MXPA98009094A - A facial surgical mask with a most easy breathing device - Google Patents

Abstract

A facial surgical mask (20) of the type worn on the nose, mouth, chin, and portions of the user's cheeks, and which is stopped in place by one or more bands (40) extending around the part posterior of the head or around the ears. A first band (122) on the inner surface of the mask is attached to the user's nose, while a second band (134) counteracts the first, to minimize the forces applied to the user's nose.

Description

A FACIAL SURGICAL MASK WITH DEVICE TO BREATHE MORE EASILY BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention This invention relates to surgical masks used by surgeons, dentists, and the like, covering the nose, mouth, chin, and portions of the cheeks, and more particularly to a mask that does not interfere with the respiration of the user of the mask.

Description of the Prior Art A type of mask of the prior art is molded from a rubber composition in the general shape of a cup. Reinforcing ribs are formed through the central portion of the mask, and an elastic band is attached to the mask, at positions located diametrically adjacent the periphery of the mask, and can be placed around the user's head to stop the mask. mask in the desired position. A deformable metal band is placed across the outer surface of the mask, in a place that overlaps the user's nose. The metal band is generally deformed to conform to the nose just above the nostril fins, to prevent inhalation of unfiltered air particles. However, the forces applied by the band tend to close the nasal passages, making breathing more difficult. Another type of mask widely used, is one made of paper, and has a generally rectangular shape in its initial condition. The mask is made of a two-layer preform, folded into a fan with fold lines that extend into the long dimension of the mask. An edge is formed along the four edges of the mask, to prevent the mask from being over-extended by the user. The user pulls the upper and lower edges in opposite directions to extend the mask from the bridge of the user's nose to below his chin. A bead is attached to the mask along the two ends of each of the short dimensions, and each bead is attached over one ear of the wearer, to stop the mask in place. A deformable metal band is mounted between the two layers inside the edge of the upper edge. The band also deforms around the nose above the fin of the nostrils. The manner in which the metal band is deformed can also make breathing more difficult, as described above.

COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION The present invention overcomes the difficulties noted above with respect to the surgical masks of the prior art, and provides a structure and teaching that can be applied to those masks of the prior art, and to new masks, to overcome the problems noted with respect to them. The structure is a device to breathe more easily, which can be added to existing masks, or can be integrated into the masks initially. On the internal surface of the mask, in the portion that will overlap the nose, a flexible central support member is placed, in the form of an elongated rectangle with two separate parallel surfaces. A pressure-sensitive adhesive is placed on each surface. One surface is applied to the inner surface of the mask, while the second is attached to the outside of the user's nose after the protective release layer has been removed. Between the inner surface of the mask and the surface of the central support member which engages the inner surface of the mask, a support element is placed. The support element is shorter and narrower than the central support member, such that the support member adheres to the central support member, and the support member and the central support member engage the inner surface of the mask by the adhesive portion beyond the cover by the support element. The support element is made of a flexible elastic material, such as a plastic strip, which is made to take an arch type configuration when the central support member is attached to the user's nose. The elastic memory of the plastic strip will be dedicated to restoring it to its initial flat condition. By selecting the material of the support member and its dimensions, the restoration forces applied by the support member will be substantially equal to the forces applied to the nose of the user by the central support member, to cancel them, and therefore, not interfere with the user's breathing. It is an object of the invention to provide a novel facial surgical mask with a device for breathing more easily. It is an object of this invention to provide a novel facial surgical mask that does not interfere with the respiration of the wearer of the mask. It is an object of this invention to provide a mechanism that can be used with the facial surgical masks currently available, to improve the respiration of the wearer of the mask. It is a further object of this invention to provide a facial surgical mask with a mechanism according to the teachings of this invention, which adheres to the nose of the wearer of that mask. It is still another object of this invention to provide a facial surgical mask with a mechanism in accordance with the teachings of this invention, which reduces the possibility that the mask interferes with the user's breathing. It is still another object of this invention to provide a facial surgical mask with a mechanism in accordance with the teachings of this invention, which adheres to the nose of the wearer of the mask, and which comprises a support element for counteracting the effects of closing on the nostrils of the nose of the user, in such a way that there is no interference with the respiration of the user of the mask. Other objects and features of the invention will be pointed out in the following description and in the claims, and will be illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which disclose, by way of example, the principles of the invention, and the best mode contemplated. currently to perform them.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings, where like elements are given similar reference characters: Figure 1 is a front elevational view of a molded cone type facial surgical mask, currently available in the field. Figure 2 is a rear elevational view of the surgical mask of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary elevated front view of an alternative fastening element that can be used with the face mask of Figures 1 and 2. Figure 4 is a side elevational view, partly in section, of the mask of the Figure 2, taken along line 4-4. Figure 5 is a front elevational view of a rectangular type facial surgical mask currently available in the field. Figure 6 is a rear elevated view of the surgical mask of Figure 5. Figure 7 is a rear elevation view of a surgical mask similar to that shown in Figure 6, and showing other construction details found in different rectangular type masks available. Figure 8 is a rear elevational view of a surgical mask as shown in Figure 2, and incorporating a breathing device more easily constructed in accordance with the concepts of the invention. Figure 9 is a top plan view of the component layers that form a device for easier breathing. Figure 10 is a front elevational view of a device for easier breathing, with the release layer removed, to make certain details visible. Figure 11 is a fragmentary top view, taken along the inclined surface of a nose to which the mask with the device for breathing is applied most easily. Figure 12 is a fragmentary, simplified side elevational view of a device for breathing more easily, applied to a user's nose, and with most of the components removed, to allow a better understanding of the operation of the device to breathe more easily. Figure 13 is a rear elevated view of a rectangular type face mask similar to that shown in FIG.

Figure 6, and incorporating a breathing device more easily constructed in accordance with the concepts of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Turning now to Figures 1, 2, and 4, a cone-type facial surgical mask 20 of the type sold by 3M Company, under its registered trademark ASEPTEX, and designated as Resistant Molded Surgical Mask is shown. Single Use Fluid 1800+. The mask is molded of a material that contains natural latex. It could also be made of paper, cardboard, or composite materials, and coated with latex or other rubber materials, if desired. The body 22 has a generally cup-shaped configuration, with a generally oval-shaped periphery 24. The desired position of the mask 20 is to overlap most of the nose, mouth, chin, and part of the user's cheeks. . The periphery 24 is a little flattened at 26, to better accept the nose of the user. The front surface 28 of the body 22 is formed with a plurality of raised reinforcing ribs 30 extending substantially across the width of the body 22. Between the adjacent ribs 30 are the concave recesses 32. The rear surface 34 of the body 22 is the back. The raised convex wide ribs 36 extend between the narrow recesses 38. At different points along the periphery 24, the body 22 is widened, to better engage the user's face. The depth of the cup, as shown by the arrow D in Figure 4, is selected such that the rear surface 34 of the body 22 does not contact the nose of the user. The mask 20 is stopped in its desired position on the user's face by an elastic strip 40 anchored at its ends to the body 22 by metal fasteners 42 or the like. The length of the strip 40 is too short to pass around the user's head in its rest position, and it is stretched with the object of passing over the head, and then it is allowed to relax to securely hold the user's head. If desired, the single elastic strip 40 can be replaced with two strands 44, 46, as shown in Figure 3, which can be tied on the back of the wearer's head. A malleable metal strip 50, made of aluminum or other suitable material, is placed adjacent the flattened portion 26 of the periphery 24 of the body 22. Once the mask 20 is comfortably in the desired position on the user's face, the The user can distort the band 50 to conform to the user's nose and form an airtight seal around the nose, to prevent inhalation of unfiltered air particles. However, the tight seal around the nose to prevent entry of unfiltered air particles into the mask often has the effect of substantially reducing or closing the size of the nasal passages, thus making it very difficult for the user breathe. Therefore, the user is forced to make a choice or commitment. Turning now to Figures 5, 6, and 7, a rectangular type face surgical mask 60 of a type currently available in the field is shown. A version of this mask is sold by Astra USA, Inc., under the registered trademarks ASTRA PR0MR, MAGIC ARCHR POSITIVE, FACIAL L0CKR Mask. A multilayer body 62, made of soft paper, joins adjacent its upper edges 64, to its lower edges 66, and to its lateral edges 68, 70. The mask could also be made of fabric or composite materials, if you want The layers can be joined using pressure, heat, or a combination thereof, and can employ a heat activated or chemically activated adhesive. The lower edge 66 is continuous, since it represents the fold of the fabric, to provide two layers forming the body 62. A zone 72, adjacent to the lower edge 66, is used to additionally seal the layers. The layers are joined along side edges 68 and 70, applying a sealing device in zones 74, 76, respectively. The upper edge 64 is sealed using two separate parallel sealing lines 78, 80, which provides a pocket 82 therebetween, to receive a malleable metal strip 84, as shown in the phantom line of Figure 6. The body 62 is bent in a flat fan, having the fold edges 86, 88, and 90 visible on the front face 63 of the body 62. When the mask 60 is held to the forces operating in two opposite directions, each of these forces applied to one of the upper edge 64 or the lower edge 66, the central part of the mask 60 within the zones 72, 74, 76, and 80, the body of the mask 62 expands, in such a way that it can be adjusted to the user's face from below the bridge of the nose to below the chin. The width of the body 62 is such that the edges 68, 70 cover portions of the user's cheeks. The sealed edges of the body 62 do not expand, but act as a pivot for the expansion of the main body portion 62 between those sealed edges. A lacing 92 is joined at its ends 94, 96 to the body of the mask 62 adjacent to the edge 70, and fits over an ear of the user. A similar lacing 92 is joined at its ends 94, 96 to the body of the mask 62 adjacent to the edge 68, and fits over the other ear of the user, to stop the mask 60 in the desired position on the face of the user. On the back face 65 of the body 62, the fold edges 98, 100, and 102 are visible. Figure 7 shows some modifications of the mask 60 shown in Figure 6. The end 96 of the loop 92 can be placed closer from the end 94 along the side area 74 of the mask 60 '. End 96 of the loop 92 in zone 76, also «e can move closer to the end 94. Also, plastic strips 104, 106 can be inserted (shown in ghost lines) between the layers. By choosing the plastic used and the dimensions of those strips 104, 106, and due to the fact that the ends of the strips 104, 106 are confined by the seal areas 74, 76, the strip 104 will form an arc over the portion the nose of the user, while the strip 106 will form an arch under the nose, whereby direct contact between the back face 65 of the body 62 and the nose of a user is prevented, which could block the nostrils and prevent breathing. To prevent access to this area of the mask, and inhalation of unfiltered air particles, in addition to the metal strip previously described 84, there is a metal strip 108 (shown in phantom line) in zone 72, whose strip 108 is parallel to the side edges 68, 70. This strip 108, made of a metal similar to that used for the strip 84, is deformed by the user just behind the jaw, to obtain a hermetic seal of the mask 60 ' with the user's face. The deformation of strip 84 of mask 60 'will have the same effect on respiration, which was described above. Referring now to Figures 8 to 13, the details of devices for easier breathing are shown, and their use with the currently available surgical face masks. Figure 8 shows a cone type facial surgical mask 20, with the easier breathing device 118 installed on the posterior surface 34 of the body 22, adjacent to the slightly flattened portion 26 that fits over the user's nose. The metal strip 50 on the front surface 28 can be removed or left in place without distorting to fit the user's nose. In Figure 9 there is shown an easier breathing device 118, constructed in accordance with the concepts of the invention. A connecting element 120 has a central support element or base layer 122 of the desired length, width, and thickness, which can be made of foam or other materials which are solid but flexible, and which can be deformed as necessary without apply undue force. A closed cell foam strip works quite well. On a first surface 124 of the central support element 122, an additional element or a second layer 126 of a pressure sensitive adhesive is placed, which will adhere to the face of a user of the mask 20. This layer 126 of adhesive is covers with a release layer 128 that is removed just before applying the mask 20 to the user's face. On the second surface 130 of the central support element or base layer 122, there is a first layer 132 of an adhesive material. The adhesive material of the first layer 132 can be a cured adhesive or activated by heat, light, ultraviolet light, or chemically, or as shown, it can be a pressure sensitive layer, on which a support element is placed or a counteracting strip 134. As shown in Figure I0, the support member or counteracting strip 134 is shorter and narrower than the first adhesive layer 132 of the attachment element 120, and consequently, the first adhesive layer 132 is extends beyond the perimeter of the counteracting strip 134. A release layer 136 is placed over the first adhesive layer 132 and the counteracting strip 134, to prevent contact with the adhesive layer 132, until it is desired to mount the device to breathe more easily 118 on the inner surface 34 of the mask 20. Figure 11 shows the device for easier breathing 118 installed in the nose of a user N. The view is from the upper part above, but taken along the upper flange of the nose N itself. As shown by Figure 12, the device 118 is generally perpendicular to the upper rim of the nose N. When removing the release layer 136 (not shown in Figure 11), the first adhesive layer 132 is exposed beyond the periphery of the support element 134 to the rear surface 34 of the body of the mask 22. The device 118 is positioned with respect to the mask 20, in such a way that the mask 20 occupies the desired position, whereby mask 20 covers the nose, mouth, chin, and portions of both cheeks of the user, and the connecting element 120 and the support member 134 are positioned with respect to the upper part of the nostril flaps of the nose N of the user, as shown in Figure 12. The manner of operation of the breathing device 118 is now stipulated with respect to Figure 12, which shows the nose N of a user of the facial surgical mask 20, and only the connecting element 120 and the support element 134. The flexible central support element 122 of the connecting element 120 is formed in such a way that it conforms to the external contour of the nose N, and then it attaches to the skin of the nose N by means of. the second adhesive layer 126. The combined weight of the device 118 and the mask 20 presses on the outside of the nose N, which tends to restrict, or even may completely close the nasal passages, interfering with, or impeding, breathing. The counteracting strip or support element 134 is initially a flat strip, and has an elastic memory that tends to return the strip 134 to its initial condition, provided that the modulus of elasticity of the strip has not been exceeded, and the strip is deformed in a permanent way. The material from which the strip 134 is made, and its length, width, and thickness, are selected in such a way that the forces produced by the strip 134 when trying to go from the arc shape shown in Figure 11 to its flat shape initial, are equal to the forces applied to the nose N by the mask 20 and the device 18. The forces produced by the strip 134 are in the opposite direction to those applied by the mask 20 and the device 118, and consequently, they cancel these forces. In accordance with the above, it is as if no forces were applied to the nostrils, and there was no interference with the normal respiration of the wearer of the mask. Figure 13 shows the placement of a device for breathing more easily 118 on a rectangular surgical face mask 60. The upper edge of the device 118 is aligned with the upper edge 64 of the mask 60, and centered with respect to the lateral edges 68 and 70. The metal strip 84 can be removed, or it can be allowed to deform, when the mask 60 is applied, provided it is not made so closely according to the nose. The installation and use of the device 118 will be substantially the same as those described above with respect to Figures 9 to 12. Although the fundamental novel features of the invention have been shown and described and indicated, as they apply to the preferred embodiments, such as currently contemplated to perform them, it will be understood that experts in the field can make different omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the devices illustrated and in their operation, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims (30)

1. A facial surgical mask, which comprises: a) a body element having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a free peripheral edge around it, the body element being provided to fit over the nose, mouth, chin, and portions of a user's cheeks; b) a fastening element coupled to the body member, for stopping the body member in the desired position on the nose, mouth, chin, and portions of the user's cheeks, after the body member has been placed in the desired position; c) a connecting element, having a first surface and a second surface, the second surface engaging the internal surface of the body member, being positioned in such a way that it overlies a portion of a user's nose; and d) an additional element on the first surface of the joining element, for joining the connecting element to the nose of the user.

2. A mask as defined in claim 1, wherein the body member is constructed of paper.

3. A mask as defined in claim 1, wherein the 'body element is constructed of fabric.

4. A mask as defined in claim 1, wherein the body member is constructed of a rubber material.

A mask as defined in claim 1, wherein the body member is constructed of plastic.

6. A mask as defined in the claim 1, wherein the body element is formed in a generally cup configuration.

7. A mask as defined in the claim 2, wherein the body element is formed in a generally cup configuration.

8. A mask as defined in claim 4, wherein the body member is molded in a generally cup configuration.

9. A mask as defined in claim 5, wherein the body member is molded in a generally cup configuration.

10. A mask as defined in the claim 2, wherein the body element is formed by at least two interconnected strips extending across the width of a user's face, these strips being fan-folded with respect to each other, and being extendable in the direction of the length of a user's face.

11. A mask as defined in claim 3, wherein the body member is formed by at least two interconnected strips extending "across the width of a user's face, these strips being fanned out in relation to each other, and being extensible in the direction of the length of a user's face 12.

A mask as defined in claim 1, wherein the fastening element comprises a band having a first end and a second end, the first connection being connected. end of the band to the external surface of the body member adjacent to the peripheral edge, in a position adjacent to a cheek of a user, when the body member is in the desired position, and the second end of the band to the external surface of the body element in a position in line with the first end of the band, and adjacent to the second cheek of a user, when the body member is in the po desired position, this band extending around the back of a user's head, between the first and second ends of the band.

A mask as defined in claim 1, wherein the fastening element comprises: a) a first band segment having a first end and a first free end, the first end connecting with the external surface of the body member adjacent to the peripheral edge, in a position adjacent to a cheek of a user, when the body member is in the desired position; and b) a second band segment having a second end and a second free end, the second end connecting with the outer surface of the body member, adjacent the peripheral edge, in a position in line with the first end of the band, and adjacent to the second cheek of a user, when the body member is in the desired position; the first and second free ends joining around the head of a user, to keep the mask in the desired position.

A mask as defined in claim 1, wherein the fastening element comprises: a) a first loop in the form of a U having first and second ends, and a first curved portion between them, the first and second joining together ends with the body member adjacent the peripheral edge, and the first curved portion is placed on the adjacent ear of the user when the body member is in the desired position; and b) a second U-shaped loop having third and fourth ends and a second curved portion therebetween, the third and fourth ends being joined with the body member adjacent to the peripheral edge in line with the first and second ends at the end. opposite end of the body element, and with the second curved portion placed on the adjacent ear of the user, when the body member is in the desired position, whereby, the mask can be stopped in the desired position when the first ones are placed. and second curved portions of the fastening element on the associated ears of a user.

15. A mask as defined in claim 1, wherein the second surface of the joining element comprises a first layer of adhesive material.

16. A mask as defined in claim 1, wherein the additional element on the first surface of the joining element comprises a second layer of adhesive material.

17. A mask as defined in the claim 15, wherein the first layer of adhesive material is a pressure sensitive adhesive.

18. A mask as defined in the claim 16, wherein the second layer of adhesive material is a pressure sensitive adhesive.

19. A mask as defined in claim 18, wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive is covered with a removable release material.

20. A mask as defined in claim 1, wherein the joining element comprises: a) a central support element having a first surface and a second surface; b) the second surface of the joining element having a first layer of adhesive material thereon; c) the first surface of the joining element having a second layer of adhesive material thereon.

A mask as defined in claim 20, wherein the first layer of adhesive material is a pressure sensitive adhesive.

22. A mask as defined in the claim 20, wherein the second layer of adhesive material is a pressure sensitive adhesive.

23. A mask as defined in claim 20, wherein both the first and second layers of adhesive material are pressure sensitive adhesives.

A mask as defined in claim 23, wherein the central support member is a layer of foam, and the second layer of adhesive material is covered with a layer of release material.

25. A mask as defined in the claim 1, which further comprises: a) a support element coupled with the internal surface of the body element, to counteract any forces applied to the nose of a user of the mask by the connecting element.

26. A mask as defined in claim 25, wherein the support element is located between the inner surface of the body member, and the second surface of the joining element.

27. A mask as defined in the claim 25, wherein the support member is smaller than the connecting element, and engages with the second surface of the connecting element, and engages the inner surface of the body member with the remainder of the second surface of the connecting element. union that does not engage with the support element.

A mask as defined in claim 25, wherein the support member is an elongate member formed in an arc, with two free ends and a central curved portion, the two free ends tending to separate from each other.

29. A mask as defined in the claim 28, wherein the support element is made of an elastic material.

30. A mask as defined in the claim 29, wherein the support element is made of a plastic material.