CN111557494A

CN111557494A - Mask

Info

Publication number: CN111557494A
Application number: CN202010279620.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 约翰如; 林荣生; 庄圣杰; 黄庆礼; 杨咏道; 张锡昌
Original assignee: On Design Solutions Pte Ltd
Current assignee: On Design Solutions Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2020-02-21
Filing date: 2020-04-10
Publication date: 2020-08-21
Also published as: WO2021167533A1; SG10202001572UA

Abstract

The present invention provides a mask comprising a mask body adapted to be worn over the nose and mouth of a wearer. The mask body is provided with at least one first opening and a first joint structure surrounding the at least one first opening; and a lid movably connected to the tray, the lid being provided with at least one second opening and a second engagement structure surrounding the at least one second opening. A breathable article is received between the lid and the tray, the first engagement structure and the second engagement structure sandwiching the breathable article and forming a substantially airtight seal with the breathable article when in the closed position.

Description

Mask

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a mask for filtering air inhaled by a user.

Background

Conventional surgical masks are used to prevent bacterial infection in the droplets and aerosols in the nose and mouth of the wearer. However, wearing surgical masks is also used to reduce the chance of infection with viruses or bacteria that are transmitted by people in the immediate environment of the wearer. Since the surgical mask must be in close contact with the nose and mouth of the wearer, the wearer must replace the mask at least daily for hygienic reasons. In the case of a virus outbreak, the demand for such masks has increased considerably. Recent events have shown that the daily use and replacement of existing masks is not sustainable in light of the existing supply and continuous production of these surgical masks to meet the eye's needs. In addition, the effectiveness of conventional surgical masks is questioned. It is therefore apparent that there is a need to provide a solution to the above problems.

Disclosure of Invention

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a respirator is disclosed that includes a respirator body adapted to fit over a wearer's nose and mouth and to receive the wearer's nose and mouth within an interior space, the respirator body including a tray having at least one first opening and first engagement structure surrounding the at least one first opening; and a lid movably connected to the tray, the lid being provided with at least one second opening and second engagement structure surrounding the at least one second opening, the lid is movable between a closed position in which it is connected to the first and second engagement formations, thereby configuring the at least one first opening and the at least one second opening such that the interior space is in fluid communication with an exterior of the facemask, and an open position capable of receiving the breathable article between the lid and the tray, the first engagement structure and the second engagement structure sandwich the breathable article when in the closed position, such that when the mask body is worn over the nose and mouth of the wearer, air exchange between the interior space and the exterior of the mask is substantially filtered by the breathable article.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a mask comprising a mask body, a cover and a mask. The mask body is suitable for being worn on the nose and the mouth of a wearer and accommodating the nose and the mouth of the wearer in an inner space, and the mask main body comprises a tray provided with at least one first opening and a first joint structure adjacent to the at least one first opening. The mask body further includes a rigid portion extending and expanding from the tray, the rigid portion terminating in a first periphery; and a skirt extending from the first periphery and away from the tray to terminate in a second periphery. The rigid portion and skirt are shaped and dimensioned to allow the face of the wearer to contact the skirt of the mask body, the skirt being further resilient or conforming in shape or dimension to the contours of the facial area around the nose and mouth of the wearer to substantially form a seal. The lid is movably coupled to the tray and is provided with at least one second opening and a second engagement structure adjacent the at least one second opening, the lid being movable between a closed position in which the first engagement structure and the second engagement structure are coupled to configure the at least one first opening and the at least one second opening in the interior space in fluid communication with an exterior of the mask and an open position in which a breathable article can be received between the lid and the tray, the tray being detachable from the mask body to form a cartridge assembly with the lid and the breathable article disposed between the tray and the lid, the lid being movably coupled to the tray. The cover is movably attached to the mask body and is movable between a fixed position where the cassette assembly is fixed to the mask body and a release position where the cassette assembly is detachable from the mask body. Said mask body defining a receptacle for receiving said cartridge assembly, said receptacle defining a first opening and said cover defining a second opening, said second opening being aligned with said at least one first opening and said at least one second opening when said cartridge assembly is received in said receptacle and said cover is in said secured position, said cartridge assembly being secured to said mask body at said secured position such that fluid communication between the interior space of said mask body and the exterior of said mask is substantially provided through said breathable material, said receptacle including a first compressible seal for engaging said cartridge assembly to form a substantially airtight seal between said receptacle and said cartridge assembly; the hood includes a second compressible seal for coupling with the cassette assembly to form a substantially airtight seal between the hood and the cassette assembly, the cassette assembly being disposed substantially between the first compressible seal and the second compressible seal when the hood is in the secured position to further compress the breathable article disposed between the tray and the cover such that air exchange between the interior space and the exterior of the mask is substantially filtered by the breathable article when the mask body is worn over the nose and mouth of a wearer.

Drawings

FIG. 1 shows a partial front perspective view of a respirator according to one aspect of the present invention, the respirator comprising a respirator body, a cover, a tray, and a lid, with the cover in a fixed position;

FIG. 2 shows a partial front perspective view of the mask of FIG. 1 with the cover in an open position and the lid in a closed position forming a cartridge assembly with the tray;

fig. 3 shows a partial front perspective view of the mask of fig. 2, wherein the tray is removable and movable from the receptacle of the mask body;

FIG. 4 shows a partial side sectional view of the mask taken along section A-A of FIG. 1, with the mask in a secured position and the cover in a closed position;

fig. 5 shows a partial perspective view of the cassette assembly of fig. 3 removed from the mask body with the cover in an open position; and

fig. 6 shows another partial front perspective view of fig. 1, wherein the fastening means is attached to at least one anchor formed integrally with the mask body.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments of the present invention.

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention describes a mask 20, with reference to fig. 1-6. The mask 20 is preferably used to filter the air inhaled by the wearer and prevent bacteria and viruses carried in the body fluids discharged from the nose and mouth of the wearer from infecting surrounding persons or the environment.

The mask 20 includes a mask body 22, the mask body 22 being adapted to fit over and receive the nose and mouth of a wearer within an interior space 24. The mask body 22 includes a tray 30 formed with at least one first opening 32 and a first engagement structure 34, the first engagement structure 34 bounding the at least one first opening 32. The mask 20 also includes a cover 36 removably attached to the tray 22, the cover 36 defining at least one second opening 38 and a second engagement structure 40 bounding the at least one second opening 38. In one embodiment of the mask 20, the first engagement structure 34 substantially bounds the at least one first opening 32, and the second engagement structure 34 substantially bounds the at least one second opening 38.

The cover 36 is movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the first engagement structure 34 is connected to the second engagement structure 40 such that the at least one first opening 32 is mated to the at least one second opening 38 for communicating the interior space 24 with the mask exterior 42. In the open position, a breathable article 44 is received between the lid 36 and the tray 30. In the closed position, the first 34 and second 40 engagement structures sandwich the breathable article 44 and form a substantially airtight seal such that air communication between the interior space 24 and the mask exterior 42 is substantially filtered through the breathable article 44 when the mask body 22 is worn over the nose and mouth of a wearer.

Preferably, at least one of the mask body 22 and the cover 36 is made of a substantially air impermeable material. The first engagement structure 34 and the second engagement structure 40 have complementary shapes and sizes to conform to one another and to position the breathable article 44 between the at least one first opening 32 and the at least one second opening 38 when the lid 36 is in the closed position.

Further, at least one of the first engagement structure 34 and the second engagement structure 40 is a flange 46a/46b extending from a frame 48a/48b and surrounding a corresponding one of the at least one first opening 32 and the at least one second opening 38. The flanges 46a/46b in each of the tray 30 and the lid 36 preferably resiliently or rigidly attach the breathable article 44 such that a substantially airtight seal is formed with the breathable article 44 when the lid 36 is in the closed position. Preferably, the flanges 46a/46b of one of the tray 30 and the cover 36 are substantially flat, while the flanges 46a/46b of the other are convex in shape. The flanges 46a/46b may be integrally formed with the frame 48a/48b, forming one or more material coatings, such as an elastomeric coating, or a seal shaped and dimensioned to snap, adhere, or otherwise secure to the corresponding frame 48a/48 b. Alternatively, the flanges 46a/46b of the tray 30 and cover 36 may be substantially the same shape and size as the flanges 46a/46b of the tray 30 and cover 36, or may be substantially flat, or may be raised.

The mask body 22 also includes a rigid portion 50 extending and expanding outwardly from the tray 30, the rigid portion 50 terminating in a first periphery 52, and a skirt 54 extending from the rigid portion 50 and away from the tray 30, the skirt 54 terminating in a second periphery 56. Preferably, each of the rigid portion 50 and the skirt 54 is shaped and dimensioned to enable the wearer's face to contact the skirt 54. Preferably, the skirt 54 is resilient or otherwise shaped or sized to match the contours of the facial area around the nose and mouth of the wearer, thereby substantially forming a seal. The skirt 54 is fixedly or removably attached to the tray 50 at the first periphery 52. Preferably, the skirt 54 is made of a biocompatible silicon material, while the rigid portion 50 is made of polypropylene.

The tray 30 includes one of a hinge 58 and a longitudinal guide, such as a rail or guide bar assembly, for rotational connection for slidably connecting the cover 36 and the mask body 22, and particularly the tray 30 thereof, for reciprocal movement between an open position and a closed position. Additionally, one of the mask body 22 and the cover 36 includes at least one of a snap ring 60, a latch, threads, bolts, pins, and retractable snap-fit structure for securing the cover 36 to the mask body 22 when in the closed position.

The mask 20 also includes at least one anchor 62 formed on the mask body 22 for attaching a fastening device 64 to the mask body 22. The at least one anchor 62 may be at least one loop or hook extending from the mask body 22 or at least one hole or notch formed in the mask body 22. The securing means 63 is configured to fit around at least a portion of the wearer's head for positioning and substantially securing the mask body 22 around the nose and mouth of the wearer. Preferably, the fastening device 64 is a string, elastic, or safety band for wearing over at least one of the scalp, nape, neck, or ears of the wearer.

In one embodiment of the mask 20, the tray 30 is removable from the mask body 22 to form a cassette assembly 70 with the cover 36 and the breathable articles 44 disposed between the tray 30 and cover 36. In the cartridge assembly 70, the cover 36 remains removably attached to the tray 30. In this embodiment, the mask further comprises a hood 72 movably connected to the mask body 22 at the hood hinge 73 and movable between a fixing position for fixing the cassette assembly 70 to the mask body 22 and a releasing position for enabling the cassette assembly 70 to be detached from the mask body 22. Preferably, the mask hinge 73 is adapted to allow the mask 72 to be removably attached (e.g., via a snap-fit connection thereof) to the mask body 22 to allow the mask 72 to be detached from the mask body 22.

Thus, the mask body 22 is further provided with a housing seat 74 for housing the cassette assembly 70. The receptacle 74 defines a first opening 76a and the cover defines a second opening 76b, the second opening 76b being aligned with the at least one first opening 32 and the at least one second opening 38 when the cartridge assembly 70 is received in the receptacle 74 and the cover 72 is in the secured position where the cartridge assembly 70 is secured to the mask body 22 to substantially provide fluid communication between the interior space 24 of the mask body 22 and the mask exterior 42 through the breathable material 44.

Preferably, the ribs 77a/77b are formed and extend between the corresponding frames 48a/48b to form each of the at least one first opening 32 and the at least one second opening 38. The cassette assembly 70 is adapted to receive breathable articles 44 having different thicknesses between the tray 30 and the cover 36.

Preferably, the housing receptacle 74 includes a first compressible seal 78a, the first compressible seal 78a being adapted to engage the cartridge assembly 70 to form a substantially airtight seal between the housing receptacle 74 and the cartridge assembly 70; the hood 72 includes a second compressible seal 78b, the second compressible seal 78b for coupling with the cartridge assembly 70 to form a substantially airtight seal between the hood 72 and the cartridge assembly 70. When the cover 72 is in the secured position, the cartridge assembly 70 is disposed substantially between the first and second

compressible seals

78a, 78b, thereby further compressing the breathable article 44 disposed between the tray 30 and the lid 36. Therefore, when the tray 30 and the cover 36 are used as the cassette assembly 70 disposed between the mask body 22 and the mask 72, the snap ring 60 may be formed on one of the mask body 22 and the mask 72 so as to fix the mask 72 to the mask body 22 at a fixed position.

Preferably, the tray 30 and the cover 36 are coated with a biocidal iodine resin. In addition, the breathable article 44 includes at least one of a textile, cloth, cellulosic material, sponge, multi-layer surgical mask material, and filter material of varying thicknesses. The frames 48a/48b forming the tray 30 and cover 36 of the cassette assembly 70 may be used as a stencil for forming existing material for the breathable material 44. For example, a portion of a large tissue or a surgical mask may be captured between the tray 30 and the lid 36 such that the contour of the frame 48a/48b may be used as a guide for cutting the large tissue or surgical mask into sections to fit the contour of the frame 48a/48 b. This allows a single tissue or disposable surgical mask to be divided into multiple pieces, for example, six pieces, thereby increasing the number of uses of a single surgical mask or tissue as the breathable article 44.

The mask 20 may also include at least one sensor module coupled to at least one of the cover 36 and the mask body 22 for monitoring the quality of the air filtered by the breathable product 44 and estimating the breathing condition of the wearer from the air in the interior space 24 of the mask body 44 or a dispenser removably coupled to at least one of the cover 36 and the mask body 22 for dispensing one of a liquid and an aerosolized liquid onto the breathable product 44 and into the interior space 24 of the mask body 22.

The mask 20 may also include a mask and an eye shield that is attached to the mask body 22 and positioned over the wearer's eyes by the mask body 22 so as not to obstruct the wearer's vision when the mask body 22 is worn over the nose and mouth of the wearer.

In addition, the mask 20 may also include a one-way valve formed or adapted to be connected to the mask body 22 to facilitate one-way venting of air from the interior space 24, particularly the exhalation of the wearer, to the mask exterior 42.

In the manner described above, a mask is described according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Although only one embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure that many changes and/or modifications can be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A mask, comprising:

a mask body adapted to fit over a wearer's nose and mouth and to receive the wearer's nose and mouth within an interior space, the mask body including a tray having at least one first opening and a first engagement structure adjacent the at least one first opening; and a lid movably connected to the tray, the lid being provided with at least one second opening and a second engagement structure adjacent the at least one second opening, the lid is movable between a closed position in which it is connected to the first and second engagement formations, thereby configuring the at least one first opening and the at least one second opening such that the interior space is in fluid communication with an exterior of the facemask, and an open position capable of receiving the breathable article between the lid and the tray, wherein the first and second engaging structures sandwich the breathable article when in the closed position, such that when the mask body is worn over the nose and mouth of the wearer, air exchange between the interior space and the exterior of the mask is substantially filtered by the breathable article.

2. The mask of claim 1 wherein said first engaging structure substantially circumscribes said at least one first opening and said second engaging structure substantially circumscribes said at least one second opening, wherein said first engaging structure and said second engaging structure form an airtight seal with said breathable article when in a closed position.

3. The mask of claim 1 wherein at least one of said mask body and said cover is made of a substantially air impermeable material.

4. The mask of claim 1 wherein said first engaging structure and said second engaging structure are of complementary shape and size for positioning said breathable article between said at least one first opening and said at least one second opening when said cover is in a closed position.

5. The mask of claim 1 wherein at least one of said first engaging structure and said second engaging structure is provided with a flange extending from a frame, said flange substantially surrounding a corresponding one of said at least one first opening and said at least one second opening, said flange being resilient or rigid for connecting said breathable article when the cover is in the closed position to form a substantially airtight seal with said breathable article.

6. The mask of claim 1 wherein said mask body comprises:

a rigid portion extending from the tray to a first periphery;

and a skirt extending from the rigid portion and away from the tray to terminate at a second periphery, the rigid portion or skirt matching in shape and size the wearer's face to enable the wearer's face to contact the skirt of the mask body, the skirt further being resilient or conforming in shape or size to the contours of the wearer's facial area around the nose and mouth to substantially form a seal.

7. The mask of claim 6 wherein said skirt is fixedly or removably attached to said tray at said first periphery.

8. The mask of claim 1 wherein said tray includes a hinge for rotational connection or a longitudinal rail for sliding connection of said cover and tray to enable reciprocal movement of said tray between said open and closed positions.

9. The mask of claim 8 wherein one of said mask body and said cover comprises at least one of a snap ring, a latch, threads, a bolt, a pin, and a retractable snap-in mounting structure for securing said cover to said mask body when said mask body is in a closed position.

10. The mask of claim 1 further comprising at least one anchor formed on said mask body for attaching a fixture to said mask body, said fixture being configured to be worn about at least a portion of a wearer's head for positioning and substantially securing said mask body about the nose and mouth of the wearer.

11. The mask of claim 10 wherein said fastening means is one of a string, an elastic band and a safety band for wearing on at least one of the scalp, nape, neck and ears of the wearer.

12. The mask of claim 1 wherein said tray, cover and said breathable article disposed between said tray and cover, which are removable from said mask body, comprise a cartridge assembly, said cover being removably attached to said tray.

13. The mask of claim 12 further comprising:

a cover movably attached to said mask body and movable between a securing position for securing said cassette assembly to said mask body and a releasing position enabling said cassette assembly to be removed from said mask body.

14. The mask of claim 13 wherein said mask body defines a receptacle for receiving said cartridge assembly, said receptacle defining a first opening and said cover defining a second opening, said second opening being aligned with said at least one first opening and said at least one second opening when said cartridge assembly is received in said receptacle and said cover is in said secured position wherein said cartridge assembly is secured to said mask body to substantially provide fluid communication between an interior space of said mask body and an exterior of said mask through said breathable material.

15. The mask of claim 14 wherein said receptacle includes a first compressible seal for engaging said cartridge assembly to form a substantially airtight seal between said receptacle and said cartridge assembly; the cover includes a second compressible seal for coupling with the cassette assembly to form a substantially airtight seal between the cover and the cassette assembly, the cassette assembly being disposed substantially between the first and second compressible seals when the cover is in the secured position to further compress the air-permeable article disposed between the tray and the lid.

16. The mask of claim 1 wherein said breathable article comprises at least one of a textile, a cloth, a cellulosic material, a sponge, a multi-layer surgical mask material, and a filter material.

17. The mask of claim 1 wherein said tray and cover are coated with a biocidal iodine resin.

18. The mask of claim 1 further comprising at least one of:

a sensor module coupled to at least one of the cover and the mask body for monitoring the filtered air quality of the breathable article and estimating the wearer's breathing condition from the air in the interior space of the mask body, an

A dispenser removably attached to at least one of the cover and the mask body for dispensing one of a liquid or an aerosolized liquid onto the breathable article and into the interior space of the mask body.

19. The mask of claim 1 further comprising:

a mask or an eye shield, which is attached to the mask body and positioned by the mask body over the wearer's eyes so as not to obstruct the wearer's vision when the mask body is worn over the wearer's nose and mouth.

20. A mask, comprising:

a mask body adapted to be worn over a nose and a mouth of a wearer and to accommodate the nose and the mouth of the wearer in an interior space, the mask body comprising:

the tray is provided with at least one first opening;

a first engagement structure adjacent the at least one first opening;

a rigid portion extending and expanding from said tray, said rigid portion terminating in a first periphery; and

a skirt extending from the first periphery and away from the tray to terminate in a second periphery, the rigid portion and skirt being shaped and dimensioned to enable the face of the wearer to contact the skirt of the mask body, the skirt further being resilient or conforming in shape or dimension to the contours of the facial area around the nose and mouth of the wearer to substantially form a seal,

a lid movably attached to the tray and having at least one second opening and second engagement structure adjacent the at least one second opening, the lid movable between a closed position in which the first engagement structure and the second engagement structure are connected to configure the at least one first opening and the at least one second opening in the interior space in fluid communication with an exterior of the mask and an open position in which a breathable article can be received between the lid and the tray, the tray being detachable from the mask body to form a cartridge assembly with the lid and the breathable article disposed between the tray and the lid, the lid being movably attached to the tray;

and a cover movably attached to the mask body and movable between a fixing position where the cassette assembly is fixed to the mask body and a releasing position where the cassette assembly is detachable from the mask body,

wherein said mask body defines a receptacle for receiving said cartridge assembly, said receptacle defining a first opening and said cover defining a second opening, said second opening being aligned with said at least one first opening and said at least one second opening when said cartridge assembly is received in said receptacle and said cover is in said secured position, said cartridge assembly being secured to said mask body at said secured position such that fluid communication between the interior space of said mask body and the exterior of said mask is substantially provided by said breathable material, said receptacle including a first compressible seal for engaging said cartridge assembly to form a substantially airtight seal between said receptacle and said cartridge assembly; the hood includes a second compressible seal for coupling with the cassette assembly to form a substantially airtight seal between the hood and the cassette assembly, the cassette assembly being disposed substantially between the first compressible seal and the second compressible seal when the hood is in the secured position to further compress the breathable article disposed between the tray and the cover such that air exchange between the interior space and the exterior of the mask is substantially filtered by the breathable article when the mask body is worn over the nose and mouth of a wearer.