CN111315450B

CN111315450B - Particle filter with anti-counterfeiting function

Info

Publication number: CN111315450B
Application number: CN201780095972.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: H.杨; W.叶; J.张
Original assignee: Honeywell International Inc
Current assignee: Honeywell International Inc
Priority date: 2017-08-15
Filing date: 2017-08-15
Publication date: 2022-01-25
Anticipated expiration: 2037-08-15
Also published as: WO2019033271A1; CN111315450A

Abstract

Embodiments include systems and methods for identifying legitimate particulate filters using anti-counterfeiting materials. A particulate filter (100) for use with an air purification mask (602) may include: at least one filter media layer (102) configured to filter particulate matter to produce breathable air; and at least one anti-counterfeiting layer (106) attached to the at least one filter media layer (102), the at least one anti-counterfeiting layer configured to identify the particulate filter (100) as a legitimate filter and to distinguish the particulate filter (100) from a counterfeit filter. A method of identifying a legitimate particulate filter may include: attaching at least one layer of filter media to a layer of security material; forming a particulate filter using the attached filter media and the security material; and distinguishing the particulate filter from a counterfeit particulate filter by observing the security material.

Description

Particle filter with anti-counterfeiting function

Cross Reference to Related Applications

Not applicable.

Statement regarding federally sponsored research or development

Not applicable.

Reference to the microfilm appendix

Not applicable.

Background

Air purifying respirators often use particulate filters to protect the user from breathing potentially harmful particulate matter. When the respirator is in place on a user (typically attached to the face or head in a manner that forms a seal), air is drawn into the respirator through the filter whenever the user breathes (and air typically can only enter the respirator through the filter so that the air can be filtered by the particulate filter to ensure that the air drawn by the user when wearing the respirator is clean and safe). Such particulate filters typically contain a filter media that can lock in potentially harmful particulate matter.

Disclosure of Invention

In an embodiment, a particulate filter for use with an air purifying mask may include: at least one filter media layer configured to filter particulate matter to produce breathable air; and at least one anti-counterfeiting layer attached to the at least one filter media layer, the at least one anti-counterfeiting layer configured to identify the particulate filter as a legitimate filter and to distinguish the particulate filter from a counterfeit filter.

In an embodiment, a method of identifying a legitimate particulate filter may include: attaching at least one layer of filter media to a layer of security material; forming a particulate filter using the attached filter media and the security material; and distinguishing the particulate filter from a counterfeit particulate filter by observing the security material.

In an embodiment, an air purification mask may include: a mask configured to attach to a user's face; and a particulate filter configured to filter particulate matter from the air to produce breathable air for the user, wherein the air flow is directed through the particulate filter to the mask, and wherein the particulate filter comprises: at least one filter media layer configured to filter particulate matter to produce breathable air; and at least one anti-counterfeiting layer attached to the at least one filter media layer, the at least one anti-counterfeiting layer configured to identify the particulate filter as a legitimate filter and to distinguish the particulate filter from a counterfeit filter.

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 represent like parts.

Fig. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a particulate filter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a particulate filter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3A-3B illustrate another particulate filter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a manufacturing process for a particulate filter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates another manufacturing process for a particulate filter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6A-6B illustrate an air purification mask including a particulate filter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

It should be understood at the outset that although an illustrative implementation of one or more embodiments are illustrated below, the disclosed systems and methods may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently 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 and full scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.

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

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

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

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

the terms "about" or "approximately" and the like, when used with a number, may mean the particular number, or alternatively, a range near the particular number, as understood by one of skill in the art; and is

If the specification states a component or feature "may", "might", "should", "would", "preferably", "might", "generally", "optionally", "for example", "often", or "might" (or other such language) be included or has a property, that particular component or feature need not be included or have that property. Such components or features may optionally be included or excluded in some embodiments.

Embodiments of the present disclosure include systems and methods for identifying legitimate air-purifying respirators (e.g., from a particular manufacturer/company) and preventing counterfeiting or counterfeiting of products. Typical air purifying respirators use a particulate filter to provide breathable air to the user. These air purifying respirators are important personal protective equipment for workers who require respiratory protection in many industries, such as mining, shipbuilding, and heavy machinery.

Typical particulate filters may be replaceable or replaceable to allow workers to replace the filter as needed. Depending on the manufacturer of the filter and/or respirator, a particular particulate filter may be designed to cooperate with a particular air purifying respirator. If a user attempts to use a replaceable particulate filter that is not designed for use with an air purifying respirator, the filter may not provide adequate protective characteristics, such as sealing and/or filtering properties with the respirator. These problems can result in exposing the user to dangerous particulate matter, even though the user may think he or she is protected by using an air purifying respirator. There may be counterfeit filters produced by other (e.g., illegal and/or unauthorized) companies, where the filters may be sold the same as legitimate filters, or in some cases, they may masquerade as legitimate filters.

Embodiments of the present disclosure include systems and methods for preventing the use of counterfeit particulate filters in air purifying respirators. To identify a legitimate filter, the filter may include a security element incorporated into the filter material. In some cases, the security element may include one or more fibers incorporated into the particulate filter.

As the market for particulate filters grows, counterfeit filters may become ubiquitous. This can affect the business of a legitimate company; workers using counterfeit filters can be compromised; and may compromise the reputation of a legitimate company if the user purchases counterfeit filters and considers them legitimate. Utilizing a security element as disclosed herein (such as a particular security fiber) can allow a user to identify a legitimate filter and can protect the involved company.

In some cases, the security fibers/elements may allow a user (or individual) to identify that the filter is a genuine particulate filter and not a counterfeit product. For example, an individual may purchase a legitimate particulate filter and, prior to wearing/using it, they may verify that the filter is not a counterfeit by observing the security fiber (e.g., by following instructions for use provided by the legitimate manufacturer/company). Additionally, in the case of individuals using counterfeit particulate filters, security fibers may prevent legitimate companies from undertaking liability. As an example, an individual may use a filter that is a counterfeit or counterfeit filter, and when the filter does not protect the individual, the individual may complain of a legitimate company, but the company may avoid liability by counterfeiting the filter without the security fibers due to the presence of the security fibers in the genuine filter. In such cases, the legitimate manufacturer/company may keep some or all of its particular anti-counterfeiting technology secret, and only selectively disclose it when needed to protect itself by proving that the failed filter is counterfeit/illegitimate (e.g., from some other source, and thus not the legal responsibility of the legitimate manufacturer/company).

Referring to fig. 1, a cross-sectional view of a particulate filter 100 is shown. One example of a security element that may be incorporated into a particulate filter is a fluorescent fiber. As shown in fig. 1, particulate filter 100 may include one or more layers of

filter media

102 and 104 and a cover web layer 108. In some embodiments, a security fiber layer 106 (which may include fluorescent fibers) may be added between the

filter media

102 and 104 and the cover web layer 108. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the security fibers may comprise fluorescent fibers, and thus may be referred to as a fluorescent fiber layer 106.

In some embodiments, the fluorescent fiber layer 106 may not be visible to a user viewing the particulate filter 100 (e.g., fluoresce only when exposed to a particular light source) unless the particulate filter 100 is exposed to a particular light source, such as UV light that generates Ultraviolet (UV) radiation. One or both of the cover web layer 108 and/or the filter media layer(s) 102 and 104 may be configured to allow penetration of UV radiation and fluorescence of the fluorescent fiber layers 106 in response to UV radiation such that a user may be able to see the fluorescent fiber layers 106. However, the exterior of the filter 100 may not indicate the presence of a security element incorporated into the filter 100 unless the particulate filter 100 is exposed to a particular light source.

In some embodiments, the cover web layer 108 may comprise less than approximately 15g/m²Low basis weight of (a). In some embodiments, the fluorescent fiber layer 106 may be made using polypropylene and/or polyethylene. In some embodiments, the fluorescent fiber layer 106 may be configured to not affect the filtering properties of the particulate filter 100. Additionally, the fluorescent fiber layer 106 may not significantly impede airflow through the particulate filter 100. In some embodiments, the layer of fluorescent fibers 106 may comprise only a portion of the total surface area of the particulate filter 100. To prevent confusion, the color of the cover web layer 108 and the filter media layer(s) 102 and 104 may not be similar to the color of the fluorescent fiber layer 106 when exposed to UV radiation. The particular fluorescent fiber pattern (e.g., which may span only a portion of the mask/filter and/or may form a particular visual image) and/or the color of the fluorescence and/or the intensity of the fluorescence, etc. may be selected to provide a unique identifier of the active filter from a particular manufacturer/company.

Fig. 2 illustrates a particulate filter 200 that may be similar to the particulate filter 100 described above. The particulate filter 200 may include a plurality of

layers

202, 204, 206, 208, which are shown in fig. 2 as being partially separated. In use, the

layers

202, 204, 206, 208 may be attached to form the particulate filter 200. In some embodiments, these layers may include one or more

filter media layers

202 and 204, a cover web layer 208, and a security layer 206. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the anti-counterfeiting layer 206 may comprise fluorescent fibers (as described above).

Referring to fig. 3A-3B, another particulate filter 300 is shown, wherein the particulate filter 300 includes a security fiber layer 306. The particulate filter 300 may include at least one filter media layer 302 and a cover web layer 304, wherein the security fibers 306 may be located between the filter media layer 302 and the cover web layer 304. In the embodiment shown in fig. 3A-3B, the security fiber layer 306 may include a plurality of black fibers, for example, visible through at least one of the outer layers (filter media layer 302 and cover web layer 304) of the particulate filter 300. Also, similar to the security fibers discussed above, these black security fibers may form a particular pattern (e.g., they may span only a portion of the mask/filter and/or may form a particular visual image).

In some embodiments, the black fibers 306 incorporated into the particulate filter 300 may comprise Spectra fibers manufactured by honeywell. Spectra fibers may include high strength grades and may be distinguished from other similar fibers because they are difficult to cut (e.g., using scissors) when compared to typical black fibers. To verify that particulate filter 300 is a legitimate filter and not a counterfeit filter, a user may attempt to cut fibers located within the filter. In some embodiments, a portion of the security (e.g., black and/or Spectra) fiber may extend beyond other layers of the filter/mask (e.g., to allow easy access for testing (e.g., by attempting to cut) without damaging other portions of the filter/mask).

Referring now to fig. 4 and 5, an exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing is shown. Fig. 4 illustrates a process 400 including a die cut 420. The

separate layers

402, 404, 406, 408 may be combined in a web lamination process 410. These laminated layers may then be fed through a die cutting and welding process 420. The die cutting may include ultrasonic die cutting. Then, the final particulate filter 430 is produced. Fig. 5 illustrates a process 500 including a rotary cut 510. The

separate layers

502, 504, 506, 508 may be combined in a spin weld and cut system 510 that may combine multiple steps into one process to produce a finished filter 530. Rotary cutting and die cutting (as described above) are two typical processes used to manufacture particulate filters. To produce the security filter, only minor modifications to the current production line will be made, such as adding security fibers at some point in the process.

Fig. 6A-6B illustrate the particulate filter 600 installed within an air purifying mask 602. The mask 602 may include a mouth piece 606 configured to fit over the mouth and nose of a user. The mask 602 may include one or more straps 604 configured to attach the mask 602 to the face of a user. The mask 602 may include a filter housing 610 configured to contain the filter 600 and direct air through the filter 600 to the user. The filter housing 610 may include a removable cover 612 that may be secured with a retaining ring 614. Fig. 6A shows the removable cover 612 in a usable state, as it may be worn when in use. In fig. 6B, the retaining ring 614 may be disengaged to allow the movable cover 612 to open the filter housing 610, thereby allowing access to the filter 600. In this manner, the filter 600 may be replaced multiple times. As described above, the filter 600 may include one or more security fibers.

In a first embodiment, a particulate filter for use with an air purifying mask may comprise: at least one filter media layer configured to filter particulate matter to produce breathable air; and at least one anti-counterfeiting layer attached to the at least one filter media layer, the at least one anti-counterfeiting layer configured to identify the particulate filter as a legitimate filter and to distinguish the particulate filter from a counterfeit filter.

A second embodiment may include the particulate filter of the first embodiment, wherein the at least one filter media layer comprises a plurality of filter media layers, and wherein each of the filter media layers is configured to filter particulate matter from an air stream passing through the filter.

A third embodiment may include the particulate filter of the first or second embodiments, further comprising a cover web layer, wherein the anti-counterfeiting layer is positioned between the cover web layer and the at least one filter media layer.

A fourth embodiment may incorporate the particulate filter of any of the first to third embodiments, wherein the particulate filter comprises a removable or replaceable particulate filter.

A fifth embodiment may include the particulate filter of any one of the first to fourth embodiments, wherein the security layer comprises one or more fluorescent fibers.

A sixth embodiment may include the particulate filter of the fifth embodiment, wherein the one or more fluorescent fibers are visible upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

A seventh embodiment may include the particulate filter of the fifth or sixth embodiment, wherein the one or more fluorescent fibers form only a portion of the anti-counterfeiting layer.

An eighth embodiment may include the particulate filter of any one of the first to seventh embodiments, wherein the anti-counterfeiting layer comprises one or more black fibers visible to a user.

A ninth embodiment may include the particulate filter of the eighth embodiment, wherein the one or more black fibers comprise a high strength grade and are difficult to cut.

In a tenth embodiment, a method of identifying a legitimate particulate filter may include: attaching at least one layer of filter media to a layer of security material; forming a particulate filter using the attached filter media and the security material; and distinguishing the particulate filter from a counterfeit particulate filter by observing the security material.

An eleventh embodiment can include the method of the tenth embodiment, further comprising: attaching a coverweb to the at least one layer of filter media and the layer of security material, wherein the layer of security material is located between the coverweb and the at least one layer of filter media.

A twelfth embodiment may include the method of the tenth or eleventh embodiment, wherein the security material comprises fluorescent fibers.

A thirteenth embodiment may include the method of the twelfth embodiment, wherein distinguishing the particulate filter from a counterfeit particulate filter by observing the authentication material comprises: the particle filter is exposed to ultraviolet radiation and the security material is observed for fluorescence.

A fourteenth embodiment can include the method of the twelfth or thirteenth embodiment, wherein the security material is not visible to the user unless the particulate filter is exposed to ultraviolet radiation.

A fifteenth embodiment may incorporate the method of any of the tenth to fourteenth embodiments, wherein the security material comprises security fibers comprising a high strength grade, and wherein distinguishing the particulate filter from a counterfeit particulate filter comprises: attempts were made to cut security fibers.

In a sixteenth embodiment, an air purifying mask may comprise: a mask configured to attach to a user's face; and a particulate filter configured to filter particulate matter from the air to produce breathable air for the user, wherein the air flow is directed through the particulate filter to the mask, and wherein the particulate filter comprises: at least one filter media layer configured to filter particulate matter to produce breathable air; and at least one anti-counterfeiting layer attached to the at least one filter media layer, the at least one anti-counterfeiting layer configured to identify the particulate filter as a legitimate filter and to distinguish the particulate filter from a counterfeit filter.

A seventeenth embodiment may include the air purifying mask of the sixteenth embodiment, further comprising a filter housing connected to the facepiece, the filter housing configured to hold a particulate filter, wherein the particulate filter comprises a replaceable filter.

An eighteenth embodiment may include the air-purifying mask of the sixteenth or seventeenth embodiment, wherein the particulate filter further comprises a cover web layer, and wherein the anti-counterfeiting layer is located between the cover web layer and the at least one filter media layer.

A nineteenth embodiment can include the air-purifying mask of any one of the sixteenth to eighteenth embodiments, wherein the security layer comprises one or more fluorescent fibers, and wherein the one or more fluorescent fibers are visible upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

A twentieth embodiment may include the air-purifying mask of any one of the sixteenth to nineteenth embodiments, wherein the anti-counterfeiting layer comprises one or more black fibers visible to the user, and wherein the one or more black fibers comprise a high strength grade and are difficult to cut.

While various embodiments in accordance with the principles disclosed herein have been shown and described above, modifications of the embodiments may be made by those 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 features of the embodiment(s) 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 claims, which follow, that scope including all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Each and every claim is incorporated into the specification as a further disclosure and the claims are for the embodiment(s) of the present invention. Moreover, any advantages and features described above may relate to particular embodiments, but the application of such issued claims should not be limited to processes and structures accomplishing any or all of the above advantages or having any or all of the above features.

Further, section headings as used herein are provided for consistency with the recommendations under 37 c.f.r. 1.77 or to otherwise provide structural clues. These headings should not limit or characterize the invention(s) that may be set forth in any claims that may issue from this disclosure. In particular and by way of example, although a heading may refer to a "technical field," the claims should not be limited by the language chosen under this heading to describe the so-called field. Further, 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 this disclosure. The "summary" is also not to be considered a limiting characterization of the invention(s) set forth in the published claims. Furthermore, any reference in this disclosure to the singular form of "the invention" should not be used to demonstrate that there is only a single point of novelty in this disclosure. Inventions may be set forth in terms of the limitations of the claims issuing from this disclosure, and such claims therefore define the invention(s) and their equivalents, which are hereby protected. In all cases, the scope of the claims should be considered in light of the present disclosure with their own advantages, and should not be constrained by the headings set forth herein.

The use of broader terms such as "including", "including" and "having" should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as "consisting of", "consisting essentially of, and" consisting essentially of. Use of the terms "optionally," "may," "possibly," and the like, with respect to any element of an embodiment, means that the element is not required, or is instead required, both alternatives being within the scope of the embodiment(s). Also, references to examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be exclusive.

While 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.

Also, 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 connected or communicating through some interface, device, or intermediate component, whether electrically, mechanically, or otherwise. 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 particulate filter (100) for use with an air purifying mask (602), the particulate filter (100) comprising:

at least one filter media layer (102) configured to filter particulate matter to produce breathable air; and

at least one anti-counterfeiting layer (106) attached to the at least one filter media layer (102), the at least one anti-counterfeiting layer configured to identify the particulate filter (100) as a legitimate filter and to distinguish the particulate filter (100) from a counterfeit filter,

wherein the anti-counterfeiting layer (106) comprises one or more black fibers visible to a user,

wherein the one or more black fibers comprise a high strength grade and are difficult to cut, and

wherein a portion of the one or more black fibers extends beyond other layers of the particulate filter.

2. The particulate filter (100) of claim 1, wherein the at least one filter media layer includes a plurality of filter media layers (102 and 104), and wherein each of the filter media layers is configured to filter particulate matter from an air flow through the filter.

3. The particulate filter of claim 1, further comprising a cover web layer (108), wherein the anti-counterfeiting layer (106) is located between the cover web layer (108) and the at least one filter media layer (102).

4. The particulate filter according to claim 1, wherein the particulate filter (100) comprises a removable or replaceable particulate filter.

5. The particulate filter according to claim 1, wherein the anti-counterfeiting layer (106) comprises one or more fluorescent fibers.

6. The particulate filter of claim 5, wherein the one or more fluorescent fibers are visible upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

7. The particulate filter according to claim 5, wherein the one or more fluorescent fibers constitute only a part of the anti-counterfeiting layer (106).

8. A method of identifying a legitimate particulate filter, the method comprising:

attaching at least one layer of filter media to a layer of security material;

forming the particulate filter using the attached filter media and security material; and

the particulate filter is distinguished from a counterfeit particulate filter by observing the security material,

wherein the security material comprises security fibers comprising a high strength grade and being difficult to cut, and wherein distinguishing the particulate filter from a counterfeit particulate filter comprises: attempting to cut the security fiber, and

wherein a portion of the security fibers extend beyond other layers of the particulate filter.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: attaching a coverweb to the at least one layer of filter media and the layer of security material, wherein the layer of security material is located between the coverweb and the at least one layer of filter media.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the security material comprises fluorescent fibers.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein distinguishing the particulate filter from a counterfeit particulate filter by observing the security material comprises: exposing the particle filter to ultraviolet radiation and observing fluorescence of the security material.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the security material is not visible to a user unless the particulate filter is exposed to ultraviolet radiation.