WO2022077127A1

WO2022077127A1 - Half-face respirator-type mask with interchangeable inhalation and exhalation ports

Info

Publication number: WO2022077127A1
Application number: PCT/CL2020/050130
Authority: WO
Inventors: Juan Cristobal KARICH PEREZ; Pedro Alejandro GARRETÓN IZQUIERDO; José Manuel GÓMEZ RIVERA
Original assignee: Compañía De Petróleos De Chile Copec S.A.; Celulosa Arauco Y Constitución S.A.
Priority date: 2020-10-15
Filing date: 2020-10-15
Publication date: 2022-04-21

Abstract

Disclosed is a half-face respirator-type mask, which comprises: a mask body with at least two identical circular openings; and at least one inhalation port and at least one exhalation port, positioned in the openings. Each port comprises at least one tubular element having a longitudinal passage for air to pass, with a first end for the inlet of air and a second end for the outlet of air, the second end of the tubular element being received by the first opening, and the first end of the tubular element projecting towards the outside of the mask body. The tubular elements of each port are identical tubular elements, arranged according to the air flow direction determined by inhalation and exhalation, respectively.

Description

TITLE

HALF-MASK RESPIRATOR-TYPE MASK WITH INTERCHANGEABLE INHALATION AND EXHALATION PORTS

DESCRIPTIVE MEMORY

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to respirators and masks, more specifically to half face masks for protecting a wearer from inhaling dusts, fumes, vapors, gases, viruses, and other harmful substances. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a versatile half-facepiece respirator-type mask that uses filter cartridges and can have one or two filter cartridges in different configurations.

BACKGROUND

The type of masks and respirators to which the disclosure most closely relates are those that use a half mask that covers the mouth and nasal area, although various aspects of the disclosure also relate to full facepiece respirators, which They not only cover the nose and mouth but also provide full face and eye protection.

Both half face masks and full face respirators are provided with inhalation valves on which a replaceable filter or filter cartridge is mounted, so that the air is filtered as it is drawn through the valves.

The filter can be a mechanical filter element composed of a fibrous filter material that provides protection against particulate matter such as dust, fumes, viruses, and other substances, or a chemical filter medium with a high capacity. adsorption, which provides protection against gases and vapors. Generally, granular activated carbon can be used as the chemical adsorption medium. Chemical and mechanical filters can be used independently or in combination in a single filter cartridge housing.

Respirators most commonly use a dual filter cartridge configuration, with the cartridges mounted on inhalation valves located on each side of the mask body, and with an exhalation valve located in the center of the mask. An alternative arrangement that may also have useful features provides a single filter cartridge in an inhalation valve mounted centrally in the mask body with one or two exhalation valves mounted laterally.

The present disclosure provides a respirator-type mask adapted to be used in any of the aforementioned configurations, ie, with one filter cartridge or with two filter cartridges.

DISCLOSURE SUMMARY

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a versatile mask, capable of being used in at least two configurations, a first preferred configuration with two inhalation valves with filter cartridges, and a second preferred configuration with only one inhalation valve with cartridge. of filter.

It is a further object of the present disclosure that the mask has a reduced number of different elements, in particular using identical parts to form the inhalation and exhalation ports.

It is also another object of the disclosure, to provide a mask that is compatible with the use of filter cartridges with different features, providing great versatility to the mask of the disclosure, being able to receive both mechanical, chemical and mixed filter cartridges. It is also an object of the disclosure to provide a mask with mounting systems for standard dimensions of filter cartridges, preferably of the bayonet connection type.

It is also an object of the disclosure to provide a mask that can be assembled manually, securing each valve port to form a leak-tight connection to the mask body.

It is also an object of the disclosure to provide the user with a variety of configurations for assembling the mask with a limited number of parts, among which the most suitable for the requirements of use, need for filtering, availability of filters, can be chosen. airflow and user comfort for each particular application.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a half-face respirator type mask is provided, to be worn on the head of a user and cover the nose, mouth and surrounding areas of the user while allowing breathing with a flow of air. suitable, including: an ergonomic mask body, fastening means to hold the mask on the user's head, at least two identical circular openings in the mask body, at least one inhalation port positioned in a first opening, comprising : a tubular element having a longitudinal passage for the passage of air with a first air inlet end and a second air outlet end, the second end of the tubular element is received by the first opening, the first end of the tubular element projects out of the body of the mask, and a filter element through which the air passes before entering the first end of the longitudinal passage,

4 at least one exhalation port positioned in a second opening, comprising: a tubular element having a longitudinal passage for the passage of air with a first air inlet end and a second air outlet end, the second end of the element tubular element is received by the second opening, the first end of the tubular element projects into the mask body, and where the tubular element of the inhalation port and the tubular element of the exhalation port are identical tubular elements, arranged according to the direction of airflow determined by inhalation and exhalation, respectively.

In a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the at least two openings are three identical circular openings.

In a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the mask includes three ports, of which two ports are inhalation and one port is exhalation. Alternatively, in another assembly configuration, the mask includes one inhalation port and two exhalation ports.

In a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the outer diameter of the second end of the tubular member is less than or equal to the diameter of the circumferential opening of the mask body, and is designed to be inserted into said opening.

In a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the tubular element comprises a male bayonet connection at the first air inlet end for receiving a standard filter cartridge.

In a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the tubular element comprises on the outer surface of the second end an outer thread portion for receiving a retaining element having an inner thread.

In a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the tubular member comprises a central region of the outer surface, where the central region terminates in a circumferential shoulder proximal to the first end of the tubular member,

5 which bears against the mask body to create a bond between the mask body and the port.

In a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the circumferential shoulder further cooperates with the retainer to retain the mask body, and create a seal between the mask body and the port.

In a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the region of the tubular element that remains between said shoulder and said retaining element further comprises a plurality of radially spaced projections to cooperate with notches located at the edges of the circular openings of the mask body, fixing the ports to the mask body in one position.

In a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the mask further includes a one-way valve at each port, located at the second end of the tubular member.

In a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the valve includes a flexible diaphragm-type element that blocks or releases the passage of air, being actuated by the pressure differential generated by the user's breathing.

In a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the flexible element is a circular flexible element that includes a central projection on one of its sides, and where the tubular element further comprises a valve support at the second end configured to receive said central projection.

In a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the retaining element is a nut with a cap slotted on one side that functions as a flow deflector for outgoing air.

In a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the retaining element includes an open nut.

In a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the retainer includes a closed cap that blocks the port.

6 In a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the standard filter cartridge has a female bayonet connection, and is interchangeable with any standard filter cartridge.

In a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the mask further includes an annular element with at least one ear in at least some of the ports installed in the mask body, which is placed around the tubular element being outside the mask body, designed to connect the fastening means for fastening the mask to the head at said at least one ear.

In the preferred aspects of the present disclosure, mechanical filters are used preferably, but not in a limited way, with hydrophobic filter media, based on synthetic glass fiber and nano technology, applicable for retention of fluids, aerosols or contaminated micro droplets.

Preferably, a degree of filtration is selected from 0.3 microns in particle size. The preferred filters will be those developed for masks, masks and mechanical respiration systems, applicable to human respiration.

In preferred aspects of the present disclosure, a mask is provided that meets the requirements of Standard 1910.134 published by the United States Department of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for respiratory protection, available at www. .osha.gov. In the same way, the supplied mask meets the requirements of the European Standard "Respiratory protection devices", code EN 149:2001 +A1 :2010, of the European Committee for Standardization, available

Other features and advantages of the apparatus of the present disclosure will become apparent to a person skilled in the art upon study of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all features and advantages of the apparatus that are included within this description be within the scope of this disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

7 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The figures illustrating the embodiments are exemplary diagrams and are not necessarily to scale. In particular, some of the dimensions may be rendered exaggerated, to increase the clarity of the presentation. A preferred embodiment will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 A shows a perspective view of the mask assembly in a first possible configuration, with two filter cartridges.

Figure 1B shows a perspective view of the mask assembly in a second possible configuration, with a single filter cartridge.

Figures 2A-2B show the mask body in the preferred embodiment with three openings.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the mask assembly in a second possible configuration, with a filter cartridge and two exhalation ports.

Figure 4 shows the mask assembly in exploded view in the first assembly configuration, with only one filter element shown in the figure for clarity.

Figures 5A-5C show a detail of an inhalation port assembly in exploded, perspective, and assembled views as used in a first assembled configuration.

Figure 6 shows in perspective and exploded view the elements that make up an exhalation port in a first assembly configuration.

Figure 7 shows an exploded detail of an inhalation port assembly used in the second rig configuration.

8 Figure 8 shows in perspective and exploded view the elements that make up an exhalation port in a second assembly configuration.

Figure 9 shows the mask assembly in the first assembled configuration in a sectional view in a central vertical plane, where the detail of the exhalation port can be seen in section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which there is shown, by way of illustration, and not limitation, the presently preferred embodiments of the disclosure.

The description is in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the disclosure. It is to be understood that other embodiments will become apparent in light of the present disclosure, and that modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, it is evident that the disclosure can be made without these details, or with other additional details that do not appear in this description, which have been omitted because they are elements known in the technical art.

Throughout this description, the same reference numerals are used as are used throughout the figures to refer to the same elements. Alternative embodiments have been included in the description, where the order of such embodiments is not intended to be relevant or to impose limitations on the present disclosure.

For explanatory purposes, references to "directions" are included, such as "forward", "rear", "front", "rear", "up", "down", "right" or "left", "in " or "out", "extended", "proximal" or "distal". These references and other similar references in this application are only to help describe and understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure to such directions.

The preferred embodiments described in this detailed description and illustrated in the accompanying figures have a mask body having three identical circular openings, which accommodate three inhalation/exhalation ports. However, the principles of the present disclosure can be carried out with mask bodies having at least two identical openings, which can have other shapes than circular, such as oval or polygonal, or any other shape that can cooperate with the openings. inhalation and exhalation ports that are installed in such openings of the mask body, and that can ensure a watertight union between its parts.

Referring to Figure 1A, the respirator-type mask of the present disclosure, indicated by reference numeral 10, is shown assembled in a first preferred configuration. For greater clarity of the figure, the fastening means for fastening the mask to the wearer's head have been omitted. In the preferred embodiment of the disclosure, the mask body 20 includes three identical circular openings 22, 23, 24 that receive the inhalation 12 and exhalation 14 ports, respectively. The first configuration of the mask 10 has mounted two inhalation ports 12, and one exhalation port 14. Each of the inhalation ports comprises filter cartridges 30 positioned to allow the wearer an unobstructed view. The inhalation ports have a cover 38 of the filter cartridges that allows to install and remove

10 the cartridges without coming into contact with the filtering material, which after using the mask may be contaminated by the filtered substances.

Referring to Figure 1B, the respirator-type mask 10 of the present disclosure is shown assembled in a second preferred configuration. This second configuration uses the same parts and pieces of the first configuration shown in Figure 1A, forming the mask body 20 that includes three identical circular openings 22, 23, 24 that receive the inhalation 12 and exhalation 14 ports, respectively. The second configuration of the mask 10 has one inhalation port 12, and two exhalation ports 14 mounted. The inhalation port comprises a filter cartridge 30 positioned to allow the wearer an unobstructed view. Like the configuration of Figure 1A, the inhalation port has a filter cartridge cover 38 that allows the cartridge to be installed and removed without contact with the filter material.

Referring now to Figures 2A and 2B, the mask body 20 of the preferred embodiment is shown in perspective and front view, respectively, with no elements or ports installed. It can be seen that in this preferred embodiment a mask body 20 is configured with three generally circular openings 22, 23, 24, identical in dimensions. By way of example only, numerals 22 and 24 have been identified for openings with a generally lateral orientation, and numeral 23 for openings oriented generally forward. Each of the openings includes an opening edge 28, which has evenly spaced notches 26 on the edge 28. For clarity of figure, only some of the notches 26 have been indicated in the figure, however it should be understood that all the notches found on the edges 28 of the openings 22, 23, 24 in all figures are notches 26, and which moreover are identical. In the present embodiment of this disclosure, three notches 26 are exemplarily illustrated in each of the openings 22, 23, 24. However, taking the teachings delivered by the present disclosure, one skilled in the art will be able to easily conceive forms of

eleven realization with more or less notches, or even without notches, or with a contoured zigzag edge, or with some other pattern.

In the present embodiment, by way of example, the mask body 20 has three identical openings 22, 23, 24, but in other embodiments a person skilled in the art could easily conceive mask bodies with two or more openings. such as two, four or more identical openings, depending on the specific application for which the mask 10 is to be used.

In the present embodiment, the side openings 22, 24 have a generally sideways and forward orientation, as can be more easily seen in Figure 2B. The specific orientation of such openings is selected based on the size of filter cartridges desired to be used, ie, cartridges desired to be compatible with the specific embodiment of the disclosure. It should be taken into account that the cartridges should not interfere with other parts and pieces of the mask 10, nor with the face or head of the user who wears it. Likewise, the orientation of the opening 23 is generally forwards, also having as a specific design consideration the avoidance of interference from the ports that are installed there. The user's field of vision must also be considered, which is why the front opening in this embodiment is oriented at a downward angle, ie at a negative angle to the horizontal plane.

The back of the mask body 20 is designed to be placed on a wearer's face, covering at least their nose, mouth, and surrounding regions. The mask body forms an interior space due to its generally dome-shaped design, the edges of which rest on the user's face creating a watertight joint. The edges of the mask body are folded inward to provide an ergonomic interface with the wearer's face. The interior space is designed to allow movement of the wearer's mouth and lips, to allow for speaking and comfort.

12 The mask body is made of a hypoallergenic elastomeric material that allows it to be fixed and adapted to the user's face with a certain range of flexibility to account for the differences in the general physiognomy of the faces of different people. The mask body can be made of a polyethylene material combined with a plastomer or elastomer. Alternatively, the mask body 20 can be made from materials provided by SABIO®, such as a plastic blend containing approximately 60% low-density polyethylene (LDPE) M500026 MFI 50 and approximately 40% polyolefin polymer ( POE) Fortify C30070D). As another alternative, the mask body 20 can be made from materials supplied by EXXON®, such as a blend of approximately 80% low density polymer (LDPE) 653 and approximately 20% Vistamaxx 7020BF semi-crystalline propylene and ethylene copolymer. As another alternative, the mask body 20 can be manufactured with materials provided by KRAIBURG®, such as TF8CGT thermoplastic elastomer, translucent, with hardness 79 ShA, which can also withstand an autoclave sterilization cycle, or the TF5CGT thermoplastic elastomer, translucent, with SOhA hardness, which can withstand an autoclave sterilization cycle, or the translucent TM8MED thermoplastic elastomer, with 80 ShA hardness, suitable for medical applications, therefore suitable for several sterilization cycles by different methods.

Referring now to Figure 3, the mask 10 of the disclosure is shown in an exploded perspective view, with parts presented to form the mask in a second configuration, having an inhalation port 12 and two inhalation ports. exhalation valve 14 mounted on the mask body 20. In this view the attachment means 80 for attaching the mask to the wearer's head has also been omitted for clarity. The second configuration of the preferred embodiment has only one inhalation port 12 mounted in the front opening 23, which includes a filter cartridge 30 having a female bayonet connection 32 that mates with the tubular element 40 at the connection. male bayonet 45 located at a first end of the tubular element 40. The tubular element 40 includes a one-way valve 60 at a second end

13 of the same. The tubular element 40 is received by the central circular opening 23 of the mask body 20 from the outside of the dome that forms the mask body 20, and is secured from the inside of the mask body 20 by means of a retaining element 50, which in the case of an inhalation port corresponds to a nut 50 like the one illustrated. Said nut is adjusted on the inside of the dome that forms the mask body 20.

Also with reference to figure 3, in the lateral openings 22, 24 the exhalation ports 14 are presented. In this second configuration, each of the lateral openings 22, 24 receives a tubular element 40 from the interior of the dome that forms the mask body 20. Specifically, the tubular element 40 is inserted into the opening 22, 24 at its second end, leaving said second end projecting through the opening 22, 24 out of the mask body 20 with a portion of thread 47 protruding beyond the outer edge of the edge of the opening 28. In this second configuration, said second end also receives a flexible element 62 that forms part of the one-way valve 60. Both the flexible element 62 and the tubular element 40 itself are held in place by a nut 50 that fits on the outside of the mask body 20, which in the case of an exhalation port has a slotted deflecting surface 52 s 54, to exhale exhalation air in a selected direction.

With reference to figure 4, the mask 10 is shown in a partially exploded perspective view of the first configuration of the mask 10, where the pieces that make up only one of the two inhalation ports 12 are illustrated. that make up the port that would be housed in the circular opening 22 have been omitted to favor the clarity of Figure 4. In this view, the fastening means 80 for fastening the mask to the user's head have also been omitted, for greater clarity. The first configuration of the preferred embodiment has only one exhalation port 14 mounted in the front opening 23, including a tubular member 40 including a one-way valve 60 at a second end thereof. The tubular element 40 is received by the central circular opening 23 of the mask body 20 from the inside of the dome that

14 forms the mask body 20, and is secured from the outside of the mask body 20 by means of a retention element 50, which in the case of an exhalation port corresponds to a nut 50 that is adjusted from the outside of the mask body 20 , having a deflecting surface 52 with slots 54 for exhalation air to exit in a selected direction.

Also with reference to figure 4, an inhalation port 12 is presented in the lateral opening 24. In this first configuration, each of the lateral openings 22, 24 receives a tubular element from the outside of the dome that forms the body. Specifically, the tubular element 40 is inserted into the opening 22, 24 at its second end, leaving said second end projecting through the opening 22, 24 towards the interior of the mask body 20, with a portion of the thread 47 protruding beyond the inner edge of the opening edge 28. In this first configuration, said second end also receives a flexible element 62 that forms part of the one-way valve 60. The tubular element 40 is held in place by a retainer 50, such as a nut, which fits inside the mask body.

Again with reference to Figure 3 and additionally to Figure 4, a detail of the filter element 30 can also be seen, which for this embodiment corresponds, in an exemplary and non-limiting manner, to a filter cartridge 30, which has a cartridge base 31 with a female bayonet connection 32 mentioned above, designed to cooperate with the tubular element 40. The cartridge base 31 receives a disc of filter material 34, which can be a mechanical filter or a chemical filter , or a combination of both. Filter material 34 is held in its filtration position by a slotted cover 36 which connects in some known manner to cartridge base 31 . Said connection can be by pressure, bayonet, a threaded connection, a permanent union by means of glue or fusion of the plastic elements, or the like. The filter cartridge further has a cover 38 which allows the filter cartridge to be handled without coming into contact with the filter material 34 when it needs to be removed or removed.

fifteen change the filter cartridge by a user, since the filter material could be retaining substances that are harmful to the user. The rigid elements of the exemplary filter cartridge, ie, cartridge base 31 , lid 36 and cover 38, are preferably made of rigid plastic, such as polypropylene. The filter material 34 can be an exemplary filter material for particles, based on cellulose, synthetic fiber and nanofiber filter media of high efficiency, non-woven, with a retention capacity for non-oily particles and aerosols classified according to the Spanish standard of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 42 CFR or the corresponding European standard UNE.

An exemplary filter cartridge is described herein to better illustrate the inventive concepts disclosed herein. This description is not intended to limit in any way the use of alternative cartridges, which may have mechanical or chemical filter media, or use alternative technologies that have not yet been developed. In an alternative embodiment, filter media may be dispensed with entirely, and clean air suitable for human respiration may be provided via air supply lines or pathways, through hoses or the like from a source of clean air.

Now with reference to Figures 5A and 5B, a detail is presented, exploded and assembled of the assembly made up of a tubular element 40, a ring 70 to connect a harness for holding the mask to the head of a user, an element of retention 50, and a flexible element 62. The assembly shown in the reference figures is used in inhalation ports 12 in the first assembly configuration of the mask 10 in its preferred embodiment. An adapter element 40 is shown comprising a generally hollow cylindrical body, having a first end 42 with a bayonet-type connection 45 for receiving a filter assembly 30, and a second end 44 designed to be inserted into openings 22, 23, 24. of the mask body 20.

The first end 42 of the tubular element 40 has a male bayonet connection, projecting out of the mask body 20, arranged

16 to receive a filter cartridge 30, specifically to cooperate with a female bayonet connection 32 of the filter cartridge 30, providing a seal and completing the inhalation port assembly 12. This first end with a bayonet connection can have different dimensions to be able to cooperate with filter cartridges of different dimensions, from different suppliers, and of different types. In the preferred embodiment, the union of the tubular element 40 with the filter element/filter cartridge 30 has been selected as a bayonet-type union, however a person skilled in the art will be able to easily recognize that the type of union can be be modified without departing from the teachings of this disclosure, and may be, by way of example, threaded joints, pressure fixings, a joint with clips, brooches, adhesives, or other elements that can provide a watertight connection of the mentioned elements .

Continuing to refer to Figures 5A and 5B, the second end 44 of the tubular element 40 has an outer thread 47 which can receive a retaining element 50 to hold the tubular element when it is inserted in one of the openings 22, 23, 24. of the mask body 20. In the illustration, an open nut 50 is shown in an exemplary manner, however and alternatively, a semi-closed nut can also be provided, which allows the passage of air, and at the same time has means to ensure that the check valve 60 remains in position.

Inside the cylindrical body, in the vicinity of the second end 44 of the tubular element 40, means 48 are configured to support a valve element, including spokes that support a ring concentric with the axis of the tubular element, with dimensions adapted to receive a central projection 64 of a flexible element 62 of valve 60, which collaborates with the edges 28 of the cylindrical body at the second end 44 to block the passage of inlet air through the second end 44, and allow the flow of outlet air through the second end 44. The design of the means 48 for supporting the valve is such as to allow air flow without significant resistance.

17 The tubular member 40 also has a central region 41 with a diameter and shape matching the openings 22, 23, 24 of the mask body 20, which is designed to fit closely and form a tight connection with the mask body 20. Alternatively, the central region 41 includes projections 49 to engage with optional notches 26 in the edge 28 of the opening 22, 23, 24 of the mask body 20, to assist in sealing and holding the port in position during use. use of the mask 10. The central region

41 terminates in a circumferential shoulder 46 proximal to the first end

42 of the tubular element 40. This shoulder 46 provides abutment and support to generate a fit in conjunction with the retaining element 50, fixing the inhalation port 12 to the opening 22, 23, 24.

Additionally, shoulder 46 may further interact with means for connecting a harness for holding mask 10 to a wearer's head, including a ring 70 with an ear 72, as illustrated in Figures 5A and 5B. Said ring is in a snug relationship between the shoulder 46 of the tubular element 40 and the outer wall of the mask body 20. Alternatively, the shoulder 46 may have a stepped design, which allows a ring with a smooth inner edge to be received in said step, allowing the ring to rotate to change the position of the ear 72 and accommodate the head harness. Another alternative can be seen with reference to Figure 4, where it is seen that the ring 70 can have a suitable diameter and a plurality of notches that interact with the projections 49 of the central region 41 of the tubular element 40, to keep the ring 70 in one position, without the ability to rotate.

Figures 5B and 5C show the set of elements shown in Figure 5A assembled. Figure 5B shows a detail in perspective and Figure 5C shows the same detail in section. It can be seen that when the nut 50 is mounted on the thread 47 at the second end 44 of the tubular element 40, the central region 41, together with the shoulder 46, form a space. This space is that occupied by the edge 28 of the circular opening 22, 23, 24 when the port is mounted on the mask body 20. Alternatively, the projections 49

18 provided engage the notches 26 of the openings 22, 23, 24. In particular, Figure 5C shows the position of the mask body 20 in the assembled inhalation port 12. Schematically, filter cartridge 30 is also illustrated. Mounted on the first end of tubular element 40.

Referring now to Figure 6, the elements that make up an exhalation port 14 for the first configuration of the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. The exhalation port 14 uses a tubular element 40 identical to that used in the inhalation port 12. The parts of the tubular element 40 will not be described again, to avoid unnecessary repetition. The exhalation port also includes a flexible member 62 that forms the one-way valve 60. As exemplarily illustrated in Figure 3, the exhalation port 14 is installed in the mask body 20 by inserting the member 40 from the inside. of the body, through the opening 23, in the case of the first assembly configuration of the mask 10. When it is inserted in this way, the second end 44 is projected on the outside of the mask body 20 with the thread 47 protruding beyond the outer surface of the mask body. In this position, and with the flexible element 62 installed in position, with its central projection secured in the valve support 48, the assembly is secured with a retaining element 50 in the form of a generally nut. Preferably, the nut 50 used on the exhalation port 14 has a deflecting surface 52 with slots 54, to allow exhalation air to exit in a controlled manner, and to ensure that the flexible member is held in position.

The first air inlet end 42 of the tubular member is left unused with its bayonet connection, free to receive exhalation air from the respiratory tract of the wearer of the mask 10. Therefore, the male bayonet connection 45 is hidden from view. the view on the inside of the dome that forms the mask port 20.

For clarity of the installation of the exhalation port 14 in the first assembly configuration of the mask 10 in the preferred embodiment, it is

19 Refers to Figure 9, where a sectional view through a vertical center plane of mask body 20 is shown, with opening 23 in section, receiving exhalation port 14 fully installed.

Reference will now be made to a second assembly configuration of the mask 10, initially illustrated in Figure 3 described above. Specifically, reference is made to Figure 7 which shows the elements necessary for the assembly of an inhalation port 12 in the second assembly configuration, and to Figure 8 which shows the elements for the assembly of an exhalation port 14 in the second. arming configuration.

With particular reference to Figure 7, there is shown a tubular member 40, a flexible member 62 of the one-way valve 60, and a retaining nut 50. In this second assembled configuration, the inhalation port 12 mounts to the opening 23 of the mask body 20 of the preferred embodiment of the disclosure, which is also shown in Figure 3. Due to the many similarities with the assembly shown in Figures 5A-5C, the following description will omit repetitive elements, to take care of the conciseness of the present specification. In the second assembly configuration, the inhalation port 12 comprises the elements shown in Figure 7, plus the filter cartridge as described above. Unlike the first cocking configuration, the inhalation port does not have the ring 70 for connecting the headgear, as the headgear engages the rings 70 when they are installed in the side opening ports 22, 24.

Consequently, and referring to Figure 8, the elements that make up the exhalation ports 14 for the second assembly configuration of the mask 10 are illustrated. Unlike the first assembly configuration, the exhalation ports 14 in the second rigging configuration includes a ring 70 for connecting the restraint harness to the user's head. In figure 3 it is possible to observe the exhalation ports 14 presented for mounting in the openings 22, 24 of the mask body 20, with the rings 70 arranged to receive the harness 80, which is not shown in the figures. In the second arming configuration, when

twenty As in the first assembly configuration, when the exhalation ports 14 are installed, the bayonet connections 45 of the tubular elements 40 remain unconnected, i.e. unused, and hidden from view as they are on the inside of the dome that forms the mask body 20.

With general reference to all the figures described above, and in the spirit of the present disclosure, a mask 10 is provided that uses a versatile tubular member 40, which can be installed in two different positions on the mask body 20. A first position for being part of an inhalation port 12, configured to receive a filter element 30, exemplarily illustrated in Figures 5A-5C and 7, and a second position to be part of an exhalation port, exemplary illustrated in figures 6 and 8.

In the preferred embodiments, the tubular element 40 can be made of a resistant plastic material, such as polypropylene or the like, which will easily cooperate with the rest of the pieces that make up the mask 10. Likewise, other parts and pieces are also preferably made of polypropylene, such as retaining element 50, ring element 70, and other elements or accessories that may be necessary for embodiments that can be implemented by persons skilled in the art, such as snaps, buckles, means for adjusting the harness 80, among others. Furthermore, in the preferred embodiments, the flexible valve element 62 is made of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or alternatively some other type of rubber, rubber or silicone, which provides the element 62 with adequate flexibility and flexibility. makes replacement quick and easy.

By providing a mask 10 that uses tubular elements 40 to form the inhalation 12 and exhalation 14 ports, the present disclosure effectively reduces the number of different parts that a user must handle when assembling, cleaning, modifying, repairing and maintain a respirator-type mask assembly.

A user may, in consideration of the intended use, the existing contamination in the environment, the availability of filter cartridges, among others

twenty-one considerations, provide a different arming configuration for each situation. From the first and second arming configurations given in this description, a user will be able to directly deduce other arming configurations, such as a third arming configuration in the described preferred embodiment, which uses an inhalation port installed in opening 22, and two exhalation ports installed in openings 23 and 24. Alternatively, a user may choose to block some of the openings, by using a closed nut 50 installed in one of the tubular members 40.

If the user uses the rings 70 to attach a mask support harness to be adapted to a user's head, the rings should always be positioned in the ports installed in the side openings of the mask body of the preferred embodiment. of the disclosure, that is, openings 22 and 24. A person skilled in the art will be able to easily replace the system for fastening the mask to the head of a user with a different type of harness, or directly attached to ears. or tabs provided directly on the mascara body 20. Alternatively, it may be the case that the headgear is integral with the mascara body 20, being made of the same hypoallergenic elastomeric material as the mascara body 20 and formed as a single piece, further reducing the number of parts in the mask assembly 10.

By providing a set of parts for the assembly of a mask 10, it will also be possible to provide a plurality of tubular elements 40 that have a plurality of bayonet connections 45 of different dimensions, to adapt a wide plurality of filter cartridges available in the market. market. In the same way, tubular elements 40 can be provided with alternative connections to a bayonet connection, such as threaded connections, pressure connections, hooks of some other type, adhesive joints, among others.

Additionally, one skilled in the art will also be able to directly conceive inhalation ports 12 that do not have a filter cartridge.

22 directly attached to the first end 42 of the tubular element 40, but the inhalation air may be provided by a source of clean air such as a compressed air tank, or a flexible breathing air line that has a filter installed elsewhere , which can be carried by the user for example on the waist or on the back.

Although the present disclosure has been described with respect to half face respirator type masks, the teachings of the present description are fully applicable to full face masks, and other types of respirators that may be conceived in the exercise of the art. specific technical matter.

While the disclosure has been described in conjunction with a specific embodiment, it is to be understood that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will become apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to cover all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims. All items presented hereinabove or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be construed in an illustrative and not limiting sense.

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Claims

SPECIFICATION OF CLAIMS

one . A half-face respirator-type mask, to be worn on a user's head and cover the user's nose, mouth and surrounding areas while allowing adequate airflow to breathe, comprising: an ergonomic mask body, means of clamp to hold the mask on the wearer's head,

CHARACTERIZED because it further comprises: at least two identical circular openings in the mask body, at least one inhalation port positioned in a first opening, comprising: a tubular element that has a longitudinal passage for the passage of air with a first end of air inlet and a second air outlet end, the second end of the tubular element is received by the first opening, the first end of the tubular element projects out of the mask body, and a filter element through which the air passes before entering through the first end of the longitudinal passage, at least one exhalation port positioned in a second opening, comprising: a tubular element having a longitudinal passage for the passage of air with a first air inlet end and a second end air outlet, the second end of the tubular element is received by the second opening, the first end of the tubular element projects inwards inside the mask body, and where the tubular element of the inhalation port and the tubular element of the exhalation port are identical tubular elements, arranged according to the

24 direction of airflow determined by inhalation and exhalation, respectively.

2. The mask according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the at least two openings are three identical circular openings.

3. The mask according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises two inhalation ports and one exhalation port.

4. The mask according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises an inhalation port and two exhalation ports.

5. The mask according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that the outer diameter of the second end of the tubular element is less than or equal to the diameter of the circumferential opening of the mask body, and is designed to be inserted into said opening.

6. The mask according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that the tubular element comprises a male bayonet connection at the first air inlet end to receive a standard filter cartridge.

7. The mask according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that the tubular element comprises on the outer surface of the second end a portion of outer thread to receive a retention element that has an inner thread.

8. The mask according to claim 7, CHARACTERIZED in that the tubular element comprises a central region of the outer surface, where the central region ends in a circumferential shoulder proximal to the first end of the tubular element, which rests against the mask body to create a junction between the mask body and the port.

9. The mask according to claim 8, CHARACTERIZED in that the circumferential shoulder further cooperates with the retention element to retain the mask body, and create a leak-tight joint between the mask body and the port.

10. The mask according to claim 9, CHARACTERIZED in that the region of the tubular element that remains between said shoulder and said retaining element further comprises a plurality of radially spaced projections to cooperate with notches located on the edges of the circular openings of the mask body, fixing the ports to the mask body in one position.

11. The mask according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that it also comprises a one-way valve in each port, located at the second end of the tubular element.

12. The mask according to claim 11, CHARACTERIZED in that the valve comprises a flexible diaphragm-type element that blocks or releases the passage of air, being actuated by the pressure differential generated by the user's breathing.

13. The mask according to claim 11 or 12, CHARACTERIZED in that the flexible element is a flexible circular element comprising a central projection on one of its sides, and where the tubular element also comprises a valve support at the second end configured to receive said central projection.

14. The mask according to any of claims 7 to 13, CHARACTERIZED in that the retaining element is a nut with a slotted cover on one side that functions as a flow deflector for outgoing air.

15. The mask according to any of claims 7 to 13, CHARACTERIZED in that the retention element comprises an open nut.

16. The mask according to any of claims 7 to 13, CHARACTERIZED in that the retention element comprises a closed lid that blocks the port.

17. The mask according to any of claims 6 to 16, CHARACTERIZED in that the standard filter cartridge also has a female bayonet connection, and is interchangeable with any standard filter cartridge.

18. The mask according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that it also comprises an annular element with at least one ear in at least some of the ports installed in the mask body, which is placed around the tubular element remaining outside the mask body, designed to connect the fastening means for fastening the mask to the head in said at least one ear.

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