Face masks and method of fabricating face mask
According to various embodiments, a face mask includes a cover shield, an input and an output fan. The cover shield is shaped to cover nose and mouth of a wearer, and defines an inner space between the cover shield and the skin of the wearer. The input fan is coupled to the cover shield, and is configured to draw air from outside into the inner space. The output fan is coupled to the cover shield, and is configured to expel air out of the inner space.
1 . A face mask comprising:
a cover shield shaped to cover nose and mouth of a wearer, and defining an inner space between the cover shield and the skin of the wearer;
an input fan coupled to the cover shield, wherein the input fan is configured to draw air from outside into the inner space; and
an output fan coupled to the cover shield, wherein the output fan is configured to expel air out of the inner space, wherein at least one of the input fan and the output fan comprises a fan cover, the fan cover comprising:
at least one opening to allow air flow; and
a light transmissive window surrounding the at least one opening; and
a light signaling member fitted into a cavity in the fan cover, wherein the light signaling member is configured to emit light out of the light transmissive window in a direction away from the face of the wearer.
2 . The face mask of claim 1 , wherein the input fan and the output fan are arranged symmetrically about a vertical centre line of the cover shield.
3 . The face mask of claim 1 , wherein the input fan is positioned to the cover shield such that the air drawn into the inner space is directed towards at least one of the nose and the mouth of the wearer.
4 . The face mask of claim 1 , wherein the output fan is positioned to the cover shield such that the output fan draws away air exhaled from at least one of the nose and the mouth of the wearer.
5 . The face mask of claim 1 , further comprising:
an input air guiding member coupled to the input fan and extending into the inner space, the input air guiding member adapted to direct air flow from the input fan to at least one of the nose and mouth of the wearer; and
an output air guiding member coupled to the output fan and extending into the inner space, the output air guiding member adapted to direct air flow from at least one of the nose and mouth of the wearer to the output fan.
6 . The face mask of claim 1 , wherein the input fan comprises a filter holder configured to hold a filter element for filtering air drawn into the inner space.
7 . The face mask of claim 1 , wherein the output fan comprises a filter holder configured to hold a filter element for filtering air exhaled from at least one of the nose and the mouth of the wearer.
8 . The face mask of claim 1 , wherein the cover shield is impermeable to fluids.
9 . The face mask of claim 1 , wherein the cover shield is substantially transparent.
10 . The face mask of claim 1 , wherein the cover shield has an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture formed therein, wherein the input fan is fitted to the inlet aperture, and wherein the output fan is fitted to the outlet aperture.
11 . The face mask of claim 1 , further comprising:
an eye shield; and
at least one mounting member in a vicinity to an upper edge of the cover shield, wherein the at least one mounting member is configured to removably affix an eye shield above the cover shield for covering the eyes of the wearer.
12 . The face mask of claim 11 , wherein the eye shield is flexible to conform to a shape of the cover shield.
13 . The face mask of claim 1 , further comprising:
a light emitter arrangement coupled to the cover shield for illuminating the face of the wearer.
14 . The face mask of claim 1 , further comprising:
an electrical connector coupled to the light signaling member, wherein the electrical connector is configured to receive data comprising operating instructions,
wherein the lightsignalling signaling member is configured to operate according to the operating instructions in the received data.
15 . The face mask of claim 1 , further comprising:
a skin cushion arranged along a periphery of the cover shield, wherein the skin cushion is adapted to abut against the skin of the wearer for sealing the inner space from outside.
16 . The face mask of claim 15 , wherein the skin cushion comprises a compressible material for conforming to the shape of the face of the wearer.
17 . A method of fabricating a face mask, the method comprising:
providing a cover shield shaped to cover the nose and mouth of a wearer, wherein the cover shield defines an inner space between the cover shield and the skin of the wearer;
coupling an input fan to the cover shield, wherein the input fan is configured to draw air from outside into the inner space; and
coupling an output fan to the cover shield, wherein the output fan is configured to expel air out of the inner space, wherein at least one of the input fan and the output fan comprises a fan cover, the fan cover comprising:
at least one opening to allow air flow; and
a light transmissive window surrounding the at least one opening; and
fitting a light signaling member into a cavity in the fan cover, the light signaling member arranged to emit light out of the light transmissive window in a direction away from the face of the wearer.
18 . The face mask of claim 1 , wherein the light signaling member comprises a light guide arranged to be in register with the light transmissive window and a light emitter configured to emit the light through the light guide and out of the light transmissive window in the direction away from the face of the wearer, wherein the light guide is configured to diffuse the light emitted by the light emitter.
19 . The face mask of claim 1 , wherein the fan cover comprises:
a top cap comprising the at least one opening;
a front cap housing fitted around the top cap; and
a back cap housing, wherein the light transmissive window is provided on at least one of the top cap and the front cap housing, and the light signaling member is arranged between the front cap housing and the back cap housing.
20 . The face mask of claim 19 , wherein the front cap housing surrounds the top cap circumferentially and includes a circumferential groove adapted to receive the light signaling member.