IT202000013324A1 - KIT FOR SELF-ASSEMBLING MASKS - Google Patents

Description

Patent application for industrial invention entitled:

?KIT FOR SELF-ASSEMBLING MASKS?

Field of invention

The present invention relates to personal protective equipment (PPE), and in particular to masks, which can be assembled directly by the end user.

Pi? in detail, the present invention refers to a kit of elements which allow to produce personal protective equipment (PPE) and in particular a mask similar to surgical masks.

The present invention finds application in various fields, and in particular in all sectors where protective masks are used, for example the healthcare environment, and more? in detail to date in all situations in which it is necessary to wear a protective mask to reduce the risk of contagion due, for example, to Covid-19.

State of the art

Surgical-type protective masks are known in the art, such as for example those illustrated in Figure 1 and in Figure 2.

Masks and different personal protective equipment (PPE) are classified according to their ability to of protection referring to transpiration combined with the ability? filter for the reduction of the bacterial and/or viral load and of the particulate. This evaluation makes it possible to verify and classify the personal protective equipment that can be deemed suitable for use, for example by the ISS - Istituto Superiore di Sanit? - or by INAL - National Institute for Accident Insurance at Work, in the various environments and contexts of use.

The size, shape and workmanship of the surgical masks must be such as to completely cover the mouth and nose, isolating the upper airways of the person wearing them without obstructing breathing. The masks must guarantee a minimum of "structure", and in the case of surgical-type masks, this is conferred with a calibrated pleating, to avoid excessive adhesion of the mask to the face during inspiration. In fact, the pleating widens the fabric in the center and narrows it at the edges of the mask.

Therefore, typical surgical masks have a rectangular shape and have pleats sewn and/or bound on the short side as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

Preferably the pleats or folds of the plisset must be oriented downwards to avoid the accumulation of dust or droplets in the valleys of the same.

The masks are then equipped with laces or elastic bands to fix them on the user's face with anchorage behind the ears or behind the neck.

Currently, surgical masks are made up of the overlapping of three layers of non-woven fabric (TNT) with different functions:

- external layer (world side) in non-woven fabric produced with SPUNBOND technology with hydrophobic treatment; this layer has the function of conferring mechanical resistance to the mask;

- intermediate layer (filtering layer) in non-woven fabric produced with MELTBLOWN technology and made up of microfibres of 1-3 micron diameter which performs the filtering function;

- internal layer (face side) in non-woven fabric produced with SPUNBOND technology; this layer has the protective function for the face avoiding direct contact of the skin with the intermediate filtering layer.

Surgical masks for sanitary use can be made with different layers, as long as? are the minimum functional requirements met? transpiration and bacterial/viral and particulate filtration.

The fabric must remain intact, without holes and seams except at the edges to fully preserve the capacity? barrier filter in/out, so only on the external perimeter can? there may be a seam possibly reinforced with a border made with additional material and/or heat-sealing.

This type of processing requires long production times and leads to high production costs.

In the current emergency due to Covid-19, the request for masks? exploded and the companies that manufacture them are unable to meet the quantities necessary to ensure a correct supply.

I'm already kits have been proposed for the creation of do-it-yourself filtering masks made with sheets of fabric coupled with three layers of TNT in Spunmelt SMS (Spunbond-Meltblown-Spunbond) Hydrophobic and Biocompatible Polypropylene, with plastic and elastic clips, as shown in Figure 3 .

In this mask making kit, see Figure 3A, you have fabric sheets measuring 240mm x 800mm and clips measuring 65mm x 18mm. The fabric is folded four times to make a mask as seen in Figure 3B. The clips are equipped with slots for the passage of the elastic bands to fix the mask behind the neck.

Systems are also known which use buttons to create the pleating at the edges of the mask. These systems require three buttonholes for each button, therefore nine holes per side are needed to make three folds. ? very difficult to make folds cos? small by hand.

The stitching and gluing or heat-sealing of the edges are known techniques, which provide dedicated lines for the complicated, expensive and low-yield production (of the order of 3-4 thousand pcs/h). These solutions require the operations of: cut, sew, fold, glue, etc.

Covid-19 has led to an explosion in the demand for masks, which at least in Italy corresponds to 25-40 million pcs/day.

The standards for the production of surgical masks are pre-Covid-19, and refer to the normal medical health use of the devices, and specifically and limited to the normal use in daily medical practices of first aid, outpatient assistance, operating table, etc. and aimed at reducing the risk of bacterial contamination, in the asymmetric assisted-assisted, healthy-infected situation.

Having said that no textile filter stops viruses, which are stopped only by barrier filters and only in a limited percentage (fabric transpiration), the limit of both the standard and some of the regulated devices is evident.

Does the extended use of masks outside the healthcare environment in the case of Covid-19 arise in a context of symmetrical protection, in which everyone is infected and nobody? infected. An effect of containment of the epidemic can? be achieved only when everyone respects three basic rules: distance between subjects, respiratory tract protection to reduce the risk of infecting (not being infected), assiduous and frequent replacement of at least the tissue of the device with disposal (together with hygiene practices such as wash your hands often).

It must not be forgotten that devices such as masks are expressly disposable. The fabric becomes impregnated with organic fluids and becomes a fertile soil for microbial culture, a receptacle for dirt and particles, and quickly loses its useful although? weak ability filtering. The tissue, if accidentally contaminated, in turn becomes a vehicle of the infection.

Therefore in order to apply an effective social defense protocol at (extended regional and/or) national level? It is necessary, as known, to have a suitable number of masks and daily, proportional to the population (for example, in Italy there are an estimated 25-60 million pcs/day).

Given that an automatic packaging line ? able to realize 100,000 pcs/day account ? soon done. Given that in Italy not ? does not even activate a line the problem ? obvious. Currently some ?primordial? packaging lines are being activated. Costs and times, together with a ?precarious? market? ? ?how long will it last? the pandemic?? ? discourage this form of investment.

The last aspect considered is the costs. Sewing and gluing costs, in Italy a unit cost of packaging is estimated at 0.60?/pc, in China this cost is ? 1/5, about 0.12 ?/pc. Both in Italy and in China, the cost of the fabric is ? equal, and affects by 0.1-0.15 ? (TNT 200 x 200 mm), or 3,500-5,000 ?/ton, (synthetic polymer fabrics: PP, PET, biopolymers and more).

Summary of the invention

It is estimated that in Italy alone the request for masks per day is close to 40 million.

The proposed solution includes a KIT for the creation of 100 masks. Each kit includes 100 fabric inserts, in which the fabric is selected to be suitable and able to best contain the Covid-19 epidemic (chosen according to the well-known pre-covid regulations and/or any new specific regulations). This solution makes it possible to apply a correct protocol for the use of PPE which provides for wide availability, low costs, single use and the systematic elimination of used items.

The present invention relates to a kit for preparing masks which comprises a plurality of of strips of fabric, one or more? set of assembly elements, and at least one pair of laces for fixing the mask to the user?s face, in which a few holes and cuts are arranged on each strip on the side edges of the strip and suitable for guiding the user in making and in the self-packaging of the mask, in which the assembly elements are assembled on the strip following an assembly procedure which allows precise folds to be made in the fabric strip, and in which, once all the assembly elements have been mounted on the fabric strip they can be angled together to give the mask the desired shape.

In particular, the strips of fabric are made of TNT fabric, each of which is made up of at least three layers measuring 215mm x 200mm.

On the fabric strips, the square holes and cuts are made symmetrically on the two side edges of the strip with respect to a vertical axis of symmetry passing through the center of the upper edge and the center of the lower edge of the fabric strip. Preferably the square holes are positioned on the two lateral edges at 45 mm, 65 mm, 110 mm and 185 mm with respect to the upper edge of the fabric strip, while the cuts for the passage of a lace are positioned at 12 mm from the upper edge, and the notches for the passage of the assembly element are always positioned at 147 mm from the upper edge.

For the preparation of a mask, a set of elements is used which comprises two first assembly elements, two second assembly elements, four third assembly elements and two fourth assembly elements.

Preferably, the assembly elements are made with the additive manufacturing technique or with the molding technique and are made of thermoplastic material that can? be sanitized and reused.

In some embodiments the laces are elastic and comprise a thread-like body of elastic material at the two ends of which two metal elements are seamed free and in which the metal elements are two shaped tubular portions hinged in their central portion to the elastic filiform body and protrude on both sides with respect to the central portion.

In particular, the first assembly element comprises a first hooking portion for hooking one end? of the elastic, an intermediate portion and a second closing portion. large and two side lobes pi? small, in which the three lobes are divided by two cuts that end with a buttonhole to fix the elastic.

The first portion of hooking ? connected to the second closure portion through the intermediate portion which has a reduced thickness and the closure portion comprises a base body on which ? expected in the portion pi? close to? end? free from the assembly element is a tubular element with a square section with rounded corners formed by two semi-portions separated by a diametral slit, placed parallel to the longer side of the base body, in which the tubular element has an internal through hole which allows the element itself to be deformed inwards for coupling with a third assembly element. Four conical pins are also provided on the base body, again for coupling with the third assembly element, and the conical pins are positioned in the proximal part with respect to the intermediate portion and are positioned in pairs symmetrically with respect to an axis of symmetry which it also passes through the center of the holes and the pins have a height lower than the height of the tubular element.

The second assembly element comprises a first hooking portion and a second closure portion directly connected to the first hooking portion. The first coupling portion has a hole for the passage of the elastic and has a trilobate shape with a central lobe and two side lobes, in which the central lobe is ? separated from the side lobes by two cuts that end with a slot to fix the elastic. The second closure portion comprises a base body on which provided, in the portion proximal to the first coupling portion, a tubular element with a square section with rounded corners formed by two semi-portions separated by a diametrical slit placed parallel to the longer side of the base body in which four tapered pins for coupling with a third assembly element and in which the tapered pins are positioned in the distal part with respect to the first coupling portion and are arranged in pairs symmetrically with respect to an axis of symmetry which also passes through the center of the holes and pins have a height lower than the height of the tubular element.

The third assembly element comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the two portions are on the one hand connected to each other by a connecting portion and on the other hand are separated by a partial notch. In the third assembly element, the first portion comprises a base body surrounding a hole with a square section adapted to mate with the tubular elements of the first and second assembly elements and the second portion comprises a base body and four holes positioned in pairs in symmetrically with respect to an axis of symmetry also passing through the center of the hole.

The fourth assembly element comprises a body formed by two side portions connected to each other by a central portion, wherein the side portions have a solid circular base and a circular edge which has the same height as the central portion. At the center of each solid circular base projects a first cylindrical protrusion of larger diameter surmounted by a second cylindrical protrusion of smaller diameter.

The present invention also relates to a method for making masks which uses a kit and which provides for the insertion of the assembly elements into the square holes present on the strip of fabric to make the folds and guide the customer in making and self- mask packaging.

The procedure for making a template includes:

- a first step for inserting the tubular element of the first assembly element into the first hole of the first side of the fabric strip; the first assembly element is positioned with the hook portion facing the second hole; this operation is also repeated on the second side of the strip;

- a second step in which the strip of fabric is folded over itself? itself so that the second hole is aligned with the tubular member of the first assembly member; the tubular element is then also inserted in the second hole; this operation is also repeated on the second side of the strip;

- a third step in which the strip of fabric is further folded so as to bring the third hole in correspondence with the tubular element and the strip of fabric is inserted for the third time in the tubular element; this operation is also repeated on the second side of the strip;

- a fourth step in which a third assembly element is closedly inserted over the first assembly element to secure the fabric strip in position and form the first fold; the square-section hole is coupled with the tubular element of the first assembly element and the four holes are positioned to mate with the tapered pins of the first assembly element; this operation is carried out on both sides of the strip of fabric;

- a fifth step in which a second assembly element is positioned with the tubular element inserted in the fourth hole; the operation? unfolded on both sides of the fabric strip, and the second assembly member is positioned with the hook portion facing the lower edge of the fabric strip;

- a sixth step in which a third assembly element is inserted with its partial notch in the cut so that the first portion comprising the square-sectioned hole faces upwards and is visible above the fabric strip; this operation is repeated on both sides of the fabric strip;

- a seventh step in which the second assembly element is closed with the third assembly element, and by moving the third assembly element towards the second assembly element the second fold of the strip is formed; the square section hole is coupled with the tubular element of the second assembly element and the four holes are coupled with the tapered pins of the second assembly element; this operation is carried out on both sides of the strip of fabric;

- an eighth step in which a fourth assembly element is inserted with the cylindrical protrusions into the tubular elements respectively of the first element and of the second element to close and lock the assembly elements; this operation is carried out on both sides of the strip of fabric;

- a ninth step in which the laces or elastics are positioned by inserting one end? releasing the laces or elastics respectively in the holes of the first and second assembly elements, and blocking the filiform body of the laces or elastics in the slots); And

- a tenth step in which the first and second assembly elements are angled to give the mask the desired shape, in which the fourth assembly element allows a relative movement of the other assembly elements while maintaining a single constraint.

Brief description of the figures

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from reading the following description provided by way of non-limiting example, with the aid of the figures illustrated in the attached tables, in which:

- Figures 1 and 2, relating to the prior art, show the surgical masks currently on the market,

- Figure 3 shows an example of a kit for making masks currently on the market,

- Figures 4-14 show the successive steps for making a mask according to the present invention, starting from the elements of the kit which include fabric strips and assembly elements, and

- Figures 15-18 show in detail the assembly elements illustrated in Figure 4.

The parts according to the present description have been represented in the drawings, where appropriate, with conventional symbols, showing only those specific details which are pertinent to the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, so as not to highlight details which will be immediately apparent, to those skilled in the art. skilled in the art, with reference to the description reported herein.

Detailed description of the invention

The solution proposed here refers to a kit for making masks that can be assembled by the end customer.

In particular, the kit includes a plurality? of strips S of non-woven fabric each of which is made up of at least three layers measuring 215mm x 200mm. Each strip S comprises holes 1, 2, 3, 4 and cuts L and T arranged on the side edges BL of strip S and suitable for guiding the final customer in the making and self-packaging of the mask.

In the kit, together with the fabric strips S, there are assembly elements, and in particular assembly elements for making the mask.

Figure 4 illustrates the assembly elements A, B, C and D which allow to carry out the pleating on the strips of fabric S.

To make a mask M, a set of elements is needed which includes: two elements indicated with reference A, two elements indicated with reference B, four elements indicated with reference C and two elements indicated with reference D.

Finally, two elastic bands indicated by the reference E are used for anchoring the mask M. In the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, the elastic bands E are arranged to be anchored to the user's ears.

An example of an S-strip of fabric ? shown in Figure 5.

In Figure 5 on the lateral edges BL of the strip S of fabric for making a template M some holes and notches are visible which are useful for folding the fabric to form the pleating. On each lateral edge BL there are four square holes indicated with references 1, 2,3 and 4, a cut indicated with T and a notch indicated with L. The square holes 1, 2, 3 and 4, the cuts T and l? notch L are made symmetrically on the two lateral edges BL with respect to a vertical axis of symmetry passing through the center of the upper edge and the center of the lower edge of the strip of fabric S.

The square holes 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the fabric are positioned on the two side edges at 45, 65, 110, 185 mm with respect to the upper edge BS. The square holes 1, 2, 3 and 4 are obtained on the fabric of the strip S starting from a distance of approximately 35-55 mm with respect to the lateral edge BL and have dimensions of the order of 5-8 mm on the side.

The cuts T for the passage of the elastic E are positioned 12 mm from the upper edge BS, and the notches L for the passage of the assembly element C are always positioned 147 mm starting from the upper edge BS.

The four assembly elements A, B, C, D will now be described in detail with reference to Figures 15-18.

In Figure 15 ? illustrated the first assembly element indicated with the reference A. In particular in Figure 15A ? represented a top view, Figures 15B and 15D are two perspective views and Figure 15C shows a side view of the assembly element A.

The assembly element A comprises a first hooking portion 10 for hooking one end? of the elastic E, an intermediate portion 12 and a second closing portion 14.

In the embodiment illustrated in the Figures, two elastic bands E are used, but alternative forms can be considered in which two cords are used. In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic bands E comprise a filiform body E1 of elastic material, at the two ends of which free are crimped two metal elements E2 which form a lug. The metal elements E2 are two shaped tubular portions hinged in their central portion to the elastic filiform body E1. The metal elements E2 protrude from both sides with respect to the central portion so as to stop and block the elastic E in position.

The metal elements E2 also serve as a protection for the elastic E so that it does not deteriorate after several insertions and to facilitate the connection with the assembly elements.

The first hooking portion 10 of the assembly element A comprises a hole 10a for the passage of one end? metal E2 of the elastic E. The first hooking portion 10 has a trilobate shape formed by a central lobe more? large 10d and two side lobes pi? small 10e. The three lobes are divided by two cuts 10b which end with a slot 10c for fixing the elastic E through the metal element E2.

Alternatively, in the case of cords or elastics without a lug, fastening is obtained by blocking the elastic cord by means of the thread-like body only to the hooking portion. The metal elements E2 which act as lugs are useful for the passage of the elastic or cord from the hole, but the solution described here also provides for the possibility? for fixing and anchoring the elastic or cord even without the cable lug, pinching the thread in the trilobate shape of the hooking portion 10.

The first hooking portion 10 ? connected to the second closing portion 14 through the intermediate portion 12 which has a reduced thickness compared to the other two portions 10 and 14.

The second closing portion 14 comprises a base body 14a on which ? expected in the portion pi? close to? end? free part of the assembly element A is a tubular element 14b with a square section with rounded corners formed by two semi-portions 14b1 and 14b2 separated by a diametral slit 14c, placed parallel to the longer side of the base body 14a. Does the tubular element 14b have a deformability? elastic which allows it to be inserted into a corresponding hole obtained on the corresponding assembly element C.

The tubular element 14b has an internal through hole 14d which allows the deformation of the element itself inwards for coupling with the assembly element C.

Four conical pins 14e are also provided on the base body 14a, again for coupling with the assembly element C (see Figure 15B) and are used to grip the fabric of the strip S and block it between the two elements A and C. The pins conical pins 14e are positioned in the proximal part with respect to the intermediate portion 12 of the assembly element A. The conical pins 14e are positioned in pairs symmetrically with respect to an axis of symmetry AS which also passes through the center of the holes 10a and 14d. The diametral slit 14c also develops on the axis of symmetry AS.

The tapered pins 14e have a height lower than the height of the tubular element 14b, as can be see in Figure 15C.

In Figure 16 ? shown the second assembly element indicated in the Figures with the reference B. The structure of the assembly element B ? very similar to the structure of the assembly element A just described, but not ? there is an intermediate portion between the first portion and the second portion.

With reference to Figure 16A, can one? note that the assembly element B comprises a first hooking portion 20 and a second closing portion 22 directly connected to the first portion. Also in this case the first hooking portion 20 has a trilobed shape with a central lobe 20d and two side lobes 20e. Also in this case the central lobe 20d ? separated from the lateral lobes 20e by two cuts 20b which end with a slot 20c for fixing the elastic E by means of the metal element E2. Also in this assembly element B ? Is there a hole 20a on the first portion 20 for the passage of one end? metal E2 of the elastic E. Here too the same consideration above applies with respect to the lanyards instead of the elastics.

The second closure portion 22 comprises a base body 22a, on which provided in the portion proximal to the first coupling portion 20 of the assembly element B is a tubular element 22b with a square section with rounded corners formed by two semi-portions 22b1 and 22b2 separated by a diametral slot 22c, placed parallel to the longer side of the body basic 22a. Does the tubular element 22b have a deformability? elastic which allows it to be inserted into a corresponding hole obtained on the corresponding assembly element C.

Four conical pins 22e are also provided on the base body 22a, again for coupling with the assembly element C (see Figure 16B) and are used to grip the fabric of the strip S and block it between the two elements B and C. The pins conical pins 22e are positioned in the distal part with respect to the first coupling portion 20 of the assembly element B. The conical pins 22e are positioned in pairs symmetrically with respect to an axis of symmetry AS1 which also passes through the center of the holes 20a and 22d . The diametral slit 22c also develops on the axis of symmetry AS1.

The tapered pins 22e have a height lower than the height of the tubular element 22b, as can be see in Figure 16C.

In Figure 17 ? illustrated is the third assembly element indicated with the reference C which comprises a first portion 30 and a second portion 32. The two portions 30 and 32 are on one side connected to each other by a connecting portion 33 and on the other side are separated by a partial carving 34.

The first portion 30 comprises a base body 30a which surrounds a square section hole 30b. The square section hole 30b ? able to couple with the tubular elements 14b and 22b of the two assembly elements A and B and ? dimensioned so as to seal when the element C ? connected to elements A and B.

The second portion 32 comprises a base body 32a and four holes 32b positioned in pairs symmetrically with respect to an axis of symmetry AS2 also passing through the center of the hole 30b. The holes 32b are able to couple with the conical pins 14e or 22e of the two assembly elements A and B and are sized so as to provide a seal when the element C? connected to elements A and B.

Figure 18 shows the fourth assembly element indicated with reference D. The assembly element D comprises a body 40 formed by two lateral portions 40b connected to each other by a central portion 40a. The side portions 40b have a solid circular base 40c and a circular edge 40d. The circular edge 40d has the same height as the central portion 40a. At the center of each solid circular base 40c projects a first cylindrical projection 42b of larger diameter surmounted by a second cylindrical projection 42a of smaller diameter. The second cylindrical projection 42a ? sized so as to couple with the tubular elements 14b and 22b of the two assembly elements A and B when they are connected with the elements C. In particular, the second cylindrical protrusion 42a is inserted into the hole 14d or 22d and with a further pressure l? element D fits pi? bottom and the first cylindrical protrusion 42b seals by widening the tubular elements 14b and 22b of the two assembly elements A and B. The square-section hole 30b of the assembly element C with its walls generates the seal by limiting the expansion of the half-portions 14b1 and 14b2 and half-portions 22b1 and 22b2 generated by the insertion of the second cylindrical protrusion 42a. The tubular elements 14b and 22b are deformable thanks to the presence of the diametral slit 14c and 22c.

The assembly elements A, B, C and D are made in additive manufacturing or molded. The assembly elements A, B, C and D are made of thermoplastic material, preferably in Polypropylene (PP), but any thermoplastic can be fit for use. Are thermoset resins such as UF, UMF, PF also indicated? added with organic or inorganic based fillers - typical of button technology, also in ferrous metal, aluminum and/or precious metals ? but also for turning bones and shells.

With reference to Figures 4-14 will it come? the process for making a mask M starting from the elements present in the above kit has now been described.

How already? said in Figures 4 and 5 all the elements used to make a template M are illustrated.

Figure 4 shows the assembly elements A, B, C, D and the elastic bands E which are used to obtain the mask M, and in Figure 5 c?? a strip S of fabric with square holes 1, 2, 3 and 4 which serve as a guide for inserting and fixing the assembly elements A, B, C, D.

Figure 6 shows the coupling that must be made between the square holes 1, 2, 3 and 4, the cuts T and the notches L, and the assembly elements A, B, C, D, i.e. each assembly element A , B, C, D ? illustrated at the forum with which it will cooperate?.

Figure 7 shows the first step in manufacturing the mask M. In particular, the tubular element 14b of the assembly element A is inserted into the hole indicated by the reference number 1 made on the fabric strip S. This operation is also repeated on the second side. The assembly element A is positioned with the hooking portion 10 facing upwards with reference to Figure 7 or in general with the hooking portion 10 facing the holes 2 and 3.

Figure 8 illustrates the subsequent step for making the mask M. In particular, the strip of fabric S is folded over itself? itself so that the hole 2 is aligned with the tubular element 14b of the assembly element A. The tubular element 14b is then also inserted in the hole 2 as shown in Figure 8. Naturally the same operation is performed for both elements of assembly A placed on the two sides of the fabric strip S.

Subsequently, with reference to Figure 9, the strip of fabric is folded further so as to bring the hole 3 in correspondence with the tubular element 14b and the strip of fabric S is inserted for the third time in the tubular element. Finally, an assembly element C is inserted as a closure over the element A to fix the strip of fabric S in position and make the first fold. In particular, the square section hole 30b is coupled with the tubular element 14b of the assembly element A and ? dimensioned so as to seal when the element C ? connected. Furthermore, the four holes 32b are positioned so as to couple with the conical pins 14e of the assembly element A. This operation is carried out on both sides of the fabric strip S.

In Figure 10 the assembly element B is positioned. In particular the tubular element 14b of the assembly element B is inserted in the hole 4. The operation ? turn on both sides. Also in this case the assembly element B is positioned with the hooking portion 20 facing downwards with reference to Figure 10 or in general with the hooking portion 20 facing the lower edge BI of the fabric strip S.

In a subsequent step, the assembly element C is inserted with its partial notch 34 in the cut L so that the first portion 30 comprising the square-sectioned hole 30b faces upwards and is visible above the strip of fabric S .

In Figure 11 the assembly element B is closed with the assembly element C. By moving the assembly element C towards the assembly element B the second fold of the strip S is formed. The square section hole 30b is made to couple with the tubular element 22b of the assembly element B. Furthermore, the four holes 32b are positioned so as to couple with the conical pins 22e of the assembly element B. This operation is carried out on both sides of the fabric strip S .

Figure 11 then shows the two assembly elements D ready for insertion.

In Figure 12 the assembly elements D have been inserted with their cylindrical protrusions 42a and 42b into the tubular elements 14b and 22b to close and lock the assembly elements.

In a subsequent step, the elastic bands E or the cords are positioned as shown in Figures 12, 13 and 14. The two metal elements E2 are inserted respectively into the holes 10a and 20a of the assembly elements A and B. After inserting the metal E2 in the holes 10a and 20a they are brought into abutment with the assembly elements A and B and the elastic filiform body E1 is blocked in the slots 10c and 20c. In this way ? It is possible to adjust the length of the elastic bands and make different size M masks.

Finally, the assembly elements A and B are angled as shown in Figure 14 to give the mask M the desired shape. In particular, the assembly element D allows a relative movement of the assembly elements A and B while maintaining a single constraint, i.e. reducing one degree of freedom? the possibility? of movement.

The description ? relating to the preferred shape illustrated in the drawings.

Of course the assembly pu? also be carried out with different assembly elements, for example using only assembly elements of type A and assembly elements of type C and D, and possibly a different number of square holes and corner incisions.

Alternatively ? is it possible to make a shape more? simple in which the assembly ? made for example using only assembly elements of type B together with assembly elements of type C and D and therefore with a different number of holes and cuts.

The dimensions of the fabric strip S are 215 x 200 mm, and once all the assembly elements for making the template M have been inserted, the "free" fabric dimension is ? 185mm wide, and 190mm max stretch length in the centre; and 185mm by 95mm in closed form.

The standard size of a surgical mask ? 185 x 185 mm when ? open, and 175 x 95 mm when ? closed (with seams and folds).

The mask? made with at least two directional folds (downward plisset) and the specific fabric strip ? made with three layers of which the central one has the function of a textile filter.

The assembly elements A and B have a hooking portion 10 and 20 for anchoring the elastics E and a system for regulating the length and therefore the tension of the elastics E.

The assembly element C ? used to staple the S-strip fabric at the correct height (fitted into a cut L positioned 147mm measured from the top edge of the S-strip).

Underwire and nosepad, considered optional by the standard, are easily applied to the fabric according to the known technique, in the self-made mask they are applied externally by fixing the underwire with an adhesive, or other method useful for the purpose.

The standard invoice of the mask from a dimensional point of view? obtainable with the assembly elements (the elements A, B, C and D), and the adaptation of the shape to the model depends on the type of inserts used. The plastic assembly elements A, B, C and D guarantee perfect adherence of the device to the cheeks ? type FFP1 to be clear ? and therefore better protection than other models that open at the sides.

Rigid and fixed inserts (pins of the known art) have a fixed shape, the multiple independent inserts (buttonhole and buttons, holes and clips) are difficult to apply manually (many holes and close to each other make it difficult to insert? manual assembly) and also leave the fabric "too loose" with poor adhesion to the cheeks.

The poor adhesion of the tissue to the cheeks? a typical defect of the pi? classic surgical mask, which tends to open with an imperfect fold on the right and left side edge and which often makes the use of PPE model FFP1 and higher preferable in those situations that require maximizing the filtering and barrier effect of the filtering fabric.

The assembly element D connects the elements A and B, leaving A and B free to orientate each other. The assembly element D ? decisive in defining the final length of the template and in fact creates the third fold without the aid of further holes, cuts and notches in the fabric, moreover, the length of the assembly element D ? variable (e.g. non-limiting) between 38mm and 22mm; Therefore ? the element that allows you to create masks of different sizes (e.g. Large 38, Medium 30, Small 22).

The assembly elements can be disassembled intact from the fabric and sanitized and then reused to make other masks.

? It is possible to provide kits which contain a number of assembly elements equal to those necessary to make all the templates (that is, a complete set of elements for each strip S), or kits with a number of strips S greater than the number of assembly elements.

Naturally, the principle of the invention remaining the same, the details of construction and the embodiments may vary widely with respect to what is described and illustrated purely by way of example, without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (20)

1) A kit for the preparation of masks (M) includes a plurality? of strips of fabric (S), one or more? set of assembly elements (A, B, C, D), and at least one pair of laces to fix the mask to the user?s face, in which some holes are provided on each strip (S) (1, 2, 3, 4) and of the cuts (L, T) arranged on the side edges (BL) of the strip (S) and able to guide the user in the creation and self-packaging of the mask (M), in which said assembly elements (A, B, C, D) are assembled on the strip (S) following an assembly procedure which allows for the creation of folds in the strip of fabric (S), and in which once all the assembly elements (A, B, C, D) on the strip (S) they can be angled to each other to give the mask (M) the desired shape. 2) The kit for the preparation of masks (M) according to claim 1, wherein said strips of fabric (S) are made of TNT fabric each of which is composed of at least three layers of size 215mm x 200mm. 3) The mask preparation kit (M) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the square holes (1, 2, 3 and 4), and the cuts (T, L) are made symmetrically on the two lateral edges (BL) of the strip (S) with respect to a vertical axis of symmetry passing through the center of the upper edge (BS) and the center of the lower edge (BI) of the fabric strip (S). 4) The mask preparation kit (M) according to claim 3, wherein the square holes (1, 2, 3, 4) are positioned on the two side edges (BL) at 45mm, 65mm, 110mm, and 185mm with respect to the upper edge (BS) of the fabric strip (S). 5) The kit for preparing masks (M) according to claim 4, wherein the cuts (T) for the passage of a lace are positioned 12 mm from the upper edge (BS), and the notches (L) for the passage of the assembly element (C) are always positioned at 147 mm from the upper edge (BS). 6) The kit for preparing masks (M) according to claim 5, wherein for making a mask (M) a set of elements is used which comprises two first assembly elements (A), two second assembly elements (B), four third assembly elements (C) and two fourth assembly elements (D). 7) The kit for preparing masks (M) according to claim 6, wherein said assembly elements (A, B, C, D) are made with the additive manufacturing technique or with the molding technique. 8) The kit for the preparation of masks (M) according to claim 7, wherein said assembly elements (A, B, C, D) are made of thermoplastic material which can? be sanitized and reused. 9) The kit for the preparation of masks (M) according to claim 8, in which said laces are elastic (E) and comprise a filiform body (E1) of elastic material at whose two ends? two metal elements (E2) are seamed free, and in which the metal elements (E2) are two shaped tubular portions hinged in their central portion to the elastic filiform body (E1) and protrude on both sides with respect to the central portion. 10) The kit for preparing masks (M) according to claim 9, wherein the first assembly element (A) comprises a first hooking portion (10) for hooking one end of the mask (M). of the elastic band (E), an intermediate portion (12) and a second closing portion (14). 11) The kit for preparing masks (M) according to claim 10, wherein in the first assembly element (A) the first hooking portion (10) comprises a hole (10a) for the passage of the elastic (E) and has a three-lobed shape formed by a central lobe pi? large (10d) and two side lobes pi? small (10e), in which the three lobes are divided by two cuts (10b) which end with a slot (10c) to fix the elastic (E). 12) The kit for preparing masks (M) according to claim 11, wherein in the first assembly element (A) the first hooking portion (10) is? connected to the second closing portion (14) through the intermediate portion (12) which has a reduced thickness and the closing portion (14) comprises a base body (14a) on which ? expected in the portion pi? close to? end? free from the first assembly element (A) is a tubular element (14b) with a square section with rounded corners formed by two semi-portions (14b1, 14b2) separated by a diametral slit (14c), placed parallel to the longer side of the body base (14a), in which the tubular element (14b) has an internal through hole (14d) which allows the element itself to be deformed inwards for coupling with the third assembly element (C), in which four conical pins (14e) are also provided on the base body (14a) again for coupling with the third assembly element (C), in which the conical pins (14e) are positioned in the proximal part with respect to the intermediate portion (12 ) and are positioned in pairs symmetrically with respect to an axis of symmetry (AS) which also passes through the center of the holes (10a) and (14d) and have a height lower than the height of the tubular element (14b). 13) The kit for preparing masks (M) according to claim 12, wherein the second assembly element (B) comprises a first hooking portion (20) and a second closing portion (22) directly connected to the first portion hook (20). 14) The kit for preparing masks (M) according to claim 13, wherein in the second assembly element (B) the first hooking portion (20) provides a hole (20a) for the passage of the elastic (E) and has a trilobed shape with a central lobe (20d) and two lateral lobes (20e), in which the central lobe (20d) is ? separated from the lateral lobes (20e) by two cuts (20b) which end with a slot (20c) to fix the elastic (E). 15) The kit for preparing masks (M) according to claim 14, wherein in the second assembly element (B) the second closure portion (22) comprises a base body (22a), on which? provided in the portion proximal to the first hooking portion (20) is a tubular element (22b) with a square section with rounded corners formed by two semi-portions (22b1, 22b2) separated by a diametral slit (22c) placed parallel to the longer side of the base body (22a) in which four conical pins (22e) are provided on the base body (22a) for coupling with the third assembly element (C) and in which the conical pins (22e) are positioned in the distal part with respect to the first coupling portion (20) and are arranged in pairs symmetrically with respect to an axis of symmetry (AS1) which also passes through the center of the holes (20a) and (22d) and have a height lower than the height of the ?tubular element (22b). 16) The kit for preparing masks (M) according to claim 15, wherein the third assembly element (C) comprises a first portion (30) and a second portion (32), wherein the two portions (30, 32) are on the one hand connected to each other by a connecting portion (33) and on the other hand are separated by a partial notch 17) The kit for preparing masks (M) according to claim 16, wherein in the third assembly element (C) the first portion (30) comprises a base body (30a) which surrounds a square section hole (30b ) suitable for coupling with the tubular elements (14b) and (22b) of the assembly elements (A, B) and the second portion (32) comprises a base body (32a) and four holes (32b) positioned in pairs so symmetrical with respect to an axis of symmetry (AS2) also passing through the center of the hole (30b). 18) The kit for preparing masks (M) according to claim 17, wherein the fourth assembly element (D) comprises a body (40) formed by two side portions (40b) connected to each other by a central portion (40a ), in which the side portions (40b) have a full circular base (40c) and a circular edge (40d) which has the same height as the central portion (40a), in which the center of each full circular base (40c) protrudes a first cylindrical projection (42b) of larger diameter surmounted by a second cylindrical projection (42a) of smaller diameter. 19) Procedure for making masks (M) using a kit according to one or more of the previous claims which provides for the insertion of the assembly elements (A, B, C, D) into the square holes (1, 2, 3 and 4) present on the fabric strip (S) to create the folds and guide the customer in the creation and self-packaging of the mask (M). 20) The process for making masks (M) according to claim 19, wherein the process provides: - a first step for inserting the tubular element (14b) of the first assembly element (A) into the first hole (1) of the first side of the fabric strip (S); the first assembly element (A) is positioned with the hooking portion (10) facing the second hole (2); this operation is also repeated on the second side of the strip (S); - a second step in which the strip of fabric (S) is folded over itself? itself so that the second hole (2) is aligned with the tubular element (14b) of the first assembly element (A); the tubular element (14b) is then also inserted in the second hole (2); this operation is also repeated on the second side of the strip (S); - a third step in which the strip of fabric (S) is further folded so as to bring the third hole (3) in correspondence with the tubular element (14b) and the strip of fabric (S) is inserted for the third time in the ?tubular element(14b); this operation is also repeated on the second side of the strip (S); - a fourth step in which a third assembly element (C) is closed over the first assembly element (A) to fix the fabric strip (S) in position and make the first fold; the square section hole (30b) is coupled with the tubular element (14b) of the first assembly element (A) and the four holes (32b) are positioned so as to couple with the conical pins (14e) of the first assembly element assembly (A); this operation is carried out on both sides of the strip of fabric (S); - a fifth step in which a second assembly element (B) is positioned with the tubular element (14b) inserted in the fourth hole (4); the operation? unfolded on both sides of the fabric strip (S), and the second assembly element (B) is positioned with the hooking portion (20) facing the lower edge (BI) of the fabric strip (S); - a sixth step in which a third assembly element (C) is inserted with its partial notch (34) in the cut (L) so that the first portion (30) comprising the square section hole (30b) faces towards the top and is visible above the strip of fabric (S); this operation is repeated on both sides of the fabric strip (S); - a seventh step in which the second assembly element (B) is closed with the third assembly element (C), and by moving the third assembly element (C) towards the second assembly element (B) the second fold is formed of the strip (S); the square section hole (30b) is coupled with the tubular element (22b) of the second assembly element (B) and the four holes (32b) are coupled with the conical pins (22e) of the second assembly element (B ); this operation is carried out on both sides of the strip of fabric (S); - an eighth step in which a fourth assembly element (D) is inserted with the cylindrical protrusions (42a, 42b) into the tubular elements (14b, 22b) respectively of the first element (A) and of the second element (B) to close and lock the assembly elements; this operation is carried out on both sides of the strip of fabric (S); - a ninth step in which the laces or elastics (E) are positioned by inserting one end? freeing the laces or elastics (E) respectively in the holes (10a) and (20a) of the first and second assembly elements (A) and (B), and blocking the filiform body of the laces or elastics (E) in the slots ( 10c, 20c); And - a tenth step in which the first and second assembly elements (A, B) are angled to give the mask (M) the desired shape, in which the fourth assembly element (D) allows a relative movement of the other assembly elements (A, B) keeping only one constraint.