WO2022238607A1

WO2022238607A1 - Nose fitting device for air filtration face masks

Info

Publication number: WO2022238607A1
Application number: PCT/ES2022/070288
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eloy Antonio Martinez Albal
Original assignee: Eloy Antonio Martinez Albal
Priority date: 2021-05-14
Filing date: 2022-05-10
Publication date: 2022-11-17

Abstract

The present invention relates to a nose fitting device for air filtration face masks, consisting of respective nose fitting members (2) to be fixed on an outer surface of an air filtration face mask, in the upper section thereof. Said nose fitting members (2) have respective longitudinal arms (5,53), attached at their medial ends by means of an eccentrically spring-loaded hinge mechanism (6), and their distal ends are finished with fixing elements (4,50) to being fixed to the filtration mask. Due to the action of the hinge mechanism (6), said nose fitting members (2) have a rest position, with their longitudinal arms (5,53) aligned in a flat configuration, and a nose fitting position, with a substantially concave configuration towards the surface of the mask. Due to this construction, the user can immediately adjust the mask to their nose bridge by simply pressing on each hinge mechanism (6) with one finger.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Nasal fitting device for air filtering full face masks. TECHNIQUE SECTOR

The present invention refers to a nasal adjustment device for air filtration face masks, used by health personnel, professionals who carry out their work in environments with polluted air, and patients, as well as by any other person who requires adequate filtration. of the air you inhale and/or exhale, for both individual and public health reasons.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Both the mouth and the nose are the main entry routes for pathogenic agents, more specifically microorganisms, but also some gases and dust of a different nature, which may be suspended in the air, or in biological fluids, such as saliva, expelled by people or animals, or during industrial activities. However, some plants also seasonally release potentially pathogenic particles into the air for some people with an allergy to them.

That is why, as a preventive measure to prevent these pathogens from penetrating the body through the nostrils or mouth, air filtering masks are routinely used, whether disposable or reusable.

These masks have a double function; on the one hand, to filter the inhaled and/or exhaled air, and on the other hand, to serve as a barrier screen against the fluids expelled by the wearer of the mask, and/or towards said wearer, in the form of aerosols or drops of saliva, and guarantee They cannot cross this barrier.

On the market there are reusable filter masks for professional use, with a high level of protection. These masks are specifically designed to achieve their mission effectively, and for this they present a robust face mask,

1 with perimeter sealing elements specifically made of elastomers adaptable to the curves of the wearer's face. Given their structural and volumetric characteristics, together with the fact that the filters are assembled as separable units, these face masks are not foldable, and their retail price is substantially increased compared to disposable filtering masks.

The other type of air filtering masks, depending on the uses they can withstand without losing their effectiveness, are disposable masks. The construction material of the mask itself constitutes the peripheral filtering and sealing element on the wearer's face.

That is why these masks seek a good quality/price ratio, since their price can have far-reaching implications for public health.

Said masks basically comprise three components; a protective surface, attachable to the wearer's face, covering the nose and mouth, an adjustment structure to the wearer's nose bridge, known as a nose clip, and fastening elements by means of elastic or tie straps, to fix the mask to the face of the wearer passing said tapes either behind the ears or alternatively behind the neck and nape.

The efficacy and safety of a filtering mask depends, in addition to the filtering capacity of the mask fabric itself, on its ability to peripherally seal the face of the wearer, without there being areas with a solution of continuity between the face of the wearer and the periphery of the mask.

The areas to be sealed, therefore, are the lateral sectors of the cheeks, the upper face of the neck, and the area of the nasal bridge and the nasolabial areas on both sides of the nasal bridge.

Since the lateral sections of the wearer's cheeks and the upper anterior area of the neck, or base of the jaw, are generally convex, the disposable mask, thanks to being made of a flexible fabric, spontaneously adapts to these areas in sealed conditions. peripheral by being fixed to the wearer's head by means of fixing straps.

two However, the configuration of the nasal area and nasolabial areas, with the transition from a convex eminence formed by the anterior area of the nasal bridge, to markedly concave areas that go from said nasal bridge to the malar area or cheekbones, prevent an adjustment under conditions of spontaneous peripheral sealing. For this reason, disposable masks have a horizontal and flat nasal clip in the upper area, centered, made of a flexible material, for manual deformation of the mask on the nasal bridge and respective nasolabial areas, on both sides of the wearer's nose.

It will therefore be understood that the correct adjustment of the adjustment clip to the nose bridge is essential to guarantee a peripheral seal between the mask and the wearer, and the use of the mask safely.

Said adjusting clip is generally formed by a plasticized ductile wire thread, which can be plastically deformed while preserving the desired shape.

Said adjustment clip must be manually shaped by the user on his face, when putting on the mask, by pressure. The area of the wearer's face has different structures, some more hard or deformable than others. Thus, for example, while the nasal bridge is substantially rigid, the genial area or cheeks are softer and susceptible to elastic deformation when pressed. For this reason, when adjusting the nose clip by pressure, while the shape of the nasal bridge will remain unchanged when pressed, the genial area at rest will have a very different configuration than the one it presents when pressed by the mask wearer in the nose bridge adjustment procedure, and, therefore, the shape acquired by the adjustment clip when adjusted on the cheeks will not correspond to the shape of the cheeks at rest. This is one of the reasons why it is virtually accidental to achieve a good fit in conditions of peripheral sealing, and therefore safety, of the mask to the user's face.

In addition, and since the adjustment is made by pressing the mask on the wearer's face, the wire of the adjustment clip is generally very malleable and easy to deform, which implies, thanks to its ductility, an easy misfit.

The described problem is easily observable in spectacle wearers, who see how

3 their lenses fog up when using ill-fitting filtering face masks, when exhaled air escapes through the upper edge of the mask, with the health risks that this implies; Not only will potentially contaminated air be expelled without being filtered to the outside, but the wearer will also be inhaling potentially contaminated air, without having been previously filtered by the mask he is wearing.

Alternatively, significantly stiffer wires are used, in order to ensure that they do not easily lose the configuration acquired by adapting them to the wearer's face. However, the previously described problem, whereby the elastic deformation of the facial structures prevents a correct adjustment of the nasal adjustment clip, is dramatically accentuated, requiring a tentative adaptation of the same, without wearing the mask, until the desired fit is achieved. , and which is generally not optimal.

Based on what has been described, a default adjustment of the nose clip on the nasolabial area of the wearer will imply the loss of the safety of the filtering mask, while excessive pressure on the wearer's nose will prevent correct breathing by collapsing the nostrils. .

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to solve the previously described negative aspects and, therefore, provide a solution for the adjustment of air filtering masks in the nasal and genital area, which allows it to be achieved in a simple way in all cases. and lasting, regardless of the experience and/or skill of the mask wearer, an optimal fit in safety conditions of the mask on the user's face, with comfortable breathing.

Surgical filtering masks can generally be found on the market, equipped with a plurality of generally horizontal folds, and presenting a rectangular configuration, or with greater protection, such as FFP2 and FFP3 masks, of a nature known to experts in matter, with a usual cup configuration, which are usually folded in a sagittal plane, and there are other presentations, which combine their configurations, and which are also known to experts in the field.

4 The invention recommended in this report and the improvements derived from it are likely to be applied to disposable filtering masks, both surgical, as well as those with greater FFP2 and FFP3 protection, and can also be applied to masks with configurations similar, designed to be reused.

To this end, the object of the present invention comprises a nasal adjustment device formed by respective adjustment organs to the nasal bridge and perinasal structures, for mounting on the external face of a filtering face mask, in an area close to the upper limit of the same. Said nasal adjustment members present a substantially flat configuration in their rest position, and have an arrangement aligned with each other, with a substantially horizontal orientation in relation to the filtering mask, being related at their medial ends by means of a central flexible union bridge. , which will pass over the nasal bridge when the user wears the mask.

Said nasal adjustment members are preferably made of a rigid plastic material, endowed with a certain elastic flexibility. Ideally, a thermoplastic material will be used in its manufacture, such as polypropylene or high-density polyethylene, of a nature known to experts in the field, capable of industrial mass production by injection molding, or shaping and stamping. hot, of a nature per se known to those skilled in the art.

The object of the invention being to provide a nasal adjustment device for masks, easy to use and predictable, the nasal adjustment members each have a manually operated hinge mechanism configured to define at least two eccentric positions, by means of simple pressure. with the user's fingers in one direction, or the opposite, to achieve an instantaneous adjustment in sealing conditions of the mask, in its upper section. To do this, each nasal adjustment organ will be arranged on one side of the sagittal plane of the face mask, and includes two longitudinal arms, joined at their medial ends by means of the hinge mechanism, the distal end of each of them being finished off by a connecting element to the filtering face mask.

5 Said nasal adjustment members, thanks to the action of the hinge mechanism, have a neutral position, with their longitudinal arms aligned in the same plane, and at least one nasal adjustment position, with a substantially concave configuration in the direction towards the surface of the nose. the mask.

With the construction described, and thanks to the fixing elements of the nasal adjustment members to the mask, the face mask will also acquire a concave configuration in relation to the user's face, on both sides of the user's nose, with the device of nasal adjustment in conditions of nasal adjustment.

The characteristic construction of the manually operated hinge mechanism will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. The essential feature is the semi-rigid nature of the nasal adjustment members, with eccentric spring action, which allows the user to instantly adjust the mask on the nasal region by simple pressure with a finger on the aforementioned hinge mechanism.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, provision has been made for the hinge mechanism to be an element that can be moved longitudinally in relation to the nasal adjustment member, between two extreme positions, in order to be able to better adapt to users with different sizes and facial morphologies. This feature will be described in detail with reference to the attached Figures.

Since the material of the filtering respirators presents a certain rigidity in order to keep the ventilation space between them and the wearer's face open, the adjustment of the upper section of the respirator by flexible deformation, for its adjustment, usually involves a pressure undesirable on the wings of the nose, and partial closure of the nostrils, since not only does the mask acquire a concave configuration in its upper section, on each side of the nasal bridge, but said deformation extends to the section below the adjustment zone. This characteristic implies a reduction in the respiratory capacity of the mask user.

In order to solve this problem, and as a result of another optional feature of the present invention, the nasal adjustment device has two separate decompression members, each one under each nasal adjustment member, made by at least one arm

6 tensor.

Each tensioning arm is configured to prevent its elastic deformation in the direction of the filtering face mask, leaving the distal end of each tensioning arm attached, by means of a flexible rib, with the distal element for fixing the adjustment organ to the mask. nasal on that side, while the medial ends of both facing tensioning arms are joined together by means of a flexible union bridge, made by means of a flat rib. The central and medial area of each tensioning arm is finished off with a joining element for fixing it to the surface of the mask.

According to a first alternative embodiment of said decompression member, it will be formed by a single tensioning arm located on each side of the face mask, acting as a decompressor for the nasal flaps, located under each nasal adjustment member.

With the construction described, by actuating the nasal adjustment member towards its nasal adjustment position, the tensioning arm will prevent the mask from acquiring a concave shape, in the area of the mask where its middle area is fixed, thus keeping it free of press the user's nose wings.

Optionally, and in accordance with the present invention, each decompression member has at least two tensioning arms, with a first tensioning arm arranged immediately below the nasal adjustment member, with a substantially horizontal arrangement, and at least one second accessory tensioning arm arranged under said first tensioning arm, with a downward inclination in the medial direction.

The function of said accessory tensioning arms will be to prevent the central zone of the mask from collapsing towards the user's face when inhaling.

The characteristic position of the mask adjustment straps to the user's head seeks to achieve a slightly downward traction of the mask on the wearer's face, to stabilize the mask on the bridge of the wearer's nose. This leads to a slight detachment of the mask in the malar or cheekbone region, and the consequent loss of fit in said region. It is because of that,

7 Despite the correct fit of the mask in the nasal region, we can observe in wearers of glasses how they fog up despite the fact that the mask is apparently well adjusted, especially when the user speaks and/or exhales intensely, due, in part, to to the traction that the mandible exerts on the upper edge of the mask.

In order to solve this problem, and as a result of another optional characteristic of the present invention, it has been provided that the nasal adjustment device object of the present invention incorporates respective malar adjustment organs of variable geometry for its coupling in fixation conditions on the outer surface of the air filtering face mask, in the upper side sections of the same. Said malar adjustment organs have a substantially vertical orientation with respect to the nasal adjustment organs, being arranged externally, one on each side of said nasal adjustment organs, and have a substantially flat configuration in their rest position, like the organs of nasal adjustment.

Starting from the same essence described for the nasal adjustment organs, the malar adjustment organs each comprise a manually operated hinge mechanism configured to define two eccentric positions, by simple pressure with the user's fingers in one direction, or on the contrary, to achieve an instantaneous fit when the mask is sealed, in its upper section, in the area of the user's cheekbones. For this, each malar adjustment organ will be arranged externally to one side of the corresponding nasal adjustment organ.

Each hinge mechanism has a lower end provided with a connecting element for fixing it to the surface of the mask, its upper end being integral with at least one pressure arm, with a free end shaped to be arranged on the upper edge of the mask. the filtering face mask, in the malar region. Said malar adjustment members, thanks to the action of the hinge mechanism, present a flat neutral position, and a malar adjustment position, with a substantially convex configuration in the direction towards the surface of the mask, in which the pressure arm provides a correct fit of the mask by increasing the pressure on the wearer's malar region.

The characteristic construction of the hinge mechanism will be described in detail with reference to the attached figures.

8 As a high-speed industrial production method, ideally the different elements that make up the nasal adjustment device will be integrated into a single piece of a substantially flat thermoplastic material, manufactured by injection molding or hot forming and stamping, of a natural nature. itself known to those skilled in the art. In turn, and ideally, said nasal adjustment device will be incorporated into the filtering face mask at the same time the mask is produced, as are the mask fixing straps or handles and the clip of the mask. conventional nose fit. To this end, the various elements for joining the mask of the nasal adjustment device will have such a shape that they can be attached to the mask by adhesion, ideally thermal by ultrasound, of a nature in itself known to experts in the field.

However, and in accordance with another alternative development of the present invention, it has been provided that the connection elements to the mask are connected to it by means of a tongue-and-groove mechanism such as, for example, pressure buttons, of a nature per se known by the subject matter experts. For this, and ideally, the male elements of the pressure buttons will be incorporated into the external surface of the mask, in the manufacturing process of the same, by means of an ultrasonic welding process. In turn, the nasal adjustment device will incorporate the female elements, as will be better described in relation to the attached figures.

With the described construction, the nasal adjustment device can be conceived as a reusable product.

As an alternative, and in accordance with another optional development of the nasal adjustment device, the elements for joining it to the mask comprise a connection clip for its assembly, in a disengaged manner, on the upper edge of the filtering face mask. With the construction described, the nasal adjustment device can be incorporated into any mask whose upper edge has a shape and dimensions compatible with the configuration of the nasal adjustment device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

9 So that the invention can be understood more clearly, some optional and/or preferred embodiments will now be described in detail, given by way of example only, and in no way limiting, with reference to the attached drawings in which: Figure 1 is a front view of a nasal adjustment device in a neutral or rest position, which includes respective nasal adjustment members, and is provided with respective members for decompression of the nasal wings, according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective detail plan of a nasal adjustment member of the nasal adjustment device shown in Figure 1, in rest conditions; Figure 3 is a front view of a nasal adjustment device in a neutral or rest position, comprising respective nasal adjustment members, each one provided with respective eccentric adjustment hinges, and is provided with respective decompression members for the nose. nasal wings, as well as respective accessory tensioning arms, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a top perspective view of a nasal adjustment device, with nasal adjustment members provided with connection elements, in sliding guide conditions, to longitudinally displaceable eccentric adjustment hinges, according to an optional embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 is a top perspective view of the nasal adjustment device shown in Figure 4, without the movable adjustment hinges; Figure 6 is a top perspective view of an eccentric adjustment hinge engageable on the nasal adjustment members shown in Figure 4; Figure 7 is a perspective top view of the nasal adjustment device represented in Figure 4, which incorporates, in the medial position, respective movable adjustment hinges, according to the embodiment shown in Figure 5; Figure 8 is a top perspective view of an eccentric adjustment hinge, similar to that shown in Figure 5, but with a cylindrical axis of rotation, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 is a top perspective view of an eccentric adjustment hinge, similar to that shown in Figure 8, but with eccentric locking elements integrated into the cylindrical pivot axis, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention . Figure 10 is a top perspective view of a cup-type mask

10 before being folded industrially, mounting the nasal adjustment device shown in Figure 1; Figure 11 is a top perspective view of the mask shown in Figure 10, in a folded state, mounting the nasal adjustment device shown in Figures 1 and 10; Figure 12 is a detail plan in perspective top view of a surgical or hygienic type mask, which incorporates the male elements of pressure buttons, for the connection of a nasal adjustment device that can be connected to the mask by means of reciprocal fitting elements; Figure 13 is a perspective detail plan of a nasal adjustment member of the adjustment device shown in Figure 1, in adjustment conditions; Figure 14 is a top perspective view of a nasal adjustment device, identical in construction to the one represented in Figure 1, which, according to an optional embodiment of the invention, incorporates, in the rest or neutral position, respective organs malar setting; Figure 15 is a perspective detail plan of a malar adjustment member of the nasal adjustment device shown in Figure 14, in rest condition. Figure 16 is a top perspective view of a nasal adjustment device comprising respective nasal adjustment members in a neutral or rest position, which incorporates fixing elements to the face mask by clips, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. .

As can be seen in Figure 1, the nasal adjustment device (1) has a substantially flat configuration, and includes respective nasal adjustment members

(2) joined at their medial ends by a central flexible connecting bridge

(3), and aligned with each other. Each nasal adjustment organ (2) comprises a hinge mechanism (6) with respective horizontal arms (5.53) attached to it by their medial ends, while the distal ends of each horizontal arm (5.53) are finished off in a joining element (4.50) for its fixing on a filtering mask (not shown) by thermal fusion using ultrasound, a procedure in itself known to those skilled in the art. However, it will be understood that any other method of connecting the nasal adjustment device to the mask will be equally applicable, which prevents its spontaneous disconnection.

According to an optional embodiment of the invention, and as

eleven represented in Figure 1, the nasal adjustment device (1) incorporates separate decompression members (24) for the nasal wings, one under each nasal adjustment member (2), formed by a tensioning arm (25) whose distal ends are They are secured by means of a flexible strap (11) with the distal element for connecting to the mask (4) of the nasal adjustment organ (2) on that side, while the medial ends of both facing tensioning arms are secured to each other by means of a bridge of flexible joint (15), made by means of a flat rib. The central and medial zone of each tensor arm is finished off, each one, in a fixing element (26, 10) for its union to the surface of the mask.

The nasal adjustment members are configured to mount on the filtering facepiece, one on each side of the wearer's nose bridge (not shown).

The flexible connection bridge (3) is configured to allow some elastic movement between its ends. For this, it can be made of a material endowed with a certain elasticity.

As can be seen in Figure 1, the medial ends (50) of the nasal adjustment members (2) present a superior position with respect to the distal ends (4) of said nasal adjustment members.

With the construction described, the attachment bridge (3) will be centered on the filtering face mask (not shown) immediately below the upper edge of the same, with the nasal adjustment device (1) oriented horizontally.

In Figure 2, the nasal adjustment organ (2) can be seen in more detail, as represented in Figure 1, and includes two longitudinal arms (5.53), joined at their medial ends by means of the hinge mechanism ( 6), their distal ends being finished off by means of a union element (4, 50) for fixing it to the filtering face mask (not shown).

Said hinge mechanism (6) has a neutral position, as shown in Figure 2, with the longitudinal arms (5,53) aligned in the same plane, and at least one nasal adjustment position, with a configuration

12 substantially concave in the direction towards the surface of the mask (this configuration is not shown in any figure).

To do this, the hinge mechanism (6) has a plurality of arms and braces with eccentric spring action, which determine each limit position in a guided manner by elastic deformation; a neutral position and a nasal adjustment position.

Thus, the hinge mechanism (6) comprises a central connector element (9) with hinge rotation axis action, made, according to the preferred embodiment thereof, by means of a flexible rib arranged transversely to the direction of maximum length. of the nasal adjustment organ (2), where the medial ends (7) of the longitudinal arms (5.53) are connected, and respective tensioning straps with spring action (49) parallel to each other and longitudinal to the direction of maximum length of the nasal adjustment organ, leaving one on each side of the central connector element (9) with hinge rotation axis action.

Said tensioning straps (49) each comprise a central bent arm (12) with spring action, the lateral ends of which end in a flexible rib (8).

In turn, the hinge mechanism (6) has two transversal connectors (33), one on each side of the central connector element (9) with hinge rotation axis action, and each transversal connector (33) is arranged, in the same plane located in a substantially lower position with respect to the aforementioned central connector element (9) that joins the medial ends (7) of the longitudinal arms (5,53). For this, the medial sections (7) of the longitudinal arms (5.53) have an inclined arrangement in an ascending and medial direction.

Each transversal connector (33) is attached on its medial surface to the tensing straps (49) through the corresponding flexible rib (8).

As can be seen, each longitudinal arm (5.53) has a base made of a thin and flexible sheet (52.55) topped by a longitudinal rib (13, 14) to provide them with a certain structural rigidity.

With the construction described, the central connector (9) will serve as a flexible union of the

13 horizontal arms (5.53) whose free movement will be opposed by the tension straps (49), thus acting as an eccentric spring mechanism.

When the user presses the area where said central connector (9) is located with his finger, the limited elastic deformation of the central angled arms with spring action (12) will allow the central connector (9) to descend below the plane where it is located. find the flexible ribs (8) of the tension straps (49), at which point the elastic recovery force of said bent arms (12) will guide their displacement towards a lower eccentric position as represented in Figure 13. In this way, and thanks to the effect of the eccentric spring of the hinge mechanism (6), the horizontal arms (5.53) of the same nose adjustment member (2) will maintain a relative inclined position, with a concave adjustment configuration towards the left. mask (not shown). The pressure exerted by the user in the opposite direction on the hinge mechanism (6) will return the nasal adjustment member (2) to its flat or rest configuration, shown in figure 2.

In accordance with another characteristic of the invention, as can be seen in Figure 2, provision has been made for the distal arm (5) of the nasal adjustment member (2) to be attached to the distal connection element (4) to the mask. by means of a flexible brace (54) configured to allow the relative displacement and rotation of both elements connected to each other by it in all directions of space. To this end, in the embodiment shown, the distal flexible blade (52) has a weakening made by means of an opening (16) in its distal section, where the distal end of the distal longitudinal rib (13) ends.

Likewise, provision has been made for the mesial arm (53) of the nasal adjustment member (2) to be integrally attached to the mesial element for joining the mask, with a certain capacity for relative flexion of both elements in all directions of the space. For this, the mesial end of the mesial longitudinal rib (14) is attached to the mesial connecting element (50).

According to an alternative embodiment of the nasal adjusting member, provision is made for it to have at least two mutually aligned spring-loaded hinge mechanisms. Accordingly, and as shown in Figure 3, said nasal adjustment member (28) has two hinge mechanisms (29, 30) aligned, and joined together by means of a central transversal connector (32). With

14 In the construction described, the activation of the mesial hinge mechanisms (30) will allow an adaptation of the mask (not shown) to users with smaller nasal bridges, while the activation of the distal hinge mechanisms (29) will allow an adaptation of the mask (not shown) to wearers with more prominent nasal bridges.

In said Figure 3, the nasal adjustment device (17) presents, in accordance with an optional embodiment of the invention, respective decompression members located under each nasal adjustment member (28). Said decompression members are made up of an upper section (24) acting as a decompressor for the nasal wings, and a lower section (18) that prevents the mask (not shown) from collapsing when the user inhales. Thus, the upper section (24) presents a conformation identical to that represented in Figure 1 and already described in relation to said Figure 1.

In turn, the lower section (18) has a design similar to that of the upper section (24), and is made up of a tensioning arm (19) whose distal ends are joined by means of a flexible tie rod (11) with the distal element of connection to the mask (4) of the nasal adjustment member (28) on that side, while the medial ends of both facing tensioning arms are joined together by means of a flexible connection bridge (20), made by means of a flat rib. The central and medial zone of each tensor arm is finished off, each one, in a fixing element (21, 22) for its union to the surface of the mask.

Figure 4 shows an optional embodiment of the nasal adjustment device (23), whereby the hinge mechanism (45) is an element that can be moved longitudinally in relation to the nasal adjustment device (56), between two extreme positions, according to to an alternate embodiment of the hinge mechanism, in accordance with the present invention.

For this, the hinge mechanism (45) is mounted on the nasal adjustment organ (56) through connection elements with guide action, one mesial (37) and the other distal (38), which allow restricted longitudinal displacement. between two limit positions, a mesial position and a distal position, of said hinge mechanism (45) with respect to the nasal adjustment member (56). The longitudinal arms (39,40) act as sliding guides, for which they have paths

fifteen longitudinal openings (41) on which the connecting elements with guiding action (37, 38) are slidably coupled.

Said longitudinal arms (39, 40) remain integral with the hinge mechanism (45), the distal longitudinal arm (39) presenting locking elements, one distal (43) and the other mesial (44) to restrict the movement of the hinge mechanism. (45) between two limit positions.

Thus, in figure 4 the hinge mechanisms (45) are observed in the most distal position in relation to the nasal adjustment organs (56).

In Figure 5, the construction of the nasal adjustment device (23) can be better observed, represented without the hinge mechanisms, and in which the connecting elements with guiding action (37, 38) are mounted on a longitudinal flexible sheet ( 27). The connection element with distal guide action (38) is attached to the distal element for joining the mask (4) by means of a flexible strap (54) configured to allow the relative displacement and rotation of both elements connected to each other by it in all directions of space, while the connection element with mesial guide action (37) remains solidly attached to the mesial element for joining the mask (50), with a certain relative flexion capacity of both elements in all directions from space. To do this, two longitudinal ribs (31) extend from the mesial connecting element (50) until distally surpassing the element with a mesial guide action.

As can be better observed in Figure 5, the mentioned connection elements with guide action (37, 38) are formed by means of a retaining lug, which prevents the spontaneous disconnection of the longitudinal arms in sliding guide functions of the hinge mechanism (not shown), but not its longitudinal displacement.

As can be seen in Figures 4, 5 and 7, the nasal adjustment devices (27) have a decompression member (24) with similar characteristics to the one represented in relation to Figure 1, and will therefore not be described.

In Figure 6, the hinge mechanism (45) can be seen in greater detail, as

16 and as described in relation to Figure 4. As can be seen, the characteristic construction of the elements (33,8,7,12,9) with eccentric spring action of the hinge mechanism (45) are identical to those described in relation to Figure 2, and will not be described.

As can be better seen in said Figure 6, the distal longitudinal arm with sliding guide action (39) has two respective intermediate retention elements made by protuberances (42) oriented towards the longitudinal opening (41) thereof.

With the construction described, and as can be better seen in Figure 7, said retention elements (42) prevent the spontaneous longitudinal displacement of said longitudinal arm (39) with respect to the connection element with guiding action (38) in three concrete positions; a mesial position, as represented in said Figure 7, a distal position, as represented in Figure 4, and an intermediate position (not represented in any Figure).

In this way, in the distal position of the hinge mechanism, the nasal adjustment device will allow a better fit of the filtering mask on the faces of users with more prominent nasal bridges, while in the mesial position the full facepiece will be able to fit better to users with smaller nose bridges, such as young users.

Figure 8 shows a hinge mechanism (46) similar to the one shown in Figures 4, 6 and 7, in which, according to an alternative embodiment of the central connector element with action of the hinge rotation axis, it It is made by means of a transverse cylindrical rotation axis (47), integral with the medial section (57) of one of the longitudinal arms (39), on which a rotation axis ring (48) is mounted, integral with the section medial (58) of the other longitudinal arm (40).

According to another alternative embodiment of the hinge mechanism, the relative spontaneous displacement between the two longitudinal arms is prevented by congruent engagement elements, arranged in the medial sections of said arms, defining a neutral position and an adjustment position.

17 between the two in blocking conditions, passing from said neutral position to the position of nasal adjustment by elastic deformation of said congruent fitting elements.

According to this characteristic, and as represented in Figure 9, the hinge mechanism (51) has a central connector element with hinge rotation axis action, similar to the one represented in Figure 8, with a rotation axis transverse cylindrical (47), attached to the medial section (57) of one of the longitudinal arms (39), on which a rotation axis ring (48) is mounted, attached to the medial section (58) of the other arm longitudinal (40).

In turn, said rotation axis ring (48) has a protuberance (34) facing inwards. In rest conditions of the hinge mechanism (51), with its longitudinal arms (39, 40) aligned, as shown in Figure 9, said protuberance (34) is congruent with a slot (35) made on the axis of cylindrical rotation (47). A second slot (36) made on said cylindrical axis of rotation (47) will allow the reciprocal engagement of the mentioned protuberance (34) with the hinge mechanism (51) in nasal adjustment condition (not shown in any figure). In the embodiment shown, in said nasal fit condition, the longitudinal arms (39, 40) would form an approximate 90 degree angle with each other.

Figure 10 represents the open pattern of a cup-type face mask (59), of a known nature, before being folded industrially. As can be seen, the nasal adjustment device (1) is mounted centrally in the upper area of the mask (59), with a horizontal orientation. The different joining elements (4,50,26,10) to the mask (59) are made by means of a laminar widening for their integral union to it by an appropriate adhesion procedure, such as by means of ultrasonic welding.

Figure 11 shows the cup-type face mask (59) shown in Figure 10, which is shown finished and folded, mounting the nasal adjustment device (1).

In Figure 12, and in accordance with another alternative development of the invention, a nasal adjustment device (61) is represented that can be connected by means of pressure buttons to a

18 surgical or hygienic mask (60), of a nature known in itself. In the embodiment shown, the nasal adjustment device (61) does not incorporate any decompression member, in accordance with the present invention. As can be seen, the connecting elements (63, 64) of the nasal adjustment members (66) constitute the female elements of said pressure buttons (of a nature known to those skilled in the art), while the male elements (62) are mounted on the mask (60) by ultrasonic adhesion, and are made by means of a flat base (78) topped with a lug (79) that can be coupled by reciprocal fitting on the female connecting elements (63, 64).

In Figure 13 a nasal adjustment member (2) can be seen, according to the embodiment described in relation to Figure 2, in nasal adjustment conditions. As can be seen, thanks to the eccentric spring effect of the hinge mechanism (6), the horizontal arms (5.53) of the nasal adjustment member (2) maintain a relative inclined position, with a concave adjustment configuration in a clockwise direction. mask (not shown). The pressure exerted by the user in the opposite direction on the hinge mechanism (6) will return the nasal adjustment member (2) to its flat or rest configuration, shown in figure 2.

The flexible strap (54) provides torsion capacity without resistance to the distal connection element (4) with respect to the distal longitudinal arm (5), which prevents the mask from lifting in the area of the distal connection element (4). with the nasal adjustment member (2) in adjustment conditions. Said lifting of the mask, in that area, would cause the undesired detachment of its upper edge with respect to the user's face (not shown).

On the other hand, the mesial connecting element (50) remains attached to the mesial arm (53) in a solid manner, with a limited torsion capacity between both parts, in order to guarantee the correct adaptation of the mask to the user's nasal bridge. Said adaptation is achieved in the medial sector of the mask thanks to the traction exerted by the flexible union bridge (3), represented in Figure 1, between both mesial union elements (59) of respective nasal adjustment organs, represented in Figure 1, and that forces them to follow the curvature of the user's nasal bridge (this condition of the nasal adjustment device adapted to the nose bridge is not represented in any figure).

19 In accordance with another optional development of the invention, Figure 14 shows a nasal adjustment device (65) that incorporates, in the rest or neutral position, respective malar adjustment organs (67). The nasal adjustment organs (2) and the nasal flap decompression organs (24) have the same construction as that represented in Figure 1.

As can be seen, the malar adjustment organs (67) are arranged on each side of the nasal adjustment organs (2), with a vertical orientation. Its lower ends are finished off with a joining element (69) for its fixing by adhesion to the filtering mask (not shown). Said connecting element (69) in turn is attached to the end of a connector arm (68), the opposite end of which is attached to the distal end of the tensioning arm (25) of the decompression device (24).

With the mask deployed on the user's face, the tension arm (25) on one side will form an angle with respect to the one on the opposite side of the mask. The tensioning arm (25), in this way, will act as an anti-rotation element for the lower joint element (69).

As can be better seen in Figure 15, each malar adjustment member (67) comprises a hinge mechanism (74) that has a lower end provided with a joining element (69) for fixing it to the surface of the mask. (not shown), its upper end being integral with a pressure arm (71), with a free end (70) shaped to be arranged on the upper edge of the filtering face mask (not shown).

The hinge mechanism (74) presents a neutral position, as shown in Figure 15, with the pressure arm (71) aligned in the same plane with the hinge mechanism (74) and the lower joint element. (69); and a malar fit position, with a substantially convex configuration towards the outside of the mask (this configuration is not shown in any figure).

For this, the hinge mechanism (74) presents a plurality of arms and braces with eccentric spring action, which determine in a guided manner by deformation

twenty elastic paths limit positions.

Thus, the hinge mechanism (74) comprises a central connector element (72) with hinge rotation axis action, made, according to the preferred embodiment thereof, by means of a flexible rib arranged transversely to the direction of maximum length. of the malar adjustment organ (74), where the medial ends of both vertical arms (73) are connected, and two tensioning straps with spring action (77) parallel to each other and longitudinal to the direction of maximum length of the malar adjustment organ , leaving one on each side of the central connector element (72) with hinge rotation axis action.

Said tensioning straps (77) each comprise a central bent arm (75) with spring action, the upper and lower ends of which end in a flexible rib (80).

In turn, the hinge mechanism (74) has two transversal connectors (76), one on each side of the central connector element (72) with hinge rotation axis action, and each transversal connector (76) is arranged, in the same plane located in a substantially superior position with respect to the aforementioned central connector element (76) that joins the medial ends of the vertical arms (73).

Each transversal connector (76) is attached on its medial surface to the tensing straps (77) through the corresponding flexible rib (80).

With the construction described, when the user presses the area where the central connector (72) is located with his finger, and following the same operating principle of the hinge mechanism of the nasal adjustment members, the malar adjustment member ( 67) will go from a neutral position to a maintained adjustment position. Pressure exerted by the user in the opposite direction on the hinge mechanism (74) will return the malar adjuster (67) to its flat or rest configuration.

In order to facilitate the actuation of the malar adjustment organ towards its adjustment position, it can incorporate an external pull or traction element, made by means of a perpendicular flat stem, or a perpendicular tab, the base of which is flexibly attached to the central connector with axis of rotation action, on its external face. Thus, when the user wears the mask, when pulling the free end of said rod,

twenty-one it will actuate the malar adjustment organ towards its adjustment position. This is not represented in any figure.

As a way of fixing the nasal adjustment device to the filtering mask, and as an alternative to those described in relation to the previous figures, the present invention provides that the elements for joining the mask comprise a fixing or gripping clip for its mounting, detachably, on the upper edge of the face mask. Figure 16 shows a nasal adjustment device (81), according to said alternative embodiment, which incorporates fixing clips (83, 89) as a connection element to the mask (not shown).

Thus, each nasal adjustment member (82) has a fixing clip (83.89) at each lateral end, said clips presenting a flat upper lip (84), joined in the same plane with the longitudinal arm (87.88). of the nasal adjustment organ (82), and a lower lip (85), also flat and parallel to the upper lip (84), which is attached to the upper lip (84) through a rear joining element (86). The free ends of each clip lip (84, 85) are slightly divergent from each other to facilitate the insertion of the upper edge of the face mask (not shown). Likewise, the separation between the lips will be minimal, and the clamp will have sufficient rigidity to prevent the misalignment of the mask once fixed.

It is not considered necessary to make this description more extensive so that any expert in the field understands the scope of the invention and the advantages derived from it.

The materials, shape, size and arrangement of the elements will be subject to variation as long as this does not imply an alteration in the essence of the invention, as recommended in the attached claims.

The terms in which this report has been drafted should always be taken in a broad and non-limiting sense.

22

Claims

1. Nasal adjustment device for air filtering face masks, comprising: Each nasal adjustment device (2) of variable geometry for coupling in fixing conditions on the outer surface of an air filtering face mask, in the upper section thereof with a substantially horizontal orientation; characterized in that said nasal adjustment members have a substantially flat configuration in their rest position, and have a position aligned with each other, and horizontal in relation to the filtering mask; and because the nasal adjustment members each have a manually operated hinge mechanism (6) configured to define at least two eccentric positions, attached to a longitudinal arm (5.53) on each side whose free ends have locking elements. attachment (4.50) to a filtering face mask.

2. Nasal adjustment device according to claim 1, characterized in that each nasal adjustment member (2) comprises respective longitudinal arms (5, 53), joined at their medial ends by means of the hinge mechanism (6), their distal ends ending by means of a union element (4.50) in fixing conditions to the filtering face mask; and because said nasal adjustment members, thanks to the action of the hinge mechanism, present a neutral or rest position, with their longitudinal arms aligned with each other in a substantially flat configuration, and at least one nasal adjustment position, with a configuration substantially concave toward the surface of the mask.

3. Nasal adjustment device according to claims 1 and 2, in which the hinge mechanism (6) has a plurality of arms and straps with eccentric spring action, which determine each limit position in a guided manner by elastic deformation; a neutral or rest position and a nasal adjustment position.

4. Nasal adjustment device according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the spring action hinge mechanism (6) comprises a connector element

23 center (9) with hinge rotation axis action, arranged transversely to the direction of maximum length of the nasal adjustment organ (2), where the medial ends of the longitudinal arms (7) are connected, and respective tensioning straps with action spring (49) parallel to each other and longitudinal to the direction of maximum length of the nasal adjustment member, leaving one on each side of the central connector element (9) with hinge rotation axis action; and because said tension braces are joined by their lateral ends in a flexible manner with the longitudinal arms by means of a transversal connector (33), on both sides of the central connector element (9) with hinge rotation axis action, which are arranged, each transversal connector, in the same plane located in a substantially lower position with respect to the mentioned central connector element with hinge rotation axis action, with the hinge mechanism in neutral or rest position.

5. Nasal adjustment device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the nasal adjustment members (2) are configured to be mounted on the filtering face mask (59, 60), one on each side of the user's nasal bridge, aligned between Yes.

6. Nasal adjustment device, according to claims 1 and 5, in which the medial end of each nasal adjustment member (2) is attached to the lateral end of a central flexible joint bridge (3), made by means of a strap. plane configured to allow some elastic displacement between its ends.

7. Nasal adjustment device according to claims 1 and 5, in which the mesial ends (50) of the nasal adjustment members (2) present a superior position with respect to the distal ends (4) of said nasal adjustment members. .

8. Nasal adjusting device according to claims 1 to 4, in which each nasal adjusting member (28) alternatively has at least two mutually aligned spring-loaded hinge mechanisms (29, 39).

9. Nasal adjustment device according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the distal arm (5) of the nasal adjustment member (2) is attached to the distal element (4) for connecting to the mask by means of a flexible strap (54) shaped to allow the

24 displacement and relative rotation of both elements connected to each other by it in all directions of space, except for the displacement of elongation between both elements; and because the mesial arm (53) of the nasal adjustment member (2) is integrally attached to the mesial element for connecting (50) to the mask, with some limited flexion capacity of both elements in all directions of space.

Device according to claims 1 to 4, in which the hinge mechanism (45) is mounted on the nasal adjustment organ (56) through connecting elements with guide action (37, 38), one mesial and one another distal, which, preventing the spontaneous disconnection of both parts, allows restricted longitudinal displacement between two limit positions, a mesial position and a distal position, of said hinge mechanism with respect to the nasal adjustment member; and because the longitudinal arms (39, 40) act as sliding guides, and remain integral with the hinge mechanism (45).

Device according to claim 10, in which the elements with guiding action (37,38) are mounted on a longitudinal flexible connecting sheet (27); characterized in that the connecting element with distal guide action (38) is attached to the distal connecting element (4) to the mask by means of a flexible strap (54) configured to allow the relative displacement and rotation of both elements connected to each other by the same in all directions of space, except for the displacement of elongation of both elements; and because the connecting element with mesial guide action (37) remains integrally attached to the mesial element for connecting (50) to the mask, with a certain capacity for relative flexion of both elements in all directions of space.

Device according to claims 10 and 11, in which one of the longitudinal arms (39) with sliding guide action has at least one intermediate retention element (42) configured to prevent spontaneous longitudinal displacement of said arm with respect to the element. connector with guiding action (38).

Device according to claim 4, in which the central connector element with

25 Action of the hinge axis of rotation is carried out by means of a transverse flexible rib (9) where the medial ends (7) of the longitudinal arms (5,53) are joined.

14. Device according to claim 4, in which the central connector element with hinge rotation axis action is made by means of a cylindrical rotation axis (47), integral with one of the longitudinal arms (39), on which it rests. mounted a ring of rotation axis (48), integral with the other longitudinal arm (40).

15. Device according to claims 2 and 14, in which there are congruent fitting elements (34,35,36) between both longitudinal arms (39,40), arranged at their medial ends (57,58), defining a neutral position. and a position of nasal adjustment between the two in locking conditions, passing from said neutral position to the position of nasal adjustment by elastic deformation of said congruent fitting elements.

16. Nasal adjustment device according to claims 1 and 2, in which there are two decompression members (24), each under each nasal adjustment member (2), made by at least one tensioning arm (25); characterized in that each tensioning arm (25) is configured to prevent its elastic deformation in the direction towards the inside of the filtering face mask, each tensioning arm remaining distally attached, by means of a flexible rib (11), with the distal fixing element (4 ) to the mask of the nasal adjustment organ on that side, while the medial ends of both facing tensioning arms are joined together by means of a flexible union bridge (15), made by means of a flat rib; and because the central and medial area of each tensioning arm is finished off with a joining element (10,26) for fixing it to the surface of the mask.

17. Nasal adjustment device according to claim 16, in which each decompression member (24) has at least two tensioning arms (19, 25), with a first tensioning arm (25) arranged immediately below the nasal adjustment member ( 2), with a substantially horizontal arrangement, and at least one second accessory tensioning arm (19) arranged under said first tensioning arm, with a downward inclination in the medial direction.

26

18. Nasal adjustment device according to claim 16, in which the connecting element (21,26) to the mask in the middle zone of each tensioning arm (19,25) is displaced superiorly with respect to said tensioning arm.

19. Nasal adjustment device, according to claim 1, which presents respective malar adjustment organs (67) of variable geometry for their coupling in fixing conditions on the outer surface of the air filtering face mask, in the upper lateral sections Of the same; characterized in that said malar adjustment organs (67) have a substantially vertical orientation with respect to the nasal adjustment organs (2), being arranged externally, one on each side of said nasal adjustment organs, and present a substantially flat configuration in its neutral or rest position; and in that the malar adjustment members each have a manually actuated hinge mechanism (74) configured to define at least two eccentric positions.

20. Nasal adjustment device according to claim 19, in which the malar adjustment members (67) are preferably made of a rigid plastic material, endowed with a certain elastic flexibility; characterized in that each hinge mechanism (74) has a lower end provided with a joining element (69) for fixing it to the surface of the mask, its upper end remaining integral with at least one pressure arm (71), with a free end (70) shaped to be disposed on the upper edge of the filtering face mask; and because said malar adjustment members, thanks to the action of the hinge mechanism, present a flat neutral position, and a malar adjustment position, with a substantially convex configuration in the direction towards the surface of the mask.

21. Nasal adjustment device according to claims 19 and 20, in which the hinge mechanism (74) of the malar adjustment member (67) has a plurality of arms and ribs with eccentric spring action, which determine in a guided manner by elastic deformation paths limit positions; a neutral position or

27 rest and a malar fit position.

22. Nasal adjusting device according to claims 19, 20 and 21, characterized in that the hinge mechanism (74) with spring action of the malar adjusting device (67) comprises respective longitudinal vertical arms (73), the medial ends of which interlock by means of a central connector element (72) with hinge rotation axis action, arranged transversely to the direction of maximum length of the malar adjustment organ (67), and respective tensioning straps (77) with spring action, parallel to each other and longitudinal to the direction of maximum length of the malar adjustment organ, leaving one on each side of the central connector element (72) with hinge rotation axis action; and because said tensing straps (77) are joined by their upper and lower ends in a flexible manner with the distal ends of the vertical arms (73) by means of a transversal connector (76), on both sides of the central connector element (72) with action of hinge rotation axis, which are arranged, each transversal connector (76), in the same plane located in a substantially superior position with respect to the mentioned central connector element (72) with action of the hinge rotation axis, with the mechanism hinge (74) in neutral or rest position.

23. Nasal adjustment device according to claims 16 and 20, in which the distal end of each tensor arm (25) of the decompression member (25) is integral with the joining element (69) to the mask at the lower end of the hinge mechanism (77) of the malar adjustment organ (67).

24. Device according to claim 22, in which the central connector element with action of the hinge axis of rotation is made by means of a transverse flexible rib (72) where the medial ends of the longitudinal vertical arms (73) are joined.

25. Device according to claim 22, in which the central connector element with hinge rotation axis action is made by means of a cylindrical rotation axis, integral with one of the longitudinal vertical arms, on which an axis ring is mounted. turning, integral with the other longitudinal vertical arm.

26. Device according to claim 20 and 22, in which there are fitting elements

28 congruent between both longitudinal vertical arms, arranged at their medial ends, defining a neutral position and a malar adjustment position between them in locking conditions, moving from said neutral position to the malar adjustment position by elastic deformation of said congruent fitting elements .

27. Nasal adjustment device according to any of claims 2, 11, 16 and 20, in which the elements for joining the mask are attached to it by adhesion.

28. Nasal adjustment device according to any of claims 2, 11, 16 and 20, in which the connecting elements to the mask are connected to it by means of a tongue-and-groove connection mechanism (62, 63) in locking conditions .

29. Nasal adjustment device according to claim 2, in which the elements for connecting the nasal adjustment members to the mask are formed into a fixing clip (83, 89) or grip for mounting, in a disengaged manner, on the upper edge of the face mask.

30. Nasal adjustment device according to claims 1 to 29, in which all the elements that make up the nasal adjustment device are integrated into a single piece with a substantially flat configuration, and are made of a rigid plastic material, endowed with a certain elastic flexibility.

29