Patent Application
20230037627
The present invention relates to active respiratory protective face shield systems. More specifically, the present invention is directed to facemask systems comprising a generally open design having a transparent lens configured to cover at least the user's nose and mouth, where at least one air filtration module is configured to filter user ambient environment air and/or the user's exhalation air.
Over the years the respiratory face mask technology has evolved, and standards have been established to quantify their performance and assure product consistency. For example, passive respiratory face masks designed to meet or exceed the OSHA N95 standard. Such face masks are commonly used by medical professionals, industrial workers, and the like. These passive masks, when properly fitted and worn, are designed to filter both the user's inhalation and exhalation air. These types of face mask designs typically do not cover the user's eyes, a potential entry point for pathogens.
Typically, N95 capable face masks are constructed from nonwoven filtration media designed to filter at least 95% of the airborne particulates entering and exiting the face mask filter, given a particle size of at least 0.3 microns. For such facemasks to be effective, it is essential that a strong seal be made with the user's nose and mouth. Over time, this intense seal, and the associated tight-fitting, thin attachment straps, often lead to considerable user discomfort. The areas or causes of discomfort include: heat related issues, skin irritations, labored breathing, onset of claustrophobic feelings, and the like. Eventually, the wearer of such passive face masks will predictably experience fatigue, since they must forcefully inhale against the pressure drop of the air passing through the filter media, likewise when exhaling, must force the air out through the same filter media. Filtration materials, operating at the N95 standard, make face masks difficult to breathe through, having a pressure drop of over 0.5 inches of water across a typical filtration media. Due to the restricted air flow, the breathing air in the mask's internal volume will quickly overheat and harbor excess moisture leading to additional user discomfort. In certain circumstances the aforementioned points of user discomfort are significant factors that determine whether a worker will wear suitable protective gear or not. Moreover, due to the facial feature variations, an adequate seal between the face mask and the user may not always be possible, especially in situations where the user possesses facial hair.
Another type of passive face mask system that overcomes many of aforementioned N95 capable face mask drawbacks, is the simple transparent face shield. These shields will typically cover the user's nose, mouth, and eyes. The protective lens and support apparatus can be substantially free from contact with the user's face. Unfortunately, because these face shields possess open, unprotected perimeters, pathogens and/or particulate matter have several unobstructed paths to reach the user. These shields find utility in environments where the user is seeking protection from occupational airborne particulates or like contaminates. For example, shrapnel from industrial processes, e.g., grinding wheels; splatter and splash type contaminants from medical procedures; and the like.
It's apparent, that in the protective face mask arts, there's a long felt need for improved face mask designs or technologies that will enable a user to enjoy the advantages of an open face mask system, while also providing substantial protection from pathogens and like particulate matter.
The present disclosure delineates an active respiratory open face shield system for providing a hygienic barrier between a user and the user's ambient environment. Other exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide others, in the user's proximate environment, substantial protection from the user. Presented are disclosures of face shields and methods of use that overcome the aforementioned disadvantages of well-known personal filtration devices and systems.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide at least one active respiratory filtration system configured such that the system components are supported by a head harness and/or lens system. The system comprises at least one portable power source to enable mobility.
It is another object of present invention to provide at least one input filter system module attached to the rear portion of the head harness and/or the lens system. The input filter system module comprises at least one air pump, at least one input filter, at least one control system and an air transport enclosure system. The input filter system module is configured to be compact and lightweight to promote transportability.
It is yet another object of certain embodiments of present invention to provide a lens system functionally attached to the front portion of the head harness, which is configured to cooperate with one or more input filter system modules and/or output filter system modules. In certain embodiments, when both input filter system modules and output filter system modules are used, the face shield system will provide pathogenic filtering, particulate contaminant filtering, and the like, to both the user and bystanders present in the user's proximate environment. In other embodiments, where the user's environment does not contain other individuals, the use of an output filtration module is optional, and the open perimeter lens feature enables low resistance, unaltered venting of user exhalation air to surrounding environment.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a positive pressure into the internal volume or breathing chamber of the face shield in producing an air barrier for substantially preventing environmental contamination, e.g., particulate matter, microorganisms, and the like, from entering the breathing chamber. In preferred embodiments, the volume of filtered air delivered is substantially greater than the volume of filtered air consumed (inhalation volume) by the user.
It is another object of certain embodiments of present invention to provide a face shield system where the face shield's breathing chamber includes at least one air input member configured to direct the delivery and adjust the flow patterns of filtered air presented to the user's nose and mouth.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide air transport enclosures which are generally rectangular, configured to minimize air flow resistance, and enabling the design of compact systems.
It is yet another object of certain embodiments of present invention to provide a face shield system comprising an attachment assembly configured to engage at least a portion of the user's upper torso.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a face shield system with at least one output filtration system module disposed onto the lens, such that exhalation air input port substantially aligns with the user's exhalation air trajectory so to diametrically engage with the user's exhalation air, thereby streamlining the evacuation and filtration of the user's exhalation air into the user's ambient environment.
It is yet another object of certain embodiments of present invention to provide input filters and/or output filters fabricated from a variety of filtration materials, including: pathogenic filtering materials, particulate contaminant filtering materials, High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) certified materials, N95 capable materials, and any combination thereof. Composite filters comprising two or more layers of various filtering materials can be configured to yield enhanced air filtration results.
It is another object of this invention to provide a relatively simple system that is economical from the viewpoint of the manufacturer and consumer, is susceptible to low manufacturing costs regarding labor and materials, and which accordingly evokes low prices for the consuming public, thereby making it economically available to the buying public.
Whereas there may be many embodiments of the present invention, each embodiment may meet one or more of the foregoing recited objects in any combination. It is not intended that each embodiment will necessarily meet each objective.
Thus, having broadly outlined the more important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated, there are, of course, additional features of the present invention that will be described herein and will form a part of the subject matter of this specification.
In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the conception regarded as the present invention.
The present invention provides cost-effective, efficient solutions directed to overcoming the disadvantages associated with uncomfortable, tight-fitting passive face masks; as well as simple, generally open, face-shield devices, which provide negligible pathogenic or particulate protection. The invention provides an open, face-shield system, free from facial contact in addition to providing filtered air to the user via an input filter system module. The filtered air provided by the input filter system module creates a positive pressure of sufficient magnitude so to produce an air barrier for substantially preventing environmental contamination, e.g., particulate matter, microorganisms, and the like, from entering the breathing chamber.
Alternate embodiments further include an output filter system module for the evacuation and filtration of the user's exhalation air to surrounding environment. One clear advantage over present-day passive masks is the elimination of the additional effort required to inhale and exhale thorough the filtration material used in such passive face mask products. The present invention provides an active means for delivering filtered air to the user; as well as the removal of exhalation air, thereby lessening the user's breathing effort.
The ensuing detailed description section makes reference to the annexed drawings. An enhanced understanding of the present invention will become evident when consideration is given to the detailed description thereof and objects other than the aforementioned become apparent. The invention will be described by reference to the specification and the annexed drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements, and wherein:
The active respiratory open face shield filtration system (AROFSS) discussed throughout this disclosure shall have equivalent nomenclature, including, but not limited to: the device, the system, the assembly, the face shield, the unit, the present invention, or the invention. Additionally, the term exemplary shall possess a single meaning throughout this disclosure; wherein the sole focus is directed to serving as an example, instance, or illustration. The term others or bystanders shall be defined as individuals within the immediate environment of the user, having a reasonable probability of receiving an airborne pathogen from the user. The term upper torso shall be understood to include the shoulders, neck, and any member of the head capable of providing support for the respiratory face shield systems.
The term “about” is used herein to mean approximately, roughly, around, or in the region of. When the term “about” is used in conjunction with a numerical range, it modifies that range by extending the boundaries above and below the numerical values set forth. In general, the term “about” is used herein to modify a numerical value above and below the stated value by a variance of 20 percent up or down (higher or lower).
Note that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As well, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising”, “including”, “characterized by”, “possessing” and “having” are all to be interpreted as open-ended terms, are all considered equivalent terms, and are used interchangeably.
With reference to the drawings of the present invention, several embodiments pertaining to the faucet system of the present invention thereof will be described. In describing the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be used for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. Terminology of similar import other than the words specifically mentioned above likewise is to be considered as being used for purposes of convenience rather than in any limiting sense.
IFSM 3 provides filtered air 10 into breathing chamber 14 such that a positive pressure environment is created. The positive pressure environment generated within breathing chamber 14 is of sufficient magnitude so to produce a protective air barrier capable of preventing environmental contamination, e.g., particulate matter, microorganisms, and the like, from entering the breathing chamber 14. The protective air barrier is produced by unfiltered breathing chamber air 20 exiting internal volume 12 about the generally open perimeter of lens 16, flowing into the ambient surrounding environment.
The present embodiment also includes lens system 17 having a lens 16 having a least a transparent portion to enable user 18 vision. Lens 16 covers or hovers, over at least nose and mouth 13 of user's 18, and is configured so to not substantially contact user's 18 face, thereby increasing user comfort.
Exemplary IFSM 40 includes control board 42, which manages at least one air pump 6 managed by control board 42. Other exemplary control board 42 features include, but not limited to, a power management subsystem to control power delivery to air pump 6 for controlling the velocity of filtered air 10 directed into breathing chamber 14. In preferred embodiments, IFSM 40 type systems will include redundant components for safety purposes, e.g., in the event of component or system failures. Redundant components include but are not limited to the following: air pump, rear filter, control system, and battery.
The embodiment further depicts an input filter system module (IFSM) 40 and streamlined air transport enclosure system comprising rectangular ducts 47. Rectangular ducts 47 are configured to yield a more compact and user-friendly system. In one aspect, the dimensions of rectangular ducts 47 are selected to maximize airflow, while reducing the width; the rectangular ducts 47 are elongated in the vertical direction, thereby reducing the overall width of respiratory face shield assembly 48.
Head harness 52 is comprised of two contiguous key sections, front portion 56, and rear portion 54. Rear portion 54 includes back strap 60, which provides support for IFSM 40. Front portion 56 comprises lens system 17, containing lens 16 and lens connector 58. IFSM 40 is connected to lens connector 58 via air hose 62. In exemplary embodiment face shield system 51, system support is provided by a pair of right and left upper ear supports 46, configured to correspondingly engage the right and left ears of user 18.
Hinge 68 enables user 18 to hingedly move lens 16 away from user's 18 face, while neck support member 70 continues to provide substantial support for shield assembly 64 system as a whole. In the present embodiment, since IFSM 40 is integrated into front portion of frame 66, filtered air 10 is immediately directed into the breathing chamber, sans an air transport enclosure system.
OFSM 79 portion of
In preferred embodiments, the OFSM 79 will include redundant components for safety, in case of component failures. Redundant components include, but are not limited to the: air pump, output filter, control system, and battery. As delineated in the in the previous discussions associated with
Steady state, positive pressure 90 is produced by the generation of filtered air 10 by IFSM 40. Steady state, negative pressure 92 is produced by the evacuation of exhalation air 84 processed by OFSM 79.
Steady state pressure 94 is the difference resulting from subtracting negative pressure 92 from positive pressure 90 and is understood to be the breathing chamber 88 pressure when user 18 refrains from breathing or breathing is paused (e.g., the pause between inhalation and exhalation cycles 22). Breathing cycle 22 is comprised of two primary components, the positive peak denoted as exhalation pressure 24 and the negative peak denoted as inhalation pressure 26. To ensure that unfiltered air from the surrounding environment does not enter breathing chamber 88, minimum pressure 28 must be greater or equal to ambient pressure 32. As depicted in
Assembly 98 further depicts OFSM 79 functionally attached onto frame 66 to provide an exhalation air input port 85 for user 18; in other embodiments, OFSM 79 can be attached directly onto lens 16, frame 66, or like surfaces. In this and other preferred embodiments, exhalation air input port 85 substantially aligns with the user 18 exhalation air trajectory 100 so to efficiently engage with the user's exhalation air, thereby streamlining the evacuation and filtration of the user's 18 exhalation air into the user's ambient environment. In preferred embodiments, there is a diametric or linear (shortest path option) exhaust path from user's nose and mouth 13 to exhalation air input port 85.
Depicted is a streamlined air transport enclosure 47 type system, utilizing rectangular ducts. Air input member 19 located on the right side of user 18 is attached to an IFSM 40 via air transport enclosure 47 and serves to direct filtered air 10 into the right portion of breathing chamber 112. Exhalation air input port 85 located on the left side of user 18 is attached to OFSM 79 via opposing air transport enclosure 47 and serves to extract breathing chamber air 114 from breathing chamber 112, filter the extracted air, and dissipate the filtered air into the surrounding environment.
Face shield assembly 116 is configured having two opposing members for the creation of a predetermined air curtain drawn across the nose and mouth 13 of user 18. The two opposing members include air input member 19, and exhalation air input port 85. Air input member 19—powered by IFSM 40, and exhalation air input port 85—powered by OFSM 79 are systems configured to cooperate with each other so to create a self-contained breathing chamber 112, as depicted in
Exemplary respiratory face shield assembly 117 comprises sealing member 118, which is configured to create two chambers, a lower breathing chamber 128 disposed on lower lens 126, and visual chamber 130 comprising upper lens 124. Sealing member 118 is positioned in a substantially horizontal manner between the user's eyes and oronasal facial features 13 to ensure that delivery of filtered air 10 is solely directed to the user's oronasal facial features. One function provided by sealing member 118 is to substantially prevent any substantial airflow from the lower breathing chamber 128, such as filtered air and/or user exhalation air, from flowing directly upward into visual chamber 130 comprising inner surface 11 of upper lens 124 and reaching the user's eyes. Sealing member 118 is ideally fabricated from a pliable, conforming type of material, such as a foam, rubber, elastomer, or the like. Sealing member 118 possesses at least one user engagement surface or edge 120, and at least one lens engagement surface 122. Lens engagement surface 122 is sealingly attached to inner surface 11 of lens 16. The means for attachment can vary from a removably attachable means to a permanent means of attachment. User engagement surface or edge 120 functions to sealingly conform to the user's face such that two chambers are formed, a lower breathing chamber 128 and a visual chamber 130.
Assembly 117 further depicts OFSM 79 functionally attached onto frame 66 which provides an exhalation air input port 85 for user 18; in other embodiments, OFSM 79 can be attached directly onto lens 16, frame 66, lower lens 126 to fluidly engage the volume within lower breathing chamber 128, and the like. In preferred embodiments, exhalation air input port 85 substantially aligns with the user 18 exhalation air trajectory 100 so to efficiently engage with the user's exhalation air, thereby streamlining the evacuation and filtration of the user's 18 exhalation air into the user's ambient environment. In preferred embodiments, there is a diametric or linear (shortest path option) exhaust path from user's nose and mouth 13 to exhalation air input port 85.
There are several benefits associated with shielding the user's eyes from oronasal airflows provided by sealing member 118. One benefit is the elimination/reduction of lens fogging, especially the inner surface 11 of visual chamber 130. Another benefit is the prevention of dry eyes, resulting from the movement of filtered air being drawn across the user's eyes.
This non-provisional application claims the benefit of priority from the following: provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 63/050,835 filed on Jul. 12, 2020; provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 63/057,259 filed on Jul. 27, 2020; and nonprovisional application Ser. No. 17/373,100 filed on Jul. 12, 2021. All said applications are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17373100 | Jul 2021 | US |
| Child | 17958860 | US |
