GB2577910A - Mouth seal assembly - Google Patents

Mouth seal assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2577910A
GB2577910A GB1816509.2A GB201816509A GB2577910A GB 2577910 A GB2577910 A GB 2577910A GB 201816509 A GB201816509 A GB 201816509A GB 2577910 A GB2577910 A GB 2577910A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
seal assembly
mask
contacting portion
mouth seal
mouth
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB1816509.2A
Other versions
GB201816509D0 (en
GB2577910B (en
Inventor
Meadwell James
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Newviz Ltd
Original Assignee
Newviz Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Newviz Ltd filed Critical Newviz Ltd
Priority to GB1816509.2A priority Critical patent/GB2577910B/en
Publication of GB201816509D0 publication Critical patent/GB201816509D0/en
Publication of GB2577910A publication Critical patent/GB2577910A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2577910B publication Critical patent/GB2577910B/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A41—WEARING APPAREL
    • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
    • A41D13/00—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches
    • A41D13/05—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches protecting only a particular body part
    • A41D13/11—Protective face masks, e.g. for surgical use, or for use in foul atmospheres
    • A41D13/1107—Protective face masks, e.g. for surgical use, or for use in foul atmospheres characterised by their shape
    • A41D13/1138—Protective face masks, e.g. for surgical use, or for use in foul atmospheres characterised by their shape with a cup configuration
    • A41D13/1146—Protective face masks, e.g. for surgical use, or for use in foul atmospheres characterised by their shape with a cup configuration obtained by moulding
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B9/00—Component parts for respiratory or breathing apparatus
    • A62B9/06—Mouthpieces; Nose-clips
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A41—WEARING APPAREL
    • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
    • A41D13/00—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches
    • A41D13/05—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches protecting only a particular body part
    • A41D13/11—Protective face masks, e.g. for surgical use, or for use in foul atmospheres
    • A41D13/1161—Means for fastening to the user's head
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A41—WEARING APPAREL
    • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
    • A41D13/00—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches
    • A41D13/05—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches protecting only a particular body part
    • A41D13/11—Protective face masks, e.g. for surgical use, or for use in foul atmospheres
    • A41D13/1161—Means for fastening to the user's head
    • A41D13/1169—Means for fastening to the user's head using adhesive
    • A41D13/1176—Means for fastening to the user's head using adhesive forming a complete seal at the edges of the mask
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
    • A61M16/06—Respiratory or anaesthetic masks
    • A61M16/0605—Means for improving the adaptation of the mask to the patient
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B18/00—Breathing masks or helmets, e.g. affording protection against chemical agents or for use at high altitudes or incorporating a pump or compressor for reducing the inhalation effort
    • A62B18/02—Masks
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B18/00—Breathing masks or helmets, e.g. affording protection against chemical agents or for use at high altitudes or incorporating a pump or compressor for reducing the inhalation effort
    • A62B18/02—Masks
    • A62B18/025—Halfmasks
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B18/00—Breathing masks or helmets, e.g. affording protection against chemical agents or for use at high altitudes or incorporating a pump or compressor for reducing the inhalation effort
    • A62B18/08—Component parts for gas-masks or gas-helmets, e.g. windows, straps, speech transmitters, signal-devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B18/00—Breathing masks or helmets, e.g. affording protection against chemical agents or for use at high altitudes or incorporating a pump or compressor for reducing the inhalation effort
    • A62B18/08—Component parts for gas-masks or gas-helmets, e.g. windows, straps, speech transmitters, signal-devices
    • A62B18/084—Means for fastening gas-masks to heads or helmets
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B23/00—Filters for breathing-protection purposes
    • A62B23/02—Filters for breathing-protection purposes for respirators
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2210/00—Anatomical parts of the body
    • A61M2210/06—Head
    • A61M2210/0625—Mouth

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Pulmonology (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Hematology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Anesthesiology (AREA)
  • Emergency Medicine (AREA)
  • Respiratory Apparatuses And Protective Means (AREA)

Abstract

A mouth seal assembly 1 for a PPE mask 10 comprises a central lip contacting portion 2 having an airway passage 3 formed there through, an outer rib 5 formed around the central lip contacting portion and a channel 3 formed between the outer rib and the lip contacting portion; immediately adjacent an outer edge of the lip contacting portion. The lip contacting portion is more malleable than the outer rib and in use, conforms to a user’s lips to provide a seal. A PPE mask including the seal assembly may also comprise an integral nose clip (14, Fig 3) or a respiratory protection system may comprise of the mask and a separate nose clip (21, Fig 4).

Description

TITLE
Mouth Seal Assembly
DESCRIPTION
Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a mouth seal assembly for a personal protection equipment (PPE) mask for respiratory protection.
Background
11:1 PPE masks are commonly used for respiratory protection in hazardous environments.
For example PPE masks may be used to prevent a user from inhaling dust, asbestos, or other environmental particulates. Typically a PPE mask consists of a mask portion that fits over a users face, one or more air passages formed through the mask, a filter formed within the air passage(s), and a band for pressing the mask against the users face.
In order to function properly it is important that a user can only breathe through the filtered air passage(s) of the PPE mask. In order to achieve this the mask portion must seal closely against the skin of a users face. In addition either the mask portion must cover both the users mouth and nose or, if the mask portion only covers a users nose, the users nose must be sealed using a suitable alternative means such as a nose clip.
For most users it is possible to form a reliable seal between a mask portion and the skin of a users face. This can be generally achieved by forming the mask from a suitable el astomer, such as silicone. Alternatively, this can be general ly achieved by a forming a sealing member around the outer edge of the mask portion. However, there has been found to be an issue in forming a reliable seal if a user has facial hair. T here is no reliable way to form an airtight seal between the mask portion of a conventional PPE mask and a users face if facial hair is present T his can cause significant difficulties for facially hirsute users. It can require such users to have PPE masks that press excessively tightly against the face. In extreme cases, such as for users with very thick beards, it may not be possible to form a reliable seal with any PPE mask, no matter how tightly it is held against the face. -2 -
In light of the above, there is a need for a PPE mask that can form a reliable seal for facially hirsute users without the need to press the mask against the face of the user. Preferably any such mask should be simple, comfortable and reliable to use, no matter how hairy the user's face is.
US 2009/114229 Al discloses a mouth seal assembly for use with a nasal mask system. The mouth seal assembly engages di rectly with the lips of a user and form a seals with the lips of the user. The mouth seal assembly is biased against the users lips by means of a spring arrangement Generally, the mouth seal assembly is sealed and acts to prevent a user from breathing through their mouth. However, the assembly can include an anti-asphyxia valve to provide an air passage in circumstances where it is necessary to do so. In particular, the anti-asphyxia valve will allow a user to breathe through the passage when the pressure on the valve exceeds a threshold value. The mouth seal assembly is intended to be used with a nasal mask and is intended to prevent the user breathing through their mouth in anything other than an emergency situation. The mouth seal is best seen in Figure 10 and consists of a substantially flat and flexible piece having a central anti-asphyxia valve formed therethrough. The mouth seal does not specifically conform to the users lips.
Summary of Invention
The present invention provides a mouth seal assembly for a PPE mask, the assembly comprising: a central lip contacting portion having an airway passage formed therethrough; an outer rib formed around the central lip contacting portion; and a channel formed between the outer rib and the lip contacting portion immediately adjacent an outer edge of the lip contacting portion; wherein: the lip contacting portion is relatively more malleable than the outer rib and is sized and shaped to conform to a users I i ps.
The present invention is advantageous in that it provides a mouth seal assembly that is suitable for use with a PPE mask and acts to provide a reliable seal between a users -3 -lips and the mouth seal assembly. The user can then breather through their mouth by means of the air passage formed through the assembly. T his is of particular use in situations where it is not possible to form a reliable seal between a users face and a seal assembly. For example, the mouth seal assembly of the present invention is particularly suitable for and advantageous for use in a PPE mask and will provide a real iable seal regardless of whether the user has facial hair or not.
It is the specific construction of the mouth seal assembly of the present invention that provides the reliable seal between the users lips and the assembly. In particular, the assembly comprises a central lip contacting portion that is sized and shaped to conform to a users lips, this is immediately surrounded by a channel, which in turn is surrounded by an outer rib. In use, a users lips are in contact with the central lip contacting portion and a seal is formed therebetween. The channel surrounding the lip contacting portion acts to partially envelope a users lips should they open their mouth beyond the outer edge of the lip contacting portion. The channel thereby prevents a user from opening their mouth excessively breaking the seal between the users lips and the lip contacting portion. The outer rib provides structural rigidity to the mouth seal assembly and thereby prevents the assembly from collapsing.
The lip contacting portion is sized and shaped to conform to a users lips in that any specific embodi ment is sized and shaped to conform to a substantially standard lip size. The lip contacting portion may be provided as different standard sizes corresponding to different members of the population, for exampl e the lip contacting portion could be provided in child, small, medium, and large sizes for different users. As an alternative bespoke sized and shaped mouth assemblies may be provided for individual users.
The channel immediately surrounds the lip contacting portion and may be sized such that it is normally positioned outside of a users lips when a users lips are in a normal mouth-breathing position but that the users lips will move into the channel when the user opens their lips beyond this position before the user' mouth is fully open. As for the lip contacting portion the size and shape of the channel can either be provided in substantially standard sizes or can be bespoke for an individual user. The channel may -4 -be continuous and extend completely around the channel or it may be discontinuous, for example separate upper and lower channel portions may be provided.
The outer rib is sized and shaped to provide rigidity to the mouth seal assembly. The mouth seal assembly should be sufficiently rigid that it cannot be col lapsed by a user fully closing their mouth. It is considered that the skilled person will be determine a suitable size and shape for the outer rib to provide this rigidity.
For simplicity and in order to minimise the cost of the assembly, it may be formed as a unitary moulded product from a suitable material. Alternatively, the assembly may be formed as a moulded product with one or more reinforcing members positioned therein. For example, in embodiments of the invention a reinforcing member may be provided within the outer rib in order to provide sufficient rigidity to the assembly.
A mouth seal assembly according to the present invention may be formed from any suitable material. If the mouth seal assembly is formed as a moulded product then it may be formed from a thermoplastic elastomer. This is preferred as such materials can be moulded easily and can provide the necessary physical characteristics of the mouth seal assembly.
Generally, it is preferred that if the mouth seal assembly is formed as moulded product unitary or otherwise, the material from which the assembly is formed has a Shore A hardness of 30 or less. Using a material with this hardness allows the assembly to be comfortable and effective to use.
In order to function effectively in the manner described above, it is generally preferable that the channel of the assembly has a depth of at least 5mm. In many embodiments the depth of the channel will be lOmm or more.
The mouth seal assembly of the present invention is particularly advantageous for use in a PPE mask. The present invention also provides a PPE mask comprising a mouth seal assembly according to the present invention. For example, the mouth seal assembly -5 -can be provided inside the mask between an air filter formed in the mask and a users mouth such that, when the mask is in use, the mouth seal assembly is pressed against the users lips and the airway passage leads to the air filter. In this manner, air passing through the filter will be directed towards the users mouth. As will be readily appreciated, in order for the mouth seal assembly to be beneficial when used in a PPE mask, it is generally necessary that there are one or more sealed air passages between the air passage of the mouth seal assembly and a filter of the mask such that air can only be inhaled through the mouth seal assembly via a filter. T his is necessary to prevent air being inhaled that has not passed through a filter, for example air entering the mask in via an imperfect seal between the mask and a users face. Sealed air passages can be formed in any manner apparent to a person skilled in the art.
A PPE mask according to the present invention may further comprise a retaining band for pressing the mask against a users face. Such a retaining band may be formed in any manner apparent to the person skilled in the art. Pressing the mask against a users face, using a retaining band or any other appropriate means can act to press the lip contact ng portion of the mouth seal assembly against a users lips and thereby ensure that the PPE mask provides a good seal.
If a user is utilising a PPE mask comprising a mouth seal assembly according to the present invention as described above it is important that the user breathes through their mouth, via the mouth seal assembly. A user should not breathe through their nose as if they do so they may not be inhaling air that is filtered by the PPE mask. This may be particularly true if one or more sealed air passages are formed between the air passage of the mouth seal assembly and a filter of the mask as in such embodiments it may not be possible to inhale air via the nose that has been filtered by the PPE mask. In order to ensure that a user breathes through their mouth, rather than their nose the PPE mask may further comprise an integral nose clip for sealing a users nose when the mask is in use. -6 -
As an alternative to an integral nose clip a system comprising a PPE mask according to the present invention and a separate nose clip may be provided. This allows a user to ensure that they breathe through their mouth, rather than their nose.
Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the preferred embodi ment that are shown in the Figures and discussed below. The embodiments described are exemplary only in order to assist the understanding of the invention. The preferred embodiments are not intended to be limiting on the scope of the application.
Drawings Figure 1 is a plan view of a mouth seal assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken through the mouth seal assembly of Figure 1; is Figure 3 is a three-dimensional view showing a PPE mask according to a first embodiment of the present invention in us Figure 4 is a cross-section through the PPE mask of Figure 3; and Figure 5 is a cross-section through a system according to the present invention comprising a PPE mask and a separate nose clip.
A mouth seal assembly 1 accordi ng to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 1 and 2. The assembly 1 comprises an inner lip contacting portion 2 having an air passage 3 formed therethrough. The lip contacting portion 2 is sized and shaped to conform to a users lips. A channel 4 is formed immediately around the lip contacting portion 2. An outer ri b 5 is formed immediately around the channel 4. The assembly 1 is a unitary moulded product formed of silicone having a Shore A hardness of less than 30.
The lip contacting portion 2 is relatively more malleable than the outer ri b 5. As can be seen in Figure 2, this is achieved by making the lip contacting portion relatively thinner than the outer ri b 5. The thickness of silicone provided at the lip contacting portion 2 is less than half the thickness of silicone provided at the outer ribs. -7 -
Figure 3 shows a PPE mask 10 according to the present invention in use. The PPE mask comprises a mask portion 11, two filters 12 formed across air passages 13 formed in the mask portion, an integral nose clip 14, a mouth seal assembly 1 (not vi si ble in Figure 3), and a retaining band 15.
Figure 4 is a cross-section through the PPE mask 10 of Figure 3. This shows the position of the mouth seal assembly 1 when the mask 10 is in use. The lip contacting portion 2 of the mouth seal assembly 1 is held against the users lips by means of the retaining band 15 holding the mask portion 11 against the users face, this creates a seal between the users lips and the mouth seal assembly. The lip contacting portion 2 of the mouth seal assembly acts to form a seal as it is malleable and can conform to the shape of the users lips, this is shown clearly in Figure 3. The channel 4 of the mouth seal assembly 1 prevents the user from opening their mouth beyond the lip contacting portion 2 of the mouth seal assembly 1 and breaking the seal between the mouth seal assembly and their lips. Because of this there is no need for a seal to be formed between the mask portion 11 and the skin of the users face.
The mouth seal assembly 1 is held in position relative to the mask 10 such that a sealed air passage 16 is formed from the air passages 13 of the mask to the air passage 3 of mouth seal assembly 1. In this way the user can only breathe through their mouth via the filters 12 of the mask 10. The integral nose clip 14 acts to seal the users nose, thereby preventing the user from breathing through their nose. In this manner the user can only breathe through their mouth, via the filters 12 of the mask 10.
Figure 5 shows a system 20 according to the present invention comprising a separate nose clip 21 and PPE mask 10. The PPE mask 10 is substantially the same as the mask of Figures 3 and 4 with the exception that the mask portion 11 does not cover a users nose when in use. In order to seal the users nose and prevent them from breathing unfiltered air, a separate nose clip 21 is provided that must be worn when the PPE mask is in use. -8 -

Claims (10)

  1. CLAIMS1. A mouth seal assembly for a PPE mask, the assembly comprising: a central lip contacting portion having an airway passage formed therethrough; an outer rib formed around the central lip contacting portion; and a channel formed between the outer rib and the lip contacting portion immediately adjacent an outer edge of the lip contacting portion; wherein: the lip contacting portion is relatively more malleable than the outer rib and is sized and shaped to conform to a users I i ps.
  2. 2. A mouth seal assembly according to claim 1 formed as a unitary moulded product.
  3. 3. A mouth seal assembly according to claim 2 substantially formed from silicone.
  4. 4. A mouth seal assembly according to claim 2 formed from a thermoplastic el astomer.
  5. 5. A mouth seal assembly according to any of claims 2 to 4 wherein the material from which the assembly is formed has a shore A hardness of 30 or less.
  6. 6. A mouth seal assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the channel has a depth of at least 5mm.
  7. 7. A PPE mask comprising a mouth seal assembly according to any of claims 1 to 6.
  8. 8. A PPE mask according to claim], comprising a retaining band for pressing the mask against a users face.
  9. 9. A PPE mask according to claim] further comprising an integral nose clip.
  10. 10. A system for respiration protect on comprising a PPE mask according to claim 7 or claim Sand a separate nose clip.
GB1816509.2A 2018-10-10 2018-10-10 Mouth seal assembly Active GB2577910B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1816509.2A GB2577910B (en) 2018-10-10 2018-10-10 Mouth seal assembly

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1816509.2A GB2577910B (en) 2018-10-10 2018-10-10 Mouth seal assembly

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201816509D0 GB201816509D0 (en) 2018-11-28
GB2577910A true GB2577910A (en) 2020-04-15
GB2577910B GB2577910B (en) 2021-01-13

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB1816509.2A Active GB2577910B (en) 2018-10-10 2018-10-10 Mouth seal assembly

Country Status (1)

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2260084A (en) * 1991-10-03 1993-04-07 Intertechnique Sa Breathing equipment having a face mask
US5660174A (en) * 1993-07-13 1997-08-26 Jacobelli; Chantal Buccal respiration mask
GB2408213A (en) * 2003-11-24 2005-05-25 Joseph Anthony Griffiths Respirator mask with adjustable visor

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2260084A (en) * 1991-10-03 1993-04-07 Intertechnique Sa Breathing equipment having a face mask
US5660174A (en) * 1993-07-13 1997-08-26 Jacobelli; Chantal Buccal respiration mask
GB2408213A (en) * 2003-11-24 2005-05-25 Joseph Anthony Griffiths Respirator mask with adjustable visor

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201816509D0 (en) 2018-11-28
GB2577910B (en) 2021-01-13

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