FR2888471A1 - RESPIRATORY PROTECTION MASK COMPRISING A PROTECTIVE BAND - Google Patents

Abstract

The mask has a porous protective part (2) comprising discreet outer zones on which a fastening element (3) is integrated to retain the part (2) in front of the nose and the mouth of a bearer, where the part (2) is formed by stacking of layers of a laminated non-woven spunbond-meltblown-spunbond. A protective strip (10) is provided along a part of edges (8, 9) of the part (2) and is integrated to the part (2) on the outer zones. The element (3) is interposed between the part (2) and the strip such that the strip partially covers the element (3).

Description

The invention relates to a respiratory protection mask.

  The invention applies in particular, but not exclusively, to respiratory protection masks capable of filtering solid or liquid particles suspended in the air, and intended for a single use.

  Respiratory protection masks are used in particular by medical personnel to avoid not only the contamination of a patient by the projection of aerosols emitted by the medical personnel, but also to avoid the contamination of medical personnel by inhalation of biological agents. present in the air, such as viruses.

  There are two main types of respiratory protection masks, namely molded masks and foldable masks. Molded masks have the disadvantage of being bulky and take up storage space, unlike foldable masks such as those described in GB-A-1556679.

  This being the case, it is necessary, when several masks are stacked one above the other, that the fastening elements of the different masks do not intermingle. And when a mask has to be removed from the stack, he does not bring other masks with him.

  The invention therefore aims to remedy these drawbacks. In addition, the respiratory protection mask ensures a good seal on the face to avoid contamination of the wearer. Finally the mask is easy to put on and remove and provides a better feeling of comfort.

  For this purpose and according to a first aspect, the invention provides a respiratory protection mask comprising a porous filter protection piece and a fastening element secured to said piece so as to maintain said piece in front of at least the nose and the mouth of a carrier, the porous part being provided with discrete outer zones on which the attachment element is secured, said mask further comprising a protective strip which is provided along at least a portion of an edge of the protection piece, the strip being secured to the protection piece on the fastening zones of the fastening element, said fastening element being, in these areas, interposed between the protective piece and the protective strip so as to what the band covers the fastening element.

  The invention will be understood from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrating various embodiments.

  Figure 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a respirator mask with protective strips according to a first and second embodiment of the invention.

  Figure 2 schematically shows a perspective view of a respirator mask with a protective strip according to the second embodiment.

  FIG. 3 schematically represents the upper and lower unassembled elements of a protective mask shown in FIG. 2.

  FIG. 4 schematically shows an unassembled element provided with a protective strip in an extended position of a protective mask shown in FIG. 2.

  FIG. 5 schematically represents a view from above of the protective mask shown in FIG. 2.

  FIG. 6 schematically represents a view from below of the protective mask represented in FIG. 2.

  Figures 7 to 9 show schematically a sectional view along the axis A-A of a respiratory protection mask according to different embodiments of the protective strip.

  In the description which follows, the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", and "outer" are defined with respect to the normal direction of use of the mask, that is to say when it is placed on the face of a wearer.

  The terms "lower edge" and "upper edge" in relation to the elements define, respectively the nearest edge and the farthest edge of the face, when the mask is worn.

  The invention proposes a respiratory protection mask, in particular for single use. The mask is designed to retain solid or liquid particles suspended in the air and in particular viruses or bacteria likely to cause diseases such as influenza.

  According to FIG. 1 or 2, the respiratory protection mask 1 comprises a porous protection piece 2 by filtration and a fastening element 3 secured to said part so as to hold said piece in front of at least the nose and the mouth of a carrier.

  The protective part is formed in particular of two elements 4,5, respectively upper and lower, which are associated with each other so as to be applied respectively facing the nose and the chin of the wearer.

  Figure 3 illustrates the upper elements 4 and lower 5 and the fastening element 3 before being secured.

  The combination of elements is made for example by welding such as ultrasonic welding, high frequency laser or heat, sewing, gluing or folding.

  As illustrated in the figures, the lower and upper elements are of trapezoidal shape, three sides of each trapezium being associated two by two to form the protective part, the large base of each trapezium being free to form the upper and lower edges of said room.

  Such a mask is called foldable type, that is to say that when it is not worn, the mask is substantially flat and is easily stackable. When the mask is worn, the two trapezoidal elements form a section whose periphery comes into contact with the wearer's face.

  In particular, the elements have the same dimensions so as to be perfectly superimposable.

  Alternatively, the elements are of different size and / or shape (s). For example, the height of the trapezoidal lower member is greater than the height of the trapezoidal top member, so that the mask covers a larger portion of the chin.

  In another example, the protective piece is formed of three elements 15 associated with each other, two elements being foldable on a central element. Such a type of mask is described in EP-A-814871.

  The porous part 2 is provided with discrete outer zones 6, 7 on which the fastening element 3 is secured.

  In FIG. 2, the discrete outer zones 6, 7 are placed at the lateral ends of the lower edge 9 of the protective part 2.

  According to the invention, the mask comprises a protective strip 10 which is provided along at least a portion of an edge 8, 9 of the protection part 2, the strip 10 being secured to the protection part 2 on the securing zones 6,7 of the fastening element 3, said fastening element 3 being, in these areas, interposed between the protection part 2 and the protective strip 10 so that the strip 10 covers the fastening element 3.

  When the protective mask 1 is not worn, the protective strip 10 at least partially covers the fastening element 3 so as to protect it.

  When the mask 1 is worn, the wearer comes to take the fastening element 3 below the protective strip and has it on the back of his head. i0

  According to a first variant of the invention shown in the right part of the mask of FIG. 1, the protective strip 10, in particular formed of an additional element, is associated continuously along the protective part 2 in the vicinity of an edge 8 of said part.

  In this embodiment, the protective strip is movable between a folded position along said edge 8 and an extended position allowing access to the fastening element 3.

  The association of the protective strip 10 with the protective part 2 is carried out for example by welding such as ultrasonic welding, high frequency, laser or heat, sewing, gluing or folding.

  Advantageously, the length of the protective strip 10 and / or the length of the fastening element is substantially equal to that of an edge 8, 9 of the protective part.

  When the protective strip 10 and the fastening element 3 have the same length, the strip 10 completely covers the fastening element 3, keeping it along the porous part 2.

  Thus, when several masks are stacked one above the other, the fasteners of the different masks arranged below the protective strips do not intermingle. And when a mask has to be removed from the stack, he does not bring other masks with him.

  According to a second variant of the invention, represented on the left-hand part of the mask of FIG. 1, the mask furthermore comprises a protective strip 10 which is provided along at least part of an edge 8 of the part of FIG. protection 2, said strip being movable between a folded position along said edge and an extended position where it extends beyond said edge so as to extend the protection piece, said attachment member 3 being positioned so as to allow the deployment of the protective strip 10 during the use of the fastening element 3.

  In Figures 3 and 4, the protective strip 10 is contiguous to the lower edge 13 of the lower member 5 and is collapsible.

  When the protective mask 1 is not worn, the protective strip 10 is in the folded position and at least partially covers the fastening element 3 so as to protect it.

  When the mask 1 is worn, the wearer is disposed the fastening element 3 on the back of his head, then driving the protective strip 10 in its deployed position.

  In this position, the protective strip 10 is pressed against the wearer's face, ensuring a close contact between the mask and the wearer's face.

  This variant makes it possible to reduce as much as possible the possibilities of leaks in the face and to improve the tightness at the level of the face. The respiratory protection mask is thus able to ensure a good seal on the face to avoid contamination of the wearer.

  In addition, the fastening element is easily gripped by its positioning on the outside of the protective mask and the arrangement of the protective strip of said element.

  According to Figure 5 and to further increase the seal at the nose of the wearer, a malleable insert 11 is provided on the upper member 4 to fit around the nose of the wearer.

  The insert 11 is in the form of a deformable metal strip, for example an aluminum strip.

  The insert 11 is arranged, for example by gluing, directly on the protective part 2 facing the nose. Alternatively, the insert 11 is inserted into the mask between two layers constituting the protective part. It is then maintained for example by welding points.

  In another variant, the insert 11 is placed on the protective strip 10 of the mask.

  In this case, the protective strip 10 is provided along the lower edge 12 of the upper member 4 of the protection piece, so, in the deployed position, to be disposed against the wearer's nose.

  Alternatively, the protective strip 10 is provided along the lower edge 13 of the lower member 5 so, in the deployed position, to be disposed against the underside of the chin. Thus, the seal at the lower face is improved.

  According to a particular embodiment, the length of the protective strip 10 is substantially equal to that of the lower edge 13 of the lower element 5 or of the upper element 4.

  The width of the protective strip 10 is less than 30% of the distance between the upper 8 and lower 9 edges of the protective part 10.

  In particular, in order not to impede the wearer of the mask, the width of the band 10 is less than 20% of the distance between the upper and lower edges 13 of the lower element 5.

  For example, if the upper 4 and lower 5 elements are trapezoidal, suitable dimensions for each of the trapezoids are 250 mm for the large base, 77 mm for the small base, and 103 mm for the height. The width of the protective strip is 15 mm.

  The mask is designed to retain particles in the air. The choice of the material constituting the protective part and its characteristics such as porosity, density or thickness, depends on the final use of the mask.

  According to a particular embodiment, the protective piece 2 is formed of at least one layer of fibrous polymer material.

  In particular, the protective piece 2 is formed of a stack of several layers of meltblown and / or spunbond nonwoven polymer material, such as a spunbond / meltblown / spunbond (SMS) laminate. The nonwoven fabric is in particular chemically treated or electrostatically charged in order to increase its particle attraction capacity.

  For example, and as illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9, the protective part comprises the superposition of three layers: an outer layer 15 comprising a spunbond-type nonwoven polymer material, an intermediate layer 16 comprising a non-woven polymeric material of meltblown type, an inner layer 17 comprising a spunbond-type nonwoven polymer material.

  Examples of usable polymeric materials are polypropylene, polyester, or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

  The protective strip 10 is made of a material identical to that of the protective piece or in a different material.

  Figures 7 and 8 show two embodiments of the protective strip.

  According to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the protective strip 10 is formed of a fold of at least one inner layer 17 of the protective part 2.

  According to the second mode, illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the protective strip 10 is formed of an additional element which is secured to the protection piece.

  In an example not shown, the protective strip 10 is associated continuously with the edge of the protective part 2.

  In the example of FIG. 7, the protective strip 10 is associated continuously along the top layer 15 close to an edge 8 of said part 2.

  In particular, the strip is formed of an additional element associated for example by welding over the entire length of the upper element 4, about 15 mm from the lower edge 8 of the upper element 4.

  In another example shown in Figure 8, the protective strip 10 is provided on either side of an edge of the protective part.

  In particular, the protective strip 10 is associated on the inner face of the protective part 2 and forms a fold on the outer face.

  According to another example not shown, the protective strip is contiguous with the lower edge 12 of the upper element 4 or the lower edge 13 of the lower element 5 of the protective part 2.

  The association of the protective strip 10 with the protective part 2 is carried out for example by welding such as ultrasonic welding, high frequency, laser or heat, sewing, gluing.

  In these modes in which the protective strip 10 is formed of an additional element, the protective strip may be made of a material different from or identical to that or those of the protective part. i0

  For example, the protective strip 10 is formed of at least one layer of fibrous polymer material, especially non-woven material, such as a spunbond.

  The realization of the spunbond protective strip provides a feeling of softness and comfort to the mask wearer.

  In another example, the protective strip is made of a material impermeable to liquids and / or gases, such as polyethylene.

  Between the protective strip 10 in the folded position and the protective part 2 is interposed the fastening element 3 of the mask.

  According to one embodiment, the fastening element 3 is substantially of the same length as the protective strip 10 so that the strip entirely covers the fastening element when it is in the folded position.

  The fastening element 3 is advantageously flexible and elastic to be arranged around the head of the wearer.

  In this case, the length of the fastening element 3 in the unstretched state substantially corresponds to the distance between the two securing zones 6, 7.

  Thus, when several masks are stacked one above the other, the fasteners of the different masks arranged below the protective strips do not intermingle.

  In connection with FIGS. 1 or 2, the fastening element 3 comprises a cord whose two ends are respectively secured to an outer zone 6, 7 of the protective part and each of the extreme lateral parts of the protective strip is respectively secured on an area 6.7.

  As the cord is secured to the lateral ends of the protective strip 10, it automatically unfolds in the deployed position, when the mask is worn.

  According to one embodiment, the fastening element 3 comprises a second cord.

  For example, the ends of the second cord are secured to an inner zone of the protective part 2.

  In particular, as shown in Figure 2, the second bead is provided between the upper member 4 and the lower member 5 of the protective member 2 and is secured at its ends, at each of the lateral ends of the lower edges 12 , 13 of the elements 4,5.

  The cord is inside the mask when the mask is not worn.

  According to another example shown in section in FIGS. 8 and 9, the fastening element 3 comprises a second bead whose two ends are secured respectively to an outer zone of the protective part 2, and each of the extreme lateral parts of a second protective strip 18 is respectively secured to a zone.

  The embodiments of the second protective strip 18 are equivalent to those described in relation to the first protective strip 10.

  According to FIG. 7, the first fastening strip 10 is provided along the upper element of the protection part 2 and is associated close to the edge 8 of the protection part, and does not extend beyond the protection part 2 to not interfere with the eyes of the wearer. The second attachment band 10 is provided along the lower edge 9 of the protection piece 2 so that the band in the deployed position covers the chin.

  According to FIG. 9, the protective strips 10, 18 are respectively provided along the lower and upper edges 9 of the protection part, so that each of the strips in the deployed position covers respectively the chin and the nose of the wearer.

  In particular, the protective strips 10, 18 extend the upper 4 and lower 5 elements of the protection part 2 so as to guarantee the absence of leakage over the entire periphery of the mask in contact with the wearer's face.

Claims (22)

  1. Respiratory protection mask (1) comprising a filter-porous protection piece (2) and a fastening element (3) secured to said piece so as to hold said piece in front of at least the nose and mouth of a carrier, the porous piece (2) being provided with discrete outer zones (6, 7) on which the fastening element (3) is secured, said mask being characterized in that it further comprises a protective strip (10). ) which is provided along at least a part of an edge (8, 9) of the protection part, the strip (10) being secured to the protection part (2) on the securing zones (6, 7) of the fastening element (3), said fastening element (3) being, in these areas, interposed between the protective part (2) and the protective strip (10) so that the strip (10) covers the fastening element (3).   2. Respiratory protection mask (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that the protective strip (10) is movable between a folded position along said edge (8,9) and an extended position where it extends beyond said edge (8,9) so as to extend the protective part (2), said fastening element (3) being positioned so as to allow the deployment of the protective strip (10) when using the element attachment (3).   3. Respiratory protection mask (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that the protective strip (10) is associated continuously along the protective part (2) near an edge (8,9) of said room.   4. Respiratory protection mask (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the length of the protective strip (10) is substantially equal to that of an edge (8,9).   5. Respiratory protection mask (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the length of the fastening element (3) is substantially equal to that of an edge (8,9) .   6. Respiratory protection mask (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the protective part (2) is formed of two elements, upper (4) and lower (5) respectively, which are associated with each other so that they can be applied respectively facing the nose and the chin of the wearer.   7. Respiratory mask (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that a malleable insert (11) is provided on the upper member (4) to fit around the nose of the wearer.   Respiratory protection mask (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the protective strip (10) is provided along the lower edge (13) of the lower member (5) so, in the deployed position , to be placed against the underside of the chin.   9. Respiratory protection mask (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the elements (4,5) are trapezoidal in shape, three sides of each trapezium being associated in pairs to form the part. protector (2), the large base of each trapezoid being free to form the upper (12) and lower (13) edges of said piece.   10. Respiratory protection mask (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the width of the protective strip (10) is less than 30% of the distance between the upper (8) and lower edges (9) of the protection part (2).   11. Respiratory mask (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the protective part (2) is formed of at least one layer of fibrous polymer material.   12. Respiratory protection mask (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the protective part (2) comprises the superposition of three layers: an outer layer (15) comprising a spunbond-type nonwoven polymer material, a intermediate layer (16) comprising a meltblown nonwoven polymer material, an inner layer (17) comprising a spunbond nonwoven polymer material.   Respiratory protection mask (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the protective strip (10) is formed of a fold of at least one inner layer (17) of the protective part (2). .   14. Respiratory mask (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the protective strip (10) is formed of an additional element which is secured to the protective part (2).   15. Respiratory mask (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the protective strip (10) is provided on either side of an edge (8,9) of the protective part (2).   16. Respiratory protection mask (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the protective strip (10) is associated continuously on the edge of the protective part (2).   17. Respiratory mask (1) according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the protective strip (10) is formed of at least one layer of fibrous polymer material.   18. Respiratory protection mask (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the fastening element (3) comprises a cord whose two ends are secured respectively to an outer area of the room protection, said mask comprising a protective strip (18) each of the end portions of which is respectively secured to a zone.   19. Respiratory mask (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that the fastening element (3) comprises a second bead whose two ends are secured to an inner area of the protective part (2).   20. Respiratory protection mask (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that the fastening element (3) comprises a second cord whose two ends are secured respectively to an outer zone of the protective part (2). , said mask comprising a second protective strip (18) each of the end portions of which is respectively secured to a zone.   21. Respiratory protection mask (1) according to claim 20, characterized in that the protective strips (10,18) are respectively provided along the lower (8) and upper (9) edges of the protective part.   22. Respiratory protection mask (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the fastening element (3) is flexible and resilient to be arranged around the head of the wearer.