RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/070,738, filed on August 26, 2020; the aforementioned priority application being hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0002] Examples relate to wearable items formed from water- dissolvable material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] FIG. 1A is a frontal view of a protective face mask, according to one or more examples.

[0004] FIG. IB is a frontal perspective view of a protective face mask of FIG. 1A, according to one or more examples.

[0005] FIG. 1C is a side perspective view of a protective face mask of FIG. 1A, according to one or more examples.

[0006] FIG. ID is rear view of a protective face mask of FIG. 1A, according to one or more examples.

[0007] FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 each illustrate alternative protective face masks, according to one or more examples.

[0008] FIG. 4A through FIG. 4D illustrate a process to create a protective face mask such as described with FIG. 1A through FIG. ID, according to one or more examples.

[0009] FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B illustrate a conical face mask formed from water-dissolvable material, according to one or more embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 6A through FIG. 6C illustrates a filtered mask formed from water dissolvable material, according to one or more embodiments.

[0011] FIG. 7 illustrates a glove formed from water dissolvable material, according to one or more embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 8 illustrates a hospital gown formed from water dissolvable material, according to one or more embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 9 illustrates a seat cover formed from water dissolvable material, according to one or more embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Embodiments include a wearable item comprising a water- dissolvable material that forms at least a majority of the wearable item. In examples, the wearable item corresponds to a covering for a portion of a person's body. In specific examples, the wearable item is in the form of a glove, mitten, protective mask or a hospital gown.

[0015] In embodiments, the water-dissolvable material is a non-woven textile formed from polyvinyl alcohol, or other materials such as polyethylene glycol, polyacrylamide, poly(acrylic acid), poly(methacrylic acid) or water soluble paper material.

[0016] In some examples, the wearable item is formed using a segment of water-dissolvable material that is joined with another segment of material (which may also be water-dissolvable). The segments of material can be cut, shaped and joined using one or more types of material connections. For example, the segments can be stitched or adhered to one another. In some examples, segments are adhered to one another using water-dissolvable thread, which can, for example, stitch the segments together. In other examples, adhesives (including polyvinyl alcohol adhesives) can be used to adhere segments together.

[0017] In some examples, the wearable item forms a protective covering for a user. Still further, as a protective covering, the wearable item can be combined with a filter to form, for example, a protective mask that can filter out 95% or more particulates, under the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) N95 classification.

[0018] In variations, embodiments provide for liners, shields and partitions formed from water-dissolvable material. For example, embodiments as described include seat covers (e.g., for toilet) and hospital curtains.

[0019] Still further, some embodiments provide for a protective face mask that is formed from water-dissolvable material(s). In some examples, a protective face mask is provided which is substantially dissolvable in water. In examples, a protective face mask covers at least the mouth of a user. The face cover of a protective face mask can also include an airgap or space to allow for the user to breathe. [0020] According to some embodiments, a protective mask includes a face cover and a pair of fastening mechanisms. The face cover is dimensioned to cover a nose and mouth of a user, and the first and second fastening mechanism are structured to fasten the face cover to a head of the user, such that the face cover is positionable in front of a face of the user. At least the face cover is formed from a water-dissolvable material such as polyvinyl alcohol.

[0021] According to some examples, a protective face mask is formed from material that is fully dissolvable with water, leaving no residue or toxicity in the resulting solution. As a result, the protective mask can be readily disposed of in toilets and sinks, without noticeable impact to the environment.

[0022] Additionally, in some examples, the water-dissolvable material used with embodiments as described is non-aqueous, inert and innocuous. Further, the material is selected to have minimal impact to environment, such that the material is devoid of micro plastics, micro solids, petrol chemicals, oils or other constituents that have detrimental impact on the environment. In this way, examples provide for a protective face mask (or other wearable item, liner, partition, etc.) formed from water-dissolvable material that is safe for people, plants, animals, oceans, watersheds, septic systems and soil.

[0023] In some examples, a protective single-use face mask is provided that is fully dissolvable in water. Such face masks can be distributed at places where people are expected to gather or pass through, such as retail stores, community centers, schools, mass-transit vehicles and stops, etc. Moreover, as the face masks are fully dissolvable, they can be distributed in such places without concern of disposed facemasks littering the location or surrounding environment.

[0024] Water-dissolvable material includes any material that will substantially dissolve or disperse when brought into contact with water. As used herein, the term "substantially" means at least "55%" of a stated quantity or amount. In context of examples as described, a material or structure is said to substantially dissolve if the application of water causes at least 55% of the material (as measured by weight or volume) to dissolve within 1 hour. [0025] In embodiments, for a wearable item (e.g., protective face mask, glove, hospital gown, etc.) or other item (e.g., seat cover, hospital curtain, etc.), the percentage of the item as a whole that dissolves in water may exceed 50% of the weight or volume of the item. Thus, in embodiments, a "majority" of an item that may dissolve can exceed 50% of the total weight and/or volume of the item. In some variations, the percentage of an item that may dissolve in water can exceed 70%, 90% or 95% or more, depending on the type of water-dissolvable material, the material connections and the amount of non-water-dissolvable material that is used. [0026] Polyvinyl alcohol, also known as PVOH, PVA, or PVAL, is a synthetic hydrophilic polymer that is manufactured from the polymerization of vinyl acetate. The material can be manufactured in sheets, ribbons, strings or other forms that are woven or non-woven and cloth-like. With application of water, the material fully dissolves, usually in less than 1-2 minutes, leaving no harmful or toxic residue, and causing no harmful effects to the resulting solution.

[0027] Other types of water-dissolvable materials which can be used with examples as described include, for example, polyethylene glycol, polyacrylamide, poly(acrylic acid), poly(methacrylic acid) and water soluble paper material (e.g., such as distributed as SMARTSOLVE material).

[0028] FIG. 1A through FIG. ID illustrate a protective face mask, according to one or more examples. In particular, FIG. 1A through FIG. ID describe a protective face mask 100 that is formed from water-dissolvable material, such as polyvinyl alcohol non-woven textile. In this way, the protective face mask 100 can be readily disposed of by a user or facilities operator, without leaving any noticeable impact to the environment.

[0029] With reference to FIG. 1A and FIG. IB, the protective face mask 100 includes a face cover 110 and a pair of fastening members 120. The pair of fastening members 120 can be assembled to fit over a wearer's ear or head, with the face cover 110 forming a protective shield over the user's mouth and nose. As described with various examples, the face mask 100 can be structured to be single-use and disposable. Moreover, the face mask 100 can be formed from water-dissolvable material such that the masks can be readily disposed of after use. For example, the user can toss the face mask 100 in a toilet, sink or cup of water to fully dissolve the mask. In facilities where numerous visitors are expected to wear masks, an operator can make the face mask 100 available, and further dispense disposed masks through application of water (e.g., through toilet, sink, hose, rain, curbside street run-off water, dew and atmospheric moisture, etc.). In this way, the facilities operator can dispose of the face masks using existing equipment and infrastructure, and without causing any negative impact to the environment. [0030] As shown by examples, the face cover 110 is rectangular, extending between lateral sides 122 that define a length (L) of the face cover 110, and between a top side 102 and a bottom side 112 that define a with (W) of the face cover 110. The dimensions (L, W) can be selected so that the face cover 110 covers the mouth the nostrils of the wearer, while other portions of the wearer's face (e.g., eyes and forehead) are uncovered. The face cover 110 includes an interior side 108 that opposes the face of the wearer when the face mask 100 is worn. In variations, the face cover 110 can be shaped into alternative polygonal shapes, including contours that are dimension to encompass a wearer's nostrils and mouth.

[0031] The pair of fastening members 120 can be in form of, for example, ribbons, that provide loops that can be positioned around a user's ear or head, so as to position the face cover 110 over the mouth and nose of the user. In some examples, the face mask 100 is fully assembled, with each of the fastening members 120 being attached to the face cover 110. A user can manipulate each fastening member 120 over an ear or portion of their head and manipulate the face cover 110 into a contour that covers their mouth and nose, with the face cover positioned inches from the user's mouth and covering their nose.

[0032] As further shown by examples of FIG. 1A through FIG. 1C, the face cover 110 can include pleats 106, which correspond to segments of the face cover 110 which are folded on one another. Each pleat 106 can enable the face cover 110 to expand outward when the face mask 100 is worn by the user. In this way, the pleats 106 enable the face cover 110 to be expandable to conform to the facial features of the user. Furthermore, the pleats 106 can sufficiently separate portions of the face cover 110 from the user's mouth, to deter the material of the face cover 110 from dissolving as a result of moisture being present in the user's breath. In variations, the face cover 110 can be unpleated, so as to be flat. Still further, in other variations, the face cover 110 can be contoured, rather than flat, to separate the face cover 110 from the mouth of the user. For example, the face cover 110 can be shaped to be conical, hemispherical or bulbous, so that the face cover 110 forms a void about the mouth and nostrils of the user when the face mask 100 is worn.

[0033] In examples, the face mask 100 includes lateral regions 124, positioned to abut or be adjacent to respective lateral sides 122 of the face cover 110, having structural elements 125 to facilitate the face cover 110 in being held in place. The structural elements 125 can facilitate the face cover 110 being held in place when the face cover 110 is worn. In some examples, the structural elements 125 can be formed with string material that is woven into the face cover 110. As described with some examples, each of the fastener members 120 (e.g., ribbons) and string material can be formed from water-dissolvable material (e.g., polyvinyl alcohol).

[0034] In variations, the face mask 100 is manufactured to be partially assembled, with each fastener member 120 being unattached or partially attached to the face cover 110. As illustrated by FIG. 1C, for example, each fastener member 120 can include a base end 121 that is pinned to the interior side 108, and a distal end 123 that is initially untethered or unpinned. As further illustrated by FIG. 1C, each fastening member 120 can include a slit 126 that is manipulatable by the user to engage and receive a respective bottom corner portion 111 of the face cover 110. Once the slit of each fastening member 120 receives the respective corner portion 111 of the face cover 110, the user can position the resulting loop over a respective ear, such that the face cover 110 is held in place over the face of the user.

[0035] With reference to FIG. ID, the base end 121 of each fastener member 120 can be passed through the face cover 110 so as to be accessible from an exterior side 118 of the face cover 110. In some examples, the base end 121 of each fastener member 120 is shaped or otherwise provided with a pin anchor 127 that is passed tip-end first through the fabric of the face cover 110. The pin anchor 127 can be pulled outward (away from the user's face when worn) by the user to cause the face cover 110 to cinch about the user's face.

[0036] Accordingly, as shown by examples of FIG. 1A through FIG. ID, once the bottom corner portions 111 of the face cover 110 are passed through the respective slits 126 of each fastener member 120, the fastener members 120 can be placed around the respective ear of the user. In further examples, the user can pull the pin anchor 127 to tighten or cinch the face cover 110 about the user's face.

[0037] While examples of FIG. 1A through FIG. ID show the fastening members 120 to be partially assembled and manipulatable by the user, in variations, the face mask 100 can utilize other forms of fastening members. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates a protective face mask 200 having a face covering 210 and fastener members 220 in the form of connector ribbons or strings that can be tied about the user's head. As shown, the fastening members 220 include left and right pairs of strings which are connected to the interior side 208 of the face cover 210, with the string of each pair being dimensioned to wrap partially around the user's head and be tied to an opposing string of the other pair. As described with other examples, the face covering 210 and fastener members 220 can be formed from water- dissolvable material (e.g., polyvinyl alcohol).

[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates another example of a protective face mask 300 having a face covering 310 and fastener members 320 which include connector loops 332, with each connector loop 332 being formed from ribbon or string that is connected to a top and bottom corner of a left or right side of an interior 308 of the face cover 310. In some examples, a connector ribbon 334 can be connected to each connector loop 332. Once the connector loops 332 are wrapped around the user's ear, the connector ribbons 334 can be tied to one another about the user's head. In this way, the fastener members 320 can be structured as string loops 332 that can be wrapped around a respective left and right ear of the user, with respective connector ribbons 334 that can also be tied around the back of the user's head. As with other examples, the face covering 310, string loops 332 and ribbon connectors 334 can also be formed from water-dissolvable material (e.g., polyvinyl alcohol). [0039] FIG. 4A through FIG. 4D illustrate a process to create a protective face mask such as shown by examples of FIG. 1A through FIG. ID, according to one or more examples. A process as shown by examples of FIG. 4A through FIG. 4D can be implemented to manufacture or otherwise assemble batches of disposable and water-dissolvable face masks, for use in an environment or setting (e.g., retail store, commercial building, mass- transit vehicle, etc.) where there is expected to be foot traffic or groups of people present.

[0040] In FIG. 4A, the face cover 110 is provided from a segment of water-dissolvable material. For example, the face cover 110 can be formed from polyvinyl alcohol, such that the face cover 110 is fully water-dissolvable, within a relatively short time (e.g., 5 -120 seconds) of being fully immersed. Moreover, polyvinyl alcohol non-woven textile leaves no residue or remnants, and when dissolved in water, the resulting solution is not toxic to animals or humans. In some examples, the face cover 110 is formed from polyvinyl alcohol fabric material. Additionally, the face cover 110 can be formed from one or multiple layers (or sheets) of polyvinyl alcohol. The dimensions of the face cover 110 can initially be 17 cm by 17cm.

[0041] In variations, the material of the face cover 110 can be formed from other types of water-dissolvable material, such as polyethylene glycol, polyacrylamide, poly(acrylic acid), poly(methacrylic acid) or water soluble paper material.

[0042] In FIG. 4B, the face cover 110 is pleated. The face cover 110 can be manipulated to include folds, corresponding to pleats 106. As described with other examples, the pleats 106 can enable the face cover 110 to expand outward, so as to better space the face cover 110 from the user's mouth. In an implementation, three pleats 106 are provided, spaced 1 cm apart. The resulting dimensions of the face cover 110 become L = 17cm and W = 13 cm. The width dimension is selected so that the user's mouth and nose are covered, but not eyes or forehead.

[0043] In FIG. 4C, string is woven into the fabric of the face cover 110 at the lateral regions 124, to provide the structural elements 125. In some examples, the string may be formed from polyvinyl alcohol or other water- dissolvable material.

[0044] In FIG. 4D, ribbons formed from water-dissolvable material (e.g., polyvinyl alcohol) are secured to the top end of the left and right lateral regions to form the pair of fastening members 120. As described with other examples, the base end 121 of each ribbon can be shaped or otherwise provided with a pin anchor 127 (see FIG. ID) so that it is passed through the fabric of the face cover 110, while the distal end 123 is untethered. As described with some examples, each ribbon can be provided with a slit 126 (see FIG.1C) to receive a respective corner portion of the face cover 110. [0045] As an alternative to constructing fastener members 120 as described with FIG. ID, an example such as described with FIG. 2 provides for the left and right pairs of ribbons to be affixed to the interior side of the face cover 110. In this variation, the pairs of ribbons provide two pairs of ties which the user can tie about the back of their head to secure the face cover 110 in position. As still another alternative to constructing fastener members 120 as described with FIG. ID, an example such as provided with FIG. 3 provides for ribbons of the fastener members 120 to be structured as connector loops 332 that are affixed to an interior of the face cover 110. Additionally, the construction of the protective face mask can further provide for connecting ribbon connectors 334 to each connector loop 332. This construction allows the connector loops 332 to be wrapped about the user's ears, and the ribbon connectors 334 to be tied to one another around the back of the user's head.

[0046] Among other advantages, examples as described with FIG. 4A through FIG. 4D enable the creation and use of a disposable face mask that can be utilized by groups of people. Numerous variations can be implemented to the structural features and design of protective masks as described by various examples, where the components of the protective masks (e.g., face cover, fastener members, etc.) are formed from water-solvable material (e.g., polyvinyl alcohol) to ensure the safe and efficient disposal of the individual masks after use.

[0047] Embodiments provide for different types of face mask that can be constructed from water-dissolvable material. For example, face masks can vary as between embodiments based on the structure of the face cover, which can be pleaded, nine pleaded and flat, conical or other shape. FIG. 5A illustrates a front isometric view of an exterior of a facemask 500, according to one or more examples. FIG. 5B illustrates an interior of the facemask 500 of FIG. 5A, according to one or more examples. As shown, a face cover 510 has a conical shape so as to protrude outward from the user's face. The face cover 510 can be formed from water dissolvable material that is structured by thickness and/or composition to be relatively stiff, so as to enable the conical protrusion over the user's mouth. One advantage the results from the conical structure of the face cover 510 is as a result of the separation of the user's mouth from the interior 514 of the face cover 510. The separation reduces the amount of breath moisture that impacts the face cover 510, thereby extending the longevity of the facemask 510 as compared to a similar constructed facemask that is flat against the user's mouth.

[0048] A thickness of the face cover 510 can include one or multiple layers of water dissolvable material. For example, the face cover 510 can be formed from a first sheet or layer of water dissolvable material that forms the exterior 512, and a second sheet or layer of water dissolvable material that forms the interior 514. Further, the structure of the face cover 510 can enable the user to insert a filter, either in between the layers of water dissolvable material or adjacent to the interior 514.

[0049] In other variations, facemask are structured to affix to the user's face without use of straps, ties or similar fastener mechanisms (e.g., ear loops). With reference to FIG. 6A through FIG. 6C, some examples provide for the use of an adhesive layer that allows the user to secure a face cover to their face. FIG. 6A is a frontal view of a face mask 600, according to one or more examples. FIG. 6B is a rear view of the face mask 600 of FIG. 6A, according to one or more examples. FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view of the face mask 600 cut along lines A-A, according to one or more examples.

[0050] In examples shown by FIG. 6A through FIG. 6C, a face cover 610 is smooth and flat. In variations, the face cover 610 can be pleated or conical. With reference to FIG. 6B, an adhesive layer 620 is provided along the perimeter of an interior of the face cover 610. The adhesive layer 620 can be implemented as a continuous layer of adhesive, or as a discrete set of adhesive areas. Moreover, the location of the pieces can be at different locations including, for example at corners of the face cover 610.

[0051] With reference to FIG. 6C, the face cover 610 can be formed from multiple layers of material. In one implementation, the face cover 610 includes an exterior layer 612 or sheet of water dissolvable material, an interior layer 614 or sheet of water-dissolvable material, and a middle layer 616 of filter material. In addition, an adhesive layer 618 can be provided on one or more perimeter regions of the interior of the face cover 610. In variations, the face cover 610 can be formed from just two layers of water dissolvable material. Still further, in other variations additional middle layers may be provided of different types of material, including water dissolvable and filter materials.

[0052] In some examples, the adhesive layer 618 is two-sided and suitable for contact with human skin. For example, the adhesive layer 618 can be formed from BUTYL or medical adhesive tape (e.g., material manufactured under the tradename of TOPSTICK). In other variations, the material may be formed from polyvinyl alcohol so as to be dissolvable in water.

[0053] As described with other examples, the cloth-like nature of the water - dissolvable materials described with various examples can also enable the creation of other types of wearable items. In examples, sheets of water-dissolvable material can be cut, folded and shape to create other types of wearable items, including coverings for different parts of the human body (e.g., hands, feet, head). FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of a glove 700 formed from water dissolvable material, according to one or more examples. FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of a hospital gown 800 formed from water-dissolvable material, according to one or more examples. Each of the glove 700 and hospital gown 800 can be formed by cutting shapes and contours into a sheet of water-dissolvable material to form different segments of the wearable item, and then adjoining the segments through a material connection. In some examples, the segments of the glove or hospital gown can be joined by stitching the edges of the respective segments together using a thread formed from water-dissolvable material. In variations, the material connection can be provided through the use of adhesives that enable one segment to connect to another segment along an edge.

[0054] In other examples, sheets of water dissolvable material can be used to provide shielding, linings, or partitions. Among other advantages, the use of water-dissolvable material to form the glove 700 and hospital gown 800 enable the wearable items to be readily disposable, with minimum impact to the environment. In this way, the costs associated with cleaning and sanitizing the gloves 700 and hospital gown 800 can be avoided.

[0055] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment in which a seat cover is shaped as a seat cover (e.g., toilet-seat cover). The seat cover 900 can be formed from a base segment 910 having a partial opening that defines a bulb section 920 that allows for the cover to fall into a toilet and be disposed. As the seat cover 900 is formed from water-dissolvable material as described with other examples, the seat cover can be flushed with almost no residual remains. [0056] In other examples, sheets of water-dissolvable materials can be used to form, for example, privacy shields, such as hospital curtains. The hospital curtains can therefore be disposable, with minimal impact on the environment, thereby allowing users to avoid the cost of cleaning.

[0057] Although examples are described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the concepts are not limited to those precise examples. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the concepts be defined by the following claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, it is contemplated that a particular feature described either individually or as part of an example can be combined with other individually described features, or parts of other examples, even if the other features and examples make no mention of the particular feature. Thus, the absence of describing combinations should not preclude having rights to such combinations.