NL2025424B1

NL2025424B1 - Personal protection equipment, airflow adapter part and outflow part

Info

Publication number: NL2025424B1
Application number: NL2025424A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Looijen Timo; Jaap Jongerden Fokke; Jan Van Brederode Floris
Original assignee: Stichting Air Wave Org
Priority date: 2020-04-24
Filing date: 2020-04-24
Publication date: 2021-11-02

Abstract

The invention relates to protection equipment (100) configured for protecting a human being. The protection equipment comprises a Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) (1) consisting of a motor, filter and power supply generating a flow of filtered air, a mask (5) covering at least the mouth and nose of the human being with an air outlet and an air duct structure (150) linking the PAPR and mask. The air duct structure comprises an airflow adapter unit and a filter as a branch of an air passage. The air outlet of the mask can be filtered by an outflow unit (6) and/or constructed with a one way valve (7). The protection equipment protects a human being for bacterial and/or virus infections with an option to filter his own exhaled breath.

Description

PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT, AIRFLOW ADAPTER PART AND OUTFLOW PART

TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for personal protection equipment, in particular a personal protection equipment for protecting the face and/or eyes and/or nose and/or mouth and/or airways, more in particular a personal protection equipment to protect against biological active material, including bacteria, viruses and/or occupational hazardous substances (OHS). The invention further relates to an airflow adapter part and outflow part for use in personal protection equipment. The invention also has the option to protect others from an infected person using this method and/or apparatus. The invention also relates to each of the parts that combine together towards this apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART Personal protection equipment against OHS or B-agents, such as bacteria and/or viruses are bound to comply with a number of different regulations, which can vary in some degree between country and territory and typically involve the use of a FFP2 or FFP3 filter with optional "splash goggles", or typically a solution in a Bio Safety Level 2 or 3 (BSL-2 or BSL-3) environment with a Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR). Most PAPR solutions have an open hood to facilitate a dust and/or bacteria and/or virus, typically dust, bacteria and virus, reduced and/or free flow of air over the face of the user, so he/she can breathe clean air. In case of any infectious pathogens, especially a virus which is airborne, there is a need to protect the eyes, nose and mouth of the user from the virus. In a situation where the carrier of the virus is not aware that they are infected by the virus, and therefore at risk of spreading the virus to others, it could be important to filter the outgoing air of the person wearing the apparatus. In a BSL-3 environment this is realised by use of a negative pressure cabinet and/or a negative pressure room environment. In crisis situations, such as virus pandemics some countries lower the standard of personal protection equipment, due to the limited availability of resources

SUMMARY OF INVENTION It is an object of the present technology to provide personal protection equipment which enables the use of existing components from other application areas to obtain equipment with required personal protection properties.

According to an aspect of the subject technology, this object is achieved by protection equipment having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further ways of carrying out the present technology may be attained by the measures mentioned in the dependent claims.

Protection equipment configured for protecting a human being according to the present subject technology comprises: a Powered Air Purifying Respirator unit (PAPR) consisting of a motor, filter and power supply generating a flow of filtered air at a filtered air outlet; a mask configured to fit over, at least mouth and nose of a human being, having an air inlet and an air outlet; and, an air duct structure coupling the filtered air output to the air inlet of the mask.

The air duct structure comprises an airflow adapter unit and a filter element.

The airflow adapter unit comprises a duct part having an air inlet port, an air outlet port and an auxiliary airflow port.

The auxiliary airflow port is a branch of an air passage between the air inlet port and the air outlet port.

The air channel structure between the filtered air outlet of the PAPR and the air inlet port of the airflow adapter unit forms a first airtight channel part The air channel structure between the outlet port of the airflow adapter unit and the air inlet of the mask forms a second airtight channel part.

The auxiliary air flow port is configured to receive the filter element to filter the air flow passing through the auxiliary airflow port (33). The concept of the present technology is to create a mobile breathing space for a human being that guarantees that under all circumstances the air entering the breathing space is purified while the air flowing through the equipment is not annoying to the user.

The PAPR generates a continuous flow of filtered air.

The flow rate generated by the PAPR should be more than the maximum instantaneous flow rate that a person can breathe, e.g. when a person is startled by a sudden event.

As a result the air pressure in the equipment is always higher than the ambient air pressure. The airflow is transported to the airflow adapter unit. In the airflow adapter unit the airflow is divided in a first airflow part to the mask and a remaining airflow part leaving the equipment via the auxiliary airflow port. The air pressure in the mask will determine the amount of air that will leaf equipment via the auxiliary port. When breathing in, more air will flow to the mask and less through the auxiliary air flow port and when breathing out, less air will flow to the mask and more through the auxiliary airflow port. As a result of the presence of the airflow adapter unit, the flow rate though the mask is reduced significantly, so that it is not perceived as a nuisance by the user.

In an embodiment, the airflow adapter unit further comprises a detachable cover part configured to be attached to the auxiliary airflow port and to fix the filter element in the airflow adapter unit. This feature has the advantage that the filter element can be replaced.

In an embodiment, the auxiliary airflow port and the cover part are adapted to clamp the filter element such that all air flowing through the auxiliary airflow port is filtered by the filter element. This feature has the advantage that in case the PAPR will stop working; the auxiliary airflow port will be filtering all air that flows into the equipment via the auxiliary airflow port.

In an embodiment, the cover part forms an opening of the airflow adapter unit directing an airflow parallel to the airflow through the inlet port. When the user is wearing a surgical cap, this feature provides an air flow between the cap and the head, which is experienced as cooling. Furthermore, existing surgical caps can be used when wearing the equipment. We have experienced in practice that the (surgical) cap will stay on the head and not blow off.

In an embodiment, the cover part can only be placed on the duct part in one way. As a result, a user cannot position the cover part incorrectly on the auxiliary airflow port.

In an embodiment, the cover part is attached to the duct part by means of a detachable snap-fit joint. This has the advantage that the cover part can be attached and detached without one or more moving parts. As a result the cover part can be easily disinfected and sterilised.

In an embodiment, the auxiliary airflow port comprises a raised edge along the opening of the port, forming a space to align the filter element in the auxiliary airflow port. This reduces the risk that a human is positioning the filter element incorrectly in the outflow adapter part as a result not all air flowing through the auxiliary airflow port will be filtered.

In an embodiment, the protection equipment further comprises an outflow valve, which is open to air flowing from the inside of the mask through the outlet to the outside of the mask and closed in the other direction. This is a simple and cheap solution to ensure that unfiltered air cannot flow into the mask.

In an embodiment, the protection equipment further comprises an outflow unit, having an inlet coupled to the outlet of the mask, an outlet and a hollow body having provisions to reduce noise and/or turbulence of air flowing out of the protection equipment.

In an embodiment, the outflow unit has a hollow body with a shape of a truncated cone that expands in diameter from the inlet of the outflow unit towards the outlet of the outflow unit. This feature reduces the velocity of the air flowing out of the equipment and thus air turbulence outside the equipment near the outflow unit.

In an embodiment, the hollow body has internal parallel ribs in line with the airflow from the inlet of the outflow unit towards the outlet of the outflow unit. This reduces the amount of air turbulence in the outflow unit and consequently the noise generated by the airflow.

In an embodiment, turbulence in the airflow through the outflow unit is reduced by at least one filter element. A filter results in a pressure drop across the filter material, causing the velocity of the air flowing out of the outflow unit to be more evenly distributed over the outer surface of the filter. This reduces turbulence outside the outflow unit caused by the airflow through the mask.

In an embodiment, a detachable snap-fit joint couples the outflow unit and the mask. This has the advantage that the part can be attached and detached without moving part(s). As a result the coupling structure can be easily disinfected and sterilised.

In an embodiment, the outflow unit is coupled to the mask using a bolt, nut and optionally washers. This reduces the risk that the outflow unit is unintentionally detached from the mask and thus the risk of unfiltered air flowing into the mask. In a further embodiment, the mask comprises a center hole to insert an outflow valve, the center hole being used to pass a bolt.

In an embodiment, a sealing element between the mask and the outflow filter unit is used to form an airtight duct.

In an embodiment, the outflow unit further comprises a cap part configured to be attached to the hollow body and to fix at least one filter element in 5 the outflow unit. This feature enables easy replacement of the filter element(s). In a further embodiment, the hollow body and the cap part are adapted to clamp the at least one filter element such that all air flowing through the body is filtered by the at least one filter element.

In an embodiment, the filter cap part is attached to the hollow body by means of a detachable snap-fit joint. This has the advantage that the part can be attached and detached without moving part(s). As a result the coupling structure can be easily disinfected and sterilised.

In an embodiment, the hollow body comprises a raised edge along an outer edge of the hollow body, forming a space to align the at least one filter element in the hollow body. This reduces the risk that a human is positioning the filter element incorrectly in the outflow adapter part as a result not all air flowing through the auxiliary airflow port will be filtered.

In an embodiment, the outflow unit (6) has a shape to enable a user to bend the head down like a typical chin to chest movement. This feature increases the ease of use of the equipment.

In an embodiment, the outflow unit (6) has a shape that does not obstruct the line of sight of the user. This feature increases the ease of use of the equipment.

In an embodiment, the duct part and/or the outflow unit are made by Multi Jet Fusion or Selective Laser Sintering. This technology allows the production of parts with 3D printing that are strong enough for their application.

In an embodiment, the duct part and/or the outflow unit have smooth surfaces and are made of a material that can withstand 70% alcohol and/or heat from sterilisation and/or a H202 solution to clean and disinfect the parts for reused. This feature enables using the component in clinical environments.

In a second aspect, there is provided an airflow adapter part for use in wearable protection equipment comprising all technical features of an airflow adapter unit described above.

In a third aspect, there is provided an air outflow part for use in wearable protection equipment comprising all technical features of an outflow unit described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other aspects, properties and advantages will be explained hereinafter based on the following description with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like or comparable parts, and in which: Fig. 1 schematically shows a first embodiment of the equipment; Fig. 2 schematically shows a second embodiment of the equipment; Fig. 3 schematically shows a third embodiment of the equipment; and Fig. 4 shows an exploded view of a part of the equipment in a practical use setting.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS The present application describes a method for producing personal protection equipment from mainly components that are available in the market. The equipment protects in particular a face and/or airway of a person wearing the equipment. More in particular provided is a face and airway protecting composition against OHS and/or dust and/or virus and/or bacteria, and in a more particular a face and airways protecting apparatus against bacterial and viruses. The personal protection equipment comprises the following components already available on the market: - a powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) 1, which is essentially a filter 12, motor, ventilator 11 and probably a power supply, sensors and/or electronics to provide a filtered flow of air. Such a PAPR can typically be a unit used in the laboratory and/or industrial industry where such devices deliver a filtered airflow of typically 100+ litres per minute; - a belt 14 or other device to mount the PAPR 1 to an object and/or person; - airtight hoses 22 42 to form an airtight air channel, - a mask 5 covering at least the nose and mouth and preferably the full face including the eyes, typically an existing full face mask. Practically this could be a "snorkel mask". The "mask" typically has straps 55 to fixate it to a person's head, in such a way the seal 56 of the mask is touching the skin in an airtight way; - an one way valve 54 in the "mask" to let air flow out of the mask. Typically this "one way valve" is placed in the part of the "mask" near the mouth and nose; and - a strap 55 which is attached to the 5 to, help, fixation of the mask to the head of the user.

Figure 1 shows the first embodiment of the personal protection equipment 100. The system contains a powered air purifying respirator [PAPR] 1, a mask 5 that covers the face of the person protected by the equipment and a duct structure 150 that forms a channel for the filtered air.

The PAPR 1 consists of a housing 13 that holds a filter 12 that reduces the particles, Biological agents and OHS, a powered fan 11 and a power supply which may be detachable and/or rechargeable. The PAPR 1 has a filter air outlet 16 configured to attach an air duct structure.

Each connector in the air structure has the properties to create a barrier between the environment and the filtered air inside the air structure while connecting to parts. The connector has typically a bayonet mount with a seal of rubber or other compressible material. The connector can also have another form of mount/connection like a screw thread, typically in EN-148-1/2/3 specification. Some connectors are supplier specific and differ in quality, tolerances and sealing mechanism. By using 3D printing for the connector parts of the airflow adapter unit 3 and/or outflow unit 6, there is a way to produce these parts with compensation for (this lack of) quality, specific size and/or sealings.

The belt 14 makes it easy to mount/wear the PAPR around the waist or attach it in some other practical way to the person. This could also be a backpack structure. The clip 15 makes it easier for doffing, adjustment and donning.

The air duct structure 150, couples the PAPR 1 to the mask 5. The mask is a full face mask with an air inlet 51 on top of the mask 5 and an air outlet 53 at the bottom of the mask 5. The mask 5 further comprises a seal 56 to seal around the entire face of a user wearing the mask such that air flows in the inside 52 of the mask 5 through the inlet 51 and flows from the inside 52 of the mask 5 through the outlet 53 of the mask 5. The mask 5 further comprises a strap 55 and a strap connector 57 to adjust the strap such that the mask 5 fits on the face in a comfortable way such that the seal 56 provides a good airtight seal between the mask and the head of the user.

The main elements of the air duct structure 150 are a first hose tube 22, an airflow adapter unit 3 and a second hose tube 42. A coupling structure 21 is provided to couple airtight one end of hose tube 2 to the filtered air outlet 16 of the PAPR 1. A coupling structure 23 is provided to couple the first hose tube 22 to an inlet port 31 of the airflow adapter unit 3. A coupling structure 41 is provided to couple airtight the second hose tube 42 to an outlet port 34 of the airflow adapter unit 3. A coupling structure 43 is provided to couple airtight the second hose tube 42 to the inlet 51 of the mask 5.

The airflow adapter unit 3 comprises a duct part 35 having an air inlet port 31, an air outlet port 34 and an auxiliary airflow port 33. The auxiliary airflow port 33 is a branch of an air passage between the air inlet port and the air outlet port. The part air channel structure between the filtered air outlet 16 of the PAPR 1 and the air inlet port 31 of the airflow adapter unit 3 form a first airtight channel part 2. The part of the air channel structure between the outlet port 34 of the airflow adapter unit and the air inlet 51 of the mask 5 forming a second airtight channel part. The auxiliary airflow port 33 is configured to receive filter element 32 to filter the air flow passing through the auxiliary airflow port 33.

The airflow adapter unit 3 further comprises a cover part 36 configured to be attached to the auxiliary airflow port 33 and to attach the filter element 32 in the airflow adapter unit 3. The filter element typically has a P2 specification or better and may be combined with other filter types with a lower specification to provide multi-phase filtering. The filter material may be cut from a regular sheet of filter material to obtain the filter element 32, for example using a laser cutter or punching machine. The auxiliary airflow port 33 and the cover part 36 are adapted to clamp the filter element 32 such that all air flowing through the auxiliary airflow port 33 is filtered by the filter element 32. Fig. 1 shows a cover part 36 with outflow opening on top directing the airflow through the auxiliary airflow port upwards. In an embodiment, the coupling structure of the auxiliary airflow port and the cover part is such that the cover part can be coupled to the auxiliary airflow port in one unique way. In an embodiment, the cover part 36 is attached to the duct part 35 by means of a detachable snap-fit joint. This enables easy replacement of the filter element. This further enables good sterilisation and disinfection of the cover part 36 and duct part 35. The auxiliary airflow port 33 comprises a raised edge along the opening of its port, forming a space between a circumferential wall to align the filter element 32 in the auxiliary airflow port 33.

An outflow valve 7 is provided in the outlet 53 of the mask 5. The outflow valve is open to air flowing from the inside of the mask 52 through the outlet 53 to the outside of the mask 5 and closed in the other direction. By means of the outflow valve 7 air will flow out of the inside 52 of the mask through the outlet 53 when the air pressure inside the mask is higher than the air pressure outside the mask and due to the seal 56 around the mask 5, air can only flow into the mask via inlet 51.

Furthermore, an outflow unit 6 is coupled to the outlet 53 of the mask

5. The outflow unit 6 comprises a hollow body 61 and a cap part 63. The hollow body forms a duct for the airflow from the mask 5. The cap part 63 is configured to be attached to a raised edge of the hollow body 61 and to fix one or more filter elements 62 in the outflow unit (6). The cap part 63 comprises one or more openings to pass an airflow.

The personal protection equipment 100 functions as follows. The PAPR 1 generates a filtered airflow with an air rate with a minimum design flow rate of the EN-12941 standard of 120 liter perminute with a typical minimum of 160 liter per minute at its filtered air outlet 16. The filtered air flow passes through flexible hose 22 to the airflow adapter unit 3. In the airflow adapter unit 3 the airflow has two flow paths to leave the airflow adapter unit 3. How the flow rate from the PAPR 1 is divided in a flow rate to the mask and a flow rate through the auxiliary airflow port depends on the instantaneous air pressure inside the mask and the ambient air pressure. The mask 5 and outflow valve 7 and outflow unit 6 with filter element forms a first air resistance and the filter element 32 covering the auxiliary airflow port forms a second air resistance for the airflow. When the user is not breathing, an airflow with specified constant flow rate flows through the inside 52 of the mask and the remaining of the filtered airflow will flow through the auxiliary air flow port of the airflow adapter unit 3. When the user wearing the mask inhales air, the air pressure in the mask temporarily decreases and as he exhales, the air pressure increases temporarily. When the air pressure in the mask decreases more filtered air will flow to the mask and when the air pressure increases in the mask less air will temporarily flow to the mask. Due to the airflow adapter unit, the flow rate through the outlet of the mask will be more constant.

Another advantage of the airflow adapter unit 3 is that a person wearing the equipment still can breathe when the PAPR 1 stops working. When the person inhales, ambient air will flow through the auxiliary airflow port 33 to the mask 5. The filter element 32 in the auxiliary airflow port 33 will filter the air entering the equipment. When the person exhales, a part of the air in the equipment will leave the equipment via the outlet of the mask 5 and the remaining will leave the equipment via the auxiliary airflow port 33. Although the PAPR 1 does not work, there is on average a flow of filtered air from the inlet of the mask to the outlet of the mask.

Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of personal protection equipment. This embodiment differs in the connection between the airflow adapter unit 3 and the mask 5. The air flow adapter unit 3 is directly airtight connected to the inlet 51 of the mask 5. The shape of the air path through the airflow adapter unit 3 is curved which is more practical in use when wearing (chirurgical) cap. The air duct structure 150 more ergonomically balances on the head of the person while wearing and by the direct structural connection the airflow adapter unit 3 and mask 5 feel like one solid object.

Another difference is that only a valve 7 is used at the outlet 53 of the mask 5.

Furthermore, the cover part 36 coupled to the auxiliary airflow port 33 of the duct part 35 deflects the airflow exiting said port backward over the person’s head.

Fig. 3 shows a side view of a third embodiment of personal protection equipment. The third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the outflow valve 7 is replaced by the outflow unit 6 described with reference to figure 1 and in more detail below.

Fig. 4 shows an exploded view of a part of the equipment in a practical use setting. Fig. 4 doesn’t show the PAPR and the airtight duct coupling airtight the PAPR to the airflow adapter unit 3. Fig. 4 shows an airflow adapter unit 3, a full face mask 5, and an outflow unit 6. The full face mask 5 may be any suitable snorkel mask which provides a good sealing with the face of a person wearing the mask. In an embodiment the mask 5, typically a "snorkel mask", has an internal structure above the nose to improve circulation of air and/or reduce the fog in the region of the eyes. This structure helps in reducing the pressure build up in the mouth/nose region of the mask, which is beneficial for the comfort of the protection equipment 100 The air flow unit 3 comprises three parts, a duct part 35, a filter element 32 and a cover part 36. The duct part 35 comprises an air inlet port, an air outlet port and an auxiliary airflow port. The inlet port is provided with a coupling structure configured to couple airtight the duct part 35 with a flexible hose to the PAPR. The coupling structure may be in the form of a bayonet fitting, a threaded coupling or any other suitable coupling that allows an airtight coupling to be made. The outlet port is provided with a coupling structure to couple the duct part 35 airtight and directly to an inlet at the top of the full face mask 5. The full face mask will determine the coupling structure provided on the outlet port of the duct part 35. Fig. 4 shows a direct coupling structure provided with a snap-fit connection.

The cover part 36 is also provided with a snap-fit connection. When the cover part 36 is attached to the auxiliary airflow port of the duct part 35, the filter element 32 is clamped between the duct part 35 and the cover part 36. The filter element 32 is preferably clamped such that all air flowing through the auxiliary airflow port has to pass the filter element 32. This is achieved when the material of the filter element 32 is pressed against surfaces around the openings in the duct part 35 of the auxiliary airflow port.

The outflow unit 6 is coupled to an outlet of the full face mask 5 at the bottom of the mask 5. The outflow unit 6 comprises a hollow tube-like body 61, at least one filter element 62, 65 and a cap part 63. Fig. 4 shows two filter elements 62, 65. Filter element 65 may be a pre-filter which removes most of the larger particles from the air flowing out of the mask. Filter element 62 may be a high- quality HEPA filter, which filters out the finer particles that escape from the pre- filter. Depending on the application of the protection equipment, more than two filter elements may be used and the order of the type of filter elements may differ.

The hollow body 61 is coupled to the bottom of the mask by a snap- fit connection. The coupling structure used depends on the coupling structure of the full face mask 5 used. A sealing element 84, in the form of a rubber O-ring, is used to provide an airtight air channel through the outlet of the mask and the outflow unit 6. As a result, the air cannot flow between the mask 5 and the outflow unit 6 to the outside of the personal protection equipment 100. Any other suitable sealing element may be used to provide the sealing.

Fig. 4 shows further a bolt 81, nut 82 and a washer 83. The bolt 81, nut 82 and optionally the washer 83 are used to strengthen the coupling between the full face mask 5 and the outflow unit 6. A center hole of the outlet of the mask 5, which is normally used in a snorkel mask to attach a blowout valve, is now used to pass the bolt 81. In another embodiment, the hollow body 61 comprises a threaded hole that may function as the nut.

The cap part 63 of the outflow unit 6 is configured to be attached to the hollow body 61 and to fix the at least one filter element 62 in the outflow unit 6. The hollow body 61 and the cap part 63 are adapted to clamp the at least one filter element 62 such that all air flowing through the body 61 is filtered by the at least one filter element 62. The filter cap part 63 is attached to the hollow body 61 by means of a detachable snap-fit joint.

The hollow body 61 comprises a raised edge along an outer edge of the hollow body 61. The raised edge forms a circumferential wall of a space in the hollow body to position and align one or more filter element 62, 65 in the hollow body. The filter element(s) 62, 65 is clamped between the hollow body 61 and the cap part 63. The one or more filter elements are preferably clamped such that all air flowing through the hollow body 61 passes the one or more filter elements 62,

65. This is achieved when the material of the one or more filter elements 62, 65 are pressed against surfaces around the exit of the air channel of the hollow body

61.

The outflow unit 6 in figure 4 is characterized by three measures to reduce noise and turbulence caused by the airflow flowing out of the mask 5. The first measure is the shape of the hollow body 61. The hollow body 61 has a shape of a truncated cone that expands in diameter from the inlet of the outflow unit 6, which is attached to the mask 5, towards the outlet of the outflow unit 6 to which the cap part 63 is attached. As a result of this, the velocity of the airflow is reduced. This reduces noise generated by the airflow through the outflow unit 6 and turbulence of the air around the outflow unit 6. The second measure is internal parallel ribs in the hollow body 61. The ribs segment the airflow through the hollow body 61 is sub-airflow. As a result, the airflow through the body is more laminar as a result the outflow unit makes less noise. A third measure is the use of one or more filter elements 62, 65. With the use of a filter, the difference in velocity of the air flowing out of the outflow unit along the outflow opening of the outflow filter unit 6 will be less than without any filter. The orientation of the ribs is in line with the airflow from the inlet 64 of the outflow unit 6 towards the outlet of the outflow unit 6. The cap part 63 comprises also ribs in line with the ribs arranged in the hollow body 61. The ribs of the cap part 63 reduce the noise and turbulence of the airflow. However, when the ribs of the hollow body part 61 and the cap part 63 are inline, the ribs also clamp the one or more filter elements 62, 65 in the outflow unit 6.

A user using the personal protection equipment may have the need that he can bend his head down such that his chin is near his chest. As the outflow unit 6 is attached to the bottom of the mask, the shape of the outflow unit 6 will limit the chin to chest movement. Fig. 4 shows an outflow unit with a circular filter and circular cap part. To improve the chin to chest movement, the side of the outflow unit 6 facing the chest may be flattened. This may be achieved by having a D-shaped or oval-shaped filter element with corresponding hollow body and outflow filter cap. To have noise and turbulence equivalent to the embodiment with circular filter element as shown in Fig. 4, the outflow surface of the outflow unit has to be equivalent. This may be achieved by widening the filter element, hollow body part and cap part. The chin to chest movement can also be improved by an outflow filter unit with a curved channel in which the air outflow is less down but more forward. Similarly, a user using the personal protection equipment may have the need that he can look down easily. For this, the outflow unit 6 has to be designed such that it has a shape that does not obstruct the line of sight of the user. In an alternative embodiment the hollow body 61 has a shape that directs the outward airflow to another direction, for instance by guiding the airflow towards the side and backside of the user by a curved cone shape. The shape can also be a shape that split the cone into channels, one to the left and one to the right on the outside of the mask with on each end a filter(set) and filter cap. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4 a clickable lock is in place to secure the connection from an unwanted disconnect. This lock can be unlocked by a human without extra tools, although a lock where you need a (specific) tool is also possible to enforce unwanted disconnection.

Furthermore, text and logo are added to warn the user and bring the reader's attention to the disclaimer(s) and relevant documentation. The personal protection equipment according to the present disclosure has several benefits over the known devices. A major benefit is the use of already produced items for the production of the equipment, so the apparatus can be assembled with local and/or existing resources and/or reduced fabrication and/or manufacturing effort. Only the coupling structures of the airflow adapter unit and the air outflow unit has to be specifically designed to enable coupling with the existing components.

In the embodiments of the personal protection equipment 100 disclosed above, the air pressure and flow in the air duct structure 150 can be described as a dynamic system, with the breathing as oscillation frequency and amplitude in the air flow and pressure effect inside the mask 52. Since we want to ensure the pressure inside of the mask stays always positive, the system should be configured in such a way that with very intensive activity of the user the pressure in the mask 52 stays positive with a safety margin.

With the embodiment of Fig. 4 the filters 32 62 65 can be changed to filters of another pressure drop over flow rate property and therefore give other dynamic system properties in the air duct structure 150.

With the embodiment of Fig.4 we have configured the system where the lowest pressure during the breathing cycle is 100 Pa inside the mask 52. Tests with a pressure measurement near the mouth confirm this lowest pressure during a very intensive activity simulation.

The part airflow adapter unit 3 as well as the filter unit 6 can be produced with different production techniques. For example, duct part 35 can be produced by injection moulding while cover part 36 may be printed by a 3D printing process.

For currently known apparatus of use in such viral and/or bacterial environments, such as a FFP2 or FFP3 half mask with "splash goggles", the equipment disclosed in the present application comprises easier breathing, more reusable components and less discomfort for the Skin. Equipment using a full face mask provides better protection of the eyes than “splash goggles”, since the eyes then reside in a part of the system with a filtered airflow.

A key component in the personal protection equipment is the "overpressure filter" which is in branch of the filtered air flow between the PAPR and the "mask" to reduce airflow and pressure in the mask, especially in the breathing cycle of exhaling and facilitating an open connection from PAPR to "mask" for the inhaling. More specific the “overpressure filter” does not require the use of any mechanical and/or electronic valve.

In comparison with FFP1, FFP2, N95 face masks as well as other passive systems, a positive air pressure gives less hazard of influx of unfiltered air when there is a (potential) leakage anywhere in the system, especially in the connection/interface of the "mask" and the skin of the user. The reduction of the airflow through the mask by the "overpressure filter" has potentially one or more and not limited to the following benefits: - reduction of pressure in the "mask", - providing an open connection between the PAPR and the "mask" through, optional, the hose(s) and the airflow adapter unit, to still provide maximum airflow while inhaling; - lower sound levels; - less energy consumption for the PAPR to operate , this helps in longer battery life of the PAPR when the power supply is a battery; - less flow over the face; - easier exhaling; - Less risk of dry eyes The optional outflow filter unit coupled to the mask has potentially one or more and not limited to the following benefits: - less turbulence of outflowing air; - Jess sound; - outflow of filtered air, which potentially reduces the risk of contamination of the user wearing the equipment to other people and/or animals; - reduction of the CO2 level in the mask due to exhaling. And with a position in the bottom half of the mask a way to prevent a build-up in the bottom of CO2 level even further.

The airflow adapter unit 3 as well as the one-way valve 7 and/or outflow unit 6 facilitate the outward airflow and therefore the air flow generated by the PAPR 1 can flow out of the system in a controlled way. This outward airflow reduces the pressure (build-up) in the mask.

In practice the pressure drop over the outflow unit 6 with a system without airflow adapter unit 3, thus without auxiliary airflow port 33 that is passing air to the environment, the pressure build-up is not comfortable for the user(s). Therefore the airflow adapter unit is designed and configured to a safe and comfortable dimension regarding pressure drop characteristics in relation to the flow rate of air flowing through the mask 5 and filter 36. The auxiliary airflow port is regarded a barrier which allows air to pass, to be more specific a wall which allows air to pass and has a higher pressure drop with a higher flow of air through the mask, to be more precise a wall with the property and the ability to stop or reduce the flow of bacteria and/or viruses through the wall, which is in practice a filter material with appropriate properties for this application.

The apparatus can be designed in such a way that the filters and filter material used are plain and relatively simple replaceable.

This leads to less operational cost.

Furthermore, reuse of the main parts of the apparatus requires cleaning and disinfection for medical usage.

This is possible with the described equipment.

The constant flow or air, which is not extra moisturised, could give some effect in dry lips and/or skin and/or eyes.

A reduced airflow softens this.

Nevertheless a moisturising unit could be added in the airflow before the air enters the region of the face in the mask [MASK]. It is a goal of the present invention to provide at least an alternative to the known FFP2/FFP3 with "splash goggles" and/or PAPR with open hood and/or an alternative method to provide virus and/or dust and/or bacteria, free and/or reduced air for and optional from the person using this method and resulting the apparatus.

More in a specific case the goal of the present invention is to use available materials and/or products to be combined and converted into an apparatus which performs better than a FFP2 half face mask with "splash goggles”, typically.

The origin of the method is to be resilient in creating personal protection equipment from existing resources; which provides an arrangement with the required personal protection properties.

While the invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, it is contemplated that alternatives, modifications, permutations and equivalents thereof will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification and upon study of the drawings.

The invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments.

Changes can be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. -O-0-0-0-0-

Claims

CONCLUSIONS:

1. Protective equipment (100) configured for the protection of a human being, the protective equipment comprising: a. a Powered Air Purifying Respirator unit (PAPR) (1) comprising a motor, filter and power supply, which generates a stream of filtered air through a filtered air outlet (16); b. a mask (5) configured to fit over the mouth and nose of a human, having an air inlet (51) and an air outlet (53); and, c. an air duct structure coupling the filtered air outlet (6) to the air inlet (51) of the mask (5); characterized in that the air duct structure (150) comprises an air flow adapter unit (3) and a filter element (32), the air flow adapter unit (3) comprises a duct member (35) composed of an air inlet port (31), an air outlet port (34) and an additional airflow port (33) which is a branch of an air passage between the air inlet port and the air outlet port, the air duct structure between the filtered air outlet (16) of the PAPR and the air inlet port (31) of the airflow adapter unit (3) forming a first airtight duct portion and the air duct structure between the outlet port (34) of the airflow adapter and the air inlet (51) of the mask (5) forming a second airtight duct portion, the supplemental airflow port (33) configured to receive the filter element (32) to permit the airflow flowing through the supplemental airflow port (33).

The protective equipment (100) of claim 1, wherein the airflow adapter unit (3) further comprises a cover member (36) configured to attach to the additional airflow port (33) and to enclose the filter element (32) in the airflow adapter unit (3). to fixate.

The protective equipment (100) of claim 2, wherein the supplemental airflow port (33) and the cover member (36) are adapted such that all air flowing through the supplemental airflow port (33) is filtered by the filter element (32).

A protective equipment (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the cover member (36) forms an opening of the airflow adapter unit (3) that directs an airflow parallel to the airflow through the inlet port (31).

Protective equipment (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the cover member (36) can be placed on the channel member (35) in only one way.

Protective equipment (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the cover member (36) is attached to the channel member (35) by means of a releasable snap connection.

Protective equipment (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the supplemental airflow port (33) includes a ridge along the opening of the port that defines a space around the filter element (32) in the supplemental airflow port (33) to align.

Protective equipment (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an outflow valve (7) open to air passing from the inside of the mask (52) through the outlet (53) to the outside of the mask. (5) flows and is closed in the other direction.

Protective equipment (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an outflow unit (6), having an inlet (64) coupled to the outlet (53) of the mask (5), an outlet and a hollow body ( 61) with provisions to reduce the noise and/or the turbulence of the air flowing from the outflow unit (6).

The protective equipment (100) according to claim 9, wherein the outflow unit (6) has a concave body (61) of frustoconical shape, extending in diameter from the inlet (64) of the outflow unit (6) to the outlet of the outflow unit (6) increases.

Protective equipment (100) according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the hollow body (61) has internal parallel ribs aligned with the airflow from the inlet (64) of the outflow unit (6) to the outlet of the outflow unit ( 6).

Protective equipment (100) according to any one of claims 9-11, wherein turbulence in the airflow through the outflow unit (6) is reduced by at least one filter element (62).

Protective equipment (100) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein a releasable snap connection couples the outflow unit (6) and the mask (5).

Protective equipment (100) according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the outflow unit (6) is coupled to the mask by means of a bolt (81), nut (82) and optionally washers (83).

The protective equipment (100) of claim 14, wherein the mask comprises a central hole for inserting an outflow valve (7), the central hole being used to locate a bolt (81).

Protective equipment (100) according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein a sealing element (84) is used to form an airtight channel between the mask (5) and the outflow filter unit (6).

Protective equipment (100) according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the outflow unit (6) further comprises a cover part (63) configured to be attached to the hollow body (61) and to have at least one filter element ( 62) in the outflow unit (6).

Protective equipment (100) according to claim 17, wherein the hollow body (61) and the cover part (63) are adapted to clamp at least one filter element (62) so that all air flowing through the body (61) is filtered. through the at least one filter element (62).

A protective equipment (100) according to any one of claims 17 to 18, wherein the filter cover part (63) is attached to the hollow body (61) by means of a releasable snap connection.

Protective equipment (100) according to any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein the hollow body (61) comprises an upstanding rim along an outer edge of the hollow body (61), which forms a space around the at least one filter element (62) in the hollow body (61).

Protective equipment (100) according to any one of claims 9 to 20, wherein the outflow unit (6) is shaped to allow a user to bend the head downwards according to typical chin-to-chest movements.

A protective equipment (100) according to any one of claims 9 to 21, wherein the outflow unit (6) has a shape that does not obstruct the user's line of sight.

A protective equipment (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the channel member (35) is made using Multi Jet Fusion or Selective Laser Sintering.

A protective equipment (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the channel member (35) and/or the filter cover (36) has smooth surfaces and is made of a material resistant to 70% alcohol and/or heat from sterilization and/or an H2O2 solution to clean and disinfect the part for reuse.

A protective equipment (100) according to any one of claims 9 to 22, wherein the hollow body (61) and/or the outflow filter cover (63) is made by Multi Jet Fusion or Selective Laser Sintering.

26. Protective equipment (100) according to any one of claims 9 - 22, wherein the hollow body (61) and/or the filter cover (63) has smooth surfaces and is made of a material resistant to 70% alcohol and/or heat the sterilization and/or an H2O2 solution to clean and disinfect the part for reuse.

An airflow adapter part for use in a portable protective equipment comprising all the technical features of an airflow adapter unit (3) according to any one of claims 1-7.

An outflow part for use in a portable protective equipment that includes all the technical features of an outflow unit (3) according to any one of claims 9 to 22.

-O0-0-0-0-0-0-