ES1260229U - Air filtration face mask. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Air filtration face mask, comprising: A filtration mask (2) for coupling in peripheral sealing conditions on the wearer's face (1) around the wearer's mouth and nose, and that delimits a main ventilation chamber, equipped with fixing elements (12) at the head of the wearer; a frontal screen (4) impervious to air and capable of being folded, arranged in a centered manner in airtight conditions on a window (5) made in the filtration mask; a front support frame to increase and maintain the volume of the ventilation chamber; characterized in that the mask (2) has a plurality of horizontal and vertical folds crossed with each other, and is configured to move in a guided manner from a first compressed or folded position to a second expanded position with increased filtration capacity; the front screen (4) has a plurality of horizontal folds aligned with the horizontal folds of the mask, and can be folded together with the mask as a unit; and because the lateral ends of the support frame extend to the medial level of the vertical folds, where they are interlocked with them. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Air filtration face mask

Technical sector

The present invention refers to a protective face mask to filter inhaled and exhaled air, to be carried by healthcare personnel, professionals who carry out their work in environments with polluted air, and patients, as well as by any other person who requires a adequate filtration of the air you inhale and / or exhale, for both individual and public health reasons.

Background of the invention

Both the mouth and the nose are the main routes of entry for pathogens, more specifically microorganisms, but also some gases and powders of different nature, which may be suspended in the air, or in biological fluids, such as saliva, expelled by people. or animals, or during industrial activities. However, some plants also seasonally release particles potentially pathogenic for some people with allergies to them.

That is why as a preventive measure to prevent these pathogens from entering the body through the nostrils or the mouth, air filtration masks are commonly used, either disposable or reusable.

These masks have a double function; on the one hand filter the inhaled and / or exhaled air, and on the other hand serve as a barrier screen against the fluids expelled by the wearer of the mask, and / or towards said wearer, in the form of aerosols or saliva drops, and guarantee that They cannot cross this barrier.

On the market there are protective masks, for professional use, with a high level of filtration, which are usually reusable, equipped with a total peripheral face seal, and interchangeable filters with different levels of filtration. Said masks are specifically designed to achieve their task effectively, and for this they present a robust face mask, with suitable perimeter sealing elements, and filters, which are generally interchangeable and long-lasting. All these elements being relatively expensive to produce. On the other hand, given their structural and volumetric characteristics, these face masks are not foldable, and their sale price to the public is substantially increased as they require more space to be transported, and stored by the manufacturer, the supplier, and finally from the seller, following a traditional supply and sale chain.

On the other hand, its storage is equally expensive at the destination, since generally professional users will have a warehouse of interpersonal protective equipment material in hospitals and other health centers, and staff in other work centers, generally associated with industrial activities .

The other type of air filtration masks, depending on the uses they can withstand without losing their effectiveness, are disposable masks, both single-use and multi-use. The latter, in any case, must also be discarded after several uses. The construction material of the mask itself constitutes the filter and barrier element.

That is why these masks are looking for a good quality / price ratio, since their price can have transcendental implications for public health. As a measure to reduce the price of them as much as possible, manufacturers generally focus their design on the masks being foldable and / or stackable, so that they occupy the least possible space when being transported and stored.

Said masks basically comprise two components; a protective surface, attachable on the wearer's face, covering the nose and mouth, and fastening elements by means of elastic or knottable tapes, to fix the mask to the wearer's face by passing said tapes either behind the ears or alternatively behind the neck and nape.

The proper use of these masks is essential as a protection measure in sanitary environments, or in compromised public health conditions, against potentially infectious agents, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and spores, to name the most common, but also against dust and others. harmful substances when breathed in. And that is why such masks must be discarded frequently, since their surface becomes contaminated and / or saturated at high speed. In healthcare settings, when they are carried by a professional who cares for patients, as a rule, they should at least be discarded between one patient and another. What motivates that for an efficiency in the flow of work in sanitary environments, the use of disposable masks is chosen, which guarantee the best balance between cost / effectiveness.

The filtration capacity, and therefore protection, of said masks depends on the material in which they are made; generally multiple layers of different synthetic fabrics, each with different properties, and which together provide an adequate level of protection according to the use that is going to be given to the mask. However, one of the main problems of said masks is that their capacity as a mechanical filter against the aforementioned pathogens, has as an undesirable consequence the resistance they offer to the free passage of air, and, therefore, discomfort when breathing on the part carrier.

On the other hand, inhaled air, when forced to pass through a filter, heats up and is more or less unpleasant when breathed in. Likewise, when the air is exhaled, the mask acts as a condenser of the water present in said air, increasing the humidity of the mask, and decreasing its effectiveness, since the water acts as a vehicle that facilitates the passage of microorganisms from the outside to inside the mask, and vice versa. That is why as a safety measure, any mask for sanitary use that has become damp or wet must be discarded immediately. Likewise, humidity reduces the air filtration properties of professional masks against certain agents, such as dust and other gases, notably reducing the useful life of the mask under safe conditions.

It will be understood that the larger the filtration surface of the mask, the less resistance to the flow of breathed and exhaled air will occur, without impairing the protective efficacy of the mask. That is why the disposable masks available on the market, in all cases, cover the wearer's face with the same material, including the mouth, in search of a greater filtration surface.

Due to the nature of the materials used to achieve efficient air filtration, they not only provide a barrier against microorganisms and other pathogens, but also provide a visual barrier. That is, the mask masks what is under it.

Facial mimicry, and especially that of the mouth, plays a fundamental role in interpersonal communication, and also between people and animals. Although the use of masks does not impede verbal communication, it does completely cancel out the non-verbal communication carried out by oral mimicry, this is the muscles of the upper and lower lips, and the peri-oral muscles.

This is an especially important problem in the relationship between patients and healthcare professionals, such as a dentist, nurse or doctor, and who is wearing, for example, an examination mask in a clinical act; Communication is fundamentally limited to verbal communication, and a large part of the emotions and nuances that facial mimicry contribute to the clinical act is lost, which implies a significant detriment to the perception and good understanding of the professional's message by the patient. and therefore, of the quality and effectiveness of said clinical act. On the other hand, and due to all this, the stress and anxiety of the patient is greater, not being able to count on the calming and hopeful effect that a smile can undoubtedly bring, for example.

In the case of the use of protective masks by the general population for health reasons, as can occur in the case of pandemics, the interaction between people is seriously affected, and, in addition, the wearer, aware of the decrease that the mask has in communication, you may tend not to wear the mask in certain situations, or to remove it from your face to improve your communication skills, endangering your health and that of the rest of the population.

As an exceptional case, and no less important, there is that of people with severe hearing loss, and who necessarily must have a direct view of the mouth of their interlocutor in order to understand the verbal message of the same through lip reading.

It will be understood that the use of a conventional mask, both professionally and socially, will prevent said person with hearing problems from understanding any verbal message given by a person wearing the mask.

On the other hand, a large part of the users of face masks perceive that they cannot breathe normally when wearing them, and they feel that the air breathed is hotter and humid than desirable, which is why they tend to remove them frequently, thus putting them at risk. your health and that of other people. In addition, people who wear glasses often see the lenses of these fog up, since exhaled air tends to escape where it meets the least resistance, which is the upper edge of the mask.

Explanation of the invention

It is the object of the present invention to mitigate in some cases, and solve in others the negative aspects described above, and therefore provide an ideally disposable mask, capable of being stored occupying the least possible space, made of cheap materials, which can be used by anyone, both in clinical and non-clinical environments, that allows comfortable breathing by the wearer, offering the least possible resistance to the passage of air, with an adequate filtration efficiency for its use, and that allows a vision of the wearer's face, especially their mouth.

There is a type of disposable mask on the market, for clinical and surgical use, made of a highly malleable and air-permeable fabric, rectangular in shape, and equipped with several horizontal folds. This type of mask is supplied folded, and unfolds adapting to the user's face. However, it is the wearer's own face that supports the mask to preserve its shape when used. This makes the front area of the mask very close to the nostrils and mouth of the user, if not in direct contact, which virtually renders the mask useless, even freshly put on, since the surface of the same is immediately internally contaminated , and the user is exposed to direct contact with external pathogens that can penetrate the entire thickness of the mask by capillary action, up to the user's mouth and nostrils.

The invention advocated herein, and the improvements derived therefrom, are capable of being applied to foldable surgical masks.

For this, the object of the present invention presents:

an air filtration face mask for attachment in peripheral sealing conditions on the wearer's face, covering at least the wearer's mouth and nose, which delimits a main ventilation chamber, and is equipped with fixing elements to the head of the wearer. carrier. Said mask is made entirely or partially in an air-permeable material, depending on the embodiment chosen according to the present invention;

a frontal screen that is impermeable to air and capable of being folded, arranged in a centered manner under airtight conditions on a window made in the filtration mask, said window being located, preferably, in a medial position, at the level of the mouth of the user, when the mask is being carried and allowing the wearer's face to be seen through it, especially his or her mouth;

an optional auxiliary visor support device for detachable mounting on the mask of a second eye protection shield,

an optional light source to illuminate the facial area visible through the front screen and / or emit light signals to the outside of the mask;

an optional access cover movable between the closing and opening positions to selectively lock and unlock an access opening arranged in the mask, preferably in a frontal position on the front screen, which allows an accessory suction element to be inserted.

The mask has a configuration of variable geometry to pass in a guided and simple way, from a first compressed or folded configuration, to a second expanded configuration, under use conditions, in which it has a notably increased filtration capacity with respect to its position. folded, under conditions of volumetric stability of the ventilation chamber that remains between the mask and the user's face, the inner surface of the mask being significantly separated from the user's mouth and nostrils.

The set of elements that make up the filtration face mask, in folded conditions, are arranged and configured to congruently receive another mask in stacking conditions, and will be ideally made of hydrophobic materials, and / or surface treated to behave as such in order to avoid the seepage of liquids in any way.

The front screen is integrated in its periphery in sealing conditions with the support mask, establishing a ventilation chamber between both and the front area of the wearer's face, and can be folded together with the support mask as a single unit.

According to the present invention, the mask is made of a flexible material permeable to air, with a flat configuration in folded conditions, more or less rectangular, with a plurality of crossed bi-directional folds. Thus, it will present a series of horizontal parallel folds, and a series of vertical parallel folds, to increase the filtration surface once deployed.

The vertical folds are on either side of the front shield, on the side sections of the mask, and ideally there will be only one vertical crease on each side of the shield, although there may be more than one.

In order to guarantee the dimensional stability of the peripheral sealing area thereof, said folds, made in both directions, are not deployable, as they are sealed at their ends, thus forming the facial peripheral sealing area.

In the process of making the mask fold, starting from a rectangular sheet of the material used, permeable to air, a series of first-order or primary folds will be made initially parallel to each other, and later, on these a series of folds of second order or secondaries parallel to each other, and encompassing the primaries.

Accordingly, according to a first optional embodiment, the horizontal folds constitute the primary folds, and the vertical folds the secondary ones.

Alternatively, according to a second embodiment, it will be the vertical folds that constitute the primary folds, and the horizontal folds the secondary ones.

With the described construction, the horizontal folds will allow a considerable increase in the front filtering surface, while the vertical folds, arranged on each side of the front screen, when unfolded, will in turn allow a significant volumetric increase laterally. In this way, the loss of filtering surface implied by the incorporation of the transparent front screen, which is waterproof, will be compensated and improved by the notable increase in the filtering surface in the lateral sectors of the mask.

When the user dons the rectangular pleated mask with bi-directional pleats, they will first adjust the nasal segment of the mask. Second, the lower section of the mask is adjusted, around the chin, and finally, the fixation bands will be tied around the head, or placed behind your ears, depending on the type of band. These maneuvers cause the horizontal folds of the mask to unfold.

However, and due to the double folding characteristic of this embodiment of the mask, according to the present invention, the vertical folds that are made by wrapping the horizontal ones, or vice versa, will offer a greater resistance to being spontaneously unfolded.

For this, and in accordance with another characteristic of the invention, the mask has been provided with an anterior support frame arranged in its central anterior section, the lateral ends of which ideally extend to the medial level of the vertical folds, where they are integrated with They, for the guided unfolding of the same, and presents a structural rigidity superior to the resistance offered by the vertical folds to be deployed. Said frame, in turn, will provide volumetric stability to the anterior sector of the mask.

Said frame will preferably be made of a flexible plastic material arranged horizontally on the mask, extending from one side of the front shield to the other, until reaching a position close to the vertical folds, and will ideally comprise a An upper rib arranged on the upper edge of the front screen, and a lower rib arranged on the lower edge of the same. The ends of both ribs may continue in parallel until reaching the vertical folds, or, alternatively, converge, and even become solid with each other on both sides of the front screen.

Thus, when the mask is placed as described above, when adjusting the fixing straps or elastics to the user's head, said frame will allow a limited flexion of the lateral segments of the mask, and will offer a sufficient resistance to their elastic deformation. as to cause the unfolding of said vertical folds, and the section of the horizontal ones in crossing with the vertical ones, by the traction force established between the peripheral lateral section of the mask, through the fixing tapes, and said support frame .

The front screen is arranged on a window, made in the front area of the filtration chamber, in airtight conditions, and has a plurality of horizontal folds leveled with horizontal folds of the filtration mask so that it is perfectly integrated into the mask with it in folded condition, and also allows it to unfold as described above. Likewise, the support frame will provide the front screen with a certain rigidity so that it does not have bends when deployed. However, said front screen may be made of a transparent plastic material, with a thickness sufficient to serve as a support frame, or, at least, not to present bends in its unfolded state, and to guarantee an adequate volume of the chamber. ventilation, without the user's mouth and nostrils touching the mask as it acquires a certain anterior convexity as it is elastically deformed when adapting the facial mask to the user's face, the user's nasal bridge serving as a support for the upper section of the frame. medium.

As an additional measure of protection for the eyes of the mask wearer, there are some disposable masks on the market that incorporate an eye protection screen, or visor, and which are fixed to them in a solid and inseparable way by using an adhesive or adhesion through a thermal process. The problem with this type of mask is that, as will be understood, its price is higher than that of conventional ones, and, since the visor is inseparably fixed, it cannot be removed to be reused with another mask after being sanitized. adequately.

Alternatively, and in a common way, eye protection screens or visors are usually mounted on a frame that rests on the wearer's nose and ears, as would a pair of glasses. The problem with this type of frame is that it prevents the wearer from using their own prescription glasses, and / or magnification in generally clinical procedures.

According to another optional development of the present invention, and in order to solve this drawback, the front support frame can act as a fixing device for an auxiliary eye protection screen, which allows it to be coupled in a detachable manner, in guiding conditions to exact position. For this, it can have at least one fixing structure ideally mounted on its upper section in a central position, above the front screen of the mask, according to the present invention, and / or alternatively by means of two fixing elements for said visor, placed on both sides of said front screen.

Accordingly, and in accordance with a first optional embodiment of the auxiliary visor support device, it comprises at least one structure for retentive fixation by friction or mechanical retention, configured to receive in a guided manner the edge of a protection screen, towards a position of maximum insertion in fixation conditions.

Alternatively, and according to a second optional embodiment of the support device for the auxiliary viewer, it comprises at least one surface that is magnetized, or capable of being attracted by a magnetic effect, configured to attract in a guided manner a fixing element arranged on the viewer , such as a magnet, to an exact position in conditions of attachment by magnetic attraction.

Optionally, the present invention provides, according to another development thereof, the incorporation of additional autonomous lighting elements to improve the visualization of the user's mouth, and therefore facilitate a more efficient and natural communication.

Although the transparent front screen allows the visualization of the mouth of the user of the mask by an interlocutor, or animal, such as a pet. This feature can be especially useful in conditions of reduced visibility, in which the user wants the interlocutor to have a good view of their mouth, such as dentists or other healthcare professionals, when giving instructions to patients with reduced hearing acuity. , or with an understanding of reduced verbal commands, as in the case of very young patients, or those with delayed learning. However, it will be understood that the use of a mask itself, even incorporating a central transparent screen, will reduce the ambient light that enters through said window, and, therefore, the additional lighting will achieve a more natural effect on perception than the user and interlocutor have. Fortunately, current developments in LED lighting (Light Emitting Diode) of a nature known per se to those skilled in the art, and in electronics allow the mass manufacture of miniaturized lighting elements at very low cost, and which will occupy a space very reduced, to guarantee the folding and stacking of the masks, as previously described.

The lighting device is ideally mounted around the front window of the mask, in a support structure, such as the front screen itself, presenting at least one integrated circuit equipped with:

a series of LED light sources ideally aligned around the front window;

a power source;

a controller;

an optional switch or activator for turning the light sources on and off by the wearer; Y

optionally an acoustic signal transmitter and / or one or more proximity sensors, air mass, humidity, sound or microphone, and / or light intensity.

The LED lighting sources are oriented to project light, of at least one color, towards the inside and / or outside of the mask, being able to present at least one LED lighting source oriented to project its light towards the outside of the mask, and configured to project light of at least two colors, and that depending on its orientation and position, could be seen not only by a person who is in front of the wearer of the mask, but by the wearer himself.

In this way, the wearer's mouth will be illuminated thanks to the LED sources facing the inside of the mask, while the LED sources facing the outside of the mask will be able to emit light signals to transmit messages of a different nature, managed by the controller. , and mediated by the different sensors listed above.

Thus, the presence of a person occupying the security space of the wearer can be alerted by a red light signal and / or an acoustic signal.

A green light signal may indicate that the mask has not yet exceeded the useful life in which it maintains its air filtration properties in safety conditions, both due to its humidity level and the time elapsed since it was deployed or taken out of its packaging or the sum of the air mass it has filtered.

The ambient lighting conditions will be able to control the on and off of the interior lighting, as well as a voice command.

Alternatively, and in accordance with another development of the lighting device, it incorporates only the LED sources mounted on a suitable circuit, which is connected to an electrical transmission wiring integrated in the mask, and that goes from the window of the mask to its peripheral sealing area, with connection elements to an auxiliary electronic element, which may incorporate the battery, the controller, the switch and / or additional sensors, as previously described. This will allow to lower the cost of production of the mask, and improve the functions and power of the lighting device by means of a reusable external battery and controller.

Following a similar configuration, with the lighting device consisting solely of the LED sources and electrical transmission elements for connection to an external controller and battery, and according to another optional embodiment of the invention, the mask fixing elements at the head of the wearer, on their external surface, they may be configured to transmit electric current, thanks, for example, to the use of an electrically conductive outer fabric, and they will be connected to the electrical transmission wiring of the mask, and that provide electrical signal to LED sources. In this way, for example, the wearer will be able to carry in one or both ears, as a hearing aid, the power supply, the controller and sensors, and an electrically conductive surface element, which will be oriented outwards, in contact with the back face of the ear, in the fold that it forms with the user's head. In this way, when the user puts on the mask, the lighting device can be supplied with electrical current through the mask's ear fixings, one of them being able to act as the positive pole, and the other as the negative pole of the mask. electrical circuit that they integrate. In this case, the lighting device may only incorporate a second simple controller, to interpret and manage the electrical signal emitted by the atrial controller. Thus, only two cables, one per ear fixation, will be able to provide power and processed electrical signal, mediated by the sensors through the ear controller, to the lighting device, and comprehensively manage the different LED sources.

In environments potentially contaminated by pathogens suspended in the air, as well as in industrial environments, hospitals, closed shopping centers, or even in open environments such as public roads, in certain situations of high risk of seasonal allergies or contagion by viruses or bacteria, such as It may be in the face of a pandemic situation, it may be necessary to wear a mask at all times.

Therefore, removing the mask in any of these situations can put the health of the wearer and other people at risk. However, in the case of conventional masks, it is necessary to remove the mask to be able to ingest liquids.

According to another optional development of the present invention, it has been provided that the mask is provided with an access opening in its front segment, under conditions of mouthpiece to insert a suction cannula or straw, and equipped with an access cover to ensure the tightness of the ventilation chamber.

Said opening will ideally be made in the front screen, and its cover will be selectively movable between a closed position in conditions of sealing and blocking of said opening, and an open position to unlock access to it. Said cover may have dimensions significantly greater than those of the opening, in order to guarantee a greater clean surface around said opening when the cover is opened.

Description of the drawings

In order for the invention to be understood more clearly, some optional and / or preferred embodiments will now be described in detail, given by way of example only, and in no way limiting, with reference to the attached drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a front view of a mask worn by a user, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a front view of the mask according to the embodiment shown in Figure 1, although without iconographic motifs, in folded condition;

Figure 3 is a side view of a mask worn by a user, with the front screen acting as a support frame, and presenting an access opening to introduce a suction straw, according to the present invention;

Figure 4 is a detail plane in front view of the mask, according to the embodiment shown in Figure 3, before being folded and incorporating the fixing tapes and the lateral sealing lip, and incorporating the front screen, according to the present invention;

Figure 5 is a front perspective view of the front screen, according to the embodiment of the mask shown in Figures 3 and 4;

Figure 6 is a front perspective view of the front screen, with a support frame acting as a lighting device;

Figure 7 is a front perspective view of the lower component of the lighting device shown in Figure 6, partially sectioned;

Figure 8 is a detailed sectional plane, in side view, of the front screen shown in Figure 6, in folded condition;

Figure 9 is a front view of a mask worn by a user, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, in conditions of supporting an eye protection screen;

Figure 10 is a front perspective view of the front screen, incorporating the support frame as support functions of an eye protection screen by means of fixing clips;

Figure 11 is a front perspective view of the front screen, according to a similar but alternative embodiment to that shown in Figure 10, incorporating the support frame as support functions of an eye protection screen by means of fixing balls;

Figure 12 is a front perspective view of the front screen, according to a similar but alternative embodiment to those shown in Figures 10 and 11, incorporating the support frame as support functions of an eye protection screen by means of magnets of fixation.

Figure 1 shows a filtering face mask (2) deployed on the user's face (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the filtering face mask (2) has a plurality of horizontal folds (8) and two vertical folds (9), one on each side of the front screen (4), said screen being made of a material flexible transparent plastic, and mounted on a rectangular window (5) made in the mask, which allows the wearer's mouth (11) to be seen. The ear fixation straps (12) allow to keep the filtering face mask (2) in position. The front support frame (6) is arranged around the front screen (4), and has four ribs (7) made by means of an upper flexible horizontal arm (34) and a lower one (41), the free ends of which extend up to the medial section of the vertical folds (9). A nasal support (13) allows the upper part of the filtering face mask (2) to be fitted to the wearer's nasal region (1).

According to an optional feature of the invention, the support frame (6) can have fantasy or iconographic motifs (51). In this case, as represented in Figure 1, it has two iconographic motifs (51), one on each side, integral with the free ends (7) of the lower arm (41) of the support frame (6).

As can be better seen in Figure 3, the front screen (4) acts as a support frame (6). Through its horizontal ribs (7) it allows to keep open the lateral filtration space (14) that forms the vertical folds (9) (only the right side is shown), notably increasing the filtration capacity of the mask, and therefore the comfort of the user when breathing, by increasing the volume of the anterior sector (3) and the lateral sectors (14) of the mask. In conventional surgical masks, however, the posterior sectors remain glued to the wearer's face, without the possibility of ventilation, and therefore air filtration, limiting their filtration capacity only to their front face.

As can best be seen in Figures 1 and 3, the limited flexibility of the support frame (6), taking the user's nasal bridge (1) as support, will allow the volume of the anterior sector (3) of the facial mask to be increased. of filtration (2) and therefore its capacity of ventilation and filtration of the air that leaves or enters it.

Figure 2 shows a filtration face mask (2), according to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 3, in a folded state, which has three horizontal pleats (8) and two vertical pleats (9). Both folds are simple or round-trip, increasing their surface by three once unfolded. The front screen (4) also has two horizontal folds (10) (only one is shown) at the level of the horizontal folds (8) of the section of the mask where they coincide. Both the horizontal (8) and the vertical (9) folds have a sealed end (15) that cannot be deployed, ideally by thermal sewing, of a nature known per se to those skilled in the art. In this case, the vertical folds (9) are the primary ones, and the horizontal folds (8) the secondary ones, as they encompass the primary ones. With the construction described, and as can be seen in Figure 2, the filtration face mask (2) can be fully folded, including its front screen (4), occupying a minimum thickness, significantly increasing its filtration surface when be deployed.

Figure 3 shows a filtration face mask (2) with similar conformation characteristics to those represented in figures 1 and 2, mounting an access cover (16) in open conditions, which gives access to an access opening (17) to introduce a suction cannula (18). In this way, the user (1) will be able to drink, for example, a soft drink (19) without having to remove the filtering facial mask (2) from his face, which would imply having to dispose of it due to the risk of contamination that it implies reusing a surgical mask.

According to an optional embodiment of the filtering face mask (2), it can be provided with a peripheral lip preferably made of an elastomer and / or flexible plastic, and ideally mounted on its inner face, and with its end free facing inward. This feature will allow a peripheral seal on the patient's face, in those areas in which the periphery of the mask does not achieve intimate contact. For this, as represented in Figure 3, the lateral peripheral sections of the filtering face mask (2) will be provided with a flexible rib, secured to it by preferably thermal adhesion, and longitudinally provided with a series of lips. semi-circular flexible planes (50) whose curved free ends are oriented towards the user's face (1). With the described construction, each of said lips (50) will adapt independently to the face of the wearer (1) guaranteeing an adequate seal between the filtering face mask (2) and the face of the user. Said flexible peripheral sealing rib will be able to run along the entire periphery of the mask, leaving the free ends of the semi-circular lips ideally oriented towards the interior of the mask (this is not shown).

Figure 4 shows the base structure of a filtration face mask (2) according to the embodiment represented in Figures 1 to 3, although without access cover, and with the front screen (4) acting as a support frame . In it, the horizontal and vertical fold lines are represented, to form the characteristic folds that are observed in the previous figures, in which the fold lines (20 and 23) will be bent in the direction of the fold lines (21 and 22) respectively, below these, and the lateral ends of the mask facing outwards, thus making the first order folds. Then, the fold lines (25, 27 and 29) will be bent in the direction of the fold lines (24, 26 and 28) respectively, below these, and the upper and lower ends of the mask facing outwards, leaving thus made the folds of the second order. The fold lines (30 and 31) of the front screen (4) will be folded in the same way as the lines (25 and 26) respectively. So with the primary and secondary folds made.

Alternatively, the horizontal folds may be formed initially, and then the vertical ones. According to this, the industrial process for making the mask could be the following, to manufacture masks in series of one unit per production line:

It will start from a continuous sheet of the material that makes up the mask, the width in the vertical direction of the mask, which will generally present several layers of synthetic fabric with various properties for air filtration, and as a barrier to liquids or other elements, not being the chemical and structural characteristics of said layers of synthetic fabric the object of the present invention.

Then, by means of a serial cutting procedure, the window (5) will be made in the desired position, on which the front screen (4) will be mounted and fixed under peripheral sealing conditions, ideally by heat sealing, forming a continuous line of sealing (33), and will also fix the ends of the ribs (7) of the support frame by means of fusion points (32) that will solidify all the layers of the filtration face mask (2) at said points. Likewise, the nasal support structure (13) can be incorporated. To optimize the manufacturing process, the support frame, when it is a separate unit from the front screen, can also start from a continuous sheet of the plastic material that makes it up, previously stamped to achieve its characteristic shape, and into which it has been incorporated. the front screen (4) in a previous step.

Then, with the support frame and the front screen incorporated in series on the continuous sheet, by means of a rear folding procedure, the horizontal folds of the entire sheet, passing the fold lines (25, 27 and 29) under the fold lines (24, 26 and 28) respectively. Then, by means of an ironing process, it will be ensured that the pleats maintain their shape at rest.

Subsequently, the secondary folds will be shaped one by one, in this case the vertical ones, in a second process of serial folding of the entire continuous sheet, which incorporates a multitude of masks in the manufacturing process. For this, fold lines (20 and 23) will be folded in the direction of fold lines (21 and 22) respectively, below them, and the continuous sheet will again be subjected to a second ironing process.

Finally, the entire perimeter of each mask will be finished off by means of a heat sealing process, the peripheral sealing lip (50) will be incorporated, if it is the case shown in Figure 3, and the ear fixation tapes (12) will be incorporated as indicated shown in Figure 2 (not shown in Figure 4), while the masks are separated by a last cutting process.

Figures 5 and 6 show the front screen (4) according to two alternative embodiments. In Figure 5 the front screen (4) acts as a support frame, incorporating the lateral ribs (7) in a single piece. According to this embodiment, the front screen (4) must have a suitable thickness to provide said lateral ribs (7) with the necessary resistance for its function. The folding lines (30 and 31) may have lines of weakness made, to selectively reduce the thickness of the front screen (4) in the folding areas, in order to facilitate the same. This embodiment of the front screen (4) can be mounted indistinctly on the internal or external face of the mask (not shown in this figure).

Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the front screen (4), made by means of a thin transparent plastic sheet. In this case, the support frame acts as a lighting device, and is made up of two parallel horizontal arms (34, 41). Said arms (34, 41) mount separate integrated circuits (35), interconnected by means of a flat cable (36) for electrical connection, and are equipped with LED light sources (37), arranged in line, and an ignition switch (38) which cuts the circuit when pressed. According to this embodiment, the front screen (4) would be mounted on the internal face of the mask (not shown), and the horizontal arms (34, 41) glued on it, with the LED sources (37) oriented towards the user face.

Figure 7 shows one of the integrated circuits (35), with the LED sources (37), the ignition switch (38), a controller (39), the flat connection cable (36) and three batteries (40) arranged serially.

According to this embodiment of the lighting device, when the mask is folded (not shown), before being used, the front screen (4) will also be folded, as shown in Figure 8, with the inside face of the lower arm (41) facing and glued to the front screen (4) and the ignition switch pressed (not shown in this Figure), cutting the ignition circuit of the LED sources (not shown in this Figure).

Thus, when the mask is folded in its packing box, the LED sources will be off, and will automatically turn on when the mask is unfolded. Optionally, with the mask folded, the lower arm (41), in the area of the switch, may be glued to the front screen (4) by means of one or more points of adhesive, to ensure that the switch remains in the disconnected position (this is not shown in any figure).

Alternatively, the switch can open and close the circuit alternately, each time it is pressed, the user being the one who acts on it to turn the lighting device on or off.

Figure 9 shows a user (1) wearing a filtration face mask (2) similar to the one represented in Figure 1, although in this case the front support frame (6) acts as a fixing function for an eye protection screen. (42). To do this, the upper side ribs (7) incorporate fixings by magnets (not shown), and the protection screen has magnetic plates (46) in a position such that when they are attracted by the magnets of the support frame (6) it will be arranged in a suitable position to cover the wearer's eyes and face, with a certain curvature.

Figures 10, 11 and 12 show a front screen (4) compatible with the embodiment of the mask represented in Figures 1 to 4, and 9, in which the upper arm (34) of the anterior support frame acts in Support functions of an eye protection screen, as shown in Figure 9, in exact position and detachable.

Thus, in Figure 10, the ends of said upper arm (34) are folded externally towards the medial area, forming both clamps (45) that will act as retentive elements of an eye protection screen (not shown). To do this, said screen will present openings strategically arranged so that their most medial edges are retained inside the two clips (45), with the mentioned curved screen wrapping the user's face. In this way, the elastic restoring force of the eye protection shield will keep it in the fixing position on the clips (45).

According to an alternative embodiment of the fixing elements of the upper arm (34) represented in Figure 10, in Figure 11 both ends (7) of said upper arm (34) incorporate two fixings by means of balls (44) that will act as retentive elements of an eye protection screen (not shown). For this, said screen will have two perforations on each side, strategically arranged so that they are connected on said balls (44) and fixed by mechanical retention with the mentioned curved screen wrapping the user's face. To do this, it will be calculated that the diameter of the retentive balls (44) is slightly greater than that of the aforementioned perforations in the eye protection screen (not shown). It will be understood that the number of retentive balls, and therefore of perforations, may vary. However, with two balls on each side it will be enough to maintain the stable fixation of the eye protection shield on the mask, without undesirable movements of one element with respect to the other.

According to an alternative embodiment of the upper arm fixing elements (34) represented in Figures 10 and 11, in Figure 12 both ends (7) of said upper arm (34) incorporate two magnets (43) that will act as retentive elements of an eye protection screen (not shown). To do this, said screen will have a magnetized plate (46) glued to each side, as shown in Figure 9, strategically arranged so that they are connected on said magnets (43) and fixed by magnetic attraction with the mentioned curved screen surrounding the user face. It will be understood that the number of magnets may vary. However, with two magnets on each side it will be enough to maintain the stable fixation of the eye protection shield on the mask, without undesirable movements of one element with respect to the other.

In Figure 11 the access cover (16) can be better seen, also shown in Figure 3, represented in the open position, and which gives access to an opening (17) made on the front screen (4). In the embodiment shown, the access opening (17) is finished off by a support ring (49) that remains mounted on it in peripheral sealing conditions, and that is secured to the access cover (16) by means of a rib (48 ) in hinge functions. The cover (16), in turn, incorporates a handle (47) to facilitate the user opening it, and will be shaped to guarantee a hermetic seal between it and said ring (49) when the cover (16) it is in the closed position.

It is not considered necessary to make this description more extensive for any person skilled in the art to understand the scope of the invention and the advantages derived from it. The materials, shape, size and arrangement of the elements will be susceptible to variation as long as this does not imply an alteration in the essence of the invention, as advocated in the attached claims.

The terms in which this report has been drawn up should always be taken in a broad and non-limiting sense.

Claims (19)

1. Air filtration face mask, comprising: A filtration mask (2) for coupling under peripheral sealing conditions on the wearer's face (1) around the wearer's mouth and nose, and delimiting a main ventilation chamber, equipped with fixing elements (12) at the head of the wearer; a front screen (4) impervious to air and capable of being folded, arranged in a centered manner in airtight conditions on a window (5) made in the filtration mask; a front support frame to increase and maintain the volume of the ventilation chamber; characterized in that the mask (2) has a plurality of horizontal and vertical folds crossed with each other, and is configured to move in a guided manner from a first compressed or folded position to a second expanded position with increased filtration capacity; the front screen (4) has a plurality of horizontal folds aligned with the horizontal folds of the mask, and can be folded together with the mask as a unit; and because the lateral ends of the support frame extend to the medial level of the vertical folds, where they are attached to them. Mask according to claim 1, in which the filtering mask (2) is made of a flexible air-permeable material, with a flat and rectangular configuration in folded conditions, provided with a plurality of horizontal parallel folds (8) , and a plurality of vertical parallel folds (9), the vertical folds being arranged on both sides of the front screen (4), in the lateral sections of the mask (2), none of the folds being deployable at its outer ends , which extend to the outer peripheral sealing area of the mask (15). Mask according to claim 2, in which the periphery of the mask is provided with a sealing lip preferably made of a flexible elastomer and / or plastic, and with its free end facing the user's face, secured to it. preferably by thermal adhesion, carried out by means of a flexible rib longitudinally provided with a series of flexible flat lips whose curved free ends (50) are oriented towards the user's face (1). Mask according to claims 1 and 2, in which the mask (2) in the folded state has a series of first-order or primary folds parallel to each other, and a series of second-order or secondary folds parallel to each other, and that encompass the primary ones. Mask according to claims 2 and 4, in which according to a first embodiment, the horizontal folds (8) constitute the primary folds, and the vertical folds (9) the secondary ones. Mask according to claims 2 and 4, in which according to a second embodiment, the vertical folds (9) constitute the primary folds, and the horizontal folds (8) the secondary ones. Mask according to any of claims 1 and 2, in which the mask (2) has a support frame arranged in its front section; characterized in that its lateral ends (7) extend to the medial level of the vertical folds (9), and it is provided with some elastic flexibility, with a structural rigidity significantly greater than that of the filtration material that makes up the filtration mask. Mask according to claim 7, in which the support frame has fantasy or iconographic motifs (51) integral with it. Mask according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 7, characterized in that the front screen (4) is arranged on a window (5), made in the front zone of the filtration mask (2), in hermetic conditions, and will present in folded conditions a plurality of horizontal folds (30, 31) leveled with horizontal folds (8) of the filtration chamber, when the front screen (4) extends beyond the vertical space that delimits two contiguous horizontal folds; and because it can act as a support frame (6). A mask according to claims 1, 7 and 8, which has a support device for an auxiliary screen (42), which allows the coupling in a detachable manner, under conditions of guided to exact position, of an accessory eye protection screen, made by at least one fixing structure mounted on the mask; and because the support frame (6) incorporates the fixing elements of said support device, in its lateral sectors. A mask according to claim 10, in which the support device for an auxiliary screen comprises two fixing clips (45), one on each side of the front screen (4), configured to receive in a guided manner the edge of a protection screen (42), or an opening made thereon, towards a position of maximum insertion in fixing conditions. Mask according to claim 10, in which the device for supporting an auxiliary screen comprises two magnetized surfaces (43), or surfaces capable of being attracted by a magnetic effect, one on each side of the front screen, configured to attract in a manner a fixing element (46) arranged on a protection screen (42) is guided towards an exact position in fixing conditions by magnetic attraction. A mask according to claim 10, in which the auxiliary shield support device comprises two retentive structures (44), one on each side of the front shield, shaped for congruent engagement in an exact position-guided manner, and detachable manner, from a fixing element arranged on a protection screen (42). A mask according to claim 1, having a lighting device (35) to illuminate the wearer's visible facial area through the front screen (4), and is mounted around the front window (5) of the mask (2), in a support structure, presenting at least one integrated circuit (35) equipped with: a series of LED-type light sources (37) aligned around the front window; a power source (40); a controller (39); Y a switch or activator (38) for turning the light sources on and off by the wearer. Mask according to claims 14, in which the LED lighting sources (37) are oriented to project light, of at least one color, towards the inside and / or outside of the mask (2), being able to present at least one LED light source oriented for project its light to the outside of the mask, and configured to project light of at least two colors. Mask according to claim 14, in which the lighting device (35) has an acoustic signal emitter and a plurality of sensors; a proximity sensor; an air mass sensor; a humidity sensor; a sound sensor or microphone; Y a light intensity sensor. Mask according to any of claims 1, 14, 15 and 16, in which the mask has electrical transmission wiring that runs from the mask window to its peripheral sealing area, with connection elements of an electronic element assistant. Mask according to claim 17, in which the fastening elements (12) of the mask to the head of the wearer are configured on their external surface to transmit the electric current. Mask according to claim 9, which has an access cover (16), mounted on an access opening (17) made on the front screen (4), being selectively movable between a closed position under sealing conditions and locking of said opening, and an open position to unlock access to said opening (17).