A sports technology company has licensed a protective mask from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that allows users to speak and be heard more easily.
The Clear Talker mask also facilitates better lip-reading and conveyance of facial expressions compared to the surgical style masks commonly used in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The mask features four replaceable filtered air vents located on the sides, and it can be enhanced with an anti-fogging coating which together allow for improved visualization of the face. The mask is also reusable after disinfection with FDA-approved cleaning agents, and is designed to fit most common face sizes.
With an exclusive license from the VA, Sports Engineering, Inc. plans to immediately execute on its commercialization strategy to bring the Clear Talker to market, including a direct-to-consumer website as well as a site for sales to VA and other healthcare facilities.
“In our read of the situation and the market, we’ve concluded there is going to be a strong, continued demand for masks, especially masks differentiated from standard surgical type face masks,” says Dan Richard, president of Sports Engineering. “We’re excited about the opportunity to leverage innovative VA research into a good product.”
John Kaplan, director of the VA Technology Transfer Program, which negotiated the license agreement, comments, “Given its potential to help with the pandemic this was a high priority for us, and we’re really happy to have closed a deal in such a short period of time. There was motivation from both sides to bring to market something that can help fight the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Source: TechLink
