Facemask

Abstract

A facemask, comprising proximal and distal layers enclosing a structural member which is oriented collateral with a user’s mouth. The facemask also comprises a means to affix the facemask to the user’s face using either ear loops or tie straps. The structural member is configured to inhibit the proximal layer from engaging the user’s mouth or nose, and the member is adapted to reduce movement of the facemask during speech. The structural member is made from either a flexible material such as rubber or silicone, or a semi-rigid material such as metal.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A facemask, comprising:
 a proximal layer;   a distal layer;   a structural member oriented collateral with a user’s mouth; and   a means to affix the facemask to the user’s face;   wherein the proximal layer and distal layers are configured to enclose the structural member from opposite sides; wherein the structural member is configured to inhibit the proximal layer from engaging the user’s mouth or nose; and wherein the structural member is adapted to reduce movement of the facemask during speech.   
     
     
         2 . The facemask of  claim 1 , wherein the facemask encloses the user’s mouth and nose. 
     
     
         3 . The facemask of  claim 1 , wherein the structural member protrudes away from the user’s mouth. 
     
     
         4 . The facemask of  claim 1 , wherein the structural member is made of a flexible material. 
     
     
         5 . The facemask of  claim 1 , wherein the structural member is made of a semirigid material. 
     
     
         6 . The facemask of  claim 1 , wherein the means to affix the facemask to the user’s face comprises ear loops. 
     
     
         7 . The facemask of  claim 1 , wherein the means to affix the facemask to the user’s face comprises straps. 
     
     
         8 . A facemask, comprising:
 a proximal layer;   a distal layer; and   a structural member enclosed from opposite sides by the proximal and distal layers and adapted to reduce movement of the facemask during speech;   wherein the structural member is configured to inhibit the proximal layer from engaging a user’s mouth or nose.   
     
     
         9 . The facemask of  claim 8 , wherein the structural member is made of a flexible material oriented collateral with the user’s mouth. 
     
     
         10 . The facemask of  claim 8 , wherein the structural member is made of a semirigid material oriented collateral with the user’s mouth. 
     
     
         11 . The facemask of  claim 9 , wherein the facemask encloses the user’s mouth and nose. 
     
     
         12 . The facemask of  claim 8 , further comprising a means to affix the facemask to the user’s face. 
     
     
         13 . A facemask configured to inhibit engaging a user’s mouth or nose, comprising:
 a proximal layer; 
 a distal layer; 
 a structural member enclosed from opposite sides by the proximal and distal layers; and 
 a means for affixing the facemask to the user’s face; 
 wherein the structural member is made of a flexible material oriented collateral with the user’s mouth; and wherein the structural member is adapted to reduce movement of the facemask during speech.