FR3115660A1 - Self-decontaminating flexible plastic respiratory protection mask - Google Patents

Abstract

Self-decontaminating flexible plastic respiratory protection mask The subject of the invention is a respiratory protection mask characterized in that its shell (12) is made of at least one flexible plastic material comprising at least one biocidal additive, in particular bactericidal and virucidal , having a concentration which increases from the internal face (12.1) towards the external face (12.2) to obtain a self-decontaminating shell (12). According to another aspect, the respiratory protection mask comprises at least one filter (20) made from a felt in which copper particles or nanoparticles are dispersed. Picture 14

Description

Self-decontaminating flexible plastic respiratory protection mask

The present application relates to a self-decontaminating flexible plastic respiratory protection mask.

According to one embodiment, a respiratory protection mask comprises a semi-rigid shell with an opening allowing communication between the inside and the outside of the mask, a system for holding the mask on a person's face, a filter positioned at the opening of the shell as well as a cover to hold the filter at the level of the opening.

The filter allows air to pass through and retains droplets, particles and airborne pathogens. In operation, pathogens accumulate on the surface of the filter so that the filter must be changed regularly.

This type of mask makes it possible to limit the quantity of waste, only the filters being regularly changed, the shell and the lid being reused.

However, this type of mask is not fully satisfactory because, even if the shell and the cover can be reused, it is necessary to decontaminate them regularly. This decontamination operation is relatively long and must be carried out with great care.

According to another aspect, to be fully effective, this type of mask completely covers the nose, making its use almost impossible for people wearing glasses.

Finally, this type of mask usually generates significant breathing resistance.

The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art.

To this end, the subject of the invention is a respiratory protection mask comprising a shell, at least one opening passing through the shell, a system for holding the shell against a face of a person in operation, at least one filter positioned at the level of the opening as well as a cover configured to hold the filter at the level of the opening, the shell having an internal face oriented towards the face in operation and an external face opposite the internal face.

According to the invention, the shell is made of at least one flexible plastic material comprising at least one biocidal additive, in particular bactericidal and virucidal, having a concentration which increases from the internal face towards the external face. This solution makes it possible to obtain a self-decontaminating shell.

1. la concentration en additif biocide est quasiment nulle au niveau de la face interne et maximale au niveau de la face externe ;
2. la coque comprend plusieurs couches dont une première couche formant la face interne sans additif biocide et une deuxième couche formant la face externe en un matériau comprenant au moins un additif biocide ;
3. la deuxième couche est réalisée en élastomère thermoplastique, de préférence en polyuréthane thermoplastique ou en silicone liquide de type LSR, dans lequel sont dispersées des particules ou des nanoparticules de cuivre ;
4. la coque est en élastomère thermoplastique, de préférence en polyuréthane thermoplastique ou en silicone liquide de type LSR, et présente une épaisseur comprise entre 2 et 4 mm ainsi qu’un allongement compris entre 350 et 450 % ;
5. les première et deuxième couches sont obtenues par une technique d’injection bi-matière, la première couche étant réalisée avant la deuxième couche ;
6. la coque comprend une paroi avant, traversée par l’ouverture, présentant un bord périphérique, une jupe qui s’étend sur tout le bord périphérique de la paroi avant ainsi qu’une découpe nasale en V positionnée au niveau de la jupe qui présente deux bords latéraux formant un angle compris entre 30 et 40° ;
7. la jupe présente une épaisseur qui diminue progressivement en se rapprochant des bords latéraux de la découpe nasale en V ;
8. la jupe comprend au moins une lèvre recourbée vers la face interne de la coque, positionnée au niveau du bord périphérique de la jupe ;
9. la coque comprend deux pattes latérales prolongeant la jupe, comportant un système d’attache pour relier le système de maintien à la coque, chaque patte latérale comprenant une unique fente suivant un profil courbe et ayant une longueur adaptée pour permettre d’orienter le système de maintien de différentes manières ;
10. le système de maintien comprend deux parties, une première partie sous la forme d’une bande de matière élastique reliée à un premier côté de la jupe, une deuxième partie reliée à un deuxième côté de la jupe, les première et deuxième parties étant reliées entre elles par un fermoir magnétique ;
11. le filtre est réalisé à partir d’une feutrine dans laquelle sont dispersées des particules ou des nanoparticules de cuivre ;
12. le couvercle est réalisé en une matière plastique intégrant au moins un additif bactéricide et virucide.

According to other characteristics taken individually or in combination:

1. the concentration of biocide additive is almost zero at the level of the internal face and maximum at the level of the external face;
2. the shell comprises several layers including a first layer forming the internal face without biocidal additive and a second layer forming the external face made of a material comprising at least one biocidal additive;
3. the second layer is made of thermoplastic elastomer, preferably thermoplastic polyurethane or LSR-type liquid silicone, in which copper particles or nanoparticles are dispersed;
4. the shell is made of thermoplastic elastomer, preferably thermoplastic polyurethane or liquid silicone of the LSR type, and has a thickness of between 2 and 4 mm as well as an elongation of between 350 and 450%;
5. the first and second layers are obtained by a bi-material injection technique, the first layer being produced before the second layer;
6. the shell comprises a front wall, through which the opening passes, having a peripheral edge, a skirt which extends over the entire peripheral edge of the front wall as well as a V-shaped nose cutout positioned at the level of the skirt which has two side edges forming an angle of between 30 and 40°;
7. the skirt has a thickness which gradually decreases as it approaches the side edges of the V-shaped nose cutout;
8. the skirt comprises at least one lip curved towards the internal face of the shell, positioned at the level of the peripheral edge of the skirt;
9. the hull comprises two side tabs extending the skirt, comprising a fastening system for connecting the holding system to the hull, each side tab comprising a single slot following a curved profile and having a length adapted to allow the positioning system to be oriented maintenance in different ways;
10. the holding system comprises two parts, a first part in the form of a strip of elastic material connected to a first side of the skirt, a second part connected to a second side of the skirt, the first and second parts being connected between them by a magnetic clasp;
11. the filter is made from felt in which copper particles or nanoparticles are dispersed;
12. the cover is made of a plastic material incorporating at least one bactericidal and virucidal additive.

Other characteristics and advantages will emerge from the description of the invention which follows, description given by way of example only, with regard to the appended drawings, among which:

is a perspective view of a respiratory protection mask positioned on a person's face illustrating an embodiment of the invention,

is a perspective view of a shell of a respiratory protection mask illustrating an embodiment of the invention,

is a perspective view showing the interior of the hull visible on the ,

is a front view of the shell visible on the ,

is a top view of the shell visible on the ,

is a side view of the shell visible on the illustrating a first embodiment of the invention,

is a side view of the shell visible on the illustrating a second embodiment of the invention,

is a vertical section along line VIII-VIII of the ,

is a cross section along the line IX-IX of the ,

is a cross section along the line XX of the ,

is a front view of a lid of a respiratory protection mask illustrating an embodiment of the invention,

is a cross section along the line XII-XII of the ,

is a side view of a filter illustrating one embodiment of the invention, and

is a vertical section of the respirator mask visible on the .

As illustrated in Figures 1 and 14, a respiratory protection mask 10 comprises a shell 12 comprising at least one opening 14 passing through the shell 12, a system 16 for holding the shell 12 against a face 18 of a person, at least a filter 20 positioned at the level of the opening 14 as well as a lid 22 configured to hold the filter 20 at the level of the opening 14.

The shell 12 has an internal face 12.1 oriented towards the face 18 in operation as well as an external face 12.2 opposite the internal face 12.1. This shell 12 comprises a front wall 24 having an approximately circular peripheral edge 24.1 as well as a skirt 26 which extends over the entire peripheral edge 24.1 of the front wall 24. This skirt 26 has at least one peripheral edge 26.1 in contact with the face 18. The internal face 12.1 of the front wall 24 and of the skirt 26 forms a concave surface.

The front wall 24 is substantially planar. The opening 14 is positioned at the level of the front wall 24 and crosses it, approximately centered with respect to the peripheral edge 24.1. This opening 14 is circular. To give an order of magnitude, the opening 14 has a diameter of between 40 and 90 mm. Preferably, the opening 14 has a diameter of between 65 and 70 mm.

The shell 12 comprises a tubular extension 28, projecting from the internal face 12.1, which extends the opening 14 towards the face 18 in operation as well as a bottom 30, closing the tubular extension 28, largely perforated and offset from to the front wall 24. The tubular extension 28 has an inside diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the opening 14.

The tubular extension 28 and the bottom 30 form a housing 32 for the filter 20.

The bottom 30 comprises a mesh 31 of the honeycomb type. The invention is not limited to this form for the mesh. Whatever the embodiment, the bottom 30 is configured to retain the filter 20 while leaving a wide passage for the air.

The shell 12 has side tabs 34.1, 34.2 which extend the skirt 26 and are approximately diametrically opposed. These side tabs 34.1, 34.2 are configured to cover the cheeks of the wearer and extend in the direction of his ears when the respiratory protection mask 10 is positioned on the face 18.

These side tabs 34.1, 34.2 comprise an attachment system for connecting the retaining system 16 to the shell 12. According to one configuration, the retaining system 16 comprises at least one strip of elastic material 36. In parallel, each side tab 34.1 , 34.2 comprises at least one slot 38 allowing passage of the strip of elastic material 36.

According to a first embodiment visible on the , each slot 38 has a width equal to or slightly greater than the thickness of the strip of elastic material 36 and a length equal to or slightly greater than the width of the strip of elastic material 36. According to one configuration, each side tab 34.1, 34.2 comprises two slots 38, offset in the vertical direction, making it possible to connect the holding system 16 in two orientations, one making it possible to position the holding system 16 at the level of the top of the skull and the other at the level of the bottom of the skull .

According to a second embodiment, each side tab 34.1, 34.2 comprises a single slot 38 following a curved profile and having a length, significantly greater than the width of the strip of elastic material 36 of the holding system 16, adapted to allow orient the holding system 16 in different ways. Thus, when the strip of elastic material 36 is positioned at the level of the upper end 38.1 of the slot 38, the holding system 16 is placed at the level of the top of the skull whereas when it is positioned at the level of the end lower 38.2 of the slot 38, the holding system 16 is placed at the level of the bottom of the skull.

The shell 12 is made of flexible plastic material. According to one embodiment, the shell 12 is made of thermoplastic elastomer, of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), has a thickness (distance separating the inner and outer faces 12.1, 12.2) of between 2 and 4 mm and an elongation of between 350 and 450 %. This embodiment makes it possible to obtain a semi-rigid shell that is sufficiently flexible allowing it to conform to different face morphologies.

Of course, the invention is not limited to this thermoplastic elastomer. Thus, the shell 12 could be made of liquid silicone of the LSR type (for Liquid Silicone Rubber in English).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the shell 12 comprises several layers including a first layer 40 forming the internal face 12.1 in a material suitable for being in contact with the face, without biocide additive, and a second layer 42 forming the external face 12.2 in a material comprising at least one biocidal additive. According to one configuration, the shell 12 comprises only two layers 40, 42.

Thus, the first layer 40 has a thickness of between 1 and 2 mm. It is made of hypoallergenic material. According to one embodiment, the first layer 40 is made of thermoplastic elastomer, of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or of liquid silicone of the LSR type, for example.

The second layer 42 has a thickness of between 1 and 2 mm. It is made of plastic incorporating at least one biocidal additive, in particular bactericidal and virucidal. According to one configuration, the biocidal agent comprises particles or nanoparticles of copper. Of course, the invention is not limited to this type of biocidal additive, others may be suitable. By way of example, according to another embodiment, the biocidal additive is marketed under the name “AXCIDE LA 1209”.

According to one embodiment, the second layer 42 is made of thermoplastic elastomer, of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or of liquid silicone of the LSR type for example, in which are dispersed particles or nanoparticles of copper or any other biocidal additive.

According to one embodiment, the shell 12 is obtained by a bi-material injection technique, the first layer 40 being injected before the second layer 42. The bi-material injection technique makes it possible to guarantee strong cohesion between the first and second layers 40, 42, and allows complex shapes for the shell 12. The fact of making the second layer 42 after the first layer 40 makes it possible to avoid reducing the bactericidal and virucidal properties.

Of course, the invention is not limited to this configuration for the shell 12. Thus, the latter could be a single material, in thermoplastic elastomer, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or in liquid silicone of the LSR type for example; and include at least one biocidal additive, in particular bactericidal and virucidal, the concentration of biocidal additive increasing from the internal face 12.1 towards the external face 12.2, being almost zero at the level of the internal face 12.1 and maximum at the level of the external face 12.2 .

Whatever the embodiment, the shell 12 is made of at least one flexible plastic material, in particular of thermoplastic elastomer, comprising at least one biocidal additive, in particular bactericidal and virucidal, having a concentration which increases from the internal face 12.1 towards the external face 12.2, being almost zero at the internal face 12.1 and maximum at the external face 12.2. By way of example, the thermoplastic elastomer is thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or liquid silicone of the LSR type. The biocidal additive can be particles or nanoparticles of copper or a biocidal additive marketed under the name “AXCIDE LA 1209”.

The presence of at least one biocidal additive at the outer face 12.2 of the shell 12 gives it self-decontaminating properties.

According to another characteristic, the front wall 24 and the skirt 26 have a slight protuberance 44 configured to be positioned at the level of the nose 46 of the face 18 in operation. The protrusion 44 is dimensioned so that when the respiratory protection mask 10 is positioned on the face 18, the skirt 26 is halfway up the nose 46. Thus, the wearing of the respiratory protection mask is compatible with the wearing of eyeglasses.

According to another feature of the invention, the skirt 26 comprises, in particular at the protrusion 44, a V-shaped nasal cutout 48 having a rounded tip 48.1 and two side edges 48.2, 48.3. This V-shaped nasal cutout 48 makes it possible to match the flanks of the nose 46. According to one configuration, the side edges 48.2, 48.3 form an angle of between 30 and 40° to adapt to the morphology of different noses. So that the side edges 48.2, 48.3 and the rounded tip 48.1 are well pressed against the nose, the thickness of the skirt 26 gradually decreases as it approaches the side edges 48.2, 48.3 and possibly the rounded tip 48.1, as illustrated in the . The thickness of the skirt 26 is reduced by at least 20% at the side edges 48.2, 48.3 and possibly the rounded tip 48.1.

To reinforce the seal between the skirt 26 and the face 18, the skirt 26 comprises at least one lip 50 curved towards the internal face 12.1 of the shell 12, as illustrated in FIGS. 8, 9 and 14, positioned at the edge peripheral 26.1 of the skirt 26.

According to one configuration, the skirt 26 comprises a first lip 50 which extends over the peripheral edge 26.1 of the skirt 26, between the two side tabs 34.1, 34.2, opposite the V-shaped nasal cutout 48. This first lip 50 is configured to cooperate with the chin of the person in operation.

The skirt 26 comprises second and third lips 50′, 50″, on either side of the V-shaped nose cutout 48, between the latter and each side tab 34.1, 34.2. These second and third lips 50', 50'' are configured to cooperate with the cheekbones of the person in operation.

The presence of these lips 50, 50', 50'' makes it possible to reinforce the seal between the skirt 26 and the face 18 and to keep the front wall 24 separated from the face 18.

According to one configuration, for each lip 50, 50', 50'', the peripheral edge 26.1 of the skirt 26 is curved so as to form a C. At the portions of the lips 50, 50', 50'' capable of be in contact with the face 18, the skirt 26 does not include a second layer 42 so that the bactericidal and virucidal material does not come into contact with the face 18, as illustrated in the .

According to one embodiment, the holding system 16 comprises a single strip of elastic material 36 connecting the two side tabs 34.1, 34.2. According to another embodiment, the holding system 16 comprises two parts, a first part in the form of a strip of elastic material connected to a first side of the skirt 26, more particularly to the first lateral tab 34.1, and a second part connected to a second side of the skirt 26, more particularly to the second side tab 34.2; the first and second parts being interconnected by a magnetic clasp, in the form of two magnetic pads, the first and second pads secured respectively to the first and second parts of the holding system.

Of course, the invention is not limited to these embodiments for the holding system 16 and the fastening systems.

According to one embodiment, the cover 22 comprises a body 52, in the form of a disc, through which passes a passage 54 which has a mesh 56 to allow air to pass and retain the filter 20. The cover 22 comprises a system to secure it to the shell 12. According to one configuration, the cover 22 comprises a tubular extension 58, at its face facing the shell 12, which has an outside diameter substantially equal to the inside diameter of the tubular extension 28 of the shell 12 , the outer face 58.1 of the tubular extension 58 of the cover 22 comprising a thread adapted to an internal thread provided at the level of the inner face 28.1 of the tubular extension 28 of the shell 12. Thus, the cover 22 is screwed onto the shell 12. According to a configuration, the peripheral edge of the body 52 has several flats 60 to facilitate the screwing of the cover 22.

Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for removably attaching the cover 22 to the shell 12. Other solutions could be envisaged.

The mesh 56 of the cover 22 may be identical to that provided at the level of the bottom 30 of the shell.

According to one embodiment, the lid 22 is made of a plastic material comprising at least one biocidal additive, in particular bactericidal and virucidal. According to one embodiment, the cover 22 is made of thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or liquid silicone of the LSR type for example, comprising at least one biocidal additive, such as particles or nanoparticles of copper or a commercial biocidal additive under the name “AXCIDE LA 1209” for example.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the filter 20 is made from a fibrous material having biocidal properties. According to one embodiment, the filter 20 is made from a felt in which copper particles or nanoparticles are dispersed. By way of example, the filter 20 is cut from a strip of material marketed under the name “HYGIAFELT”. This type of material can be reused several times, by soaking the filter 20 for a period of the order of a few minutes in boiling water between two uses or before the first use. According to another advantage, this material offers low breathing resistance. According to another aspect, by breathing, the person equipped with a respiratory protection mask integrating such a filter 20 decontaminates the surrounding air by capturing the pathogenic agents on the filter 20.

This filter 20 has a thickness of the order of 3 mm and a diameter equal to or slightly less than that of the housing 32. For information, the tubular extension 58 of the cover 22 and the filter 20 have the same diameter, of the order 65mm.

1. il peut s’adapter à différentes morphologies de visage grâce à sa souplesse ;
2. il permet d’obtenir une protection optimale contre les agents pathogènes grâce à son étanchéité optimale avec le visage ;
3. il est auto-décontaminant, la face externe 12.2 de la coque 12 et le filtre 20 étant en matériau biocide ;
4. il limite la quantité de déchets produits, le filtre 20 pouvant être réutilisé ;
5. il peut être utilisé par les personnes portant des lunettes en empêchant la formation de buée ;
6. il peut être mis aisément grâce à son système de maintien avec un fermoir magnétique.

The respiratory protection mask 10 has the following advantages:

1. it can adapt to different facial morphologies thanks to its flexibility;
2. it provides optimal protection against pathogens thanks to its optimal seal with the face;
3. it is self-decontaminating, the outer face 12.2 of the shell 12 and the filter 20 being made of biocidal material;
4. it limits the quantity of waste produced, the filter 20 being able to be reused;
5. it can be used by people wearing glasses by preventing fogging;
6. it can be put on easily thanks to its holding system with a magnetic clasp.

Claims (13)

Respiratory protection mask comprising a shell (12), at least one opening (14) passing through the shell (12), a system for holding (16) the shell (12) against a face (18) of a person in operation , at least one filter (20) positioned at the level of the opening (14) as well as a cover (22) configured to hold the filter (20) at the level of the opening (14), the shell (12) having an internal face (12.1) oriented towards the face (18) in operation and an external face (12.2) opposite the internal face (12.1), characterized in that the shell (12) is made of at least one flexible plastic material comprising at least one biocidal additive, in particular bactericidal and virucidal, having a concentration which increases from the internal face (12.1) towards the external face (12.2). Respiratory protection mask according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the concentration of biocide additive is practically zero at the level of the internal face (12.1) and maximum at the level of the external face (12.2). Respiratory protection mask according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the shell (12) comprises several layers including a first layer (40) forming the internal face (12.1) without biocidal additive and a second layer (42) forming the external face ( 12.2) in a material comprising at least one biocidal additive. Respiratory protection mask according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the second layer (42) is made of thermoplastic elastomer, preferably thermoplastic polyurethane or LSR type liquid silicone, in which copper particles or nanoparticles are dispersed. Respiratory protection mask according to Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the shell (12) is made of thermoplastic elastomer, preferably of thermoplastic polyurethane or liquid silicone of the LSR type, and has a thickness of between 2 and 4 mm as well as an elongation of between 350 and 450%. Respiratory protection mask according to one of Claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the first and second layers (40, 42) are obtained by a bi-material injection technique, the first layer (40) being produced before the second layer (42). Respiratory protection mask according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shell (12) comprises a front wall (24), through which the opening (14) passes, having a peripheral edge (24.1), a skirt (26 ) which extends over the entire peripheral edge (24.1) of the front wall (24) as well as a V-shaped nose cutout (48) positioned at the level of the skirt (26) which has two side edges (48.2, 48.3) forming an angle between 30 and 40°. Respiratory protection mask according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the skirt (26) has a thickness which gradually decreases as it approaches the side edges (48.2, 48.3) of the V-shaped nasal cutout (48). Respiratory protection mask according to one of Claims 7 to 8, characterized in that the skirt (26) comprises at least one lip (50) curved towards the internal face (12.1) of the shell (12), positioned at the level of the peripheral edge (26.1) of the skirt (26). Respiratory protection mask according to one of Claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the shell (12) comprises two lateral tabs (34.1, 34.2) extending the skirt (26), comprising a fastening system for connecting the support (16) to the shell (12), each lateral leg (34.1, 34.2) comprising a single slot (38) following a curved profile and having a length adapted to allow the support system (16) to be oriented in different ways . Respiratory protection mask according to one of Claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the holding system (16) comprises two parts, a first part in the form of a strip of elastic material connected to a first side of the skirt (26) and a second part connected to a second side of the skirt (26), the first and second parts being connected together by a magnetic clasp. Respiratory protection mask according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter (20) is made from a felt in which copper particles or nanoparticles are dispersed. Respiratory protection mask according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (22) is made of a plastic material integrating at least one bactericidal and virucidal additive.