Patent Application
20220161069
The present invention relates to active as well as passive respiratory protective face mask systems. More specifically, the present invention is directed to face mask systems configured such that the filtration media is disposed over one or more user impassive facial features, in a manner so to not obstruct expressive facial features. The expressive facial features of primary concern are the user's oronasal areas, especially the mouth area. In preferred embodiments at least the mouth area is visible via a transparent oronasal cover, or the like. Other embodiments are directed to protective face mask systems having nontransparent oronasal covers, where distinct, understandable speech communications are emphasized over visual type of communications, such as face masks used in dark room environments, and the like.
Face masks are universally used in the medical profession and elsewhere to reduce the risk of transferring microorganisms, such as infectious bacteria, viruses, between individuals, such as health care provider and a patient, a teacher and their students; or in any context where nose, mouth and eye protection may be suggested or required. Face masks having a transparent portion over the nose and mouth areas so such oronasal features are visible to an observer, will improve communications and rapport between the wearer and patient, reduce patient anxiety and improve face mask wearing compliance of caregivers, and the like, that should be wearing face masks. Nonetheless, there exists a need for face mask systems that provide more effective barrier to air-borne contaminants, such as bacteria and viruses while still providing for improved communication between the face mask user and the observer(s), e.g., health care personnel and the patient.
Furthermore, in covering the mouth a certain amount of acoustic or speech type of communication is lost. Even though the mask is permeable to air, the covering does degrade some of the clarity with respect to the wearer's speech, making it more difficult to understand the face mask user. The situation is exacerbated if the user wearing the face mask is soft spoken, does not speak distinctly, and the like. Opaque type mask face masks carry the additional disadvantage in which the oronasal portions of the speaker, especially the mouth cannot be seen, thereby removing the vital visual portion of face-to-face communications, e.g., the hiding of a reassuring smile, lip movements, emotional expressions, and the like.
Over the years, respiratory face mask technology has evolved, and standards have been established to quantify their performance and assure product quality and consistency. For example, presently, it's common to locate passive respiratory face masks designed to meet or exceed the OSHA N95 standard; wherein 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 air as well as exhalation air. This common-place type of face mask design is typically fabricated from opaque filtration material(s), which obscure the user's oronasal area.
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 N95 filtration media, 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 face, such as the perimeter about the user's nose and mouth. Over time, this intense facial seal and the associated tight-fitting, thin attachment straps, lead to considerable user discomfort. The root and/or subsequent causes of discomfort include: heat related issues, skin irritations, labored breathing, tight fitting straps, 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 ever rising pressure drop of the air being forced through the filter media; likewise, when exhaling, exhalation air must forced out through the same filter media, but in the opposite direction. A substantial portion of the population have complained that face masks fabricated from N95 certified filtration media are 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 potential mask wearer will don suitable protective gear or not. Moreover, due to the facial feature variations across the general population, an adequate seal between the face mask and the user may not always be possible with all users, especially in situations where the user possesses facial hair.
Another type of passive face mask system that overcomes many of aforementioned drawbacks associated with N95 type face masks, is the simple transparent face shield. These shields will typically cover or hover over 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 pathways to reach the user's oronasal areas. These shields typically find utility in environments where the user is seeking protection from substantially large occupational airborne particulates or like contaminates. For example, shrapnel from industrial processes, e.g., grinding wheel debris; splatter and splash type contaminants from medical procedures; and so forth.
It's apparent, that in the protective face mask arts, there's a long felt need for improved active as well as passive respiratory filtration systems that provide the user protection from the ambient environment, possibly containing microorganisms, pathogens, particulate matter, and the like. Also, of value, are systems designed that will simultaneously protect others by filtering the exhalation air released into the environment by the user. Also of importance are respiratory filtration systems that optimize user-observer(s) communications. Optimized communications include the transmission of clear speech and/or unobstructed view of the user's oronasal area, especially the mouth, depending on the communicative circumstances between the user and the observer(s), or the like.
The present disclosure delineates both active as well as passive respiratory filtration systems in the form of a face mask. The respiratory filtration systems are configured to be worn by a user, providing the user protection from the ambient environment, possibly containing microorganisms, pathogens, particulate matter, and the like. The respiratory filtration system is also designed to protect others by filtering the exhalation air released into the environment by the user. The disclosed respiratory filtration system(s) are comprised from one or more hygienic materials. The hygienic materials are carefully selected and disposed at predetermined locations within the respiratory filtration system, so to optimize user-observer(s) communications. Optimized communications include the transmission of distortion-free speech and/or unobstructed view of the user's oronasal area, especially the mouth.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to optimized user communications to one or more observers, or the like. Communications include user's speech as well as facial gestures, lip movements, and the like, enabled by use of a transparent oronasal cover or expression window, which allows a substantially unobstructed view of the user's oronasal area, especially the mouth by an onlooker or observer.
It is another object of certain embodiments of present invention to provide a respiratory filtration system, optimized for an unobstructed view of the user's oronasal area, where the air filters are located over one or more impassive facial features. For example, contained within right and left chamber assemblies, the filter containing assemblies are positioned under the user's respective right and left eyes, in the general area of the user's right and left cheeks.
It is yet another object of certain embodiments of present invention having an oronasal cover where at least a portion of the oronasal cover is configured from a substantially transparent material, creating an expression window, viewing portal, or the like, to enable an observer a clear view of the user's oronasal features.
It is a further object of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide an oronasal cover having a transparent front face, comprising at least one planar surface. In preferred embodiments, given an upright, vertical face mask orientation, one or more of the transparent planar surfaces, or expression windows is configured to possess an angle of inclination from about 150 to about 170 degrees, so to minimize/eliminate reflective glare experienced by an observer(s).
It is another object of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide an oronasal cover configured from a hygienic material that is optimized for distortion-free transmission of speech from the face mask user to one or more observers. Qualifying nontransparent oronasal covers are acceptable in specific situations, e.g., when a user(s) is speaking into a microphone, working in a darkroom environment, or the like. In such scenarios, a view of the user's oronasal area by an observer is not available in the first place.
It is yet another object of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide at least one removable, modular forced air module, which provides a user additional or supplemental filtered air produced by battery operated fan(s) functionally coupled to an air filter. Preferred embodiments further comprise a control system for managing battery power, controlling the volume of supplemental filtered air delivered per unit time, and the like.
It is yet another object of certain embodiments of present invention to provide an oronasal cover where at least the portion of the cover, which resides over the user's mouth, is positioned at least about 1 inch away from the user's mouth, so that reflective speech distortions are minimized.
It is a further object of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a conforming seal disposed about the oronasal circumferential edge, located on the outer edge portion of the oronasal cover, to strengthen the sealing engagement between the face mask and the user.
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 disclosure delineates both active as well as passive respiratory filtration systems. The respiratory filtration systems are configured to be worn by a user, providing the user protection from the ambient environment, possibly containing microorganisms, pathogens, particulate matter, and the like. The respiratory filtration system is also designed to protect others by filtering the exhalation air released into the environment by the user. The disclosed respiratory filtration system(s) are comprised from one or more hygienic materials. The hygienic materials are carefully selected and disposed at predetermined locations within the respiratory filtration system, so to optimize user to the observer(s) communications. Optimized communications include the transmission of clear speech and/or unobstructed view of the user's oronasal area, especially the mouth.
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 terms: observers, others or bystanders shall be defined as individuals within the immediate environment of the user, having a reasonable probability of receiving an airborne microorganism or 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.
The term hygienic material shall broadly define a material that has the capacity to block or substantially filter microorganisms or particulates. The hygienic material can be optically transparent, opaque, or any remaining nontransparent possibilities.
In this disclosure, the term oronasal shall broadly defined as pertaining to at least the mouth area of the user, unless otherwise stipulated.
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.
The passive respiratory filtration system 1 embodiment is optimized for the transmission of speech from user 2. Oronasal cover 4 configured from a hygienic material that is optimized for the unambiguous, distortion-free transmission of speech from the user to the user's proximate environment. Qualifying oronasal covers that are nontransparent are acceptable in specific situations, e.g., when a user(s) is speaking into a microphone, communicating in dim light situations, communicating with the visually impaired, or the like. In such scenarios, the observer is not present or visually capable of appreciating a clear view of the user's oronasal area. In this embodiment, apertures 12 located on both right and left chamber assemblies 8, provide an additional means for transmitting user's 2 speech from breathing chamber 60 to the user's proximate environment.
Air filter 26, which can be fabricated from a variety of filtration type materials, such as a pathogenic filtering material, a particulate contaminant filtering material, a HEPA certified material or any combination thereof. Air filter 26 is comprised of two main, opposing surfaces, inner face 38 and outer face 40.
End-cover 28, which functions as a service door in some embodiments, in other embodiments it serves to convert an active respiratory filtration system to a passive respiratory filtration system by sealing the openings of chamber assemblies 22, 24, sans a forced air module 116 (best depicted in
Vented outer wall 30, functions as a support member for chamber assemblies 22, 24; as well as providing a venting means for air movement to and from the system. Inner wall 32 provides a support surface for air portal 36, as well as providing a wall type structure to the elongated air filter dispersion cavity (EAFDC) 34 enclosure. Note that fastener 50 engages distal end portion air portal 36, and functions to fasten oronasal cover 46 to right chamber assembly 22.
Elongated air filter dispersion cavity, EAFDC 34 is a gap or void primarily bound by inner wall 32 and inner face 38 of air filter 26, and serves to load level or balance the air interactions with filter 26, so that one portion of filter 26 does not bear a greater burden than any other portion, thereby extending filter life and improving filter performance. Filter 26 is held in place by a series of stops 54, such stops 54 can take on a variety of forms, including ribs, posts, and the like.
Oronasal cover 46 provides a substantially sealed breathing chamber 60 for user 2. Oronasal cover 46 can be configured from a variety of materials, depending on needs of a given situation. For example, a transparent material can be utilized on at least front face 48 when a clear view of the oronasal portion of the user is of importance; or a nontransparent filtration material, optimized for speech transmission, can be used when verbal communications govern the situation at hand. Oronasal cover 46 includes an oronasal circumferential edge 44 that approximately sealingly engages nose-mouth perimeter 16. Enhanced sealing engagement can be attained by the use of conforming seal 42 disposed about oronasal circumferential edge 44.
As user 2 inhales, unfiltered air 56 from ambient environment surrounding user is drawn through air filter 26 and enters EAFDC 34 in a substantially uniform manner about the entire length of each EAFDC 34 area, which prevents the air currents from preferring one portion of air filter 26 over another, thereby promoting filtration load leveling, resulting in the maximization of filter performance as well as filter life.
Illustrated in inhalation phase 87 are right and left filters 96 engaging stops 54. Inner faces 38 of filter 96 forms one surface of elongated air filter dispersion cavity EAFDC 34 enclosures, whereas inner wall 32 forms the opposing surfaces. Air pumps 98 (fans) are attached to inner walls 32, and provide supplemental filtered air 90 by pulling additional air through air filters 96 via module input 94, and delivering the supplemental filtered air 90 to breathing chamber 60 via module output 92. Supplemental filtered air 90 is additional air superimposed over unfiltered air 56 motivated by user 2. Unfiltered air 56 is drawn in from the ambient environment, and pulled through air filter 26, resulting in filtered air 58. Both supplemental filtered air 90 and filtered air 58 enter EAFDC 34 in a substantially uniform manner about the EAFDC 34's length, which prevents preferring or burdening one portion of air filter 26 over another portion, ensuring filtration load leveling, thereby improving filter performance and filter life.
Breathing chamber 60 formed by oronasal cover 46, encloses both nose 18 and mouth 20. The distance from mouth 20 and the inner surface of oronasal cover 46 is represented as mouth to oronasal cover gap 52 (best depicted in
The aforementioned apparatus described in inhalation phase 87 remains unchanged during exhalation phase 101. With respect to the exhalation phase 101 air movement, user 2 expels exhalation air 100 into breathing chamber 60 where it travels into elongated air filter dispersion cavity EAFDC 34, where it uniformly engages inner face 38 (of filter 26), and exhausting filtered air 102 into the ambient environment.
Air filter 26, which can be fabricated from a variety of filtration type materials, such as a pathogenic filtering material, a particulate contaminant filtering material, a HEPA certified material or any combination thereof. Air filter 26 is comprised of two primary, opposing surfaces, inner face 38 and outer face 40.
End-cover 28, which, some embodiments, functions as a service door, in other embodiments, it serves to convert an active respiratory filtration system to a passive respiratory filtration system by sealing the openings of chamber assemblies 105 and 107, sans a forced air module 116 (best depicted in
Vented outer wall 30, functions as a support member for chamber assemblies 105 and 107; as well as providing the venting means for air movement to and from the system. Inner wall 32 provides a support surface for air portal 36, as well as providing structure for the elongated air filter dispersion cavity EAFDC 34 enclosure. Note that fastener 50 engages distal end portion air portal 36, and functions to fasten oronasal cover 46 to right chamber assembly 105 and left chamber assembly 107.
Elongated air filter dispersion cavity, EAFDC 34 is a gap or void primarily bound by inner wall 32 and inner face 38 of air filter 26, and serves to load level or balance the air interactions with filter 26, so that one portion of filter 26 does not bear a greater burden than any other portion, thereby extending filter life and filter performance. Filter 26 is held in place by a series of stops 54, such stops 54 can take on a variety of forms, including ribs, posts, and the like.
Forced air module 116 is a removable/replaceable module used in both right chamber assembly 105 and left chamber assembly 107. Forced air module 116 is comprised of an air pump or fan 106, which is supported by outer module fan housing 104 and inner module fan housing 108. Details associated directed to forced air module 116 can be found on
Oronasal cover 46 provides a substantially sealed breathing chamber 60 for user 2. Depending on needs of the situation, there are a variety of configurations the oronasal cover 46 can possess. For example, transparent materials can be utilized on at least front face 48 when a clear view of the oronasal portion of user 2 is of importance, or a nontransparent filtration material optimized for speech transmission can be used when verbal communications govern the situation at hand. Oronasal cover 46 includes an oronasal circumferential edge 44 that substantially sealingly engages nose-mouth perimeter 16. Enhanced sealing engagement can be attained by the use of a conforming seal 42 disposed about oronasal circumferential edge 44.
Fan 106, is supported by outer module fan housing 104 and inner module fan housing 108 as depicted in more detail in
Power source 120 (battery) functions to power fans 106, power control board(s) 112, and the like. Power source 120 (battery) can be rechargeable or of the single use variety.
Control system 110 can be fabricated using a variety of components, depending on the desired functions. Depicted is control system 110 comprising on-off switch 114 and control board 112. Other embodiments can include battery charging ports, LED/Lights to provide the user with a variety of indicators for: remaining battery life, charging status, power on/off status, and the like.
Control board(s) 112, this electrical system can be fabricated using a variety of components, depending on the desired functions. Control board(s) 112 embodiments can further include a means for controlling the speed or volume of air movement delivery from power fans 106.
Light glare or light reflection issues associated with transparent oronasal cover 126 type covers can interfere with the observer(s) ability to decipher user's 2 oronasal area expressions and can degrade visual communications. Light glare issues can be minimized/eliminated by configuring planar lower expression window 130 to possess an angle of inclination 132, from about 150 degrees to about 170 degrees taken in a counter clock wise direction from horizon line 136; equivalently, the supplementary angle 134 ranges from about 10 degrees to about 30 degrees taken in a clockwise direction from horizon line 136.
Passive respiratory filtration system 150 is comprised of a substantially rigid housing 156 which provides the system structural support. The housing material can be fabricated from virtually any polymeric engineering material, e.g., polycarbonate. Housing 156 can be configured from transparent materials or non-transparent materials, whereas expression window 162 must be substantially transparent. Seal 158 is fabricated from sealingly pliable materials, e.g., silicone, for providing adequate airtight engagement between filtration system 150 and nose-mouth perimeter 16.
Internal filter cartridge 164 is comprised of a substantially rigid, cartridge housing 172 configured to retain filtration media 168. Cartridge 164 possesses filtration area 170 encircled by cartridge seal 166 configured to sealingly envelop lower air vents 160 so to produce a substantially sealed breathing chamber 163. Housing 156 further includes upper support posts 176, and lower support posts (best depicted in
External filtration cartridge 178 is configured to engage housing 156 so to not block oronasal features 180 from an observer(s). Cartridge 178 is disposed over user's chin area 148, which is considered an impassive facial location, providing limited visual cues or communication from the user, unlike the oronasal features 180. Oronasal features 180 of user 2 provide a vast amount of visual communications from user 2; such communications includes the emotional state of the user as well as informational communications, e.g., a hearing impaired observer having to read lips, and the like. The present invention enables an observer(s) to view user's 2 oronasal features 180 via an optically transparent expression window 162.
Advanced seal 183 is secured to housing 156 by engaging the housing edge 188, chamber outer surface 197, chamber inner surface 199 or any combination thereof. Advanced seal 183 is preferably fabricated from sealingly pliable materials, e.g., silicone, for providing adequate airtight engagement between breathing chamber 163 and the outside environment; or alternately described, between filtration system 150 and nose-mouth perimeter 16. Inboard flexible sealing member 184 is biased in an inward direction toward the center of the given mask device, and in preferred embodiments the seal wall thickness gradually tapers off. One of the primary advantages associated with using an Inboard flexible sealing member 184 is that during exhalation by a user, the pressure created causes inboard flexible seal 200 to flex toward the user's face, thereby, via air pressure feedback, providing an enhanced seal.
Light glare or light reflection issues associated with transparent lower expression window 162, and the like, can interfere with the observer(s) ability to decipher user's 2 oronasal features 180 expressions and can degrade visual communications. Light glare issues can be minimized/eliminated by configuring any expression window. In this example, lower expression window 162 possesses a predetermined angle of inclination 132 when worn by user 2. The functional range for the angle of inclination 132 is from about 150 degrees to about 170 degrees taken in a counterclockwise direction from horizon line 136. Equivalently, the supplementary angle 134 ranges from about 10 degrees to about 30 degrees taken in a clockwise direction from horizon line 136.
This application claims the benefit of priority from non-provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 17/478,367 filed on Sep. 17, 2021 and provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 63/118,720 filed on Nov. 26, 2020. Each of said applications is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63118720 | Nov 2020 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17478367 | Sep 2021 | US |
| Child | 17534064 | US |
