EP4420738A1

EP4420738A1 - Adapter system for a respiratory protective facial device

Info

Publication number: EP4420738A1
Application number: EP24158902.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Taddeo OSCULATI; Simone PIROVANO
Original assignee: Bls Srl
Current assignee: Bls Srl
Priority date: 2023-02-27
Filing date: 2024-02-21
Publication date: 2024-08-28

Abstract

It is disclosed an adapter system for a respiratory protective facial device comprising an oronasal cup with a perimetral edge, such as a negative-pressure mask with oronasal cup made of non-breathable elastic material. The adapter system comprises an inflatable body configured to be applied substantially along the entire perimetral edge of the oronasal cup of the respiratory protective facial device so as to be interposed between the perimetral edge of the oronasal cup and the user's face when the device is worn. The adapter system also comprises an inflating unit which is manually operable and is suitable, when operated, for introducing air into the inflatable body.

Description

Technical field

The present invention relates in general to the field of respiratory protective facial devices. In particular, the present invention relates to an adapter system for a respiratory protective facial device and a respiratory protective facial device comprising such a system.

Prior art

Respiratory protective facial devices are widely used in various industrial sectors in order to protect workers during their working activity. Protective facial devices in particular provide protection against exposure to dust and/or contaminants, sealing off the respiratory pathways from the surrounding work environment and filtering the air breathed in so as to eliminate, or at least reduce, dust and/or contaminants present therein.
Different types of protective facial devices are known, including negative-pressure masks. A negative-pressure mask generally comprises an oronasal cup made of non-breathable elastic material (typically rubber) shaped so as to cover the user's nose and mouth. The oronasal cup supports one or more filter units (typically two filter units, one for each side of the user's face) through which the breathed-in air passes.
In order to ensure effective filtering of the breathed-in air in this type of facial device, the perimetral edge of the oronasal cup must adhere as closely as possible to the user's face. In this way the breathed-in air is able to pass substantially only through the filter units of the mask itself.
The oronasal cup is generally held against the user's face by means of a head strap set formed by one or more straps which are passed behind the user's head. The straps of the head strap set are generally adjustable so as to be able to be adapted to the size of the user's head. In order to maximize the sealing action of the mask, the straps of the head strap set must be adjusted so that they are very tight. In this way, the elastic material of the oronasal cup is deformed owing to the tension exerted by the head strap set and its edges adapt to the shape of the user's face.
TWI632935 and CN112076404 describe respiratory masks provided with an annular airbag.

Summary of the invention

The Applicant has perceived the need to improve this type of known mask.
The Applicant has indeed noted that the oronasal zone of a person's face in general has a series of depressions, projections and irregularities which the oronasal cup, although being elastic, well-shaped and pressed against the face, is unable to follow fully. Moreover, the shape and size of the face vary substantially from person to person depending on their age, sex or ethnic origin. An oronasal cup is therefore unlikely to adapt properly to any shape or size of the face in order to guarantee the mask's sealing fit.
Furthermore, the pressure exerted by the perimetral edge of the oronasal cup against the face due to the tension exerted by the head strap set could cause discomfort for the user, compromising comfortable use of the mask. This latter fact is crucial considering that the mask is typically worn for many hours during the working activity. In order to limit the discomfort which the pressure of the perimetral edge of the oronasal cup causes against the face, the user could decide to slacken the head strap set, thus affecting the sealing fit of the mask.
As regards the masks described by TWI632935 and CN112076404 , their airbag is able to overcome only partly the aforementioned drawbacks.
In view of the above, an object of the present invention is that of providing an adapter system for a respiratory protective facial device (in particular, but not exclusively, a negative-pressure mask) and a respiratory protective facial device (in particular, but not exclusively, a negative-pressure mask) comprising such an adapter system able to solve the aforementioned problems.
In particular, an object of the present invention is that of providing an adapter system for a respiratory protective facial device (in particular, but not exclusively, a negative-pressure mask) and a respiratory protective facial device (in particular, but not exclusively, a negative-pressure mask) comprising such an adapter system which are able to improve the sealing action (and therefore the filtering efficiency) of the device and also the comfort when using it.
According to embodiments of the present invention, this object is achieved by an adapter system which comprises an inflatable body configured to be applied substantially along the entire perimetral edge of the oronasal cup of a respiratory protective facial device (in particular, but not exclusively, a negative-pressure mask) so as to be interposed between the perimetral edge of the oronasal mask and the user's face when the device is worn, and an inflating unit manually operable by the user and suitable, when operated, for introducing air into the inflatable body.
In the present description and the claims, the expression "substantially along the entire edge of the oronasal cup" will have the meaning that the inflatable body extends along at least 80% of the overall length of the perimetral edge of the oronasal cup.
The adapter system according to embodiments of the present invention advantageously improves the sealing action (and therefore the filtering efficiency) of the respiratory protective facial device to which it is applied and also the comfort when using it.
Specifically, during a first step for use of the device, the user places the oronasal cup against his or her face and adjusts the head strap set. During this step, the inflatable body of the adapter system is deflated and therefore acts in the manner of a soft and deformable covering layer for the perimetral edge of the oronasal cup, thus facilitating adhesion of the perimetral edge of the said cup to the user's face without the need for an excessive pulling force of the head strap set.
During a second step for use thereof, the user manually operates the inflating unit so as to start to introduce air into the inflatable body of the adapter system. The inflatable body thus starts to expand and to adapt to the shape of the user's face. The user may continue to introduce air into the inflatable body until he/she senses that the inflatable body adheres properly to his/her face, without however exerting an excessive pressure or creating discomfort.
Advantageously, once inflated, the inflatable body is able to follow depressions, projections and irregularities which are typically present in the oronasal zone of the user, improving the sealing action of the mask along the entire perimetral edge of the oronasal cup.
Each user may also decide autonomously by how much to inflate the inflatable body, depending on the features of his/her face and their sensation as to the contact between face and oronasal cup. The inflatable body therefore essentially acts as a "universal adapter" which is capable of compensating for the variations in shape and size of the face which typically occur in different persons depending on their age, sex or ethnic origin.
The inflatable body moreover absorbs part of the tension exerted by the head strap set, reducing the sensation of pressure on the face by the oronasal cup and therefore increasing the comfort during use of the device, without however affecting the sealing fit thereof.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, an adapter system for a respiratory protective facial device comprising an oronasal cup with a perimetral edge is provided, the adapter system comprising:

an inflatable body configured to be applied substantially along the entire perimetral edge of the oronasal cup of the respiratory protective facial device so as to be interposed between the perimetral edge of the oronasal cup and the user's face when the device is worn; and
an inflating unit manually operable and suitable, when operated, for introducing air into the inflatable body.

Preferably, the inflatable body comprises a central portion substantially in the shape of a horseshoe and two substantially straight end portions arranged obliquely in a converging manner.
According to one embodiment, the inflatable body comprises a sheath which encloses an air chamber.
Preferably, the adapter system also comprises a holder configured to sealingly fix the inflating unit to the inflatable body and a connection piece designed to place the inflating unit and the air chamber in fluid communication, the holder and the connection piece being integral with the sheath.
Preferably, the inflatable body, the holder and the connection piece are made of a first elastic material.
Preferably, the first elastic material has a thickness which is greater along the holder and the connection piece than a thickness of the first elastic material along said sheath.
According to one embodiment, the first elastic material has a Shore A hardness of between 12 and 18 and/or, along the sheath, has a thickness of between 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm.
According to one embodiment, the air chamber has a smaller width along the central portion and a greater width along the two end portions of the inflatable body.
Preferably, the inflating unit comprises a dome made of a second elastic material, the dome comprising a hole.
According to one embodiment, the second elastic material has a Shore A hardness of between 25 and 35 and/or an impact strength of between 40% and 60% and/or an elongation at breakage of between 100% and 400%.
Preferably, the inflating unit also comprises a one-way valve configured to allow the passage of air from the dome to the inflatable body and to block the passage of air from the inflatable body to the dome.
Preferably, the adapter system also comprises a release unit manually operable and suitable, when operated, for allowing the release of air from the inflatable body.
According to one embodiment, the release unit comprises an opening suitable for placing the inflatable body in fluid communication with the outside, a membrane suitable for engaging with the opening and a manual operating member suitable for moving the membrane between a closed position in which the membrane is engaged with the opening so as to not allow air to escape from the inflatable body and an open position in which the membrane is not engaged with the opening so as to allow air to escape from the inflatable body.
Preferably the holder is provided in a middle position along the length of the inflatable body.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, a respiratory protective facial device comprising an adapter system as described above is provided. For example, the respiratory protective facial device is a negative-pressure mask with oronasal cup made of non-breathable elastic material.
According to an advantageous embodiment, the respiratory protective facial device comprises an oronasal cup made of non-breathable elastic material, the oronasal cup being obtained by means of overmoulding directly on top of the inflatable body.

Brief description of the drawings

The present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description, provided by way of a non-limiting example, to be read with reference to the attached drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an adapter system for a respiratory protective facial device according to embodiments of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the inflatable body of the adapter system of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the inflatable body of Figure 2, when its air chamber is empty (top part of the Figure) and when air is introduced inside its air chamber (bottom part of the Figure);
Figure 4 is a view of the inflating unit, holder and release unit of Figure 1 in a not yet assembled configuration;
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the inflating unit, holder and release unit of Figure 1 in an assembled configuration;
Figures 6a and 6b are cross-sectional views of the inflating unit, holder and release unit of the system according to Figure 1, which show two different steps of use of the said inflating unit;
Figures 7a and 7b are cross-sectional views of the inflating unit, holder and release unit of the system according to Figure 1, which show two different steps of use of the said release unit; and
Figure 8 is a perspective view of a respiratory protective facial device, in particular a negative-pressure mask, provided with the adapter device shown in Figure 1.

Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

The Figures show an adapter system 1000 for a respiratory protective facial device, in particular (but not exclusively) a negative-pressure mask, according to embodiments of the present invention.
The adapter system 1000 comprises an inflatable body 1 configured to be applied substantially along the entire perimetral edge of the oronasal cup of a negative-pressure mask so as to be interposed between the perimetral edge of the oronasal mask and the user's face when the mask is worn, and an inflating unit 3 manually operable by the user and suitable, when operated, for introducing air into the inflatable body 1.
More particularly, with reference to Figures 2 and 3, the inflatable body 1 preferably has an elongated and curved shape so as to form a central portion 1a which is shaped substantially as a U or a horseshoe, and two end portions 1b, 1c which are substantially straight and arranged obliquely in a converging manner. When the system 1000 during use is interposed between mask and user's face, the substantially U-shaped central portion 1a surrounds the user's mouth at the bottom and along the sides, while the two substantially straight end portions 1b, 1c are arranged on the two sides of the user's nose. The two straight portions 1b, 1c are substantially in contact with each other at the top of the user's nose such that the oronasal zone of the user is substantially completely surrounded by the inflatable body 1.
The inflatable body 1 preferably comprises a sheath 10 which encloses an air chamber 11.
The sheath 10 is preferably made of an elastic material, for example silicone. The elastic material has preferably a Shore A hardness of between 12 and 18, for example 15. The thickness of the elastic material which forms the sheath 10 is preferably between 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm and is for example 0.3 mm. The combination of these properties of the elastic material (hardness and thickness) advantageously results in the sheath 10 being highly deformable and sensitive to pressure variations inside the air chamber 11. As a result the user may perceive almost instantaneously any variation in the quantity of air present inside the inflatable body 1.
As shown in Figure 3, according to one embodiment, the sheath 10 comprises two layers 101, 102 of elastic material, which have substantially the same shape and are joined together along their edge. The two layers 101, 102 of elastic material are preferably obtained by means of die casting or injection moulding.
According to one embodiment, the air chamber 11 has a variable width, measured when the inflatable body 1 is completely deflated. This allows advantageously modulation of the degree of expansion along the various portions of the inflatable body 1. For example, the air chamber 11 may have a smaller width along the central portion 1a of the inflatable body 1, while it may have a greater width along the two end portions 1b, 1c such that the degree of expansion is greater along the latter. A certain amount of air introduced into the air chamber 11 could therefore for example result in a thickness of the inflatable body 1 equal to 7 mm along the central portion 1a and 13 mm along the two end portions 1b, 1c.
With reference to Figures 4 and 5, according to one embodiment the inflating unit 3 comprises a dome 30 made of elastic material. The dome 30 has a hole 31, preferably situated on the top thereof. The dome 30 also preferably has a projecting edge 32.
The dome 30 is preferably made of rubber. Preferably, it is made by means of compression moulding of LSR (liquid silicone rubber). The elastic material from which the dome 30 is made preferably has a Shore A hardness of between 25 and 35, for example 30. Moreover it preferably has an impact strength of between 40% and 60%. Moreover it preferably has an elongation at breakage of between 100% and 400%.
The dome 30 preferably performs a dual function: when it is in an uncompressed state, it accumulates a certain amount of air inside it (Figure 6a); when instead it is compressed by the user, it pushes the air accumulated inside it into the air chamber 11 of the inflatable body 1 (Figure 6b). It should be noted that, during this latter step, the user with one finger closes the hole 31 so that the air is forced to exit the dome 30 along the only possible path, towards the air chamber 11. When the dome 30 is then released, it returns into its original position and, via the hole 31, accumulates further air which, with the next pressing action performed by the user, will be emitted into the air chamber 11. In this way, by repeatedly pressing the dome 30 with a finger and releasing it, the user may regulate the amount of air which is introduced overall into the air chamber 11 and, therefore, the degree of expansion of the inflatable body 1.
In order to prevent the air introduced into the air chamber 11 from escaping through the hole 31 of the dome 30, the inflating unit 3 preferably comprises also a one-way valve 33, configured to allow the passage of air in the direction from the dome 30 to the air chamber 11 and to block instead the passage of air in the opposite direction (i.e. from the air chamber 11 to the dome 30). By way of a non-limiting example, the one-way valve 33 may be a Goglio^® valve made by the company Goglio S.p.A with head office in Milan (Italy). Alternatively, the one-way valve 33 may be an umbrella valve.
According to one embodiment, the adapter system 1000 also comprises a holder 4 suitable for holding the inflating unit 3 (and possibly also other components of the adapter system 1000, as will be discussed in greater detail hereinbelow) and for connecting it to the inflatable body 1. The holder 4 is preferably made of rigid plastic material. The holder 4 is for example made of PA (polyamide). The holder 4 is preferably made by means of injection moulding.
The holder 4 preferably comprises a substantially flat bottom 41 which has, for example, a rectangular shape with rounded corners.
The holder 4 moreover preferably comprises a seat 42 for the inflating unit 3. Specifically, the seat 42 is configured to sealingly house the dome 30 and the one-way valve 33. The seat 42 may have a substantially cylindrical shape. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the inner surface of the seat 42 may be shaped so as to form two concentric annular steps: a first step (or lower step) and a second step (or upper step). The one-way valve 33 may be seated on the lower step, while the edge 32 of the dome 30 may be seated on the upper step, above the one-way valve 33.
In order to fix the dome 30 and the one-way valve 33 stably and sealingly to the holder 4, a ring 43 may be provided, being designed to be fitted onto the seat 42 after the dome 30 and one-way valve 33 have been housed inside it. The seat 42 and the ring 43 preferably comprise complementary fixing members (not shown in the drawings) suitable for ensuring stable fixing together. These fixing members may be of the snap-engaging or threaded type.
Optionally, the holder 42 and/or the ring 43 may also comprise at least one gripping lug (not shown in the drawings) suitable for facilitating gripping of the inflating unit 3 by the user when he/she presses a finger against the dome 30 in order to introduce air into the inflatable body 1.
Preferably, the adapter system 1000 also comprises a release unit 5 in fluid communication with the air chamber 11 of the inflatable body 1. The release unit 5 preferably is manually operable by the user and, when operated, allows the air present in the air chamber 11 of the inflatable body 1 to escape so that the inflatable body 1 is deflated. The release unit 5 therefore acts essentially as a manually operable one-way valve.
With reference to Figures 4 and 5, according to one embodiment, the release unit 5 comprises an opening 50 suitable for placing the air chamber 11 of the inflatable body 1 in fluid communication with the outside, and an elastic membrane 51 which engages with the opening 50. The opening 50 may be for example formed in the bottom 41 of holder 4, for example next to the seat 42 for the inflating unit 3.
The elastic membrane 51 is preferably made of silicone. The elastic membrane 51 is preferably provided with fixing members which allow it to be fixed to the holder 4. By way of a non-limiting example, as shown in the drawings, the fixing members may be in the form of two pins 52 designed to snap-engage with respective seats 44 provided in the bottom 42 of the holder 4. During assembly, after inserting the pins 52 inside the seats 44, the ends of the pins 52 which project from the seats 44 may be shortened (for example by means of cutting) so that they do not interfere with the other elements of the system 1000.
The release unit 5 also comprises members for actuating the membrane 51, configured to move the membrane 51 between a closed position, in which the membrane 51 is engaged with the opening 50 so as not to allow the passage of any air through the holder 4, and an open position, in which the membrane 51 is not engaged with with the opening 50 and thus allows the passage of air through the holder 4, in particular from the air chamber 11 of the inflatable body 1 towards the outside.
According to one embodiment, the actuating members comprise a lever 53. The lever 53 may for example comprise two substantially straight arms which form an angle of about 90° with respect to each other. A first end of the lever 53 is rigidly fastened to the bottom 42 of the holder 4, while the second end of the lever 53 is free and situated at the opening 50. The lever 53 may be integral with the holder 4. If this is achieved by means of moulding, the holder 4 with the lever 53 may be made by means of a single moulding operation.
When no pressure is exerted by the user on the lever 53, the pressure inside the air chamber 11 keeps the membrane 51 in the aforementioned closed position (Figure 7a). When, instead, the lever 53 is pressed by the user, its free end presses the membrane 51 and deforms it, causing it to be moved from the opening 50 and thus bringing it into the aforementioned open position (Figure 7b). When the pressure on the lever 53 is released by the user, the membrane 51 returns into the closed position.
Optionally the lever 53 may have a non-slip portion, for example a knurled portion 54. This advantageously prevents the fingertip from slipping when the user presses the lever 53 in order to actuate the release unit 5.
As described above, both the inflating unit 3 and the release unit 5 are in fluid communication with the air chamber 11 of the inflatable body 1.
More particularly, again with reference to Figure 2, the inflatable body 1 also comprises a connection piece 12 in fluid communication with the air chamber 11 and a seat 13. According to one embodiment, these elements are situated substantially in the centre of the central portion 1a of the inflatable body 1. In this way, the inflating unit 3 (and also the release unit 5) is situated substantially underneath the chin of the user, when he/she is wearing a respiratory protective facial device provided with the system 1000.
Both the connection piece 12 and the seat 13 are preferably integral with the sheath 10 of the inflatable body. They are preferably made of the same elastic material as the sheath 10. In order to minimize the expansion of these elements during inflation, the elastic material however has a greater thickness than the thickness of the layers 101, 102 which form the sheath 10.
The seat 13 has a shape substantially corresponding to that of the bottom 41 of the holder 4. A substantially flat annular pocket 131 is preferably provided around the perimeter of the seat 13.
In order to connect the inflating unit 3 (and the release unit 5) to the inflatable body 1 so that they are in fluid communication with the air chamber 11, the holder 4 with the membrane 51 fixed to it as described above is inserted inside the seat 13. Specifically, in order to ensure sealing of the connection between the holder 4 and seat 13, the bottom 41 of the holder 4 has an edge 45 suitable for engagement with the annular pocket 131. The elasticity of the material of the seat 13 is such that the annular pocket 131 may be deformed during insertion and therefore remain properly tensioned around the edge 45 of the bottom 41 of the holder 4, which ensures sealing of the connection. Optionally, in order to reinforce the connection between the holder 4 and the seat 13, silicone glue may also be used.
Once the holder 4 is connected to the inflatable body 1, the inflatable body 1 may be fixed along the perimetral edge of the oronasal cup of a respiratory protective facial device.
For example, in the case of a negative-pressure mask, the oronasal cup made of elastic material is typically obtained by means of injection moulding. Preferably, the inflatable body 1 with membrane 51 and holder 4 joined thereto is inserted inside the mould used for moulding the cup, for example inside a special seat provided in the base of the mould. The mould is then closed and the elastic material in liquid form, for example LSR (liquid silicone rubber), is then injected. In this way, the oronasal cup is formed by means of a overmoulding process directly on top of the inflatable body 1. The elastic material is preferably injected under pressure in the fluid state. The temperature and pressure are adjusted so as to reduce as far as possible the hardening time of the silicone. The oronasal cup with inflatable body 1 joined to it is then extracted from the mould.
Finally, the components of the inflating unit 3 are assembled. Specifically, the one-way valve 33 and the dome 30 are inserted inside the seat 42 and the ring 43 is fitted onto it. Assembly of the mask is then finalized with assembly of the filter units and the head strap set.
By way of example, Figure 8 shows a negative-pressure mask 2000 provided with the adapter system 1000 according to embodiments of the present invention.
The mask 2000 comprises an oronasal cup 2001 made of non-breathable elastic material (typically rubber) and two filter units 2002, 2003 arranged on the sides of the oronasal cup 2001.
The adapter system 1000 according to embodiments of the present invention advantageously improves the sealing action (and therefore the filtering efficiency) of the mask 2000 and also the comfort during use thereof.
Specifically, during a first step of use of the mask 2000, the user rests the oronasal cup 2001 on his or her face and adjusts the head strap set (not shown in Figure 8). During this first step, the inflatable body 1 of the adapter system 1000 is deflated and therefore acts in the manner of a soft and deformable covering layer along the perimetral edge of the oronasal cup 2001, thus facilitating adhesion of the perimetral edge of the said cup to the user's face without the need for an excessive pulling force of the head strap set.
During a second step of use, the user manually operates the inflating unit 3, in particular pressing with a fingertip the dome 30 of the inflating unit 3 situated below the chin. In this way, the user starts to introduce air into the air chamber 11 of the inflatable body 1. The inflatable body thus starts to expand and to adapt to the shape of the user's face. The user may repeatedly release the dome 30 and press it so as to continue introducing air into the inflatable body 1. The operation may be repeated until the user senses that the inflatable body 1 adheres properly to his/her face, without however exerting an excessive pressure or creating discomfort. The Applicant has estimated that, on average, it is required to press the dome 30 five to six times in order to achieve a satisfactory degree of expansion for the user, said operation requiring on average 10 to 30 seconds.
Advantageously, the inflatable body 1 is capable of following depressions, projections and irregularities which are typically present in the oronasal zone of the user, thus maximizing the sealing action of the mask 2000 along the entire perimetral edge of the oronasal cup 2001.
Each user may decide independently by how much to inflate the inflatable body 1, depending on the features of his/her face and their sensation as to the contact between face and oronasal cup 2001. The inflatable body 1 therefore essentially acts as a "universal adapter" capable of compensating for variations in the shape and size of the face which typically occur in different persons depending on their age, sex or ethnic origin.
The inflatable body 1 moreover absorbs part of the tension exerted by the head strap set, reducing the sensation of pressure on the face by the oronasal cup 2001 and therefore increasing the comfort during use of the mask 2000, without however affecting the sealing fit thereof.
Once use of the mask 2000 has finished, the user may operate the release unit 5 in order to deflate the inflatable body 1. Specifically, by keeping pressure applied to the lever 53, the air exits the inflatable body 1 through the opening 50 of the release unit 5, as described above. The user may keep applying pressure onto the lever 53 until he/she senses the complete deflation of the inflatable body 1 on his/her face. The Applicant has estimated that, in order to deflate the body 1, it is sufficient to keep pressure applied onto the pushbutton 54 for one or two seconds.
The mask 2000 may then be removed from the face.

Claims

Adapter system (1000) for a respiratory protective facial device (2000) comprising an oronasal cup (2001) with a perimetral edge, the adapter system (1000) comprising:
- an inflatable body (1) configured to be applied substantially along the entire perimetral edge of the oronasal cup (2001) of the respiratory protective facial device (2000), so as to be interposed between the perimetral edge of the oronasal cup (2001) and the user's face when the device (2000) is worn; and

- an inflating unit (3) manually operable and suitable, when operated, for introducing air into the inflatable body (1).
Adapter system (1000) according to claim 1, wherein the inflatable body (1) comprises a central portion (1a) substantially in the shape of a horseshoe and two substantially straight end portions (1b, 1c) arranged obliquely in a converging manner.
Adapter system (1000) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inflatable body (1) comprises a sheath (10) which encloses an air chamber (11).
Adapter system (1000) according to claim 3, also comprising a holder (13) configured to sealingly fix the inflating unit (13) to the inflatable body (1) and a connection piece (12) suitable for placing the inflating unit (3) and said air chamber (11) in fluid communication, said holder (13) and said connection piece (12) being integral with said sheath (10).
Adapter system (1000) according to claim 4, wherein said inflatable body (1), said holder (13) and said connection piece (12) are made of a first elastic material.
Adapter system (1000) according to claim 5, wherein said first elastic material has a thickness which is greater along said holder (13) and said connection piece (12) than a thickness of said first elastic material along said sheath (10).
Adapter system (1000) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the first elastic material has a Shore A hardness of between 12 and 18 and/or a thickness of between 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm along said sheath (10).
Adapter system (1000) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the air chamber (11) has a smaller width along the central portion (1a) and a greater width along the two end portions (1b, 1c) of the inflatable body (1).
Adapter system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inflating unit (3) comprises a dome (30) made of a second elastic material, the dome (30) comprising a hole (31).
Adapter system (1000) according to claim 9, wherein the inflating unit (3) also comprises a one-way valve (33) configured to allow the passage of air from the dome (30) to the inflatable body (1) and to block the passage of air from the inflatable body (1) to the dome (30).
Adapter system (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, also comprising a release unit (5) which can be manually operated and is suitable, when operated, for allowing the release of air from the inflatable body (1).
Adapter system (1000) according to claim 11, wherein the release unit (5) comprises an opening (50) suitable for placing the inflatable body (1) in fluid communication with the outside, a membrane (51) suitable for engaging with the opening (50) and a manual operating member (53) suitable for moving the membrane (51) between a closed position in which the membrane (51) is engaged with the opening (50) so as to not allow air to escape from the inflatable body (1), and an open position in which the membrane (51) is not engaged with the opening (50) so as to allow air to escape from the inflatable body (1).
Adapter system (1000) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the holder (4) is provided in a middle position along the length of the inflatable body (1).
Respiratory protective facial device (2000) comprising an adapter system (1000) according to any of the preceding claims.
Respiratory protective facial device (2000) according to claim 14, wherein the respiratory protective facial device (2000) comprises an oronasal cup (2001) made of non-breathable elastic material and wherein the oronasal cup (2001) is obtained by means of overmoulding directly on top of the inflatable body (1).