Surgical face mask gripper to improve particulate filtering efficiency

Abstract

A surgical mask gripper covering nose apex, ala and mouth of a person is disclosed. Gripper is designed to enhance the flow of air through the mask filter and restrict the flow of air leaking through the periphery of the surgical face mask. Gripper covering the contours of nose apex and ala creates a tight seal between face skin and surgical mask. Low profile of gripper around nose allows a person to wear safety or eye glasses without any interference. Tight seal forces inhaled and exhaled air through the surgical mask filter thereby improving the particulate filtering efficiency and eliminate the fogging of safety glasses.

Claims

1. A gripper to be worn over a surgical face mask by a person comprising: a dome shaped shell structure configured to cover the contours of nose apex, nose ala cheek and oral cavity of a wearer; a plurality of edges to stretch the mask in section covering the nose profile; a plurality of vent and strap gluing, fastening or knotting holes; a plurality of glued, fasten or knotted straps; a section of strap snuggling the nose columella.

2. A gripper as recited in claim 1 to be worn over a surgical face mask by a person to improve air filtering efficiency.

3. A gripper as recited in claim 1 to be worn over a surgical face mask by a person to minimize the fogging of safety and eye glasses.

4. A method of fabrication of gripper, comprising the steps of: molding a domed shaped shell structure; cutting out a “V” shaped section so that dome gets configured to cover the nose apex, nose ala cheek and oral cavity of a wearer; machining edges in “V” shaped section for stretching the mask; slotting the dome shell to create vents and fastener holes; attaching the elastic strap to the dome.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a front view of the gripper.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a back view of the gripper.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a side view of the gripper.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of present invention when worn by a person.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Following is the detailed description of the preferred embodiment. Referring generally to FIG. 1. 10 is the dome shaped shell structure. A “V” shaped section of dome is cut out. 14 is shaped to cover contour of nose apex and ala. Edges are formed in “V” section of dome. 11 depict the plurality of edges to grab and stretch the surgical mask. The dome shaped structure can be build from any rigid or semi-rigid material. 13 illustrate a vent hole for air exchange. Dome shaped structure 10 may have plurality of vent holes 13. 15 depicts the plurality of slots for tying the ends of gripper straps 12.

[0012] As illustrated in FIG. 2, gripper strap 12 is fully or partly made of elastic material. Terminals 21 of gripper strap 12 are glued, fasten or knotted to the dome structure 10.

[0013] When a person wears a gripper over a surgical mask 18 as illustrated in FIG. 4, section 20 of strap in FIG. 2 snuggles with nose columella. Tension in the strap cause a dome to press against the mask. Edges 11 and section 20 self-adjust to provide a firm seal. Low profile of gripper around nose facilitate wearing of safety and eye glasses 19 without any interference.

[0014] It will be understood that the foregoing description is of a preferred exemplary embodiment of this invention. This invention is not limited to the specific forms shown. For example, a variety of geometrical shapes such as conical or cylindrical can be used to fabricate 10. One large vent hole can be used instead of multiple smaller holes. Additionally, strap 12 can be designed to go around ears or head and neck or just one strap with loops at the ends.