BIDIRECTIONAL REUSABLE FILTERING FACE MASK

Abstract

A bidirectional reusable filtering face mask is described that includes an anatomical base provided with means to promote adherence to the face and pass-through elements for closure by means of ties; a first filtering chamber used to prevent respiratory droplets from spreading and obtained by fixing a removable disposable filter on the outer side of the anatomical base; a second filtering chamber comprising a removable dome with a recess in its apical part adapted to accommodate a main removable disposable filter, where the filter is secured to the recess by means of a protective grid; and means for assembling the components of the second filtering chamber with the first filtering chamber.

Claims

1. A bidirectional reusable filtering face mask employable to prevent bacteriological and viral contaminations transmissible by means of respiratory droplets emissions, comprising: an anatomical base provided with means to promote adherence to a face and pass-through elements employable for closing said mask by means of ties; a first filtering chamber adapted to prevent respiratory droplets from spreading, the first filtering chamber comprising a removable disposable filter fixed on the outer side of the anatomical base; a second filtering chamber comprising a removable dome with a recess in its apical portion, the recess being adapted to accommodate a main removable disposable filter, the filter being secured to said recess by a protective grid; and means for assembling components of said second filtering chamber with said first filtering chamber.

2. The filtering mask according to claim 1, wherein the means for assembling the components comprise a set of pegs made on said anatomical base and a closure provided with seats corresponding to said pegs; said pegs being further employed for positioning and fastening said removable disposable filter along its outer pre-pierced perimeter; said closure being provided with a recess for containing said removable dome.

3. The filtering mask according to claim 2, wherein said pegs are made on said closure and said corresponding seats are arranged on said anatomical base.

4. The filtering mask according to, claim 1 wherein said removable dome has at least one hole for accommodating at least one check valve, said at least one check valve being provided with a removable filter valve.

5. The filtering mask according to claim 1, wherein said protective grid can be replaced by a main ventilated filter closure, said closure allowing the insertion of further interchangeable filters in cascade to the fan of forced ventilation of said main ventilated filter closure.

6. The filtering mask according to claim 5, wherein the ventilated main filter closure comprises a control board, the control board being equipped with sensors for detecting air quality and a radio transmitter for remote communication.

7. The filtering mask according to claim 1, wherein the protective grid is replaceable by a main ducted filter closure, the main ducted filter closure adapted as a pneumatic connection with remote ventilation and filtration systems.

8. The filtering mask according to claim 4, wherein the at least one check valve is replaced by a fitting, the fitting being adapted as a pneumatic connection with remote ventilation systems and remote filtration systems.

9. The filtering mask according to claim 8, wherein the at least one check valve is replaced by said fitting and said fitting further comprises a check valve.

10. The filtering mask according to claim 1, wherein the filters are equipped with extraction tabs with keys for correct insertion, and are further equipped with temperature- and humidity-sensitive usage markers adapted to signal to users the previous or accidental use of said filters.

11. A bidirectional reusable filtering face mask for preventing bacteriological and viral contaminations transmissible through respiratory droplets emissions, comprising: an anatomical base configured to adhere to a face, the anatomical base comprising a plurality of pass-through elements configured to close the mask using at least one tie; a first filtering chamber configured to prevent respiratory droplets from spreading, the first filtering chamber comprising a removable disposable filter fixed on an outer side of the anatomical base; a second filtering chamber comprising a removable dome having an apical portion, the removable dome comprising a recess in the apical portion, wherein the recess comprises a main removable disposable filter, the main removable disposable filter being secured to the recess by a protective grid; and at least one assembling component that secures the second filtering chamber to the first filtering chamber.

12. A method for preventing bacteriological and viral contaminations transmissible through respiratory droplets emissions, comprising: providing a bidirectional reusable filtering face mask, wherein the bidirectional reusable filtering face mask comprises: an anatomical base configured to adhere to a face, the anatomical base comprising a plurality of pass-through elements configured to close the mask using at least one tie; a first filtering chamber configured to prevent respiratory droplets from spreading, the first filtering chamber comprising a removable disposable filter fixed on an outer side of the anatomical base; a second filtering chamber comprising a removable dome having an apical portion, the removable dome comprising a recess in the apical portion, wherein the recess comprises a main removable disposable filter, the main removable disposable filter being secured to the recess by a protective grid; and at least one assembling component that secures the second filtering chamber to the first filtering chamber.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0045] The features and advantages of the double-chamber mask obtained according to the present disclosure will be more clearly shown by the following description of an embodiment thereof, given by way of an exemplary and non-limiting example in the 5 attached drawings, wherein:

[0046] FIG. 1 illustrates the exploded diagram of the Double-Chamber Protective Mask in an isometric view

[0047] FIG. 2 illustrates the assembled Double-Chamber Protective Mask in an isometric view

[0048] FIG. 3 illustrates the assembled Double-Chamber Protective Mask in a section view.

[0049] FIG. 4 illustrates the assembled Double-Chamber Protective Mask in the version without using the pre-chamber dome in an isometric view.

[0050] FIG. 5 illustrates the assembled Double-Chamber Protective Mask in the version with the exploded optional check valve in an isometric view.

[0051] FIG. 6 illustrates the assembled Double-Chamber Protective Mask in the version with the optional check valve and the optional Ventilated Main Filter Closure device in an isometric view.

[0052] FIG. 7 illustrates the assembled Double-Chamber Protective Mask in the version with the optional check valve and the exploded optional Ventilated Main Filter Closure device in an isometric view.

[0053] FIG. 8 illustrates the assembled Double-Chamber Protective Mask in the version with the optional Forced Check Valve and the optional Forced Main Filter Closure device in an isometric view.

[0054] FIG. 9 illustrates the assembled Double-Chamber Protective Mask in the version with the exploded optional Forced Check Valve and the exploded optional Forced Main Filter Closure device in an isometric view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] As respiratory masks prevent the wearer from contaminating the surrounding environment, they should be used correctly and effectively to limit the transmission of infectious agents. This is all the more true in the case of medical, paramedical or similar staff in contact with patients during surgical procedures and other medical and health care activities and, in particular, to avoid pandemic phenomena from spreading in particularly high-risk environments such as clinics/hospitals/ambulatories. For a correct use, it is necessary to follow suitable precautions to properly wear, remove and dispose of a respiratory mask; otherwise said device, which is used to reduce the risk of contagion, can become a source of infection due to germs, bacteria and viruses that might settle on it. Regarding its use, it is necessary to replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp and do not reuse disposable ones; and replace it without touching the front portion.

[0056] Operators using disposable masks are thus required to replace them regularly as soon as they become damp. Unfortunately, this happens quite frequently because they are typically worn in adherence to the oral and nasal cavities, thus being subject to being easily moistened. In particular, they are subject to a latent but constant and significant moistening action due to the common and natural emissions of a person while talking and breathing normally; not only from acute phenomena such as sneezing. This reasonably reduces the life of most respiratory masks to a time span of a few hours.

[0057] The above-mentioned problems of limited life and frequent replacement may seem apparently negligible, since they are devices that are natively disposable and, above all, low cost, but they are of great importance in the hospital environment, especially in extraordinary circumstances such as pandemic events that put the healthcare system structures and staff under great stress. In fact, in these circumstances two serious problems can arise: [0058] a lack of mask supply such that it would be desirable to make the best use of the few masks available in stock and, above all, to have them last longer (obviously without any loss of performance or increase in risk); [0059] a factor of very high psychophysical stress for health care operators who, being subjected to frequent mask changes, may reasonably and understandably forget to perform the replacement operation, exposing patients and themselves to greater risks of contagion and spread.

[0060] The above-mentioned problems, despite being prominent and crucial, are not the only ones afflicting this type of objects: important problems are reported about how these devices fit and in particular problems related to their proper positioning and stable adherence to the face. Although surgical masks are designed to prevent the wearer from contaminating the surrounding environment, it is obviously desirable that they also provide a reasonable, even if limited, barrier effect for the wearer in contaminated and hostile environments. Unfortunately, commercially available masks, being produced in a few formats and in standard sizes and being easily deformable, do not often perfectly adhere to the face and above all are poorly adaptable to the features and dimensions of the face and particularly of the nose, mouth and to the proportions between them. As a result, they can often allow viruses or harmful agents to pass through conspicuous and macroscopic side apertures that tend to form during use.

[0061] Finally, a further problem with commercially available respiratory masks, especially when using disposable devices, is the recyclability of the product itself. As described above, the aforesaid masks are made of at least 3 different materials, which are not separated for sanitary reasons.

[0062] With reference to the above mentioned figures, they are represented in the order:

[0063] the wearable mask (100) which is intended to be realized according to the disclosure, that is, a bidirectional double-chamber filtering mask comprising a respiratory filtering chamber (101) and a separation pre-chamber to prevent droplets (102) from spreading; said mask (100) illustrated in its exploded (FIG. 1) and assembled form (FIG. 2), except for the components for fixing it to the face which can be inserted into appropriate pass-through elements (103);

[0064] As it can be seen from the two figures, the double-chamber mask comprises the following elements:

[0065] An anatomical base (104) made of flexible plastic or silicone material that is intended to adhere to the face by means of tabs (105) shaped in an anatomical manner throughout the profile, to create a reference point for the assembly by means of a nasal half-dome (106) and also has a perimeter groove offset to the inner hole that together with the bead present on a closure component (107) is used to tighten together all the components ensuring a better sealing of an anti-splash or droplet (108) filter. This anatomical base (104) also consists of a core, referred to as ring nut (109), which can be incorporated while being produced or can be made extractable with respect to said anatomical base (104) and is made of a more rigid plastic material than the above-mentioned face adhering components (105), (106). Said ring nut (109) incorporates in its design some pass-through elements (103) adapted to secure the mask to the face by means of ties or elastic bands to be passed behind the ears or tied behind the nape of the neck and includes fixing pegs (110) necessary for fixing the anti-splash or droplet filter (108); some of said pegs (110) being also usable for positioning and univocally centring the filter itself (108). There are also fixing eyelets and main quick-coupling clips present on the closure component (107) as well as beads for secondary quick -coupling clips necessary to connect the same element (107) to the anatomical base (104). In the event that the ring nut (109) is incorporated into the anatomical base (104), the two materials will be made integral with each other by the use of steps, overlaps and/or scaled holes creating single-piece rivets during over-injection;

[0066] A droplet filter (108) made of a multilayer non-woven fabric or other material having the same function, which is replaceable and interchangeable, suitably pierced to be positioned and fixed by means of the pegs (110) present on the anatomical base component (104) in a unique manner; said filter acts as the innermost wall of the pre-chamber (101) as well as the outermost wall of the second chamber (102) that is formed with the face once the mask (100) is worn. Such filter (108) has one or more tabs (111) to facilitate the removal of the same in a safe manner once contaminated or made unusable and temperature- and humidity-sensitive markers of use; said markers being employable to signal to users that said filters (108), (114) were previously used and signalling a possible contamination.

[0067] A pre-chamber dome (112) made of flexible plastic material or alternatively made of a silicone material comprising at least a tab necessary for the connection and positioning within the closure component (107), a central hole (113) necessary for positioning at least a main filter (114) with a unique key for fixing within the recess (113) and the subsequent insertion of a protective grid or main filter closure (115). Such pre-chamber dome (112) has the function of creating together with its own main filter (114) and the droplet filter (108) the so-called pre-chamber (101);

[0068] A main filter (114) made of a multilayer non-woven fabric or other material having the same function, interchangeable, which is positioned in a correct way through a unique key inside the hole (113) of the pre-chamber dome (112) and further locked through the main filter closure (115) such filter (114) has one or more tabs to facilitate the removal of the same in a safe way once contaminated or unusable; The main filter (114) can be safely removed from the pre-chamber dome (112), said dome (112) being made of flexible material, making it easy to remove the relative main filter closure (115);

[0069] A main filter closure (115) made of plastic material provided with a bead for quick coupling necessary to be connected with the pre-chamber dome component (112) used for holding in place and sealing the main filter (114), such main filter closure (115) may include fixing pegs necessary for pre-positioning the main filter (114);

[0070] A closure (107) made of plastic material in which they are visible the overlaps for hooking onto the anatomical base (104) necessary for a further degree of sealing against dirt and the realization of the secondary quick-coupling elements that interact with the beads arranged on the anatomical base component (104), and one of the two main quick-coupling clips with relative bead serving as main connection for engaging said part (107) to the anatomical base component (104) by means of eyelets present thereon, said closure (107) can include fixing pegs (110) necessary for pre-positioning the anti-splash or droplet filter (108) and, possibly, the seats corresponding to said pegs (116) will be obtained in the base (104).

[0071] With reference to the aforementioned figures and particularly to FIG. 3, it is illustrated the wearable mask intended to be realized according to the disclosure i.e. a double-chamber (101),(102) mask (100) in its assembled form and of typical use except for the sectioned face fixing components; As it can be seen from the figure, the mask (100) with double-chamber (101),(102) comprises the following elements: [0072] An ‘Anatomical Base’ (104) made of flexible plastic or silicone material where some details of the shaped tabs (105), the nasal half-dome (106), the perimeter groove offset to its inner hole and the core defined as ring nut (109) with relative pegs (110) previously described are visible; [0073] A droplet filter (108) made of a multilayer non-woven fabric or other material having the same function; [0074] A pre-chamber dome (112) made of flexible plastic or silicone material wherein some previously described details of the tab and of the fixing recess with the closure component (107), the hole (113) for positioning the main filter (114) and the relative groove for inserting by means of quick coupling the main filter closure (115) are visible, the so-called pre-chamber (101) formed by the pre-chamber dome (112) and by the relative main filter (114) on one side and the droplet filter (108) on the opposite side is also visible. [0075] An extractable and removable main filter (114) made of a multilayer non-woven fabric or other material having the same function. [0076] A main filter closure (115) made of plastic material where some details of the bead for the quick coupling are visible. [0077] A closure (107) made of plastic material wherein some previously described details of the tab and of the recess for fixing with the pre-chamber dome component (112), the seats (116) corresponding to the pegs (110) located on the base component (104), the bead offset to the inner hole necessary for sealing the droplet filter (108) and the overlaps on the anatomical base part (104) are visible. With reference to the aforementioned figures and particularly to FIG. 4, it is shown an implementation alternative to the embodiment illustrated so far and applicable to the wearable mask (100) intended to be realized according to the disclosure in its semi-assembled form and typically used in little severe conditions, that is, only with the filtration chamber (102).

[0078] With reference to the aforementioned figures and particularly to FIG. 5, it is shown an implementation alternative to the embodiment illustrated so far and applicable to the wearable mask intended to be realized according to the disclosure a mask (100) with a double-chamber (101),(102) in its assembled form and which can be typically used in more severe environments by inserting one or more check valves (117) with interchangeable filters (119) represented in an exploded view.

[0079] As it can be seen from the figure, such an alternative comprises the following elements:

[0080] A pre-chamber dome (112) made of flexible plastic or silicone material which, unlike the one previously described, has one or more holes (120) for housing one or more check valves (117) or alternatively components with the same functions described later;

[0081] A check valve (117) consisting of a flange (121) made of plastic material and associated bolt (122), a plug (123) made of silicone or other flexible material, a closing flange (124), an additional filter valve (119) made of non-woven fabric or alike, and a filter valve closure (125). Such example is to be considered purely indicative, since the same check valve can be replaced by other commercially available types.

[0082] With reference to the aforementioned figures and particularly to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, it is shown an implementation alternative to the embodiment illustrated so far and applicable to the wearable mask intended to be realized according to the disclosure a mask (100) with a double-chamber (101),(102) in its typical form of use usable in more severe environments by inserting one or more check valves (117) and (118) and a ventilated main filter closure (126), said element being provided with further interchangeable filters (127) and illustrated in the order:

[0083] In FIG. 6 an assembled view of the same mask (100);

[0084] In FIG. 7 an assembled view of the same mask (100) with the ventilated main filter closure (126) in an exploded view.

[0085] As it can be seen from the figures, such an alternative comprises, in addition to the main components, the following elements:

[0086] A pre-chamber dome (112) with a hole (120);

[0087] At least one previously described check valve (117) and another inlet valve (118) positioned directly on the pre-chamber dome (112);

[0088] A ventilated main filter closure (126) to be installed as an alternative to the main filter closure (115), which, in addition to providing the advantages discussed in the previous paragraphs, performs the same functions as the replaced part; Said main ventilated filter closure (126) is composed of a main container (128) made of plastic material which contains a fan (129) with relative rechargeable battery (130), a capacitive switch (131), a control board (132) equipped with a processor and a radio transmitter used for managing sensors, which are also optional, designed to monitor the quality of filters and air, to prevent the degradation of the installed ones and to control/indicate the need for replacement locally or possibly by sending and collecting data on the Cloud for analysis using artificial intelligence techniques. A main container closure (133) made of plastic material, a ventilated closure filter (127) made of non-woven fabric or equivalent materials, and a ventilated closure filter holder (134).

[0089] With reference to the aforementioned figures and particularly to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, it is shown an implementation alternative to the embodiment illustrated so far and applicable to the wearable mask intended to be realized according to the disclosure a mask (100) with a double-chamber (101),(102) in its typical form of use, usable in more severe environments, that is, with external ventilation or remote filters, which provides inserting a fitting (135) possibly provided with a check valve and which can be used for the connection to external ventilation tubes or remote filters and a ducted main filter closure (136) also provided with removable and interchangeable filters (114) and usable for the connection to forced ventilation tubes or remote filters. They are therefore represented in the order:

[0090] In FIG. 8 an assembled view of the same mask (100);

[0091] In FIG. 9 an assembled view of the same mask (100) with said fitting (135) and said ducted main filter closure (136) in an exploded view.

[0092] As it can be seen from the figures, such an alternative comprises, in addition to the main components, the following elements:

[0093] A pre-chamber dome (112) with a hole (120) previously described;

[0094] A fitting (135) made of plastic possibly provided with a check valve as previously described. Said fitting (135) allowing the air to be channelled out. This example is to be considered purely indicative, since said fitting and said possible check valve can be replaced with commercially available components;

[0095] A ducted main filter closure (136) to be installed as an alternative to the main filter closure (115), which performs the same functions as the replaced part as well as providing the advantages discussed in the previous paragraphs by allowing connection of the mask (100) to external oxygen ducts, cylinders, or similar equipment including remote filters.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION ALTERNATIVES

[0096] At the end of this disclosure, it is worth repeating that the Double-Chamber Protective Mask of the present disclosure is particularly simple and easy to manufacture in the automatic or semi-automatic industrial production.

[0097] In terms of materials, the Double-Chamber Protective Mask may be made, for example (therefore by way of a non-limiting example), with EVA and HDPE mixtures, but also with different materials without departing from the object of the disclosure. It should be noted that in the previous descriptions, for ease of synthesis and brevity, all those components and common operations, known to a person skilled in the art, related to aesthetic and functional refining typical of this kind of device have been neglected, including by way of example: [0098] the shape and size of the hooking clips; [0099] the shape and size of the nasal centering half-dome; [0100] the shape and size of the anatomical flexible profiles of the base part; [0101] the type of elastic bands used to secure the device to the face; [0102] the size and shape of the pre-chamber; [0103] the size and shape of the hole containing the filter and the main filter holder; [0104] the application of decorations; [0105] the incorporation of eye protection bodies in the design; [0106] scale factors in order to make the double-chamber mask applicable to contexts differing from the main sanitary one described so far, such as the manufacturing one.

[0107] Finally, as already mentioned several times, but it is worth repeating once again, the disclosure just described can be adapted to several variants which can offer further advantages with respect to those previously mentioned. Such further variants may reasonably be made by the person skilled in the art without thereby departing from the disclosure as it appears from the present description and appended claims. Furthermore, the disclosure may be realized partially, as well as all the various details described may be replaced by technically equivalent elements or solutions.