FR3111523A1 - RESPIRATORY MASK, PIECE OF TEXTILE INTENDED TO FORM SUCH A MASK AND PROCESS FOR SHAPING SUCH A PIECE OF TEXTILE - Google Patents

Abstract

TITLE: RESPIRATORY MASK, PART OF TEXTILE INTENDED TO FORM SUCH A MASK AND METHOD FOR SHAPING SUCH A PART OF TEXTILE The present invention relates to a respiratory mask, formed of a piece of textile (1), which has, in an unfolded configuration, a substantially symmetrical shape with respect to an axis (10) and a lateral edge (13, 14), on each side of this axis (10). According to the invention, the piece of textile (1) has two openings (21, 22) close to the side edges (13, 14) able to allow the passage of an ear. According to the invention, the piece of textile (1) has, near each of the side edges (13, 14), at least one passage hole (23 to 28) able to allow the passage of the strip of textile, allowing to shape the piece of textile (1) to form the respiratory mask (9). The invention also relates to a piece of textile (1) making it possible to form such a mask and to a method for shaping such a piece of textile (1). Figure for abstract: Figure 1 FIGURES

Description

RESPIRATORY MASK, PIECE OF TEXTILE INTENDED TO FORM SUCH A MASK AND METHOD FOR SHAPING SUCH A PIECE OF TEXTILE

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a respiratory mask, making it possible to carry out a filtration of the air breathed in by a person.

It also relates to a piece of textile capable of being shaped to constitute such a respiratory mask.

The invention also relates to a process for shaping such a piece of textile, to constitute such a respiratory mask.

Prior art

Respiratory masks are used to avoid absorbing, while breathing, particles present in the air such as dust, fibers, pollen, or droplets of saliva which may contain pathogens such as micro-organisms and in especially viruses. Such respiratory masks can also be worn by sick people, to prevent them from dispersing around them droplets or microdroplets of saliva that may contain pathogens.

In times of epidemics, there is a great demand for such respiratory masks, which must be produced quickly in large quantities.

To perform effective filtration, these respiratory masks must generally have several layers of filtering textile materials. They must also be properly fitted to the face of the persons wearing them, and held in position, most often by elastic ties passing behind the ears or on the back of the person's head.

The manufacture of such a respiratory mask therefore requires several manufacturing steps, in particular for the assembly of the various textile layers and for the attachment of the elastic ties. These manufacturing steps make the manufacture of masks relatively expensive and limit production rates.

There is therefore a need for respiratory masks that can be manufactured more easily than the masks of the prior art, in particular with fewer manufacturing steps.

Objectives of the invention

The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks of the prior art.

In particular, the present invention aims to provide a respiratory mask that can be manufactured according to a simpler and less expensive process than the respiratory masks of the prior art.

Its objective is thus to provide such a respiratory mask that can be produced much more quickly than the masks of the prior art, and the production of which does not require the availability of various accessories. A particular objective is to provide such a respiratory mask which can be mass-produced, at a competitive price, including in regions where labor costs are high.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a breathing mask exhibiting good adaptation to the face of the persons wearing it and high filtration efficiency.

The aim of the invention is thus to provide a respiratory mask that sticks perfectly to the face of the user, without leaving any opening, with a flexibility avoiding any discomfort for the user. A particular objective is to provide such a breathing mask which offers high filtration efficiency while avoiding the concentration of fogging inside the mask, which is unpleasant for the user.

Another particular objective of the invention, according to at least some of its embodiments, is to provide such a respiratory mask which can be washed easily and efficiently in order to be reused several times, and in particular which can be sterilized efficiently and quickly.

Another object of the invention is to provide a piece of textile capable of being shaped to constitute such a respiratory mask.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a method for shaping such a textile part making it possible to obtain such a respiratory mask.

The object of the invention is in particular to provide such a method which makes it possible to obtain an effective respiratory mask, which is simpler and less expensive than the masks obtained by the known manufacturing methods.

These objectives, as well as others which will appear more clearly subsequently, are achieved with the aid of a respiratory mask, formed of a shaped piece of textile, this piece of textile presenting, when it is in a unfolded configuration, a substantially symmetrical shape with respect to an axis of symmetry, and, on each side of this axis of symmetry, a lateral edge remote from this axis of symmetry, in which, according to the invention, the piece of textile has two openings each suitable for allowing the passage of an ear, each of these openings being located close to one of the side edges, so as to form a strip of textile between this opening and the side edge, and in which the piece of textile has, close to each of its lateral edges, at least one passage hole able to allow the passage of this textile strip, the passage of each of the textile strips in the passage hole, or in at least one of the holes of passage, located near ity of the same lateral edge, making it possible to shape the piece of textile to form the respiratory mask.

The respiratory mask according to the invention is thus formed by a single piece of textile, on which no accessory and no sewing are necessary. It can however be shaped very effectively, due to the passage of the strips of textile in the passage holes, and form a respiratory mask having a complex shape making it particularly well suited to its use.

According to a preferred embodiment, the piece of textile has at least three passage holes able to allow the passage of the strip of textile, close to each of the side edges.

The respiratory mask can thus adopt a complex shape in which several layers of textile are superimposed.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the piece of textile is in the form of an isosceles trapezium, each of the openings capable of allowing the passage of an ear being located close to one of the angles of this trapezium which are the most away from the axis of symmetry.

Such a shape of the piece of textile is well suited to the manufacture of a mask, and makes it possible to limit textile scraps.

In this embodiment, advantageously, at least one of the passage holes is located close to one of the corners of the trapezium which are closest to the axis of symmetry, on each side of this axis of symmetry.

Preferably, the passage holes are located between 7 cm and 12 cm from the axis of symmetry.

When the respiratory mask is worn, the passage holes are thus not located in front of the user's mouth, and can easily be crossed by the strip of textile passing around the user's ears.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the textile piece is composed of a pile obtained by emerizing a run-resistant knit with a terry cloth.

Such a fabric, resistant to washing and abrasion, makes it possible to obtain the filtration characteristics suitable for the manufacture of the mask.

This textile piece preferably has a weight of between 160 g/m² and 250 g/m².

Such a weight corresponds to a quality of fabric particularly suited to the filtration of respiration.

The invention also relates to a piece of textile capable of being shaped to form a respiratory mask, this piece of textile having, when it is in an unfolded configuration, a substantially symmetrical shape with respect to an axis of symmetry, and, each side of this axis of symmetry, a lateral edge remote from this axis of symmetry, in which, according to the invention, the piece of textile has two openings each suitable for allowing the passage of an ear, each of these openings being located close to one of the lateral edges, so as to form a strip of textile between this opening and the lateral edge, and in which the piece of textile has, close to each of its lateral edges, at least one passage hole able to allow the passage of this strip of textile, the passage of each of the strips of textiles in the passage hole, or in at least one of the passage holes, located close to the same lateral edge, making it possible to shape the piece of textile to form the breathing mask.

This piece of textile can, of course, have the different characteristics presented above in relation to the breathing mask. Such a piece of textile is particularly easy to produce, by simply cutting textile material, which makes it very inexpensive to manufacture.

The invention also relates to a process for shaping such a piece of textile, to form a respiratory mask as described above, this process comprising at least one step of passing each of the textile strips through the passage hole , or in at least one of the passage holes, located close to the same side edge.

Such a formatting process can very easily be implemented by the end user. The supplier of the respiratory mask therefore does not have to carry out this step and can supply the textile pieces flat, in a configuration occupying a minimum volume.

List of Figures

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of preferred embodiments, given by way of a simple figurative and non-limiting example, and accompanied by the figures among which:
FIG. 1 represents a piece of textile capable of forming a respiratory mask according to one embodiment of the invention, unfolded and placed flat.
FIG. 2 represents the piece of textile of FIG. 1 in perspective, with schematic indications of the shaping steps so that it constitutes a respiratory mask.
FIG. 3 represents the piece of textile of FIG. 1 after a first shaping step.
FIG. 4 represents the piece of textile of FIG. 3 after a second shaping step.
FIG. 5 represents the piece of textile of FIG. 4 after a third shaping step.
FIG. 6 represents the respiratory mask constituted by the shaping of the piece of textile of FIGS. 1 to 5, worn by a user.
Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention

FIG. 1 represents a piece of textile capable of forming a respiratory mask according to one embodiment of the invention, unfolded and placed flat. As shown in this figure, this piece of textile is simply cut out, without any sewing or making-up step being carried out therein.
Characteristics of the fabric used

This piece of textile 1 consists, in the embodiment shown, of an elastic fabric, preferably having an elasticity greater than 15%.

This fabric is preferably a fabric that does not fray, so that it is not necessary to hem or overcast its edges. Thus, in the embodiment shown, the fabric used is a run-resistant knit with a loop that can form a pile by emerising. Such velvet is very resistant to washing and does not fall apart. It is also very resistant to friction and abrasion.

Finally, this fabric preferably has great filtration capacities, while being breathable, to allow water vapor to pass through and prevent fogging in the mask. For this, in the embodiment shown, this fabric is made of a run-resistant knit, with loops formed by knitting and emerized with emery cloths. This fabric has a relatively tight mesh and a relatively large thickness given by the velvet, which allow the respiratory mask to obtain effective filtration: greater than or equal to 94%, within the meaning of standard EN 149: 2001.

In the embodiment shown, the looped knit used to make the piece of textile 1 can be formed, for example, of polyester, of a mixture of polyester and cotton, of a mixture of acrylic and flame-retardant cotton, of aramid, or flame retardant viscose, or any other suitable textile material known to those skilled in the art.
Shape of the unfolded textile piece

In its unfolded, flat configuration, the piece of textile 1 intended to form a respiratory mask has a substantially symmetrical shape with respect to an axis of symmetry 10. By “substantially symmetrical”, it is understood in the present description that the main shapes of this piece of textile 1 are symmetrical, although minor features may be non-symmetrical.

More specifically, in the embodiment shown, the shape of the piece of textile 1 intended to form the respiratory mask 9 is part of an isosceles trapezium, shown in dotted lines in FIG. 1. In other embodiments, the piece of textile can have different shapes. However, in each of the embodiments, this piece of textile has two side edges 13 and 14, relatively far from this axis of symmetry 10. In most embodiments, these side edges 13 and 14 are thus far from the axis of symmetry with a distance between 7 cm and 15 cm.
Openings intended to let the passage of the ears

According to the invention, the piece of textile 1 intended to form the respiratory mask 9 is pierced by openings 21 and 22, which are intended to allow the passage of the ears of the person wearing the respiratory mask 9. These openings 21 and 22 have therefore dimensions sufficient to allow the passage of an ear, at least when the textile which surrounds them is stretched. They can for example be circular in shape, with a diameter of at least 4 cm. These openings 21 and 22 are placed at a short distance from the side edges 13 and 14 of the piece of textile 1, so as to form strips of textile forming loops, respectively 11 and 12, between the edges of the piece of textile 1 and the respective edges of openings 21 and 22.

Each of these loops 11 and 12 is therefore constituted by a strip of textile, the width of which is chosen, depending on the characteristics of the textile used, so that the loops 11 and 12 have an elasticity and a solidity suitable for use as a tie. fixing the breathing mask 9 on the wearer's ears. In the preferred embodiments, these textile strips forming the loops 11 and 12 have, when the piece of textile 1 is laid flat, a width of between 3 mm and 20 mm, and preferably between 5 mm and 15mm.
Passage holes

The piece of textile 1 intended to form the respiratory mask 9 also has passage holes, near the side edges 13 and 14. Thus, near the side edge 13 near which the loop 11 is formed, the piece of textile 1 has a first passage hole 23, a second passage hole 25 and a third passage hole 27. This third passage hole 27 is located, on the piece of textile 1, close to the end of the lateral edge 13 which corresponds to the angle of the trapezium in which the respiratory mask 9 fits which is closest to the axis of symmetry 10.

In the same way, near the side edge 14 near which the loop 12 is formed, the piece of textile 1 has a first through hole 24, a second through hole 26 and a third through hole 28. This third through hole passage 28 is located, on the piece of textile 1, close to the end of the lateral edge 14 which corresponds to the angle of the trapezoid in which the respiratory mask 9 fits which is closest to the axis of symmetry 10.

Each of the passage holes 23 to 28 is preferably located at a distance between 3 mm and 20 mm, and preferably between 5 mm and 15 mm, from the side edge 13 or 14 to which it is close. Also preferably, each of these passage holes is located at a distance from the axis of symmetry 10 which is between 7 cm and 15 cm.
Folding the mask

FIG. 2 represents the piece of textile 1 of FIG. 1 in perspective, with arrows schematically indicating shaping steps allowing it to pass from its unfolded, flat configuration, represented by FIG. 1, to a folded configuration in which it forms a respiratory mask 9. These shaping steps are to be carried out by the user himself, just before using the respiratory mask 9.

A first shaping step is represented by the arrows 31, in FIGS. 2 and 3. During this first step, the user passes each of the loops, respectively 11 and 12, through the first passage hole, respectively 23 and 24, located near the same side edge, respectively 13 and 14.

FIG. 3 represents the piece of textile 1, in dotted lines in its unfolded configuration, and in solid lines in its configuration after this first shaping step. It should be noted that the face of the piece of textile 1 visible in Figure 3 is the opposite face to that which is visible in Figure 2.

During a second shaping step, represented schematically by the arrows 32 in FIGS. 2 and 4, the user passes each of the loops, respectively 11 and 12, through the second passage hole, respectively 25 and 26 , located near the same side edge, respectively 13 and 14.

FIG. 4 schematically represents, in solid lines, the piece of textile 1 at the end of this second shaping step. It should be noted that the face of the piece of textile 1 visible in Figure 4 is the same as that which is visible in Figure 3.

During a third shaping step, represented schematically by the arrows 33 and 34 in FIGS. 2 and 4, the user passes each of the loops, respectively 11 and 12, through the third passage hole, respectively 27 and 28, located near the same side edge, respectively 13 and 14.

FIG. 5 represents, schematically, in solid lines, the piece of textile 1 at the end of this third shaping step. It should be noted that the face of the piece of textile 1, visible in figure 5, is the same as that which is visible in figure 3.

In the embodiment shown, the piece of textile 1 has six passage holes 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, i.e. three passage holes close to each of its side edges 13 and 14. If this mode of embodiment is particularly advantageous, it should be noted that the number of these passage holes may be different, in other embodiments.
Use of the mask

At the end of this third shaping step, the piece of textile 1 forms the respiratory mask 9, which is ready to be used by the user. The latter, by pulling on the loops 11 and 12, can give the respiratory mask 9 the most appropriate conformation, before passing the loops 11 and 12 around his ears and placing the respiratory mask 9 correctly, so that it covers the bridge of his nose to its root and extends under his chin.

Although the respiratory mask 9 consists of a single cut piece of textile 1, it has the same advantages as a mask of the prior art consisting of several elements assembled together. Thus, the fact that each of the loops 11 and 12 of the respiratory mask 9 pass through at least one through hole, and preferably through several through holes, located close to the same lateral side of the piece of textile 1, allows the respiratory mask 9 has folds of fabric allowing it to have a conformation of variable width that can adapt to the shape of the face. The respiratory mask 9, advantageously, sticks perfectly to the user's face, with no opening allowing breath to pass through without filtering it. In addition, it has great flexibility, allowing it to fit the shape of the face to make the respiratory mask pleasant to use with maximum protection. This breathing mask can thus be worn all day long without disturbing the user. In particular, and unlike many models of respiratory masks, it does not interfere with the user when speaking.

This configuration also allows the respiratory mask to have, at least locally, several layers of textile. It can thus have very good filtration characteristics, offering good protection to the person wearing the respiratory mask and to those around him.

When it is not shaped like a mask, the piece of fabric 1 is a simple single-layer piece of fabric, with no accessories. It can easily be washed, and even sterilized. Indeed, the fabrics used preferably withstand temperatures of around 130°C, and the single-layer configuration facilitates sterilization.

Such a piece of single-layer fabric can easily be treated, for example by anti-bacteria treatments or flame-retardant treatments. It can also be personalized, or decorated, for example to match the dress codes of a particular professional field. This piece of fabric being made of a single recyclable textile material, it is possible to recycle it without difficulty, without having to separate the accessories.
Furthermore, the manufacture of this piece of fabric generates very little fabric, the scraps of fabric can easily be reused, for example in the form of make-up remover discs.

Claims (9)

Breathing mask (9), formed from a shaped piece of textile (1), said piece of textile (1) having, when it is in an unfolded configuration, a substantially symmetrical shape with respect to an axis of symmetry (10 ), and, on each side of this axis of symmetry (10), a lateral edge (13, 14) remote from this axis of symmetry (10), characterized in that the said piece of textile (1) has two openings (21 , 22) each capable of leaving the passage of an ear, each of said openings (21, 22) being located close to one of said lateral edges (13, 14), so as to form a strip of textile between said opening (21, 22) and said lateral edge (13, 14), and in that said piece of textile (1) has, close to each of said lateral edges (13, 14), at least one passage hole (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28) adapted to allow the passage of said textile strip, said passage of each of said textile strips in the passage hole (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28), or in at least one of the passage holes (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28), located close to the same lateral edge (13, 14), making it possible to shape said piece of textile (1) to form said breathing mask (9). Breathing mask (9) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said piece of textile (1) has at least three passage holes (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28) able to allow passage of said band of textile, close to each of said side edges (13, 14). Respiratory mask (9) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said piece of textile (1) is in the form of an isosceles trapezium, each of the said openings (21, 22) capable of allowing the passage of an ear being located close to one of the corners of this trapezium which are furthest from said axis of symmetry (10). Respiratory mask (9) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, on each side of the said axis of symmetry (10), at least one of the said passage holes (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28) is located near one of the angles of said trapezium which are closest to said axis of symmetry (10). Respiratory mask (9) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said holes (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28) capable of allowing the passage of the said strips are located between 7 cm and 12 cm from the said axis of symmetry (10). Respiratory mask (9) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said textile piece (1) is composed of a pile obtained by emerizing a run-resistant knit with a terry cloth. Breathing mask (9) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said textile piece (1) has a weight of between 160 g/m² and 250 g/m². Textile piece (1) capable of being shaped to form a respiratory mask (9), said textile piece (1) having, when it is in an unfolded configuration, a substantially symmetrical shape with respect to an axis of symmetry ( 10), and, on each side of this axis of symmetry (10), a lateral edge (13, 14) remote from this axis of symmetry (10), characterized in that the said piece of textile (1) has two openings ( 21, 22) each capable of leaving the passage of an ear, each of said openings (21, 22) being located close to one of said lateral edges (13, 14), so as to form a strip of textile between said opening (21, 22) and said lateral edge (13, 14), and in that said piece of textile (1) has, close to each of said lateral edges (13, 14), at least one passage hole (23 , 24, 25, 26, 27, 28) adapted to allow passage of said strip of textile, said passage of each of said strips of textile into the passage hole (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28), or in at least one of the passage holes (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28), located close to the same lateral edge (13, 14), making it possible to shape said piece of textile (1) to form said respiratory mask. Process for shaping a piece of textile (1) according to the preceding claim, to form a mask according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one step of passing each of the said textile strips in the passage hole (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28), or in at least one of the passage holes (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28), located close to the same lateral edge ( 13, 14).