JP6336479B2 - Filter face piece respirator with welded display hidden in pleats - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a filter type face piece respirator having a weld display hidden within a pleat of a filtration structure. This weld indicator is visible when the pleat is opened to its in-use configuration.

  Respirators are generally (1) to prevent impurities or contaminants from entering the wearer's respiratory system, and (2) pathogens and other substances that have been exhaled by the wearer. It is worn over a person's respiratory pathway for at least one of two general purposes to protect against exposure to contaminants. In a first situation, the respirator is worn in an environment where the air contains particles that are harmful to the wearer, for example, in a car body repair shop. In a second situation, the respirator is used by another person or other It is worn in an environment where there is a risk of contamination of things, for example in an operating room or clean room.

  Various respirators have been designed to meet either (or both) of these objectives. Some respirators are classified as “filter face pieces” because the mask body itself functions as a filtration mechanism. Rubber with an attachable filter cartridge (see, eg, US Reissue Patent No. 39,493 (Yuschak et al.)) Or an insert molded filter element (see, eg, US Pat. No. 4,790,306 (Braun)) Or, unlike respirators that use elastomeric mask bodies, filter facepiece respirators are designed to cover most of the entire mask body with filter media so that the filter cartridge does not need to be mounted or replaced. These filter facepiece respirators are generally provided in one of two configurations: a molded respirator and a flat foldable respirator.

  Molded filter face piece respirators typically include a nonwoven web of thermally bonded fibers or a plastic mesh with an open stitch to give the mask body its cup-like configuration. Molded respirators tend to maintain the same shape both during use and during storage. Therefore, these respirators cannot be folded flat for storage and transportation. Examples of patents disclosing a molded filter type face piece respirator include US Pat. Nos. 7,131,442 (Kronzer et al.), 6,923,182, and 6,041,782 (Angadjivand et al.). No. 4,807,619 (Dyrud et al.) And No. 4,536,440 (Berg).

  Flat foldable respirators, as the name implies, can be folded flat for transportation and storage. The respirators can also be opened into a cup-like configuration for 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).

  Flat foldable respirators are convenient in that they can be folded flat for transport and storage, but those who use these respirators should be able to make sure that the mask body is suitable for its in-use configuration. Care must be taken to ensure that it is opened. If the mask body is so properly opened, for example if some pleats are kept closed, the respirator can make full use of its available surface area for filtration. Can not. Such a situation can cause an increase in pressure drop or a decrease in product service life. The mask body may also not be completely spaced from the wearer's face, causing the respirator to contact the wearer's face and causing comfort problems.

  The present invention provides a filter face piece respirator comprising a harness and a mask body having a filtration structure including one or more pleats. The mask body has a display that is located inside the pleat at least partially invisible when the pleat is folded. This display is made from a weld pattern and is completely visible when the pleats are unfolded.

  The present invention is beneficial in that this fully visible display provides the wearer with an indication that the mask body is in its proper deployed state. If the display is hidden or invisible, the wearer is actually informed that the mask body is not in an open configuration for its proper use. The wearer can then adjust the mask body to fully open the pleats so that the entire surface area of the mask body can be made available for filtration. This indicator is also welded into the pleated filtration structure, thus helping to keep the pleat in its open configuration after expansion. This weld pattern can provide a beam-like action across the pleats that helps keep the pleats open.

the term

  The following terms shall have the meanings as defined below.

  “Contains” means the definition of, as standard in patent terminology, and is an open-ended type that is generally synonymous with “include”, “have”, or “contain” It is a term. Although “comprising”, “including”, “having”, and “containing” and variations thereof are commonly used open-ended terms, the present invention also includes “essentially from Can be better described using terms that are more narrowly defined, such as `` being '', which will adversely affect the performance of the respirator of the present invention in performing its intended function. Or it is a term that is similar to an open-ended term in that it only excludes elements.

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

  “Contaminant” means particles (including dust, mist, and fumes) and / or other substances that generally cannot be considered particles (eg, organic vapors) but can be suspended in the air. To do.

  The “transverse dimension” is a dimension extending in the lateral direction across the respirator when viewed from the front.

  "Cup-like configuration" means any container-type shape that can adequately cover a person's nose and mouth.

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

  “Filter face piece” means that the mask body itself is designed to filter air passing through the mask body and is attached to or molded into the mask body to achieve this purpose. It means that there is no separate identifiable filter cartridge or insert molded filter element.

  “Filter” or “filtering layer” means one or more layers of breathable material that are primarily intended to remove contaminants (such as particles) from an air stream passing through the layer. Adapted with respect to.

  “Filter medium” means a breathable structure and is designed to remove contaminants from the air passing through the structure.

  “Filter structure” means a generally breathable structure that filters air.

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

  The “flange” means a protruding portion, which gives structural integrity or strength to the main body from which the flange protrudes.

  “Folded inward” means that it is bent back toward the part where it extends.

  “Toward the front” means extending in a direction away from the periphery of the mask body.

  By “harness” is meant a structure or combination of parts that helps support the mask body on the wearer's face.

  “Hidden” means invisible or only partially visible.

  “Integrally” means that they are manufactured together in one piece at the same time, that is, made in one piece as one piece, and not two separate pieces that are joined together later. To do.

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

  “Front edge” means a non-attached edge.

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

  The “main part” means a cup-like part of the mask body.

  A “mask body” is a breathable structure (layer of structures) designed to fit over a person's nose and mouth and help define an internal gas space separated from the external gas space. And seams and joints that join the parts together.

  “Match” means substantially following a similar path.

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

  By “peripheral portion” is meant the outer edge of the mask body, which is generally located proximal to the wearer's face when the respirator is worn by a person.

  “Pleated” means a part that is designed or folded over itself.

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

  “Plural” means two or more.

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

  “Second 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 (the second side is the first side opposite).

  “Close fit” or “close fit” means that an essentially airtight (or substantially leak-free) fit is provided (between the mask body and the wearer's face). means.

  "Tab" means a portion that exhibits a sufficient surface area for attachment of another component.

  “Extending in the transverse direction” means extending in a generally transverse dimension.

1 is a front perspective view of a flat foldable filter facepiece respirator 10 according to the present invention worn on a human face. FIG. FIG. 2 is a top view of the respirator 10 of FIG. 1 showing the upper pleat 19 in a folded state. FIG. 2 is a top view of the respirator 10 shown in FIG. 1 showing the upper pleat 19 in an open configuration. 3b is a cross-sectional view of the mask body 12 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2a. 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 can be used in connection with the present invention. FIG.

  In the practice of the present invention, a filter facepiece respirator is provided in which the display is made from a weld pattern and is fully visible when the pleats are unfolded. Fully visible pleats provide an indication to the wearer that the mask body is in the proper deployed state for its use, covering the wearer's nose and mouth. This weld indicator is further beneficial in that it helps to keep the pleated mask body in its expanded shape during use.

  FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a filter face piece respirator 10 that can be used in connection with the present invention to provide clean air for the wearer to breathe. 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 through which inhaled air must pass before entering the wearer's respiratory system. The filtering structure 16 removes contaminants from the surrounding environment so that the wearer breathes clean air. The mask body 12 includes a top portion 18 and a bottom portion 20. The weld display pattern 19 (including capital letter “A” in this example) is visible on the top 18 when the mask body is open in the in-use configuration. The display unit 19 becomes visible when the pleats 21 (FIGS. 2a and 2b) are unfolded. The top 18 and bottom 20 are separated by a boundary line 22. In this particular embodiment, the boundary line 22 is a fold or pleat that extends laterally across the central portion of the mask body from side to side. The mask body 12 also includes a peripheral portion 24 that includes an upper segment 24a and a lower segment 24b. The harness 14 also includes a first strap 26 and a second strap 27 that are fixed to the first flange 30a. The straps 26, 27 of the harness have a first segment that follows the path above the wearer's ear when the respirator is worn, and the second strap 27 is the wearer's ear. Each having a first end 29a and a second end 29b fixed to the first flange 30a in a spaced relationship, such as having a second segment following the path below the ear. The straps 26, 27 are each placed in tension when the respirator is worn, and such tension, in particular tension on the strap 27, causes the flap 30 a to move away from the mask body 12 during use of the respirator. It is folded downward so as to be in contact with the main portion 28.

  FIG. 2a shows the mask body 12 in a state where the display unit 19 (FIGS. 1 and 2b) is hidden from view by folding the pleat 21. FIG. The second flange 30b is shown on the side portion 31b of the mask body 12 facing the side portion 31a. The plane 32 bisects the mask body 12 and defines a first side portion 31a and a second side portion 31b. The flanges 30a, 30b may have welds or joints 35 provided on the flanges to increase the rigidity of the flanges. The flanges 30a, 30b can be integrally or non-integrally connected to the main portion of the mask body 12, and include one or more or all of the various layers that make up the mask body filtration structure 16. obtain. The mask body periphery 24a may also have a series of joints or welds 35 for joining the various layers of the mask body 12 together. Therefore, this periphery may not be very fluid permeable. The remainder of the filtration structure 16 (inside from the periphery) can be fully fluid permeable over most of its extended surface, with the exception of areas where bonds, welds, or creases are present. There is a possibility that. The mask body 12 also includes a first boundary line 36 a and a second boundary line 36 b that are located on the first side and the second side of the mask body 12. The first flange 30a and the second flange 30b are joined to the mask body 12 at a first boundary line 36a and a second boundary line 36b, respectively, and are rotated or folded about an axis generally parallel to the boundary lines. be able to. The upper portion 18 of the mask body 12 may include one or more pleat lines that extend laterally from the first boundary line 36a to the second boundary line 36b.

  FIG. 2b shows that the pleats 21 are open so that the display 19 “A1” located therein can be seen. When the mask is not in use, the display unit 19 is located inside the folded pleat 31 that is invisible from the outside. However, when the pleats 21 are opened, the display unit 19 becomes visible from the front of the mask body 12. The visibility of the display 19 enables the wearer to confirm that the upper portion 18 of the mask body 12 is properly opened and ready for use. Using similar displays or other displays within the other pleats of the upper portion 18 and the lower portion 20 similarly provides an indication that the pleats are in a fully open position. You can also.

  FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a pleated configuration of the mask body 12 according to the present invention. As shown, the upper portion or panel 18 of the mask body 12 may also include an inner pleat 21 in which the display 19 is hidden when the pleat 21 is folded. The upper panel 18 also has an outer pleat 38 and half of the outer fold 22 that separates the upper portion 18 from the lower portion 20. The lower portion or panel 20 of the mask body 12 may include pleats 42 and pleats 44 and half of the pleats 22. The pleat 22 separates the upper portion 18 and the lower portion 20 of the mask body 12. The lower portion 20 of the mask body 12 may include less, more or the same amount of filter media surface area than the upper portion 18. The mask body 12 may also include a peripheral web that is secured to the mask body along its periphery. The peripheral web can be folded over the mask body at the peripheral portions 24a and 24b. The peripheral web can also be an extended portion of the inner cover web that is folded and secured around the edges of 24a and 24b. A nose clip 56 (FIG. 5) can be positioned between the filtering structure 16 and the peripheral web, adjacent to the periphery and in the center of the upper portion 18 of the mask body. The nose clip 56 can be made from a flexible metal or plastic that can be manually adapted by the wearer to match the contour of the wearer's nose.

  FIG. 4 shows 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 filtration layer 62. An inner cover web 58 and an outer cover web 60 can be provided to protect the filtration layer 62 and to prevent fibers from the filtration layer 62 from getting loose and entering the interior of the mask. During use of the respirator, air sequentially passes through layers 60, 62, and 58 before entering the interior of the mask. The air placed in the internal gas space of the mask body can then be inhaled by the wearer. This air sequentially passes through layers 58, 62 and layer 60 in the opposite direction as the wearer exhales. Alternatively, an exhalation valve (not shown) is provided on the mask body to allow expiratory air to be quickly removed from the internal gas space and enter the external gas space without passing through the filtration structure 16. You can also Typically, the cover web 58 and the cover web 60 are made from a choice of nonwoven materials that provide a comfortable feel on the side of the filtration structure, particularly the side that contacts the wearer's face. Various filter layer and cover web configurations that can be used in connection with the support structure of the present invention are described in more detail below. An elastomeric face seal can be secured to the periphery of the filtration structure 16 to improve fit and comfort to the wearer. Such a face seal may extend radially inward from the periphery of the mask body so as to contact the wearer's face when the respirator is worn. Examples of face seals are US Pat. Nos. 6,568,392 (Bostock et al.), 5,617,849 (Springett et al.), And 4,600,002 (Maryanek et al.), And Canadian patents. No. 1,296,487 (Yard). The mask body periphery 24 can also fold over itself within the nasal region to achieve a close fit (see US Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0315144 (A1)).

  FIG. 5 shows the mask body 12 in the in-use configuration. In use, the pleats 19 on the main portion 28 of the mask body 12 are opened, so that the display “A1” is completely visible when the mask body 12 is viewed from the front. Display 19 may include a combination of numbers and / or letters, or any other symbol suitable for being visible to a person when pleat 19 is opened. The display 19 can also be a trademark, such as the brand name of the manufacturer of the respirator. Therefore, the display unit 19 can be, for example, a trademark “3M” representing a company that manufactures the respirator of the present invention. The display unit 19 is made from a welding pattern disposed on the main portion 28 of the mask body 12. This welding pattern can be produced by welding various layers constituting the filtration structure 16. This welding can be accomplished, for example, using an ultrasonic welding device that melts and bonds the polymeric materials in the filtration layer and the cover web together. Weld lines can be created using ultrasonic welding in either a “plunge” or “rotary” welding process. In general, a vibrating horn on an ultrasonic welder compresses, melts and then solidifies the filtration structure 16 in an area in contact with the anvil containing the weld line pattern. This process takes a filtration structure 16 having the original thickness A and within the contact area between the horn and the anvil, the filtration structure is reduced to a thickness C (thickness C is less than thickness A). ). In plunge welding, the horn and anvil typically have a filtering structure 16 between their parts and contact in a vertical motion, while in rotary welding, the filtering structure 16 is It is continuously fed in a rotary manner between the horn and the anvil. It is possible to couple the filtration structure 16 to the weld line by other means, such as using heat and pressure with a suitable tool. As an ultrasonic welding apparatus suitable for producing the display section, the peripheral welding section, and other welding lines, there is an ultrasonic welding apparatus sold under the Branson (trademark) brand by Emerson Industrial Automation. The display includes at least one line 64 that extends across the pleat fold 66. The at least one line 64 that extends across the fold 66 of the pleat 21 is perpendicular (or at least generally perpendicular) to the crease, thereby improving the collapse resistance of the mask body 12. Can do. The at least one line extending perpendicularly across the pleat fold is at least 1 cm long, more typically at least 2 cm long. The symbols that make up the display can be of a single solid line type, or a configuration of parallel lines, such as the lines disclosed in US patent application 2011/0094515 (A1) (Duffy). It can also be. The parallel lines can be spaced apart by a distance of about 0.5-5 millimeters (mm). More preferably, the parallel weld lines are spaced about 1-4 mm apart, and even more preferably about 1.5-3 mm apart. Typically, the spaced parallel weld lines are at least 0.5 cm long, more typically more than 1 cm long. The display can be about 0.5-2 centimeters (cm) high by about 0.5-4 centimeters (cm) at maximum width. More typically, the display unit 19 has a height of about 1 to 2 cm and a width of 2 to 3 cm. Weld lines can be created to harden the various layers of the filtration structure by fusing together within the weld line. Three or more parallel weld lines can also be used in a spaced relationship to create two or more substantially continuous regions between the weld lines. The weld lines that make up the display can also help keep the pleats in an unfolded state for their use and improve the crush resistance of the mask body of the respirator. Improving beam stiffness and hence the crush resistance of the main portion 28 of the mask body 12 by increasing the densification within the weld line and within the area located between the closed weld zones. Can do. The area between each of the weld lines may be densified so that the thickness of the layers of nonwoven material between the weld lines is less than the thickness of those layers outside the weld line. it can. The thickness of the layer of nonwoven fibrous media comprising the filtration structure 16 is typically about 0.3 mm to 5 mm, more typically about 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm, and even more typically about It has a thickness of 0.75 mm to 1.5 mm. If parallel weld lines are used, each individual weld line in the parallel set may be about 0.5-2 mm wide, more typically about 0.75-1.5 mm wide. It can have a width dimension. The total width (obtained in combination) of a single weld line or parallel weld lines is typically about 1.5 mm to 7.0 mm, more typically about 2.0 mm to 5 mm, and even more typical. Specifically, it is about 2.5 mm to 4.0 mm.

Filtration Structure The filtration structure used in connection with the present invention can take on a wide variety of shapes and configurations. The filtration structure is typically adapted to properly fit against or within the support structure. In general, the shape and configuration of the filtration structure corresponds to the general shape of the mask body. Although the filtration structure is shown having multiple layers, including a filtration layer and two cover webs, the filtration structure may comprise only a filtration layer or a combination of filtration layers. For example, the prefilter can be placed upstream relative to a finer and more selective downstream filtration layer. Furthermore, an adsorbent material such as activated carbon can be placed between the fibers and / or various layers that make up the filtration structure. Furthermore, a separate particulate filtration layer can be used with the adsorption layer to provide filtration for both particulates and vapors. The filtration structure may include one or more reinforcing layers that help provide a cup-like configuration. The filtering structure can also have one or more horizontal and / or vertical boundaries that contribute to its structural integrity. However, the first and second flanges can obviate the need for such reinforcing layers and boundaries when used in accordance with the present invention.

  The filtration structure used in the mask body of the present invention can be of a particle capture filter or a gas and vapor type filter. The filtration structure can also be a barrier layer that prevents movement of liquid from one side of the filter layer to the other so that, for example, liquid aerosol or liquid droplets (eg, blood) penetrate the filter layer. Can also be prevented. Depending on the application, multiple layers of the same or different types of filter media can be used to construct the filtration structure of the present invention. Filters that can be beneficially employed within the laminated mask body of the present invention generally have a low pressure drop (eg, at a surface velocity of 13.8 cm per second) to minimize the mask wearer's respiratory effort. , Less than about 195-295 Pascal). The filter layers can be more flexible and can have sufficient shear strength to generally retain their structure under the expected 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 manufactured from processes such as the meltblown process. Polyolefin microfibers formed from charged polypropylene offer particular utility for particle capture applications. An alternative filter layer may include an adsorbent component for removing harmful or malodorous gases from the breathing air. Adsorbents can include powders or granules that are constrained within the filter layer by adhesives, binders, or fibrous structures (US Pat. Nos. 6,334,671 (Springett et al.) And 3,971). , 373 (Braun)). The adsorbent layer can be formed by coating a substrate such as a fibrous foam or a reticulated foam to form a thin cohesive layer. Examples of adsorbent materials include chemically treated or untreated activated carbon, porous alumina-silica catalyst substrate, and alumina particles. Examples of adsorptive filtration structures that can be adapted to various configurations are described in US Pat. No. 6,391,429 (Senkus et al.).

The filtration layer is typically selected to achieve the desired filtration effect. A filtration layer generally removes particles and / or other contaminants at a high rate from the gas stream passing through the filtration layer. For fibrous filter layers, the selected fibers are determined by the type of material being filtered and are typically selected so that they do not bind together during the molding process. The As noted above, the filtration layer can be provided in a variety of shapes and forms, typically from about 0.2 millimeters (mm) to 1 centimeter (cm), more typically about 0.00. It can be 3 mm to 0.5 cm thick and can be a generally planar web, or it can be corrugated to provide an expanded surface area (eg, US Patents 5,804,295 and 5,656,368 (Braun et al.)), The filtration layer also includes a plurality of filtration layers joined together by an adhesive or any other means. May be included. Essentially any suitable material known (or later developed) for forming a filtration layer can be used as the filtration material. Wente, Van A.M. Meltblown fiber webs, especially those taught in “Superfine Thermoplastic Fibers” (see 48 indus. Engn. Chem. 1342 et seq. (1956)), particularly when in the form of a sustained charge (electret). Useful (see, eg, US Pat. No. 4,215,682 (Kubik et al.)). These meltblown fibers can be microfibers with an effective fiber diameter of less than about 20 micrometers (μm), typically about 1-12 μm (referred to as BMF for “blown microfiber”). ). Effective fiber diameter is determined by Davies, C .; N. In “The Separation of Airline Duster 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. Charged fibrillated film fibers such as taught in US Reissue Pat. No. 31,285 (van Turnhout) are also rosin-wool fiber webs and glass fiber or solution blown webs, or in particular in microfilm form. As with the electrostatic spraying fiber, it can be preferred. 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). Can also be applied to the fiber. Additives can also be included in the fibers to enhance the filtration performance of webs produced through a hydrocharging process (see US Pat. No. 5,908,598 (Rousseau et al.)). Specifically, the filtration performance in an oily mist environment can be improved by arranging fluorine atoms on the surface of the fiber in the filter layer (US Pat. No. 6,398,847 (B1), ibid. No. 6,397,458 (B1) and 6,409,806 (B1) (Jones et al.)). A typical basis weight for an electret BMF filtration layer is about 10-100 grams per square meter. For example, when charged according to the technique described in the '507 patent (Angadjivand et al.), And when fluorine atoms are included as mentioned in the Jones et al. Patent, the basis weights are each about 0.2 to can be 0.4Pa (20~40g / ^{m 2)} and about 0.1~0.3Pa (10~30g / ^{m 2).}

The inner cover web can be used to provide a smooth surface for contacting the wearer's face, and the outer cover web can be used to encapsulate free fibers within the mask body or for aesthetic reasons Can be used from. The cover web typically does not provide any substantial filtration effect to the filtration structure, but in order to obtain a suitable degree of comfort when placed outside (or upstream) the filtration layer. The cover web preferably has a relatively low basis weight and is formed from relatively fine fibers. More specifically, the cover web is about 0.05 to 0.5 Pa (typically 0.1 to 0.3 Pa (5 to 50 g / m ² (typically 10 to 30 g / m ² )). The fibers should be less than 3.5 denier (typically less than 2 denier, more typically less than 1 denier, but greater than 0.1 denier). The fibers used in the cover web often average about 5 to 24 micrometers, typically about 7 to 18 micrometers, more typically about 8 to 12 micrometers. The cover web material can have some degree of elasticity (typically, but not necessarily, but 100-200% at break), and can be plastically deformable. .

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

A typical cover web can 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 flexibility and comfort, and when the filter material is a polypropylene BMF material, it remains fixed to the filter material without the need for an adhesive between the layers. It has been found to be maintained. Suitable polyolefin materials for use in the cover web include, for example, a single polypropylene, a blend of two polypropylenes, and a blend of polypropylene and polyethylene, polypropylene and poly (4-methyl-1-pentene). And / or a blend of polypropylene and polybutylene. An example of a fiber for a cover web is made from a polypropylene resin “Escorene 3505G” from Exxon Corporation, provides a basis weight of about 0.25 Pa (25 g / m ² ), and ranges from 0.2 to 3.1. Polypropylene BMF with fiber denier (having an average of about 0.8, measured over 100 fibers). Another suitable fiber is polypropylene / polyethylene BMF, which provides a basis weight of about 0.25 Pa (25 g / m ² ) and has an average fiber denier of about 0.8 (85 percent resin “Escorene 3505G”). And 15 percent ethylene / α-olefin copolymer “Exact 4023” (also manufactured by Exxon Corporation). Suitable spunbond materials are those available under the trade names “Corsoft Plus 20”, “Corsoft Classic 20”, and “Corovin PP-S-14” from Corovin GmbH (Peine, Germany); W. A carded polypropylene / viscose material available from Suomenen 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 processing and therefore has a smooth outer surface. Examples of cover webs that can be used in the present invention include, for example, US Pat. Nos. 6,041,782 (Angadjivand), 6,123,077 (Bostock et al.), And WO 96/28216. (A) (Bostock et al.).

Respirator components Straps used in harnesses are made from a variety of materials, including thermoset rubber, thermoplastic elastomers, braided or knitted yarn / rubber combinations, inelastic braided components, etc. be able to. The strap can be made from an elastic material, such as an elastic braided material. The strap can preferably be expanded beyond its full length and returned to its relaxed state. The strap can also extend, perhaps up to three or four times its relaxed length, and can return to its original state without any damage when tension is removed. Therefore, the elastic limit is preferably at least twice, three times, or more than 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 from the first tab to the second tab as a continuous strap, or the strap may have multiple portions that can be joined together by additional fasteners or buckles. . For example, a strap may have first and second portions that are joined together by a fastener, which can be quickly separated by the wearer when the mask body is removed from the face. It is. Examples of straps that can be used in connection with the present invention are 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 portions of a strap together are described, for example, in US Pat. No. 6,062,221 (Brostrom et al.), Below. No. 5,237,986 (Seppala) and European Patent No. 1,495,785 (A1) (Chien). The harness can also be in the form of a reusable carriage or adhesive layer provided on the inner surface of the periphery.

  As described above, an exhalation valve can be attached to the mask body to facilitate exhalation from the internal gas space. The use of an exhalation valve can improve wearer comfort by quickly 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, No. 104, No. 7,117,868, No. 6,854,463, No. 6,843,248, No. 5,325,892 (Japunich et al.), No. 6,883 See 518 (Mittelstadt et al.) And Reissue Patent No. 37,974 (Bowers). In essence, any exhalation valve that provides a suitable pressure drop and can be properly secured to the mask body is used in connection with the present invention to move from the internal gas space to the external gas space. And expiratory air can be delivered quickly.

  The nose clip used in the present invention can be essentially any additional part that helps to improve the fit over the wearer's nose. Since the wearer's face is presented in this nose region, a nose clip can be used to better assist in achieving a proper fit at this location. The nose clip is made of a flexible, ultra-soft metal, such as aluminum, which can be shaped to hold the mask in the desired mating relationship, for example, on the wearer's nose and where the nose touches the cheek. Can include a band. Examples of suitable nose clips are shown in US Pat. No. 5,558,089 and Consent Design Patent No. 412,573 (Castiglion). Other nose clips are disclosed in US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 238,737 (filed Sep. 26, 2008), US Publication No. 2007-0044803 (A1) (filed Aug. 25, 2005), and 2007. -0068529 (A1) (filed September 27, 2005).

  The present invention can employ various modifications and changes without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Accordingly, the invention is not limited to the above description, but is to be controlled by the limitations set forth in the following claims and any equivalents thereof.

  The present invention can also be suitably implemented in the absence of any element not specifically disclosed herein.

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

Claims (3)

A filter-type facepiece respirator,
(A) a harness;
(B) has a filtering structure that includes one or more pleats, a mask body, welded display unit, when the pleats are folded, an at least one partially invisible within said pleats A mask body, located in place, wherein the display is fully visible when the pleats are deployed,
A filter-type facepiece respirator, wherein the display unit includes a trademark, a number, a letter, or a combination of the manufacturer of the respirator.   The filter facepiece respirator of claim 1, wherein the display includes at least one line extending across the pleat crease.   The filtration structure includes a plurality of layers including a filtration layer, and the display unit is a welding pattern produced by integrally welding the plurality of layers constituting the filtration structure. 2. The filter type face piece respirator according to 2.

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