LT6869B - Method for manufacturing a face protection device and a face protection device - Google Patents

Abstract

The method for manufacturing an integral face protection device comprises formation of a face shield and a headband of an integral face protection device from a body of a blown product, which is produced by blowing a heated blank piece made of plastic material. One or more contours of the face protection devices are formed in two half-molds. Marks for cutting are formed in the body of the product formed by blowing the blank piece between two half molds. The headband of the integral face protection device may be formed continuously. It may also have transverse marks for cutting, between the longitudinal peripheral edges of the band. The marks for cutting are formed in such a way that the elasticity of the headband is adjusted during the cutting. The headband can also be formed of two parts that are connected to each other through incisions.

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a protective face-wearing face protection device and a face protection device, and more particularly to a method of manufacturing a one-piece face protection device and a face protection device having a face shield and a tape for attaching the head to the head.

State of the art

Infectious diseases, including viruses, are spread among humans in three main ways. Airborne drip - a person infected with a virus releases the virus in the form of droplets by sneezing or coughing and another person becomes ill when inhaled. Direct contact - by touching a sick person or having direct contact, the virus is transmitted and if the hands are not washed, there is a possibility of infection. Contact with an infected surface - Surfaces that have been in contact with an infected person are dangerous, as there is a risk of infection if they come into contact with a healthy person and do not wash their hands well.

The virus can be transmitted through the mouth, respiratory tract, eyes, damaged skin, and genitals. However, the greatest risk of infection is through airborne drip. An infected person releases the virus in the form of air droplets when speaking, coughing or sneezing, due to the very small droplets of the virus, 0.3-20 microns, the size of the COVID-19 virus is 0.125 microns, they can travel about 1 meter from the source. Depending on the risk of infection, appropriate protective equipment is used: gloves - for hand protection; protective clothing / aprons for skin protection; respirators - for respiratory protection; goggles - direct eye protection; facial shields - to protect the face from direct virus contact on the face. The respirator should fit snugly over the face and cover the nose and mouth. Safety goggles - must fit snugly, without the possibility of the virus entering the eyes. Protective shield - should cover the area from the forehead to the chin.

U.S. Pat. US8261375 discloses a method of manufacturing a face protection device and a face protection device. The medical face protection device includes a flexible front shield, a soft support for the forehead, and a flexible, stretchable headband. The front panel has a transparent viewing window located in front of the user’s eyes. The observation window is housed in a light-transmitting frame that covers the face from the sides, bottom, and top. The front panel is formed of two layers or several layers of laminate. One layer is transparent for the formation of the observation window, and the second layer is the light-transmitting layer. The light-transmitting layer is coated with a light-scattering material by spraying, soaking, or other means to form an additional layer of material. A soft support for attaching to the forehead is attached to the shield in the forehead area. A headband made of elastic material is also attached to the panel. The main disadvantage of this production method is the assembly of only one device, at a time, in one assembly unit. The main disadvantage of the device is the construction of custom-made parts. All this slows down the production of the device, using more energy, logistics and human resources.

The invention does not have the disadvantages listed above and includes additional advantages such as ease of use, low weight, fully recyclable.

The essence of the invention

The method of manufacturing a face shield device involves the injection molding of a blank made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or a similar material between two half-molds. One half-shape has a contour of the facial shield, or a portion thereof, and the other half-shape has a contour of the headband, or a portion thereof. Also, the contour of the facial shield and part of the headband may be formed in one half-shape and the contour of the rest of the headband in the other half-shape. Also, the contour of one face shield and the contour of the headband of the other face shield may be formed in one half-shape, and the headband of said one face shield and said other face shield having the contour of the headband formed in the first half-shape may be formed in the other half-shape. The contour of the shield includes the peripheral contour of the shield and may include a portion of the contour of the headband. The contours of the headband include the peripheral longitudinal contours of the band and the transverse contours between said peripheral contours.

In this way, one or more contours of the face protection devices can be formed in the two blowing half-molds. Cuts for cutting are formed in the body of the product thus formed, which are used as lines for separating the integral face protection device from the body of the blow molded product.

The headband of the integral face protection device may be continuous. It may also have transverse marks for cutting, between the longitudinal peripheral edges of the strip. The marks for the cut are formed in such a way that the elasticity of the headband is adjusted during the cutting. The headband can also be formed of two parts that are connected to each other through incisions. The headband can be formed as side protrusions of the faceplate for attachment to other objects.

Brief description of the drawing

The features of the invention, which are new and not obvious, are set out in the claims. However, the invention may be best understood from the following detailed description of the invention, in which, without limiting the scope of the invention, exemplary embodiments of the invention are given with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. is an injection molded blank of PET or similar material.

fig. shows a half-shape with a part of the contours of the face protection device formed therein and an inserted blank.

fig. two half-shapes with the contours of a single face shield are shown.

fig. two half-shapes with the contours of the two face shields formed therein are shown.

fig. the heating unit of the workpiece is shown.

fig. the formation of the product by blowing the workpiece is illustrated: in steps a-d) the workpiece is blown out at the first pressure; In steps e-f), the workpiece is blown out at a second pressure.

fig. shows a blow-molded article having a cut-out line of one protective face device from the body of the article.

fig. shows a blow-molded article having a cut-out line of two protective face devices from the body of the article.

fig. shows an integral face protection device with the top of the shield not attached to the forehead.

fig. shows an integral face protection device with two parts of the headband connected together.

fig. shows an integral face protection device with the upper part of the shield attached to the forehead.

fig. an integral face shield with a headband for attachment to other objects is shown.

fig. a headband with a corrugated profile is shown.

fig. several integral face shields ready for transport are shown.

The most preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings. Each image has the same numbering for the same or equivalent item.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

It is to be understood that many specific details are set forth in order to provide a complete and straightforward description of an exemplary embodiment of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the details of the examples of embodiments of the invention are not limited to the practice of the invention, which may be practiced without such specific instructions. Well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as to avoid misleading examples of the practice of the invention. Furthermore, this description should not be construed as limiting the examples of implementation provided, but only as an implementation thereof.

Although examples of embodiments of the invention, or aspects thereof, as shown and described, include many components that are depicted to be in a particular common space or location, some of the components may be remote. It should also be understood that the examples provided are not limited to the components described and include other elements necessary for their operation and interaction with other components, the presence of which is self-evident and therefore not detailed.

The method of manufacturing the face protection device (7) comprises blow molding a blank (1) made by injection molding, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or another material suitable for molding products into a mold consisting of first and second molds (2, 3). as shown in Figure 3. In the first half-mold (2), the contour (4) of the face shield is formed, or a part thereof, and in the second half-mold (3), the contour (5) of the headband is formed. The contour of the face shield (4), from the sides, at the part of the transition to the contour (5) of the headband, includes contour break areas (4.1, 4.2) where no marks for cutting are formed when the product (6) is blown. When the blank (1) is blown, the workpiece material stretches and conforms to the surfaces of the first and second half-shapes (2, 3) joined to the blow mold. The contour of the face shield (4) and the contour of the headband (5) in the inflated article (6) form cutting marks which may be concave or protruding depending on the shape of the forming contour (4, 5) as shown in Figure 7. The face protection device (7) is cut from the blown product (6) by cutting through the marks formed for cutting the periphery of the face shield (VS) and the headband (GJ).

In another embodiment of the invention, and as shown in Figure 4, half-molds (2 ', 3') are used to blow the product (6 '), the first (2') of which forms the contour (4 ') of at least one first face shield, or and the contour (5 ”) of the headband of at least one second face shield, or part thereof. In the second half-mold (3 '), the contour (4') of the at least one second facial shield, or a portion thereof, and the contour (5 ') of the headband of the at least one first facial shield are formed. The contour of each faceplate (4 ', 4 ”), from the sides, at the transitions to the contours of the headbands (5', 5”), includes contour break areas (4.T, 4.2 '; 4.1 ”, 4.2“) where, blowing of the product (6 ') forms marks for cutting. By blowing the blank (1), the blank material stretches and conforms to the surfaces of the first and second half-shapes (2 ', 3') joined to the blow mold. The contours of the face shields (4 ', 4 ”) and the contours of the headbands (5', 5”) in the blown product (6 ') form cutting marks, which may be concave or protruding, depending on the forming contour (4', 4 5;, 5 ”) as shown in Figure 8. The face protection devices (7) are cut from the blown product (6 ') by cutting through the marks formed for cutting the periphery of the face shield (VS) and the headband (GJ).

In embodiments of the invention, when two or more face shields (7) are formed in the inflated article (6 '), the lower portion of the face shield contour (4') of the first half-mold (2 ') may be common to the face of the second half-mold (3'). for the lower part of the shield headband outline (5 ”). At the same time, the lower part of the face shield contour (4 ”) of the second half-shape (3 ') may be common to the lower part of the head shield contour (5') of the face shield formed in the first half-shape (2 ').

The blank (1) is preferably made of ultra-clear PET plastic polyethylene terephthalate. The density of the workpiece material is preferably about 1.39 g / cm ³ . The operating temperature of the blown product is preferably between about -20 ° C and about +115 ° C. This material does not absorb moisture and has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, so it maintains very stable dimensions compared to other plastics. This material also has: mechanical stiffness and strength, resistance to acids and good electrical insulation properties. The blank (1) can also be made of recycled PET, polypropylene (PP).

The blank (1) is heated before it enters the blow mold as it moves, preferably between the infrared lamps (8) and the reflector (9), as shown in Figure 5. The workpiece (1) is heated evenly by means of the infrared lamps (8). The reflectors (9) reflect the heat radiated by the lamps (8) and thus help to heat the workpiece (1). The heated workpiece (1) travels to the forming unit of the final product (6, 6 ') between the two half-shapes (2, 3; 2', 3 '). After closing the half-molds (2, 3; 2 ', 3') and forming a mold for blowing the product (6, 6 '), a pressure of up to about 10 bar is applied to the workpiece and the tension rod (10) is pushed together. This is followed by secondary blowing, up to 30 bar, and the final blown product (6, 6 ') is formed as shown in Figure 6.

The half-forms (2, 3; 2 ', 3') are preferably made of high-grade technical aluminum alloys. Aluminum alloys are machined, preferably with the aid of software metalworking machines. In this way, extremely complex and precise surfaces are formed.

The face protection device (7) should preferably weigh up to about 20 g.

In each of the embodiments listed according to the invention, the contours of the headband (5, 5 ', 5') of the face protection device (7) in the half-shapes (2, 3; 2 ', 3') may comprise only the longitudinal parts (15). Forming longitudinal cutting marks (16) along the length of the headband (GJ) in the blown article (6, 6 '). The headband (GJ) of each face protection device (7) formed between such half-shapes is obtained in a smooth, solid and constant length.

In each of the embodiments listed according to the invention, the contours of the headband of the face protection device (7) (5, 5 ', 5') in half-shapes (2, 3; 2 ', 3') may comprise transverse portions (11) between the longitudinal portions of the contours. , the purpose of which is to form transverse marks (17) for cutting in the headband (GJ), in which the elasticity of the headband (GJ) can be adjusted after cutting. The headband would be of variable length. In each of the embodiments listed according to the invention, the contours of the headband (5, 5 ', 5') of the face protection device (7) in half-shapes (2, 3; 2 ', 3') may comprise an additional longitudinal portion (12) between the longitudinal portions of the contours. ) and cross-members (13) for forming cutting marks in the headband, which, when cut, allow the headband to be divided into two parts, one extending from one vertical edge of the face shield (VS) and the other from the face shield (VS) the other vertical edge. The contours of the headband of the face shield (7) (5, 5 ', 5 ”), in half-shapes (2, 3; 2', 3 '), between the longitudinal parts of the contours, further comprise the transverse contours (14) intended for the headband to form cutting marks in which parts of the headband can be joined after cutting. In this way, the length of the headband (GJ) of the face shield (7) would be adjusted and adjusted to the diameter of the user's head, as shown in Figure 10. The headband would be of variable length.

In each of the listed embodiments of the invention, the contours of the headband (5, 5 ', 5') of the face protection device (7) in the half-shapes (2, 3; 2 ', 3') may extend only in part of the periphery of the respective half-shape. In this way, on the sides of the face protection device, blowing marks defining the protrusions are formed by blowing the product (6, 6 '), but not a solid headband, as shown in Fig. 12. The protrusions can be used to attach other objects to said face shield (7).

In all embodiments of the invention, the marks formed by the semi-contoured contours in the housing of the molded article (6, 6 ') are used as lines for separating the integral face protection device (7) from the body of the blow molded article.

The inner parts of the faceplate (VS) and the headband (GJ) forming half-shapes (2, 3; 2 ', 3') of the face shield (7), between which the blank is blown (1), may form a round, oval, angled, symmetrical or an asymmetrical cavity. In this way, the shape of the final inflated product (6, 6 '), in the housing of which the contours of the face protection device (7) are formed, can be round, oval, angled, symmetrical or asymmetrical. The transverse marks of the headband (GJ) may be used to form recesses for the ears by cutting along said transverse marks. In this way, the shield (VS) can be lowered below the human face.

The face shield (7) can be cut from the blown product (6, 6 ') by cutting with scissors; cutting the blade; laser cutting; cutting with a mechanical tool; increasing the pressure during blow-molding and allowing the relief in the mold, consisting of the contours of the face shield and the headband, to thin out the plastic; by twisting-cutting; or a combination of any of the above.

The dimensions of the face protection device (7) can be changed by further cutting the device (7) cut from the inflated product (6, 6 '). Dimensions can also be adjusted in the production of blow molds of appropriate dimensions.

In the half-shape, the supporting edge-forming part of the forehead can be formed in such a way as to reduce or eliminate fogging. Also, to eliminate dew, additional vents can be cut in the forehead area of the shield of the protective face device to increase air circulation and reduce dew on the shield.

In cases where the face protection device is made from 100% recyclable, PET raw material, the whole device can be recycled and reused. Also, after cutting the device out of the inflated product, the remaining PET material returns to reuse in production.

In all embodiments of the invention, the resulting device is an integral plastic part. In all embodiments of the invention, the face protection device is reusable and easy to disinfect.

In all embodiments of the invention, the contours of the half-shapes (2, 3; 2 ', 3') in the blown product (6, 6 ') form marks for cutting. The contours may be protrusions or depressions forming corresponding markings, protrusions or depressions in the inflated article (6, 6 ').

In all embodiments of the invention, the equipment of the products formed in the molds known in the art can be used for the blow-out.

Explanations of some of the expressions used:

- The expression "shield" is identical to the expression "face shield".

- Lower part of the shield - the part of the shield is positioned at or below the area of the human mouth.

- Lower part of the shield head strap - the part of the strap closer to the lower part of the shield.

- The vertical edge of the face shield is the edge positioned at the side of the human head.

- The term 'integral' should be interpreted as forming simultaneously, of the same material, without any additional elements attached separately.

- Longitudinal part of the contour - part of the contour extending along the object.

- Transverse part of a contour - a part of a contour extending across an object.

Although many features and advantages have been listed in the description of the invention, together with the structural details and features of the invention, the description is given by way of example. Modifications may be made in the details, in particular in the shape, size and arrangement of the materials, without departing from the principles of the invention, in accordance with the most widely understood meanings of the terms used in the claims.

Claims (15)

A method of manufacturing a one-piece face shield device (7) comprising a face shield (VS) and a headband (GJ), comprising forming a face shield (VS) and a headband (GJ) from a plastic material, wherein the face shield (VS) and the headband (GJ) is formed as an integral device for cutting out the body of the inflated article (6, 6 ') by blowing out the heated blank (1) from the plastic material. The method according to claim 1, wherein the workpiece (1) is heated as it moves between the infrared lamps (8) and the reflector (9). A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the solid face protection device (7) in the article (6) is formed by blowing a blank (1) in a mold consisting of first and second half-molds (2, 3), wherein the first half-mold (2) in the blank (1) forms the contour (4) of the facial shield, or a portion thereof, and the second half-shape (3) forms the contour (5) of the headband, or a portion thereof. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the integral face protection device (7) in the article (6 ') is formed by blowing a blank (1) in a mold consisting of first and second half-shapes (2', 3 '), wherein the first half-mold (2') forming a contour (4 ') of at least one first face shield, or a portion thereof, and a contour (5' ') of at least one second face shield, or a portion thereof, in the blank (1), and forming a second half shape (3') of the at least one second face shield. the contour of the facial shield (4 ''), or a portion thereof, and the contour (5 ') of the headband of the at least one first facial shield, or a portion thereof. The method according to claim 3, wherein the formation of the contour of the face shield (4) from the sides at the transition to the part of the headband contour (5) comprises forming contour break areas (4.1, 4.2) in which the cutting ( tags. The method of claim 4, wherein forming the contour (4 ', 4' ') of each face shield from the sides at the transitions to the contours of the headbands (5', 5 '') comprises contour break areas (4.1 ', 4.2'; 4.1. '', 4.2 ''), in which marks for cutting are formed by blowing the product (6 '). A method according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the contour of the face shield (4, 4 ', 4' ') and the contour of the headband (5, 5', 5 '') in the inflated article (6, 6 ') form concave or raised marks for cutting. A method according to any one of claims 4, 6, 7, wherein the first half-shape (2 ') of forming the integral face protection device (7) forms the lower part of the contour (4') of the first face shield together with the second half-shape of the second half-shape (3 '). the lower part of the headband contour (5 ''), and the second half-shape (3 ') forms the lower part of the second face shield contour (4' ') for the lower part of the first face shield headband outline (5') formed in the first half-shape (2 ') . A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the integral face protection device (7) is separated from the body of the inflated article (6, 6 ') by cutting through the cutting marks formed for cutting the periphery of the face shield (VS) and headband (GJ). A method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the forming of the headband (GJ) of the integral face protection device (7) comprises forming the longitudinal portions (15) of the headband contour (5, 5 ', 5' ') in the half-molds (2, 3). ; 2 ', 3'). The method of claim 10, wherein the blown article (6, 6 ') is formed with longitudinal cutting marks (16) along the length of the headband (GJ). A method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein forming the headband (GJ) of the integral face protection device (7) comprises forming the transverse portions (11) of the headband contour (5, 5 ', 5' ') between the longitudinal portions (15). ) in semi-forms (2, 3; 2 ', 3'). The method of claim 12, wherein the blown article (6, 6 ') is formed with longitudinal cutting marks (16) along the length of the headband (GJ) and transverse cutting marks (17) along the length of the headband (GJ). A method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the contours of the headband (5, 5 ', 5' ') of the integral face protection device (7) in the half-shapes (2, 3; 2', 3 ') are formed together with additional longitudinal parts. (12) and transverse portions (13, 14) for forming cuts in the headband which, after cutting, allow the headband to be divided into two portions, one extending from one vertical edge of the face shield (VS) and the other from the other vertical edge of the face shield (VS). The integral face protection device (7) is obtained by a method according to any preceding claim.