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(11) | EP 3 885 005 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | MASK FOR INDIVIDUAL PROTECTION |
| (57) The present invention refers to a mask (1) for individually protecting a user, comprising: - a main body (2) made of a solid elastically deformable material, having an inner face (3) and an outer face (4) opposite to the inner face (3), and comprising a portion (11) for breathing configured to enable air to flow between the inner face (3) and outer face (4); - a removable filter (14) made of a non-woven fabric and placed at the breathing portion (11) on the inner face (3) or outer face (4) of the main body (2); - means (15) for removably connecting the filter (14) to the main body (2). |
Technical field of the invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a mask for individual protection, particularly for protecting a subject wearing the mask itself from bacteria and microbes and for reducing the risk to get a droplet infection.
Prior art
[0002] There are different known types of masks for individual protection, particularly for protection from viruses and bacteria. Typically, the masks for such use are of the class FFP2 or FFP3, they can be provided or not provided with a valve for making easier to breath and are single-use.
[0003] There are also on the market reusable masks of different materials wearable for a limited number of times which inevitably require the substitution of the filtering valves, in some cases it is impossible to completely sanitize the masks.
[0004] Moreover, with reference to single-use masks, when are used to protect ourselves and the others from viruses and bacteria, it is necessary to frequently substitute the whole mask with a new one. This fact makes complicated supplying masks and generally expensive their use.
Summary of the invention
[0005] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a mask for individual protection, adaptable to a face contour without using vent valves so as to overcome at least partially the inconveniences cited with reference to the prior art.
[0007] The mask according to the invention enables to reuse the main washable body and to substitute just the filter at each use.
[0008] Consequently, the mask according to the invention is advantageous from an economic point of view and is environmentally friendly because it reduces the amount of the generated waste.
Brief description of the drawings
[0010] In order to gain a better comprehension of the invention and appreciate the advantages, some exemplifying non-limiting embodiments thereof will be described in the following with reference to the attached figures, wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the outer side of a mask for individual protection according to a possible embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the inner side of the mask in Figure 1 in a first configuration;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the inner side of the mask in Figure 1 in a second configuration;
Figure 4 is an exploded schematic view of the mask in Figure 1, illustrating the assembly thereof;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the outer side of the mask according to a possible alternative embodiment of the invention;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the inner side of the mask in Figure 5.
Detailed description of the invention
[0011] With reference to the annexed figures, reference 1 indicates a mask for individual protection.
[0012] The mask 1 comprises a main body 2 having an inner face 3 and outer face 4 opposite to the inner face 3. The inner face 3 is destined to face the face, particularly the mouth of a user of the mask 1. Preferably, the main body 2 has an elongated shape and preferably comprises two greater sides 5 and 6, for example the upper and lower sides, and two smaller sides, for example the left 7 and right sides 8, with reference to the orientation shown in Figures 1 and 5, corresponding to the standard conditions of use of the mask 1 when worn by a user.
[0013] The mask 1 comprises means for connecting the main body 2 to the head of the user. For example, such connecting means comprise a first lace 9 and second laces 10, which are preferably elastic, connected for example to the main body 2 respectively in proximity or at the left smaller side 7 and the right smaller side 8.
[0014] The main body 2 comprises a breathing portion 11 configured to enable the air to flow between the inner face 3 and outer face 4, in order to enable a user to breath when he/she wears the mask 1. The breathing portion 11 can be configured in different ways, as it will be specifically described in the following. The portions of the main body 2, besides the breathing portion, are preferably shaped so as to prevent the air from flowing between the inner face 3 and outer face 4.
[0015] The main body 2 is made of a solid (i.e. nonporous, therefore air-impermeable, as opposed for example to the type of fabric used for the majority of the masks according to the prior art) and elastically deformable material. According to an embodiment, the main body 2 is made of EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) foam. Such material is impervious to fungi and bacteria, is hypoallergenic, non-toxic and washable. Particularly, the washability enables the main body 2 of the mask 1 to be re-used many times. EVA foam is a polyethylene-based plastic material, which is obtained by copolymerizing ethylene with vinyl acetate. Adding EVA to PE considerably lowers the weldability temperature of the material and at the same time ensures high elasticity and softness. Therefore, EVA foam is a material which is particularly pleasant due to its organoleptic characteristics during breathing while wearing the mask 1. Moreover, the completely closed cell structure makes the main body 2 completely waterproof, and also provides it with substantial heat insulation properties. Further, the main body 2 made of EVA foam, due to its elastic deformability is capable of adapting to the face features of a particular user, ensuring a tightness along the sides 5-8. Consequently, the main body 2 made of EVA foam is: impervious to fungi and bacteria, hypoallergenic, non-toxic, waterproof, washable, anti-mold, and also sanitizable for example by antimicrobial gels or products.
[0016] According to an embodiment, the main body 2 is shaped so as to cover the user mouth, leaving uncovered the nose. Therefore, advantageously, the mask comprises an upper covering flap 12, for example placed at the upper greater side 5 of the main body. The covering flap 12 is shaped so as to be capable of transitioning from an extended configuration (Figure 3), wherein the upper covering flap 12 can cover the nose zone of the user when the latter wears the mask 1, to a retracted position (Figure 2), wherein the upper covering flap 12 can be folded on the inner face 3 of the main body 2. According to an embodiment, the upper covering flap 12 is made in a single piece and of the same material as the main body 2. Preferably, the upper covering flap 12 features a thickness less than the thickness of the main body 2, so as to be more easily deformable.
[0017] Advantageously, the upper covering flap 12 and main body 2 are shaped so as to enable the air to flow between the breathing portion 11 and user nose when he/she wears the mask 1 according to the invention.
[0018] More advantageously, the mask 1 comprises a lower covering flap 13, placed for example at the lower greater side 6 of the main body 2. The lower covering flap 13 is shaped so that it can transition from an extended configuration (Figure 3), wherein the lower covering flap 13 can cover the zone of the chin of the user when this latter wears the mask 1, to a retracted position (Figure 2), wherein the lower covering flap 13 can be folded on the inner face 3 of the main body 2. According to an embodiment, the lower covering flap 13 is made in a single piece and of the same material as the main body 2. Preferably, the lower covering flap 13 features a thickness less than the thickness of the main body 2, so as to be more easily deformable than this latter.
[0019] The mask 1 comprises a filter 14 made of a non-woven fabric, preferably of polypropylene, placed at the breathing portion 11 on the inner face 3 or on the outer face 4 of the main body 2, and means 15 for removably connecting the filter to the main body 2.
[0020] According to an embodiment, the filter 14 comprises a plurality, for example three, overlapped layers of non-woven fabric.
[0021] Such filter 14 is: waterproof, resistant to low and high temperatures, soft to the touch, non-abrasive, impermeable, non-toxic, hypoallergenic, hydrophilic.
[0022] The means 15 for removably connecting the filter 14 to the main body 2 preferably comprise press-fit connecting means. For example, they can comprise one or more preferably two, snap fasteners 16, positioned for example symmetrically to, respectively at or in proximity of, the left 7 and right smaller sides 8 of the main body 2, comprising a male 17 and a female 18, and the filter can comprise holes 22, or alternatively grooves, enabling to couple the male 17 to the female 18. One of the male 17 and female 18, preferably the male 17, is fixedly coupled to the main body 2 of the mask 1, so that when the male 17 and female 18 are coupled, the filter 14 is held locked between them.
[0023] The filter 14 can be coupled to the main body 2 of the mask 1 by different ways, of which some illustrative non-limiting embodiments will be described in the following.
[0024] According to an embodiment (Figures 1-4), the filter 14 is placed on the outer face 4 of the main body 2. According to this variant, the breathing portion 11 of the main body preferably comprises a single opening 19 connecting the inner 3 and outer faces 4, and the filter 14, when is positioned on the main body 2, completely covers such single opening 19. Alternatively, according to a further possible variant not illustrated, instead of the single opening 19, it is possible to provide two or more openings, or a plurality of vent holes, which will be anyway completely covered by the filter 14.
[0025] Advantageously, the mask 1 comprises a covering element 20 removably connectable to the main body 2 of the mask and overlapped the filter 14, which in this way is interposed between the covering element 20 and main body 2. The covering element 20 comprises one or more vent holes 21 enabling the air to flow towards the filter 14 and the opening 19 and viceversa.
[0026] More advantageously, the means 15 for removable connecting the filter 14 to the main body 2 are associated to the covering element 20 and to the main body 2. For example, the males 17 of the snap fasteners 16 can be associated to the main body 2 and protrude towards the outside from the outer face 4, while the females 18 can be associated to the covering element 20 and face the outer face of the main body. The males 17 cross the filter 14 through its holes 22 thus engaging the females 18 so as to lock the filter 2. Clearly, according to a further possible variant not illustrated, the males 17 can be associated to the covering element 20 and the females 18 to the main body 2.
[0027] The filter 14 can comprise protruding lateral elements 23, which project from the covering element 20 when the mask is assembled, as it is visible in Figure 1, for example.
[0028] According to a further possible embodiment (Figures 5-6), the mask 1 is devoid of the beforehand cited covering element 20 and the filter 14 is placed on the inner face 3 of the main body 2 at the breathing portion 11, which in this case preferably comprises a plurality of vent holes 25.
[0029] Preferably, the mask 1 comprises fixing flaps 24 connected to the main body 2, preferably at the left 7 and right smaller sides 8. Still more preferably, the fixing flaps 24 are made in a single piece and of the same material as the main body 2.
[0030] The means 15 for removably connecting the filter 14 to the main body 2, according to this variant, are not only associated to the main body 2 but advantageously to the fixing flaps 24. For example, the males 17 of the snap fasteners 16 can be associated to the main body 2 and can protrude from the inner face 3, while the females 18 can be associated to the fixing flaps 24 and face the inner face 3 of the main body 2. The males 17 cross the filter 14 for example through its holes 22 thus engaging the females 18 so as to consequently lock the filter 2. Clearly, according to a further possible variant not illustrated, the males can be associated to the fixing flaps 24 and the females to the main body 2.
[0031] A person skilled in the art in order to meet specific contingent needs can introduce many additions, modifications, or element substitutions with other operatively equivalent ones, to the described embodiments of the mask for individual protection, without falling out of the scope of the attached claims.
1. Mask (1) for individually protecting a user, comprising:
- a main body (2) made of a solid elastically deformable material, having an inner face (3) and an outer face (4) opposite to the inner face (3), and comprising a portion (11) for breathing configured to enable air to flow between the inner face (3) and outer face (4);
- a removable filter (14) made of a non-woven fabric and placed at the breathing portion (11) on the inner face (3) or outer face (4) of the main body (2);
- means (15) for removably connecting the filter (14) to the main body (2).
2. Mask (1) according to claim 1, wherein said main body (2) is made of EVA (ethylene
vinyl acetate) foam.
3. Mask (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said filter (14) is made of polypropylene.
4. Mask (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said filter (14) comprises
a plurality of overlapped layers of non-woven fabric.
5. Mask (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said means (15) for removably
connecting the filter (14) to the main body (2) comprise press-fit means.
6. Mask (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said press-fit means comprise snap
fasteners (16), each comprising a male (17) and a female (18), one of them being associated
to the main body (2), and the filter (14) comprises holes (22) or grooves enabling
to couple the male (17) with the female (18) of each snap fastener (16) through the
holes (22) or the grooves themselves.
7. Mask (1) according to any of claims from 1 to 6, wherein the filter (14) is placed
on the outer face (4) of the main body (2) and the mask (1) comprises a covering element
(20) removably connectable to the main body (2) and overlapped the filter, wherein
the means (15) for removably connecting the filter (14) to the main body (2) are associated
to the covering element (20) and main body (2) and enable also to removably connect
the covering element (20) to the main body (2).
8. Mask (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the breathing portion (11) of the
main body (2) comprises a single opening (19) connecting the inner face (3) and outer
face (4), and the filter (14) completely covers such single opening (19).
9. Mask (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the covering element (20) comprises a
plurality of ventilating holes (21).
10. Mask (1) according to any of claims from 7 to 9, wherein said filter (14) comprises
protruding lateral elements (23) placed and shaped for protruding from the edge of
the covering element (20) when this latter is connected to the main body (2).
11. Mask (1) according to any of claims from 1 to 6, wherein the filter (14) is placed
on the inner face (3) of the main body (2) at the breathing portion (11).
12. Mask (1) according to claim 11, wherein the breathing portion (11) comprises a plurality
of ventilation holes (25).
13. Mask (1) according to claim 11 or 12, comprising fixing flaps (24) connected to the
main body (2), wherein the means (15) for removably connecting the filter (14) to
the main body (2) are associated to the fixing flaps (24) and main body (2) .
14. Mask (1) according to claim (13), wherein said fixing flaps (24) are made in a single
piece and in the same material of the main body (2).
15. Mask (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising an upper covering flap
(12) shaped so that it can transition from an extended arrangement, wherein the upper
covering flap (12) can cover the nose area of the user when he/she wears the mask
(1), to a retracted position, wherein the upper covering flap (12) is folded on the
inner face (3) of the main body (2).
16. Mask (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a lower covering flap
(13) shaped so that it can transition from an extended arrangement, wherein the lower
covering flap (13) can cover the chin area of the user when he/she wears the mask
(1), to a retracted position, wherein the lower covering flap (13) is folded on the
inner face (3) of the main body (2).
17. Mask (1) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the upper covering flap (12) and/or
lower covering flap (13) are made in a single piece and of the same material of the
main body (2).
18. Mask (1) according to any of claims from 15 to 17, wherein the upper covering flap
(12) and/or lower covering flap (13) have a thickness lower than the one of the main
body (2).