's eyewear. The device may further assist in maintaining the intended fit and functionality of both the mask and glasses, and may be shipped flat. In some embodiments, the accessory is removable, adjustable and/or reusable. In other embodiments, the assembly is a face mask integrated with an anti-fogging flange.

1 . A face mask accessory comprising:
 a flexible substantially planar flange body having a proximal plane and a distal plane, said flange body having a top, a scalloped bottom, and two sides, wherein said scalloped bottom comprises two arcuate portions and a bridge portion thereinbetween; and   attaching means proximate to the top of the flange body for attaching said flange body to a face mask,   wherein when the flange body is attached to the face mask using the attaching means, the scalloped bottom is capable of being folded upward, such that when the face mask fitted with the flange body and worn by a wearer, the arcuate portions and bridge are in continuous contact with the wearer's face, and breath vapors exhaled by the user are substantially prevented from rising toward the wearer's eyes.   
     
     
         2 . The face mask accessory according to  claim 1 , wherein said attaching means comprises one or more clip members, located proximate to the top of the flange body, so as to allow attachment of the flange body to the face mask by folding the top of the flange body over a top of the face mask. 
     
     
         3 . The face mask accessory of  claim 1 , wherein the attaching means comprises an adhesive portion along the top of the flange body. 
     
     
         4 . The face mask accessory according to  claim 1 , wherein said attaching means comprises an adhesive strip along substantially the entire length of the top of the flange body. 
     
     
         5 . The mask accessory according to  claim 4 , wherein a top of the flange body is substantially linear. 
     
     
         6 . The face mask accessory according to  claim 5 , wherein said top of the flange body comprises two substantially co-linear portions, wherein the mask attaching means comprises two respective mask attaching means. 
     
     
         7 . The face mask accessory according to  claim 6 , wherein the substantially co-linear portions are separated by a perforation. 
     
     
         8 . The face mask accessory according to  claim 7 , wherein the substantially co-linear portions are offset from each other, and the offset angle is no greater than 30 degrees. 
     
     
         9 . The face mask accessory according to  claim 8 , wherein the substantially co-linear portions are offset from each other, and the offset angle is no greater than 15 degrees. 
     
     
         10 . An anti-fogging face mask comprising:
 a face mask having an interior and an exterior; and   a flexible substantially planar flange having a proximal plane and a distal plane, said flange having a top, a scalloped bottom, and two sides,   wherein said scalloped bottom comprises two arcuate portions and a bridge thereinbetween,   wherein said flange is attached to the face mask proximate to the top of the flange, and   wherein the scalloped bottom is capable of being folded upward, such that when the face mask fitted with the accessory body is worn by a wearer, the arcuate portions and bridge are in continuous contact with the wearer's face, and breath vapors exhaled by the wearer are substantially prevented from rising to the wearer's eyes.   
     
     
         11 . The face mask accessory according to  claim 10 , wherein said flange is attached to the face mask using adhesive. 
     
     
         12 . A face mask accessory comprising:
 a flexible substantially planar flange body having a proximal plane and a distal plane, said flange body haying a top and an arched bottom; and   attaching means proximate to the top of the flange body for attaching said flange body to a face mask,   
       wherein when the flange body is attached to the face mask using the attaching means, the arched bottom is capable of being folded upward, such that when the face mask fitted with the flange body and worn by a wearer, the arched portion is in continuous contact with the wearer's face, and breath vapors exhaled by the user are substantially prevented from rising toward the wearer's eyes.