Patent Application
20220370834
The present invention relates to protective face mask systems, particularly systems directed to air respiration filtering. More specifically, one aspect of the present invention is directed to a retaining ring assembly configured to enhance the seal between a filtration textile and the nose-mouth perimeter of a user.
One of the primary functions or goals of a typical respiratory face mask is to provide a protective hygienic barrier between the user and the user's external environment. The primary focus of the present disclosure will be directed to systems configured to directly protect the respiratory system, which includes face masks and like configurations that cover both the nose and mouth. Depending on the features provided by a given face mask system, e.g., the mask design, the type of filter component(s) incorporated and the like, the unit can protect the user from their environment, protect objects/substances in the environment from the user, protect other people/animals in the environment from the user and combinations thereof. Selection of the filtration textile(s) or filter component(s) will determine what type of protection the face mask system can ultimately provide, e.g., the type of protection provided (e.g., microorganism filtration, particulate matter filtration, etc.), its filtration effectiveness, the expected life of the unit and the like.
During the approximate time period between late 2019 and early 2020, humankind was introduced to the COVID-19 virus. As a first line of defense, many healthcare professionals as well as like-minded professionals and organizations, quickly provided the public with basic protective measures, such as: avoiding crowds, having individuals maintain a distance of at least 6 feet away from others (Social Distancing), wearing a face mask in public settings or when requested and the like. Virtually all health organizations highly recommend that certain individuals persistently wear face masks, e.g., those with compromised immune systems, preexisting medical conditions, healthcare professionals working in patient filled environments and the like. Additional situations where individuals may be required to persistently don masks, include those having duties that require interactions with articles or substances that are being prepared for the public, such as individuals engaged in dispensing medications, food preparation, library services, general delivery services and the like.
Emergencies, including pandemics due to airborne pathogens, can create a colossal demand associated with protecting large number of individuals from essentially all the potential sources of pathogens and the like. One of the simplest means of protection is the use of respiratory type of face masks. Even the simplest of face mask configurations possess at least some ability to capture moisture droplets emitted from individuals, thereby providing at least some protection for themselves as well as bystanders from such pathogen laden droplets.
The demand for respiratory type of face masks during states of emergency can be overwhelming. The well-respected N95 compliant type face masks are predictably sought after and quickly become unavailable. N95 compliant face masks, when properly attached, filter about 95% of the airborne contaminates they were predetermined to protect against; both inhaled and exhaled air are both filtered by N95 type face masks.
N95 type face masks are typically more expensive than standard surgical masks and require a tight fit against the user's face to minimize leakage. Accordingly, many find such N95 face masks uncomfortable to wear because of limited internal air circulation, as well as the significant pressure drop across the filter material, which demands additional breathing effort from the wearer. During a pandemic, or the like, such face masks may be solely be reserved for medical personnel and quickly become unavailable for use by the general population. As a compromise, the general populous may be forced to settle for less effective types of face masks, which include, but not limited to: surgical masks, looser fitting textile type face masks, sheets of cloth/fabric configured into a face mask geometry, makeshift configurations and the like. Compared to N95 type face masks, such loose fitting type masks forego a substantial portion of potential protection. The primary cause of performance inequality, compared to an N95 face mask system, is due to the various gaps between the filtration textile and the nose-mouth perimeter of the user. The typical, stand-alone loosely fitted face mask is usually not configured to produce the required, substantially sealed inner volume required to filter both user inhalation and exhalation air.
In the respiratory face mask arts, it is apparent that there is a need to enable the aforementioned, loosely fitted types of face mask systems to function more like the tighter, more effective face mask systems, e.g., the N95 series of face masks. Additionally, in times of emergency, when premium face mask devices may be in short supply, there is an obvious need to possess the means for quick assembly the most effective face mask system possible, given the materials available.
Certain embodiments of the present invention, including all relevant components, can be configured to be contained in an envelope, such that the face mask system can be shipped using a standard United States Postal Service (USPS) first-class stamp. Other face mask embodiments can be configured such that they can be made accessible via ordinary vending machines. Still other embodiments can be packaged as a compact kit for shipment to emergency locations to aid in relief efforts.
The present disclosure provides face mask devices or accessories directed to the functional improvement of commercially available or makeshift type of face mask systems for air respiration filtering. Presented are disclosures of face mask devices and improvement systems that overcome the aforementioned disadvantages of well-known devices and comparable systems. One exemplary aspect of the present invention addresses the poor user-mask interface or face mask perimeter sealing issues pertaining to loose-fitting masks and the like. Additionally, in times of emergency, when premium face mask devices may be in short supply, the present invention provides the means to quickly assemble the most effective face mask system possible, given the materials available.
It is understood that, in the present population, there are a multitude of nose shapes and sizes, mouth shapes and sizes and combinations thereof. Given such a vast variation in facial features in the present population, it is expected that each individual will experience their own unique fit and experience provided from various continuous elongated ring (CER) face mask designs or configurations. CER device design options that can enhance comfort and functionality include, but not limited to, the support strap(s) attachment locations on the CER, CER geometry configured to adequately cover and engage the nose-mouth perimeter of the user and the engagement pressures from various portions of the CER device.
Another comfort/functionality factor is directed to the flexibility of the CER device and/or specific portions thereon. One means for adjusting or controlling CER flexibility/stiffness is via material selection in combination with variations in CER device thickness and/or width (entire unit or portions thereon). For example, a thicker CER nose portion would provide enhanced engagement/sealing for certain nose geometries and so forth.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a respiratory face mask retaining ring or continuous elongated ring (CER) that is flexible and able to conform to a user's nose-mouth perimeter. Exemplary devices can be fabricated from a variety of semi-rigid polymeric type materials.
It is another object of certain embodiments of present invention to provide a CER including at least one engaged filtration textile, for providing a hygienic barrier between the user and the user's external environment. The hygienic barrier is enabled by a filter component, which is selected to filter/eliminate or reduce the transmission of predetermined airborne contaminates.
It is yet another object of certain embodiments of present invention to attach a spongy material attached onto at least a portion of the back side or user's side of the CER to provide additional user comfort and improve the seal between the filtration textile and nose-mouth perimeter of the user. In some embodiments, the spongy material can also provide a friction type anchor for further engaging the filtration textile to prevent slippage.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a CER configured to provide a substantially gap-free engagement between the filtration textile and the user, thereby producing a substantially sealed inner volume disposed between said filtration textile and the user.
It is another object of certain embodiments of present invention to provide a CER configured to substantially engage a wide variety of filtration textiles for producing a substantially sealed inner volume. Filtration textiles include, but are not limited to loose fitting commercial or makeshift type face masks, pathogenic protective filtration materials in sheet form, particulate protective filtration materials in sheet form, HEPA compliant materials in sheet form or any air permeable material in sheet form. Additionally, composite filtration textiles comprised of two or more sheets of filtration material will provide a means for additional filtration.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a CER comprising an upper curvilinear portion configured to engage a filtration textile about the nasal periphery of a user and a lower curvilinear portion configured to engage the filtration textile about the mouth periphery of the user.
It is another object of certain embodiments of present invention to provide a CER including at least one pair of attachment features attached thereon configured to attach to at least one support strap for engagement with the user's head, ears, wearable accessories (e.g., hat, wig, etc.) and the like.
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 with regard to 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 to several issues directed to respirator type of face masks. One focus of the present invention is to provide an apparatus capable of enhancing the performance of existing loose fitting face masks, such as surgical face masks. Another aspect of the present invention focus on providing a means for quickly and inexpensively constructing a functional face mask system from a wide variety of filtration textiles that are available in sheet form, ranging from handkerchiefs to N95 capable materials.
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 continuous elongated ring (CER) device and/or system for improving existing respiratory protective face mask type systems, discussed throughout this disclosure, shall have equivalent nomenclature, including, but not limited to: the device, the face mask system, the unit, CER, the CER system, the accessory, the system, the present invention, or the invention. The terms “elongated” and “ring” as used in this disclosure, shall be defined as any non-circular geometry. The term “aperture” shall be defined as any hole or opening, of any shape or geometry, that provides an open path from the continuous elongated ring's front surface to back surface. Additionally, the term “exemplary” shall possess a single meaning throughout this disclosure; wherein the sole meaning is directed to: serving as an example, instance, or illustration.
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).
Descriptions and explanations shall be referenced based upon the viewpoint of the user. 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 filtration textile shall be broadly understood to be any flexible, air permeable material. The term includes standard type of commercial masks (e.g., surgical face masks and the like), home-made face masks. Also included are face mask systems fabricated from: simple handkerchief products and air permeable sheet material comprised from any synthetic, natural, textile, fabric, paper product, fiber blended composite materials and the like.
The term “pair of attachment features” shall be understood to comprise two attachment features, portions or the like, where each attachment feature is configured to receive one end of a support strap, thereby forming a loop for engaging the user's head or ears. For example, a pair of attachment features will include two portions, e.g., a right and a left attachment feature, a first and a second attachment feature, a first and second upper attachment feature, a first and second lower attachment feature or the like.
The phrase “configured to engage the user's head” shall be understood to include all portions of a user's head as potential engagement features, including the back of the head, the ears, as well as any other location.
With reference to the drawings of the present invention, several embodiments pertaining to the disclosed systems 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.
It must be noted 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.
CER 20 includes four attachment features, two upper attachment features 26 and two lower attachment features 28. In this exemplary attachment configuration, each of the attachment features is comprised of three apertures configured as slots (tri-aperture attachment).
Preferred CER embodiments, such as CER 33, CER 20 and the like, can be fabricated using a variety of manufacturing processes, including, but not limited to additive manufacturing processes (3D printing), CNC machining a sheet of polymeric material, die-cutting, or injection molding. Exemplary polymeric type materials, which can be tailored to possess semi-rigid properties, include, but are not limited to TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), TPE (thermoplastic elastomers) and the Polyvinyl family of polymers.
It is understood that filtration textiles 12 can vary in construction. In certain preferred embodiments, the filtration textile 12 is fabricated from a single sheet or layer of filtration material. In other embodiments the filter component can be constructed from two or more layers of filtration material to enhance the filtration capability of the system. In multi-layered embodiments, outer edge portions of each layer can be optionally fastened to each other, such that the multi-layered filtration material can be handled as one single unit for convenience.
The flat or planar geometry of the related components comprising face mask kit 74 enables the formation of kit system to be compactly configured for storage in a flat or planar kit packaging 76. Because of the compact, planar geometry of face mask kit 74, it can be easily dispensed via vending machine systems, shipped in flat envelopes via the mail system, and the like.
The detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, specific aspects and embodiments in which the present disclosed embodiments may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice aspects of the present invention. Other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments. The various embodiments can be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments. The detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims, with the full scope of equivalents to which they may be entitled. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement that is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of embodiments of the present invention. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive and that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Combinations of the above embodiments and other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon studying the above description. The scope of the present disclosed embodiments includes any other applications in which embodiments of the above structures and fabrication methods are used. The scope of the embodiments should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
This continuation-in-part application claims the benefit of priority from non-provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 17/326,939 filed on May 21, 2021 and provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 63027956 filed on May 21, 2020. Each of said applications is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17326939 | May 2021 | US |
| Child | 17555816 | US |
