Mask Strap Clips for Rubber Bands

thingiverse

Update 2020-06-20: Added an angle to the male piece, making it slightly more comfortable while maintaining easy printability.\r\n\r\nI printed one of the facemask models here and used linked rubber bands for the straps since I didn't have any elastic on hand. This setup works fine, except when looping the rubber bands through themselves, they only work in one direction. To connect them completely, you need something else initially. I hooked a paper clip in the middle of the strap but had trouble with those falling off when not using the mask.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, since I wanted to disconnect the bottom strap when taking it off so I didn't have to slide both straps over my head, I ended up with a pokey end of a paper clip jabbing me in the neck because I had to leave it open slightly to function as a hook.\r\n\r\nThese models solve these problems. The "permanent" file is a single piece that can be used as the middle of a strap to eliminate the looped rubber band issue. The "male" and "female" models are two pieces that attach to the end of a rubber band and then clip together. I use permanent for the upper strap and male and female for the bottom one.\r\n\r\nYou can see in the picture how I attached the rubber bands and also how the pieces fit together. These were sized for 1x3 mm rubber bands, but you can probably scale them if your rubber bands are a different size.\r\n\r\nMaterial shouldn't be a concern, as there's not much space for infill, making it unnecessary to worry about material choice. Just ensure that there are enough wall lines so the hooks don't break off easily.