IT202000006811A1 - WASHABLE PROTECTIVE MASK, METHOD FOR ITS REALIZATION, METHOD FOR WASHING THE MASK AND FOR RESTORING ITS BARRIER PROPERTIES - Google Patents

Description

TITLE

WASHABLE PROTECTIVE MASK, METHOD FOR HIS

REALIZATION, METHOD FOR WASHING THE

MASK AND FOR RESTORING ITS PROPERTIES?

BARRIER

DESCRIPTION

This patent? relating to protective masks and in particular it concerns a new washable protective mask, the method for its realization and a new method for washing a protective mask and restoring its properties? barrier.

Protective masks are known, commonly used as a protective device in numerous areas, including in the hygienic-sanitary field as a barrier to possible bacterial and viral infections.

In particular, masks consisting of sheets of fabric or other materials which are applied in front of the mouth and nose of a user to prevent the passage of microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, are known. So-called "surgical" masks are known and widely used, normally consisting of two or three layers of non-woven fabric, for example polyester or polypropylene fibers, which filter the outgoing air and protect against splashes of liquid, such as emitted saliva with coughing or sneezing, what can? carry viruses and bacteria.

The sheets of non-woven fabric are sewn together and are applied to the user's garment using laces to tie and / or elastic.

These masks are relatively inexpensive and are of the disposable type, since? any washing operations would deprive them of their properties? waterproofing, nullifying or in any case limiting the barrier effect. Furthermore, if a pathogen were to lean on the mask, the latter would be irreparably contaminated. For this reason, these masks, once used, require particular precautions for their transfer to the waste and their treatment.

Masks are known that can be reused a certain number of times, which can be sanitized after each use with suitable sanitizing sprays. These masks are generally more? expensive and are normally reserved for healthcare personnel.

Are also known masks pi? sophisticated, equipped with interchangeable filters, even more? expensive and whose use? recommended only to expert personnel since? incorrect and careless use could even nullify the effectiveness of the mask.

The subject of this patent is a new washable and reusable protective mask, the method for its realization and the method of washing and restoring the properties. mask barrier.

Main task of the new mask? that of breaking down up to 99% of the pathogenic load, despite being structurally simple and economical, and also of being washable and reusable, after restoring the properties? barrier.

The new mask can? in fact, after each use, be washed and treated by applying a stabilized alcoholic biocide gel that restores the properties? barrier and reduction of the pathogenic load. Another purpose of the present invention? that of being light and usable by anyone, therefore destined for mass consumption.

These and other direct and complementary purposes are achieved by the new washable and reusable protective mask, by the method for its realization and by the method of washing and restoring the properties. mask barrier.

The new protective mask comprises in its main parts a flexible sheet, of at least sufficient size to cover part of the face of a user and in particular the nose and mouth, where said sheet in turn includes:

- a first layer, made of washable material, for example and preferably made of cotton fabric, intended to be in contact with the user's skin;

- a second layer with a prevalent physical barrier function, preferably made of washable material, such as for example and preferably of non-woven fabric, with high external barrier resistance, bonded to said first layer;

- a third protective layer placed over the second layer, ventilating, with characteristics of microporosity, such as, for example, a very thin sheet of cotton fabric, even already? adhered to the external surface of the second layer, i.e. applied to said second layer on the opposite side with respect to said first layer;

- a fourth layer applied at least on the surface of said third layer facing outwards, ie on the side opposite the face of the user, and where said last layer? wholly or partly consisting of a substance with a biocidal function; said last layer? in particular formed by a stabilized hydroalcoholic gel, which will go? properly sprayed and that will penetrate? in the microporosities? of the previous layer; will the spray humidify? completely the external surface, and the same will appear? how? translucent ?.

For example, substance with biocidal function means a preparation based on ethyl and / or isopropyl alcohol, for example comprising: ethyl and / or isopropyl alcohol, glycerol, 3% hydrogen peroxide, distilled water, with the addition of stabilizer and thickener .

The mask therefore guarantees a high reduction of the bacterial load thanks to a combined action of physical barrier and biocide barrier, the latter exerted by said third and fourth layers.

Said first layer has a thickness preferably between 0.5 and 0.6 mm, sufficient to guarantee adequate support and resistance, as well as a first barrier effect.

Said second layer has a thickness preferably comprised between 0.6 and 0.8 mm, sufficient to guarantee an adequate barrier effect.

Said third layer, what can? be already? packaged as the outer wall of the previous layer, will have? a minimum thickness, predictably between 0.1 and 0.3 mm.

Said last layer has a thickness preferably comprised between 0.1 and 0.2 mm, sufficient to guarantee the biocidal action.

The overall thickness of the bezel? therefore between 1.2 and 1.9 mm. The mask? therefore very light and comfortable and can? be worn by anyone.

The mask also includes means for being correctly positioned and constrained in front of the patient's nose and mouth, such as, for example, in a very simple and economical version, laces, elastic or non-elastic, to be tied behind the user's head or to be tied to the user's ears, or be positioned directly on a washable cotton elastic band, which former? said first layer.

Said second layer? suitably bonded to said first layer by any known method, for example by molding, gluing, heat sealing or more preferably by sewing.

Said third layer? suitably bonded to said first layer by any known method, for example by molding, gluing, heat sealing or more preferably by sewing.

Said last layer? applied on said third layer by spreading or spraying or other suitable wetting system.

The method for making the new protective and washable mask object of this patent includes the steps of:

- assembling said first and said second layer;

- application of said third layer on said second layer.

- application of said last layer on the third layer.

Said last layer? suitably colored or in any case has a color or brightness different from said third layer, so as to make its correct and complete application visible to the user.

The method of washing and restoring functionality? barrier of said mask includes the following steps:

- washing with at least one sanitizing agent; said sanitizing agent? for example a common oxygen-releasing sanitizing agent, widely available and widely used also in the home; ? it is preferable that the washing takes place at a low temperature, ie that it takes place with washing liquid or water at a temperature generally not higher than 30 ° C; this washing phase guarantees the hygiene of the mask, causes the washout of the last layer but does not compromise the other mechanical and physical characteristics of the mask;

- application of said fourth layer on said third layer, by spreading or spraying or spreading in general of said stabilized hydroalcoholic gel directly on said third layer.

This method restores the functionality? of the mask in a simple and immediate way, without the need for specialized treatments and without using dangerous substances. Therefore this method can? be applied by anyone, even and above all by non-experts.

This method can? be repeated more? times without compromising the effectiveness of the mask.

It is also possible that the method includes a further sterilization step, for example through the use of sterilization systems with UVC rays and ozone release. This latter procedure? when cold, it makes the mask sterile, but obviously does not clean it.

The characteristics of the new protective and washable mask will be better clarified by the following description with reference to the drawing table, attached by way of non-limiting example.

In figure 1? schematized a plan view of the mask (10) in a simple and economical embodiment thereof, where the laces (2) and the central part or sheet (1) intended to cover part of the user's face, i.e. at least mouth and nose.

Said laces (2) are for example obtained directly from the first layer which forms said sheet (1).

In Figure 2? a completely schematic section of said sheet (1) is shown, where the four layers (3, 4, 5, 6) which constitute it are shown.

The new protective mask (10) comprises a flexible sheet (1), of at least sufficient dimensions to cover part of a user's face and in particular the nose and mouth.

In a very simple form, but only as an example, said sheet (1) has, for example, a substantially rectangular or square shape, with a horizontal side (11), i.e. intended to be placed horizontally with respect to the face of a user, for example of 160 mm and vertical side (12) for example of 140 mm.

Said sheet (1)? preferably consisting of at least four layers (3, 4, 5, 6).

A first layer (3) of support? destined to be placed more? close to the user. Said first layer (3)? in washable material, for example and preferably made of cotton fabric, possibly also in stretch cotton, and preferably suitable for contact with the skin. Said first layer, if made of cotton, and more? in particular, preferably in Egyptian cotton with fibers of 30-40 mm, it has a thickness between 0.5 and 0.6 mm.

The mask (10) also includes laces (2) to constrain the mask (10) itself to the face of a user.

In the example of Figure 1, said laces (2) obtained from said first layer (3) are either sewn or otherwise constrained along the two opposite horizontal sides (11) of said sheet (1).

This configuration has the advantage of being particularly simple to manufacture.

A second layer (4)? in any case constrained on the surface (32) of said first layer (3) opposite the surface (31) intended to be placed on the side of the user's face. For example, said second layer (4)? sewn to said first layer (3) or? bound or in any case welded to said first layer (3).

Said second layer (4)? preferably made of washable non-woven fabric or other similar material currently used for aerolic filters, and has a thickness of between 0.6 and 0.8 mm.

A third layer (5)? applied at least on the surface (41) of said second layer (4) facing outwards, ie on the side opposite the face of the user,? made of microporous fabric to allow the correct adhesion of the stabilized hydroalcoholic gel that forms the last layer (6).

Said last layer has a thickness preferably comprised between 0.1 and 0.2 mm, sufficient to guarantee the biocidal action.

These are the modalities? schematic diagrams sufficient for the skilled person to carry out the invention; consequently, in concrete application there may be variations without prejudice to the substance of the innovative concept.

Therefore, with reference to the preceding description and to the attached table, the following claims are expressed.

Claims (12)

CLAIMS 1. Protective mask (10) comprising a flexible sheet (1), of at least sufficient dimensions to cover part of the face of a user and in particular at least nose and mouth, and means (2) for positioning and binding said sheet (1) on said face of the user, characterized by the fact that said sheet (1) in turn comprises: - a first layer (3) of washable material, with a first surface (31) intended to be turned towards the face of a user; - a second layer (4) of washable material, bonded to a second surface (32) of said first layer (3) opposite to said first surface (31); - a third layer (5) made of porous and washable material, applied to the external surface of said second layer (4), that is, on the side opposite to said first layer (3); and where said third layer (5)? wholly partly soaked with at least one biocide substance. 2. Protective mask (10) as per claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a last layer (6) applied at least on the surface of said third layer (5) facing outwards, i.e. on the side opposite to the user's face, and where said last layer (6) comprises said biocidal substance. 3. Protective mask (10) as per claim 1, characterized in that said biocide substance? formed by a stabilized hydroalcoholic gel. 4. Protective mask (10) as per claim 2, characterized in that said last layer (6)? directly applied on said third layer (5) by glazing or spraying or spreading or molding of said stabilized hydroalcoholic gel. 5. Protective mask (10) as per claim 1, characterized in that said first layer (3)? wholly or partly made of cotton fabric. 6. Protective mask (10) as per claim 1, characterized in that said first layer (3) has a thickness of between 0.5 and 0.6 mm. 7. Protective mask (10) as per claim 1, characterized in that said second layer (4)? in whole or in part made of non-woven fabric or other similar material currently used for aerolic filters. 8. Protective mask (10) as per claim 1, characterized in that said second layer (4) has a thickness of between 0.6 and 0.8 mm. 9. Protective mask (10) as per claim 1, characterized in that said third layer has a thickness of between 0.1 and 0.3 mm. 10. Protective mask (10) as per claim 1, characterized in that said last layer has a thickness of between 0.1 and 0.2 mm. 11. Method for making a protective mask (10) as per one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: - assembly of said first, second and third layers (3, 4, 5); - application of said last layer (6) on said third layer (5), so that said biocidal substance imbibes at least part of said third layer (5) and / or covers at least part of the external surface of the latter. 12. Method for washing and restoring functionality? barrier of said mask (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: - washing said mask (10) with at least one sanitizing agent; - application of said last layer (6) on said third layer (5).