Abstract
A face mask is connected via a tube to a housing containing an ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diode (LED) in a channel. A power source is connected to the UV LED. The channel is helical in shape and has undulations, so as to maximize the amount time the air is subjected to the UV radiation. The housing rear face has a fins to allow the heat from the LEDs to dissipate through the fins during use. This arrangement protects the user and others from excessive UV exposure and heat during use.
Claims
1. A sanitizing face mask comprising: a mask portion having a front surface and a rear surface and being configured to cover a mouth and nose of a wearer, the mask portion having an opening; a respiration tube having a first end, a second end and an inner space, wherein the first end is connected to the opening and the second end forms an outlet opening; a housing connected to the outlet opening of the respiration tube, the housing having an interior channel; at least one ultraviolet (UV) light-source mounted in the housing so as to project UV light into the interior channel; and a power source connected to the at least one UV light source.
2. The face mask according to claim 1, wherein the power source is at least one battery.
3. The face mask according to claim 1, wherein the UV light source is a UV light-emitting diode (LED).
4. The face mask according to claim 1, wherein there are between four and fifteen LEDs arranged in the housing.
5. The face mask according to claim 1, wherein the LEDs are arranged on a strip.
6. The face mask according to claim 1, wherein the housing has an opening in communication with the interior channel.
7. The face mask according to claim 1, wherein the channel is helical in shape, and connects to the respiration tube at radially outer end of the channel.
8. The face mask according to claim 7, wherein the channel has side walls with a plurality of undulations along the length of the channel, so that a width of the channel varies throughout the length.
9. The face mask according to claim 8, wherein the undulations are configured to form rounded bulges in the channel, said rounded bulges causes air flowing through the channel to form eddies.
10. The face mask according to claim 1, wherein the LEDs are arranged on a back wall of the housing and face the channel.
11. The face mask according to claim 1, wherein the back wall has an exterior surface with a plurality of fins extending therefrom, to allow heat from the LEDs to dissipate during use.
12. The face mask according to claim 1, further comprising a strap connected to the housing.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention.
[0024] In the drawings, wherein similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views:
[0025] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of the front of the sanitizing device according to the invention;
[0026] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of a rear of the sanitizing device according to the invention;
[0027] FIG. 3 show one embodiment of the sanitizing device in use on a disposable face mask;
[0028] FIG. 4 shows the embodiment of FIG. 3 being worn by a person;
[0029] FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the sanitizing device mounted in another face mask and worn by a person;
[0030] FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of the components of the sanitizing device according to the invention;
[0031] FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention in the form of a mask having a sanitizing device built in, and as worn by a user;
[0032] FIG. 8 shows an exterior view of the mask of FIG. 7;
[0033] FIG. 9 shows an interior view of the mask of FIG. 7;
[0034] FIG. 10 shows the view of FIG. 9 with the face shield removed;
[0035] FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the mask, showing the interior of the LED tube;
[0036] FIG. 12 shows an alternative embodiment of the mask in cross-section;
[0037] FIG. 13 shows another alternative embodiment of the mask;
[0038] FIG. 14 shows an enlarged view of the mask element of FIG. 13;
[0039] FIG. 15 shows the interior of the housing containing the LEDs in the embodiment of FIG. 13;
[0040] FIG. 16 shows an alternative embodiment of the housing in a front view;
[0041] FIG. 17 shows the embodiment of FIG. 16 in a rear view;
[0042] FIG. 18 shows the embodiment of FIG. 16 in an exploded view;
[0043] FIG. 19 shows an opposite exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 18; and
[0044] FIG. 20 show a plan view of the channel plate.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0045] Referring now in detail to the drawings. FIGS. 1 and 2 show an exploded view of the components of the sanitizing device according to the invention. Sanitizing device 1 is formed from a housing 10 having a central aperture 11, overhanging flanges 12, 13 and an attachment layer 14 that is configured to be adhered to the rear flange 13 and attach the housing 11 to a device such as a face mask 20, as shown in FIG. 13. Housing 11 can be made of any suitable lightweight material, such as plastic or aluminum. Inside housing 11 is a UV LED assembly 15, comprised of individual UV LED's 16, connected by a wire 17′ (shown in FIG. 6). UV assembly 15 is recessed behind flanges 12,13 so that the light emitted therefrom is not directed to the user or to other people facing the user. The number of UV LEDs in the assembly can vary based on the user's preferences, the size of housing and the amount of power that is able to be supplied to the device. A cover layer 28, which can be made of any suitable air-permeable material, is placed over central aperture 11. Also connected to UV LED assembly 15 via wire 17 is a power source 18, which can be in the form of a battery. Power source 18 can also have an attachment layer 19, for attachment to face mask 20. Attachment layers 14, 19, can be formed of adhesive, or preferably a hook-and-loop type closure such as what is known as VELCRO®, which has one part affixed to the housing 10 and the other part affixed to the mask 20, so that the two parts can interlock to attach the housing 10 to the mask 20.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 3, housing 10 and power source 18 are attached to the front surface of mask 20, but could also be attached to the rear surface of mask 20. Housing 10 is preferably positioned in the center of mask 20, in front of where a user's 30 mouth would be located, such as shown in FIG. 4. Mask 20 is preferably a disposable surgical mask. Housing 10 and power source 18 can be re-used with different masks, by simply removing attachment layer 14, 19 from the mask when the mask is ready to be discarded, and then applying attachment layers 14, 19 to a new mask. If attachment layers 14, 19 are hook-and-loop type closures, a set of extra closure parts that can be affixed to the mask can be provided, so that a new closure part is applied each time to the new mask.
[0047] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, power source 18 is a small flat battery that can be easily applied to face mask 20. However, for other applications, a larger battery can be used, that is not applied to face mask 20 and is instead clipped to the user's belt or other article of clothing. The battery can be disposable or rechargeable.
[0048] As shown in the diagram in FIG. 6, switch 21 can be connected to power source 18, to allow the user to turn power on and off to LED assembly 15. In addition, an indicator light 22 can be connected to LED assembly 15, and can be illuminated when power is supplied to LED assembly 15. This is necessary because LED assembly 15 is recessed behind flanges 12, 13 so that light from the LEDs is not easily seen by observers. However, the light from the LED's is projected into central aperture 11 so that any inhalations and exhalation of the user 30 pass through central aperture 11 and are irradiated by UV assembly 15 when the power is on. This helps to decrease the amount of viruses and bacteria that can be transmitted to and from the user via breathing. As shown in the diagram in FIG. 6, a fan can be optionally connected to power source 18, to help move air through central aperture 11.
[0049] An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 5. Here, housing 10 is mounted in the valve port of a N95 respirator mask 100 make a permanent breathing apparatus. Instead of a removable battery, power source 35 is printed directly on mask 100. Power source 35 can be made of graphene or any other suitable material for supplying power to LED assembly 15. Alternatively, power source 35 could be an auxiliary battery that is clipped to the user's clothing or belt and connected by a wire. This way, a larger battery could be accommodated in the device according to the invention and would allow for the use of a greater number or LED's or a longer battery life.
[0050] FIGS. 7-11 show alternative embodiments of the invention. Here, face mask 200 is positioned on the face of a user 400 via straps 201. However, other attachment devices could also be used. A cord 220 extends to a controller 221 connected to a battery 223 via a wire 222. However, other power sources and controllers could also be used, including ones that are entirely built into the mask 200. Battery 223 can be used if long duration of mask use is required, as it can have a larger capacity than a battery built into the mask. Alternatively, a mask with both a built-in and auxiliary battery can be used. As shown in FIG. 8, face mask 200 has an outer shell 202 connected to straps 202. An inlet opening 203 is disposed in outer shell 202 to let in air. Inlet opening 203 faces upward. Outer shell 202 is shaped to fit around the nose and mouth of user 400 in a comfortable manner yet fit snugly against the user's face at the edges of mask 200 to prevent air from entering the interior from the edges. Outer shell 202 can be formed of any suitable rigid or semi-rigid material, such as polyethylene. A power button 204 is disposed on mask 200 and connected to controller 221 and battery 223 to turn the LEDs (discussed below) inside on and off.
[0051] FIG. 9 shows the rear view of mask 200, which can be equipped with a face shield 206 that faces the user's face. Face shield 206 adds further protection against heat and radiation from the LEDs inside. Face shield 206 can be formed of an opaque rigid or pliable material, such as plastic, or woven or nonwoven fabric. An opening 207 provides air flow to the user when the mask is worn. A sealing material such as silicone or rubber can be applied along the edge 209 of mask 200 to enhance the fit and prevent air leakage. Connection points 208 allow for the connection of straps 201 to mask 200 for securing mask 200 to the user's face.
[0052] FIG. 10 shows the face mask 200 in the rear view with the face shield 206 removed. A respiration tube 300 is disposed between face shield 206 and outer shell 202. Respiration tube 300 has a serpentine shape with multiple curves, and has an inlet opening 301 that connects to inlet opening 203 on outer shell 202 to allow air flow from outside mask 200 to enter respiration tube 300. Outlet opening 302 is positioned so as to be near the user's mouth and nose, so that air flows from the inlet opening through the respiration tube and out the outlet opening to be breathed in by the user. Exhalations of the user travel into the outlet opening, through the respiration tube and out the inlet opening. Inlet opening 301 and outlet opening 302 are arranged perpendicular to each other, with inlet opening facing upward and outlet opening facing horizontally toward the user's mouth. Respiration tube can be removable from mask 200 or can be integrally molded with outer shell 302. During inhalation and exhalation, the air traveling through the interior 303 of respiration tube 300 is exposed to UV radiation from a series of UV light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 304 arranged inside respiration tube 300, as shown in the cross-sectional views in FIGS. 11 and 12.
[0053] LEDs 304 are arranged in different longitudinal areas along respiration tube 300, and on opposite sides of the tube 300, to maximize exposure along the length and width of the tube. Reflectors in the form of mirrors 306 or other types of reflective material are placed at the bends in the respiration tube 300 to further reflect the light from LEDs along the length of the tube. Heat sinks 305 can be placed adjacent each one of LEDs 304 in order to absorb some of the heat generated by LEDs 304 during use. As shown in FIG. 11, respiration tube 300 can have six LEDs 304 arranged along the tube. FIG. 12 shows an embodiment having four LEDs. Although not shown, the LEDs are all connected via wires to wire 200 (shown in FIG. 7) to connect them to battery 223. The wires can be embedded in respiration tube 300 or can be external to respiration tube 300. The user can turn the LEDs on and off either though button 204 or through controller 221. LEDs 304 can also be connected to a temperature-sensitive switch or fuse 308 that disconnects the LED or LEDs in the mask from the power source, either directly or via the controller, in the event that one or more of the LED's exceeds a predetermined temperature.
[0054] Alternative embodiments of the invention are shown in FIGS. 13-20. Here, instead of having the LEDs mounted in the mask, the LEDs are mounted in a housing and connected by a tube to the mask. For example, FIGS. 13-15 show a first embodiment of this type, in which mask 400 surrounds the user's face and is connected to a tube 410 which leads to a housing 420. A port 411 on mask 400 inserts into tube 410 to connect mask 400 to tube 410.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 15, inside the housing 420 is a channel 421 equipped with LEDs 422 arranged on a strip 425 that extend throughout its interior. A connection port 423 is located at the end of the channel 421 and connects to tube 410. Opposite connection port 423 is an exit opening 428 that allows ambient air to enter the housing to be inhaled by the user, and allows air exhaled by the user to be released into the environment. The air that is inhaled and exhaled passes through the tube 410 and through channel 421 where it is exposed to LEDs 422 to destroy any microorganisms in the air. The tube 410 could also be divided into two tubes, separated by a valve, for inhalation and exhalation. However, a single tube for both inhalation and exhalation is sufficient in this regard. A battery pack 424 in housing 420 is connected to LEDs 422 by a wire (not shown) to supply power to the LEDs 422. Housing 420 is configured to be lightweight and portable, so that the user can carry it with them throughout their day. A carrying strap 426 can be affixed to the housing. Other attachment and carrying means could also be used. As an alternative or in addition to the LEDs 422, a heating element 427 such as a heat coil can be placed in the channel to heat the air to a temperature that will destroy any microorganisms in the air. The temperature generated is between 60-80° C., which is sufficient to kill the microorganisms, yet low enough to avoid damage to the housing.
[0056] Another embodiment of the housing of the invention is disclosed in FIGS. 16-20. Here, housing 500 is made up of a front panel 510 having an exit port 520, and a connection port 521 for connection to tube 410. A rear panel 530 is surrounded by a frame 535. Rear panel 530 has radiator baffles 532 positioned between spacers 531.
[0057] Frame 535 holds rear panel 530 in a removable manner.
[0058] In between front panel 510 and rear panel 530 is a channel plate 550, having a side wall 551 with an opening 552 that opens into connection port 521, and support struts 553 extending between the top and bottom walls 554, 555. A channel wall 580 is positioned on top of struts 553 and forms a helical channel 587 extending from opening 552 to the center of channel plate 550. As can be seen in FIGS. 18 and 20, channel wall 580 has a series of undulations 581, 582, 583, 584, 585 and others. The position of the undulations causes air flowing through the channel to form eddies in the pockets created by the undulations, as can be seen by the helical arrows in FIG. 20. This causes the air to remain in the channel for longer periods of time.
[0059] In the assembled position, the center of the channel 587 connects with exit port 520, and the end of channel 587 connects with connection port 521, so that air that is breathed in and out the tube 410 flows through channel 587 and is expelled or inhaled through exit port 520. As the air passes through the channel, it is irradiated by LEDs 590, which are attached to the interior of rear panel 530 so as to be located along the course of the channel 587. LEDs 590 can be powered by any suitable means such as batteries (not shown). The effect of the undulations causes the air to remain the channel for longer periods of time, which increases the exposure of the air to the LEDs, thus more effectively killing any pathogens in the inhaled and exhaled air.
[0060] The device of the present invention is a simple and effective way to sanitize the air traveling through a face mask. It is lightweight, portable and inexpensive to manufacture as well as comfortable to wear.
[0061] Accordingly, while only a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is obvious that many changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
