AU2020101320A4 - Respirator - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a respirator for protecting a user against air borne particles, gases and/or vapours, the respirator including a respirator body and one or more breathing passage, the respirator body comprising a material that is transparent, or substantially transparent. 1/3 10 FIG1 10 FIG2

Description

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FIG1

FIG2

RESPIRATOR TECHNICAL FIELD

[1] The invention relates to a respirator. In particular the invention relates to a

respirator comprising a transparent or substantially transparent respirator body.

RELATED ART

[2] The contents of international patent application no. PCT/AU2020/050316 filed on

30 March 2020 entitled "RESPIRATOR", the contents of Australian provisional patent

application no. 2020900321entitled "ANTIBACTERIAL FACE MASK SCENTED" filed on 6

February 2020, and the contents of Australian provisional patent application no.

2020900759 entitled "ANTI VIRUS DETECTION FILTER" filed on 13 March 2020, is hereby

incorporated into this application in its entirety. Priority to the abovementioned

international patent application and the abovementioned two Australian provisional patent

applications is claimed.

BACKGROUND ART

[3] Face masks, including surgical masks and respirators, are devices that create a

barrier between the nose and mouth of the wearer and potential hazardous materials in the

surrounding physical environment. Surgical masks are designed to be worn by health

professional during surgery and nursing to protect against the release of aerosols from the

wearer that may spread infection to nearby persons. They are generally not designed to be

tight fitting. Respirators, on the other hand, are designed to form a seal around the nose

and mouth to protect the wearer from inhaling airborne bacteria or virus particulars.

[4] In recent times, respirators have become more common, as there is an increasing

awareness of the potentially significant health consequences associated with the spread of

airborne diseases; individuals are therefore increasingly seeking to protect themselves using

said masks.

[5] Existing respirators have posed problems or difficulties that have been appreciated

by the inventor of the subject application, including in relation to the following:

a. Limited visibility through the respirator, due to opacity or translucidity (but

not transparency) of respirator materials limiting clear inspection of the face

of the wearer below the mask; and/or

b. Limited reusability, whether in relation to the basic respirator structure, or

respirator components such as cartridges or filters; and/or

c. Not providing a close-fitting seal between the respirator and the face of the

wearer; and/or

d. Lacking in features to provide the wearer information about the quality of

the air that they have been breathing through the respirator, including in

particular in relation to bacterial and viral airborne particles; and/or

e. Lacking in features that permit the active control or reduction of bacterial or

viral particles; and/or

f. Lacking in features that increase user-friendliness, and usability more

generally.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[6] The present invention arises from a recognition that improvements in respirators

can be achieved by providing a respirator that addresses one or more of the abovementioned limitations or problems, or at least by providing a useful alternative thereto.

[7] In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a respirator for protecting a user

against air borne particles, gases and/or vapours (e.g. air borne viruses, paint, dust or metal

fumes), the respirator including a respirator body and one or more breathing passage, the

respirator body comprising a transparent, or substantially transparent, material.

[81 Preferably the respirator is reusable. It is particularly preferred that the material of

the respirator body is adapted to be cleaned for secondary, or further use by the user. In a

preferred form, the respirator body material is adapted to be cleaned by application of an

alcohol based cleaning substance (e.g. via an alcohol based wipe)

[91 Preferably, the respirator body material is an elastomeric material. In a preferred

form, the elastomeric material comprises medical grade silicone. The elastomeric material

may alternatively comprise food grade silicone.

[10] The respirator body may comprise one or more of, or a combination of, PVC, PE,

PET, PTFE, PP, PC or PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane); the softer materials being hardened in

accordance with methods known to the skilled addressee (e.g. by a altering the composition

or using a cross-linking agent). In some preferred embodiments, harder polymers may

include a softer material around their perimeter to improve wearability and sealing of the

respirator body with the skin of the user.

[11] Preferably, each of the one or more breathing passages includes a filter or valve. It

is preferred that the filter or valve is replaceable.

[12] In a preferred form, the filter or valve is a low breathing resistance filter or valve.

[13] Preferably, the filter includes an absorptive material. The absorptive material is

preferably replaceable and/or washable.

[14] The absorptive material may be made from a material comprising a fabric or

sponge material. Preferably, the absorptive material is made from a material comprising

cotton. In a particularly preferred form, the absorptive material is made from material

comprising cotton gauze sponge.

[15] Preferably, the absorptive material is infused or combined with a eucalyptus-based

substance. The eucalyptus-based substance preferably comprises eucalyptus oil. In a

preferred form, the eucalyptus-based substance may be re-applied to the absorptive

material by the user.

[16] In use, the filter or valve preferably removes 95% or more of particles in the air

passing through the filter or valve that are at least 0.3 micrometres in diameter.

[17] Preferably, the filter or valve of the breathing passing comprises a UV light source.

The UV light source may comprise a UVA and/or UVC emitting light source. Preferably, the

UVC emitting light source emits far-UVC light in the range of about 207 to 222 nm. In a

preferred form, the filter includes a UVC reflecting material located between the UVC

emitting light source and the user.

[18] The UV light source may be shaped to form a loop. The loop is preferably closed.

Alternatively, it may be partially closed (e.g. include a series of contiguous segments). The

loop is preferably circular. Alternatively, the loop may be triangular, square or shaped in the

form of another polygon or other shape having continuous, or substantially continuous

perimeter. The loop is preferably located proximate to a peripheral portion of the filter.

Preferably, the loop is substantially the same shape as the peripheral portion of the filter.

[19] Preferably, the absorptive material comprises a planar section of material located

in a plane parallel with a plane of the loop.

[20] The filter may include a filter cage surrounding the UV light source. The filter case is

preferably adapted to direct air passing through the filter towards the UV light source for

interaction with the UV light source. In a preferred form, the filter cage includes a plurality

of apertures located towards a peripheral portion of the filter.

[21] Preferably, the filter cage is located between the UV light source and an external

environment containing the air borne particles, gases or vapours.

[22] The UV light source is preferably adapted to indicate to the user information

regarding the air borne particles, gases or vapours, in the air interacting with the UV light

source. Preferably, the information includes the category or type of particle, gas or vapour

that interacts with the UV light source. In a preferred embodiment, the user is provided, or

able to access a table or other graphical representation that indicates the category or type

of an air borne particle based on a marking or other residual insignia that the particle leaves

on the UV light source after interaction with said light source.

[23] In a preferred form, the filter includes a sensor able to determine the information

regarding the air borne particles, gases or vapours (e.g. whether it is that virus or bacteria,

or type of bacteria). Preferably the sensor is able to automatically indicate to the user said

information (e.g. by emitting a signal from a signal source directly on the filter itself, or by

communicating with a personal electronic device of the user). In a preferred form, the filter

includes a sensor able to assess the quality of the light of the UV light source, to determine

the information. In a particularly preferred form, the sensor is able to sense the colour

and/or light intensity of the UV light source that has residual material associated with the air

borne particles thereon (i.e. by comparing the colour and/or light intensity before and after

air borne particles have reacted with the surface of the UV light).

[24] In a particularly preferred form, the invention includes processing an image or

recording of the surface of the UV light source, to determine the information regarding the

air borne particles. The image or recording may be taken by a personal electronic device of

the user, which then processes the image or recording using image processing software (e.g.

applying artificial intelligence algorithms, such as CNNs, R-CNNs, association rule learning,

reinforcement learning and/or computer vision, including image and pattern recognition).

Preferably, the invention includes communicating said information to the user, and in a

particularly preferred form, the personal electronic device of the user performs said

communication.

[25] The UV light source is preferably located proximate to the absorptive material.

[26] The UV light source may be powered by a power source attached to or integral

with the filter. In a preferred form, the power source is a lithium-ion battery.

[27] The UV light source may be controllable by a switch. Preferably, the switch is

located on the filter.

[28] The UVA emitting light source is, in a preferred form, a blacklight.

[29] Preferably, the UVA emitting light source includes a violet filter.

[30] The UV light source may comprise one or more LEDs. Alternatively, small light

sources capable of emitting UV light and known to the skilled may be used.

[31] Preferably, the filter comprises a replaceable cartridge. The replaceable cartridge is

preferably able to be inserted into and removed from the respirator body. In a preferred

form, the replaceable cartridge is able to be inserted into and removed from an opening in

the respirator body.

[32] Preferably, the replaceable cartridge, when inserted into the respirator body, forms

a seal with a peripheral rim of the opening in the respirator body.

[33] The respirator body may comprise an integral mask structure. Preferably, the

integral mask structure includes two loops for fitting to the ears of the user.

[34] The respirator body is preferably adapted to substantially seal to the skin of a user.

In a preferred form, the respirator body material is be an elastomeric material adapted to

substantially seal to the skin of a user. Preferably, in use, the elastomeric material is

adapted to stretch to provide improved sealing to the skin of the user.

[35] In a preferred form, the respirator body weighs about 60 grams, or less.

[36] The respirator body may include an upper perimeter having a downwardly curved

nose portion. Preferably, the downwardly curved nose portion is symmetrical about a

central point of the mask.

[37] The respirator body preferably includes a lower portion for covering the chin of the

user.

[38] The abovementioned preferments or features in relation to one aspect of the

invention (e.g. the respirator including a UV light source) which are not repeated in respect

of another aspect of the present invention (e.g. the respirator without said UV light source)

should be taken as applicable to those other aspects of the invention, where the relevant

preferment(s) or feature(s) is/are compatible with those other aspects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[39] FIG 1 is a perspective view drawing of a respirator body of a respirator according to

a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[40] FIG 2 is a second perspective view drawing of the respirator body depicted in FIG 1.

[41] FIG 3 is a bottom view drawing of the respirator body depicted in FIG 1.

[42] FIG 4 is a top view drawing of the respirator body depicted in FIG 1.

[43] FIG 5 is a front view drawing of the respirator body depicted in FIG 1.

[44] FIG 6 is a schematic drawing of a filter cartridge according to a first preferred

embodiment.

[45] FIG 7 is a schematic drawing of a filter cartridge according to a second preferred

embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[46] A respirator body and filter cartridge is described and depicted herein in connection

with illustrative but non-limiting preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[47] The structure, principle and operation of the described respirator, will be described

as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[48] FIGS 1 to 5 depict a respirator body 1from a number of different perspectives.

[49] The respirator body 1is made from medical grade silicone material and is

substantially transparent. This permits the identification of parts of the face of the user

when they are wearing the respirator body, a feature which provides for better

identification of individuals (e.g. where they are travelling, and need to be identified by

authorities either in person, or via CCTV camera arrangements or the equivalent thereof).

[50] The respirator body 1is reusable, and able to be cleaned for multiple uses by the

user. For example, on a daily or more frequent basis, such that any toxins can be removed

from the surface of the respirator body. It is known that some bacteria and viruses may live

on surfaces for many hours, or even days. The respirator body 1 may be cleaned by the user

by application of a rubbing alcohol to the surface of the body.

[51] The respirator body 1 includes two openings 5 that function as breathing passages

so that the breath of the user may pass in and out of the openings 5 during respiration. The

reader will appreciate that when the respirator body is correctly worn by the user, the

external perimeter 2 of the body 1 will substantially seal the face of the user so that air is

impeded from entering or exiting the mask via the external perimeter 2 of the body 1 (i.e.

air does not readily enter or exist the mask otherwise than via the openings 5). The

openings 5 are generally circular in shape, and each opening 5 is adapted to receive a filter

cartridge which comprises a low breathing resistance filter or valve adapted to filter air

borne particles, gases and/or vapours (See FIGS 6 and 7).

[52] Depicted in FIGS 6 and 7 are preferred embodiments of a filter 50. The filter 50

comprises a filter cartridge including filter material 55 comprising an absorptive, washable,

cotton material. The filter material 55 may be removed, for washing and reuse.

[53] The cotton filter material 55 is infused with a eucalyptus oil. Alternatively, it may be

infused with tea tree oil, or other antibacterial or antiviral material known to the skilled

addressee.

[54] The filter 50 removes 95% or more of particles passing through the filter that are at

least 0.3 micrometres in diameter (i.e. meeting the N95 standard). Higher efficient filters

may alternatively be used, such filters that remove 99% or more of particles passing through

the filter that are at least 0.3 micrometres in diameter (i.e. the N99 standard).

[55] The filter 50 includes a UV light source 60, that may be switched on or off by the

user using switch 65. Alternatively, the UV light source may be located on the respirator

body or integral with the filter 50 or filter material 55.

[56] The UV light source 60 comprises a black light emitting UVA light, in a range of 320

400 nm. The peak wavelength value is about 360 nm. The black light comprises LED light source including a violet filter. Alternatively, the UV light source may comprise a fluorescent light (not shown).

[57] In a further alternative (not shown), the UV light source 60 comprises a UVC light

emitting source for emitting UVC light in the range of about 207 to 222 nm, for inhibiting

entry of bacteria or viruses through the filter 50. Given the potential harm that prolonged

exposure to UVC light may have, in such an embodiment, the filter 50 or respirator body

may include UVC reflecting material to reflect the UVC light away from the user.

[58] The UV light source 60 is in the shape of a closed circular loop, the loop being

proximate to a peripheral portion 64 of the filter 50, where the peripheral portion 64 of the

filter 50 is generally circular, albeit including a protruding portion to house the switch 65. In

relation to the protruding portion, it is noted this portion may be elongated, as depicted in

FIG 6, in order to provide increased volume to house a larger power source, such as a

battery, than would alternatively be the case (see FIG 7).

[59] Alternatively, the UV light source 60 may be in the shape of a broken loop or

another configuration. The loop alternatively also be in the shape of a polygon, though

remains generally arranged so that air breathed into the respirator in use is able to pass

over the UV light source.

[60] The filter material 55 comprises a planar section of material located in a plane

parallel with the plane defined by the loop of the UV light source 60, the UV light source

being located proximate to and above the filter material 55.

[61] The filter 50 includes a filter cage (not shown) which operates to direct air passing

from the external environment into the filter 50 towards the UV light source 60 for

interaction with the UV light source. The filter cage includes a plurality of peripheral

apertures adapted to direct air passing through the filter 50 towards the UV light source 60 for interaction with the UV light source. The filter cage includes a concave central section that sits within the boundary of the UV light source 60, and assists to direct airflow towards the peripheral apertures.

[62] In alternative embodiments (not shown), there may be a plurality of UV light

sources (e.g. a plurality of loops), each UV light source having corresponding filter cage

apertures to direct airflow towards the UV light source(s).

[63] The UV light source 60 is adapted to indicate to the user information regarding the

air borne particles, gases or vapours, in the air interacting with the UV light source. For

example, the information may relate to the amount of bacterial or viral activity in the air

that is breathed by the user during use of the respirator (e.g. by the amount of bacterial or

viral residual insignia left on the surface of the UV light source as the bacteria of virus

interacts with the surface of the UV light source); or alternatively the user may be provided

indications of the categories or types of air borne particles that are correlated or associated

with expected markings or other residual insignia that such particles would leave on the UV

light source after interaction with said light source.

[64] The UV light source 60 is able to be cleaned, by removal of the filter cage and/or

the UV light source itself 60, from the filter, and it is thereafter replaceable in the filter 50.

In this way, the UV light source may provide the user information regarding the air borne

particles in the air interacting with the UV light source, during a discrete time frame or

period of activity (e.g. during travel from home to a destination; and then again during the

return journey from the destination to home).

[65] In further alternative embodiments, only a small proportion of air entering the

filter 50 need pass near the UV light source, that small proportion of air being sufficient,

however, to enable the UV light source to indicate information to the user regarding the air borne particles. In such embodiments, the filter cage may have a plurality of apertures which are not located proximate to the UV light source, and air may directly flow from the external environment through the filter material.

[66] The UV light source is powered by a power source comprising a lithium battery (not

shown), controllable by a switch, and integrated into the body of the filter 50. The power

source is located in the lower surface of the filter 50, under the switch 65.

[67] Returning to FIGS 3 to 5, the filter 50 is able to be inserted into and removed from

the openings 5 of the respirator body 1. The filter 50 includes a respirator body receiving

ring (not shown), which is able to receive the peripheral rim 6 of the opening 5, so that the

filter may form a seal with the opening 5.

[68] The respirator body 1 comprises an integral structure, and is manufactured from a

homogenous sheet of medical grade silicone.

[69] The respirator body 1 includes two loops 40, each to be fitted in use around an ear

of the user.

[70] In use, the elastomeric properties of the silicone respirator body 1 assist in the

respirator stretching around and substantially sealing the face of the user.

[71] The respirator body includes a lower portion 25 for covering the chin of the user.

[72] The respirator body includes an upper permitter having a downwardly curved nose

portion 35, which is symmetrical about a central point 30 of the respirator body 1. The

downwardly curved nose portion 35 is outwardly curved (see FIG 4) to provide a closer fit to

the nose of the user.

[73] One or more advantages are achieved by the present invention, which will be well

appreciated by a skilled person, including:

- Providing a respirator that is substantially transparent to aid in the identification of

the facial features of the user; and/or

- A lightweight, reusable respirator, including one or more reusable or cleanable

components such as: the respirator body; the filter cartridge; the filter material; the

ability to reapply the anti-toxin substance to the filter material, the UV light source;

and/or

- Integrated use of antibacterial / antiviral (and especially eucalyptus oil) to impede

the ingress of air borne particles (particularly bacteria and virus) or as an expectorant

(i.e. helping coughs by loosening phlegm); and/or

- Providing information about the air borne particles to a user, via UV light source;

and/or

- A close fitting/ sealing respirator.

GENERAL STATEMENTS

[74] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications and

variations may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the

spirit and scope of the invention.

[75] Throughout the specification and claims, the word "comprise" and its derivatives

are intended to have an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning unless the contrary is

expressly stated or the context requires otherwise. That is, the word "comprise" and its

derivatives will be taken to indicate the inclusion of not only the listed components, steps or

features, that it directly references, but also other components, steps or features not

specifically listed, unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise.

[76] In the present specification, terms such as "part", "component", "element", or

"portion" may refer to singular or plural items and are terms intended to refer to a set of

properties, functions or characteristics performed by one or more items having one or more

parts. It is envisaged that where a "part", "component", "element", "portion" or similar

term is described as consisting of a single item, then a functionally equivalent object

consisting of multiple items is considered to fall within the scope of the term; and similarly,

where a "part", "component", "element", "portion" or similar term is described as

consisting of multiple items, a functionally equivalent object consisting of a single item is

considered to fall within the scope of the term. The intended interpretation of such terms

described in this paragraph should apply unless the contrary is expressly stated or the

context requires otherwise.

[77] The term "connected" or a similar term, should not be interpreted as being

limitative to direct connections only. Thus, the scope of the expression a device A connected

to a device B should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is

directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an

output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means.

"Connected", or a similar term, may mean that two or more elements are either in direct

physical or electrical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with

each other yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

[78] The dimensions provided in relation to the illustrative embodiments are not

intended to be prescriptive of all embodiments falling within the scope of the invention. The

dimensions are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed

otherwise.

[79] The mere disclosure of a product or system element in the specification should not

be construed as being essential to the invention claimed herein, except where it is either

expressly stated to be so or expressly recited in a claim.

[80] The terms in the claims have the broadest scope of meaning they would have been

given by a person of ordinary skill in the art as of the relevant date.

[81] The terms "a" and "an" mean "one or more", unless expressly specified otherwise.

[82] Neither the title nor any abstract of the present application should be taken as

limiting in any way the scope of the claimed invention.

[83] Where the preamble of a claim recites a purpose, benefit or possible use of the

claimed invention, it does not limit the claimed invention to having only that purpose,

benefit or possible use.

STATEMENT OF INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[84] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the

medical and consumer goods industries.

Claims (5)

1. A respirator for protecting a user against air borne particles, gases and/or vapours,

the respirator including a respirator body and one or more breathing passages, the

respirator body comprising a material that is transparent, or substantially

transparent, wherein each of the one or more breathing passages includes a

replaceable filter or valve adapted to filter air borne particles, gases and/or vapours,

the replaceable filter or valve being able to be inserted into and removed from the

breathing passage of the respirator body.

2. The respirator according to claim 1, wherein each of the one or more breathing

passages includes an opening in the respirator body and the replaceable filter or

valve is able to be inserted into and removed from the opening in the respirator

body.

3. The respirator according to claim 2, wherein the replaceable filter or valve, when

inserted into the respirator body, forms a seal with a peripheral rim of the opening in

the respirator body.

4. The respirator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the replaceable filter or

valve includes an absorptive material infused or combined with a eucalyptus-based

substance.

5. The respirator according to claim 4, wherein the eucalyptus-based substance

comprises eucalyptus oil.