Facemask Dis-assembly Tool

Abstract

Tool designed to dis-assemble face masks such that the mask fabric can be recycled. This tool separates mask materials such that the fabric and other components of the masks can be recycled. The tool has a punching element that pushes through the fabric of the mask and only removed the materials other than fabric from the mask. Mask can be simply be inserted in the tool for the separating operation. This tool can dis-assemble single or multiple masks in one operation cycle.

Claims

1. A facemask dis-assembly tool that removes a nose-strip from a surgical facemask comprising: a punch securely attached to a flat blade having at least two teeth on one end such that teeth are spaced apart and are pointing in same direction, a horizontal platform having an opening bigger than the blade thickness such that the punch blade moves freely in the opening, a mechanical arm with one end attached to the punch and other end free, a mechanical drive attached to the mechanical arm.

2. The facemask dis-assembly tool of claim 1, where in a mechanical drive is an electric motor

3. The facemask dis-assembly tool of claim 2, where in a circular disc is attached to the motor such that motor shaft is concentric to the circular disc.

4. The facemask dis-assembly tool of claim 3, where in the circular disc has an anchoring feature at a radial distance from center of the disc

5. The facemask dis-assembly tool of claim 4, where in the free end of the mechanical arm is attached to the anchoring feature of the circular disc

6. The facemask dis-assembly tool of claim 5, where in the mechanical arm can pivot around the anchoring feature of the circular disc.

7. The facemask dis-assembly tool of claim 6, where in the punch is attached to the other end of the mechanical arm such that the punch can pivot around the mechanical arm at the attached end.

8. The facemask dis-assembly tool of claim 7, where in the punch is constrained to reciprocate vertically through the platform opening such that the punch blade rises above the platform and then drops through the platform opening as the motor rotates.

9. The facemask dis-assembly tool of claim 8, where in a facemask can be placed on the horizontal platform.

10. A method of nose-strip removal of from a surgical facemask comprising: a facemask dis-assembly tool with a vertically reciprocating punch securely attached to a blade having at least two teeth on one, a horizontal platform having an opening bigger than the blade thickness such that the punch blade reciprocates above and through the platform opening freely.

11. A method of claim 10, where in a facemask is placed on the horizontal platform such that nose-strip of a facemask is positioned on the opening while the blade is above the platform.

12. A method of claim 11, where in the blade progresses through the facemask into the platform opening.

13. A method of claim 12, where in the blade cuts the fabric of the facemask and nose-strip of facemask catches the space between the blade teeth.

14. A method of claim 13, where in blade progresses further through the platform and pulls the nose-strip out of the facemask

15. A method of claim 14, where in the nose-strip fully separates from the facemask and falls down due to gravity

16. A method of claim 15, where in the blade moves back up to go above the platform for subsequent cycle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0006] FIG. 1 shows the isometric view of the Facemask Dis-assembly Tool

[0007] FIG. 2 shows a face mask placed on the Facemask Dis-assembly Tool

[0008] FIG. 3 shows punch of Facemask Dis-assembly Tool cutting through the mask

[0009] FIG. 4 shows the nose strip being pulled out of the mask in the Facemask Dis-assembly Tool

[0010] FIG. 5 shows the complete separation of the nose strip from the mask in the Facemask Dis-assembly Tool.

DETAIL EXPLANATION

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1 the Facemask Dis-Assembly Tool 100 comprises of a punch 101, a base 102, an actuator 104 and actuation mechanism 105. The base 102 is a fixed member of the tool where as the punch 101 is a moving member. The base 102 has an opening 103 which corresponds to the size and position of the punch 101. The opening 103 is bigger than the punch so that it can accommodate the punch and the nose strip thickness. The punch 101 is shown in retracted position. The Punch 101 is driven in back-and-forth reciprocating motion by an actuator 104 through a mechanism 105.

[0012] FIG. 2 shows a face mask 200 placed on the base 102 of the Facemask Dis-assembly Tool 100. The mask 200 is comprised of nose strip 201 and mask fabric 202. The mask 200 can be placed in the tool as a manual feed or an automatic feed. The mask is positioned in a way that the nose strip of the mask is placed on the opening 103.

[0013] FIG. 3 shows the Facemask Dis-assembly Tool 100 in action. The punch 101 is shown in extended position. The actuator 104 drives the punch 101 towards the base 102. When the punch 101 advances towards the base 102 it cuts through the fabric of the mask 200. After cutting through the mask fabric, punch 101 interferes with the nose strip 201 of the mask 200.

[0014] FIG. 4 shows the nose strip 201 being pulled out of the mask 200 as the punch 101 advances through the base 102 of the Facemask Dis-assembly Tool 100.

[0015] FIG. 5 shows the retracting of the punch 101 after full extension. When the punch 101 pushed the nose strip 201 through the base opening 103, the nose strip 201 then sprung open, making it bigger in size as compare to the opening 103. Since the nose strip 201 is now bigger than the opening 103, the nose strip 201 can not retract through the opening 103 when the punch 101 retracts to its home position. This makes the nose strip 201 free from the punch 101 and the base 102. The nose strip 201 now becomes free from the mask 200 and the tool 100. Nose strip 201 is then stored in a storage bin and the mask fabric 202 is stored in a separate storage bin.