EP4094609A1

EP4094609A1 - Sports-use protective mask

Info

Publication number: EP4094609A1
Application number: EP22174803.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Marcello Tonello
Original assignee: Sports Fanatic Srl
Current assignee: Sports Fanatic Srl
Priority date: 2021-05-27
Filing date: 2022-05-23
Publication date: 2022-11-30
Also published as: IT202100013817A1

Abstract

A sports-use protective mask (1) comprising: a filtering cup-shaped body (2) with a soft and flexible structure, which has an air-permeable portion and is adapted to be placed on the user's face so as to cover the mouth and nose; a pair of straps (3) that are fixed to the filtering cup-shaped body (2), on opposite sides thereof, and are adapted to be fitted around the ears so as to keep the filtering cup-shaped body (2) adhering to the user's face; the filtering cup-shaped body (2) comprises: a central sector (2a) which has an air-permeable structure and is shaped so as to cover and protect the user's mouth and nose; and a sheet-material shielding panel (7) which is firmly fixed to the filtering cup-shaped body (2) on opposite sides of the central sector (2a), so as to extend like a bridge skimmed over the outer surface of the filtering cup-shaped body (2) to at least partially cover said central sector (2a).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Patent Application claims priority from Italian Patent Application No. 102021000013817 filed on May 27, 2021 .

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a sports-use protective mask.
More specifically, this invention relates to a mask for protecting the respiratory track that is particularly well suited to being worn when practicing sports. Use to which the following disclosure will make explicit reference without however any loss of generality.

STATE OF THE ART

As is known, protective masks are personal protection devices that are worn to protect the user's respiratory track and to limit the spread of pathogenic and/or viral agents between people.
The protective masks currently most popular on the market are single-use and are made up of a substantially rectangular-shaped, filtering sheet with a multi-layered structure, and of a pair of elastic earloops that are fixed to the filtering sheet on opposite sides thereof, and are adapted to be fitted around the ears or head of the user, so as to keep the filtering sheet adhering to the face of the user, covering the mouth and nose.
The filtering sheet of the protective masks mentioned above is usually composed of three, overlapping layers made of non-woven polypropylene fabric.
Unfortunately, while offering excellent protection to the user's respiratory track, the protective masks described above are not suitable for being worn when practicing sports. Single-use protective masks, in fact, hinder the more intense and frequent respiration of the user during exertion.
More specifically, the protective masks described above do not enable a quick and easy evacuation of air just breathed out, with the resulting stagnation of air with a high carbon dioxide content underneath the filtering sheet. This stagnation forces the user to continuously breathe in air with a high carbon dioxide content, with all the problems that this entails when practicing sports.
In addition, the single-use protective masks do not allow suitable transpiration of heat and water vapour produced during sports. As a result, humidity accumulates beneath the filtering sheet, in direct contact with the face of the user, making the protective mask uncomfortable to wear in the long run.
To avoid these problems, some manufacturers of sports equipment have marketed protective masks made up of: a filtering cup-shaped body with a soft and flexible structure, which is realized in a three-dimensional mesh fabric with a suitable thickness and having a high air permeability, and which is adapted to be placed on the user's face so as to cover and protect the user's mouth and nose; and a pair of straps that are firmly fixed to the filtering cup-shaped body, on opposite sides thereof, and are adapted to be fitted around the ears so as to keep the cup-shaped body adhering to the user's face.
Unfortunately, the cup-shaped body made of three-dimensional mesh fabric is unable to effectively hinder the passage of microdroplets suspended in the air that the user breathes out, with all the problems that this entails.

SUBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aim of the present invention is to produce a protective mask for sports use which is able to avoid the drawbacks described above, while limiting, at the same time, the spread of pathogenic and/or viral agents between people.
In accordance with these aims, according to the present invention there is provided protective mask for sports-use as defined in claim 1 and preferably, though not necessarily, in any of the claims thereby dependent.
In addition, according to the present invention there is provided a sports-use protective mask comprising: a filtering cup-shaped body with a soft and flexible structure, which has at least one air-permeable portion and is adapted to be placed on the user's face, so as to cover and protect the user's mouth and nose; and a pair of straps that are fixed to the filtering cup-shaped body, on opposite sides thereof, and are adapted to be fitted around the user's ears or head so as to stably keep the filtering cup-shaped body adhering to the user's face;
the protective mask being characterised by also comprising a pair of nosepieces that are located inside the filtering cup-shaped body, on opposite sides of the midplane of the mask, so as to rest on the user's face, on opposite sides of the user's nose; and in that each nosepiece comprises an oblong flap with a soft and flexible structure, which is U-bent and has the two ends firmly fixed to the filtering cup-shaped body, so as to form a substantially lobe-shaped, oblong tubular structure which protrudes cantilevered inside the filtering cup-shaped body.
In addition, according to the present invention there is provided a sports-use protective mask comprising: a filtering cup-shaped body with a soft and flexible structure, which has at least one air-permeable portion and is adapted to be placed on the user's face, so as to cover and protect the user's mouth and nose; and a pair of straps that are fixed to the filtering cup-shaped body, on opposite sides thereof, and are adapted to be fitted around the user's ears or head so as to keep the filtering cup-shaped body adhering to the user's face;
the protective mask being characterised by additionally comprising a winglet/tab or other seizable projecting appendage, which is placed roughly in the centre of the filtering cup-shaped body and extends cantilevered from the same filtering cup-shaped body, so as to be easily grasped by the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described with reference to the attached drawings, which illustrate a nonlimiting embodiment thereof, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a protective mask for sports use realized according to the teachings of the present invention, with parts in section and parts removed for clarity's sake;
Figure 2 is a perspective, partially exploded view of the protective mask illustrated in Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity's sake;
Figure 3 is a side view of the protective mask illustrated in Figure 1, sectioned along the vertical midplane and with parts removed for clarity's sake;
Figure 4 shows the inside of the protective mask illustrated in Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity's sake;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of a first embodiment variation of the protective mask illustrated in Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity's sake; whereas
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment variation of the protective mask illustrated in Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity's sake.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

With reference to Figure 1, number 1 denotes as a whole a protective mask that is particularly well suited to being worn by a person to protect the respiratory track when practicing sports.
More specifically, the protective mask 1 is structured so as to protect the respiratory track and, at the same time, not to hinder the more intense and frequent respiration of the user during exertion.
The protective mask 1 firstly comprises: a filtering cup-shaped body 2 with a soft and flexible structure, which has at least one air-permeable portion and is adapted to be placed over the user's face so as to cover and protect the user's mouth and nose; and a pair of straps 3 that are connected to the filtering cup-shaped body 2, on opposite sides thereof, and are adapted to be fitted around the user's ears or head so as to stably keep the filtering cup-shaped body 2 adhering to the user's face.
More specifically, the filtering cup-shaped body 2 is shaped substantially like a concave half-shell.
In addition, the filtering cup-shaped body 2 has at least one central sector 2a with an air-permeable structure, which is shaped and located so as to cover and protect the user's mouth and/or nose when the protective mask 1 is placed on the user's face. Preferably the central sector 2a of the filtering cup-shaped body 2 moreover has an air-permeable mesh structure.
With reference to Figure 2, in the example shown, in particular, the filtering cup-shaped body 2 is preferably realized starting from a piece of fabric 4 preferably substantially rectangular in shape, which is substantially C-bent straddling the vertical mid plane or sagittal plane P of the mask, so as to assume a concave shape. Preferably the piece of fabric 4 moreover has a three-dimensional mesh structure and/or a thickness greater than 1 mm (millimetre).
In addition, the piece of fabric 4 is preferably provided with two small folds or pleats 5 extending along the piece of fabric 4, preferably astride the midplane P of the mask, beginning from a corresponding upper or lower edge/margin of the piece of fabric 4, respectively denoted with 4a and 4b. The folds or pleats 5 are dimensioned so that the piece of fabric 4 permanently assumes the concave shape of the filtering cup-shaped body 2.
More specifically, the piece of fabric 4 is preferably made of a fabric with an air-permeable loose weave.
Even more specifically, the piece of fabric 4 is preferably made of a three-dimensional mesh fabric, with a thickness greater than 1 mm (millimetre).
In the example shown, in particular, the thickness of the piece of fabric 4 preferably ranges between about 2 mm (millimetres) and about 6 mm (millimetres), and it is more conveniently equal to about 3 mm (millimetres).
In addition, the piece of fabric 4 is preferably made of a three-dimensional mesh fabric with a honeycomb weave. In other words, the piece of fabric 4 is preferably made of a 3D mesh fabric.
In addition, the piece of fabric 4 is preferably made using yarns of synthetic material, optionally also having antibacterial properties.
More specifically, the piece of fabric 4 is preferably made using polyester and/or polyamide yarns, possibly combined with yarns based on silver and/or graphene (graphene oxide). Alternatively, the piece of fabric 4 may be made with Crabyon yarns.
With reference to Figures 1 to 4, additionally the protective mask 1 also comprises a shielding panel 7 made of cloth, fabric or other sheet material, which is firmly fixed to the cup-shaped body 2, or rather to the piece of fabric 4, on opposite sides of the central sector 2a, so as to extend like a bridge over the central sector 2a, while substantially skimming the outer surface of the filtering cup-shaped body 2, in order to at least partially cover the central sector 2a. At the central sector 2a, the shielding panel 7 is moreover separated/disjointed/detached from the filtering cup-shaped body 2.
More in detail, the shielding panel 7 has a soft and flexible structure, and is preferably firmly fixed to the filtering cup-shaped body 2, or rather to the piece of fabric 4, along two opposite lateral edges of the same cup-shaped body 2, preferably by sewing and/or gluing.
Even more in detail, the shielding panel 7 is preferably firmly fixed to the filtering cup-shaped body 2, or rather to the piece of fabric 4, respectively along the upper edge and the lower edge of the same cup-shaped body 2.
In other words, the upper edge of shielding panel 7 is preferably firmly fixed to the edge of the cup-shaped body 2, or rather of the piece of fabric 4, that in use extends/is arranged astride the user's nose.
The lower edge of shielding panel 7, on the other hand, is preferably firmly fixed to the edge of the cup-shaped body 2, or rather of the piece of fabric 4, that in use extends/is arranged beneath the user's chin.
Preferably the shielding panel 7 moreover has a much lower permeability to air than that of the central sector 2a of the filtering cup-shaped body 2, or rather than the piece of three-dimensional mesh fabric 4.
In addition, the shielding panel 7 is firmly fixed to the filtering cup-shaped body 2, so as to form/delimit, above the latter, a pair of vent openings 8 that are arranged on opposite sides of the shielding panel 7, preferably each facing a respective strap 3, and are dimensioned so as to enable the rapid exit of air just breathed out by the user from the protective mask 1.
In other words, the lateral vent openings 8 avoid the stagnation/accumulation of the air just breathed out by the user inside the filtering cup-shaped body 2.
With particular reference to Figure 3, in addition the shielding panel 7 is separated/disjointed/detached from the central sector 2a of the cup-shaped body 2, and extends skimmed over the outer surface of the cup-shaped body 2 in order to form a wide central pocket 9, which is arranged above/in front of the mouth and/or nose of the user when the protective mask 1 is fitted on the user's face.
The central pocket 9 is preferably adapted to accommodate, in an easy removable manner, a complementary-shaped filtering septum (not illustrated).
More in detail, the removable filtering septum has a soft and flexible structure and is adapted to be manually inserted by the user inside the central pocket 9 through any one of the vent openings 8, so as to increase, if needed, the filtering capacity of protective mask 1.
With reference to Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4, in particular, the shielding panel 7 preferably has a shape that substantially copies the shape of the filtering cup-shaped body 2, or rather of the piece of fabric 4.
In other words, also the shielding panel 7 is preferably substantially C-bent astride the vertical midplane P of the mask, so as to be shaped substantially like a concave half-shell.
In addition, the shielding panel 7 preferably has two small folds or pleats 10 that substantially overlap the pleats 5 of the piece of fabric 4, and are dimensioned so that the shielding panel 7 permanently assumes the shape of a concave half-shell.
Preferably the shielding panel 7 moreover has a waterproof and/or breathable structure.
With reference to Figure 3, in the example shown, in particular, the shielding panel 7 preferably consists of a tightly-woven fabric piece, suitably coupled to a waterproof and breathable membrane.
In other words, the shielding panel 7 preferably has a multi-layered structure comprising: a tightly-woven piece of fabric 11; and a waterproof and/or breathable membrane 12, i.e. with a structure impermeable to water and permeable to water vapour, that substantially seamlessly overlaps the piece of fabric 11.
Preferably the piece of fabric 11 forms the outer layer of the shielding panel 7, whereas the waterproof and breathable membrane 12 is skimmed over the outer surface of the filtering cup-shaped body 2.
Preferably the waterproof and breathable membrane 12 is additionally firmly coupled to the piece of fabric 11 substantially seamlessly, along the whole extension of the piece of fabric 11.
In the example shown, in particular, the piece of fabric 11 has a count preferably ranging between about 200 and about 500 deniers, and is preferably made of yarns of synthetic material, optionally mixed with natural yarns.
More specifically, the piece of fabric 11 is made with polyester and/or polyamide yarns, such as for example nylon.
The waterproof and breathable membrane 12, in turn, is preferably made of microporous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) .
In addition, the waterproof and breathable membrane 12 is preferably also hot rolled or heat-welded directly to the piece of fabric 11. Clearly, the shielding panel 7 may also consist of only the tightly-woven piece of fabric 11.
With reference to Figures 1, 2, and 3, in the example shown, in particular, the shape of the shielding panel 7 preferably substantially copies the shape of the piece of fabric 4.
The shielding panel 7, moreover, is preferably firmly fixed to the lateral edges of the filtering cup-shaped body 2 via a series of oblong ribbons 13 with a soft and flexible structure, that are U-bent, are arranged straddling both the perimeter edges of the shielding panel 7 and of the filtering cup-shaped body 2, or rather of the piece of fabric 4, and finally are firmly fixed to the shielding panel 7 and to the filtering cup-shaped body 2, or rather to the piece of fabric 4, preferably by sewing.
In addition, the lateral vent openings 8 are preferably delimited by two arched indentations made on the minor lateral edges of the shielding panel 7.
In other words, the lateral vent openings 8 are substantially half-moon shaped or the like.
With reference to Figures 3 and 4, the protective mask 1 preferably additionally comprises a pair of nosepieces 15, which are arranged inside the filtering cup-shaped body 2 on opposite sides of the midplane P of the mask, so as to rest on the user's face and/or nose, on opposite sides of the user's nose.
More in detail, the nosepieces 15 are preferably oblong in shape and preferably have a soft and elastically deformable structure so as to adapt, in the resting zone, to the morphology of the user's face.
In addition, the nosepieces 15 are preferably located along the upper edge of the filtering cup-shaped body 2, or rather along the upper edge 4a of the piece of fabric 4, on opposite sides of the midplane P of the mask, and are preferably firmly fixed to the filtering cup-shaped body 2 by gluing and/or sewing.
Preferably the nosepieces 15 moreover have an impermeable to air structure.
With reference to Figure 4, in addition, the nosepieces 15 are preferably also connected to each other by means of a small soft and flexible protruding lip 16, which is located substantially astride the midplane P and is adapted to rest on the bridge of the user's nose.
The nosepieces 15 and, optionally, the small protruding lip 16 form a barrier that is arranged astride the user's nose, resting on the nose and cheeks, and is adapted to prevent the warm air breathed out by the user from exiting from the upper edge of the filtering cup-shaped body 2.
With reference to Figures 3 and 4, in addition each nosepiece 15 preferably comprises: an oblong flap 17 with a soft and flexible structure, which is U-bent and has the two ends firmly fixed to the cup-shaped body 2 so as to form an oblong and substantially lobe-shaped, tubular structure/ appendage 18 that protrudes inside the filtering cup-shaped body 2, and is intended to rest on the cheek and/or nose of the user; and preferably also a filling insert 19 oblong in shaped and with a soft and flexible structure, which is inserted in the oblong seat 20 formed/delimited by the tubular structure 18 so as to keep the same tubular structure swollen.
Preferably each filling insert 19 moreover has a shape substantially complementary to that of the corresponding oblong seat 20 and/or is inserted in the same oblong seat 20 in a manually easy removable.
With reference to Figures 3 and 4, in the example shown, in particular, the flaps 17 are preferably made of a sheet material that is impermeable to air and/or with a multi-layered structure.
Each filling insert 19, on the other hand, is preferably cylindrical in shape and is preferably made of a polymer material preferably of elastomeric type, optionally silicon-based.
Alternatively, the filling inserts 19 may be small sheets of polymeric material foam rolled up on themselves.
With reference to Figure 4, in the example shown, in addition, the two oblong flaps 17 and the protruding lip 16 are preferably made in one piece, starting from a single, approximate U- or horseshoe- shaped, swatch/piece of sheet material which is fixed to the filtering cup-shaped body 2, or rather to the piece of fabric 4, astride the midplane P of the mask.
Each oblong flap 17, therefore, is formed from a corresponding tine of the approximate U- or horseshoeshaped, piece/swatch of sheet material.
With reference to Figures 1 and 4, on the other hand, the straps 3 preferably have an annular elastic structure, and are preferably fixed to the filtering cup-shaped body 2 on opposite sides of the midplane P, so as to be fitted/ wounded around each to a respective ear of the user.
Preferably each strap 3 is moreover firmly fixed to a lateral edge of the filtering cup-shaped body 2 via sewing and/or gluing.
More in detail, the straps 3 are preferably made of an elasticised fabric.
Clearly, in another embodiment, the straps 3 may also extend like a bridge astride the two opposite lateral edges of the filtering cup-shaped body 2 so as to be wound around the user's head.
Operation of the protective mask 1 is easily inferable from what described above.
The air that is breathed in and breathed out by the user passes from one side to the other of the protective mask 1 basically only through the vent openings 8.
In addition, the air breathed out by the user is directed by the protective mask 1 laterally to the face of the user.
The advantages connected to the special structure of the protective mask 1 are noteworthy.
Firstly, the protective mask 1 does not significantly hinder the passage of air hence it is suitable for being used when practicing any kind of sports.
The protective mask 1, thus, avoids the user continuously breathing air with a high carbon dioxide content when playing sports.
In addition, the protective mask 1 is also capable of filtering the air breathed in and of protecting the user's respiratory track.
Moreover, the shielding panel 7 is capable of effectively blocking/retaining the microdroplets suspended in the air breathed out by the user, thus reducing the likelihood of spreading pathogenic and/or viral agents between people.
In addition, the vent openings 8 direct the air breathed out laterally to the user's face, for the benefit of the person opposite the user.
The protective mask 1, in addition, is comfortable to use when practicing sports, since the humidity produced by the user condensates on the inner surface of the shielding panel 7, and the thickness of the filtering cup-shaped body 2 keeps the condensation away from the user's skin, with greater comfort that this entails.
In addition, the nosepieces 15 prevent the warm air breathed out by the user from exiting from the upper edge of the filtering cup-shaped body 2, thus avoiding the fogging up of glasses that may be worn by the user.
Finally, the filling inserts 19 make it possible to adapt the shape of the nosepieces 15 to the morphology of the user's face, so that the nosepieces 15 perfectly adhere to the user's face when they wear the protective mask 1.
It is finally clear that modification and variants may be made to the protective mask 1 described above without however departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.
For example, the inner surface of the shielding panel 7 and/or the structure of the filtering cup-shaped body 2 may have antibacterial properties, so as to prevent proliferation of microorganisms and bacteria on the protective mask 1.
In addition, with reference to Figure 5, in a more sophisticated embodiment, the protective mask 1 also comprises a winglet/tab or other seizable projecting appendage 100, which is placed substantially at the centre of the shielding panel 7, and extends cantilevered from the shielding panel 7 on the opposite side with respect to the filtering cup-shaped body 2.
More specifically, the seizable projecting appendage 100 is preferably firmly fixed to the shielding panel 7 and/or to the filtering cup-shaped body 2 immediately underneath by sewing and/or gluing.
The projecting appendage 100 is dimensioned so as to be easily seized by the user, in order to allow the user to manually move/shift the protective mask 1 away from the face without having to touch the filtering cup-shaped body 2 and/or the shielding panel 7, potentially contaminated by viral particles.
Clearly, the seizable projecting appendage 100 and/or the nosepieces 15 may also be used in a protective mask without the shielding panel 7.
In other words, the protective mask may comprise solely the filtering cup-shaped body 2, the pair of straps 3 and, optionally, also the pair of oblong nosepieces 15. In this case, the seizable projecting appendage 100 would be located roughly at the centre of the filtering cup-shaped body 2, and would be firmly fixed to the filtering cup-shaped body 2, preferably by sewing and/or gluing, so as to be extended cantilevered from the cup-shaped body 2.
In addition, with reference to Figure 6, in an embodiment variation each strap 3 comprises: two or more loops 103 located on the lateral edge of the filtering cup-shaped body 2, preferably at or near the vertices of the same cup-shaped body 2; and an elastic band or lace 104 closed in a ring, which engages in succession the various loops 103 and is intended to be fitted/wound around the ear or head of the user, so as to firmly keep the filtering cup-shaped body 2 adhering to the user's face.
Clearly, the loops 103 may also be replaced by buttonholes and/or eyelets directly formed on the filtering cup-shaped body 2.
Finally, in a not-shown embodiment variation, the nosepieces 15, or just the filling inserts 19, may be obtained by winding around itself a piece of three-dimensional mesh fabric with a suitable thickness.
In other words, the nosepieces 15, or just the filling inserts 19, may be made with the same three-dimensional mesh fabric forming the piece of fabric 4.

Claims

A sports-use protective mask (1) comprising: a filtering cup-shaped body (2) with soft and flexible structure, which has at least one air-permeable portion and is adapted to be placed on the user's face so as to cover and protect the user's mouth and nose; and a pair of straps (3) which are fixed to the filtering cup-shaped body (2), on opposite sides thereof, and are adapted to be fitted around the user's ears or head so as to keep the filtering cup-shaped body (2) firmly adherent to the user's face;
the filtering cup-shaped body (2) comprising a central sector (2a) that has an air-permeable structure and is shaped so as to cover and protect the user's mouth and/or nose;

the protective mask (1) being characterized by additionally comprising a sheet-material shielding panel (7), which is firmly fixed to the filtering cup-shaped body (2) on opposite sides of the central sector (2a), so as to extend astride the central sector (2a), substantially skimming the outer surface of the filtering cup-shaped body (2), to cover at least partially said central sector (2a).
The protective mask according to Claim 1, wherein the central sector (2a) of the filtering cup-shaped body (2) has an air-permeable mesh structure.
The protective mask according to Claim 2, wherein the central sector (2a) of the filtering cup-shaped body (2) is made of a piece of three-dimensional mesh fabric (4) having thickness greater than 1 mm.
The protective mask according to Claim 3, wherein the piece of three-dimensional mesh fabric (4) is made of yarns of synthetic material and/or the thickness of the piece of three-dimensional mesh fabric (4) ranges between 2 mm and 6 mm.
The protective mask according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shielding panel (7) has a waterproof and/or breathable structure.
The protective mask according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shielding panel (7) comprises a tightly-woven fabric piece (11).
The protective mask according to Claim 6, wherein the tightly-woven fabric piece (11) is coupled to a waterproof and/or breathable membrane (12).
The protective mask according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shielding panel (7) extends like a bridge over the central sector (2a) of the filtering cup-shaped body (2), while remaining separated/disjointed/ detached from and very close to the outer surface of the filtering cup-shaped body (2), and is firmly fixed to the filtering cup-shaped body (2) so as to form, above the filtering cup-shaped body (2), a pair of lateral vent openings (8) that are arranged on opposite sides of the shielding panel (7).
The protective mask according to claim 8, wherein the shielding panel (7) is firmly fixed to two opposite lateral edges of said filtering cup-shaped body (2).
The protective mask according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shielding panel (7) and/or the filtering cup-shaped body (2) have antibacterial properties.
The protective mask according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by additionally comprising a pair of nosepieces (15) that are arranged inside the filtering cup-shaped body (2) on opposite sides of the midplane (P) of the mask, so as to rest on the user's face, on opposite sides of the user's nose.
The protective mask according to Claim 11, wherein said nosepieces (15) have an airtight structure and/or are connected to each other by means of a small soft and flexible protruding lip (16), which is placed substantially astride the midplane (P) of the mask and is adapted to rest on the bridge of the user's nose.
The protective mask according to Claim 11 or 12, wherein each nosepiece (15) includes an oblong flap (17) with soft and flexible structure, which is U-bent and has the two ends firmly fixed on the filtering cup-shaped body (2), so as to form a substantially lobe-shaped and oblong tubular structure (18) that protrudes cantilevered inside the filtering cup-shaped body (2).
The protective mask according to Claim 13, wherein each nosepiece (15) additionally comprises an oblong filling insert (19) with soft and flexible structure, which is inserted into the tubular structure (18) so as to maintain said tubular structure (18) swollen.
The protective mask according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by additionally comprising a seizable projecting appendage (100) which is located substantially in the centre of the shielding panel (7) and/or of the filtering cup-shaped body (2), and extends cantilevered from the shielding panel (7) in the opposite direction to the filtering cup-shaped body (2), so as to be easily grasped by the user.