GB2588363A

GB2588363A - Pairing mask

Info

Publication number: GB2588363A
Application number: GB2101400.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Zarisfi Kasra
Original assignee: Impressive Eng Ltd
Current assignee: Impressive Eng Ltd
Priority date: 2021-02-02
Filing date: 2021-02-02
Publication date: 2021-04-21
Anticipated expiration: 2041-02-02
Also published as: GB202101400D0; GB2603302A; GB2588363B; GB202102647D0; GB202201177D0; KR20240004237A

Abstract

A face mask measuring tool 1 for mapping the contours of a user’s face, comprising a plurality of bars 3, a support 2 through which the bars can slide longitudinally through, such that pressing their tips 5 against a person’s face maps the contours of the face, a belt 6 component positioned adjacent to the bars, and a cup-shaped container (Figure 1) to which the belt may be attached comprising filters, or which may be connected to a source of clean air. A method is also disclosed wherein after the bars are pressed against the surface of the user’s face, a line may be traced along the belt such that the profile of the user’s face can be cut out along the belt in order to create a face mask with a custom fit.

Description

Description:

Face Pairing Mask

1. Introduction

Face masks are used in different shapes and forms for different purposes. A face mask or mask in here is referred to a respirator device that in some way controls the air or the oxygen which is inhaled by the person.

For purifying respirator masks (Purifying Mask), the control is filtration and purification of unwanted particles such as dust, pollen, soot, smoke, liquid droplets etc and harmful living particles such as microbes, viruses, bacteria etc from contaminated air.

For supply respirator masks (Supplying Mask), the control is isolation of a source for breathing, like isolating air for breathing under water or isolating oxygen for medical reasons.

For all above purposes, the face mask must cover part of the person's face and seals both or either of the person's nose and mouth.

People faces have different shapes and it is difficult to design a face mask which matches all faces. Face masks are usually produced in mass production and this requires a single or fixed shape product (mask). Therefore, often the masks are not perfectly matched to the faces and cannot perfectly seal the nose and mouth. Any small gap or void between the face and the mask, especially close to the nose, can considerably affect the performance of the mask.

This paper is aiming to propose a package of a measuring tool and a face mask which are suitable for mass production however the person can use the tool to measure the shape of his/her face and modify the mask so the mask is matched with the shape of his/her face. The mask is called Pairing Face Mask (PFM) or simply Pairing Mask.

2. Pairing Mask The Face Pairing Mask has two main parts. Cup and Belt Cup The Cup is the body of the Pairing Mask. Other parts are connected to the Cup to make a whole assembly of the Pairing Mask. The Cup may look like a bowl however it is a shell with irregular geometry. The Cup can be secured on the face by rubber bands or straps. It can cover part of the face for example nose and mouth or it can cover the face completely including mouth, nose, and eyes.

The bottom edge of the Cup is a closed three-dimensional curve. The Cup bottom edge can be raised due to the face geometry covering high points of the face like nose, chin, or forehead.

The Cup can be made of plastics and polymers which are malleable and can be moulded into solid shapes.

The Cup material should be suitable to be washed, cleaned, sterilised etc so it can be reused. The Cup can be made of a transparent material to make it more elegant.

The front side (face) of the Cup can be made with clear material so the person's face can be seen through the Cup and not be hidden. For this, all other parts like filter, valves, connecting sleeves etc can be located on the perimeter of the Cup. This helps with communication and body language since the persons' mouth can be seen by others when talking.

Cup can have different designs however each design is manufactured in large quantities with the same shape as a standard product. Each design can be made in different sizes to suit children and adults.

A Purifying Pairing Mask's Cup can be designed so the filter is directly installed on the Cup. In this design the Cup has an area with holes which securely are covered by the filtering material. Air passes through the filter and is purified before it enters into the Cup chamber for breathing.

The filter material shall be selected based on the function of the Purifying Pairing Mask for example for medical purposes or industrial use etc. The material can be disposable or reusable. The detail of filtration material is out of the scope of this paper.

The filter can be designed to have a separate container and be connected to the Cup by means of a sealed passageway like a hose, pipe, duct etc. A Supplying Pairing Mask is connected to the source of air or oxygen via a hose, pipe etc. The details of the air or oxygen source and passageway to the Pairing Mask is out of the scope of this paper.

A Supplying Pairing Mask Cup has sleeves on the body so the Cup can be connected to a passageway like a hose, pipe, duct etc. the connection shall be sealed and watertight.

Cups can be equipped with one-way valves to improve respiration.

If the Cup does not fully cover the face a sheet made of transparent material can be externally installed on the top of the Cup for protecting eyes. The sheet covers the eyes like a pair of safety glasses. Belt

The Belt acts as a spacer or a seal between the Cup and the face of the wearer like a washer. The Belt is in contact with the skin and spreads the pressure from the Pairing Mask over the face.

The Belt is made as a continuous band of material like a timing belt. It should be made of a soft material like rubber including but not limited to neoprene and silicone rubber or any other elastic and soft polymers. The material should be suitable to be in contact with skin and also should be suitable to be washed, cleaned, sterilised etc so it can be reused. The Belt material can be transparent for improved appearance.

The Belt is manufactured in large quantities with the same shape as a standard product. One edge of the Belt (top edge of Belt) has a curve which matches the Cup bottom edge. The other edge (bottom edge) of the Belt can be flat and should be cut by the person to match the curvatures of his/her face.

The gap between the Cup and the person's face is varies between people so the Belt shall be wide enough so it can be cut and covers almost all possible shapes of faces. The distance between the top and bottom edges of the belt (the Belt width) is different along its circumference. However, a minimum width is required for the Belt to seal and stay flexible on the face. A minimum width of 5mm at any point along the belt circumference is recommended.

The Belt should be thick enough to be comfortable when it is sitting on the skin. A thickness of greater than 3mm is recommended.

The Belt should be designed so it can be connected to and disconnected from the Cup. The connection should be sealed and watertight. A kind of male and female joint along the interface of the Belt and the Cup can provide this connection.

3. Mechanical Measuring Tool As explained above the Belt should be cut by the person using the mask to match his/her face. Therefore, the individual needs a simple tool to measure and identify the shape and curvatures of his/her face.

The measuring tools should identify the geometry of a closed three-dimensional curve on a person faces. This curve is the path which the Belt sits on the face skin and seals the surrounding air. For an PFM which covers the full face the closed three-dimensional curve passes over forehead, chin and cheeks and surrounds eyes, nose and mouth. And for PFM which covers part of the face the closed three-dimensional curve passes over nose and chin and chicks and surrounds the nostrils and mouth.

The measuring tool has many bars which are standing side by site along a closed curve. Like standing in a close queue. The bars arrangement (curve) is based on the geometry of the Cup and the Belt.

The bars are held on the body of the measuring tool by supports however, each bar can move longitudinally through the supports. The supports have holes so the bars can pass through.

The support design and the tolerance between the supports holes and the bars diameter should be in a way so below conditions are achieved: * The bars shall not be loose in the support. In a way that they should not move through the holes due to their own weight. If the measuring tool is tilted, turned, or moved by the individual the bars shall not move and shall stay as they are.

* The bars shall not be tight in a way they should easily move through the holes if they bushed by a finger. The bars should easily move it they are pushed against a person's face.

The bars displacement range should be adequate to measure the crests and troughs of almost all faces shapes. It is recommended that each bar can displace longitudinally through the supports for more than 30mm.

The bars can have a head at the top like a sewing pin (ball pin). The distance between the supports' holes can result in a gap between two bars standing beside each other. The head can be designed to be big enough to close this gap, so bars' heads are touching each other. The head can have a sphere or semi-sphere shape.

The tool should be set to be ready for measuring. For setting the tool all bars should be pushed out of the measuring tool to the maximum level while they are supported. The heads of all bars can become level when it is set.

When the tool is set the individual can use it in front of a mirror. He/she should hold the bars in front of his/her face in a symmetrical position and then the push the tools against his/her face till all the bars touch the face. While the tool is pushed the bars are displaced to form the face curvature. The bars which are touching the high points of face like nose, forehead, chin are displaced more than the bars touching the low points of the face.

After all bars touch the face the person takes the tools off from his/her face. The bars stay as they are and do not move as explained before and the heads of the bars show the face curvature.

The measuring tool has an area for the Belt to sit on. When the Belt is put into the tool the bars closely surround the outer or the inner perimeter of the Belt. So, the individual can draw his/her face curvature on the belt by gradually moving a marker along the top of the bars (heads).

Then the belt is removed from the tool and is cut by the individual along the marked path (curve) to make the bottom edge of the Belt which sits on the face.

As explained before after the cut a minimum width should be left on the belt so it can seal and stay flexible on the face. Therefore, the bars displacement should be controlled by the measuring tool so when the belt is marked, the created path has a minimum distance of 5mm or more from the Belt's top edge.

To achieve the above the measuring tools has a surface below the supports. The bottom of the bars touches this surface when the bars are fully pushed in. It means the bars cannot be moved in further since they are stopped by this surface. The curvature of this surface shall be based on the curvature of the Belt to edge.

The measuring tool can be reset to be used again or to be used by other people. For better accuracy in measurement each size of Pairing Mask should have a specific measuring tool. However, many masks in a same size can be marked to be modified by a single measuring tool.

4. Electronic Measuring Tool The individual face profile and face curvatures can be measured more accurately using electronic devices and simulation programs in case such advanced tools and software are found cost effective.

Scanning and modelling the face: A 3D (three dimensional) scanner using lights, sounds, laser etc can be used to define and create a 3D model of the shape of the person. 3D scanners are well known technologies and details of the scanner is out of the scope of this paper.

The face can also be 3D modelled from an image or a photo of the individual using an application program. These applications and software are already available, and the details of the simulation is out of the scope of this paper. The mask provider can supply stickers with specific patterns for the customers. The individual may need to stick these stickers on his/her face while taking a photo. The pattern on these stickers can be used for calibrating the size and shape of the face.

3D model in here is referred to a mathematical representation of the face surface by 3D computer graphics or modelling software.

Defining a 3D curve on the face model: After the face model is created, the geometry of a closed three-dimensional curve on the faces should be extracted from the face model using a suitable simulating program.

As mentioned before, this curve is the path which the Belt sits on the face skin and seals the surrounding air. For an PFM which covers the full face the closed three-dimensional curve passes over forehead, chin and chicks and surrounds eyes, nose and mouth. And for PFM which covers part of the face the closed three-dimensional curve passes over nose and chin and cheeks and surrounds the nostrils and month.

The software can also select the best suitable mask size for the individual by assessing the face shape and size.

Cutting the Belt: The selected curve in previous stage (above) can be sent as a graphical image to the individuals so they can print it on a paper. The printed curve (path) on the paper can be wrapped around the Belt and the individual can use it as a guide to cut the Belt.

Alternatively, the supplier can use an automated 3D cutter to be able to cut the Belts in numbers specific to each individual. The data collected from customers faces can be track recorded and transferred to these cutting machines so the Belt can be cut and supplied in large quantities.

5. Advantage and Disadvantage The advantages can be summarised as: * Provide better sealing by matching the face. This is the most important advantage of PFM and improves the performance of the mask; * The mask can be cleaned and reused; * It is more economical in long term and for regular use in comparison with single use disposable masks; * The size of disposable (filter) part of the mask is smaller than typical single use disposable masks. This reduces the waste material and makes the mask more environmentally friendly and reduces the storage and transport costs; * Different types of filtration can be installed on the mask and therefore the mask can be used for different purposes; * The pressure on the face is evenly distributed by the mask and therefore the mask is more comfortable to wear; * Transparent material makes the mask elegant and improves communication.

The disadvantages can be summarised as: * Cannot be used straight away and needs to be modified before use; * Needs an extra item, the measuring tool; * Measuring and modifying the mask may be found difficult by some people; * Slightly heavier than another disposable mask; * More suitable for regular use and can be expensive for a single use.

Description of Drawings:

Figure 1 shows an example of a Cup design which covers part of face including nostrils and mouth (front view). Cups can be designed in different shapes and sizes to cover part of the face or cover most of the face (full face mask) including eyes, nose and mouth.

1-Cup 2-Face of the Cup (Top of the Cup). The Cup material can be transparent so the face can be seen while the mask is worn 3-Filters, Filter material is securely covering the Cup's holes. Air passes through the filter and is purified before entering into the Cup chamber for breathing. 4-Cup's bottom 3D curve (bottom edge) this curve is matched with Belt's 3D top curve. The curve elevates where it passes over nose. 5-Cup's bottom curve tongue. Cup and Belt can be connected by a tongue and grooves joint like the joints of flooring woods.

Figure 2 shows the same example of Cup design in figure 1 from side view.

1-Cup 2-Face of the Cup (Top of the Cup). The Cup material can be transparent so the face can be seen while the mask is worn 3-Filters, Filter material is securely covering the Cup's holes.

4-Cup's bottom 3D curve (bottom edge). 5-The bottom curve elevates where it passes over chin.

6-Cup's bottom curve tongue for connecting to Belt.

Figure 3 shows the same example of Cup design in figure 1 from bottom view.

1-Cup 2-Filters, Filter material is securely covering the Cup's holes. 3-Cups holes for air passage 4-Cup's bottom 3D curve (bottom edge) with a tongue 5-The bottom curve elevates where it passes over nose. 6-The bottom curve elevates where it passes over chin.

Figure 4 shows an example of a Belt design which surrounds part of face including nostrils and mouth (front view). Belts can be designed in different shapes and sizes to surround part of the face or surround most of the face (full face mask) including eyes, nose and mouth.

1-Belt, the belt is made of a soft material which is flexible and compressible and can be easily cut using scissors 2-Belt's top 3D curve (top edge), this curve is matched with Cup's 3D bottom curve. The edge can have a groove for connecting to the Cup. 3-Belt's bottom 3D curve (bottom edge) as new before it is cut by the individual. The Belt can be manufactured with a flat bottom edge or it can be manufactured with a curved bottom edge. 4-Belts top curve is raised where it passes over nose. 5-Belts top curve is raised where it passes over chin.

Figure 5 shows the same example of Belt design in figure 4 from top view.

1-Belt. Also the height of the Belt which can vary along its circumference is shown 2-Belt's top 3D curve (top edge). The edge has a groove for connecting to the Cup. Also the thickness of the Belt which can vary along its circumference is shown 3-Belt's bottom edge as new before is cut by the individual. 4-Belts top curve is raised where it passes over nose and chin.

Figure 6 shows the same example of Belt design in figure 4 where the bottom edge is cut by the individual to match with his/her face (front view).

1-Belt (is cut by user) 2-Belt's bottom curve (bottom edge) after it is cut by the individual.

3-Belt's bottom edge is cut to be matched with the individual nose shape 4-Belt's bottom edge is cut to be matched with the individual chin shape 5-Belt's top 3D curve (top edge). The edge has a groove for connecting to the Cup 4-Belts top curve is raised where it passes over nose and chin.

5-Belt's top 3D curve (top edge).

Figure 7 shows an example of a Cup and a Belt assembly (front view). The assembly can be designed in different shapes and sizes to cover part of the face or cover most of the face.

1-Cup 2-Filters, Filter material is securely covering the Cup's holes 3-Belt (is cut by user) 4-Belt's bottom edge is cut by the individual to be matched with his/her face curvatures 5-The interface (Joint) between the Cup and Belt. The interface is sealed and watertight. The joint can have different designs in this case the Cup's tongue sits tightly inside the Belt' s Groove and seals the joint. The joint is not permanent, and Cup and Belt can be separated and connected as required.

Figure 8 shows the same example of Cup and a Belt assembly in figure 7 from bottom view.

1-Cup 2-Filters, Filter material is securely covering the Cup's holes 3-Belt (is cut by user) 4-The interface (Joint) between the Cup and Belt. The interface is sealed and watertight.

5-Belt's bottom edge is cut by the individual to be matched with his/her face curvatures.

6-Cups holes for air passage 7-Cup face made of clear material 8-Belt's bottom edge is cut to be matched with the individual nose shape 9-Belt's bottom edge is cut to be matched with the individual chin shape.

Figure 9 shows an example of a Mechanical Measuring Tool for measuring the face curvature for a mask which covers part of the face (front view). The curve which is measured passes over nose and chin and cheeks and surrounds the nostrils and month. The Measuring Tools is shown here without the bars for clarity.

Mechanical Measuring Tool can be designed in different shapes and sizes for measuring the face curvature for different masks. For a full-face mask, the tool measures a curve which passes over forehead, chin and cheeks and surrounds eyes, nose and mouth.

1-Tool body and structure 2-Bars supports 3-Holes on the supports where bars pass through.

4-Top edge of the tool where the Belt can sit and can be fitted to be marked for cutting 5-The edge which controls and limits the bars displacements.

Figure 10 shows the same example of Mechanical Measuring Tool in figure 9 with the bars (front view).

4-Bars. In here the tool is set for measuring and the bars are fully extended out while they are supported. The bars can move longitudinally through the supports' holes. They can move easily if they are pushed however, they maintain their position if they are not touched. 5-Top edge of the tool where the Belt can sit and can be fitted to be marked for cutting 6-The edge which controls and limits the bars displacements.

Figure 11 shows the same example of Mechanical Measuring Tool in figure 9 and 10 with the bars position after a face measurement (front view).

1-Tool body and structure 2-Bars supports 3-Bars. In here the tool is shown after measuring a face. Bars are pushed over the individual face, so they are moved down and formed the face profile.

4-The tips of the bars create a 3D curve which is exactly match with the individual face profile.

5-Bottom of the bars. The bars are moved down longitudinally while they are held by the supports and they are keeping their new position 6-The edge which controls and limits the bars displacements. 7-Top edge of the tool where the Belt can sit and can be fitted to be marked for cutting.

Figure 12 shows the same example of Mechanical Measuring Tool in figure 11 while a Belt is inserted into the tool and sits on the tool's top edge to be marked and be ready for cutting (back view).

1-Tool body and structure 2-Bars supports 3-Bars. Bars are pushed over the individual face, so they are moved down and formed the face profile. 4-Belt, a Belt is fitted inside the tool and sits on the top edge of the tool to be marked. The Belt sits upside down in the tool. Where its bottom edge which supposed to be cut is located at the top and its top edge is in contact with the tool. 5-The individual can draw a path (curve) on the Belt by passing a marker over the bars tips. Then, the Belt can be cut along the marked path to be matched with the individual face 6-The area on the Belt which is going to be cut away to form the shape of the individual nose. 7-Bottom of the bars. The bars are held by the supports and they are keeping their position 8-The edge which controls and limits the bars displacements. 9-Bars movement are restricted by the edge. This is to control the distance between the drawn path and the top edge of the Belt to ensure the Belt is left with adequate height along its circumference after it is cut.

Claims

Claims: 1. A face mask measuring tool identifying the geometry of a closed three dimensional curve (path) on an individual face using bars which are supported by the tool and can move longitudinally through their support when the tips of the bars are pushed against a face to represent the curve of that face along with a belt shaped component adjacent to the bars enabling a curve to be drawn on the belt's wall by passing a pen over the tips of the bars and then cutting along the marked curve so the cut edge of the belt can be connected to a cup shaped container creating a face mask tailored to the individual face where the interface between the mask and the individual face is sealed with a cup with filters for purifying air or is connected to a source of clean air or a gas via a pipe for breathing.