WO2022137205A2

WO2022137205A2 - Facial hygiene mask

Info

Publication number: WO2022137205A2
Application number: PCT/IB2021/062279
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michele ANDINA
Original assignee: Andina Michele
Priority date: 2020-12-23
Filing date: 2021-12-23
Publication date: 2022-06-30
Also published as: WO2022137205A3; EP4266936A2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a facial hygiene mask (1; 2) comprising a body mask (10), an adherence device and a covering element (130), wherein said body mask (10) comprises an inner portion (11), configured to be in use in contact with said face portion, and an outer portion (12), configured to be in use in contact with said environment, and at least an upper edge (111), configured in use to be arranged at said nose, and a lower edge (112), opposite to said upper edge (111), wherein said adherence device is arranged at said upper edge (111) and consisting of an adherence band (120) able to be arranged on said inner portion (11) and provided with an adhesive surface (121), in use in contact with said nose, and a coupling surface (122), coupled to said body (10) mask, wherein said adhesive surface (121) is provided with adhesive and wherein said covering element (130) is able to preserve said adhesive before said use, wherein said covering element (130) is arranged at said lower edge (112) on said inner portion (11) and provided with a covering surface (131), in use in contact with said adhesive surface (121), and a coupling surface (132), coupled to said body (10) mask.

Description

“FACIAL HYGIENE MASK”

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to the field of personal protective equipments.

In particular, the present invention relates to a facial hygiene mask able to allow a better adherence to the face.

Prior art

Face masks are useful in a variety of medical, industrial or household applications by protecting the wearer from inhaling dust and other dangerous contaminants through the mouth or the nose, such as of virological kind, sprinkled into the air of an environment.

A hygienic mask, also known as a surgical mask, medical mask, or medical face mask is a device intended to be worn by a user, particularly in the healthcare field, in order to avoid the scattering of pathogens ( such as bacteria or viruses) sprinkled in respiratory and aerosol droplets that can escape from the wearer’s mouth and nose.

Surgical masks can also be worn all year round to reduce the possibility of spreading airborne diseases and to prevent the inhalation of dust particles created by air pollution.

A particular type of hygienic mask are dust masks which serve as protection against more or less thin, solid or liquid, particles suspended in the air and against aerosols.

The simplest hygienic mask can be made with a portion of flexible paper, to be used against non-toxic dusts. It does not provide protection from airborne toxic hazards and is not subject to the required approvals for filtering masks. Most of the hygienic masks on the market are, on the other hand, made from more or less thick fibers and generally made with a thin net of synthetic polymeric fibers, also known as non-woven polypropylene fabric, which is produced through a highly specialized process called cracking or melt blowing, which forms the inner filtration layer.

The use of face masks is especially useful in the healthcare field to help prevent the spread of diseases and viruses. The face masks worn by healthcare professionals and patients help reduce infections in patients by filtering the air exhaled by the wearer, thus reducing the number of harmful organisms or other contaminants released into the environment. In addition, face masks protect healthcare workers and patients by filtering contaminants and microorganisms in the air.

For optimum effectiveness, the mask must be correctly adjusted to the face, in particular by covering the mouth and part of the nose. When using a mask worn correctly, the heat and humidity of the user’s exhaled breath tend to concentrate inside. When the humidified air escapes from the face mask, it can condense on the user’s goggles or face shield causing fogging, which can obstruct the user’s view. Incorrect application represents a risk as it can allow a harmful agent to completely pass through the mask.

In this regard, an adherence device is used on the upper part of the mask, for example made by means of an elongated element, or a strip, of the rigid and flexible type which guarantees the moldability of the same and the adherence of the mask around the portion of the nose affected by coverage. This elongated element is typically made of metal or plastic material and provides for an application on the upper edge in contact with the nose of the mask itself.

The use of the elongated moldable element, however, requires the need to fix the same in specific portions of the mask, increasing the complexity and production costs of the same.

In addition, the use of the elongated moldable element causes a high difficulty of disposal, whenever is not easy to remove the metal element before disposing of the mask itself. It would therefore be desirable to have a face mask capable of minimizing the drawbacks described above. In particular, it would be desirable to have a face mask capable of ensuring the positioning of the mask and the sealing of the humidified air in the direction of the upper edge, while preserving the characteristics of reliability. Furthermore, it would be desirable to have a face mask capable of guaranteeing the aforementioned characteristics while having a reduced size and cost. Likewise, it would be desirable to have a face mask capable of guaranteeing safety in use and environmental sustainability.

Summary of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a facial hygiene mask capable of minimizing the aforementioned problems.

In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a facial hygiene mask that ensures the tightness of the humidified air at the upper edge without any modification to the technical capabilities and, at the same time, is easy to make.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a facial hygiene mask capable of guaranteeing additional protection of the inner portion when not in use. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a facial hygiene mask that can preserve the inner portion while maintaining a high environmental sustainability.

The object of the present invention is achieved by a facial hygiene mask according to the attached claims.

The facial hygiene mask comprises a body mask configured to be positioned in use on a face portion of a user including the mouth and at least a nose portion in order to isolate the face portion from the environment in such a way that the breathing air is directed towards the body mask, wherein the body mask comprises an inner portion, configured to be in use in contact with the face portion, and an outer portion, configured to be in use in contact with the environment, wherein the body mask comprises at least an upper edge, configured in use to be arranged at the nose, and a lower edge, opposite to the upper edge, wherein the facial hygiene mask comprises an adherence device arranged at the upper edge and consisting of an adherence band able to be arranged on the inner portion and provided with an adhesive surface, in use in contact with the nose, and a coupling surface, coupled to the body mask, wherein the adhesive surface is provided with adhesive, and wherein the facial hygiene mask comprises a covering element of the adhesive surface and able to preserve the adhesive before the use, the facial hygiene mask is characterized in that the covering element is arranged at the lower edge on the inner portion and provided with a covering surface, in use in contact with the adhesive surface, and a coupling surface, coupled to the body mask.

By the solution according to the present invention it is possible to correctly define the position of the facial hygiene mask, in such a way as to allow the adhesion of the upper edge to the nose without the use of deformable metal elements. The covering element therefore guarantees a high lifecycle of the adhesion band, making the adhesive available at the time of use and preventing its dispersion into the environment.

In a further embodiment, in an operative position the covering surface is coupled to the adhesive surface, so that to arrange the inner portion folded back on itself not accessible to the user before the use, and in an non-operative position the covering surface is separated from the adhesive surface, so that to arrange the inner portion accessible to the user at the use.

In this way, it is possible to protect the inner portion from the external environment when the facial hygiene mask is not in use.

In a further embodiment, the adhesive surface is provided with repositionable adhesive. In this way, it is possible to use the facial hygiene mask several times.

In a further embodiment, the adherence band comprises a deformable thickness element interposed between the adhesive surface and the coupling surface, able to define a thickness between the adhesive surface and the coupling surface.

This thickness element allows to define a surface of greater comfort for the user, as well as the spacing of the body mask with respect to the nose in the portion adjacent to the same thickness element.

In a further embodiment, the adherence band is coupled to the outer portion, and wherein the outer portion provided with the adherence band is folded over the inner portion.

In a further embodiment, the covering element is coupled to the inner portion.

In an alternative embodiment, the covering element is coupled to the outer portion, and wherein the outer portion provided with the covering element is folded over the inner portion.

These arrangements allow to make the facial hygiene mask according to a plurality of ways such as to guarantee a precise and inexpensive production.

The object of the present invention is further achieved by a method of manufacturing a facial hygiene mask according to the attached claims.

The method of manufacturing a facial hygiene mask comprises the phases of: making a body mask comprising an inner portion, an outer portion, at least an upper edge and a lower edge, opposite to the upper edge; application of an adherence device arranged at the upper edge and consisting of an adherence band able to be arranged on the inner portion and provided with an adhesive surface, provided with adhesive, and a coupling surface, coupled to the body mask; application of a covering element of the adhesive surface and able to preserve the adhesive before the use; the method is characterized in that the phase of application of a covering element comprises a step of arranging the covering element at the lower edge on the inner portion and provided with a covering surface, in use in contact with the adhesive surface, and a coupling surface coupled to the body mask.

In this way, the method of manufacturing allows the adherence device and the relative covering element to be arranged in opposite positions.

In a further embodiment, in an operative position the covering surface is coupled to the adhesive surface, so that to arrange the inner portion folded back on itself not accessible to the user before the use.

In this way, it is possible to create a facial hygiene mask protecting the inner portion from the external environment before use.

In a further embodiment, the adhesive surface is provided with repositionable adhesive.

In this way, it is possible to create a facial hygiene mask capable of protecting the inner portion from the external environment when not in use.

Finally, the object of the present invention is further achieved by a facial hygiene mask provided with a covering element of the adhesive surface provided with notches, according to the attached claims.

The facial hygiene mask comprises a body mask and an adherence device, wherein the body mask is configured to be positioned in use on a face portion of a user including the mouth and at least a nose portion in order to isolate the face portion from the environment in such a way that the breathing air is directed towards the body mask, wherein the body mask comprises an inner portion, configured to be in use in contact with the face portion, and an outer portion, configured to be in use in contact with the environment, wherein the body mask comprises at least an upper edge, configured in use to be arranged at the nose, and a lower edge, opposite to the upper edge, and wherein the adherence device is arranged at the upper edge, wherein the adherence device consists of an adherence band able to be arranged on the inner portion and provided with an adhesive surface, in use in contact with the nose, and a coupling surface, coupled to the body mask, wherein the adhesive surface is provided with adhesive, and wherein the adherence band is provided with a covering element arranged on the adhesive surface and able to preserve the adhesive before the use, the facial hygiene mask is characterized in that the covering element is provided with a plurality of notches able to divide the covering element in a plurality of predefined covering portion configured when removed to define the size of the adhesive surface.

By this solution, it is possible to correctly define the position of the facial hygiene mask, in such a way as to allow the adhesion of the upper edge to the nose without the use of deformable metal elements. The covering element therefore guarantees a high lifecycle of the adhesion band, making the adhesive available at the time of use. In addition, the plurality of cover portions allows you to expose the portion of adhesive required for use according to the user’s needs.

In a further embodiment, the adherence band extends substantially along the entire upper edge.

In this way ensuring the possibility of adhesion also to the portions of the face arranged laterally to the nose.

In a further embodiment, the notches comprise at least one notch substantially parallel to the upper edge, adapted to reduce the transverse dimension of the adhesive surface with respect to the upper edge.

In a further embodiment, the notches comprise at least a pair of notches substantially perpendicular to the upper edge and arranged opposite and halfway from the center of the adhesive surface, adapted to reduce the longitudinal dimension of the adhesive surface with respect to the upper edge. In this way, the arrangement of the notches allows to define the width or thickness of the exposed adhesive surface.

In a further embodiment, the adherence band comprises a deformable thickness element interposed between the adhesive surface and the coupling surface, adapted to define a thickness between the adhesive surface and the coupling surface.

In a further embodiment, the adherence band is coupled to the inner portion. Alternatively, the adherence band is coupled to the outer portion, and wherein the outer portion provided with the adherence band is folded over the inner portion.

Description of the figures

These and further features and advantages of the present invention will become evident from the description of the preferred embodiments, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the attached figures, wherein:

- Figure 1 is a schematic view of the facial hygiene mask in accordance with the present invention, in a first embodiment;

- Figure 2 is a schematic view of the facial hygiene mask in accordance with the present invention, in a second embodiment;

- Figure 3 is a schematic view of the facial hygiene mask in accordance with the present invention, in a third embodiment;

- Figure 4 is a schematic view of the facial hygiene mask in accordance with the present invention, in a fourth embodiment.

Detailed description of the invention

A mask according to the present invention is preferably a disposable device that creates a physical barrier between the mouth and nose of the wearer and potential contaminants in the environment. When worn correctly, the facial hygiene mask blocks large particle droplets or splashes that can contain viruses and bacteria, preventing them from reaching the wearer’s mouth and nose. Additionally, the facial hygiene mask reduces the transmission of saliva and respiratory secretions of the wearer to third parties.

The facial hygiene mask, according to the present invention, will be described below according to the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, in relation to the covering element arranged at the lower edge of the mask, and in Figures 3 and 4, in relation to the covering element provided with a plurality of notches. For this purpose, the numbering of the same elements with reference to different embodiments has not been changed.

The present invention refers to the Patent Application in Italy n.102020000032237 of December 23, 2020, to the Patent Application in Switzerland n.01666/20 of December 23, 2020, to the Patent Application in Italy n.102021000002438 of February 04, 2021, to Swiss Patent Application No. 00105/21 dated 04 February 2021, which are incorporated herein by reference.

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of the facial hygiene mask 1 of the present invention, according to a first embodiment.

As shown in Figure 1, the facial hygiene mask 1 is of the surgical type, therefore the present invention will be described below according to its characteristics, but the inventive concept can likewise be applied to masks of different types, for example of the dust masks type.

The facial hygiene mask 1 comprises a body mask 10 configured to be positioned in use on a portion of a user’s face including the mouth and at least part of the nose in order to isolate the facial portion from the environment so that the air breathing is directed towards the body mask 10 itself.

The body mask 10 comprises an inner portion 11 and an outer portion 12, the latter illustrated in greater detail in Figure 2. The term “inner portion” means, in the present invention, the portion configured to be in contact in use with the face portion.

The term “outer portion” means, in the present invention, the portion configured to be in contact in use with the environment.

The body mask 10 is delimited by an upper edge 111 and a lower edge 112, opposite the upper edge 111.

The term “upper edge ” means, in the present invention, the edge configured in use to be arranged in correspondence with the nose.

Furthermore, the same body mask 10 is delimited by a pair of lateral edges 113 interposed between and adapted to connect the aforementioned upper edge 111 and lower edge 112.

The facial hygiene mask 1 is preferably of the three-layer type, made by means of two layers of non-woven fabric material between which melt-blown material is interposed. The latter acts as a filter that prevents microorganisms from entering or exiting the facial hygiene mask 1.

The facial hygiene mask 1 is also provided with a plurality of folds 101 which extend in the horizontal direction of the body mask 10. The folds 101 make it possible to adjust the facial hygiene mask 1 in the vertical direction so as to allow it to adapt to the user’s face by covering the area of the face extending from the nose to the chin as well as to create a breathing chamber for the exhaled air.

The term “horizontal direction ” means, in the present invention, the direction that develops along the width of the body mask when in use.

The term “vertical direction ” means, in the present invention, the direction that develops along the length of the body mask when in use.

The term “transverse dimension ” means, in the present invention, the dimension which refers to the vertical direction of the body mask when in use.

The term “longitudinal dimension ” means, in the present invention, the dimension which refers to the horizontal direction of the body mask when in use. The folds 101 on the inner portion 11 of the facial hygiene mask 1 are folded in the vertical direction and, therefore, towards the face and eyes of the user. This arrangement of folds 101 can be problematic as the humidity in the air flow in the facial hygiene mask 1 can be directed upwards, or in the direction of the user’s eyes where goggles and visors can be placed with consequent fogging.

The facial hygiene mask 1 according to the present invention is therefore provided with an adherence device, consisting of an adherence band 120 adapted to be arranged on the inner portion 11 at the upper edge 111. This adherence band 120 is provided with an adhesive surface 121, in use in contact with the nose, and with a coupling surface, coupled to the body mask 10 and illustrated in greater detail in Figure 2. The contact and adhesion of the adhesive surface 121 to the user’s nose are guaranteed by an adhesive with which the aforesaid adhesive surface 121 is provided.

The positioning of the adherence band 120 with respect to the body mask 10, although this is defined as arranged on the inner portion 11 at the upper edge 111, can be carried out in different ways, below described but not illustrated. In the first embodiment illustrated therein, the adherence band 120 is coupled to the inner portion 11 of the body mask 10.

On the other hand, according to a different embodiment (not shown) the adherence band is coupled to the outer portion, and such the outer portion provided with the adherence band is folded over the inner portion. In this way, while being coupled with the outer portion, the adherence band is able to be arranged at the inner portion, for coupling and sealing with the user’s face portion, when in use.

Alternatively, according to a different embodiment (not shown), the body mask comprises a pocket provided with an opening at the inner portion, and the adherence band is arranged inside the aforementioned pocket with the adhesive surface arranged at the opening. These arrangements allow to make the facial hygiene mask according to a plurality of ways such as to guarantee a precise and economical realization.

In the embodiment herewith illustrated and discussed, the adherence band 120 extends substantially along the entire upper edge 111. In this way, ensuring the possibility of adhesion even to the portions of the face arranged laterally with respect to the user’s nose.

Different sizes of the adherence band are also possible, for example by providing a reduced length extension with respect to the length extension of the upper edge. The coupling of the facial hygiene mask 1 to the portion of the user’s face, to cover the mouth and the nose portion, is achieved by means of a tie-on type system, which consists of four straps 110 which must be tied behind the head of the same user.

Different coupling possibilities are further possible, for example by means of elastic straps fastened behind the head or, more commonly, by means of ear loops, in which a cord is attached to the body mask 10 and is positioned behind the ears. Following the positioning of the aforementioned coupling elements to the user’s face, the mask 1 is positioned in such a way as to ensure coupling with the portion of the face concerned. The solution envisaged in the present embodiment, i.e. the presence of the adherence band 120, allows to correctly define and maintain the position of the facial hygiene mask 1, in such a way as to allow the adhesion of the upper edge 111 to the nose without using of deformable metal elements. In particular, the adhesive provided on the adhesive surface 121 guarantees the impossibility of detaching the portion at the upper edge 111 of the body mask 10, both during the mandibular movement and during the production of humidified air.

In this embodiment, the facial hygiene mask 1 is provided with a covering element 130 of the adhesive surface 121 suitable for preserving the adhesive before use. This covering element 130 is arranged at the lower edge 112 on the inner portion 11 and provided with a covering surface 131, in use in contact with the adhesive surface 121, and a coupling surface, coupled to the body mask 10.

The covering element 130 therefore guarantees a high lifecycle of the adherence band 120, making the adhesive available at the time of use. In particular, by means of the solution according to the present invention it is possible to correctly define the position of the facial hygiene mask 1, in such a way as to allow the adhesion of the upper edge 111 to the nose without the use of deformable metal elements. The arrangement of the covering element 130 also ensures that it prevents its dispersion into the environment.

The positioning of the covering element 130 with respect to the body mask 10, although this is defined as arranged on the inner portion 11 at the lower edge 112, can be carried out in different ways, as described below but not illustrated. In the first embodiment, illustrated therein, the covering element 130 is coupled to the inner portion 11 of the body mask 10.

Instead, according to a different embodiment (not shown) the covering element is coupled to the outer portion, and such the outer portion provided with the covering element is folded over the inner portion. In this way, while being coupled with the outer portion, the covering element is arranged at the inner portion, for coupling with the adherence band, when in use.

Alternatively, according to a different embodiment (not shown), the body mask comprises a pocket provided with an opening at the inner portion, and the covering element is arranged inside said pocket with the cover surface arranged at the opening.

In the embodiment herewith illustrated and discussed, the covering element 130 extends substantially along the entire lower edge 112, preferably in such a way as to correspond to the adherence band 120. In this way, guaranteeing the possibility of fully preserving the adherence band.

Different sizes of the covering element are also possible for example by providing a reduced length extension with respect to the length extension of the lower edge. The covering surface 131 in the operative position is coupled with the adhesive surface 121, in such a way as to arrange the inner portion 11 folded on itself, not accessible to the user before use (not shown). Similarly, the same covering surface 131 in the non-operative position is separated from the adhesive surface 121, in such a way as to arrange the inner portion 11 accessible to the user for use as shown in Figure 1.

In this way, it is possible to protect the inner portion from the external environment when the hygienic facial mask is not in use.

In particular, the adhesive surface 121 is provided with repositionable adhesive.

In this way, it is possible to use the facial hygiene mask several times.

The facial hygiene masks according to the embodiments described above can also be provided with a treatment on the body mask designed to improve the coupling of the other elements.

In particular, this treatment allows to modify the surface of the body mask, or one or more of its portions, in such a way as to facilitate coupling with the other elements.

By way of example, it is possible to carry out this treatment in the inner portion of the body mask suitable for coupling with the adherence band and in the portion suitable for coupling with the covering element. In this way it is possible to allow a better adhesion of the aforesaid elements to the body mask, in particular at the relative coupling surfaces.

Similarly, it is possible to carry out this treatment in the outer portion of the body mask, if the aforementioned elements relating to the adherence band and the covering element are arranged on this portion. Finally, the treatment may be necessary, or preferable, even if the thickness element is to be applied, in accordance with one of the embodiments previously described.

The object of the present invention is further achieved by a method of manufacturing a facial hygiene mask, in particular of the facial hygiene masks according to the embodiments described above.

The method of manufacturing a facial hygiene mask 1 comprising a step of manufacturing the body mask 10 comprising the inner portion 11, the outer portion 12, at least the upper edge 111 and the lower edge 112, opposite the upper edge 111.

An application step is carried out to arrange the adherence device in correspondence with the upper edge 111 and constituted by an adherence band 120 adapted to be arranged on the inner portion 11 and provided with the adhesive surface 121, provided with adhesive, and with the coupling surface 122, coupled to the body mask 10.

A further phase of application of the covering element 130 to the adhesive surface 121 designed to preserve the adhesive before use. In particular, the step of applying the covering element 130 comprises the step of arranging the covering element 130 at the lower edge 112 on the inner portion 11 and provided with the covering surface 131, in use in contact with the surface 121 adhesive, and a coupling surface 132, coupled to the body mask 10.

Preferably, the covering surface 131 in the operative position is coupled with the adhesive surface 121, in such a way as to arrange the inner portion 11 folded on itself, not accessible to the user before use. Even more preferably, the adhesive surface 121 is provided with repositionable adhesive.

Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of the facial hygiene mask 2 of the present invention, according to a fourth embodiment, which corresponds to the facial hygiene mask 1 according to the first embodiment, illustrated in Figure 1, to which reference is made mutatis mutandis. Therefore, only the differences with respect to this first embodiment will be described in greater detail below.

The adherence band 120 comprises a deformable thickness element 140 interposed between the adhesive surface 121 and the coupling surface 122. The thickness element 140 is, therefore, capable of defining a thickness between the aforementioned surfaces 121, 122 between which it is interposed. It is possible to use any type of deformable material to make the aforementioned thickness element 140, or to provide an adhesive layer of greater thickness or a plurality of deformable layers sequentially superimposed on each other.

This thickness element 140 allows to define a surface of greater comfort for the user, as well as the spacing of the body mask 10 with respect to the nose in the portion adjacent to the same thickness element 140.

According to alternative embodiments, not illustrated, it is possible to combine one or more characteristics of the embodiments described and/or illustrated, defining a facial hygiene mask in accordance with the present invention.

The manufacturing method of a facial hygiene mask 2 corresponds to the manufacturing method of a facial hygiene mask 1 according to the first embodiment, to which reference is made mutatis mutandis. Therefore, only the differences with respect to the manufacturing method of this first embodiment will be described in greater detail below.

In this case, the manufacturing method comprises the application phase carried out to arrange the adherence device at the upper edge 111, but consisting of the thickness element 140 arranged on the inner portion 11 coupled to the body mask 10 and of the superimposed adherence band 120 to said thickness element 140. This application phase can be carried out in two steps, by first coupling the thickness element 140 to the body mask 10 and subsequently superimposing the adherence band 120 on it, or in a single step, coupling to the body mask 10 a device consisting of the thickness element 140 and of the adhesion band 120 previously coupled.

Figure 3 illustrates a schematic view of the facial hygiene mask 3 of the present invention, according to a third embodiment.

As shown in Figure 3, the facial hygiene mask 3 is of the surgical mask type, therefore the present invention will be described below according to its characteristics, but the inventive concept can equally be applied to masks of different types, for example of the dust masks type.

The facial hygiene mask 3 comprises a body mask 10 configured to be positioned in use on a portion of a user’s face including the mouth and at least part of the nose in order to isolate the facial portion from the environment so that the air breathing is directed towards the body mask 10 itself.

The body mask 10 comprises an inner portion 11 and an outer portion 12, the latter illustrated in greater detail in Figure 4.

All the aforesaid elements are visible in the first embodiment of Figure 1 and, mutatis mutandis, found corresponding elements also in the third embodiment of Figure 3.

The facial hygiene mask 3 is preferably of the three-layer type, made by means of two layers of non-woven fabric material between which melt-blown material is interposed. The latter acts as a filter that prevents microorganisms from entering or exiting the facial hygiene mask 3.

The facial hygiene mask 3 is also provided with a plurality of folds 101 which extend in the horizontal direction of the body mask 10. The folds 101 make it possible to adjust the facial hygiene mask 3 in the vertical direction so as to allow it to adapt to the user’s face by covering the area of the face extending from the nose to the chin as well as to create a breathing chamber for the exhaled air.

The folds 101 on the inner portion 11 of the facial hygiene mask 3 are folded in the vertical direction and, therefore, towards the face and eyes of the user. This arrangement of folds 101 can be problematic as the moisture in the air flow in the facial hygiene mask 3 can be directed upwards, or in the direction of the user’s eyes where goggles and visors can be placed with consequent fogging.

The facial hygiene mask 3 according to the present invention is therefore provided with an adherence device, consisting of an adherence band 120 arranged on the inner portion 11 at the upper edge 111. This adhesion band 120 is provided with an adhesive surface 121, in use in contact with the nose, and with a coupling surface, coupled to the body mask 10 and illustrated in greater detail in Figure 4. The contact and adhesion of the adhesive surface 121 to the user’s nose are guaranteed by an adhesive with which the aforesaid adhesive surface 121 is provided.

The positioning of the adherence band 120 with respect to the body mask 10, although this is defined as arranged on the inner portion 11 at the upper edge 111, can be carried out in different ways, as below described but not illustrated. In the first embodiment illustrated therein, the adherence band 120 is coupled to the inner portion 11 of the body mask 10.

On the other hand, according to a different embodiment (not shown) the adherence band is coupled to the outer portion, and such the outer portion provided with the adherence band is folded over the inner portion. In this way, while being coupled with the outer portion, the adherence band is arranged at the inner portion, for coupling and sealing with the user’s face portion, when in use.

Alternatively, according to a different embodiment (not shown), the body mask comprises a pocket provided with an opening at the inner portion, and the adherence band is arranged inside the aforementioned pocket with the adhesive surface arranged at the opening.

In the embodiment illustrated and discussed therein, the adherence band 120 extends substantially along the entire upper edge 111. In this way, ensuring the possibility of adhesion even to the portions of the face arranged laterally with respect to the user’s nose.

Different sizes of the adhesion band are also possible for example by providing a reduced length extension with respect to the length extension of the upper edge. The coupling of the facial hygiene mask 3 to the portion of the user’s face, to cover the mouth and the nose portion, is achieved by means of a tie-on type system, which consists of four straps 110 which must be tied behind the head of the same user.

Different coupling possibilities are further possible, for example by means of elastic straps fastened behind the text or, more commonly, by means of ear loops, in which a cord is attached to the body mask 10 and is positioned behind the ears. Following the positioning of the aforementioned coupling elements to the user’s face, the mask 3 is positioned in such a way as to ensure coupling with the portion of the face concerned. The solution envisaged in the present embodiment, i.e. the presence of the adherence band 120, allows to correctly define and maintain the position of the facial hygiene mask 3, in such a way as to allow the adhesion of the upper edge 111 to the nose without using of deformable metal elements. In particular, the adhesive provided on the adhesive surface 121 guarantees the impossibility of detaching the portion at the upper edge 111 of the body 10 of the mask, both during the mandibular movement and during the production of humidified air. In this embodiment, the adhesion band 120 is provided with a covering element 130 arranged on the adhesive surface 121 adapted to preserve the adhesive before use.

The covering element 130 therefore guarantees a high lifecycle of the adhesion band 120, making the adhesive available at the time of use.

The cover element 130 is also provided with a plurality of notches designed to divide the cover element 130 into a plurality of predefined cover portions 131 configured to define the size of the adhesive surface when removed. This solution, i.e. the presence of a plurality of covering portions 131, allows to expose the portion of adhesive necessary for use according to the user’s needs, according to the size of the portion of the face of the same, differentiating, for example, the application of the adhesive surface on the portion of the face of adults with respect to the same portion of the face of children.

The notches comprise at least one notch 132 substantially parallel to the upper edge 111, adapted to reduce the transverse dimension of the adhesive surface with respect to the upper edge 111. Furthermore, the notches comprise at least one pair of notches 133 substantially perpendicular to the upper edge 111 and arranged opposite and halfway from the center of the adhesive surface, adapted to reduce the longitudinal dimension of the adhesive surface with respect to the upper edge 111. In this way, the arrangement of the notches 132, 133 allows to define the width or thickness of the exposed adhesive surface.

According to alternative embodiments, not illustrated, it is possible to provide a number, a size and a positioning of the notches different from what has been described and illustrated.

Figure 4 illustrates a schematic view of the facial hygiene mask 4 of the present invention, according to a fourth embodiment, which corresponds to the facial hygiene mask 3 according to the third embodiment, illustrated in Figure 3, to which reference is made mutatis mutandis. Therefore, only the differences with respect to this first embodiment will be described in detail below.

The adhesion band 120 comprises a deformable thickness element 140 interposed between the adhesive surface 121 and the coupling surface 122. The thickness element 140 is, therefore, capable of defining a thickness between the aforementioned surfaces 121, 122 between which it is interposed. It is possible to use any type of deformable material to make the aforementioned thickness element 140, or to provide an adhesive layer of greater thickness or a plurality of deformable layers sequentially superimposed on each other.

According to alternative embodiments, not illustrated, it is possible to combine one or more characteristics of the embodiments described and/or illustrated, defining a hygienic facial mask in accordance with the present invention.

The present invention therefore allows to define a facial hygiene mask capable of ensuring the tightness of the humidified air at the upper edge of the body mask.

In particular, the facial hygiene mask according to the present invention makes it possible to seal the humidified air without any modification to the technical capabilities of the mask itself, or to the composition of the layers or the materials of the layers.

Furthermore, the facial hygiene mask and the method of manufacturing of the same allow the adherence device and the relative covering element to be arranged in opposite positions, thus creating a facial hygiene mask capable of protecting the inner portion from the external environment before use. Similarly, it is possible to create a facial hygiene mask and a manufacturing method that can protect the inner portion from the external environment when not in use.

Claims

22 Claims

1. A facial hygiene mask (1; 2) comprising a body mask (10) configured to be positioned in use on a face portion of a user including the mouth and at least a nose portion in order to isolate said face portion from the environment in such a way that the breathing air is directed towards said body (10) mask, wherein said body mask (10) comprises an inner portion (11), configured to be in use in contact with said face portion, and an outer portion (12), configured to be in use in contact with said environment, wherein said body mask (10) comprises at least an upper edge (111), configured in use to be arranged at said nose, and a lower edge (112), opposite to said upper edge (111), wherein said facial hygiene mask (1; 2) comprises an adherence device arranged at said upper edge (111) and consisting of an adherence band (120) able to be arranged on said inner portion (11) and provided with an adhesive surface (121), in use in contact with said nose, and a coupling surface (122), coupled to said body (10) mask, wherein said adhesive surface (121) is provided with adhesive, and wherein said facial hygiene mask (1; 2) comprises a covering element (130) of said adhesive surface (121) and able to preserve said adhesive before said use, said facial hygiene mask (1; 2) is characterized in that said covering element (130) is arranged at said lower edge (112) on said inner portion (11) and provided with a covering surface (131), in use in contact with said adhesive surface (121), and a coupling surface (132), coupled to said body (10) mask.

2. The facial hygiene mask (1; 2) according to claim 1, wherein in an operative position said covering surface (131) is coupled to said adhesive surface (121), so that to arrange said inner portion (11) folded back on itself not accessible to said user before said use, and in an non-operative position said covering surface (131) is separated from said adhesive surface (121), so that to arrange said inner portion (11) accessible to said user at said use. The facial hygiene mask ( 1 ; 2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said adhesive surface (121) is provided with repositionable adhesive. The facial hygiene mask (2) according to one of claims 1-3, wherein said adherence band (120) comprises a deformable thickness element (140) interposed between said adhesive surface (121) and said coupling surface (122), able to define a thickness between said adhesive surface (121) and said coupling surface (122). The facial hygiene mask according to one of claims 1-4, wherein said adherence band (120) is coupled to said outer portion (12), and wherein said outer portion (12) provided with said adherence band (120) is folded over said inner portion (11). The facial hygiene mask (1; 2) according to one of claims 1-5, wherein said covering element (130) is coupled to said inner portion (11). The facial hygiene mask according to one of claims 1-5, wherein said covering element (130) is coupled to said outer portion (12), and wherein said outer portion (12) provided with said covering element (130) is folded over said inner portion (11). A method of production of a facial hygiene mask (1; 2) comprising the phases of: making a body mask (10) comprising an inner portion (11), an outer portion (12), at least an upper edge (111) and a lower edge (112), opposite to said upper edge (111); application of an adherence device arranged at said upper edge (111) and consisting of an adherence band (120) able to be arranged on said inner portion (11) and provided with an adhesive surface (121), provided with adhesive, and a coupling surface (122), coupled to said body (10) mask; application of a covering element (130) of said adhesive surface (121) and able to preserve said adhesive before the use; said method is characterized in that said phase of application of a covering element (130) comprises a step of arranging said covering element (130) at said lower edge (112) on said inner portion (11) and provided with a covering surface (131), in use in contact with said adhesive surface (121), and a coupling surface (132) coupled to said body (10) mask. The method of production of a facial hygiene mask (1; 2) according to claim

8, wherein in an operative position said covering surface (131) is coupled to said adhesive surface (121), so that to arrange said inner portion (11) folded back on itself not accessible to said user before said use. The method of production of a facial hygiene mask (1; 2) according to claim

9, wherein said adhesive surface (121) is provided with repositionable adhesive. A facial hygiene mask (3; 4) comprising a body mask (10) and an adherence device, wherein said body mask (10) is configured to be positioned in use on a face portion of a user including the mouth and at least a nose portion in order to isolate said face portion from the environment in such a way that the breathing air is directed towards said body (10) mask, wherein said body mask (10) comprises an inner portion (11), configured to be in use in contact with said face portion, and an outer portion (12), configured to be in use in contact with said environment, wherein said body mask (10) comprises at least an upper edge (111), configured in use to be arranged at said nose, and a lower edge (112), opposite to said upper edge (111), and wherein said adherence device is arranged at said upper edge (111), 25 wherein said adherence device consists of an adherence band (120) able to be arranged on said inner portion (11) and provided with an adhesive surface (121), in use in contact with said nose, and a coupling surface (122), coupled to said body (10) mask, wherein said adhesive surface (121) is provided with adhesive, and wherein said adherence band (120) is provided with a covering element (130) arranged on said adhesive surface (121) and able to preserve said adhesive before said use, said facial hygiene mask (3; 4) is characterized in that said covering element (130) is provided with a plurality of notches (132, 133) able to divide said covering element (130) in a plurality of predefined covering portion (131) configured when removed to define the size of said adhesive surface (121).