JP6309024B2 - Filtered face piece respirator with round outer edges - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a filter type face piece respirator having a curved outer side portion in which a top portion of a mask body is in contact with a bottom portion.

  Respirators generally have two general purposes: (1) to prevent impurities or contaminants from entering the wearer's respiratory system; and (2) to be worn by other persons or other items. To be protected from exposure to pathogens and other contaminants aspirated by a person, it is worn over at least one of them to cover a person's respiratory pathway. In the first situation, the respirator is worn in an environment where air contains particles that are harmful to the wearer, such as in an auto body repair shop. In the second situation, the respirator is worn in an environment where there is a risk of contamination to other people or things, for example in an operating room or clean room.

  Various respirators have been designed to meet either (or both) of these objectives. Some of these respirators have been classified as “filter face pieces” because the mask body itself functions as a filter mechanism. Rubber or elastomers with attachable filter cartridges (eg, see US Pat. No. 39,493 (Yuschak et al.)) Or insert molded filter elements (eg, see US Pat. No. 4,790,306 (Braun)) Unlike respirators that use a conventional mask body, filter facepiece respirators are designed so that the filter media covers most of the entire mask body so that the filter cartridge does not need to be installed or replaced. These filter facepiece respirators generally take one of two types of structures: a molded respirator and a flat foldable respirator.

  Molded filter facepiece respirators have typically included a nonwoven web of heat bonded fibers or a plastic mesh of open stitches to provide a cup-like structure to the mask body. Molded respirators tend to maintain the same shape both during use and during storage. As such, these respirators cannot be folded for storage or transportation. Examples of patents disclosing molded filter facepiece respirators include US Pat. Nos. 7,131,442 (Kronzer et al.), 6,923,182, and 6,041,782 (Angadjivand). Et al., 4,807,619 (Dyrud et al.), And 4,536,440 (Berg).

  Flat foldable respirators, as the name implies, can be folded flat for transportation and storage. They can also open into a cup-like structure in use. Examples of flat foldable respirators are shown in US Pat. Nos. 6,568,392 and 6,484,722 (Bostock et al.) And 6,394,090 (Chen).

  Foldable respirators are convenient in that they can be folded flat for transport and storage, but these respirators are folded on the top and bottom of the outer perimeter of the mask body when folded horizontally. There is a tendency to define sharp or clear points where they touch. This may tighten the wearer's cheek when the respirator is worn for a long time. The present invention described below provides a horizontally collapsible respirator having a new outer perimeter that eliminates a sharper defined area where the top and bottom of the outer perimeter of the mask body meet. To deal with this discomfort.

  The present invention relates to a filter type face piece respirator including a harness and a mask body. The mask body includes a filtration structure having a top portion, a bottom portion, an upper outer edge section, a lower outer edge section, a front boundary line, and first and second coupling lines. The first and second bond lines are located on opposite sides of the mask body and join the top of the mask body to the bottom. The first and second connecting lines extend from the front boundary line to the upper and lower outer edge sections. When the mask body is laid flat, the upper and lower outer segments are upper linear segments located between first and second curved portions located at opposite ends of the upper and lower outer segments, respectively, and Includes the lower linear section. The first and second curved portions of each upper and lower outer segment extend from each upper or lower linear segment to the first and second coupling lines, respectively.

  When the configuration is in use, the first and second curved portions provide a round finish on the outer periphery of the mask body, thereby enabling the mask body to exhibit a more comfortable wearing feeling. From an aesthetic point of view, the mask body also has a more attractive appearance when viewed from the side because the outer side has a more continuous appearance.

Terminology Terms described below shall have the meanings defined below.

  “Contains” means its definition, which is standard in patent terminology, and is an open-ended term generally synonymous with “comprising”, “having” or “containing” . “Including”, “comprising”, “having”, and “containing”, and variations thereof, are commonly used open-ended terms, but the present invention consists essentially of Can be properly described using narrower terms, such as an object or element that will adversely affect the performance of the respirator of the present invention in performing its intended function. It is a term that is similar to the open-ended term in that it only excludes.

  “Clean air” means a volume of ambient air that has been filtered to remove contaminants.

  “Contaminants” are particles (including dust, mist and fume) and / or other substances that may not generally be considered particles (eg, organic vapors, etc.) but may be suspended in the air. Means.

  The “lateral dimension” is a dimension extending transversely across the respirator from the side to the side when the respirator is viewed from the front.

  “Cup-like structure” means any container-type shape capable of adequately covering a person's nose and mouth.

  “Curved” means not extending straight.

  “External gas space” means the gas space in the ambient atmosphere through which exhaled gas enters after passing through the mask body and / or exhalation valve.

The “filtered face wear device” is configured such that the mask body itself filters air passing through the mask body, and the mask body is molded with a separate identifiable filter cartridge or insert to achieve this purpose. Means that the filter element is attached or not molded,
“Filter” or “filtration layer” means one or more layers of breathable material that removes contaminants (such as particles) from an air stream passing through the “filter” or “filtration layer”. It is suitable for the main purpose.

  “Filter media” means a breathable structure designed to remove contaminants from the air passing through it.

  “Filter structure” generally refers to an air permeable structure that filters air.

  “First side” means the area of the mask body located on one side of a plane that bisects the mask body perpendicular to the transverse dimension.

  “Flange” means a protrusion, which provides structural integrity or strength to the body from which the flange protrudes.

  “Folded inward” means being bent back toward the portion extending therefrom.

  “Forward” or “forward” means that the respirator is located in a direction that extends away from the person's face when worn.

  "Harness" means a structure or combination of parts that helps support the mask body on the wearer's face.

  "Integral" means being manufactured together at the same time, i.e. not two separate manufactured parts that are made together as a part and later joined together.

  The “internal gas space” means a space between the mask body and the human face.

  The “front edge” is the edge that is not attached.

  “Boundary line” means a fold, seam, weld line, bond line, stitch line, hinge line and / or any combination thereof.

  “Linear” means extending substantially straight.

  “Main part” means the filtering part of the mask body.

  A “mask body” is a breathable structure (a seam and joint that joins layers and components together) that fits over a person's mouth and nose and helps separate and define the interior gas space from the exterior gas space Part).

  “Nose clip” means a mechanical device (other than a nose foam) that is adapted for use on a mask body to at least improve the seal around the wearer's nose.

  "Perimeter" means the outer edge of the mask body that will be placed substantially adjacent to the wearer's face when the respirator is worn by a person.

  “Pleated” means a part that is designed or folded over so that it can be folded over itself.

  “Polymer” and “plastic” each mean a material that primarily contains one or more polymers and may also contain other components as well.

  “Plural” means two or more.

  “Arc” means having a substantially constant curvature.

  “Respirator” means an air filtration device that is worn by a person and provides the wearer with clean air for breathing.

  “Second side” means a region of the mask body located on one side of a plane that bisects the mask body perpendicular to the transverse dimension (the second side is opposite the first side). )

  “Fitness fit” or “just fit” means that an essentially airtight (or substantially free of) fit is provided (between the mask body and the wearer's face).

  “Extending in the transverse direction” means extending in the substantially transverse direction.

1 is a front perspective view of a flat foldable filter facepiece respirator 10 according to the present invention as worn on a human face. FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the respirator 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 in an unopened configuration. FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the respirator 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 in an unopened configuration. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the mask body 12 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the filtration structure 16 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1 is a front view of a mask body 12 that may be used in connection with the present invention. It is a right view of the mask main body 12 by this invention.

  In practicing the present invention, a filter face piece respirator is provided having first and second curved sections on opposite ends of the outer section of the mask body. This curved section allows a rounded outer edge to be formed in a region where the upper part of the mask body touches the lower part. The rounded outer edge makes it possible to reach a more comfortable fit.

  FIG. 1 is intended to provide clean air for the wearer to breathe. 2 illustrates an example of a filter face piece respirator 10 that may be used in connection with the present invention. The filter type face piece respirator 10 includes a mask body 12 and a harness 14. The mask body 12 has a filtration structure 16 that must be passed before inspiration enters the wearer's respiratory system. The filtering structure 16 removes contaminants from the surrounding environment so that the wearer can inhale clean air. The mask body 12 includes a top 18 and a bottom 20. The top 18 and the bottom 20 are separated by a front boundary line 22. In this particular embodiment, the boundary line 22 is a forward fold in a bond line that extends laterally across the central portion of the mask body from side to side. The mask body 12 also includes an outer edge 24 that includes an upper section 24a and a lower section 24b. The harness 14 has a first upper strap 26 fixed to the top 18 of the mask body 12 by staples 29 adjacent to the outer side 24a. The harness 14 also has a second lower strap 27 that is secured to the flange 30 a by staples 29.

  FIG. 2 illustrates a respirator 10 in a horizontal flat foldable configuration. The top portion 18 of the respirator mask body 12 has an upper outer edge section 24a, a front boundary line 22, and first and second coupling lines 30a and 30b. The first and second coupling lines 30a and 30b are located on the opposing side portions 31a and 31b of the mask body 12, and join the top 18 of the mask body 12 to the bottom 20 (FIG. 1). The first and second coupling lines 30a and 30b extend from the front folding part 22 to the upper outer side section 24a. The upper outer edge section 24a is located between the first curved part 34a and the second curved part 34b located at opposite ends of the upper outer edge section 32a when the mask body 12 is placed flat. It has a linear section 32a. The first and second curved portions 34a, 34b of the upper outer edge section 24a extend from the corresponding upper linear section 32a to the first and second coupling lines 30a, 30b. The mask body 12 may also have flanges 36a, 36b located on opposite sides 31a, 31b of the mask body 12, respectively. The plane 38 bisects the mask body 12 and defines first and second sides 31a, 31b. The flanges 36a and 36b may be folded inward toward the filtration structure 16 that contacts it. Each flange typically occupies a surface area of about 1-15 cm2, more typically about 2-12 cm2, and even more typically about 5-10 cm2. The integral flange may have a weld or joint 35 provided on the flange to increase the rigidity of the flange. Alternatively, an adhesive layer may be used to increase flange stiffness. The flange may have a flexural modulus of at least 10 megapascals (MPa), more typically at least 20 MPa, when bent along the major surface of the flange. The flexural modulus at the upper end is typically less than 100 MPa, more typically less than 60 MPa. The flanges 36a, 36b are also typically 2 millimeters (mm) from the connecting lines 30a, 30b on the mask body 12, more typically at least 5mm, and even more typically at least 1-2 centimeters ( cm) extending away. The flanges 36 a, 36 b can be connected to the main portion of the mask body 12, either integrally or non-integrally, and can include one or more or all of the various layers that comprise the mask body filtration structure 16. Unlike the filtration structure 16, the layers including the flanges 36a, 36b can be compressed, making them almost fluid permeable. The flanges 36a, 36b may be an extension of the material used to make the mask body filtration structure 16, or they may be made of a separate material such as a rigid or semi-rigid plastic. The mask body perimeter section 24a may also have a series of joints, or welds 37, for joining the various layers of the mask body 12 together. Therefore, the fluid permeability of the outer side section 24a may not be so high. The top 18 may include one or more pleat lines that extend laterally from the first bond line 30a to the second bond line 30b.

  In FIG. 3, the lower perimeter section 24b may also have a series of joints or welds 37 for joining the various layers. The remaining portion of the filtration structure 16 from the outer perimeter can be fully fluid permeable over most of the expanded surface, except for the possibility of areas with joints, welds, or fold lines. . The bottom 20 of the mask body 12 has a lower outer edge section 24b between the first and second coupling lines 30a, 30b. The lower outer edge section 24b is a lower line located between the first curved portion 34a and the second curved section 34b located at opposite ends of the lower outer edge section 32b when the mask body 12 is placed flat. It has a shape section 32b. The first and second curved portions 34a, 34b of the lower outer edge section 24b extend from the corresponding lower linear section 32b to the first and second coupling lines 30a, 30b, respectively. The curved portions 34a, 34b can be curved with various radii or a substantially constant radius. The constant radius may be about 10-70 millimeters (mm), more typically 20-60 mm, and even more typically 30-50 mm. The arcuate section may be cut from the blank mask body, where the top 18 of the mask body 12 contacts the lower portion 20 at the connecting lines 30a, 30b along the outer sections 24a, 24b (FIG. 1). Is provided. The upper and lower sections 24a, 24b can be about 10-20 cm in length, more typically 13-19 cm in length, and more typically 15-18 cm in length. A smooth radius curve may improve contact with the face when the respirator is worn. The curved cut also allows the leading edge 39 to align with the outer edge at least along a substantial portion. The curved portions 34a, 34b on the upper and lower outer edge sections 24a, 24b, respectively, allow the outer edge sections 24a and 24b to be folded and pulled apart from each other in the form of a butterfly as shown in FIG. . The first and second flanges 36a, 36b are joined to the mask body 12 at the connecting lines 30a, 30b, and can be rotated and folded about an axis substantially parallel to these lines. The front edges 39 of the flanges 36a and 36b start where the connecting lines 30a and 30b contact the outer edge 24. The leading edge 39 may be configured to align with the outer edge 24 that moves in a direction toward the plane 38 that bisects the mask body 12. The leading edge 39 substantially aligns with the outer edge 24 over approximately 10-50% of its total length. The first and second boundary lines 30a and 30b are offset at an angle α from a plane 38 extending perpendicularly to the outer side 24 of the mask body 12 when viewed from above or below with the mask body folded. ing. The angle α can be from 0 degrees to about 60 degrees, more typically from about 30 to 45 degrees. The bottom 20 may also include one or more pleat lines that extend laterally from the first coupling line 30a to the second coupling line 30b.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of a pleated structure of the mask body 12 according to the present invention. As shown, the top 18 of the respirator body 12 also has pleats 40 and 41 and half of the front boundary 22. The lower portion or panel 20 of the mask body 12 may include pleats 42 and 44 and half of the boundary line 22. The boundary line 22 may be a fold line and / or a bond line that separates the upper and lower portions 18 and 20 of the mask body 12. The lower portion 20 of the mask body 12 may include a filter media surface area that is the same, larger, or smaller than the upper portion 18. The mask body 12 may also include a perimeter web secured to the mask body along the perimeter. The outer edge web can be folded over the mask body at the outer edge 24. The perimeter web may also be an extension of the inner cover web that is folded and secured around the edges of 24a and 24b. A nose clip 56 (FIGS. 1, 2, 6 and 7) may be disposed in the middle of the upper portion 18 of the mask body and adjacent to the outer edge 24a between the filtration structure 16 and the outer edge web. The nose clip can be made of a flexible metal or plastic that can be adapted by the wearer's hand to match the contour of the wearer's nose.

  FIG. 5 illustrates that the filtration structure 16 can include one or more layers, such as an inner cover web 58, an outer cover web 60, and a filter layer 62. Inner and outer cover webs 58 and 60 may be provided to protect the filter layer 62 and prevent fibers from the filter layer 62 from loosening and entering the inside of the mask. During use of the respirator, air sequentially passes through layers 60, 62, and 58 before entering the inside of the mask. The air disposed in the internal gas space of the mask body can then be aspirated by the wearer. As the wearer exhales, the air sequentially passes through layers 58, 62, and 60 in the opposite direction. Alternatively, the mask body may be provided with an exhalation valve (not shown) that allows the exhaled air to rapidly escape from the internal gas space and enter the external gas space without passing through the filtration structure 16. . Typically, the cover webs 58 and 60 are made with a choice of non-woven materials that provide a pleasant sensation on the filtration structure, particularly on the side that contacts the wearer's face. Details of various filter layer and cover web constructions that can be used in the support structure of the present invention are described below. The filtering structure may also have a structural mesh or mesh juxtaposed against at least one or more layers 58, 60, or 62, typically against the outer surface of the outer cover web 60. The use of such a mesh is described in US Patent Publication No. 2010/0154806 (A1) entitled “Expandable Face Mask with Reinforcing Netting”. In order to improve fit and comfort to the wearer, an elastomeric face seal can be secured to the outer periphery of the filtration structure 16. Such a face seal may extend radially inward to contact the wearer's face when the respirator is applied. Examples of face seals are US Pat. No. 6,568,392 to Bostock et al., 5,617,849 to Springett et al., US Pat. No. 4,600,002 to Maryyanek et al., And Canadian Patent No. to Yard. No. 1,296,487. The mask body perimeter 24 can also be folded onto itself in the nasal region to achieve a snug fit, see US Patent Publication No. 2011 / 0315144A1.

  FIG. 6 shows the mask body 12 having a structure in use. During use, the flanges 36a, 36b are arranged to contact the first and second sides of the main portion 63 of the mask body 12. The flanges 36a and 36b can be folded inward toward the mask body. When the flange is pulled toward the main portion 63 of the mask body 12, the respirator behaves as a shaped respirator rather than a foldable respirator. That is, the respirator takes a structural cup-shaped configuration that can better maintain its shape during use. Thus, the respirator of the present invention having flanges 36a, 36b in which the flange is pulled toward the main portion 63 of the mask body 12 is, in a sense, a hybrid between a molded respirator and a foldable respirator.

  FIG. 7 also shows the mask body 12 in use structure. The mask body 12 is illustrated as having a round structure in the outer region 64 where the upper and lower sections 24a, 24b of the mask body meet. This round structure prevents mask body 12 from tightening the cheek of the wearer or otherwise causing discomfort when the respirator 10 is worn.

Filtration Structure The filtration structure used in connection with the present invention may take on a variety of different shapes and structures. The filtration structure is typically adapted to fit properly against or within the support structure. Usually, the shape and structure of the filtration structure corresponds to the general shape of the mask body. Although the filtration structure is illustrated in multiple layers including a filter layer and two cover webs, the filtration structure may be composed solely of a filter layer or a combination of filter layers. For example, the prefilter may be more purified and placed upstream of a selected downstream filter layer. In addition, adsorbent materials such as activated carbon may be placed between the fibers and / or various layers that make up the filtration structure. In addition, a separate particulate filtration layer may be used with the adsorption layer to provide both particulate and vapor filtration. The filtration structure may include one or more reinforcing layers that assist in providing a cup-like structure. The filtration structure may also have one or more horizontal and / or vertical boundaries that contribute to its structural integrity. However, the use of the first and second flanges according to the present invention can eliminate the need for such reinforcing layers and boundaries.

  The filtration structure used in the mask body of the present invention may be a particle trapping type or a gas and vapor type filter. The filtration structure also provides a barrier layer that prevents liquid from moving from one side of the filter layer to the other, for example, to prevent liquid aerosol or liquid droplets (eg, blood) from penetrating the filter layer. It may be. Depending on the application, multiple layers of similar or different filter media can be used to construct the filtration structure of the present invention. Filters that can be effectively used in the layered mask body of the present invention generally have a low pressure drop to minimize the respiratory effort of the mask wearer (e.g., less than about 195-295 Pascals at a face velocity of 13.8 cm / sec). ). The filter layers can be more flexible and can have sufficient shear strength to generally maintain their structure in the anticipated use conditions. Examples of particle trapping filters include one or more webs of fine inorganic fibers (such as glass fibers) or polymer synthetic fibers. Synthetic fiber webs can include electret charged polymer microfibers produced by processes such as the meltblown process. Polyolefin microfibers formed from charged polypropylene are particularly useful for particle capture applications. Another filter layer may include an adsorbent component for removing harmful or offensive gases in the breathing air. Adsorbents may include powders or granules constrained within the filter layer by adhesives, binders, or fibrous structures (US Pat. No. 6,334,671 (Springett et al.), And US Pat. No. 3,971,373 (see Braun). The adsorption layer can be formed by coating a substrate such as a fibrous or reticulated foam to form a thin cohesive layer. Examples of the adsorbent material include activated carbon (chemically treated or untreated), a porous alumina-silica catalyst base material, and alumina particles. Examples of adsorbent filter structures that can be adapted to various structures are described in US Pat. No. 6,391,429 owned by Senkus et al.

The filter layer is typically selected to achieve the desired filtration effect. The filter layer typically removes particles and / or other contaminants at a high rate from the gas stream passing through the filter layer. In a fiber filter layer, the fibers selected will depend on the type of material being filtered and are typically selected so that they do not bond together during the molding operation. As noted, the filter layer can be provided in a variety of shapes and configurations, generally from about 0.2 millimeters (mm) to 1 centimeter (cm), and more typically from about 0.3 mm to. It may be 5 cm thick and may be a substantially planar web or may be corrugated to provide an expanded surface area, for example, U.S. Pat. See 5,804,295 and 5,656,368. The filter layer may also include a plurality of filter layers bonded together by an adhesive or any other means. Essentially any suitable material known (or later developed) for forming a filtration layer can be used as the filtration material. Wente, Van A.M. , Superfine Thermoplastic Fibers, 48 indus. Engn. Chem. , 1342 et seq. Meltblown fiber webs such as those taught in (1956) are particularly useful, especially when in the form of a sustained charge (electret) (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,215,682 owned by Kubik et al.). reference). These meltblown fibers may be microfibers having an effective fiber diameter of less than about 20 micrometers ([mu] m) ("blown microfiber" is referred to as BMF), typically about 1-12 [mu] m. Effective fiber diameters are described by Davies, C .; N. , The Separation Of Arrivone Dust Particles, Institution Of Mechanical Engineers, London, Proceedings 1B, 1952. Particularly preferred are BMF webs containing fibers formed from polypropylene, poly (4-methyl-1-pentene), and combinations thereof. Electrically charged fibrillated-film fibers as taught in US Pat. No. Re31,285 (van Turnhout), and resin-wool and glass fiber webs, or in particular micro Solution-blown or electrostatic spray fibers in the form of films can also be suitable. Charges are described in US Pat. Nos. 6,824,718 (Eitzman et al.), 6,783,574 (Angadjivand et al.), 6,743,464 (Insley et al.), 6,454,986. No. 6,406,657 (Eitzman et al.) And 6,375,886 and 5,496,507 (Angadjivand et al.) Contact the fiber with water. Can be imparted to the fiber. The charge may also be by corona charging as disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,588,537 (Klasse et al.) Or by tribocharging as disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,798,850 (Brown). It may be imparted to the fiber by (tribocharging). Additives can also be included in the fibers to enhance the filtration performance of webs made through the hydrocharge process (see Rousseau et al., US Pat. No. 5,908,598). In particular, fluorine atoms can be placed on the fiber surface of the filter layer to improve filtration performance in an oily mist environment (Jones et al. US Pat. Nos. 6,398,847B1, 6,397,458B1). No. 6,409,806B1). The typical basis weight of the electret BMF filter layer is about 10-100 grams per square meter. For example, when charged by the technique described in the '507 patent (Angadozi Band et al.) And containing fluorine atoms as described in the Jones et al. a 40 g / ^{m 2} and about 10 to 30 g / ^{m 2.}

The inner cover web can be used to provide a smooth surface to contact the wearer's face, and the outer cover web can enclose free fibers in the mask body, or for aesthetic reasons Can be used. The cover web generally does not provide any filtration effect to the filtration structure, but can be acted as a pre-filter when placed outside (or upstream) the filter layer. In order to obtain a suitable degree of comfort, the inner cover web preferably has a relatively low basis weight and is formed from relatively thin fibers. More specifically, the basis weight of the cover web is about 5-50 g / m ² (typically 10-30 g / m ²⁾ and the fibers are less than 3.5 denier (typically less than 2 denier, more typically The fibers used in the cover web have an average fiber diameter of about 5-24 micrometers, typically about 7-18. Often, the cover web material may have some degree of elasticity (typically 100-200% at break). However, this is not necessarily the case) and may be plastically deformable.

  Suitable materials for the cover web include blown microfiber (BMF) materials, particularly polyolefin BMF materials such as polypropylene BMF materials (including polypropylene blends and blends of polypropylene and polyethylene). A suitable manufacturing process for BMF materials for cover webs is described in US Pat. No. 4,013,816 (Sabie et al.). The web may be formed by collecting the fibers on a smooth surface, typically a smooth surface drum or rotating collector (see US Pat. No. 6,492,286 (Belligan et al.)). about). Spunbond fibers can also be used.

A typical cover web may be made from polypropylene or a polypropylene / polyolefin blend containing 50% or more by weight polypropylene. These materials provide the wearer with a high degree of softness and comfort, and when the filter material is a polypropylene BMF material, the filter material is held in place without the need for an adhesive between the layers. It has been found to keep. Suitable polyolefin materials for use in the cover web include, for example, a single polypropylene, a blend of two polypropylenes, a blend of polypropylene and polyethylene, a blend of polypropylene and poly (4-methyl-1-pentene), and And / or a blend of polypropylene and polybutylene. An example of a fiber for a cover web is a polypropylene BMF “Escorene 3505G” manufactured by Exxon Corporation made from polypropylene resin, which provides a basis weight of about 25 g / m ² and a fiber denier of 0.2 ˜3.1 (average of measurements over about 100 fibers of about 0.8). Another suitable fiber is polypropylene / polyethylene BMF (manufactured from a mixture containing 85% resin “Escorene 3505G” and 15% ethylene / α-olefin copolymer “Exact 4023” (also from Exxon Corporation)). This has a basis weight of about 25 g / m ² and an average fiber denier of about 0.8. Suitable spunbond materials are available from Corovin GmbH (Peine, Germany) under the trade names “Corsoft Plus 20”, “Corsoft Classic 20”, and “Corobin PP-S-14”, card polypropylene / viscose The material is J.M. W. It is available from Suominen OY (Nakila, Finland) under the trade name “370/15”.

  The cover web used in the present invention preferably has very few fibers protruding from the web surface after the process and therefore has a smooth outer surface. Examples of coated webs that can be used in the present invention include, for example, US Pat. No. 6,041,782 to Angage Band, US Pat. No. 6,123,077 to Bostock et al., And Bostock et al. International Patent Application Publication No. 96 / 28216A, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Respirator components Straps used in harnesses are made from a variety of materials such as thermoset rubber, thermoplastic elastomers, braided or knitted yarn / rubber combinations, inelastic braided components, etc. May be. The strap may be made from an elastic material, for example an elastic braided material. Preferably, the strap can expand more than twice its full length and can be returned to its relaxed state. The strap can also extend up to 3 or 4 times its relaxed length, and when tension is removed, it can return to its original state without any damage. Thus, the elastic limit is preferably at least twice, three times, or four times the length of the strap in the relaxed state. Typically, the strap is about 20-30 cm long, 3-10 mm wide, and about 0.9-1.5 mm thick. The strap may extend as a continuous strap from the first tab to the second tab, or the strap may have multiple parts that can be joined together by additional fasteners or buckles. For example, the strap may have first and second portions joined together by fasteners that can be quickly separated by the wearer when the mask body is removed from the face. Alternatively, the strap may form a loop that is placed around the wearer's ear, see US Pat. No. 6,394,090 (Chen et al.). An example of a strap that can be used in connection with the present invention is shown in US Pat. No. 6,332,465 (Xue et al.). Examples of fastening or clasp mechanisms that can be used to join one or more parts of a strap are described, for example, in US Pat. No. 6,062,221 (Brostrom et al.), 5,237, No. 986 (Seppala) and European Patent No. 1,495,785 (A1) (Chien). The harness can also be in the form of a reusable carriage or an adhesive layer provided on the inner surface of the outer edge.

  As pointed out, an exhalation valve may be attached to the mask body to facilitate exhalation from the internal gas space. Using an exhalation valve can improve wearer comfort by rapidly removing warm, moist exhalation from within the mask. For example, U.S. Patent Nos. 7,188,622, 7,028,689, and 7,013,895 (Martin et al.), 7,428,903, 7,311, 104, 7,117,868, 6,854,463, 6,843,248, and 5,325,892 (Japantich et al.), 6,883,518. No. (Mittelstadt et al.), And RE 37,974 (Bowers). Essentially any expiratory valve that provides a suitable pressure drop and that can be properly secured to the mask body is relevant to the present invention to rapidly deliver exhaled air from the internal gas space to the external gas space. May be used.

  The nose clip used in the present invention can be essentially any additional part that helps to improve the wearing feel covering the wearer's nose. Since the wearer's face is located in the nose region, the nose clip can be used to help achieve a proper wearing feel at this location. For example, a nose clip is a flexible, soft band-like metal, such as aluminum, that can be shaped so that the mask body is held in the desired conformal relationship over the wearer's nose and between the nose and cheeks May be included. An example of a suitable nose clip is described in US Pat. Nos. 5,558,089 and Des. No. 412,573 (Castiglion). Other nose clips are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 238,737 (filed September 26, 2008), Publication No. 2007-0044803A1 (filed Aug. 25, 2005), and 2007-0068529A1. (Filed on Sep. 27, 2005).

  Various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Accordingly, the invention is not limited by the above description, but is to be regulated by the limiting conditions set forth in the following claims and any equivalents thereof.

  Furthermore, the present invention may be suitably practiced without the elements not specifically disclosed herein.

  All patents and patent applications cited above, including those cited in the “Background” section, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. To the extent that there is a discrepancy or inconsistency between the disclosure of such incorporated documents and the above specification, the above specification will prevail.

Claims (1)

A filter-type facepiece respirator,
(A) a harness;
(B) a mask body including a filtration structure having a top, a bottom, an upper outer edge section, a lower outer edge section, a front boundary line, and first and second coupling lines,
The first and second coupling lines are located on opposite first and second sides of the mask body, and the top of the mask body is joined to the bottom;
The first and second connecting lines extend from the front boundary line to the upper and lower outer edge sections,
The upper and lower outer segments include an upper linear segment and a lower linear segment, respectively, when the mask body is placed flat, and the upper linear segment and the lower linear segment are the upper and lower line segments, respectively. Each positioned between first and second curved portions located at opposite ends of the section,
The first and second curved portions of each of the upper and lower outer edge sections extend from corresponding upper or lower linear sections to the first and second coupling lines, respectively ;
In use, the outer edge region where the upper linear section and said lower linear segment is in contact, the rounded structure by the first and second curved portions of Ru is formed, comprising a mask body, the filter expression facepiece Respirator.

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