Multi-layer face mask with molded edge bead

Claim 1

A face mask to be worn upon the face of a wearer and for providing filtering of particular impurities in the air, including at least one layer of flexible material molded generally to conform to the contours of the face of the wearer including the areas of the sides of the nose, the bridge of the nose and upper cheekbones and forming a flexible support carrier for filter material and with the at least one layer of flexible material allowing the passage of air through the one layer, a separate layer of filter material supported by the at least one layer of flexible material and with the filter material filtering out the particular impurities in the air, a molded, rubber-like bead member molded to and extending around the peripheral edges of the at least one layer of flexible material and the separate layer of filter material forming the face mask and with the molded rubber-like bead member providing an edge seal between the face mask and the face of the wearer, and the bead member including membrane portions extending inwardly to the interior of the mask from the bead member and with the membrane portion at least in the areas of the sides of the nose and upper cheekbones of the wearer for providing additional sealing in those areas, an exhalation port extending through the layers adjacent the peripheral edges thereof, the bead member including an integrally molded portion extending over and molded to the at least one layer of flexible material and over said exhalation port, said integrally molded portion defining an integrally molded exhalation valve seat adapted to cooperate with an exhalation value member.