Protective device for the respiratory tract

Abstract

Protective device for the respiratory tract of a person, comprising a mask body (1) made of any convenient rigid or semi-rigid material, suitable for covering the mouth and nose of a person; at least one pair of housings (4, 4') arranged on the two lateral faces of the mask body (1) and intended to house sleeves (5, 5'), a spring (7, 7') being inserted in each sleeve, the first end (8, 8') of which is fixed to the lower edge of the sleeve (5, 5') and the second end (9, 9') of which has fixing means which allow the two springs to be joined together behind the head of the wearer, wherein the first portion of each spring (7, 7'), i.e. the portion fixed in the sleeve (5, 5'), is substantially coated with a cylinder (12, 12') of non-breathable fabric material, while the second portion is coated with a cylinder (13, 13') of breathable fabric material or other suitable material capable of filtering the air.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a respiratory protection device. Background Technology

[0002] As is well known, there are various devices available to protect the respiratory tract from particulate matter, smoke, and liquid mist (aerosols). Aerosols and particulate matter are among the most dangerous health risks, a fact we can attest to with the well-known spread of the Covid-19 virus, which is virtually invisible in breathable air. Filtering masks can prevent the harmful effects of these particles and are classified into three protection levels: FFP1, FFP2, and FFP3.

[0003] Furthermore, these masks are specified for workplaces where exposure exceeds the so-called occupational exposure limit, or OEL value. This indicates the maximum permissible concentration of airborne dust, fumes, or aerosols that will not cause harm to health. When this value is exceeded, a filtering mask must be used.

[0004] Surgical masks are intended to prevent wearers from contaminating the environment because they limit the spread of infectious pathogens and fall under the category of medical devices mentioned in Decree No. 46 of February 24, 1997, and its subsequent amendments. They are used in hospitals and in places that provide assistance to patients (e.g., nursing homes, clinics, etc.). For safety reasons, they must be manufactured in accordance with technical standard UNIEN 14683:2019, which provides characteristics and test methods to evaluate resistance to liquid splashes, breathability, bacterial filtration efficiency, etc.

[0005] The filtration efficiency of FFP1 masks decreases by approximately 20% from the outside towards the wearer, primarily due to poor adhesion to the face.

[0006] However, traditional masks draw air in from the front, which is particularly disadvantageous because operators often turn towards the work area, and dust, smoke, and aerosols tend to concentrate in front of the face, which also happens when two or more people are talking to each other.

[0007] Another drawback is that the air inside the mask does not circulate well, which may have a negative impact on a person's health. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to eliminate these drawbacks by providing a respiratory protection device that is more effective than existing devices in terms of health protection, while also improving the quality of air obtained from the outside.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a protective device that is easy to transport and quick to wear when not in use. Therefore, a respiratory protection device is provided according to the features of the appended claim 1. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The invention will be better explained by the following description, which illustrates preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0011] Figure 1 A front view of the exterior of the device according to the invention is shown;

[0012] Figure 2 A front view of the interior of the device according to the invention is shown;

[0013] Figure 3 A side view of the device according to the invention is shown;

[0014] Figure 4 The sleeve is shown with the spring in a stationary position;

[0015] Figure 5 The sleeve is shown with the spring in the extended position;

[0016] Figure 6 The spring is shown in its extended position;

[0017] Figure 7 A second embodiment of the sleeve is shown, in which the spring is in a stationary position. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Referring to the foregoing figures, the device according to the invention is essentially in the form of a face mask, comprising a mask body 1 made of any convenient rigid or semi-rigid material, suitable for covering a person's mouth and nose, preferably formed by a first layer 2 and a second layer 2' stacked on top of each other and communicating through at least one hole 3 to ensure airflow between them. On both sides of the mask body, there are at least two outer shells 4, 4' (one on each side), each shell designed to accommodate a corresponding sleeve 5 or 5', preferably shaped like a cylinder or truncated cone, and equipped with an edge 6 at the top for engagement with the mask body 1. The sleeve is preferably made of a rigid or semi-rigid material.

[0019] Each sleeve 5 or 5' contains a spring 7 or 7', preferably made of metal or plastic, with its first end 8 or 8' fixed to the lower edge of the sleeve, while the second end 9 or 9' has a fixing device that allows the two springs to engage together. This device includes a fixing hook 10 or 10', and the springs 7 or 7' are able to extend several centimeters so that they can be hooked together behind the wearer's head via the hooks 10 and 10'.

[0020] The first portion (e.g., half its length) of each spring 7 or 7', i.e., the portion fixed in the sleeve 5 or 5', is substantially coated with a non-breathable fabric material cylinder 12 or 12', while the second portion is coated with a breathable fabric material cylinder 13 or 13', for example, non-woven fabric or other suitable materials for FFP1, FFP2, or FFP3 masks, or other materials capable of filtering air. This forms a ventilation channel connected to the mask body 1.

[0021] In this way, higher-quality air is introduced, captured by the back of the head, thus reducing exposure to dust and aerosol concentrations in front of the face. Furthermore, it reduces wear and tear on the filter material, offering significant advantages in terms of cost and reliability.

[0022] The air thus obtained is filtered by the material of the cylinder 13 or 13' and circulates freely within the mask body 1.

[0023] Advantageously, a check valve 14 or 14' is used at the lower end of the sleeve 5 or 5' so that the carbon dioxide-rich air exhaled during the exhalation phase does not remain inside the mask, thus allowing the wearer to always breathe well-oxygenated air.

[0024] In another embodiment, the sleeve 5 or 5' is equipped with at least one pair of snap-fit ​​fins 15 or 15' so that it can be removed from the corresponding housing 4 or 4'. Thus, in the event of damage or wear, only the sleeve containing the spring and coated sleeve needs to be replaced.

[0025] In another embodiment, the fastening device includes fabric 16 at the second end 9 or 9' of the spring 7 or 7', rather than at the hook, for example made of Velcro, which can be hooked and unhooked very quickly on the back of a person's head.

[0026] The single sleeve 5 with spring 7, the cylinder 12 of non-breathable fabric, and the cylinder 13 of breathable fabric can be used individually as an air filter when needed. The user places his / her lips on the opening of the sleeve 5, holds it with one hand, and extends the spring with the other hand to filter the air only while breathing through his / her mouth.

[0027] Finally, there's the uniquely shaped housing 18 that can accommodate Bluetooth headphones.

[0028] The embodiments described in the configurations shown in this specification and the accompanying drawings are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention, but technical variations falling within the above-described concept of the present invention are also considered to be protected by this application.

Claims

1. A device for protecting the respiratory tract of a person, comprising: - a mask body (1) made of any convenient rigid or semi-rigid material, suitable for covering the mouth and nose of a person; - at least one pair of housings (4, 4') provided on both sides of the mask body (1), intended to house sleeves (5, 5'), - a spring (7, 7') inserted inside each sleeve, having a first end (8, 8') fixed to the lower edge of the sleeve (5, 5') and a second end (9, 9') provided with fixing means so that the two springs engage together behind the head of the wearer, characterized in that the first part of each spring (7, 7'), i.e. the part fixed in the sleeve (5, 5'), is coated with a cylinder (12, 12') of non-breathable fabric material, while the second part is coated with a cylinder (13, 13') of breathable fabric material or other suitable material capable of filtering air.

2. The protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that The cylinder (12, 12') of non-breathable fabric material covers at least half the total length of the spring (7, 7').

3. The protection device of claim 1, wherein The fixing means comprise a fixing hook (10, 10') at each end of the spring, and the spring (7, 7') is capable of extending a few centimetres in order to facilitate their hooking together using the hooks behind the nape of the neck of the wearer.

4. The protection device of claim 1, wherein The cylinder (13, 13') is made of non-woven fabric or of a material of the type used in FFP1, FFP2, FFP3 masks capable of filtering air.

5. The protection device of claim 1, wherein The spring (7, 7') is made of metal or plastic material.

6. The protection device of claim 1, wherein The mask body (1) is formed by the mutual superimposition of a first layer (2) and a second layer (2'), which communicate through at least one hole (3) to ensure air circulation between them.

7. The protection device of claim 1, wherein The lower end of each sleeve (5, 5') is equipped with a non-return valve (14, 14') for the expulsion of air by the wearer during the exhalation phase.

8. The protection device of claim 1, wherein The sleeve (5, 5') is provided with at least one pair of snap wings (15, 15') or other fixing means so that it can be detached from the housing (4, 4').

9. The protection device of claim 1, wherein The fixing means of the second end (9, 9') of the spring (7, 7') are snaps of nylon fabric (16) capable of very rapid hooking and unhooking at the nape of the neck of the wearer.

10. The protection device of claim 1, wherein The mask body (1) is provided with a special housing (18) capable of housing a Bluetooth earphone.

11. Air filter device comprising a sleeve (5) inside which a spring (7) is inserted, fixed at a first end (8) to the sleeve itself and provided at a second end (9) with a hook, characterized in that, The first part of the spring (7), i.e. the part fixed in the sleeve, is coated with a cylinder (12) of non-breathable fabric material, while the second part is coated with a cylinder (13) of breathable fabric material or other convenient material capable of filtering air, whereby the person using it places his lips on the open part of the sleeve and extends the spring (7) so that it can filter air only when breathing with the mouth.

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