US20220039482A1

US20220039482A1 - Garment apparatus and methodology that facilitates wearing of mask

Info

Publication number: US20220039482A1
Application number: US17/396,615
Authority: US
Inventors: Linda S. Bauer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-08-07
Filing date: 2021-08-06
Publication date: 2022-02-10

Abstract

Aspects directed towards mask-wearing are disclosed. In one example, a garment apparatus includes a shirt and a shirt extension having a first and second end. The first end is affixed to an inside portion of the shirt, and the second end includes a mask attachment mechanism that facilitates attaching and detaching a mask. In another example, a mask apparatus includes ear lobes, a shell coupled to the ear lobes, and a fragrance region positioned on an inner portion of the shell in which the material of the fragrance region is different than the material of the shell. In yet another example, a fragrance apparatus includes a fragrance region in which fluid is absorbed by a moisture-absorbent material, and an attachment mechanism couples the fragrance apparatus to an inner portion of a mask. A seal is affixed to the fragrance region and prevents an evaporation of the fluid.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/063,112, filed on Aug. 7, 2020, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth below in its entirety and for all applicable purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject disclosure generally relates to garments, and more specifically to a garment apparatus and methodology that facilitates the wearing of a mask or facial covering.

BACKGROUND

Currently, the human race is facing a global pandemic, the likes of which have not been seen since the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918. The entire world population is affected by COVID-19—a highly contagious and deadly respiratory virus infection—and, vaccines remain out of reach for at least another 18 to 24 months. While cleanliness is paramount, germ containment with face masks became the “new normal” for Americans and the rest of the world population. Market research of available face masks reveals a plethora of styles, sizes, materials, and levels of protection. Improvisation is also quite common, with many donning scarves, costume masks, sanitary napkins, undergarments, and various other insufficient or inappropriate materials. Disposable medical masks were difficult to find in the early months of the pandemic, as individuals panic-bought them from stores all across the country; now, used disposable masks measurable in tonnage litter the streets as people thoughtlessly remove them and drop them outside the grocery stores and other “essential” services they patronize.
Disposable masks are a biohazard and are creating measurable waste on city streets, in landfills, and they are starting to turn up in oceans and inside the bellies of ocean flora and fauna. There is currently so much variation in style, fabric, material, construction, and level of protection that consumers can feel overwhelmed by all the choices to make. Also, because of costs, having a fresh mask to wear for each workday of the week can be expensive. If a mask gets lost or damaged, the replacement cost can become a significant budget concern as well for the affluently challenged.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an adequate apparatus and methodology that overcomes these limitations. To this end, it should be noted that the above-described deficiencies are merely intended to provide an overview of some of the problems of conventional face masks, and are not intended to be exhaustive. Other problems with the state of the art and corresponding benefits of some of the various non-limiting embodiments may become further apparent upon review of the following detailed description.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLES

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects of the present disclosure, in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated features of the disclosure, and is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of all aspects of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope of any or all aspects of the disclosure. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects of the disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
In one example, a garment apparatus is disclosed. In this example, the garment apparatus includes a shirt and a shirt extension having a first end and a second end. The first end is affixed to an inside portion of the shirt, and the second end comprises a mask attachment mechanism configured to facilitate attaching and detaching a mask.
In a second example, a mask apparatus is disclosed. In this example, the mask apparatus includes ear lobes, a shell coupled to the ear lobes, and a fragrance region. The fragrance region is positioned on an inner portion of the shell in which the material of the fragrance region is different than the material of the shell.
In a third example, a fragrance apparatus is disclosed. In this example, the fragrance apparatus includes a fragrance region, an attachment mechanism, and a seal affixed to the fragrance region. The fragrance region includes a moisture-absorbent material in which at least one drop of fluid is absorbed by the moisture-absorbent material, and the attachment mechanism is configured to facilitate a coupling of the fragrance apparatus to an inner portion of a mask. The seal is affixed to the fragrance region and configured to prevent an evaporation of the at least one drop of fluid while the seal is affixed to the fragrance region.
These and other aspects of the invention will become more fully understood upon a review of the detailed description, which follows. Other aspects, features, and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, upon reviewing the following description of specific, exemplary embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures. While features of the present invention may be discussed relative to certain embodiments and figures below, all embodiments of the present invention can include one or more of the advantageous features discussed herein. In other words, while one or more embodiments may be discussed as having certain advantageous features, one or more of such features may also be used in accordance with the various embodiments of the invention discussed herein. In similar fashion, while exemplary embodiments may be discussed below as device, system, or method embodiments it should be understood that such exemplary embodiments can be implemented in various devices, systems, and methods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various non-limiting embodiments are further described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic of an exemplary garment apparatus during use in accordance with an aspect of the subject specification;

FIG. 2 is a schematic of an exemplary garment apparatus in an untucked configuration in accordance with an aspect of the subject specification;

FIG. 3 is a schematic of an exemplary garment apparatus in a tucked configuration in accordance with an aspect of the subject specification;

FIG. 4 illustrates exemplary face masks in accordance with an aspect of the subject specification;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary face mask attachment mechanism in accordance with an aspect of the subject specification;

FIG. 6 illustrates an inner view of a shirt in accordance with an aspect of the subject specification;

FIG. 7 illustrates an outer view of a shirt in accordance with an aspect of the subject specification;

FIG. 8 is a schematic of an alternative face mask attachment mechanism in accordance with an aspect of the subject specification;

FIG. 9 illustrates an outer view and an outer view of a mask apparatus in accordance with an aspect of the subject specification;

FIG. 10 is a schematic of a mask apparatus with a fragrance region having moisture absorbent material in accordance with an aspect of the subject specification;

FIG. 11 illustrates a mask apparatus coupled with a removable fragrance component in accordance with a first aspect of the subject specification;

FIG. 12 illustrates a mask apparatus coupled with a removable fragrance component in accordance with a second aspect of the subject specification;

FIG. 13 is a schematic of a fragrance apparatus in accordance with an aspect of the subject specification;

FIG. 14 illustrates a fragrance apparatus having a seal mechanism in accordance with a first aspect of the subject specification; and

FIG. 15 illustrates a fragrance apparatus having a seal mechanism in accordance with a second aspect of the subject specification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

As discussed above, wearing a mask to protect against the current global pandemic has become essential. The embodiments disclosed herein are directed towards overcoming the limitations of using conventional masks including, for example, the waste associated with losing masks. In a particular embodiment disclosed herein, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, a garment-mask combination is contemplated in which the garment comprises a shirt 100 (e.g., a standard jersey cotton t-shirt), a shirt extension 110 (e.g., a sheet of athletic mesh with finished edges sewn into the inside collar of the shirt 100), and a face mask 120 (e.g., a matching jersey cotton face mask). Within such embodiment, it is further contemplated that the face mask 120 may be configured to attach to the shirt extension 110 (e.g., by attaching to an upper edge of the athletic mesh with a strip of sewn-in Velcro). By implementing the aspects disclosed herein, the act of wearing a face mask 120 daily is simplified, and the likelihood of loss or damage of the face mask 120 is reduced since the face mask 120 remains attached to the wearer's garment (i.e., shirt 100). When not in use, for example, the face mask 120 and shirt extension 110 can either be left untucked as shown in FIG. 2, or tucked inside the shirt 100 as shown in FIG. 3 for a neater doffed appearance. With respect to shirt extension 110, although an athletic mesh is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, it should be appreciated that any of various other materials may be used including, but not limited to, fleece material (i.e., a warm fabric for colder weather), power mesh material, or cotton (e.g., to match the material of shirt 100 and/or face mask 120).
The garment-mask combination disclosed herein desirably simplifies choices at a reasonable price point for individuals and families, and the shirt extension 110 allows the wearer to doff the face mask 120 without risk of losing it out of a pocket or accidentally leaving it behind. Also, children can be better trusted to keep track of their masks, when the mask can remain attached to the garment.
Various aspects directed towards a reusable mask attached clothing are thus contemplated. For instance, although shirt 100 is a T-shirt, it is contemplated that almost any article of clothing can be similarly used including, but not limited to: a dress shirt or blouse, a polo shirt, medical scrubs, workout clothing, sports uniforms, cosplay costumes, dresses, leotards, law enforcement and military uniforms, religious garb, etc. It is further contemplated that the garment apparatus disclosed herein may be sold as a whole, with the mask attached, but may also be sold separately. For instance, in a particular aspect, the user can swap masks with other garments, wherein the shirt extension 110 (e.g., mesh material) and mask attachment mechanism (e.g., Velcro) are attached to the shirt 100. It should also be appreciated that the finished edges of the shirt extension 110 (e.g., mesh material) are meant to provide a more attractive appearance, and provide a connection fabric that is not cumbersome, heavy, or uncomfortable for the wearer.

Exemplary Garment Embodiments

Referring next to FIGS. 4-8, illustrations of various exemplary embodiments of the aspects disclosed herein are provided.
In one particular aspect, it is contemplated that masks of various sizes may be designed. For instance, as shown in FIG. 4, a child face mask 220 may be smaller than an adult face mask 320, but may be otherwise substantially similar. As illustrated, for this particular example, it is contemplated that the child face mask 220 includes a shirt extension attachment mechanism 222 (e.g., Velcro), and that the adult face mask 320 similarly includes a shirt extension attachment mechanism 322 (e.g., Velcro). Here, it is further contemplated that each of shirt extension attachment mechanisms 222 and 322 are configured to enable wearers to readily attach and detach child face mask 220 and adult face mask 320, respectively.
Referring next to FIGS. 5-7, various illustrations are provided of an exemplary garment apparatus in accordance with an aspect of the subject specification. For this particular embodiment, it is contemplated that a shirt extension 410 has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is affixed to an inside portion of a shirt 400 (See e.g., FIG. 6), and wherein the second end includes a mask attachment mechanism 412 configured to facilitate attaching and detaching a face mask 420. For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 5, face mask 420 may include a shirt extension attachment mechanism 422 made of Velcro, wherein the mask attachment mechanism 412 of shirt extension 410 is a corresponding strip of Velcro. Within such embodiment, this Velcro attachment mechanism thus allows a wearer to readily attach and detach face mask 420 from shirt 400, as desired (e.g., to wash face mask 420, replace face mask 420 with a face mask of a different color/design, etc.).
Referring next to FIG. 8, a schematic of an alternative face mask attachment mechanism is provided in accordance with an aspect of the subject specification. Here, because some wearers may be more prone to losing their mask (e.g., children), this alternative face mask attachment mechanism is directed towards a more secure attachment. For this particular embodiment, it is contemplated that a shirt extension 510 includes a mask attachment mechanism 512 configured to attach with a face mask 520 via a ring 530. Namely, as illustrated, it is contemplated that ring 530 may be configured to securely interlock the mask attachment mechanism 512 of shirt extension 510 with the shirt extension attachment mechanism 522 of face mask 520. Within such embodiment, it is further contemplated that ring 530 may be configured to open and close in a manner that facilitates “child-proof” removal of face mask 520. For instance, ring 530 may include any of various locking mechanism that are well known in the art. Alternatively, instead of ring 530, it should be appreciated that other attachment mechanisms are also contemplated (e.g., a child-proof clamp mechanism).

Exemplary Garment Apparatus Utility

Various examples of the utility provided by the garment apparatus embodiments disclosed herein are now provided.
In a first example, it is contemplated that the garment apparatus embodiments disclosed herein provide a “standard” for consumers. For instance, the shirt and mask may comprise material (e.g., classic cotton jersey) that allow the wearer to breathe comfortably while still protecting the wearer and with whomever they interact. Similarly, the ear straps may be elastic, which allow the wearer to adjust them to fit more comfortably and protectively. It should also be appreciated that the classic sport mesh of the shirt extension, coupled with the Velcro attachment mechanism disclosed herein, provide an easier and more practical method for storing one's mask. For instance, when the mask is not being worn on the face, the design disclosed herein allows the mask to hang on the wearer's chest, which minimizes hand-to-mask contact and ear irritation caused by strap friction. The mask and mesh even tuck into the wearer's shirt to create an inside “facing” (i.e., an ornamental and/or protective layer) without creating awkward bulges or fabric bunching, and can easily and quickly be pulled out again when the wearer needs to don. The entire garment is machine-washable, just like a conventional shirt. The masks can be customized and swapped, reattached to the mesh and shirt with the sewn-in Velcro strap, which itself also tucks behind a fold of fabric to keep from scratching or chafing the chin of the wearer when not attached to a shirt. This standard can be modified to any type of garment worn on the upper body, and the shirt fits comfortably under sweatshirts, large coats, and other additional layers of garments. The shirt is a classic layering piece, and makes the most sense to begin marketing to the masses. It can begin to provide a worldwide standard for clothing during this pandemic.
The garment apparatus disclosed herein also provides clarity of choice for all types of consumers during this pandemic. Parents can send their children to school knowing the masks will protect their child, and that a secure attachment mechanism (e.g., the attachment mechanism illustrated in FIG. 8) will prevent the mask from being forgotten or lost—parents will even save money because they will not be replacing $10 masks every time a young child damages or loses theirs. The elderly will not need to fumble with straps or disposable masks inside a purse, as they can simply wear their shirt-mask combination and untuck the mesh whenever they need to don. Travelers getting on direct or international flights will have a protective garment to wear in the airport and on the plane, where they are more likely to be in closer quarters with other people. Law enforcement, military, care workers, teachers, students, grocery store clerks, restaurant staff and patrons, food delivery drivers, people who are “always forgetting their masks,” and many more would benefit from a washable combination garment. Amusement parks could provide the garment apparatus disclosed herein to their visitors, for instance, to ensure that they have a safe, affordable way to enjoy their visit. Fans of sports can return to sporting events safely too while wearing their masks in their team colors.
It should also be appreciated that the garment apparatus disclosed herein makes the act of wearing a face mask on a daily basis easier by making it part of another garment all humans wear daily. The mask can be constructed of fabric known to be tolerable to wear in hot climates, while also facilitating easy respiration for the wearer. It gives consumers a clear, simple choice for pandemic garb in a very noisy, yet-unregulated market. It helps eliminate unnecessary paper waste and litter, as all parts of the garment can be made washable and reusable. Its ease-of-use design may be particularly desirable with the elderly and those with special needs and mobility issues.
The garment apparatus embodiments disclosed herein make mask-wearing more tolerable and provide wearers with various fashion options. For instance, the shirt can be layered under additional garments like sweaters, jackets, blazers, and coats. It can be dressed up or dressed down. The entire garment is machine-washable and reusable; the masks are removable and re-attachable with Velcro, and can be swapped out for different colors or prints according to the wearer's tastes (additional masks will be sold separately). The fabric mask fits over the nose and mouth more comfortably and securely than a disposable paper mask, eliminating problems of facial chafing and friction burns around the ears. The mesh allows the mask to remain attached to the clothing without creating an additional cumbersome piece of fabric—air flows freely through it, helping the wearer to control their body temperature in hotter weather while keeping the mask attached. This garment also easily accommodates facial hair and beards, containing the hair behind a layer of fabric.
Furthermore, it is contemplated that the garment apparatus disclosed herein will reduce waste by mitigating the need to buy disposable paper masks, which should be left for working medical professionals on the front lines of this pandemic. The mask cannot get lost because it is always attached to the shirt, so children can be trusted to wear them at school and other public places without taking them off and forgetting them on the playground, in the classroom, or anywhere else. The jersey material is easily repaired with a needle and thread if it is torn. There are no straps to tie, fasten, or tighten, so hands with tremors or other limits of mobility will be able to use them more easily.

Exemplary Mask Apparatus Embodiments

Referring next to FIGS. 9-12, illustrations of various exemplary embodiments of a mask apparatus disclosed herein are provided. In one particular aspect, it is contemplated that a mask may be configured to include a fragrance so that a user may smell a desired aroma while wearing a mask. Here it should be appreciated that such aroma may be any of various aromas including aromas associated with a perfume/cologne, favorite food/beverage, etc. For children, it should be appreciated that including such aroma may desirably encourage them to keep their masks on (e.g., where the aroma is of ice cream, cereal, etc.). An aroma may be added for medicinal purposes as well, wherein the applied fragrance is any of various medicines that can be ingested via inhalation.
FIG. 9 illustrates an outer view and an outer view of an exemplary mask apparatus in accordance with an aspect of the subject specification. As illustrated, it is contemplated that a mask 600 may include a shell 610 coupled to ear lobes 620 (e.g., where ear lobes 620 may further comprise replaceable coverings of different colors, designs, materials, etc.) and a fragrance region 630. The fragrance region 630 is positioned on an inner portion of the shell 610 in which the material of the fragrance region 630 may be different than the material of the shell 610.
It should be appreciated that adding a particular fragrance to mask 600 can be done in any of various ways. For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 10, it is contemplated that the fragrance region 630 may comprise a moisture absorbent region 632, wherein the moisture absorbent region 632 is made of moisture absorbent material (e.g., a gauze pad or any other material capable of absorbing at least one drop of a fluid). Within such embodiment, a user may apply a desired fragrance by using a dropper, for example, as shown.
Alternatively, rather than having the user apply the fragrance, it is contemplated that the fragrance may be pre-applied. For instance, mask 600 may further comprise a removable seal affixed to the fragrance region 630, wherein the removable seal is configured to prevent an evaporation of the at least one drop of fluid absorbed by the moisture-absorbent material while the removable seal is affixed to the fragrance region 630.
Various embodiments are also contemplated in which the fragrance region 630 is configured to facilitate a coupling of a removable fragrance component. For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 11, it is contemplated that the fragrance region 630 may include pockets configured to receive a removable fragrance component 640. For this particular example, it is contemplated that the removable fragrance component 640 is in the form of scented inserts (e.g., reed diffusers), wherein the removable fragrance component 640 is inserted into the pockets of fragrance region 630 so as to form face mask 700, as shown.
Referring next to FIG. 12, a mask apparatus coupled with a removable fragrance component in accordance with an alternative embodiment is shown. Here, it is contemplated that the removable fragrance component 650 is in the form of an attachment, wherein the removable fragrance component 650 is attached to fragrance region 630 so as to form face mask 800, as shown. For instance, the fragrance region 630 may comprise a material that facilitates a coupling of a repositionable adhesive, wherein the removable fragrance component 650 includes a portion lined with a repositionable adhesive (See e.g., fragrance apparatus 900). Alternatively, the fragrance region 630 may comprise a material that facilitates a Velcro coupling, wherein the removable fragrance component 650 includes a portion lined with Velcro material (See e.g., fragrance apparatus 900).

Exemplary Fragrance Apparatus Embodiments

Referring next to FIGS. 13-15, illustrations of various exemplary embodiments of a fragrance apparatus disclosed herein are provided. In FIG. 13, for instance, an exemplary fragrance apparatus 900 is illustrated, wherein fragrance apparatus 900 is substantially similar to removable fragrance component 650. As illustrated, the fragrance apparatus 900 may include a fragrance region 910 and an attachment mechanism 920. The fragrance region 910 may include a moisture-absorbent material in which at least one drop of fluid is absorbed by the moisture-absorbent material (e.g., a gauze), and the attachment mechanism 920 may be configured to facilitate a coupling of the fragrance apparatus 900 to an inner portion of a mask (e.g., mask 600).
As illustrated in FIG. 14, it is further contemplated that fragrance apparatus 900 may include a seal 930 affixed to the fragrance region 910 and configured to prevent an evaporation of the at least one drop of fluid while the seal 930 is affixed to the fragrance region 910 (e.g., similar to a band-aid). For this particular example, a pull tab 932 is included to facilitate removing the removable seal 930, which would release the aroma of the fluid absorbed by the fragrance region 910.
Referring next to FIG. 15, a fragrance apparatus having a seal mechanism in accordance with a second aspect of the subject specification is provided. Here, it is contemplated that the seal comprises a first portion 940 adjacent to a second portion 950, wherein a bending of the fragrance region 910 creates a gap between the first portion of the seal 940 and the second portion of the seal 950 that enables an aroma associated with the at least one drop of fluid to escape.
The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “has,” “contains,” and other similar words are used in either the detailed description or the claims, for the avoidance of doubt, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as an open transition word without precluding any additional or other elements.
The aforementioned systems have been described with respect to interaction between several components. It can be appreciated that such systems and components can include those components or specified sub-components, some of the specified components or sub-components, and/or additional components, and according to various permutations and combinations of the foregoing. Sub-components can also be implemented as components coupled to other components rather than included within parent components (hierarchical). Additionally, it is noted that one or more components may be combined into a single component providing aggregate functionality or divided into several separate sub-components, and any one or more middle layers may be provided to couple to such sub-components in order to provide integrated functionality. Any components described herein may also interact with one or more other components not specifically described herein but generally known by those of skill in the art.
In view of the exemplary systems described supra, methodologies that may be implemented in accordance with the disclosed subject matter can be appreciated with reference to the various figures. While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the methodologies are described as a series of steps, it is to be understood and appreciated that the disclosed subject matter is not limited by the order of the steps, as some steps may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other steps from what is described herein. Moreover, not all disclosed steps may be required to implement the methodologies described hereinafter.
While the various embodiments have been described in connection with the exemplary embodiments of the various figures, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments may be used or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiment for performing the same function without deviating there from. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to any single embodiment.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A garment apparatus, comprising:

a shirt; and

a shirt extension having a first end and a second end, the first end affixed to an inside portion of the shirt, and the second end comprising a mask attachment mechanism configured to facilitate attaching and detaching a mask.

2. The garment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mask attachment mechanism is a Velcro attachment mechanism.

3. The garment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mask attachment mechanism is a ring attachment mechanism.

4. The garment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mask attachment mechanism is a clamp attachment mechanism.

5. The garment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shirt extension comprises at least one of mesh material or fleece material.

6. The garment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first end of the shirt extension is sewn onto the inside portion of the shirt.

7. A mask apparatus, comprising:

ear lobes;

a shell coupled to the ear lobes; and

a fragrance region positioned on an inner portion of the shell, wherein a material of the fragrance region is different than a material of the shell.

8. The mask apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the fragrance region comprises a moisture-absorbent material configured to absorb at least one drop of fluid.

9. The mask apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a removable seal affixed to the fragrance region, wherein the removable seal is configured to prevent an evaporation of the at least one drop of fluid absorbed by the moisture-absorbent material while the removable seal is affixed to the fragrance region.

10. The mask apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the fragrance region is configured to facilitate a coupling of a removable fragrance component.

11. The mask apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the fragrance region comprises a material that facilitates a coupling of a repositionable adhesive.

12. The mask apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the fragrance region comprises at least one pocket configured to receive the removable fragrance component.

13. The mask apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the fragrance region comprises a material that facilitates a Velcro coupling of the removable fragrance component.

14. A fragrance apparatus, comprising:

a fragrance region comprising a moisture-absorbent material, wherein the fragrance region includes at least one drop of fluid absorbed by the moisture-absorbent material;

an attachment mechanism configured to facilitate a coupling of the fragrance apparatus to an inner portion of a mask; and

a seal affixed to the fragrance region, wherein the seal is configured to prevent an evaporation of the at least one drop of fluid while the seal is affixed to the fragrance region.

15. The fragrance apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the at least one drop of fluid is a fluid comprising a medicinal aroma.

16. The fragrance apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a repositionable adhesive.

17. The fragrance apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a Velcro material.

18. The fragrance apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the seal comprises a first portion adjacent to a second portion, and wherein a bending of the fragrance region creates a gap between the first portion of the seal and the second portion of the seal that enables an aroma associated with the at least one drop of fluid to escape.

19. The fragrance apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the seal is a removable seal.

20. The fragrance apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the moisture absorbent material is a gauze pad.