WO2022170410A1

WO2022170410A1 - Device for easy, secure mask storage

Info

Publication number: WO2022170410A1
Application number: PCT/BR2022/050039
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pedro YOSHITAKA FUKUYAMA
Original assignee: Srs Serviços Relacionados A Saude Ltda
Priority date: 2021-02-12
Filing date: 2022-02-08
Publication date: 2022-08-18
Also published as: JP2024508256A; BR102021002756B1; BR102021002756A2

Abstract

The device reduces the internal contamination of respiratory masks and external objects. It facilitates and expedites mask storage with protection against contamination as a priority. It pertains to the technical field of occupational health and safety. The solution was to create an easy storage system comprising a support with pins that connect to straps existing on or additionally inserted onto masks. Connection is in the form of snap fasteners and preferred arrangements take the form of wristbands and structures connected to neck cords. It comprises a sealing system having channels that allow the passage of a cord joining said channels, producing a pouch-like structure and creating isolated surfaces between the inside and the outside of masks. Protection is provided by means of pouch-like or cylindrical cases. Material with the element silver is used on the surfaces of the devices to reduce the proliferation of microorganisms, with the mask holder, protective case and mask being sold together.

Description

DEVICE FOR FACILITATED AND SAFE MASK STORAGE

[01] This device aims to reduce contamination of respiratory masks and external objects. It is a device to facilitate and speed up the safe guarding of the mask against contamination. It belongs to the technical field of health and safety at work. Devices for storing masks, mask adapters and protective cases are designed. Prevents the spread of epidemics and endemics, protecting the user and society from infections.

[02] In times of Covid-19, the use of protective respiratory masks is essential and also in contaminated environments in general. Contaminants can also be chemical or physical. Respiratory masks are made of surfaces with controlled porosity to not pass microorganisms. They adapt to the face and filter the passage of air through the filtering surfaces. Viruses and microorganisms are deposited on the outer face of the mask surface.

[03] There are times when we don't use masks, for example while eating or brushing our teeth. When sanitary conditions allow, in some safe spaces, there may also be situations in which we do not wear a mask. In these moments, the user has no option to store the mask safely, holding it in the hands, chin, wrists by the strings or leaving it on furniture favoring various contaminations. Many mask wearers may have lung problems and need to remove the mask frequently so they don't run out of air.

[04] A part of user contamination occurs when these viruses and microorganisms pass from the outer surface to the inner surface of the mask, especially when they are stored. Another form of contamination is when the outer face of the mask touches other objects, especially when it is stored, for example, in pockets, bags or in a mask holder.

[05] Many users keep the masks in plastic bags or containers, which causes high contamination between the external and internal face of the mask. Solutions such as folding the mask and storing it in envelopes or cases help to protect the inner face of the mask, but it is not yet

REPLACEMENT SHEETS (RULE 26) sufficiently sealed to prevent the passage of pathogens over the open edges of the surfaces in contact.

[06] In addition, all these mask guard procedures are cumbersome, often leading to non-adherence of users to security measures. Likewise, there is work on removing the masks from their cases and mask holders.

[07] In view of these problems and with the aim of solving them, this order conceives solutions to solve or alleviate these issues.

[08] The first solution conceived is to introduce a device that allows easy and safe storage of the mask without having to handle the contaminated surface. This solution consists of a body that has pins or hooks on its surface. A mask can be stored and removed easily and quickly by means of straps, attached to its surface as will be presented in this application, or using its own fastener cords that rest on the ears or behind the head. This solution associated with other proposals allows easy and safe storage and removal of the mask. It will be better explained in the drawings. [09] A second solution is an additional loop that is located in the middle of the filtering surface of the mask. This strap allows the mask to be folded in half and provides an attachment point through this strap to be attached to the pins and hooks of the first solution. When folding in half, this second solution allows the extension of the mask's stretched body to be reduced by half, reducing space occupation and facilitating the process of fitting the pins of the first solution. The association with the third solution greatly enhances the benefits of increased sealing. Another solution is to add straps on the sides of the masks, allowing better adjustment of the mask in the mask holder.

[10] A third solution conceived is a sealing system composed of channels inserted in the edges of the mask that allows passing a cord that, when pulled, joins these channels, producing a saccular structure that inside contains and isolates the contaminants when the outer surface of the mask is inside the system. Or does the saccular structure isolate these contaminants on its exterior when the surface

REPLACEMENT SHEETS (RULE 26) inside the mask is inside the system. When contaminants stay inside the saccular structure, they are isolated from the environment, preventing external contamination such as pockets, bags and bags. When contaminants are on the outside of the saccular structure, the inner surface of the mask is isolated, being protected from external contamination and protecting the wearer. Depending on the situation and the protection objective, this system can be used in two ways alternatively. An association of use with the first and second solutions was conceived, in the following sequence: the user, after removing the mask from the face, fits the additional strap of the mask (described in the second solution) on the pin of the first solution, then pulls the cord of the third solution closing the saccular structure. Using this same cord, the user can fasten the mask to another pin of the first solution. In this way, there is no manual contact with the contaminated surface of the mask and the mask is easily stored securely and securely. It will be clearer in the drawings.

[11] A fourth solution is protective cases that offer a protective cover adaptable to the first solution.

[12] The attached drawings show, in schematic form, the solutions proposed by this order. [13] Figure 1 shows a top view of the mask holder surface.

[14] Figures 2 and 3 show side views of the mask holder.

[15] Figure 4 shows a top view of the mask holder surface.

[16] Figure 5 shows a side view of a cylindrical mask holder.

[17] Figures 6 and 7 show a side view of a cylindrical mask holder with guides for mask alignment.

[18] Figure 8 shows a side view of a mask holder attachment pin arrangement.

[19] Figures 9 and 10 show views of central clamping lugs and sealing channels installed on mask edges. [20] Figures 11 and 12 show views of attachment loops on centerlines installed without a mask.

[21] Figures 13 and 14 show views of side attachment loops

REPLACEMENT SHEETS (RULE 26) installed in mask. 22 Figures 15 and 16 show views of protective cases for the mask holder.

[23] Figure 17 shows mask fold lines.

[24] Figure 18 shows fixing device for mask holder.

[25] As shown in Figure 1, a top view of the body (1) having a pin (2) for holding mask straps is shown. Among the shapes of each pin (2) are the hook (2) or head (2) shapes. The head shape is a pin with a bulge at the top. This head can have several shapes, the important thing is that it is wider than the pin (2) that supports it, and can have a shape, for example, discoidal or ring. It has the advantage over hooks in that it allows you to attach cords in multiple directions. The usage sequence can be understood by the following example. A mask user enters an environment that does not need to wear a mask, removes the mask and would not be able to store it, having the option of holding or keeping a common object in a door, at the risk of contaminating the inner face of the mask or others. objects.

The solution proposed by this application conceives that the mask can be stored in that support (1) by fixing the mask fastening cords to the pins (2) of the support (1). The hook or head shape of the pin (2) prevents this cord from escaping. As it can have more than one pin (2), the mask can be stored stretched out, which favors the stability of the guard and avoids random movements that favor contamination. It can be seen that this method of mask guarding with pins (2) and cords is very easy to perform both when guarding and removing the mask, favoring the user to adhere to organized methods of mask guarding. When the provisions on masks are described, you can see solutions designed to reduce contamination.

[26] As shown in figure 2, a side view of the body (1) with support pin (2) on the same face is shown.

[27] According to what figure 3 illustrates, a side view of the body (1) having a support pin (2) on opposite faces is shown. Allows the mask to fold over the body (1 ).

REPLACEMENT SHEETS (RULE 26) [28] As shown in Figure 4, a top view of the body (1) with chamfer (3) or protrusions (3) for positioning the mask is shown.

[29] According to what figure 5 illustrates, a side view of the body (1) with an open or closed cylindrical shape with pins (2), with hooks or heads on its surface. This shape can be used to form bracelets or armbands because this cylindrical shape can wrap around wrists or arms or shoulders. The closed cylindrical shape forms a complete encircling ring and the open cylindrical shape forms an arc that encircles wrists or arms. This shape allows the mask to be wrapped around it and looped around the structure several times.

[30] According to what any one of figures 1 to 5 illustrates, the support (1) can have various shapes, such as, for example, substantially flat surfaces or substantially curved surfaces, they can be hollow or have a segmental framework. One of the preferred forms is cylindrical surfaces due to the ease of handling and access to the same when being used on the wrist or arm as a bracelet or bracelet. The wristband version is also designed to facilitate winding the mask onto the device (1) by the hand opposite the arm that is wearing the wristband. Another preferred shape is the body shape (1) hanging from a neck string, like a pendant or pendulum, shape that was conceived for the ease of production, for easy access by the user's hands, for the practicality of being used and aesthetic acceptance for be used by women as well as men and children. You need to have fasteners to neck cords such as rings, holes, clips, glues or other ways to fasten to neck cords. A shape designed to be used as a pendant or bracelet is the spool shape (such as those that wind lines, strings or ribbons) which is a cylindrical structure with raised edges, designed to hold the mask in the center of the bed delimited by the edges. high. Another shape conceived are skeleton-like structures made of resilient wires such as wire (with wire for example) which are shapes designed to obtain a framework to wrap the mask while allowing to make pin shapes (2) to fix the mask, it has the advantage of the simplicity of production and the lightness of the final product. The support (1) can also be incorporated (as part of) flasks

REPLACEMENT SHEETS (RULE 26) containing disinfecting substances such as alcohol gel, or support (1) having fastening contacts with bottles containing disinfecting substances. Association conceived to give practicality to the user as it combines an individual protection element of the mask with the use of gel alcohol.

[31] As shown in Figure 6, a side view of the body (1) with an open or closed cylindrical shape with grooves (5) or protrusions (4) forming paths that serve as a guide for positioning the mask is shown.

[32] As shown in Figure 7, a side view of the body (1) with an open or closed cylindrical shape with a set of pins (2) forming paths that serve as a guide to position the mask.

[33] As shown in Figure 8, a pin (2) with curvature (6) from the body (1) is illustrated, which allows parts of the masks to pass through this curvature (6) and give more than one turn of the cylindrical assembly before engaging the pin.

[34] As shown in figures 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14, masks (7) are illustrated with their traditional fastening cords (12) in ears or heads.

[35] As shown in figure 9, a mask (7) adaptable to the support (1) is illustrated, having a fastening strap (9) to be fixed to a support pin (2) (1) located in the center of the surface of the mask (7), externally or internally to the surface of the mask, and also showing channels (8) orthogonal or transverse to the surface of the mask located at the edges of the mask (7). This fastening strap (9) located in the center of the mask is strategic because, when pulled and fixed to the pins (2), it allows you to store the mask at half its length because it forces the mask to fold over itself.

[36] Also as illustrated in Figure 9, the orthogonal (8) or transverse (8) channels allow fixing cords that, when pulled, produce a saccular structure in order to create an internal surface that isolates the contaminants inside. when the outer surface of the mask is inside the system; or isolates these contaminants on the outside when the inner surface of the mask is inside the system,

REPLACEMENT SHEETS (RULE 26) decreasing the degree of contamination between the inner and outer face of the mask. In place of these transverse channels (8), it was also designed to use other forms of sealing such as buttons, snap fasteners, clips or magnetic or magnetized materials. It was also conceived that an elastic frame on the edges can replace the cords to join the edges of the masks and promote sealing.

[37] Also according to what Figure 9 illustrates, exemplifying the use, when the mask (7) is removed from the face, it can be stored in the support (1) in an agile way, initially connecting the fastening strap (9) on the pin (2), when pulling the cords that pass through the holes (8), the saccular shape is formed that internally protects the inner surface of the mask (7). The mask (7) once stretched can be wrapped around the support (1) and the pulled cords can be anchored in other pins (2) of the support (1), proceeding safe and agile guarding of the mask (7).

(10) As shown in figure 10, the mask (7) is shown adaptable to the support (1) having straps or fixing hooks (9) to adapt to the support pin (2) (1) located in the center of the mask surface. Channels (10) are also illustrated at the edges of the mask (7) and parallel (10) to the surface within which a cord runs with the same function as that described in the previous figure. Cord exit areas

(11) of the channels (10) allow pulling the cord externally. These are the longitudinal bead passage channels (10) which are another way of positioning pull cords in order to create the saccular structure of isolation against contaminants.

[38] As shown in figure 11, the mask (7) is shown adaptable to the support (1) having handles or fixing hooks (9) for support pin (2) located on the surface of the mask in the vertical line of the surface of the mask (7). It is another way to fold the mask (7) when it is stored, in this case folded on the vertical line.

[39] As shown in Figure 12, the mask (7) is illustrated, adaptable to the support (1) having fastening straps or hooks (9) for support pin (2) located on the surface of the mask in the horizontal line of the surface of the mask (7). It is another way of folding the mask (7) when the

REPLACEMENT SHEETS (RULE 26) it is stored, in this case folded on the horizontal line.

[40] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, additional masks (7) adaptable to the support (1) are illustrated with straps or fixing hooks (9) for support pins (2) located on the sides of the mask (7 ). Another way of fixing the masks on the pins (2) of the support (1)-

[41] As shown in figures 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14, the introduction of elastic material, totally or partially, in the constitution of the loops (9) was conceived, helping in the process of pulling the mask with the consequent stabilization of the mask guard (7).

[42] As shown in figure 15, a case (13) for mask support (1) is illustrated. It is a cover (17) with a rigid or malleable surface surrounding the support (1). Cover (17) that serves to protect the support (1) and mask set against external contamination while storing the mask, at the same time preventing this stored mask from infecting other external objects. It can have a malleable surface covering the support (1) in the shape of a bag or saccular shape. The saccular format was conceived for the ease of construction and adaptability to any support (1). It can also have a malleable surface covering the support (1) of saccular shape with an attachment point (14) internal to the saccular structure, an attachment point (14) connected to the support (1). This attachment point (14) serves to attach to the support (1), so when removing this cover (17) it turns inside out and exposes the support (1) safely, avoiding its contact with external objects at the same time. that holds the case (13) preventing it from getting lost. A system for closing the case (13) in a saccular structure is illustrated, which is a channel (15) through which a cord (16) passes which, when pulled, closes the case (13). This closing system can be by elastic threads as well.

[43] As shown in figure 16, a protective case (13) for the support (1) surface (18) in the form of a cylindrical ring is shown. It is an arrangement designed to fit on brackets (1) in the form of bracelets, bracelets or cable ties. The circumferences (19) are hollowed out and the surface (18) is covered and surrounds the support (1) in order to protect it. The hollow circles (19) are where the

REPLACEMENT SHEETS (RULE 26) wrists or arms. The insertion of elastic bands in the circumferences (19) allows these circumferences to be strangled in the wrists or arms, forming a ring cover with strangled ends, sealing the ends, which protects the set composed of support (1) and mask. The surface area (18) may be of plastic or other material, preferably having pliability to fit the user's wrist or arm. The surface (18) in the form of a cylindrical ring was designed to be easy to manufacture insofar as samples of cloth or plastic in the form of rectangular strips can be joined, sewn, for example, at the ends and elasticated on the circumferences (19). ) making a cylindrical ring. In this way, it allows to reduce manufacturing costs and easy access to simple rectangular strips of cloth or plastic, as they are the same easily available on the market. The possibility of the surface (18) being flexible was conceived as a solution to be able to adjust to wrists and arms, if it were a rigid area it would be difficult to cover or uncover an annular structure.

[44] Also according to what Figure 16 illustrates, alternatives are conceived such as having one of the circumferences (19) already fixed to the support (1) and the other circumference (19) being released to cover and uncover the support (1). Another alternative would be to have at least one of the circumferences (19) with magnetic, magnetizable or Velcro material to attach to the support (1) playing the role of occlusion of the elastic. Transverse cord passage channels or longitudinal cord passage channels, with their respective cords, is another form designed to play the role of elastic occlusion in circumferences (19).

[45] As shown in Figure 17, a solution to a problem that arises when replacing the channels (8 or 10) for passing cords on the edges of masks with Velcro, snap fasteners or magnetic or magnetized materials is illustrated. In the case of Velcro, for example, the mask could only be folded externally. If you put Velcro on the inner face, it will irritate the skin and prevent effective sealing. The solution that solves this problem is to put folding edges (20 and 21) in mask (7) in defined lines (20). This folding line (20) allows unilateral gripping structures such as Velcro, magnetic or magnetized surfaces, snap fasteners and many loops and buttons to close externally when

REPLACEMENT SHEETS (RULE 26) these edges (21) are bent externally. When they are unfolded, the velcro passes to the inner face and the mask can be folded internally. This fold allows versatility to the mask as it can be folded internally or externally.

[46] As shown in Figure 18, another solution conceived in this application is the use of a carabiner to fix the support (1) to some part of the user's clothing or to some other structure. The carabiner shape (22) is widely used in key rings to secure keys to pants. Also widely used in climbing to fix ropes. The carabiner (22) consists of a ring, generally metallic, which has a movable segment (25), which may have an axis (23) that opens disconnecting part (24) of the ring to allow the passage of rope or other linear structure. and closes promoting the secure attachment of the rope. This description of the “carabiner” will be used in the claims to that effect. Increases the functionality of the bracket (1) as this bracket can be attached to various alternate points on clothing or objects. Said carabiner can also be used to attach to neck cords.

[47] When researching antimicrobial materials, it was concluded that many silver-based compounds can be effective in preventing the proliferation of microorganisms. Designed to use these silver-containing materials on the solution surfaces (1, 7, and 13) of this application to maximize the effect of reducing contact contamination.

[48] For any of the above figures designed practical use kit for sale, packed together or separately, in the following presentations: support set (1) with mask (7), support set (1) with protective case (13) ), or support set (1) with protective case (13) and with mask (7).

REPLACEMENT SHEETS (RULE 26)

Claims

1. "DEVICE FOR FACILITATED AND SAFE MASK KEEPING" characterized by a support (1) with an open or closed cylindrical shape, involving the wrist or arm, having a pin (2) in the shape of a hook or head, supporting the strap (9 or 12) in a mask.

2. "DEVICE FOR FACILITATED AND SECURE MASK STORAGE" according to claim 1, characterized by having in the support (1) at least any of the following provisions, grooves (5), protrusions (4), pin path.

3. "DEVICE FOR EASY AND SAFE MASK KEEPING" according to claim 1, characterized in that the body (1) is provided with a carabiner (22) with a movable segment (25) that opens and closes the carabiner (22).

4. "DEVICE FOR FACILITATED AND SAFE MASK STORAGE" according to claim 1, characterized in that the support (1) has a fastener for neck cords.

5. “DEVICE FOR EASY AND SAFE MASK STORAGE” according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the support (1) is incorporated into bottles of disinfecting substances or has fastening contacts for bottles of disinfecting substances.

6. “MASK” comprises a mask (7) characterized by having fastening straps (9) adaptable to a support pin (2) fixed to the external surface of the mask.

7. "MASK" comprised of mask (7), according to claim 6, characterized in that it contains fastening straps (9) adaptable to support pin (2) fixed to the edges of the mask or to the vertical line of the surface of the mask or on the horizontal line of the surface of the mask and elastic material.

8. "MASK" comprised of mask (7), according to claim 6, characterized in that it has on the edges of the masks (7) any of the following provisions, transverse channels (8), longitudinal channels (10) for the passage of cord, Velcro, elastic threads, snap fasteners, loops or magnetic or magnetizable materials.

9. MASK - comprising a mask (7), according to claim 6, characterized in that it has folds (20) whose edges (21) have any of the following components, Velcro, snap fasteners, loops or magnetic or magnetizable materials.

10. “MASK SUPPORT KEEPER CASE” characterized by a case (13) consisting of a surface (18) covering the support (1) in the form of a cylindrical ring surrounding the wrist or arm.

11. "MASK SUPPORT KEEPER CASE" according to claim 10, characterized in that the case (13) has a cover (17) with a rigid or malleable surface covering the support (1), in the shape of a bag and with a point of fixation

(14) internal for support (1 ).

12. "MASK SUPPORT KEEPER CASE" according to claim 10, characterized in that the case (13) has a malleable surface (18) covering the support (1) in the form of a cylindrical ring having at least one of the circumferences ( 19) at least one of the following structures: elastic ring, transverse bead passage channels, longitudinal bead passage channels, Velcro ring (19) or ring of magnetic or magnetizable material (19).

13. "MASK SUPPORT KEEPER CASE" according to claims 1, 6 or 10, characterized in that the device (1, 7 or 13) has the silver element on the surfaces of its walls.