GB2339701A - Child's face mask - Google Patents

Description

k 2339701 1 MASKS This invention relates to masks and more particularly to

a face mask with a handle.

Typically, simple masks comprise a 2-dimensional piece of card or other fairly stiff sheet material bearing a face or other pattern having holes at each side for securing a string, preferably an elasticated string, to hold the mask in place. Other masks having tabs, for example taking the form of curved side extensions, as attachment means may be worn in the style of a pair of glasses, the tabs being looped over the ears of the mask wearer. Such masks when fastened to the face of the wearer often feel cumbersome and uncomfortable. In addition, the elasticated string component frequently detaches from the mask particularly when the mask is mishandled if worn for example by children, rendering the mask unwearable.

A further type of mask comprising a 3-dimensional face moulded for example from plastics material, may be preferred. However, a disadvantage of 3-dimensional structures is that they are more bulky to store and transport as well as being more expensive to produce than simpler masks. One solution to this problem is to present the mask in the form of a flat sheet in which folds and/or perforations are incorporated; a 3dimensional structure of the mask can then be constructed following the instructions provided. However construction of this type of mask would require an element of skill making it unsuitable for young children to whom simplicity in use is favourable.

2 According to the present invention there is provided a mask of card or other fairly stiff sheet material comprising a face attached to a handle, a fold line extending only along the length of the handle.

The prime structural advantage of this type of mask is it's integral handle which makes it easy to grip, simple to use and as such, suitable for use by younger children. Other advantages contributing to the mask's simplicity are it's lightweight construction and a non-requirement for attachment means. Ideally the mask would be producible from a single sheet of material facilitating its ease of distribution in, for example, magazines, brochures or children's comics.

In a preferred use for the invention, flexing of the sides of the handle, achievable by gripping the handle about the central fold line, exerts a leverage effect about the central vertical axis of the face. The advantage of this feature is that the resulting angular movement facilitates a shaping of the mask into a 3-dimensional form to at least partially surround and fit the face of the wearer.

The degree of flexion applied to the handle is proportionally related to the degree of angular movement of the mask face (the latter having a limited range of movement) allowing the mask to be worn either flat or considerably curved depending upon the preference of the wearer.

As used herein, the term "face" in respect of the mask is intended to include the entire face or only parts of the face for example the eye region only.

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawing in which the sole Figure is a plan view of a face mask in accordance with the invention.

The Figure shows a 2-dimensional form of a face mask 10, in this 3 case a children's character, with a handle attached 11. It will be understood that other characters can be displayed on the mask. The handle has a central vertical fold line 12, being an away fold in that it is intended to fold each side of the handle away from the viewer of the drawing about the fold line 12. This fold line does not extend into the face mask 10, it being restricted to the handle.

Flexing of the handle about the fold line 12 will result in, in addition to a folding along the mid-rib of the handle, a tendency of the mask face to flex about the vertical axis of the mask 13 and the diagonal axis 14, resistance being imposed by the inherent strength of the card. The mask thereby achieves a generally curvilinear attitude which conforms at least partially to the face of the user.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing is merely exemplary of face masks in accordance with the invention and that various modifications can readily be made without departing from the true scope of the invention.

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Claims (3)

1 A mask of card or other like relatively stiff sheet material comprising a face formed integrally with a handle having a lengthwise extending fold line which extends along the length of the handle only, the face being free of any fold line, whereby flexing of the side of the handle, achieved by gripping the handle about the central fold line, exerts a leverage effect about the central vertical axis of the face.

2. A mask as claimed in claim 1 wherein the fold line extends centrally of the handle.

3. A mask substantially as herein described and as described in the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.