CN107029365B

CN107029365B - Triangular transparent valve design for dust mask

Info

Publication number: CN107029365B
Application number: CN201510448718.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 周卓; 朱捷; 张建; 金朝霞
Original assignee: Honeywell International Inc
Current assignee: Honeywell International Inc
Priority date: 2015-07-28
Filing date: 2015-07-28
Publication date: 2021-06-11
Anticipated expiration: 2035-07-28
Also published as: CN107029365A

Abstract

The invention relates to a triangular transparent valve design for a dust mask. Various embodiments relate generally to triangular exhalation valves used on face masks. The triangular shape of the valve may allow for an increased area for air to flow through the valve, improving the comfort level of the user's breathing through the valve. The valve may include a cover attached to a base by snaps at three corners of the valve, wherein the space between the snaps along the sides of the valve may be open, allowing air flow. Additionally, the valve may include a transparent cover that may allow the movement of the valve to be observed. The transparent cover may also allow customizability of the color of the valve or elements of the valve, allowing for aesthetic improvements of the mask.

Description

Triangular transparent valve design for dust mask

Technical Field

The invention relates to a triangular transparent valve design for a dust mask.

Background

Masks (e.g., dust masks) may be worn by users in areas where the environment is dangerous to the user's exhaling (e.g., heavily polluted metropolitan areas, as well as some work environments). Some masks may be equipped with an exhalation valve to allow exhaled breath from the user to exit the mask while preventing external air from entering the mask, except for allowing external air to pass through the filter material of the mask.

Disclosure of Invention

Aspects of the present disclosure may include embodiments of a triangular valve for use on a mask, including a triangular base operable to attach to the mask; at least one vent hole in the base, the vent hole enabling air to flow from the interior of the mask through the base to the exterior of the mask; a valve plate disposed over the at least one vent hole operable to seal the vent hole from air flowing into the mask when the user inhales and operable to move away from the vent hole to allow air to flow through the vent hole when the user exhales; and a triangular cover operatively attached to the triangular base by snaps located at three corners of the triangular base and triangular cover, wherein when the cover is attached to the base, the cover includes a plurality of openings along a plurality of sides of the cover, allowing air to flow out of the valve through the openings.

In some embodiments, the at least one vent comprises a circular shape, and wherein the valve flap comprises a circular shape. In some embodiments, the valve may further include a shield positioned around a portion of the vent operable to block liquid from entering the vent when the vent is open. In some embodiments, the triangular shaped cover comprises an at least partially transparent material. In some embodiments, the valve flap comprises a customizable color visible through the at least partially transparent cover. In some embodiments, the valve flap is removable and replaceable. In some embodiments, the cover is removable and replaceable. In some embodiments, the cover is removable and replaceable. In some embodiments, the valve flap is held in place against the base by the cover when the cover is attached to the base.

Additional aspects of the present disclosure may include embodiments of a triangular valve for use on a mask, comprising a base operable to attach to the mask; at least one vent hole in the base, the vent hole allowing air to flow from the interior of the mask through the base to the exterior of the mask; a valve plate positioned above the at least one vent hole operable to seal the vent hole from air flowing into the mask when the user inhales and operable to be remote from the vent hole to allow air to flow through the vent hole when the user exhales; and a cover operatively attached to the base by snaps, wherein, when the cover is attached to the base, the cover includes a plurality of openings between the snaps around a circumference of the cover, allowing air to flow out of the valve through the openings, and wherein the cover includes an at least partially transparent material.

In some embodiments, the at least one vent comprises a circular shape, and wherein the valve flap comprises a circular shape. In some embodiments, the base comprises a triangular shape, and wherein the cover comprises a triangular shape. In some embodiments, the snaps are located at three corners of the triangular cover and the triangular base, and wherein the openings are located along three sides of the triangular cover between the snaps. In some embodiments, the valve may further include a shield positioned around a portion of the vent operable to block liquid from entering the vent when the vent is open. In some embodiments, the valve flap comprises a customizable color visible through the at least partially transparent cover. In some embodiments, the valve flap is removable and replaceable, and wherein the cover is removable and replaceable.

Other aspects of the present disclosure may include embodiments of a mask operable to cover a nose and mouth of a user, the mask comprising: a filter material forming the shape of the mask; one or more straps operable to secure the mask to the face of the user; an exhalation valve attached to the mask, comprising a base operable to attach to the mask; at least one vent hole in the base, the vent hole allowing air to flow from the interior of the mask through the base to the exterior of the mask; a valve member positioned above the at least one vent hole operable to seal the vent hole from air flowing into the mask when the user inhales and operable to move away from the vent hole to allow air to flow through the vent hole when the user exhales; and a cover operable to attach to the base by snaps, wherein, when the cover is attached to the base, the cover includes an opening around a circumference of the cover between the snaps allowing air to flow out of the valve through the opening, and wherein the cover includes an at least partially transparent material.

In some embodiments, the at least one vent comprises a circular shape, and wherein the valve flap comprises a circular shape. In some embodiments, the base comprises a triangular shape, and wherein the cover comprises a triangular shape. In some embodiments, the snaps are located at three corners of the triangular cover and triangular base, and wherein the openings are located along three sides of the triangular cover between the snaps.

These and other features will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.

Drawings

For a more complete understanding of this disclosure, reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a triangular valve for use with a mask;

FIG. 2 illustrates a second view of the triangular valve of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the triangular valve of FIG. 1;

4A-4B illustrate a comparison of a triangular valve shape with a circular valve shape and a square valve shape;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the triangular valve of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view of the triangular valve of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of the triangular valve of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 illustrates a rear view of the triangular valve of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 illustrates a first side view of the triangular valve of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 illustrates a second side view of the triangular valve of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a triangular valve for use with a mask, the valve having a transparent cover;

FIG. 12 illustrates an exploded view of the triangular valve of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of the triangular valve of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 illustrates a bottom view of the triangular valve of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 illustrates a front view of the triangular valve of FIG. 11;

FIG. 16 illustrates a rear view of the triangular valve of FIG. 11;

FIG. 17 illustrates a first side view of the triangular valve of FIG. 11;

FIG. 18 illustrates a second side view of the triangular valve of FIG. 11;

FIGS. 19A-19B illustrate a mask including the triangular valve of FIG. 1; and

fig. 20 illustrates a mask including the triangular valve of fig. 11.

Detailed Description

It should be understood at the outset that although an illustrative implementation of one or more embodiments are set forth below, the disclosed systems and methods may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently generally known or not yet existing. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.

The following brief definitions of terms shall apply throughout the present application:

the term "including" means including but not limited to, and should be interpreted in the manner commonly used in the patent context;

the phrases "in one embodiment," "according to one embodiment," and the like generally refer to that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic immediately following the phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention, and may be included in more than one embodiment of the present invention (importantly, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment);

if this specification describes something as "exemplary" or "an example," it should be understood to refer to a non-exclusive example;

as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the terms "about" or "approximately" or the like, when used in conjunction with a quantity, may refer to the particular quantity, or alternatively, may refer to a range of values approaching the particular quantity; and

if the specification states a component or feature "may", "could", "should", "would", "preferably", "might", "typically", "optionally", "for example", "generally" or "may" (or other such terminology) be included or has a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or to have that characteristic. Such components or features may optionally be included in some embodiments, or they may be excluded.

Embodiments of the present disclosure include a triangular exhalation valve for use on a mask. The triangular shape of the valve may allow an increased area for air to flow through the valve, improving the comfort level of the user's breathing through the valve. The valve may include a cover attached to a base by snaps at three corners of the valve, wherein the space between the snaps along the sides of the valve may be open, allowing air flow. The increased area for air to flow through the valve may reduce the resistance to exhalation by the user, increasing the comfort of the user's breath. Additionally, the valve may include a transparent cover that may allow for viewing of the movement of the valve. The transparent cover may also allow customizability of the color of the valve or elements of the valve, allowing aesthetic (aesthetic) improvements to the mask.

Referring now to fig. 1-2, an exemplary embodiment of a triangular valve for use on a mask is described. The valve 100 may be attached to a surface of the mask and allow exhaled breath of the user to exit the mask. Pressure changes within the mask may open and close the valve.

The valve 100 may include a cover 102 and a base 104. The valve 100 may comprise a triangle shape having three sides and three corners. The cover 102 may be attached to the base 104 by a snap 106 on the cover 102 and a snap 116 (shown in fig. 3) on the base 104. The snaps 106 may be located at three corners of the valve 100. Between the sides of the latch 106 along the valve 100, an opening 105 between the cover 102 and the base 104 may be open such that air passing through the base 104 may exit the opening 105. In some embodiments, the cover 102 may include ridges or other decorative elements on the surface of the cover 102. In some embodiments, the cover 102 may also include a logo or manufacturer name.

Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the valve 100 depicted in fig. 1 and 2. The base 104 of the valve 100 may include vents 110 that allow air to flow through the base 104 through the center. The vent 110 may include a circular shape. The valve 100 may further include one or more valve plates 120, wherein the valve plates 120 may further include a circular shape matching the size and shape of the vent 110. The valve plate 120 may be held in place between the cover 102 and the base 104. The valve plate 120 may seal over the vent 110 and may open or close in response to pressure changes within the valve 100 caused by the user's breathing. For example, when the user exhales, the valve flap 120 may be pushed open by positive pressure within the mask, and the exhaled air may exit the mask through the vent 110 (and the opening 105 shown in fig. 1 and 2) within the valve 100. Likewise, when the user inhales, negative pressure within the mask may pull the valve flap 120 closed over the vent 110, sealing the vent 110 and preventing outside air from entering the mask through the vent 110.

The structure of the

snaps

106 and 116 can be seen in fig. 3, where the snaps 106 of the cover 102 can snap into place against the snaps 116 of the base 104, holding the cover 102 in place on the base 104. In some embodiments, the valve 100 may include a wall 112 (or shield) surrounding portions of the valve 100 that is operable to prevent condensate from entering the vent 110 when the valve flap 120 is opened by a user's exhalation.

The triangular shape of the valve 100 may allow a larger open area for air to move out of the vent 110 and valve plate 120. Additionally, the use of three snaps 106 at the corners of the valve 100 may allow for an increased open area along the sides of the valve 100 (for air to exit the valve). Reference is now made to fig. 4A-4B, which illustrate a comparison between valve shapes. This comparison shows three different shapes (as illustrated above) surrounding the vent 110. The shapes may be circular 402, square 404, and triangular 406. These shapes are all mounted around the same size vent 110 for comparison. The circumference (periphery) of each shape and thus the maximum possible area for the air outflow valve of this shape is illustrated in long strips in fig. 4B. The circle 402 and square 404 have perimeter lengths that are shorter than the triangular shape 406. Thus, the triangular shape 406 has the largest possible area for the air to flow out of the valve. The shape of the triangular valve and the effective area for air flow can affect the pressure across the valve, making it easier for the user to exhale the valve.

Fig. 5-10 illustrate various views of the assembled valve 100 described above. Fig. 5 illustrates a top view of the valve 100. Fig. 6 illustrates a bottom view of the valve 100. Fig. 7 illustrates a front view of the valve 100. Fig. 8 illustrates a rear view of the valve 100. Fig. 9 illustrates a first side view of the valve 100. Fig. 10 illustrates a second side view of the valve 100.

Fig. 11 illustrates another embodiment of a triangular valve 200. In some embodiments, the elements of the valve 200 may be similar to the elements of the valve 100 described above. In the embodiment of fig. 11, the valve 200 may include an at least partially transparent cover 202. The transparency of the cover 202 may allow viewing of the valve flap 220 and/or other internal components of the valve 200. The transparent cover 202 may allow the movement of the valve plate 220 to be seen through the cover 202 while still protecting the internal elements of the valve 200. This may be useful if the user's breathing can be monitored by others (e.g. in a medical environment). Additionally, the transparent cover 202 may provide customization as well as aesthetic benefits, wherein the valve flap 220 may include a wide variety of colors that may be viewed through the transparent cover 202.

The valve 200 may include a triangular shape having three sides and three corners. The cover 202 may be attached to the base 204 of the valve 200 by a snap 206 on the cover 202 and a snap 216 on the base 204. The snaps 206 may be located at three corners of the valve 200. At the sides along the valve 200 between the catches 206, the openings 205 between the cover 202 and the base 204 may be open such that air passing through the base 204 may exit the openings 205. In some embodiments, the cover 202 may include ridges or other decorative elements on the surface of the cover 202. In some embodiments, the cover 202 may also include a logo or manufacturer name.

Fig. 12 illustrates an exploded view of the valve 200 depicted in fig. 11. The base 204 of the valve 200 may include a vent 210 that allows air to flow through the base 204 through the center. The vent 210 may include a circular shape. The valve 200 may also include one or more flaps 220, wherein the flaps 220 may also include a circular shape that matches the size and shape of the vent 210. The valve plate 220 may be held in place between the cover 202 and the base 204. The valve plate 220 may seal over the vent 210 and may open and close in response to pressure changes within the valve 200 caused by the user's breathing. For example, when the user exhales, the flap 220 may be pushed open by positive pressure within the mask, and the exhaled air may exit the mask through the vent 210 in the valve 200 (and through the opening 205 shown in FIG. 11). Likewise, when the user inhales, negative pressure within the mask may pull the valve flap 220 closed over the vent 210, sealing the vent 210 and preventing outside air from entering the mask through the vent 210.

The configuration of the

catches

206 and 216 can be seen in fig. 11-12, where the catch 206 of the cover 202 can snap into place against the catch 216 of the base 204, holding the cover 202 in place on the base 204. In some embodiments, the valve 200 may include a wall 212 (or shroud) surrounding portions of the valve 200 that is operable to prevent condensate from entering the vent 210 when the valve flap 220 is opened by a user's exhalation.

Fig. 13-18 illustrate various views of the assembled valve 200 with the transparent cover 202 described above. Fig. 13 illustrates a top view of the valve 200. Fig. 14 illustrates a bottom view of the valve 200. Fig. 15 illustrates a front view of the valve 200. Fig. 16 illustrates a rear view of the valve 200. Fig. 17 illustrates a first side view of the valve 200. Fig. 18 illustrates a second side view of the valve 200.

Fig. 19A-19B illustrate the valve 100 of fig. 1-10 mounted on a face mask 500. The exhalation valve 100 may be mounted on any portion of the mask 500 and may be arranged so as not to interfere with the comfort of the user when the mask 500 is worn. The base 104 of the valve 100 may be attached to the material of the mask 500.

Fig. 20 illustrates the valve 200 of fig. 11-18 mounted on a mask 500, wherein the valve 200 includes a transparent cover 202. The exhalation valve 200 may be mounted on any portion of the mask 500 and may be positioned so as not to interfere with the comfort of the user when the mask 500 is worn. The base 204 of the valve 200 may be attached to the material of the mask 500.

While various embodiments in accordance with the principles disclosed herein have been shown and described above, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and teachings of the disclosure. The embodiments described herein are merely representative and are not intended to be limiting. Many variations, combinations, and modifications are possible and are within the scope of the disclosure. Alternative embodiments resulting from combining, integrating, and/or omitting feature(s) of the embodiments are also within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above, but is instead defined by the following claims, the scope of which includes all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Each claim is incorporated into the specification in a further disclosed manner, and the claims are embodiment(s) of the invention(s). Moreover, any advantages and features described above may be with respect to particular embodiments, but the application of such issued claims should not be limited to processes and structures for achieving any or all of the advantages described above or having any or all of the features described above.

Additionally, the section headers used herein are provided to be consistent with the recommendations of 37 c.f.r. 1.77 or to otherwise provide structural cues. These headings should not limit or characterize the invention(s) that may be recited in any claims that issue from this disclosure. In particular and by way of example, although a title may refer to a "technical field," the claims should not be read as limited to the selected language under this title describing the so-called field. Furthermore, the description of technology in the "background" should not be construed as an admission that certain technology is prior art to any invention(s) in the present disclosure. The "summary" should not be considered as limiting the features of the invention(s) set forth in the issued claims. Furthermore, any reference in this disclosure to "the invention" in the singular should not be used to argue that there is only a single point of novelty in this disclosure. Inventions may be set forth according to the limitations of the claims set forth in this disclosure, and such claims define the invention(s) claimed and their equivalents. In all cases, the scope of the claims should be considered based on their own advantages in accordance with the present disclosure, but should not be limited by the headings set forth herein.

The use of broader terms (e.g., including, comprising, and having) should be understood to provide support for terms that are more narrowly defined (e.g., consisting of … …, consisting essentially of … …, and consisting essentially of … …). The use of the terms "optionally," "may," "potentially," or the like, in relation to any element of an embodiment, indicates that the element is not required, or alternatively, the element is required, both alternatives being within the scope of the embodiment(s). Moreover, references to examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be exclusive.

Although several embodiments have been provided in the present disclosure, it should be understood that the disclosed systems and methods may be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. The present examples are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the intention is not to be limited to the details given herein. For example, various elements or components may be combined or integrated in another system or certain features may be omitted, or not implemented.

Moreover, techniques, systems, subsystems, and methods described and illustrated in the various embodiments as discrete or separate may be combined or integrated with other systems, modules, techniques, or methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Other items shown or discussed as directly coupled or communicating with each other may be indirectly coupled or communicating (whether electrically, mechanically, or otherwise) through some interface, device, or intermediate component. Other examples of changes, substitutions, and alterations are ascertainable by one skilled in the art and could be made without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A triangular valve (100) for use on a mask (500), comprising:

a triangular shaped base (104) operable to attach to the mask (500);

at least one vent (110) located within the triangular-shaped base (104), the vent (110) allowing air to flow from the interior of the mask (500) through the triangular-shaped base (104) to the exterior of the mask (500);

a valve flap (120) positioned over the at least one vent (110), the valve flap (120) operable to seal the vent (110) against air flow into the mask (500) when a user inhales, and operable to move away from the vent (110) when a user exhales, allowing air to flow through the vent (110); and

a triangular-shaped cover (102) operably attached to the triangular-shaped base (104) by snaps (106, 116) located at three corners of the triangular-shaped base (104) and triangular-shaped cover (102), wherein, when the triangular-shaped cover (102) is attached to the triangular-shaped base (104), the triangular-shaped cover (102) comprises a plurality of openings (105) along a plurality of sides of the triangular-shaped cover (102), allowing air to flow out of the triangular-shaped valve (100) through the plurality of openings (105);

wherein the at least one vent (110) comprises a circular shape, and wherein the valve plate (120) comprises a circular shape.

2. The triangular valve of claim 1, further comprising a shield (112) positioned around a portion of the vent, the shield (112) operable to block liquid from entering the vent (110) when the vent (110) is open.

3. The triangular valve according to claim 1, wherein the triangular shaped cover (102) comprises an at least partially transparent material.

4. The triangular valve of claim 3, wherein the valve flap (120) comprises a customizable color visible through the at least partially transparent triangular shaped cover (102), and wherein the valve flap (120) is removable and replaceable.

5. The triangular valve according to claim 1, wherein the triangular shaped cover (102) is removable and replaceable.

6. A triangular valve (200) for use on a mask (500), comprising:

a base (204) operable to attach to the mask (500);

at least one vent (210) located within the base (204), the vent (210) allowing air to flow from the interior of the mask (500) through the base (204) to the exterior of the mask (500);

a flap (220) positioned over the at least one vent hole (210), the flap (220) operable to seal the vent hole (210) against air flow into the mask (500) when a user inhales, and operable to move away from the vent hole (210) when a user exhales, allowing air to flow through the vent hole (210); and

a cover (202) operably attached to the base (204) by snaps (206, 216), wherein, when the cover (202) is attached to the base (204), the cover (202) comprises a plurality of openings (205) around a perimeter of the cover (202) between the snaps (206, 216) allowing air to flow out of the triangular valve (200) through the plurality of openings (205), and wherein the cover (202) comprises an at least partially transparent material;

wherein the at least one vent (210) comprises a circular shape, and wherein the valve plate (220) comprises a circular shape.

7. The triangular valve of claim 6, wherein the base (204) comprises a triangular shape, and wherein the cover (202) comprises a triangular shape.

8. The triangular valve of claim 7, wherein the cap (202) is a triangular cap and the base (204) is a triangular base, the snaps (206, 216) being located at three corners of the triangular cap (202) and the triangular base (204), and wherein the plurality of openings (205) are located between the snaps (206, 216) along three sides of the triangular cap (202).