MXPA00003150A - Drop-down face mask assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

An improved face mask that is retained by a carriage and harness assembly, thereby allowing the face mask to drop down from the face of the wearer.

Description

ASSEMBLY OF PENDING FACIAL MASK DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to facial masks, and more particularly, to a face mask that is retained by a support and harness assembly in order to allow the face mask to fall or descend from the wearer's face. Facial masks to cover the nose and mouth of users are used to protect the user from airborne contaminants. Such masks are well known and come in different varieties. Some masks are of simple construction and include a filtering material that covers the user's mouth and nose and are joined by elastic bands that extend around the wearer's head. Other masks use a solid mask body with inhalation and exhalation valves formed in the mask. Other additional masks use interchangeable filter cartridges. A face mask should be easy to place, remove and adjust. A mask that is placed quickly saves time and protects the user under changing environmental conditions. REF .: 33101 A face mask must form a reliable seal between the mask and the face of the user in spite of the different facial configurations. In addition, the face mask must be adaptable to different environments and be interchangeable with other filters. Many means of fixing existing facial masks have drawbacks. Frequently, the need arises to temporarily remove the facial mask. For example, when a user frequently needs access to his mouth. In addition, the environment may be temporarily free of contaminants so that the user does not need immediate air filter protection. When wearing a protective headgear, such as a helmet or hard hat, the user must remove the helmet when the face mask is placed or removed. Once the user removes the mask, the mask is typically placed to the side where it may be contaminated and often discarded. When a user needs to put on the mask again, he must first put the mask on and then he must re-adjust the mask to his face. Frequently, the user will take a new mask and ignore or discard the original mask, thereby wasting time and increasing the maintenance costs of an adequate facial mask supply. Consequently, there is a need for a face mask that is easy to fit, adjustable, which allows the user to let the mask down and even provide a tight seal between the face and the mask. The present invention provides a face mask apparatus. The mask has a mask body configured to cover the user's nose and mouth. A support is permanently or detachably connected to the body of the mask. The support has at least four separate guides or coupling points. The stand can be adapted for use with different masks. A harness assembly is connected to the support in at least four separate coupling points. The harness assembly is configured to extend around the user's head. The harness may include a support crown. The support crown extends around the user's head. In this configuration, a band or bands connect the support crown to the support. An advantage of the present invention is that the body of the mask is capable of being retained in multiple positions without removing the harness. The mask body is capable of being retained in a first position covering the user's nose and mouth, and in a second position where it has descended from the user's face, without moving the harness assembly of the user's head. The mask hangs close to the user's body in the lowered position. This is advantageous in situations where the user needs access to his mouth and does not need to spend time putting the mask down and replacing the mask when needed. further, the mask is out of the user's way when it hangs close to the body, thus allowing working conditions substantially unobstructed. This flexibility saves time and protects the mask and the accompanying filters from contamination. In addition, the mask easily adjusts and adapts to multiple facial configurations. Another advantage is that the mask remains in four points against the face of the user. This four-point seal provides greater protection against contaminants. In addition, the support can be detachable from the body of the mask, which allows different variations of the mask body that are attached to the support. This interchangeable capacity allows the user to select an appropriate mask and filter body for the environment in which the user is working. Referring now to the drawings, wherein the like reference letters and numbers indicate a corresponding structure through the different views: Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of the facial mask according to the principles of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a support of the present invention separated from the mask; Figure 3 shows a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the face mask of the present invention using an alternative support configuration; Figure 4 shows a rear perspective view of the face mask holder shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a rear perspective view of an alternative support configuration of the face mask according to the principles of the present invention; Figure 6 shows a bottom perspective view of a support for the present invention; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of an alternative support separated from the mask, showing a continuous strip according to the principles of the present invention; figure 8 shows a perspective view of the facial mask of figure 1, completely placed, in accordance with the principles of the present invention; Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the face mask of Figure 1 in the lowered position, according to the principles of the present invention.

A mode of the invention will be described in detail, with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numbers represent similar parts and assemblies through the different views. The reference to this embodiment does not limit the scope of the invention, which is limited only by the scope of the claims appended hereto. In general, the present invention relates to a face mask. More particularly, the present invention relates to a facial mask apparatus that is retained by a support and harness assembly on the user's head which allows the facial mask to descend or fall from the user's face. Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, the facial mask indicated generally with the numeral 100 is configured to be placed over a user's mouth and nose. The face mask 100 has a mask body 10. Many such masks are known, such as the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company's 6000MR series, the 5500 by North Safety Products and the Advantage 200 by MSA. By way of description, the mask body has a seal portion 12 and a central portion 14. The seal portion 12 is configured to provide a seal against the face of the user. The seal portion 12 can be constructed of rubber-like material and is generally contoured to serve as a sealing surface. The central portion 14 is generally constructed of rigid material and serves as a support for the seal portion 12. An exhalation port 16 is typically placed in the central portion 14. A lip member 18 can be placed on the outer circumferential wall of the exhalation orifice 16. The lip member 18 is recessed away from the mask body 10. The lip member 18 may have four grooves 19 located in the outer wall. A valve 20 is placed through the exterior of the exhalation port 16 so that the valve 20 covers the entire orifice 16, thereby forming a seal substantially air tight. The valve 20 acts as a one-way valve, allowing air to escape out of the mask, and preventing air from entering the mask when the user inhales or inspires. Such valves are well understood in the art. Inhalation orifices 22a and 22b typically place opposite sides of exhalation orifice 16. The inhalation valves 23a and 23b are located through the holes 22a and 22b, respectively, whereby they form a substantially air-tight seal. Inhalation valves 23a and 23b act as a one-way valve which allows air to enter the body of the mask when the user breathes, but prevent air from escaping from the body of the mask when the user exhales. The inhalation seals 24a and 24b are located within the inhalation orifices 22a and 22b and close to the inhalation valves 23a and 23b, respectively. The inhalation seals 24a and 24b seal the inhalation orifices 22a and 22b so that substantially all of the inhaled air passes through the inhalation valves 23a and 23b, respectively. Filters (not shown) can be placed over the inhalation orifices 22a and 22b to remove particulates, vapors, aerosols or other toxins from the incoming air, as is well known in the art. The particular filter can take different forms depending on the impurities to be filtered. For example, a filter cartridge is attached, as is well known in the art, to each inhalation port, whereby filtering capabilities are provided. The support 26 is associated with the mask body 10. The support can be permanently or detachably connected to the mask body. In a preferred embodiment, the support 26 is configured to substantially coincide with the contours of the mask body 10, so that the support is placed on the mask body 10. The support 26 can be detachably connected to the mask body 10 by a conventional connection means. The support 26 is constructed of a substantially rigid material such as plastic. A hole 28 is located in the support 26 so that air exiting the exhalation orifice 16 is channeled through the orifice 28. In one configuration, the orifice 28 is located to align with the exhalation orifice 16 of the body 10 of mask. A lip member 30 is located in the outer circumferential wall of the orifice 28. The lip member 30 has four projections 31 which are located in the inner circumferential wall of the lip member 30. The projections 31 are configured to connect with the slots 19 of the lip member 18, thereby connecting the mask body 10 and the support 26. The size of the lip 18, the slots 19, the lip 30 and the projections 31 are designed so that the mask body 10 is pressed into the support 26 to form a joint. The connection is such that the force encountered under normal working conditions does not uncouple the support 26 from the mask body 10. The mask body 10 and the support 26 are detached by manually forcing the support 26 away from the mask body 10. Other conventional joining means can be used and the present invention is not limited to the lip-to-lip joining system just described. For example, this union may involve numerous projections that are placed by pressure within a complementary number of recesses. In addition, the joining system is not limited to being located over the exhalation or inhalation orifices. The joining systems allow different bodies of masks with different seals and filtering characteristics to be attached to the support 26. The support 26 can be permanently or detachably connected to the mask body 10. The support may have a strip retainer (described below). In a preferred embodiment, the support 26 is detachably connected to the mask body 10. The support 26 has an upper portion 32 and a lower portion 34. The upper portion 32 coincides with the shape of the mask body 10 and slopes backward near the seal portion 11. The lower portion 34 coincides with the general shape of the mask body 10 and tilts backward near the seal portion 12. The upper portion 32 has a first upper guide 36 and a second upper guide 38. The lower portion 34 has a first lower guide 40 and a second lower guide 42. The guides are designed to accommodate a strip and can take the form of slots, eyelets or any structure that has a suitable opening that allows the strip to move within the opening. The lower guides 40, 42 are inclined to allow the body of the mask to be pulled in an upward and downward direction relative to the user's face, and the strip or strips (discussed more fully in the following with the harness) can be pulled around the user's head without substantially joining and consequently damaging the strips. The angles facilitate the adjustment of the band around the head. In a preferred embodiment, the angle a as measured from a vertical plane in relation to the mask (as shown in Figure 6) is from about 15 ° to about 45 °, with a range from about 20 ° to about 30 ° as the most preferred . The upper guides can be inclined in a similar way. Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of a face mask apparatus, similar to the face mask apparatus 100, which uses an alternative support configuration. A support 26 has a hole 29 located in the lower portion of the support 26 and directed downwardly from the support 26. The hole 29 is located so that, in operation, the exhaled air will be directed downward and away from the user's head . This configuration has several advantages. Frequently the users use the facial protections in combination with a face mask. Facial protection can be fogged by the direct impact of exhaled air, reducing visibility. The hole 29 directs the air away from the facial production, preventing the facial protection from fogging. In addition, the downward location of the orifice 29 maintains the integrity of the exhalation valve 20 by reducing the amount of direct contact with particulates suspended in the air. Frequently, heavy or airborne particulates such as paint and dust are blown directly to the user's face and can degrade an exhaled exhalation valve. The harness 61 may comprise a single strip optionally multiple strips and may have a support crown. Referring now to Figure 4, in a preferred embodiment, the harness 61 has a first strip 44 and a second strip 46. The first strip 44 passes from the first upper guide 36 to the second lower guide 42. Similarly, a second strip 46 passes from the second upper guide 38 to the first lower guide 40. The guides are located in a generally symmetrical position in the four general corners of the support 26. The position of the guides act as general pressure points. At these points, when the mask is placed, the support 26 pushes down on the seal 12, thereby compressing the seal 12 against the user's face. This four-point seal configuration is advantageous in a downward configuration on a two-point seal system because the pressure is evenly distributed over the seal portion 12, whereby a pressurized seal is uniformly formed against the user's face . This configuration serves as a protection from external contaminants and serves to adapt to different facial configurations. As a result, the facial mask of the present can be used by a large number of people. In a preferred embodiment, the first strip 44 and the second strip 46 intersect inside the support 26. A strip retainer 48 is provided to guide the strips to their crossing position and to the respective guides. The strip retainer 48 has two sets of guides positioned opposite to direct the strips to the crossing position. The strip retainer 48 is constructed of sufficiently rigid material. The strip retainer 48 ensures that the strips are guided uniformly to the proper position when the mask is adjusted along the strips. The crossing over the strips 44 and 46 act to provide uniform bending over the seal 12, whereby the sealing characteristics are improved. In an alternative embodiment as shown in Figure 5, the strips do not cross. The support 26 has a first upper guide 36, a second upper guide 38, a first lower guide 40 and a second lower guide 42. A first strip 44 passes from the first upper guide 38 to the first lower guide 42. A second strip 46 passes from the second upper guide 36 to the second lower guide 40. With reference again to figures 1-2, the first strip 44 and the second strip 46 have proximal and distal ends. The proximal ends of the first strip 44 and the second strip 46 may have attachment means as described below with respect to the distal ends of the strips or may be attached to a support crown 50. The support crown 50 is generally oval in shape and configured to be positioned and adapted to the user's head. The support crown 50 is constructed of substantially flexible material to fit the user's head. The support crown 50 is of conventional design. The support crown 50 is designed so that the head protective garment can be placed on the support crown 50 without causing undue discomfort. It is often necessary to use a protective headgear such as a helmet, together with the face mask. Alternative support crowns can be used without deviating from the spirit of the present invention. The distal ends of the first strip 44 and the second strip 46 are provided with strip connectors. The first strip 44 and the second strip 46 are formed of elastic fabric material as is well known in the art. In an alternative embodiment, the strips are formed of rigid material and are flexibly connected to the support crown 50 in a manner that provides resiliency. In one embodiment, a connector assembly is attached to the distal ends of the strips. In a preferred embodiment, one strip has a hook 52, and the other has an eye or eye fastener 54. The hook 52 and the eye 54 are configured to connect to each other as is unknown in the art. The hook 52 can have an adjustable curl 58. The adjustable curl 58 is configured so that the hook 52 can be adjusted along the strip 44 and the hook 52 will not slide freely over the first strip 44. The adjustable curl 58 keeps the strip 44 in place. Similarly, the eye 54 may have an adjustable curl 62 to hold the strip 46 in place. The position of the hook 52 and the eye 54 on the strips determines the placement of the mask, and can be adjusted to accommodate different facial configurations and desired tightening. Other conventional connectors and adjusters can be used such as hook and loop fasteners. In an alternative embodiment, the distal ends of the strips are connected to the support crown 50 behind the user's head. Each strip has an eyelet that is connected to a corresponding hook located on the support crown 50. This has the advantage of increasing comfort, since the strips can rotate more freely with the movement of the head and the support crown. This is advantageous when the movement of the support crown 50 is severely restricted, for example when the user uses a protective garment for the head. When the strips are connected together, the movement of the strip is prevented and may cause discomfort in the back of the user's head. Figure 7 shows another alternative mode that uses a continuous strip that connects on opposite sides of the harness. A continuous strip 60 has a hook 62 at each end. A harness 61 has a loop 66 on each side. The hooks 62 are designed to join the corresponding loops 66 located in the harness. The strip 60 is continuous and wrapped around the neck of the user. When the face mask is removed, the hooks 62 are disconnected from the loops 66 whereby they release the strip 60 and allow the mask to descend or fall to a position below the user's face. The harness 61 remains resting on the user's head, and the strap 60 remains hanging around the user's neck. In another alternative embodiment, the ends of a continuous strip are connected on opposite sides of the head protective garment, such as a helmet. A harness is no longer necessary because the straps connect directly to the helmet. The helmet has a suitable means to connect to the strip. This is advantageous in an environment that requires constant use of the helmet. With reference now to figure 8, in operation, the facial mask 100 is placed by placing the harness 61 around the user's head. The facial mask slides along the strips 44 and 46 to a position covering the user's nose and mouth. The strips 44 and 46 are then connected around the user's head. The strips 44 and 46 are adjusted so that proper positioning is obtained. In one embodiment, the hook 52 and the eye 54 connect the strips 44 and 46 around the head of the user. The hook 52 and the eye 54 are adjusted along the respective strip until proper positioning is obtained. With reference to Figure 9, the facial mask 100 is lowered to a position below the user's face. The face mask is lowered by disconnecting the strips 44 and 46 from the back of the user's head. The facial mask then slides down the strips 44 and 46 to a suitable position. The facial mask hangs close to the user's body. The harness 61 remains in the user's body. With the mask in the lowered position, the user can perform his tasks while having access to his mouth. In addition, since the mask hangs close to the user's body, the user's view remains relatively unobstructed. The mask does not slide freely along the strips. An increased force is needed to move the mask because the mask will not slide under its own weight.

When a mask is needed, the user simply slides the mask up towards his nose and mouth and connects the strips 44 and 46 behind the head, and balances the tension by pulling the strips. This provides a quick placement which is highly advantageous. Often, environments become contaminated quickly, and the user must be able to quickly put on the face mask. This is not possible when the user must recover the mask, or when the user must spend time readjusting the mask. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects or products to which it refers.

Claims (9)

CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property:

1. A facial mask apparatus, characterized in that it comprises: a mask body configured to cover the nose and mouth of a user; a support having at least four separate guides wherein the support has an upper portion and a lower portion and wherein the two guides are located in the upper portion and the other two guides are located in the lower portion, and the guides are configured to allow a strip to be placed interposed from a guide located in the upper portion and to cross the body of the mask to a guide located in the lower guide; and a harness assembly configured to extend around the wearer's head where the harness assembly includes a strap retainer for guiding strips in a cross configuration, and wherein the bracket and harness are adapted to retain the mask body in a first position covering the user's nose and mouth, and in a second position lowered or dropped from the user's face without removing the harness assembly from the user's head.

2. The mask apparatus, according to claim 1, characterized in that the support is removably attached to the mask body.

3. The mask apparatus, according to claim 1, characterized in that the support has a central portion and an outer portion, and the central portion defines an air passage.

4. The mask apparatus, according to claim 1, characterized in that the support has a central portion and an outer portion, the outer portion defines an air passage so that air passes through the air passage and is directed away from the air. support.

5. A mask apparatus, characterized in that it comprises: a face mask body configured to cover the nose and mouth of a user; a support that has at least four separate guides; a harness assembly configured to extend around the user's head where the harness assembly includes first slidable and intersecting strips in the mask body; and a mask retainer for finding the strips in a cross configuration intermediate the mask body in the holder, wherein the support and the harness are adapted to retain the mask body in a first position covering the user's nose and mouth , and a second position lowered or dropped from the user's face without removing the harness assembly from the user's head.

6. The mask apparatus, according to claim 1, characterized in that the guides are adapted to provide a four-point seal of the body of the mask against the user's face.

7. A combination of support and harness for a face mask, the combination is characterized in that it comprises: a main body having four separate guides and a harness configured to extend around the head of a user where the harness comprises strips and the guides are configured to find the strips in a cross configuration in the support and the support is adapted to move slidably in relation to the harness.

8. The support, according to claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises a strip retainer for finding the strips in a cross configuration.

9. The mask apparatus, according to claim 8, characterized in that the first and second web intersect adjacent to the support. ASSEMBLY OF PENDING FACIAL MASK SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An improved face mask is provided which is retained by a harness mount and mount, thereby allowing the face mask to descend from the user's face.