People requiring supplemental oxygen (O2) often use an oxygen delivery system consisting of cannula tubing with prongs inserted into nostrils. While O2 cannulas are designed to be soft and lightweight, if a mask must be worn over an O2 cannula to protect the patient, for instance, from airborne contamination or viruses, the mask can adversely affect the fit and comfort of the O2 cannula and can often cause oxygen leakage or restrict oxygen flow. For instance, an N95 mask is designed for a close facial fit around a mouth and nose of a wearer, but the close fit of such masks—while suitable for preventing inhalation of airborne contaminants—can compress lightweight O2 cannula tubing or displace its nose prongs thereby restricting or inhibiting oxygen flow.
A disposable mask is a looser fitting mask than N95 masks. However, a loose mask does not form tight seals around a mouth and nose of the wearer, and therefore, loose masks allow greater unfiltered airflow to occur since the poorer fit may offer less filtration of small airborne particulates. Moreover, regardless of whether tighter or looser fitting masks are worn by persons using O2 cannulas, most masks are intended for a single use. Therefore, each time a new mask is required, the user must reinsert and readjust the O2 cannula to accommodate the new mask, which is not only time-consuming but is likely to result in inconsistent fittings over time.
What is needed in the industry is a reusable face mask that can readily receive an O2 cannula in which the mask and the O2 cannula can be adjusted for a comfortable fit, which will not restrict oxygen flow through the cannula and provide a level of filtration efficiency, not unduly restrict the airflow resistance (breathability), reduce areas of leakage around the mask, and provide the user with a mask that is comfortable to wear.
The present disclosure is directed in general to a reusable face mask system that has embedded receptacles or channels for receiving nasal O2 cannulas. The masks and the cannulas can be adjusted for individual comfort but do not restrict oxygen flow through the cannulas while providing suitable filtration. Further, once the nasal O2 cannula is fitted to the reusable mask, a disposable outer layer mask can be used, or not, with the reusable mask. The reusable masks are simple to make, easy to utilize and can be intermittently removed, washed, and reused.
In an exemplary embodiment, a reusable mask system may include a swivable shield having a first side with a first swivel depending therefrom and a second side with a second swivel depending therefrom; a mask having an external layer and an internal layer forming a pocket therebetween, the swivable shield being insertable in the pocket; a cannula support assemblage having a first assemblage end and a second assemblage end and further including a ventilation director and a nose cradle depending from the ventilation director, the nose cradle being configured for supporting a cannula; a first clip attachable to the first assemblage end and configured to receive the first swivel of the swivable shield; and a second clip attachable to the second assemblage end and configured to receive the second swivel of the swivable shield. The swivable shield in this embodiment may be made of a synthetic resin, and the internal layer may be made of woven fabric.
Also in this embodiment, the first clip and the second clip may be horizontally adjustable, and the ventilation director may be spaced apart from the internal layer and configured to deflect exhalations away from the cannula.
Still further, this embodiment may include a cannula support positioned at a first assemblage end or a second assemblage end for supporting a portion of the cannula, and a nose segment may be provided that is connectable to one of the cannula support assemblage or the mask, the nose segment configured to provide a nose cushion.
The reusable mask system may further include a nose bridge that can be connected to the cannula support assemblage or to the mask in order to fit the cannula support assemblage or the mask to a user. The nose bridge may be malleable for customizing user fitment and receivers may be located in the pocket to receive respective clips.
In another embodiment, a reusable mask system may include a shield having a swivel depending therefrom; a mask having an external layer and an internal layer forming a pocket therebetween, the shield being insertable in the pocket; a cannula support top disposed on the mask, the cannula support top being configured to support a portion of a cannula; and a clip attachable to the cannula support top configured to receive the swivel. The cannula support top may include an assemblage end and a shoulder support extending from the assemblage end for supporting another portion of the cannula, and the clip may be horizontally adjustable. Receivers may be positioned in the pocket to receive respective clips.
Also in this reusable mask system, a ventilation deflector may be provided that is placed apart from the internal layer and can deflect exhalations away from the cannula. Still further, a nose cradle may extend from the cannula support top and may support other parts or portions of the cannula.
A cushioning nose segment may also be provided in this embodiment to connect to the cannula support top or to the mask. And a nose bridge may be connected to the cannula support assemblage or to the mask to fit the cannula support assemblage or the mask to a user. The nose bridge may be malleable for customized user fitment.
In yet another embodiment, a reusable mask system may include a swivelable facial shield and a cannula support assemblage disposed proximate the shield, the cannula support assemblage having a first end and a second end with a first shoulder support depending from the first end and a second shoulder support depending from the second end, and further including a ventilation director and a nose cradle depending from the ventilation director, the first and second shoulder supports and the nose cradle being configured for supporting a cannula.
The reusable mask system may also include a mask with an external layer and an internal layer forming a pocket therebetween in which the shield is insertable in the pocket. Still further, receivers may be positioned in the pocket to receive the shield.
Additional objects and advantages of the present subject matter are set forth in, or will be apparent to, those of ordinary skill in the art from the description herein. Also, it should be further appreciated that modifications and variations to the specifically illustrated, referenced, and discussed features, processes, and elements hereof may be practiced in various embodiments and uses of the disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter. Variations may include, but are not limited to, substitution of equivalent means, features, or steps for those illustrated, referenced, or discussed, and the functional, operational, or positional reversal of various parts, features, steps, or the like. Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate the features and aspects of the various embodiments, and others, upon review of the remainder of the specification.
A full and enabling disclosure of the present subject matter, including the best mode thereof directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which refers to the appended figures, wherein:
As required, detailed embodiments are disclosed herein; however, the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary and may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as their equivalents.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. In the event that there is a plurality of definitions for a term or acronym herein, those in this section prevail unless stated otherwise.
Wherever the phrase “for example,” “such as,” “including,” and the like are used herein, the phrase “and without limitation” is understood to follow unless explicitly stated otherwise. Similarly, “an example,” “exemplary” and the like are understood to be non-limiting.
The term “substantially” allows for deviations from the descriptor that do not negatively impact the intended purpose. Descriptive terms are understood to be modified by the term “substantially” even if the word “substantially” is not explicitly recited.
The term “about” when used in connection with a numerical value refers to the actual given value, and to the approximation to such given value that would reasonably be inferred by one of ordinary skill in the art, including approximations due to the experimental and or measurement conditions for such given value.
The terms “comprising” and “including” and “having” and “involving” (and similarly “comprises,” “includes,” “has,” and “involves”) and the like are used interchangeably and have the same meaning. Specifically, each of the terms is defined consistent with the common United States patent law definition of “comprising” and is therefore interpreted to be an open term meaning “at least the following,” and is also interpreted not to exclude additional features, limitations, aspects, et cetera. Thus, for example, “a device having components a, b, and c” means that the device includes at least components a, b, and c. Similarly, the phrase “a method involving steps a, b, and c” means that the method includes at least steps a, b, and c.
Where a list of alternative component terms is used, e.g., “a structure such as ‘a’, ‘b’, ‘c’, ‘d’ or the like”, or ‘a’ or ‘b’,” such lists and alternative terms provide meaning and context unless indicated otherwise.
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; in the sense of “including, but not limited to.”
The various embodiments of the disclosure and/or equivalents falling within the scope of present disclosure overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art or provide a useful alternative.
Detailed reference will now be made to the drawings in which examples embodying the present subject matter are shown. The detailed description uses numerical and letter designations to refer to features of the drawings. The drawings and detailed description provide a full and written description of the present subject matter, and of the manner and process of making and using various exemplary embodiments, so as to enable one skilled in the pertinent art to make and use them, as well as the best mode of carrying out the exemplary embodiments. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components. Thus, the examples set forth in the drawings and detailed descriptions are provided by way of explanation only and are not meant as limitations of the disclosure. The present subject matter thus includes any modifications and variations of the following examples as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
Turning now to
As further shown in
Turning to the cloth portion 16 briefly introduced above, the cloth portion 16 may be a single-use disposable mask, or it can be made from various washable materials for reuse. In either case, the materials selected will provide a level of filtration while not unduly restricting airflow resistance (breathability), depending on the level of protection required. In this example, the cloth portion 16 may include a top portion 46, an outer layer 48, and an inner layer 50 with a pocket or sleeve 52 formed between the outer layer 48 and the inner layer 50 for receiving the mask 12, as will be further described below.
The top portion 46, the outer layer 48, and the inner layer 50 of the cloth portion 16 may be made with appropriate material. By way of specific example, the face-side material layer 50 may be a layer of a woven, softer wicking fabric or other washable material and chosen for comfort in addition to providing a level of filtration while not unduly restricting airflow resistance (breathability). In some alternative embodiments, certain layers can be made of non-woven fabric, such as polypropylene, which is usually 20 or 25 grams per square meter (gsm) in density for bacteria filtration and air permeability as used with surgical face masks, or polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyester, and other suitable materials.
The nose clip 58 shown in
Turning now to
With reference to both
By way of further example,
With reference now to
By way of example and not of limitation, various embodiments according to the disclosure may include:
EMBODIMENT 1: A reusable mask system comprising a swivable shield having a first side with a first swivel depending therefrom and a second side with a second swivel depending therefrom; a mask having an external layer and an internal layer forming a pocket therebetween, the swivable shield being insertable in the pocket; a cannula support assemblage having a first assemblage end and a second assemblage end and further including a ventilation director and a nose cradle depending from the ventilation director, the nose cradle being configured for supporting a cannula; a first clip attachable to the first assemblage end and configured to receive the first swivel of the swivable shield; and a second clip attachable to the second assemblage end and configured to receive the second swivel of the swivable shield.
EMBODIMENT 2: The reusable mask system as in Embodiment 1, wherein the swivable shield is made of a synthetic resin.
EMBODIMENT 3: The reusable mask system as in Embodiments 1 or 2, wherein the internal layer of the mask is made of woven fabric.
EMBODIMENT 4: The reusable mask system as in any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the ventilation director is spaced apart from the internal layer and is configured to deflect exhalations away from the cannula.
EMBODIMENT 5: The reusable mask system as in any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the first clip and the second clip are horizontally adjustable.
EMBODIMENT 6: The reusable mask system as in any of the foregoing embodiments, further comprising a cannula support disposed at a first assemblage end or a second assemblage end for supporting a portion of the cannula.
EMBODIMENT 7: The reusable mask system as in any of the foregoing embodiments, further comprising a nose segment connectable to one of the cannula support assemblage or the mask, the nose segment configured to provide a nose cushion.
EMBODIMENT 8: The reusable mask system as in any of the foregoing embodiments, further comprising wherein a nose bridge connectable to one of the cannula support assemblage or the mask to fit the cannula support assemblage or the mask to a user, the nose bridge being malleable for user fitment.
EMBODIMENT 9: The reusable mask system as in any of the foregoing embodiments, further comprising receivers disposed in the pocket to receive respective clips.
EMBODIMENT 10: A reusable mask system, comprising a shield having a swivel depending therefrom; a mask having an external layer and an internal layer forming a pocket therebetween, the shield being insertable in the pocket; a cannula support top disposed on the mask, the cannula support top being configured to support a portion of a cannula; and a clip attachable to the cannula support top configured to receive the swivel.
EMBODIMENT 11: The reusable mask system as in Embodiment 10, wherein the clip is horizontally adjustable.
EMBODIMENT 12: The reusable mask system as in Embodiments 10 or 11, wherein the cannula support top includes an assemblage end and further comprising a shoulder support depending from the assemblage end for supporting another portion of the cannula.
EMBODIMENT 13: The reusable mask system as in Embodiments 10, 11, or 12, further comprising a ventilation deflector spaced apart from the internal layer and configured to deflect exhalations away from the cannula.
EMBODIMENT 14: The reusable mask system as in any of Embodiments 10 through 13, further comprising a nose cradle depending from the cannula support top and being configured for supporting another portion of the cannula.
EMBODIMENT 15: The reusable mask system as in any of Embodiments 10 through 14, further comprising a nose segment connectable to one of the cannula support top or the mask, the nose segment configured to provide cushioning.
EMBODIMENT 16: The reusable mask system as in any of Embodiments 10 through 15, further comprising a nose bridge connectable to one of the cannula support assemblage or the mask to fit the cannula support assemblage or the mask to a user, the nose bridge being malleable for user fitment.
EMBODIMENT 17: The reusable mask system as in any of Embodiments 10 through 16, further comprising receivers disposed in the pocket to receive respective clips.
EMBODIMENT 18: A reusable mask system, comprising a swivelable facial shield and a cannula support assemblage disposed proximate the shield, the cannula support assemblage having a first end and a second end with a first shoulder support depending from the first end and a second shoulder support depending from the second end, and further including a ventilation director and a nose cradle depending from the ventilation director, the first and second shoulder supports and the nose cradle being configured for supporting a cannula.
EMBODIMENT 19: The reusable mask system as in Embodiment 18, further comprising a mask having an external layer and an internal layer forming a pocket therebetween, the shield being insertable in the pocket.
EMBODIMENT 20: The reusable mask system as in Embodiments 18 or 19, further comprising receivers disposed in the pocket to receive the shield.
While the present subject matter has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing may readily produce alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather than by way of limitation, and the subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion of such modifications, variations and/or additions to the present subject matter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.