WO2017196236A1

WO2017196236A1 - Disposable faceshield and proceeding for produce the same

Info

Publication number: WO2017196236A1
Application number: PCT/SE2017/050459
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kristina FRISK
Original assignee: Caresumables Ab
Priority date: 2016-05-10
Filing date: 2017-05-08
Publication date: 2017-11-16

Abstract

The invention concerns disposable faceshield (1) to be used in patient treatment for protection against splash to patients (2) and as protection against entire or parts of objects in all kinds of oral dental treatments, and which covers face (3), eyes (4), nostrils (5), and cheeks (6) of the patient in question and having opening (7) for mouth. The faceshield (1) is formed of a cloth of liquid repellent and at least some translucent material, such as polypropylene nonwoven or another hydrophobic material. Two or more notches, perforations, or provisions (12) for the breakthrough of the material at the area of the patient's intended ear location on the respective side portions of the faceshield are arranged to enable leading through of the ears (15) in fitting provided ear-receiving openings (12 ). The invention also concerns a proceeding for the manufacture of a said faceshield (1).

Description

Disposable faceshield and proceeding for produce the same.

The present invention concerns on one hand a disposable faceshield to be used in patient treatment for protection against splash to patients and as

protection against entire or parts of objects in all kinds of oral dental treatments, and which covers face, eyes, nostrils, and cheeks of the patient in question and having opening for mouth, and a disposable faceshield to be used in dental treatment for protection against splash to patients and in other treatments, and which covers face, hair, beard, and neck of the patient in question and having openings for mouth and breathing openings,

respectively, and on the other hand proceedings for producing such faceshields.

Problems exist within oral dental care and dental hygiene care treatment, above all with effectively solving the problem of splash from salt-blasting teeth and which leaves layers of salt on the patient ' s skin and hair .

Also in other types of oral dental

treatments where aquatic or another fluid supply occurs, such as ultrasound treatment, the same problems exist. On one hand it is unpleasant and on the other hand there is a risk of damaging eyes or breathing in liquid, objects, or pieces of objects in all types of dental treatments, so that the entire face, including the openings of the nose, needs to be protected. Bacteria from the oral cavity may cause infections if they are spread to eyes. Most products on the market are poorly designed from an

ergonomic/anatomical point of view or are designed in such a way that they only protect the eyes .

DE 20 2008/013065 Ul concerns a disposable faceshield and which is attached by means of perforated bands (1) behind the patient's head. The eyes (2) can be pressed out of the mask in the form of foldable tabs.

US 2003/0015205 Al concerns a moisture- retaining mask (10) provided with a number of ventilation holes (21) , slits (16) , one on each side of the mask, (according to Fig. 1) for applying the mask around the person's ears by forming ear ribbons (17). (Refer to Fig. 4) . However, only one ribbon (17) for each ear.

Other known solutions therefor, for instance, as shown by US 4,969,473A, EP 2160996 Al, US

6,079,980 A, EP 2710976 Al , US 3310812 A, US 2006/0081262 Al, US 6523179 Bl, and CN 203935373 U, possess a number of disadvantages. They are, e.g., poorly designed from a functional and anatomical point of view or are formed so that they only protect parts of the face of the patient. A certain protection is full so that it extends like a sack around the head of the patient.

They are in addition manufactured with a combination of different kinds of materials, which makes more difficult environmental-friendly recycling of the protective masks . In order to passably solve said

problems, there is utilized to place napkins, bibs, or plastic gloves for covering the face passably or that patients borrow plastic goggles of the non-disposable type, which, however, have to be cleaned after the treatment, which takes time to carry out. Fastening of known protections is solved by means of an ear ribbon, a tie or a solitary punched recess in the protection.

Thus, there is no good, environmental- friendly, cost-effective, disposable alternative of faceshield at hand for dental staff for protecting patients' faces in oral dental treatments, for instance, from splash, etc., or that other undesirable compounds in whole or split form land on the face and eyes of the patient or on all sides, e.g., layers of salt from salt- blasting, parts of dental filling tools, and restoratives, such as, e.g., amalgam.

There is in addition no good,

environmental- friendly, cost-effective, disposable

alternative of faceshield at hand for dental staff for protecting patients' faces from splash, etc., for

preventing make-up from being spoiled or face and beard becoming wet or from other undesirable compounds landing on the face of the patient and on all sides, e.g., layers of salt from salt-blasting.

Therefore, the main object of the present invention is primarily to solve among others the above said problems effectively and easily without needing to mix a plurality of materials and that the protection fits several sizes of faces, and to find a proceeding which enables efficient manufacture of the protection,

respectively.

Said object is achieved by means of variants of faceshields and proceedings, respectively, according to the present invention, which essentially is characterized in,

that the faceshield is formed of a cloth of a liquid repellent and at least some transparent material, such as polypropylene nonwoven or another hydrophobic material, that two or more notches,

perforations, or provisions for the breakthrough of the material at the area of the patient ' s intended ear

location on the respective side portions of the faceshield are arranged to enable leading- through of the ears in fitting provided ear-receiving openings as well as opening for mouth, the faceshield having a lower chase which is formed so that it exposes the mouth of the patient in closed as well as open position, and that the faceshield is formed of material pieces in pairs, formed and joined in optional order, of a common material,

or that the entire faceshield is

manufactured of a common material and formed of two punched and welded-together protection parts, that the faceshield is formed of a cloth of liquid repellent and at least some translucent material, such as polypropylene nonwoven or another hydrophobic material, and that two or more arc-shaped notches, perforations, or provisions for the breakthrough of the material at the area of the patient's intended ear location on the respective side portions of the faceshield are distributed at mutual distance from each other as seen from the front portion of the faceshield toward the rear portion thereof and are arranged to enable leading-through of the ears in provided ear-receiving openings,

as well as

that it is undertaken to form and join together paired or bundled material pieces of cloth material of a liquid repellent and at least some

transparent material, such as polypropylene nonwoven, or another hydrophobic material to a common faceshield so that two or more notches, perforations, or indications of fracture are formed at the area of the patient's intended ear location on the side portions of the faceshield on each side of a central seam or welding line of the faceshield, so that leading-through of the ears in

provided ear-receiving openings is enabled at desired distance from the nose, as seen when the faceshield is in extended, flat state, so that it is stretched over the upper lip of the patient at desired, selected recesses, or that it is undertaken to punch and weld together paired or bundled material pieces of cloth material of a liquid repellent and at least some transparent material, such as polypropylene, nonwoven or another hydrophobic material to a common faceshield so that two or more notches,

perforations, or indications of fracture are formed at the area of the patient's intended ear location on the side portions of the faceshield on each side of a central welding line of the faceshield, so that leading- through of the ears in provided ear-receiving openings is enabled at the proper distance from the nose.

The invention is described in the

following as a number of preferred embodiment examples, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which

Figs. 1-10 show a first example of a faceshield and proceeding for producing the same, and

Figs. 11-18 show a second example of a faceshield and proceeding for producing the same, wherein

Figs. 1 and 2, respectively, show the faceshield in active state in extended, attached state on a patient where the patient keeps the mouth in closed and in open, respectively, position,

Fig. 3 shows the faceshield in extended state on a substratum,

Fig. 4 shows the faceshield in folded storage state, as seen from one side thereof,

Fig. 5 shows the faceshield in folded storage state, as seen from the opposite side thereof,

Fig. 6 shows faceshield arranged in a web,

Figs. 7 and 8, respectively, show front views of a faceshield with a clearly shown nose-receiving portion and ear attachment means, Figs. 9 and 10, respectively, show variant of faceshield having an arranged fold-forming nose- receiving part in extended utilization state on a patient and in folded storage state, respectively,

Fig. 11 shows a view from above of a material web with a faceshield punched therein with a shown folded half faceshield,

Fig. 12 shows an entirely unfolded shown faceshield in a flat state on a substratum,

Fig. 13 shows the faceshield with tear indications punched therein for ear openings and tie.

Fig. 14 shows a silhouette picture of a human head having marked distance measures between the person's maxilla and ear,

Fig. 15 shows a planar view of a

faceshield having extra ties perforated therein and having different diaphanous layers,

Fig. 16 shows a further shape-adapted example of faceshield illustrated how it has been placed from the front on a patient's face and loosely has been formed according to the shape of the face and head,

Fig. 17 shows fabrication punch and welding set for faceshield, and

Fig. 18 shows a web having tear-off faceshields in a row.

A faceshield 1, which is disposable and intended to be used in dental treatment for protection against splash to patients 2 and as protection against entire or parts of objects in all kinds of oral dental treatments, and which covers face 3, eyes 4, nostrils 5, and cheeks 6 of a patient 2 in question and which is provided with opening 7 for mouth 9, is formed according to the present invention of a cloth 11, which consists of liquid repellent and at least some diaphanous material, such as polypropylene nonwoven or another hydrophobic material. Furthermore, two or more notches, perforations, or provisions 12 for the breakthrough of the material of the faceshield 1 at the area of the patient ' s intended ear location on the respective mutually opposite side portions 13, 14 of the faceshield are arranged for enabling

leading-through, i.e. insertion, of the ears 15 in

provided forming ear-receiving openings in said provisions 12. Said arc-shaped notches, perforations, or provisions

12 for the breakthrough of the material upon the patient ' s intended ear leading-through are distributed at mutual distance X from each other, as seen from the central, front portion of the faceshield toward the laterally positioned rear portion thereof.

The entire faceshield 1 is manufactured of identical material and formed of two punched, or otherwise suitably formed, e.g. cut out or sawn, joined protection parts 13, 14 having mutually meeting edges 11A, 11B with welding seam 17, seam, or another joint extending along the central and folding line 18 of the faceshield.

The faceshield 1 is shaped according to anthropometric face measures, whereby it is arranged to fit most facial and head sizes. Markings S, M, L, and XL, respectively, may in that connection be made for ear lead- throughs . The protection 1 may also be manufactured in different sizes such as small, medium, large, and extra large. The material of the faceshield possesses a net structure, so that it similar to a dense lattice protects against strong light from lamps and is non-poisonous and is also environmental-friendly recyclable, even if the faceshields 1 after use are treated as dangerous

infectious goods. The faceshield 1 may also be manufactured of a combination of translucent and opaque materials and by sterilizing the faceshield 1, it can be made available to be used for such interventions that require such a treatment .

Lateral, as the side portion 13, 14 forming facial, cheek, and neck protection, as well as a centrally situated upper lip protection portion 21 and a forehead protection 8 of the faceshield 1 foldable in half around the connecting joint 17 thereof are situated along a common folding, joint, and limiting line 18 and have a forming nose protection portion 23 projecting forward for convenient receipt of the nose 22 of the patient therein and may be folded in storage state I along said joint and limiting line 18.

The faceshield 1 is formed so that there is plenty of room around the openings 5 of the nose 22, whereby the respiration during the treatment of the patient 2 is facilitated. The faceshield 1 is also formed so that there is plenty of room over the eyes 4 of the patient 2, whereby spectacles without hindrance can be carried by the patient 2 during the treatment when the faceshield 1 covers the face 3. Neither long eyelashes cause problems since they have room under the faceshield 1 at the area 10 over the eyes 4 without they hitting the faceshield 1 from inside. The faceshield 1 is anatomically and anthropometrically shaped to be able to fit most shapes and sizes of faces, and the protection is stretched between the ears 15 of the patient when it is fastened around the ears 15 by means of properly selected fitting recesses 12 in the faceshield 1 with suitable pressure over the upper lip 24 of the patient. Furthermore, the faceshield 1 may, along upper and/or side portions of the mouth opening 7 be provided with glue or another adhesion agent to additionally secure fastening thereto, if desirable .

For efficient transportation, storage, and feeding-out, faceshields 1 are carried on roll in a line as shown in Fig. 6 with perforations 30 therebetween, or in bundle. Alternatively, they may be packed piece by piece. The faceshield 1 is open rearward, and therefore the patient 2 does not need to raise their head from the dental chair to be able to place the faceshield 1 over the head, but the faceshield 1 can easily be placed over the face 3 from the front and be fastened by sticking through the ears 15 into fitting recesses 12 on the respective side portions 13, 14 of the faceshield when the patient 2 conveniently is seated/lying in the chair.

A proceeding for the manufacture of a said faceshield 1, which is disposable and intended to be used in oral dental treatment at dentists and dental hygienists against splash to patients 2 and also in other treatments as protection against entire or parts of objects in all kinds of oral fluid-suppliable dental treatments, and which is arranged to cover face 3, eyes 4, nostrils 5, and cheeks 6 of the patient 2 in question and which is provided with opening 7 for mouth 9 of the patient 2 is provided in the following manner:

Paired or bundled material pieces 19, 20 of cloth material of liquid repellent and at least some diaphanous material, such as polypropylene nonwoven or another hydrophobic material, are punched or in another way formed and joined for the formation of a common faceshield 1, so that two or more preferably arc-shaped notches, perforations, or indications of fracture 12 are formed at the area of the patient ' s intended ear location on the side portions 13, 14 of the faceshield on each side of a central seam, welding line, or another joint 17 along a common central, folding, and limiting line 18 of the faceshield 1, so that insertion of the ears 15 in provided ear-receiving openings is enabled at properly desired, selected distance A from the nose 22 and the mouth 9 of the patient 2, as seen when the faceshield 1 is in extended, flat state, so that it is stretched over the upper lip 24 of the patient at properly selected recesses 12.

In that connection, paired punched, cut out, sawn, or otherwise formed material pieces 19, 20, or doubled material pieces are transported to a machine for joining, not shown, for joining by, e.g., needlework in a sewing machine or for welding using ultrasonic or heated tool welding for the formation of intended faceshields 1. The order of forming and joining may be varied. Transverse perforating dies, not shown, are arranged to limit the intended length extension of the respective faceshield for tearing off intended weakened portions 30.

In Figs. 3-4, the faceshield 1 is shown in unfolded state and folded state, respectively, with, in that connection, material piece 50 shown punched off along the mouth and nose side of the faceshield in unfolded and doubled, respectively, state from the original full width of the material web.

An opening 7 is punched for the mouth 9. Adhesion agent may be arranged to be applied around the opening of a mouth 9 and that release paper is applied to said adhesion agent.

Furthermore, two, e.g. 20 cm x 30 cm large sheets of, e.g., polypropylene nonwoven are joined, by being sewn, welded, or connected to each other in another suitable manner, along the intended folding line 18 thereof and forming joint 17 in a way so that they

together form a somewhat three-dimensional shape over the nose-receiving nose-protecting portion 23 thereof adapted to the shape of the nose and face in profile with its sometimes projecting, sometimes recessed parts.

The product is provided, preferably at the same time as the joining is carried out, with cuts or chases 12, for ears 15, and a mouth 9. This in order to, in various ways, guarantee the comfort of the patient and the dental staff's possibility of working without

hindrance .

The cuts 12 for the ears 15 may be straight or curved. They are two or more in number and are situated at such a distance A from the centre of the upper lip that patients of different head sizes always have a dimension fitting cut 12 to pass over a respective ear 15 and which are placed at such a distance from the centre of the product that the protection is located stretched over the upper lip 24 between the ears 15. This in order to fast and conveniently be able to attach the faceshield 1 over the face 3 of the patient so that it stays in place and affords the dental staff a problem- free treatment

situation. These distances A are carefully studied by anthropometric measure tables. Possible spectacles or false eyelashes accordingly also fit in under the

protection by the fact that the protection is looser over the eyes and has in that connection a greater width.

In Figs. 7 and 8 there is clearly shown how a nose-receiving tucked part 23 is formed at the area along said central joint 17 of the faceshield 1 so that the nose 22 of the patient 2 can be received therein without hindrance, and that the patient 2 can breathe through the material of the protection 1. In Figs. 9-10, an alternative is shown where a tucked centre folding 70 is formed along the projectable intermediate portion of the faceshield 101, although said alternative is more cumbersome to manufacture.

The faceshield 1 is normally kept in place only by means of said ear cuts 12.

If desired, the back side of the mouth opening may, as has been described above, be provided with an adhesive run, etc., to be able to attach closely around the mouth along the upper lip 24 of the patient and/or sides of the mouth. If so, release paper is applied in the production but is then removed before application to the patient .

The product may be provided with prints in the form of coloured fields of patterns or letters, on one hand to give nice aesthetics and on the other hand to give instructions to the user about how the product should be used .

The product may either be given a shape that fits most faces and where the different cuts for the ears work as size adjustments, or it may be manufactured in different sizes for differently large faces.

The product may also be manufactured of a combination of translucent material over the eyes and an opaque material along mouth and sides or the opposite. However, both materials should be of the same chemical structure to facilitate recycling of the faceshield after use .

Production

The raw material consists of, for instance,

20 cm wide rolls of, e.g., polypropylene nonwoven or another hydrophobic material . Polypropylene is suitable due to its strength and stretchability. Other materials, such as PLA-coated, very thin paper may also work.

The product may be manufactured in many different ways. Either it is sewn or else is welded together by means of a combination of, e.g., ultrasonic welding and punching, so-called rotation punching with ultrasound wherein each product is cut and welded in desired sequence. The method also allows that the products can be manufactured in long strips 60. Perforations 30 in upper and lower edge make it possible to tear off one, or several faceshields 1 and allows thereby package on roll. The product may also be manufactured by several layers of material being punched by a punching mould and that then two parts are sewn or that they, e.g., are heat-welded together by means of a welding tool. It is possible to start manufacturing using the latter method and then change to the first one when the sales volumes increase.

The product is formed to maximize

protection for the patient and simultaneously minimize handling problems for treating staff. The only movable mouth part of the head is the jaw 61 and it is allowed to be opened and closed without hindrance and is not stopped by the protection. Laterally positioned cheek and neck protections 62 protects in that connection the patient 2 along said body parts. Should liquid after all run down along, e.g., the cheeks of the patient it is possible to solve this by means of applicable, loose, additionally liquid-sucking protections, however not shown.

A faceshield 101, which is disposable and intended to be used in dental treatment for protection against splash to patients 102 and in other treatments, and which covers face 103, hair 104, and also beard 105, and neck 106 of a patient in question and which is provided with openings 107, 108 for mouth 109 and

breathing openings 110 is formed according to the present invention of a cloth 111, which consists of liquid

repellent and at least some translucent material, such as polypropylene nonwoven or another hydrophobic material. Furthermore, two or more notches, perforations, or

provisions 112 for the breakthrough of the material of the faceshield 101 at the area of the patient's intended ear location on the respective mutually opposite side portions 113, 114 of the faceshield are arranged to enable leading- through, i.e., insertion of the ears 115 in provided forming ear-receiving openings in said provisions 112. In order to provide further secured retention of the

faceshield, cut-throughs 116A may, as supplementing fastening means 116, be formed in the cloth 111 in the rear portion thereof, for the formation of paired ties.

Said notches, perforations, or provisions 112 for the breakthrough of the material upon the

patient's intended ear leading-through are preferably arc- shaped and which are distributed at mutual distance X from each other, as seen from the central, front portion of the faceshield toward the laterally positioned rear portion thereof .

The entire faceshield 101 is manufactured of a common material and formed of two punched and welded- together protection parts 113, 114 having mutually meeting edges 111A, 111B with the welding seam 117 extending along the central and folding line 118 of the faceshield.

The faceshield 101 is shaped according to anthropometric face measures, whereby it is arranged to fit all facial and head sizes. Markings S, M, L may in that connection be made for ear lead-throughs . It may also be manufactured in different sizes such as small, medium, large, and extra large. The material of the faceshield possesses a net structure, so that it protects against strong light from lamps and is entirely non-poisonous and is also environmental -friendly recyclable even if the faceshields after use are treated as dangerous infectious goods .

The upper and lower, respectively, end portion 119, 120 forming chin and neck protection and as forehead protection, respectively, and an upper lip protection portion 121 of the faceshield 101 folded in half are situated along a common limiting line 122, except a nose protection portion 123 which projects outside but which is possible to fold in along the middle and the mutual plane of the protection parts 111A, 111B in folded state I or along said limiting line 122.

A lower chin and neck protection portion leans in the direction 124 inward toward the entirely open mouth opening 107 of the faceshield 101 while the forehead portion 119 of the faceshield is essentially entirely straight.

For efficient transportation, storage, and feeding-out, faceshields 1 are carried on roll in a line or in bundle. Alternatively, they may be packed piece by piece. In all cases, the nose protection portion 123 thereof may be unfolded or folded in inside said limiting line 122.

The faceshield 101 is open rearward, whereby the patient 102 does not need to raise their head from the dental chair to thread the faceshield 1 over the head, but it can easily be placed over the face from the front and be fastened by sticking through the ears into fitting recesses on the respective side portions of the faceshield . A proceeding for the manufacture of a said faceshield 101, which is disposable and intended to be used in dental treatment at dentists and dental hygienists against splash to patients 102 and also in other

treatments and which is arranged to cover face 103, hair 104, beard 105, and neck 106 of the patient 102 in

question and which is provided with openings 107, 108 for mouth 109 and breathing openings 110 of the patient 102 is provided in the following manner:

It is undertaken to punch and weld

together paired or bundled material pieces 130, 131 of cloth material of liquid repellent and at least some translucent material, such as polypropylene nonwoven or another hydrophobic material, to a common faceshield 101, so that two or more notches, perforations, or indications of fracture 112 are formed at the area of the patient's intended ear location on the side portions of the

faceshield on each side of a central welding line and joint 117 of the faceshield 101, so that leading- through of the ears 115 in provided ear-receiving openings is enabled at properly selected distance A from the nose 126 and the mouth 109 of the patient 102. In that connection, paired layers of material pieces 130, 131 or doubled material pieces are transported to a preferably combined punching and welding roll 132, 133 for the punching of the intended shape and welding using ultrasonic or heated tool welding for the formation of intended faceshields 101. Transverse perforating dies, not shown, are arranged to limit the intended length extension L of the respective faceshield for tearing off intended weakened portions 134.

In Fig. 11, the width of the entire material web is shown marked with, in that connection, the marked punched off material piece 150 along the mouth and nose side of the faceshield in doubled state from the original, full width B of the material web.

An opening 107 is punched for the mouth 109 and a perforation may be punched at the lower part of the mouth opening for possible later removal. Adhesion agent may be arranged to be applied around the opening of a mouth 109 and that release paper is applied to said adhesion agent.

Furthermore, two, e.g. 20 cm x 30 cm large sheets of, e.g., polypropylene nonwoven are welded together in a way so that they together form a somewhat three-dimensional shape adapted to the shape of the face in profile with its sometimes projecting, sometimes recessed parts. However, the upper edge and lower edge of the product are equally wide so that manufacture on roll is facilitated.

The product is provided, at the same time as the welding is carried out, with cuts or chases for ears, breathing openings, and a wide open mouth. This in order to in various ways guarantee the comfort of the patient and the dental staff's possibility of working without hindrance.

The cuts for the ears may be straight or curved. They are two or more in number and situated at such a distance from the centre of the upper lip that patients of different head sizes always have a dimension fitting cut to pass over both ears and which are placed at such a distance from the centre of the product that the protection is located stretched over the upper lip. This in order to fast and conveniently be able to attach the faceshield over the face of the patient so that it stays in place and affords the dental staff a problem- free treatment situation. These distances are carefully studied by anthropometric measure tables. Possible spectacles or false eyelashes also fit in under the protection by the fact that the protection is looser over the eyes.

The faceshield is normally kept in place only by means of said ear cuts but there may also be a possibility of further securing that the lower part of the protection is immovable by a perforated cut along the rear edge of the protection being opened and tied behind the neck of the patient.

If desired, the back side of the mouth opening may, as has been described above, be provided with an adhesive run to be able to attach closely around the mouth. Release paper is, if so, applied in the production but which then is removed before application to the patient.

The welding from the lower part of the mouth opening is retracted from the vertical line to adapt the faceshield to the mandible, which is pulled rearward upon the opening of the mouth.

The mouth opening is shaped to fit the open mouth and follow its shape, but to further size-adjust the

protection, the mouth part may be provided with a

perforated part in the lower edge and which may be removed for the greatest mouth openings .

The product may be provided with prints in the form of coloured fields of patterns or letters, on one hand to give nice aesthetics and on the other hand to give instructions to the user about how the product should be used.

The product may either be given a shape fits all faces and where the different cuts for the ears work as size adjustments, or it may be manufactured in different sizes for differently large faces. The product may also be manufactured of a combination of translucent material D over the eyes and an opaque material E over the mouth and lower part or the opposite. However, both materials should be of the same chemical structure to facilitate recycling of the

faceshield after use.

By sterilizing the product, it can be made available to those interventions that require such a treatment .

Production

The raw material consists of, for instance, 20 cm wide rolls of, e.g., polypropylene nonwoven or another hydrophobic material. Polypropylene is suitable due to its strength and stretchability . Other materials, such as PLA-coated, very thin paper may also work.

The product may be manufactured in many different ways. Either it is sewn or welded together by means of a combination of ultrasonic welding and punching, so-called rotation punching with ultrasound, which both cuts and welds every product. The method also allows that the products can be manufactured in long strips.

Perforations in upper and lower edge make it possible to tear off one, or several faceshields thereby allowing package on roll. The product may also be manufactured by several layers of material being punched by a punching mould and that then two parts are heat-welded together by means of a welding tool.

The function and nature of the invention should have been clearly understood from the above- mentioned and also with knowledge of what is shown in the drawings but the invention is naturally not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications are feasible, particularly as for the nature of the different parts, or by using an

equivalent technique, without departing from the

protection area of the invention, such as it is defined in the claims.

Claims

C l a i m s

1. Disposable faceshield (1) to be used in patient treatment for protection against splash to

patients (2) and as protection against entire or parts of objects in all kinds of oral dental treatments, and which covers face (3), eyes (4), nostrils (5), and cheeks (6) of the patient in question and having opening (7) for mouth (9) , characterized in that the faceshield (1) is formed of a cloth (11) of a liquid repellent and at least some transparent material, such as polypropylene nonwoven or another hydrophobic material, that two or more notches, perforations, or provisions (12) for the breakthrough of the material at the area of the patient ' s intended ear location on the respective side portions (13, 14) of the faceshield are arranged to enable leading- through of the ears (15) in fitting provided ear-receiving openings (12) as well as opening (7) for mouth (9) , the faceshield (1) having a lower chase which is formed so that it exposes the mouth (9) of the patient in closed as well as open position, and that the faceshield (1) is formed of material pieces (19, 20) in pairs, formed and joined in optional order, of a common material.

2. Faceshield according to claim 1,

characterized in that arc -shaped, mentioned notches, perforations, or provisions (12) for the breakthrough of the material upon the patient's intended ear leading- through are distributed at mutual distance (x) from each other as seen from the front portion of the faceshield toward the rear portion thereof.

3. Faceshield according to any one of claims

1-2, characterized in that the faceshield (1) is formed of paired material pieces (19, 20) which are adapted to desired shape by transverse needlework or by ultrasonic welding or impulsed heated tool welding and by punching or another forming, e.g. sawing or cutting, and have

essentially head and face profile shape, a widened space (23) being formed at the area of the joint (17) , whereby room is formed for the receipt of the nose (22) of the patient and also at the area around the eyes (4) of the patient .

4. Faceshield according to claim 3,

characterized in that said faceshield (1) in the lower edge of said joint (17) has, across the area between a nose (22) and a mouth (9) , a covering protection portion (21) , as seen when the faceshield (1) is in extended, flat state, so that it is stretched over the upper lip (24) of the patient at properly selected recesses (12) .

5. Faceshield according to claim 4,

characterized in that at least said protection portion (21) has adhesion agent for attaching to the area of the patient between upper lip (24) and nose (22) .

6. Faceshield according to any one of claims 4-5, characterized in that the faceshield (1) has adhesion agent along cheek-protection portions (62) extending laterally of the mouth (9) of the patient for attaching to the laterally positioned area of the patient at the sides of the mouth (9) .

7. Faceshield according to any one of claims

1-6, characterized in that the faceshield (1) in extended essentially flat state has with the downward projecting protection portions (62) thereof covering the cheeks (6) and the sides of the mouth (9) of the patient (1) .

8. Disposable faceshield (101) to be used in dental treatment for protection against splash to patients (102) and in other treatments, and which covers face

(103), hair (104) , beard (105) , and neck (106) of the patient in question and having openings (107, 108) for mouth (109) and breathing openings (110) , characterized in that the entire faceshield (101) is manufactured of a common material and formed of two punched and welded- together protection parts (111A, 111B) , that the

faceshield (101) is formed of a cloth (111) of liquid repellent and at least some translucent material, such as polypropylene nonwoven or another hydrophobic material, and that two or more arc -shaped notches, perforations, or provisions (112) for the breakthrough of the material at the area of the patient's intended ear location on the respective side portions (113, 114) of the faceshield are distributed at mutual distance from each other as seen from the front portion of the faceshield toward the rear portion thereof and are arranged to enable leading- through of the ears (115) in provided ear- receiving openings.

9. Faceshield according to claim 8,

characterized in that, as supplementing fastening means (116) , there is formed cut-through (116A) in the cloth (111) in the rear portion thereof, for the formation of paired ties.

10. Faceshield according to any one of claims 8-9, characterized in that upper and lower, respectively, end portions (119, 120) and upper lip protection portion of faceshield (101) folded in half are situated along a common limiting line (122) .

11. Faceshield according to claim 10,

characterized in that lower chin and neck protection portion leans in the direction (124) inward toward the entirely open mouth opening (107) of the faceshield.

12. Faceshield according to any one of claims 10-11, characterized in that the faceshield (101) is stored with the nose protection portion (123) thereof unfolded or folded in inside the limiting line (122) .

13. Faceshield according to any one of claims 10-12, characterized in that the faceshield (101) has a forehead portion which is essentially entirely straight.

14. Faceshield according to any one of claims 1-2 and 8-9, respectively, characterized in that the faceshield (1) is anatomically shaped according to anthropometric face measures, whereby it is arranged to fit most face shapes and head sizes.

15. Faceshield according to any one of claims

1-2 and 8-9, respectively, characterized in that the material of the faceshield (1) has a net structure.

16. Faceshield according to any one of claims

1-2 and 10-11, respectively, characterized in that faceshields (1) are carried in a line on roll, in bundle, or packed piece by piece.

17. Proceeding for the manufacture of

disposable faceshield (1) to be used in patient treatment for protection against splash to patients (2) and as protection against entire or parts of objects in all kinds of oral dental treatments, and which covers face (3), eyes (4) , nostrils (5) , and cheeks (6) of the patient (2) in question and having opening (7) for mouth (9) according to any one of claims 1-7 and 14-16, characterized in that, in desired order, it is undertaken to form and join paired or bundled material pieces (19, 20) of cloth material of liquid repellent and at least some translucent material, such as polypropylene nonwoven or another hydrophobic material, to a common faceshield (1) so that two or more notches, perforations, or indications of fracture (12) are formed at the area of the patient's intended ear location on the side portions (13, 14) of the faceshield on each side of a central seam or welding line or another joint

(17) of the faceshield (1) , so that leading- through of the ears (15) in provided ear- receiving openings (12) is enabled at properly desired distance (A) from the nose (22) , as seen when the faceshield (1) is in extended, flat state, so that it is stretched over the upper lip (24) of the patient at desired, selected recesses (12) .

18. Proceeding according to claim 17,

characterized in that paired, punched, cut out, or

otherwise formed material pieces (19, 20) are welded together using ultrasonic or heated tool welding, are sewn or are joined to each other for the formation of intended faceshields (1) .

19. Proceeding according to any one of claims 17-18, characterized in that material pieces (19, 20) in bundles are punched by means of a punch or otherwise is formed to desired shape before sewing together along mutually meeting intermediate portions of punched out paired protection parts or in the opposite order.

20. Proceeding according to any one of claims 17-19, characterized in that the faceshields (1) are manufactured in long strips (60) for coupling together in a common roll -formed package, having perforations (30) in the respective ends for the permission of tearing off the intended faceshield (1) if required.

21. Proceeding for the manufacture of

disposable faceshield (101) to be used in dental treatment for protection against splash to patients (102) and in other treatments, and which covers face (103), hair (104) , beard (105), and neck (106) of the patient (102) in question and having openings (107, 108) for mouth (109) and breathing openings (110) according to any one of claims 8-13, characterized in that it is undertaken to punch and weld together paired or bundled material pieces (130,131) of cloth material of liquid repellent and at least some translucent material, such as polypropylene, nonwoven or another hydrophobic material to a common faceshield (101) so that two or more notches,

perforations, or indications of fracture (112) are formed at the area of the patient's intended ear location on the side portions of the faceshield on each side of a central welding line (117) of the faceshield, so that leading- through of the ears (115) in provided ear- receiving openings is enabled at desired distance from the nose (126) .

22. Proceeding according to claim 21,

characterized in that paired layers of material pieces

(130, 131) or a doubled material piece are/is transported to a preferably combined punching and welding roll (132, 133) for the punching of the intended shape and welding using ultrasonic or heated tool welding for the formation of intended faceshields (101) .

23. Proceeding according to claim 22,

characterized in that transverse perforating dies are arranged to limit the intended length extension (L) of the respective faceshield for tearing off intended weakened portions (134) .

24. Proceeding according to any one of claims

21-23, characterized in that adhesion agent is arranged to be applied around the opening of a mouth and that release paper is applied to said adhesion agent.

25. Proceeding according to claim 21,

characterized in that an opening is punched for the mouth (9) and that a perforation is punched at the lower part of the mouth opening for possible later removal .

26. Proceeding according to any one of claims 17-18 and 21-23, respectively, characterized in that adhesion agent is arranged to be applied along the upper and/or laterally positioned opening portions of a mouth and that release paper is applied to said adhesion agent.