WO2019110895A1

WO2019110895A1 - Anti-pollution filtering face mask

Info

Publication number: WO2019110895A1
Application number: PCT/FR2018/053066
Authority: WO
Inventors: Flavien HELLO; Matthieu LECUYER
Original assignee: R-Pur
Priority date: 2017-12-08
Filing date: 2018-11-30
Publication date: 2019-06-13
Also published as: EP3720569A1; FR3074694B1; FR3074694A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to an anti-pollution filtering face mask comprising: a three-dimensional shaped multi-layered filter (1) able to be placed in contact with the lower part of the face; a one-piece protection and attachment means (2) able to cover said filter and provided with two adjustable-length attachment strips (21, 22) behind the head, the shape of said mask being generally symmetrical relative to a median plane P of the face. According to the invention, said protection and attachment means (2) is produced from a resilient water-repellent textile material, on which a micro-repellent three-dimensional mesh (23) is heat-bonded, on a surface called common surface, substantially corresponding to the surface of said multi-layered filter, in order to homogeneously distribute the air stream over said common surface.

Description

ANTI POLLUTION FILTERING MASK FOR THE FACE

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of anti-pollution filtering masks, specifically adapted for the face. This involves filtering fine particles suspended in the air with a mask placed on the lower face.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

[0002] Air pollution causes 48,000 deaths in France and more than 5.5 million worldwide. These figures make air pollution the 3rd leading cause of death in France and the 4th in the world.

Known masks can filter particles whose size varies from 10 micrometers to 0.5 micrometers but not below. The stitches of a very tight woven scarf allow fine particles to pass through. Larger particles measure up to 2.5 microns, and can be up to 1000 times smaller. On the other hand, allergic people can hide their nose under a bandanna, it blocks the pollen of larger size. The surgeon's masks on the faces of some cyclists are of no use in the traffic. They serve to block the postilions of those who wear them but do not protect the polluted outside air that is to say including micro particles.

To protect against air pollution, the known masks comprise a filter composed of a fabric containing activated carbon, and the outer fabric is lycra or Neoprene ® which ensures a high elasticity and a drying more faster than an "ordinary" fabric. Two fasteners are provided and close with Velcro® to ensure a correct fit of the mask on the wearer's head. In addition, a clamp makes it possible to hold the mask on the nose of the wearer.

Also known anti-pollution helmets for cyclists including a technological textile designed to stretch in all directions and breathable to ensure aeration of the face, including high temperatures and humidity relative air. The interior of such masks is lined with a hypoallergenic lining. These masks can be equipped with two valves that provide greater breathability by providing greater airflow and allow for faster ventilation when the breathing rate increases. This system limits the humidity in the filter to ensure better comfort and optimal performance. Moreover, such masks have an ergonomic shape and are provided with velcro fasteners, which allows a good adaptation to the reliefs of the face and avoids any intrusion of unfiltered air.

Of course the finest particles, called nanoparticles, are equally harmful to health. They are not filtered by most of the known masks. A need therefore exists for the filtration of nanoparticles, for example of the order of 0.04 microns.

[0007] Moreover, there is a problem regarding the positioning of the masks on the face, especially when a helmet must be placed over the mask. The bands of the known masks being provided for positioning above and below the ears, the introduction of the helmet induces a movement of the mask towards the bottom of the face, which is a real problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention aims to overcome the disadvantages of the state of the art by providing a mask that can breathe pure air by filtering toxic particles, fine particles / diesel, pollen and viruses and bacteria present in the air, all without compromising on comfort and style.

The invention therefore aims at an anti-pollution filtering mask for the face comprising: a multi-layer filter of three-dimensional shape substantially corresponding to the shape of the lower part of the face and adapted to be placed in contact with the lower part of the face; one-piece protection and fastening means capable of covering said filter and provided with two bands of fasteners of adjustable length behind the head, the shape of said mask being generally symmetrical relative to a median plane P of the face. To achieve the objectives is proposed according to a first aspect of the invention a mask of which said means of protection and attachment is made of a so-called outer water repellent textile material on which is thermally bonded a microperlante three-dimensional mesh, on a so-called common surface corresponding substantially to the surface of said multi-layer filter, to distribute the air flow homogeneously on said common surface.

By'déperlante 'is meant that the fabric allows any liquid to slide on its surface without penetrating into its thickness.

By microperlante is meant that the mesh allows droplets of micron size to slide on its surface.

Furthermore, the attachment means comprises at least a first band which extends between the back of the face and the top of the skull is above the ears, and a second band which extends between the back of the face and the neck, the first and second strips forming between them an angle of about 25 ° projected on said plane P.

This aspect of the invention allows an optimal maintenance of the mask, even and especially if one places a helmet over the mask.

In addition, said removable attachment between the filter and the protection and fastening means is formed at the edge of the mask by several Velcro® type strips, a first band being fixed at the top of the mask, that is to say say above and around the nose and a second band being attached to the bottom of the mask ie under the chin so that hot air can not escape to the top of the mask avoiding the fogging inside the mask. It is thus possible to stretch the filter well inside the protection means; detachment of the filter vis-à-vis the protection means is here facilitated because the fixing is preferably provided on most of the edge of the mask, so with little effort.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the filter has an end valve placed near the nose. Advantageously, said valve is crimped on said filter using a rigid circular ring, preferably made of anodized aluminum.

The textile material is perforated to have a porosity of between 40% and 90%, evenly distributed over the surface of the mask in contact with the face. The perforations that create the porosity may be in the form of geometric or other patterns, uniformly distributed over the considered surface.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the filter comprises a plurality of superposed layers having different functionalities.

Without departing from the scope of the invention, said filter comprises a band on its periphery in contact with the face, foam type, able to improve comfort.

Moreover, the attachment of at least one of the strips has a smooth surface, free of rough points. This option, which ensures a smooth external contact, makes it possible not to damage fine fabrics that could be placed over the mask. It allows in particular to easily put a helmet over the mask.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Other features, details and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the description which follows, with reference to the appended figures, which illustrate: FIG. 1, a view of a mask worn without a helmet, according to a embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2, a view of a mask according to the invention worn under a helmet; Figure 3 is a plan view of the inside of the mask according to the invention;

- Figure 4, a partial view of the inside of the mask;

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the exploded filter and the end valve; and Figure 6, a representation of the ends of the fasteners. For clarity, identical or similar elements are identified by identical reference signs throughout the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

Figure 1 shows a mask according to the invention in position on the head of a user. The mask includes a portion that covers the nose, cheeks and chin of the user; this three-dimensional shape thus corresponds substantially to the shape of the lower part of the face. Another part of the mask allows its attachment to the back of the head, thanks to two bands of fasteners 21 22 of adjustable length. Note that the mask is symmetrical with respect to a median plane P of the face. Interestingly and innovatively, the first fastening strip 21 extends from the top of the mask and is placed at the top of the skull of the wearer passing over the ears. The second fastening strip 22 extends from the lower part of the face and is placed behind the nape of the wearer passing under the ears. An angle of about 25 ° projected on the plane P is favorably chosen between the first 21 and the second 22 bands. This ergonomic arrangement induces an optimal distribution of the forces applied to the wearer's face. High pressure points, particularly uncomfortable, are avoided here. These fasteners advantageously allow a good positioning of the mask on the face of the wearer intrinsically and regardless of the type of helmet that can be placed over the mask; moreover the wearer enjoys a large range of motion, which is a significant improvement vis-à-vis the prior art.

Figure 2 shows a mask according to the invention in place on a user, and covered with a helmet; this use is particularly interesting for the invention.

The following figures show the technical features of the mask according to the invention. Figure 3 shows the inside of the mask. In particular, we see a multilayer filter 1 of three-dimensional shape substantially corresponding to the shape of the lower part of the face. The filter 1 is covered with a one-piece protection and fastening means 2 provided with two fastening strips 21, 22. The shape of the means 2 therefore corresponds substantially to that of the inner filter 1. Interestingly and innovatively, the one-piece means 2 is selected from a water-repellent textile material 20 whose elastic properties allow to marry the shape of the face with maximum comfort and whose properties 'water repellent' can promote the sliding of water on its outer surface. On the water-repellent textile material 20 is fixed by heat-sealing a microperlante three-dimensional mesh 23; more precisely the heat-sealing is carried out on a so-called common surface substantially corresponding to the contact surface common with the filter 1. The microperlante three-dimensional mesh prevents any liquid from penetrating inside the mask, while being very breathable, that is to say ie by allowing easy passage of air. The one-piece means 2 thus has, in its portion in contact with the face, an outer face in a water-repellent elastic textile mesh, and an inner face a microdisperse three-dimensional mesh. This arrangement induces a homogeneous distribution of the passage of the air - regular breathability on all the common surface - while ensuring a perfect protection of the face vis-à-vis the rain, the wind or the dust.

The outer elastic textile mesh 20 is advantageously pierced for example by a laser cut, to create openings that are regularly distributed over the surface to allow the air to pass homogeneously. Figures 1 and 2 show such openings in the form of patterns.

The shape of the mask cut, combined with the choice of materials, allows its adaptation to all types of faces, regardless of the morphology and shape of the face.

In order to improve the comfort of the user, the inside of the mask, more precisely its contour in contact with the face of the user, is provided with a strip of foam 5. This band may have a width variable, between one and two centimeters.

FIG. 4, which partially shows the inside of the mask, makes it possible to visualize the three-dimensional mesh 23, fixed as a second skin on the In FIG. 4, the removable attachment between the filter 1 (not present) and the protection and fastening means 2 is seen. This means comprises a plurality of strips 31, 32 of the Velcro® type disposed on the edge of the mask. The bands illustrated in Figure 4 have rectangular shapes but they may have other shapes. A first band 31 is placed at the upper level of the mask that is to say above and around the nose when the mask is in place on the face. The first band 31 here consists of two parts, for illustrative purposes. The second band 32 is fixed at the bottom, in the lower part of the mask, which corresponds to a zone under the chin of the wearer. Thus hot air can circulate inside the mask, while preventing hot air from escaping from above. This arrangement makes it possible to avoid fogging on glasses or on a helmet visor. In addition, this relative arrangement of the first and second strips makes it possible to balance the forces and pressures between the filter 1 and the protection means 2; the filter 1 can thus perfectly match the shape of the means 2.

An example of filter 2 is shown schematically in Figure 5; more precisely the various constituent layers and the valve 4 are represented here. In particular, it can be seen that the layers comprise an inner fiber layer 10 in contact with the face; a breathable shape memory material is preferably chosen. Juxtaposed on the inner layer, there is an active carbon filtration layer 11; this layer is intended to eliminate bad odors. Next to the filtration layer 11, a layer 12 is placed for the nanofiltration, preferably electrostatic and mechanical. Above the layer 12, there is provided a microfibers 13 against dust, dirt and liquids which have passed through the textile material 20 and the three-dimensional mesh 23. The set of layers 10, 11 , 12, 13 has a three-dimensional shape adapted to cover the nose, mouth and chin of the wearer. The layers are bonded together both at their edge in contact with the face and at the prominent portion corresponding to the tip of the nose. In this prominent part, a circular opening is provided and it allows to fix an extraction valve 4, known in itself. The valve 4 can be fixed on the layers of the filter by gluing; a clamping ring 40, for example in aluminum, is further provided for non-definitively fixing the valve 4 on the textile portion of the protection means 2. Indeed the filter 1 must be detachable vis-à-vis the protection means 2, because it must be changed periodically, as soon as it is dirty. The ring 40 also provides rigidity to the mask. Advantageously, it is treated so as not to rust or degrade; the treatment makes the surface slippery with respect to the water which can be deposited at this level following the condensation of the hot air.

Another feature of the invention is illustrated in Figure 6: it is the ends 6 of the first and second fastening strips 21, 22. These ends which allow their mutual engagement, are preferably constituted by a self adhesive'soft touch '100% nylon, smooth outer surface that is to say free of roughness. Their length allows an optimal adjustment, to adapt to various morphologies and sizes.

Claims

An anti-pollution filter mask for the face comprising: a multi-layer filter (1) of three-dimensional shape corresponding substantially to the shape of the lower part of the face and adapted to be placed in contact with the lower part of the face; one-piece protection and fastening means (2) adapted to cover said filter (1) and provided with two strips of fasteners (21, 22) of adjustable length behind the head, the shape of said mask being generally symmetrical with respect to a median plane P of the face characterized in that said means of protection and attachment (2) is made of a textile material (20) said outer water repellent elastic on which is thermally bonded a three-dimensional mesh (23) microperlante, on a so-called surface common substantially corresponding to the surface of said multi-layer filter, to distribute the air flow homogeneously on said common surface.

2. Mask according to claim 1 characterized in that the attachment means comprises at least a first band (21) which extends between the back of the face and the top of the skull is above the ears, and a second band (22) extending between the back of the face and the nape, the first and second strips forming an angle of approximately 25 ° between them projected on said plane P.

3. Mask according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that said removable attachment between the filter and the protective and fastening means is formed at the edge of the mask by several Velcro® type strips, a first strip (31) being fixed at the top of the mask that is to say above and around the nose and a second band (32) being fixed at the bottom of the mask that is to say under the chin so that air hot can not escape to the top of the mask, avoiding fogging inside the mask.

4. Mask according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that said filter has an end valve (4) placed near the nose.

5. Mask according to claim 4 characterized in that said valve (4) is crimped on said filter (1) with a ring (40) rigid circular preferably anodized aluminum.

6. Mask according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that said textile material (20) is perforated to have a porosity between 40% and 90%, evenly distributed on its surface in contact with the face.

7. Mask according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that said filter (1) comprises a plurality of superposed layers (10, 11, 12, 13) having different functionalities.

8. Mask according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that said filter (1) comprises a strip (5) on its periphery in contact with the face, foam type, capable of improving comfort.

9. Mask according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the fastener (6) of at least one of the strips has a smooth surface, free of rough points.