Sanitary mask and method for producing a sanitary mask

Abstract

The aim of the invention is to provide a sanitary mask (100) which is easy to produce and handle and preferably has a good filtering effect and which comprises a main part (102) that at least partially covers a mouth region and a nose region of a wearer of the sanitary mask (100) when worn. For this purpose, the main part (102) comprises a knitted tube (104).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a hygiene mask which comprises a base body which, when worn, at least partially covers a mouth area and a nose area of ​​a wearer of the hygiene mask.

[0002] Masks of this type are designed to filter the air expelled by the wearer of the hygiene mask and / or the air inhaled by the wearer of the hygiene mask in order to prevent harmful particles originating from the wearer from entering the environment and / or harmful particles from the environment from entering the mouth or nose of the wearer.

[0003] The harmful particles can be, for example, pathogens such as bacteria, viruses or other microbial entities, or inorganic particles such as dust particles.

[0004] CN 108 211 157 A and KR 200 386 879 Y1 disclose hygiene masks according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0005] KR 2014 0100709 A and DE 20 2015 009034 U1 disclose hygiene masks in the production of which a knitted tube is produced and a section which is no longer tubular is cut out of the knitted tube, which section then forms a basic body of the respective hygiene mask.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a hygiene mask of the type mentioned above which is easy to manufacture and handle and preferably has a good filtering effect.

[0007] This object is achieved by a hygiene mask according to claim 1.

[0008] Such knitted tubes can be manufactured quickly and easily by machine and with a wide range of mesh sizes. Selecting a small mesh size can already achieve a significant filtering effect, particularly against the passage of liquid droplets, such as those expelled by the wearer when coughing or sneezing, or those that impinge on the hygiene mask from the environment. This filtering effect can be further improved by placing a filter material inside the knitted tube.

[0009] Since the knitted tube is closed in a ring shape along its circumference, flattening the knitted tube automatically creates a multi-layer structure, which improves the filtering effect of the hygiene mask.

[0010] The number of layers of the basic body of the hygiene mask is increased by the fact that the knitted tube comprises an inner layer facing the interior of the knitted tube and an outer layer facing away from the interior.

[0011] The base body comprising the knitted tube is necessarily designed with at least four layers because it comprises a support area of ​​the outer layer of the knitted tube facing the wearer when the hygiene mask is worn, a support area of ​​the inner layer of the knitted tube facing the wearer, a surrounding area of ​​the inner layer of the knitted tube facing away from the wearer and facing the surroundings of the wearer, and a surrounding area of ​​the outer layer of the knitted tube facing the surroundings of the wearer.

[0012] In addition to the inner layer and the outer layer, the knitted tube may comprise further layers, which are preferably arranged between the outer layer and the inner layer of the knitted tube.

[0013] A multi-layer knitted tube can be formed, for example, by plating a base yarn, from which the inner layer of the knitted tube is at least partially formed, with a plating yarn, from which the outer layer of the knitted tube is at least partially formed.

[0014] It is particularly advantageous if moisture contained in the breath cloud expelled by the wearer of the hygiene mask and / or moisture that hits the hygiene mask from the environment is diverted as quickly as possible through the outer layer of the knitted tube to the inner layer of the knitted tube.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is therefore provided that the material of the inner layer is predominantly hydrophilic.

[0016] For example, it can be provided that the material of the inner layer comprises a polyamide material and particularly preferably consists essentially of a polyamide material.

[0017] Particularly preferably, the inner layer of the knitted tube comprises a hydrophilic polyamide yarn.

[0018] For the hydrophilic properties of the yarn from which the inner layer of the knitted tube is at least partially formed, it is advantageous if the hydrophilic yarn has a high number of filaments relative to the fineness of the yarn. Preferably, the number of filaments in the yarn is at least half the fineness of the yarn in dtex, in particular at least as large as the fineness of the yarn in dtex, and most preferably at least twice the fineness of the yarn in dtex.

[0019] For the hydrophilic properties of the yarn from which the inner layer of the knitted tube is at least partially formed, it is also advantageous if the hydrophilic yarn comprises filaments that do not have a circular cross-section, but rather a structured cross-section with indentations and / or bulges. Such a structured cross-section of the filaments of the hydrophilic yarn increases the surface area of ​​the filaments, which improves the hydrophilic properties.

[0020] In particular, it can be provided that the cross section of the filaments of the hydrophilic yarn each comprises a plurality of T-shaped sections, for example two, three or more T-shaped sections.

[0021] A yarn comprising several filaments with a structured cross-section, in which the indentations and bulges of adjacent filaments engage with each other, forms microchannels between the filaments through which liquid is transported very quickly due to the capillary effect. This improves the hydrophilic properties of the yarn.

[0022] Furthermore, it is advantageous for rapid dissipation of moisture from the outer layer of the knitted tube to the inner layer of the knitted tube if the material of the outer layer is predominantly hydrophobic.

[0023] In particular embodiments of the invention, it is provided that the material of the outer layer comprises a polypropylene material, a wool material, a hydrophobically finished cotton material, a hydrophobically finished cellulose material and / or a hydrophobic polyamide material.

[0024] Preferably, at least the outer layer of the knitted tube is at least partially formed from a yarn which is washable at a washing temperature of at least 60°C, in particular of at least 80°C, particularly preferably of at least 95°C.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, it is advantageous if at least the outer layer of the knitted tube is at least partially formed from a yarn which can be heated for cleaning to a cleaning temperature of at least 60°C, in particular of at least 80°C, particularly preferably of at least 95°C.

[0026] In order to prevent harmful particles from entering the interior of the knitted tube directly through one end region of the knitted tube, it is advantageous if the knitted tube is closed at least at one of its end regions, preferably at both end regions.

[0027] In particular, it can be provided that the knitted tube is closed at at least one of its end regions, preferably at both end regions, by a seam and / or by an adhesive bond.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the knitted tube is folded over on itself at at least one of its end regions, preferably at both end regions.

[0029] By turning the knitted tube over itself in this way or in another way, a tunnel can be formed at at least one end region of the knitted tube, preferably at both end regions of the knitted tube.

[0030] The hygiene mask preferably comprises at least one fastening means by which the hygiene mask can be attached to the head of a wearer. Such a fastening means preferably comprises a substantially linear fastening element, for example a cord or a band, which extends through the tunnel or through one of the tunnels of the main body of the hygiene mask.

[0031] It is preferably provided that the fastening element is fixed to the tunnel, for example by sewing and / or gluing.

[0032] It is particularly advantageous if the fastening element is fixed to the tunnel at only one point, because this maintains the deformability of the basic body of the hygiene mask relative to the fastening element, in particular by gathering.

[0033] To achieve an improved filtering effect, it is advantageous if the hygiene mask comprises a filter element which is arranged in the interior of the knitted tube.

[0034] Such a filter element may in particular comprise a nonwoven material.

[0035] For example, it can be provided that the nonwoven material comprises a polyester material.

[0036] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the filter material of the filter element comprises a microfilament material.

[0037] Such a microfilament material may comprise a polyester material and / or a polyamide material.

[0038] The polyester material and / or the polyamide material can each comprise star-shaped structured filaments.

[0039] The filaments can be split into microfilaments, for example by the action of a high-pressure liquid jet.

[0040] The number of microfilaments into which a filament is split may be 12 or more, in particular 16 or more, particularly preferably 32 or more.

[0041] Such microfilaments may preferably have a fineness of less than dtex 1.0, in particular of at most dtex 0.60, particularly preferably of at most dtex 0.20, for example of approximately dtex 0.15.

[0042] The microfilaments can be linked and consolidated to create a textile material.

[0043] The microfilament material preferably comprises polyester in a weight proportion of at least 40 weight percent, in particular at least 50 weight percent, particularly preferably at least 60 weight percent, for example approximately 70 weight percent.

[0044] Furthermore, the microfilament material preferably comprises polyester in a weight proportion of at most 90 weight percent, in particular at most 80 weight percent.

[0045] The microfilament material may preferably comprise polyamide in a weight proportion of at least 10 weight percent, in particular at least 20 weight percent, for example approximately 30 weight percent.

[0046] Furthermore, the microfilament material preferably comprises polyamide in a weight proportion of at most 60 weight percent, in particular of at most 50 weight percent, particularly preferably of at most 40 weight percent.

[0047] The basis weight of the filter material, in particular of the microfilament material, is preferably at least 80 g / m 2< , in particular at least 90 g / m 2< , for example approximately 100 g / m 2< .

[0048] Furthermore, the basis weight of the filter material, in particular of the microfilament material, is preferably at most 120 g / m 2< , in particular at most 110 g / m 2< .

[0049] The particle retention capacity of the filter element, in particular a filter element made of microfilament material, with a particle size of 1 µm is preferably at least 90%, in particular at least 95%, particularly preferably at least 97%.

[0050] The water vapor permeability of the filter material, in particular a microfilament material, is preferably at least 3,000 g / m 2 < / 24 h, in particular at least 5,000 g / m 2 < / 24 h, particularly preferably at least 6,000 g / m 2 < / 24 h.

[0051] The air permeability of the filter material, in particular a microfilament material, is preferably at least 10 l / dm 2< / min, in particular at least 15 l / dm 2< / min, particularly preferably at least 20 l / dm 2< / min.

[0052] Furthermore, the air permeability of the filter material, in particular of the microfilament material, is preferably at most 40 l / dm 2< / min, in particular at most 30 l / dm 2< / min, particularly preferably at most 20 l / dm 2< / min.

[0053] It is particularly advantageous if the hygiene mask according to the invention is designed as a medical face mask in accordance with the requirements of DIN EN 14683 (in the version of October 2019), namely in accordance with one of the types I, II or IIR defined in this standard.

[0054] A Type I medical face mask has a bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) of at least 95%, a pressure differential of less than 40 Pa / cm2, and a microbiological purity of no more than 30 CFU / g. "CFU" stands for "colony forming unit," which is the unit expressing the number of culturable microorganisms.

[0055] Procedures for determining bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE), pressure difference and microbiological purity are specified in DIN EN 14683 in the version of October 2019.

[0056] A Type II medical face mask has a bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) of at least 98%, a pressure difference of less than 40 Pa / cm2 and a microbiological purity of no more than 30 CFU / g.

[0057] A Type IIR medical face mask has a bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) of at least 98%, a pressure difference of less than 60 Pa / cm2, a splash resistance pressure of at least 16.0 kPa and a microbiological purity of no more than 30 CFU / g.

[0058] A method for determining the pressure of the spray resistance is specified in DIN EN 14683 in the version of October 2019.

[0059] In order to prevent the base body of the hygiene mask from slipping relative to the wearer's nose, the base body of the hygiene mask can be provided with at least one anti-slip area.

[0060] The anti-slip area is preferably made of a slip-resistant material.

[0061] The anti-slip material may in particular comprise a polyurethane material and / or a silicone material.

[0062] The anti-slip material can be produced on the base body, for example, by a pattern printing process, in particular a transfer printing process or a screen printing process.

[0063] In the transfer printing process, the material to be printed is applied to a carrier paper and transferred to the base body using a press at an elevated temperature.

[0064] Alternatively or in addition to this, it can be provided that the basic body of the hygiene mask is provided with a prefabricated nose clip.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment of the hygiene mask according to the invention, it is provided that the hygiene mask comprises a nose clip which contains at least one metallic wire.

[0066] The metallic wire may contain an iron material or a steel material and preferably be formed substantially entirely of an iron material or a steel material.

[0067] The nose bridge can in particular comprise two wires made of a metallic material, preferably arranged parallel to one another.

[0068] Furthermore, it can be provided that the nose bridge comprises a strip or band made of a plastic material.

[0069] The at least one wire of the nose bridge may be embedded in the strip or band of plastic material.

[0070] The plastic material may comprise a polyethylene material, in particular an LDPE ("Low Density Polyethylene") material, and may preferably be formed from such a material.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the nose bridge comprises two metallic wires embedded in a band or strip of LDPE material.

[0072] The nose bridge is preferably washable at a temperature of at least 90°C, in particular at least 80°C, particularly preferably at least 95°C.

[0073] The nose clip is preferably attached to the knitted tube or to the filter element, if such a filter element is present.

[0074] The nose clip can be attached to the knitted tube or to the filter element, for example, by gluing and / or sewing.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the nose clip is sewn to the filter element.

[0076] In this case, the nose clip can be inserted into the interior of the knitted tube together with the filter element to which the nose clip is sewn.

[0077] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the nose clip is arranged in the interior of the knitted tube and is surrounded by a seam, the stitches of which penetrate the knitted tube and, if appropriate, a filter element arranged in the interior of the knitted tube, so that the nose clip is held back in its position relative to the knitted tube by the seam.

[0078] Furthermore, it can be provided that the anti-slip area is formed by spraying a slip-resistant material onto the base body and / or by knitting a yarn with slip-resistant properties, for example a yarn comprising a polyurethane material and / or a silicone material, into the outer layer of the knitted tube in the anti-slip area.

[0079] In order to enable the wearer of the hygiene mask to position the hygiene mask correctly on his face, it is also advantageous if the hygiene mask is provided with a position marking.

[0080] Such a position marking can, for example, be arranged on the surrounding side of the base body facing away from the wearer of the hygiene mask when the hygiene mask is worn.

[0081] The position marking is preferably shifted downwards or upwards compared to a central arrangement on the base body of the hygiene mask in order to indicate to the wearer of the hygiene mask in which orientation he should arrange the hygiene mask on his face.

[0082] The position marker may, for example, comprise a graphic symbol, a pictorial representation and / or an alphanumeric character or a group of alphanumeric characters.

[0083] For example, the position marking may include the name or logo of the manufacturer of the hygiene mask, a batch number and / or the name of the wearer of the hygiene mask.

[0084] The present invention further relates to a method for producing a hygiene mask which comprises a base body which, when the hygiene mask is worn, at least partially covers a mouth area and a nose area of ​​a wearer of the hygiene mask.

[0085] The present invention is based on the further object of creating such a method for producing a hygiene mask, which is easy to carry out and produces a hygiene mask which is easy to handle and can have a good filtering effect.

[0086] This object is achieved according to the invention by a method for producing a hygiene mask according to claim 15.

[0087] Preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention have already been explained above in connection with the special embodiments of the hygiene mask according to the invention.

[0088] The method according to the invention is particularly suitable for producing the hygiene mask according to the invention.

[0089] The knitted tube is preferably produced on a circular knitting machine.

[0090] The knitted tube can be knitted in such a way that the mesh size of the knitted tube varies along the knitting direction, which coincides with the wale direction. In this way, the compressed knitted tube can be given a three-dimensional shape that is adapted to the shape of the cheek and / or chin area of ​​the face of a wearer of the hygiene mask.

[0091] The knitted tube can be knitted in such a way that, in the compressed state, it is at least partially concave on the support side and at least partially convex on the surrounding side.

[0092] The knitted fabric of the knitted tube is preferably pre-washed before or after attaching the at least one fastening element to the knitted tube by a pre-wash at a temperature of at least 60°C, in particular at least 80°C. This anticipates any shrinkage of the knitted tube caused by a first wash before the hygiene mask is handed over to the wearer.

[0093] The hygiene mask according to the invention is to be cleaned after each use by a washing process, preferably at a temperature of at least 60°C, in particular of at least 80°C, and / or by heating to a

[0094] Temperature of preferably at least 60°C, in particular at least 80°C, to a largely germ-free state and thus reusable.

[0095] Further features and advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description and the drawing of an embodiment.

[0096] The drawings show: Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a hygiene mask comprising a base body which, when the hygiene mask is worn, at least partially covers a mouth area and a nose area of ​​a wearer of the hygiene mask, wherein the base body comprises a knitted tube, with the view towards an environment side of the hygiene mask facing the environment of the wearer when the hygiene mask is worn; Fig. 2 is a further view of the hygiene mask from Fig. 1 , with the view towards a side of the hygiene mask facing the wearer of the hygiene mask when the hygiene mask is worn; Fig. 3 a schematic section through the basic body of the hygiene mask from the Fig. 1 and 2 , along line 3 - 3 in Fig. 1 ; and Fig. 4 one of the Fig. 2 corresponding view of a second embodiment of a hygiene mask, which comprises a nose clip which is fixed to the filter element of the hygiene mask, with the view towards a wearer side of the hygiene mask facing the wearer of the hygiene mask when the hygiene mask is worn.

[0097] Identical or functionally equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0098] One in the Fig. 1 bis 3 The hygiene mask shown, designated as a whole by 100, comprises a base body 102 which, when the hygiene mask is worn, covers a mouth area and a nose area of ​​a wearer of the hygiene mask at least partially, preferably substantially completely.

[0099] The base body 102 of the hygiene mask 100 comprises a knitted tube 104.

[0100] The knitted tube 104 is knitted along a knitting direction 106, which is essentially horizontally aligned when the hygiene mask 100 is worn.

[0101] The knitting direction 106 corresponds to the wale direction 108 of the knitted fabric of the knitted tube 104.

[0102] The stitch rows of the knitted fabric of the knitted tube 104 extend along a stitch row direction 110 which is aligned substantially perpendicular to the wale direction 108.

[0103] How best to Fig. 3 As can be seen, the knitted tube 104 of the base body 102 encloses an interior space 112 of the knitted tube 104.

[0104] The knitted tube 104 preferably comprises at least two layers, namely an inner layer 114 facing the interior 112 of the knitted tube 104 and an outer layer 116 facing away from the interior 112 of the knitted tube 104.

[0105] A support region 118 of the outer layer 116 of the knitted tube 104 facing the wearer of the hygiene mask 100 in the worn state of the hygiene mask 100 has an outer surface 120 which forms a support side 122 of the base body 102 of the hygiene mask 100.

[0106] A surrounding area 124 of the outer layer 116 of the knitted tube 104 facing away from the wearer of the hygiene mask 100 when the hygiene mask 100 is worn has an outer surface 126 which forms a surrounding side 128 of the base body 102 of the hygiene mask 100 facing away from the wearer when the hygiene mask 100 is worn.

[0107] The interior space 112 surrounded by the knitted tube 104 can in principle be empty.

[0108] In the exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing, however, the hygiene mask 100 comprises a filter element 130 which is arranged in the interior 112 of the knitted tube 104.

[0109] The filter element 130 is preferably sheet-shaped.

[0110] The outer contour of the filter element 130 is in the Fig. 1 and 2 shown in broken lines.

[0111] The air exhaled by the wearer of the hygiene mask 100 through the nose and / or mouth passes from the wearer side 122 of the base body 102 of the hygiene mask 100 along a thickness direction 132 of the base body 102 through the support region 118 of the outer layer 116 of the knitted tube 104, through a support region 134 of the inner layer 114 of the knitted tube 104, through the filter element 130, through a surrounding region 136 of the inner layer 114 of the knitted tube 104 and through the surrounding region 124 of the outer layer 116 of the knitted tube 104 to the surrounding side 128 of the base body 102 and from there into the wearer's environment.

[0112] During inhalation, air from the wearer's environment passes in the opposite direction from the ambient side 128 of the base body 102 of the hygiene mask 100 through the ambient area 124 of the outer layer 116 of the knitted tube 104, through the ambient area 136 of the inner layer 114 of the knitted tube 104, through the filter element 130, through the support area 134 of the inner layer 114 of the knitted tube 104 and through the support area 118 of the outer layer 116 of the knitted tube 104 to the support side 122 of the base body 102 and from there to the nose and / or mouth of the wearer of the hygiene mask 100.

[0113] The base body 102 of the hygiene mask 100 thus forms a five-layer air filter.

[0114] If the knitted tube 104 comprises at least one further layer in addition to the inner layer 114 and the outer layer 116, for example an intermediate layer arranged between the outer layer 116 and the inner layer 114, and / or the filter element 130 is designed in multiple layers, the number of layers of the air filter formed by the base body 102 and the filter element 130 of the hygiene mask 100 through which the air has to pass during inhalation or exhalation increases accordingly.

[0115] The filter element 130 comprises a filter material, which preferably comprises a nonwoven material.

[0116] For example, it can be provided that the nonwoven material comprises a polyester material.

[0117] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the filter material of the filter element 130 comprises a microfilament material.

[0118] For example, it can be provided that such a microfilament material comprises a polyester material and / or a polyamide material.

[0119] Such a microfilament material can be produced in particular in the following way: Polyester granules and / or polyamide granules are converted into continuous, preferably star-shaped filaments. The filaments are spread evenly on a substrate. Using a high-pressure liquid jet, for example a high-pressure water jet, the filaments are split into microfilaments. These microfilaments preferably have a fineness of no more than 0.30 dtex, in particular no more than 0.20 dtex, for example approximately 0.15 dtex. Simultaneously with the splitting of the filaments into microfilaments, the microfilaments are firmly interlinked and solidified by exposure to the high-pressure liquid jet, thus creating a textile material.

[0120] The microfilament material preferably comprises polyester in a weight proportion of at least 40 weight percent, in particular at least 50 weight percent, particularly preferably at least 60 weight percent, for example approximately 70 weight percent.

[0121] Furthermore, the microfilament material preferably comprises polyester in a weight proportion of at most 90 weight percent, in particular at most 80 weight percent.

[0122] Furthermore, the microfilament material preferably comprises polyamide in a weight proportion of at least 10 weight percent, in particular at least 20 weight percent, for example approximately 30 weight percent.

[0123] Furthermore, the microfilament material preferably comprises polyamide in a weight proportion of at most 60 weight percent, in particular of at most 50 weight percent, particularly preferably of at most 40 weight percent.

[0124] For example, the microfilament material may comprise approximately 70 weight percent polyester and approximately 30 weight percent polyamide or approximately 50 weight percent polyester and approximately 50 weight percent polyamide.

[0125] The basis weight of the filter material, in particular of the microfilament material, is preferably at least 80 g / m 2< , in particular at least 90 g / m 2< , for example approximately 100 g / m 2< .

[0126] Furthermore, the basis weight of the filter material, in particular of the microfilament material, is preferably at most 120 g / m 2< , in particular at most 110 g / m 2< .

[0127] The particle retention capacity of the filter element 130, in particular a filter element 130 made of microfilament material, with a particle size of 1 µm is preferably at least 90%, in particular at least 95%, particularly preferably at least 97%.

[0128] The water vapor permeability of the filter material, in particular of the microfilament material, is preferably at least 3,000 g / m 2 < / 24 h, in particular at least 5,000 g / m 2 < / 24 h, particularly preferably at least 6,000 g / m 2 < / 24 h.

[0129] The air permeability of the filter material, in particular of the microfilament material, is preferably at least 10 l / dm 2< / min, in particular at least 15 l / dm 2< / min, particularly preferably at least 20 l / dm 2< / min.

[0130] Furthermore, the air permeability of the filter material, in particular of the microfilament material, is preferably at most 40 l / dm 2< / min, in particular at most 30 l / dm 2< / min, particularly preferably at most 20 l / dm 2< / min.

[0131] In order to dissipate moisture from the exterior of the base body 102 of the hygiene mask 100 into its interior 112, it is preferably provided that the material of the inner layer 114 of the knitted tube 104 is predominantly hydrophilic.

[0132] It is preferably provided that the material of the inner layer 114 of the knitted tube 104 comprises a polyamide material and particularly preferably consists essentially of a polyamide material.

[0133] Particularly preferably, the inner layer 114 is formed from a hydrophilic polyamide yarn.

[0134] For the hydrophilic properties of the yarn from which the inner layer 114 of the knitted tube 104 is formed, it is advantageous if the filaments of this yarn do not have a circular cross-section, but rather a structured cross-section with indentations and / or bulges, by means of which the surface of the filaments is increased.

[0135] In particular, it can be provided that the cross section of the filaments is composed of several T-shaped sections, for example of two, three or more T-shaped sections.

[0136] A yarn composed of several filaments with a structured cross-section, in which the indentations and bulges of adjacent filaments engage with each other, has microchannels through which liquid is conveyed very quickly due to the capillary effect.

[0137] The inner layer 114 preferably comprises a yarn having a fineness of at least dtex 40 and / or at most dtex 50, for example approximately dtex 44.

[0138] The number of filaments of the yarn is preferably at least 30 and / or at most 40.

[0139] The yarn can be a single thread or a twisted thread.

[0140] In order to quickly convey liquid from the outer layer 116 of the knitted tube 104 to the inner layer 114 of the knitted tube 104, it is furthermore advantageous if the material of the outer layer 116 is predominantly hydrophobic.

[0141] For example, it may be provided that the material of the outer layer 116 comprises a polypropylene material.

[0142] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the material of the outer layer 116 comprises wool, hydrophobically treated cotton, hydrophobically treated cellulose and / or a hydrophobic polyamide material.

[0143] Preferably, the outer layer 116 of the knitted tube 104 is formed from a yarn which is washable at a washing temperature of at least 60°C, in particular of at least 80°C, particularly preferably of at least 95°C.

[0144] Alternatively or additionally, it is advantageous if the outer layer 116 of the knitted tube 104 is formed from a yarn which can be heated for cleaning to a cleaning temperature of at least 60°, in particular of at least 80°, particularly preferably of at least 95°C.

[0145] It is particularly advantageous if the yarn from which the outer layer 116 of the knitted tube 104 is formed has a good peeling value.

[0146] The outer layer 116 of the knitted tube 104 preferably comprises a hydrophobic yarn having a fineness that is preferably at least dtex 70 and / or at most dtex 90.

[0147] The yarn from which the outer layer 116 of the knitted tube 104 is formed preferably comprises at least 20 and / or preferably at most 30 filaments.

[0148] The yarn from which the outer layer 116 of the knitted tube 104 is formed can be formed as a single thread or as a twisted yarn.

[0149] In order to prevent air from entering the interior 112 of the knitted tube 104 directly without passing through the outer layer 116 and the inner layer 114 of the knitted tube 104, it is preferably provided that the knitted tube 104 is closed at its end regions 138, for example by a seam and / or by gluing.

[0150] How best to Fig. 2 As can be seen, it is preferably provided that the knitted tube 104 is folded over on itself at its end regions 138.

[0151] By folding over each end region 138 of the knitted tube 104, a tunnel 140 is formed.

[0152] Along a seam 142, which also extends through each end region 154 of the filter element 130, the superimposed regions of the knitted tube 104 are connected to one another in its end regions 138.

[0153] In order to be able to fasten the hygiene mask 100 to the head of the wearer, the hygiene mask 100 further comprises at least one fastening means 144, which preferably comprises a substantially linear fastening element 146.

[0154] Each fastening element 148 is fixed to the base body 102 of the hygiene mask 100.

[0155] The fastening element 146 can be fixed to the base body 102, for example, in that the fastening element 146 extends through one of the tunnels 140 of the base body 102.

[0156] Preferably, each of the fastening elements 146 is formed in a closed ring shape.

[0157] In order to prevent the fastening element 146 from slipping relative to the base body 102, it is advantageous if the fastening element 146 is fixed to the tunnel 140, for example by gluing and / or sewing.

[0158] Preferably, each fastening element 146 is fixed to the tunnel 140 at only a single location 148 to allow gathering of the base body 102 when the hygiene mask 100 is placed on the wearer's head.

[0159] Such gathering causes a three-dimensional deformation of the base body 102 when the hygiene mask 100 is put on, which ensures that the wearer is supplied with fresh air for breathing.

[0160] The hygiene mask 100 should primarily have a low permeability for the air exhaled by the wearer of the hygiene mask 100 through the nose and / or mouth.

[0161] Each of the fastening elements 146 is preferably formed as a cord.

[0162] The material of the fastening element 146 may, for example, comprise a preferably elastic polypropylene material and / or an elastane material.

[0163] Each of the fastening elements 146 is hooked onto one of the wearer's ears when the hygiene mask 100 is put on.

[0164] In order to prevent the base body 102 of the hygiene mask 100 from slipping relative to the nose of the wearer, the base body 102 of the hygiene mask 100 can be provided with at least one anti-slip area 150 on the wearer side 122.

[0165] The anti-slip area 150 is preferably formed from an anti-slip material, for example from a polyurethane material and / or from a silicone material.

[0166] The anti-slip material can be arranged in the anti-slip area 150 of the base body 102, for example, by a pattern printing process, in particular a transfer printing process or a screen printing process.

[0167] Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided to spray an anti-slip material onto the base body 102 in the anti-slip region 150 and / or to knit a yarn with anti-slip properties, for example a yarn comprising a polyurethane material and / or a silicone material, into the outer layer 116 of the knitted tube 104 in the anti-slip region 150.

[0168] In order to enable the wearer of the hygiene mask 100 to position the hygiene mask 100 correctly on his face, it is furthermore advantageous if the hygiene mask 100 is provided with a position marking 152.

[0169] Such a position marking 152 can, for example, be arranged on the surrounding side 128 of the base body 102.

[0170] The position marking 152 is preferably shifted downwards or upwards relative to a central arrangement on the base body 102 in order to indicate to the wearer of the hygiene mask 100 in which orientation he has to arrange the hygiene mask 100 on his face.

[0171] For example, it can be provided that the position marking 152 is arranged in the lower half of the surrounding side 128 of the base body 102 of the hygiene mask 100.

[0172] The position marker 152 may include, for example, a graphic symbol, a pictorial representation and / or an alphanumeric character or an alphanumeric character group.

[0173] For example, it may be provided that the position marking 152 includes the name or a logo of the manufacturer of the hygiene mask 100, a batch number and / or the name of the wearer of the hygiene mask 100.

[0174] To produce the hygiene mask 100 described above, the following procedure is used, for example: The knitted tube 104 is preferably knitted on a circular knitting machine, for example on a sheer stocking circular knitting machine.

[0175] The circular knitting machine preferably has a diameter of at least 3 inches and / or at most 5 inches, for example a diameter of approximately 4 inches.

[0176] The circular knitting machine comprises a cylinder with preferably at least 300 needles and / or at most 500 needles, for example with approximately 400 needles.

[0177] For example, the knitted tube 104 can be produced on a circular knitting machine with a diameter of 4 inches and a cylinder with 400 needles.

[0178] The knitted tube 104 is knitted, for example, as a right / left knit from a hydrophilic base yarn forming the inner layer 114 of the knitted tube 104, onto the outside of which a hydrophobic plating yarn forming the outer layer 116 of the knitted tube 104 is plated.

[0179] Alternatively, the knitted tube 104 can be formed as a plush knit.

[0180] For example, a polyamide yarn with a fineness of 44 dtex made up of 34 filaments as a single thread can be used as a hydrophilic base yarn.

[0181] For example, a polypropylene yarn with a fineness of 78 dtex made of 25 filaments as a single thread can be used as a hydrophobic plating yarn.

[0182] The finished knitted hose 104 is flattened, and the leaf-shaped filter element 130 is inserted into the interior 112 of the knitted hose 104 between the support region 134 of the inner layer 114 of the knitted hose 104 and the surrounding region 136 of the inner layer 114 of the knitted hose 104.

[0183] Near each end region 154 of the filter element 130, a tunnel section 156 of a fastening element 146 is placed on the carrier side 122 of the knitted tube 104 (see the right end region 138 of the knitted tube 104 in Fig. 2 , which is shown in the initial state before the end region 138 is folded over).

[0184] Subsequently, the adjacent end region 138 of the knitted tube 104 is folded over the knitted tube 104 in order to form a tunnel 140 through which the tunnel section 156 of the respective fastening element 146 extends.

[0185] Subsequently, the superimposed regions of the knitted tube 104 are connected to one another along the seam 142, which also extends through one end region 154 of the filter element 130, in order to permanently close the knitted tube 104 at its two end regions 138.

[0186] At the points 148, the fastening elements 146 are fixed by sewing and / or gluing to the respectively associated tunnel 140 of the knitted tube 104.

[0187] The knitted fabric of the knitted tube 104 is pre-washed before or after the fastening elements 146 are attached to the knitted tube 104 by a pre-wash at a temperature of at least 60°C, in particular of at least 80°C.

[0188] This anticipates any shrinkage of the hygiene mask 100 due to a first wash before the hygiene mask 100 is handed over to the wearer.

[0189] A natural detergent is preferably used for the pre-wash.

[0190] The hygiene mask 100 can be brought into a largely germ-free state after each wear by a washing process, preferably at a temperature of at least 60°C, in particular of at least 80°C, particularly preferably of at least 95°C, and / or by heating to a temperature of preferably at least 60°C, in particular of at least 80°C, particularly preferably of at least 95°C, and is thus reusable.

[0191] The hygiene mask 100 has a high antimicrobial filtration performance and, at the same time, a high respiratory permeability due to the filter material used in the filter element 130.

[0192] Due to the special construction of the knitted tube 104, which comprises a hydrophobic outer layer 116 and a hydrophilic inner layer 114, the moisture contained in a breath cloud is quickly diverted away from the face of the wearer of the hygiene mask 100 through the hydrophobic outer layer 116 into the hydrophilic inner layer 114.

[0193] The hydrophilic material of the inner layer 114 of the knitted tube 104 ensures a large-area distribution of the moisture contained in the breath cloud over a large part of the total surface of the base body 102 of the hygiene mask 100, which enables rapid drying.

[0194] Preferably, the hygiene mask 100 is designed to meet the requirements for a medical face mask of one of types I, II or IIR according to DIN EN 14683 in the version of October 2019.

[0195] One in Fig. 4 The second embodiment of a hygiene mask 100 shown in the drawing differs from that shown in the Fig. 1 bis 3 illustrated first embodiment in that the hygiene mask 100 comprises a nose clip 158 instead of the anti-slip area 150 or in addition to the anti-slip area 150, which is preferably deformable after the hygiene mask 100 has been placed on the wearer's face so that the shape of the base body 102 of the hygiene mask 100 adapts to the shape of the face of the wearer of the hygiene mask 100. This largely prevents the formation of a gap between the upper region of the base body 102 of the hygiene mask 100 on the one hand and the face of the wearer of the hygiene mask 100 on the other hand, through which air could be expelled past the hygiene mask 100 by the wearer of the hygiene mask 100 and / or could reach the mouth or nose of the wearer of the hygiene mask 100 from the environment.

[0196] The nosepiece 158 preferably comprises a strip or band 160, for example made of a plastic material, in which one, two or more wires 162 made of a metallic material, for example an iron material or a steel material, are embedded.

[0197] The nose clip 158 is so dimensionally stable that it retains a shape which is given to it after the hygiene mask 100 is placed on the wearer's face by pressing the nose clip 158 onto the shape of the face of the wearer of the hygiene mask 100.

[0198] The nose clip 158 is preferably attached to the filter element 130 of the hygiene mask 100.

[0199] The nose clip 158 can be arranged on the wearer side of the filter element 130 facing the wearer of the hygiene mask 100 or on the surrounding side of the filter element 130 facing away from the wearer of the hygiene mask 100 and facing the surroundings of the wearer.

[0200] The nose clip 158 can be attached to the filter element 130, for example, by gluing and / or sewing.

[0201] In Fig. 4 In the embodiment shown, the nose clip 158 is attached to the filter element 130 by sewing it using three seams 164.

[0202] The nose clip 158 is attached to the filter element 130 before inserting the filter element 130 into the interior 112 of the knitted tube 104 and is then inserted into the interior 112 of the knitted tube 104 together with the filter element 130.

[0203] In order to retain the nose clip 158 in its position relative to the knitted tube 104, it can further be provided that the nose clip 158 is surrounded by a seam 166, the stitches of which at least partially penetrate the knitted tube and the filter element 130, so that the seam 166 prevents the nose clip from slipping relative to the knitted tube 104.

[0204] Furthermore, the Fig. 4 illustrated second embodiment of a hygiene mask 100 in terms of structure, function and method of manufacture with the Fig. 1 bis 3 illustrated first embodiment, to the above description of which reference is made in this respect.

Claims

1. Hygiene mask, comprising a base body (102), which in the worn state at least partially covers a mouth region and a nose region of a wearer of the hygiene mask (100), wherein the base body (102) comprises a knitted hose (104), characterized in that the knitted hose (104) comprises an inner layer (114) facing toward an inner space (112) of the knitted hose (104) and an outer layer (116) facing away from the inner space (112) of the knitted hose (104).

2. Hygiene mask in accordance with Claim 1, characterized in that the material of the inner layer (114) is predominantly hydrophilic.

3. Hygiene mask in accordance with either of Claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the material of the inner layer (114) comprises a polyamide material.

4. Hygiene mask in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the material of the outer layer (116) is predominantly hydrophobic.

5. Hygiene mask in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the material of the outer layer (116) comprises a polypropylene material, a wool material, a cotton material with a hydrophobic finish, a cellulose material with a hydrophobic finish, and / or a hydrophobic polyamide material.

6. Hygiene mask in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the knitted hose (104) is closed at at least one end region (138) of the knitted hose (104).

7. Hygiene mask in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the knitted hose (104) is folded over onto itself at at least one end region (138) of the knitted hose (104).

8. Hygiene mask in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a tunnel (140) is formed at at least one end region (138) of the knitted hose (104).

9. Hygiene mask in accordance with Claim 8, characterized in that the hygiene mask (100) comprises at least one fastening means (144) by means of which the hygiene mask (100) is able to be fastened to a head of a wearer, wherein the fastening means (144) comprises a substantially linear fastening element (146), which extends through the tunnel (140).

10. Hygiene mask in accordance with Claim 9, characterized in that the fastening element (146) is fixed to the tunnel (140).

11. Hygiene mask in accordance with Claim 10, characterized in that the fastening element (146) comprises an elastic thread.

12. Hygiene mask in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the hygiene mask (100) comprises a filter element (130), which is arranged in the inner space (112) of the knitted hose (104).

13. Hygiene mask in accordance with Claim 12, characterized in that the filter element (130) comprises a non-woven material.

14. Hygiene mask in accordance with either of Claims 12 or 13, characterized in that the hygiene mask comprises a nosepiece (158), which is fixed to the filter element (130) and / or is fixed relative to the knitted hose (104).

15. Method for producing a hygiene mask (100), said hygiene mask comprising a base body, which in the worn state of the hygiene mask (100) at least partially covers a mouth region and a nose region of a wearer of the hygiene mask (100), wherein the method comprises the following: - producing a knitted hose (104); - arranging at least one substantially linear fastening element (146) on an end region (138) of the knitted hose (104); - closing the at least one end region (138) of the knitted hose (104); - fixing the fastening element (146) to the end region (138) of the knitted hose (104); characterized in that the knitted hose (104) comprises an inner layer (114) facing toward an inner space (112) of the knitted hose (104) and an outer layer (116) facing away from the inner space (112) of the knitted hose (104).

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