RETAINING RING FOR RESPIRATORY FACE MASKS

Abstract

A planar continuous elongated ring configured to engage a filtration textile to a nose-mouth perimeter of a user, said continuous elongated ring including an upper curvilinear portion adapted to engage said filtration textile disposed about a nasal periphery of the user; said upper curvilinear portion including a pair of attachment features adapted to fastenly receive an upper support strap configured to engage the user's head, and a lower curvilinear portion adapted to engage said filtration textile disposed about a mouth periphery of the user, the lower curvilinear portion including a pair of attachment features adapted to fastenly receive a lower support strap configured to engage the user's head. Another embodiment of the present invention includes a kit comprising at least one planar continuous elongated ring and other related items.

Claims

1. A planar continuous elongated ring configured to be stored in a flat format, said continuous elongated ring is fabricated from a flexible material and adapted to engage a filtration textile to a nose-mouth perimeter of a user, said continuous elongated ring surrounding an empty inner portion devoid of material, said continuous ring comprising a flat user's side surface configured to be drawn against the user and an opposing flat outside face surface, directed away from the user, said continuous elongated ring comprising: (a) an upper curvilinear portion adapted to engage said filtration textile disposed about a nasal periphery of the user, said upper curvilinear portion comprising a first upper attachment feature and a second upper attachment feature, wherein each of said first upper attachment feature and said second upper attachment feature comprises at least one aperture and is adapted to fastenly receive at least one support strap; and (b) a lower curvilinear portion adapted to engage said filtration textile disposed about a mouth periphery of the user, said lower curvilinear portion comprising a first lower attachment feature and a second lower attachment feature, wherein each of said first attachment feature and said second attachment feature comprises at least one aperture and is adapted to fastenly receive at least one support strap.

2. The planar continuous elongated ring of claim 1, further comprising a user's side, wherein said user's side includes a spongy material attached onto a least a portion of said user's side to provide enhanced engagement between said filtration textile and said nose-mouth perimeter of the user.

3. The planar continuous elongated ring of claim 1, wherein said continuous elongated ring is configured to engage said filtration textile about said nose-mouth perimeter of the user so to create a substantially sealed inner volume disposed between said filtration textile and the user.

4. The planar continuous elongated ring of claim 1, wherein said first upper attachment feature and said second upper attachment feature each comprises at least three elongated slots disposed thereon, said at least three elongated slots configured to adjustably receive said upper support strap.

5. The planar continuous elongated ring of claim 1, further comprising said filtration textile, wherein said filtration textile is constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of a loose fitting face mask, a sheet of pathogenic protective filtration material, a sheet of particulate protective filtration material, a sheet of permeable fabric and any combinations thereof.

6. The planar continuous elongated ring of claim 1, wherein said first lower attachment feature and said second lower attachment feature each comprises at least three elongated slots disposed thereon, said at least three elongated slots configured to adjustably receive at least one support strap.

7. A face mask kit, said face mask kit comprising at least one planar continuous elongated ring configured to be stored in a flat format, said continuous elongated ring is fabricated from a flexible material and adapted to engage a filtration textile to a nose-mouth perimeter of a user, said continuous elongated ring surrounding an empty inner portion devoid of material, said planar continuous elongated ring configured to engage a filtration textile to a nose-mouth perimeter of a user, said continuous ring comprising a flat user's side surface configured to be drawn against the user and an opposing flat outside face surface, directed away from the user, said continuous elongated ring comprising: (i) an upper curvilinear portion adapted to engage said filtration textile disposed about a nasal periphery of the user, said upper curvilinear portion comprising a pair of attachment features comprise at least one aperture and are adapted to fastenly receive an upper support strap configured to engage the user's head; and (ii) a lower curvilinear portion adapted to engage said filtration textile disposed about a mouth periphery of the user, said lower curvilinear portion comprising a pair of attachment features, wherein the pair of attachment features comprise at least one aperture and are adapted to fastenly receive a lower support strap configured to engage the user's head; and (iii) at least one filtration textile, wherein said at least one filtration textile is constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of a sheet of pathogenic protective filtration material, a sheet of particulate protective filtration material, a sheet of permeable fabric and any combinations thereof; and (iv) at least one support strap for securing said at least one planar continuous elongated ring to the head of the user.

8. canceled

9. The face mask kit of claim 7, further comprising at least one set of instructions for providing the user information directed to said face mask kit and use thereof.

10. The face mask kit of claim 7, further comprising a kit package for the organizational containment of components comprising said face mask kit.

11. The face mask kit of claim 10, wherein the geometry of said kit package is substantially flat, so to enable trouble-free dispensing from a vending machine type system.

12. The face mask kit of claim 10, wherein at least a portion of said kit package is transparent so to enable an observer to view the contents of said face mask kit.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The ensuing detailed description section makes reference to the annexed drawings. An enhanced understanding of the present invention will become evident when consideration is given to the detailed description thereof and objects other than the aforementioned become apparent. The invention will be described by reference to the specification and the annexed drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements and wherein:

[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded component view of an exemplary continuous elongated ring (CER) system, depicting the positional relationships among the user, a filtration textile and a CER.

[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a user, showing pertinent facial features. Delineated is a nose-mouth perimeter produced by the individual geometries of the user's nose and mouth and positional relationship thereof.

[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of an exemplary CER shown in FIG. 1. The CER device includes four attachment features, wherein each attachment features is comprised of three apertures (tri-aperture attachment).

[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of an alternate embodiment of a CER including four attachment features, wherein each aperture is comprised of a single circular aperture.

[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates a support strap and perspective view of a tri-aperture attachment feature, delineating a method of fastening a support strap.

[0032] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a support strap fastened onto a tri-aperture attachment feature using the method delineated in FIGS. 5 and 7.

[0033] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a tri-aperture attachment feature further delineating the aforementioned method of fastening a support strap. Depicted is the substantially flat or planar geometry of the CER device.

[0034] FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of an exemplary CER engaging the front face of surgical face mask.

[0035] FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of a sheet type of filtration textile, in the form of a handkerchief, affixed to a user. A CER engages the outside surface of the handkerchief, engaging the perimeter about the user's nose-mouth area. The CER includes upper and lower support straps fastened onto the four corresponding CER tri-aperture attachment features.

[0036] FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of a sheet type of filtration textile affixed to a user by a CER shown in FIG. 9.

[0037] FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of a surgical face mask affixed to a user by a CER. The CER is supported by right and left ear loops, configured to engage the user's ears.

[0038] FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of a surgical face mask affixed to a user by a CER. The CER is supported by an upper and a lower support strap; both straps are configured to engage the back portion of the user's head.

[0039] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a CER device, showing the front face and side wall, clearly depicting the substantially flat or planar geometry of the CER device.

[0040] FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary face mask kit. The exemplary kit comprises an assembly of related components, including a planar CER device, support straps, a filtration textile, and kit instructions/information.

DEFINITIONS OF TERMS USED IN THIS SPECIFICATION

[0041] The continuous elongated ring (CER) device and/or system for improving existing respiratory protective face mask type systems, discussed throughout this disclosure, shall have equivalent nomenclature, including, but not limited to: the device, the face mask system, the unit, CER, the CER system, the accessory, the system, the present invention, or the invention. The terms “elongated” and “ring” as used in this disclosure, shall be defined as any non-circular geometry. The term “aperture” shall be defined as any hole or opening, of any shape or geometry, that provides an open path from the continuous elongated ring's front surface to back surface. Additionally, the term “exemplary” shall possess a single meaning throughout this disclosure; wherein the sole meaning is directed to: serving as an example, instance, or illustration.

[0042] The term “about” is used herein to mean approximately, roughly, around, or in the region of. When the term “about” is used in conjunction with a numerical range, it modifies that range by extending the boundaries above and below the numerical values set forth. In general, the term “about” is used herein to modify a numerical value above and below the stated value by a variance of 20 percent up or down (higher or lower).

[0043] Descriptions and explanations shall be referenced based upon the viewpoint of the user. The term others or bystanders shall be defined as individuals within the immediate environment of the user, having a reasonable probability of receiving an airborne pathogen from the user.

[0044] The term filtration textile shall be broadly understood to be any flexible, air permeable material. The term includes standard type of commercial masks (e.g., surgical face masks and the like), home-made face masks. Also included are face mask systems fabricated from: simple handkerchief products and air permeable sheet material comprised from any synthetic, natural, textile, fabric, paper product, fiber blended composite materials and the like.

[0045] The term “pair of attachment features” shall be understood to comprise two attachment features, portions or the like, where each attachment feature is configured to receive one end of a support strap, thereby forming a loop for engaging the user's head or ears. For example, a pair of attachment features will include two portions, e.g., a right and a left attachment feature, a first and a second attachment feature, a first and second upper attachment feature, a first and second lower attachment feature or the like.

[0046] The phrase “configured to engage the user's head” shall be understood to include all portions of a user's head as potential engagement features, including the back of the head, the ears, as well as any other location.

PARTS/FEATURES LIST

[0047] 1—user [0048] 2—nose-mouth perimeter [0049] 4—mouth periphery [0050] 6—nasal periphery [0051] 8—nose [0052] 10—mouth [0053] 12—filtration textile [0054] 14—engagement perimeter, induced onto filtration textile by continuous elongated ring (CER) [0055] 16—front face [0056] 18—rear or back face [0057] 20—CER including tri-aperture attachment features [0058] 22—upper curvilinear portion of CER [0059] 24—lower curvilinear portion of CER [0060] 26—upper attachment features (first and second upper attachment features) [0061] 28—lower attachment features (first and second lower attachment features) [0062] 30—nasal curvature [0063] 32—mouth curvature [0064] 33—CER including single aperture attachment features [0065] 34—upper pair attachment features, single aperture [0066] 36—lower pair attachment features, single aperture [0067] 37—width [0068] 38—perimeter strip [0069] 40—support strap [0070] 41—tri-aperture [0071] 42—first slot of tri-aperture attachment feature [0072] 44—second slot of tri-aperture attachment feature [0073] 46—third slot of tri-aperture attachment feature [0074] 48—exemplary means of attachment [0075] 50—thickness of CER (side wall) [0076] 51—side wall of CER [0077] 52—user's side (back side of CER) [0078] 54—outside face (the side facing away from user) [0079] 56—surgical face mask [0080] 58—support ear loops of surgical face mask (support straps for ears) [0081] 60—pleats [0082] 62—front surface of surgical mask [0083] 63—handkerchief (a type of filtration textile 12) [0084] 64—upper support strap(s) [0085] 66—lower support strap(s) [0086] 68—surgical mask (embodiment without attached straps) [0087] 70—ears (right and left user's ears) [0088] 72—ear loop (for user's right and left ears) [0089] 73—support straps (generic, configured to engage ears, back of head, etc.) [0090] 74—face mask kit (contains at least one CER type device) [0091] 76—kit package or sleeve for the packaging and storing kit contents [0092] 78—instructions, provides the user information on face mask kit use and the like.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0093] With reference to the drawings of the present invention, several embodiments pertaining to the disclosed systems of the present invention thereof will be described. In describing the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be used for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. Terminology of similar import other than the words specifically mentioned above likewise is to be considered as being used for purposes of convenience rather than in any limiting sense.

[0094] It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As well, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising”, “including”, “characterized by”, “possessing” and “having” are all to be interpreted as open ended terms, are all considered equivalent terms and are used interchangeably.

[0095] FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded component view of an exemplary continuous elongated ring (CER) 20 system, depicting the positional relationships among user 1, a filtration textile 12 and an exemplary CER 20. Filtration textile 12 is comprised of two surfaces or faces, a front face 16, and a rear or back face 18. Detailed is the face of user 1 having mouth 10 and nose 8, the combination forming a nose-mouth perimeter 2 (best depicted in FIG. 2). Next in the positional lineage is filtration textile 12, possessing the appropriate geometry and having sufficient area to accommodate engagement perimeter 14 highlighted on filtration textile 12. To ensure the best CER 20 system fit for user 1, engagement perimeter 14, formed by CER 20, should be substantially congruous to user's nose-mouth perimeter 2, having an equal to or larger area thereof.

[0096] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of user 1, showing pertinent facial features. Delineated is nose-mouth perimeter 2 produced by the combination of the geometries associated with user's nose 8 and mouth 10 and positional relationship thereof. Nose-mouth perimeter 2 is comprised of two contiguous portions, an upper and a lower portion. The upper portion of nose-mouth perimeter 2 is comprised of nasal periphery 6, while the lower portion is comprised of mouth periphery 4.

[0097] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of an exemplary, CER 20 shown in FIG. 1. Exemplary CER 20 is comprised of an upper curvilinear portion 22 and a lower curvilinear portion 24. Upper curvilinear portion 22 possesses nasal curvature 30 based upon nasal periphery 6. Lower curvilinear portion 24 possesses mouth curvature 32 based upon mouth periphery 4. It is understood that the present invention can include variations of CER 20 that can accommodate the various nasal curvatures 30 and mouth curvatures 32 present in the user population. In certain embodiments of the present invention, a variety of sizes (e.g., small, medium and large) is an exemplary means for accommodating variations in the user population.

[0098] CER 20 includes four attachment features, two upper attachment features 26 and two lower attachment features 28. In this exemplary attachment configuration, each of the attachment features is comprised of three apertures configured as slots (tri-aperture attachment).

[0099] FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of an alternate embodiment of an exemplary CER 33. CER 33 includes outside surface 28, which faces away from user 1, perimeter strip 38 and possesses device width 36. CER 33 includes four attachment features, wherein each feature is includes a single circular aperture. The attachment features include upper pair attachment features 34 and lower pair attachment features 36. The circular apertures lend themselves to support-type straps having circular cross-sections, such as cords and rope type materials, wherein a distal-end knot is capable of capturing such a strap onto attachment feature 34.

[0100] Preferred CER embodiments, such as CER 33, CER 20 and the like, can be fabricated using a variety of manufacturing processes, including, but not limited to additive manufacturing processes (3D printing), CNC machining a sheet of polymeric material, die-cutting, or injection molding. Exemplary polymeric type materials, which can be tailored to possess semi-rigid properties, include, but are not limited to TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), TPE (thermoplastic elastomers) and the Polyvinyl family of polymers.

[0101] FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 illustrate the exemplary upper and lower attachment features 26 and 28, each having a tri-aperture 41 strap attachment system having three rectangular slots, i.e., first slot 42, second slot 44 and third slot 46. FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a tri-aperture 41 attachment feature, delineating a method of fastening support strap 40. Accordingly, the strap directional arrows delineate as follows: strap 40 is inserted into the front face of wider first slot 42, then fed through the back side of second slot 44, followed by reinsertion through the front face of third slot 45 and finalized by insertion through the back side of first slot 42. FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of support strap 40 successfully fastened onto a tri-aperture 41 attachment feature using the method delineated in FIG. 5. It is important to note that the process of fastening support strap 40 onto tri-aperture 41 strap attachment system does not require any tool or tools and can be manually connected by the user or the like.

[0102] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of tri-aperture 41 attachment feature. The figure delineates in cross-sectional detail the method of fastening support strap 40 shown in FIG. 5. Also depicted is thickness 50 of CER 20, as well as user's side 52 surface and outside face 54, i.e., the surface directed away from the user. In an exemplary embodiment of CER 20, width 37 dimension is approximately four times larger than thickness 50.

[0103] FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of CER 20 engaging the front surface 62 of surgical face mask 56. Surgical face mask 56 possesses a series of pleats 60, typically found on surgical type face mask type designs. In such configurations, the use of the surgical face mask's ear loop 58 is optional, since CER 20 provides sufficient support to affix the filtration textile portion of surgical face mask 56 onto the user. CER 20 system including support straps 40, additionally provide a backup means of securing surgical face mask 56 onto the user, which will provide adequate support in the event of ear loops 58 failures.

[0104] FIGS. 9 and 10 respectively illustrate front and side views of a sheet-type of filtration textile, depicted in the form of exemplary handkerchief 63 affixed to user 1. Handkerchief 63 is one example of many possible types of filtration textiles, as defined in the present disclosure. Handkerchief 63 is self-affixed onto user 1, covering the nose-mouth areas. Engagement perimeter 14 provided by CER 20 produces additional focused engagement pressure to nose-mouth perimeter 2, which is transmitted through the outside surface of handkerchief 63. CER 20 includes upper attachment features 26 with attached upper support strap 64. Upper support strap 64 is affixed to the head of user 1, just over the ears. CER 20 also includes lower attachment features 28 with attached lower support strap 66. Lower support strap 66 is affixed to the head of user 1, below the ears. Upper and lower support straps 64 and 66 in preferred embodiments can be fabricated from either elastic as well as inelastic type materials.

[0105] It is understood that filtration textiles 12 can vary in construction. In certain preferred embodiments, the filtration textile 12 is fabricated from a single sheet or layer of filtration material. In other embodiments the filter component can be constructed from two or more layers of filtration material to enhance the filtration capability of the system. In multi-layered embodiments, outer edge portions of each layer can be optionally fastened to each other, such that the multi-layered filtration material can be handled as one single unit for convenience.

[0106] FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of surgical face mask 68 affixed to user 1 by CER 20 system. The CER 20 is supported by right and left ear loops 72, both configured to engage user's ears 70. In the embodiment shown, surgical face mask 68 does not possess any attached or integrated means of support, therefore surgical face mask 68 completely relies on CER 20 system for user-filter attachment support.

[0107] FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of surgical face mask 68 affixed to user 1 by CER 20 system. In this embodiment, CER 20 is supported by respective upper and lower support straps 64 and 66, both configured to engage the back portion of the user's 1 head. Again, in the embodiments shown in both FIGS. 11 and 12, the surgical face mask 68 does not possess any attached or integrated means of support, therefore surgical face mask 68 completely relies on CER 20 system for user-filter engaging support.

[0108] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of the CER 20 device, showing front face 16 and side wall 51, thereby clearly depicting the substantially flat or planar geometry of the CER 20 device. The planar geometry of the CER 20 device enables the device to be compactly stacked and stored by manufacturers, assembly or warehouse facilities, end users, or the like. The planar configuration of the CER 20 device also enables fitment in flat packaging, such as mailing envelopes, and the like, for easy distribution.

[0109] FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary face mask kit 74. A variety of face mask kits can be assembled having a variety of related or supporting components, depending on the needs of the end user(s). For example, some face mask kits can contain flat, sealed alcohol packets for sanitation purposes, other kits may not. Depicted face mask kit 74 comprises an assembly of related components, including a CER 20 device, filtration textile 12, support straps 73, and kit packaging 76 for storing kit contents, and instructions, which provides the user relevant information associated with the kit, such as the component assembly and use of face mask kit 74, website or hotline information or the like. Support straps 73 are of the generic type, and can include straps configured to engage the user's ears, such as support ear loops 58; or engage the back of the user's head, such as upper and lower support straps 66, upper support strap; or any combination thereof. It is understood that other embodiments of face mask kit 74 can contain more than one of each kit component; for example several filtration textiles 12 to enable filter replacement as needed. In an embodiment not shown, the support straps 74 can be already engaged to the CER 20 to facilitate use of the CER 20 before being packaged in the kit packaging 76.

[0110] The flat or planar geometry of the related components comprising face mask kit 74 enables the formation of kit system to be compactly configured for storage in a flat or planar kit packaging 76. Because of the compact, planar geometry of face mask kit 74, it can be easily dispensed via vending machine systems, shipped in flat envelopes via the mail system, and the like.

[0111] The detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, specific aspects and embodiments in which the present disclosed embodiments may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice aspects of the present invention. Other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments. The various embodiments can be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments. The detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims, with the full scope of equivalents to which they may be entitled. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement that is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of embodiments of the present invention. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive and that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Combinations of the above embodiments and other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon studying the above description. The scope of the present disclosed embodiments includes any other applications in which embodiments of the above structures and fabrication methods are used. The scope of the embodiments should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.