Free-ventilating filtering respiratory protection mask with deformable nose clips

Abstract

A free-ventilating filtering respiratory protective mask (1) comprising an upper free edge (10) and a deformable nose clip designed to conform to the contours of the user's nose, the mask (1) comprising a first proximal deformable nose clip (7) located at a first distance from the upper free edge (10) of the mask (1), and a second distal deformable nose clip (8) located at a second distance from the upper free edge (10) of the mask (1), the second distance being greater than the first distance, characterized in that the first clip (7) is shorter than the second clip (8). Figure for abbreviation: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Free-ventilation filtering respiratory protection mask with deformable nose bars

[0001] The invention relates to the field of protective masks, in particular medical masks or protective masks used in industry.

[0002] Protective masks have been used by surgeons since the end of the 19th century, and the wearing of a mask similar to that used by surgeons during operations was recommended in France by the Academy of Medicine in 1918, during the Spanish flu pandemic.

[0003] During the Covid pandemic, wearing medical masks helped limit the projection of viral droplets and aerosols, while wearing an FFP2 or FFP3 certified mask protected healthcare professionals from direct contact and aerosols.

[0004] Protective masks are part of the respiratory protection devices used in work situations where there is a risk of deterioration of health by inhalation of air polluted by gases, vapors, dusts or aerosols.

[0005] By protective mask, we mean here respiratory protection devices of the filtering type, with free ventilation, in which the ambient air is purified by a filter, a face piece more or less widely enveloping the respiratory tracts (nose, mouth), the face piece being equipped with a filter or being itself filtering in the greater part of its surface, the passage of air through the filter being ensured by the respiratory exchanges of the wearer of the mask.

[0006] The effectiveness of such a free-ventilation filtering protective mask depends on the effectiveness of the filter and the tightness of the facepiece.

[0007] As regards the efficiency of the filter, three efficiency classes (FFP1, FFP2, FFP3) are defined by the NF EN 149 standard, for anti-aerosol filters used for the protection of the respiratory tract, according to the filtration performances with respect to a liquid aerosol of sodium chloride composed of particles whose average diameter by mass is 0.6 qm and with respect to a solid aerosol of paraffin oil.

[0008] As for the sealing of the face piece, the leakage to the face is measured according to the NF EN 149 standards.

[0009] Two main types of free-ventilation filtering masks are marketed today, depending on the type of facepiece and the direction of filtration.

[0010] According to a first type of mask, the nose, mouth and chin are covered by a protective strip, usually made of non-woven fabric, providing a filtration function, a rubber fixing elastic band allowing the mask to be attached to the face. Reference may be made, for example, to document WO2012030798.

[0011] The protective strip is for example formed of more or less three layers of polypropylene or material of different natures. This type of mask, called a medical mask, exists in different versions, depending on the bacterial filtration efficiency, the respiratory resistance and the resistance to projections of bodily fluid (type I, type II, type IIR).

[0012] This first type of mask is a class I medical device falling under EU regulation 2017 / 745, the effectiveness of these masks being certified by the European standard NF EN 14863. Masks for medical use are intended to protect the environment of the wearer of the mask but also to protect the wearer in the event of projection of bodily fluid for type IIR products.

[0013] These masks have several disadvantages. Firstly, their duration of use is limited to a few hours. Secondly, the wearer's breathing is all the more difficult as the resistance to the passage of the gas flow is high, particularly in a mask protecting against type IIR fluid projections. The adjustment of the mask to the shape of the nose is limited to the deformation of a metal nasal bar, sometimes covered with polymer material.

[0014] According to a second type of mask, the nose, mouth and chin are covered by a face piece, in the shape of a shell, or a two-panel piece (duck beak or parrot beak) or three-panel, the face piece being held in place by elastics or straps.

[0015] This second type of mask is called FFP (filtering facepiece) and corresponds to personal protective equipment (PPE) meeting the requirements of standard NF EN 149, and EU regulation 2016 / 425. Depending on the filtration performance and the total inward leakage, these filtering half-masks are of classes FFP1, FFP2, or FFP3.

[0016] This type of mask, also called a filtering half mask, has several in disadvantages, particularly thermal discomfort and respiratory resistance.

[0017] In some of these masks, one or more valves allow for increased breathing comfort. However, they require perforation of the filter, which can pose a risk to the wearer in the event of a valve malfunction.

[0018] A nose clip is conventionally placed on the face piece. Reference may be made, for example, to document FR3109066.

[0019] The invention relates in particular to free-ventilation filtering respiratory protection masks, with three foldable panels, comprising a central panel, an upper panel and a lower panel, these masks being in particular of class FFP1, FFP2 or FFP3, depending on the capacity to filter particles in the air.

[0020] Examples of such three-panel protective masks are presented in documents EP3645129, EP3374035, EP2428127, EP2146595, WO2022045438, WO2021251767, WO2020242026, US20220183408, US2005098180, DE202020106886.

[0021] Foldable three-panel masks offer several advantages. The masks can be stored and delivered flat before use. When unfolded and folded, the three-panel masks define a volume in front of the user's face, facilitating breathing, with the central panel advantageously not in contact with the user's mouth.

[0022] Generally speaking, a free-ventilation filtering respiratory protection mask comprises two parts, the body of the mask itself consisting of a preformed or deformable element covering part of the face, mainly made of textile or similar material, designed to constitute a protective barrier, and on the other hand means for fixing and holding said covering element on the face, consisting of generally elastic wire fasteners.

[0023] These holding means are completed by a deformable bar which can be conformed to the anatomy of the user, arranged at the level of the upper edge of the body of the mask, and generally consisting of a metal element introduced into a hem.

[0024] When putting on the mask, the user deforms the bar which then takes the shape of the bridge of the nose.

[0025] The shaping of the bar is only temporary, and it quickly becomes deformed and the mask moves away from the bridge of the nose. This can deteriorate the seal of the mask on the face and degrade the protection of the wearer. In addition, comfort for wearers of prescription glasses or protective glasses can be degraded, because the breath passing through the space between the mask and the nose creates undesirable fogging on the glasses.

[0026] In an attempt to overcome this drawback, it has rarely been proposed to place a second nasal bar.

[0027] Document CN216088995U (Chen Youmei, 2022) describes a mask comprising a nose bar and an auxiliary nose bar. A moisture-absorbing material is placed on the nose bar.

[0028] Document DE102020002865 (Wittmann, 2021) describes a mask comprising a clip (Spange) and a nasal bar (Nâsenbugel). The clip is arranged halfway between the nostrils and the upper lip of the mask wearer.

[0029] Document WO2021 / 243302 (Kimberly-Clark, 2021) describes a duckbill mask comprising a bar which may be in the form of one, two or three strips or wires of identical length.

[0030] Document KR20210107239 (Kim Gun No, 2021) describes a mask comprising a first nose bar and a second nose bar, placed below, the first bar. Both bars are of the same length.

[0031] Document CN206565340U (Gangsong Protection Tech Corp, 2017) describes a mask comprising two nasal bars of the same length, and a valve.

[0032] Document JP2016199833 (Mu Co Ltd, 2016) describes a mask comprising three deformable nasal bars, for example made of metal, of decreasing length and thickness, the bar of greatest length being arranged closest to the edge of the mask.

[0033] Reference may also be made to document KR20210011129 (Cho Yong Sun, 2021).

[0034] In the state-of-the-art free-ventilation filter masks, the bars are either of the same length or of different lengths, with the longest bar being closest to the edge of the mask.

[0035] Prior art free-ventilation filter masks, most often provided with a single bar, do not prevent fogging of glasses. The same applies to the rare prior art masks having two nose bars.

[0036] The invention aims in particular to overcome these drawbacks.

[0037] For these purposes, the invention relates, according to a first aspect, to a free-ventilation filtering respiratory protection mask comprising an upper free edge and a deformable nasal bar intended to fit the contours of the user's nose, the mask comprising a first proximal deformable nasal bar, arranged at a first distance from the upper free edge of the mask, and a second distal deformable nasal bar, arranged at a second distance from the upper free edge of the mask, the second distance being greater than the first distance, the first bar being shorter than the second bar.

[0038] By bar is meant here a small bar, that is to say a small, narrow and long piece, advantageously of constant section.

[0039] By deformable or malleable we mean here the fact that the bars can be easily deformed by manual effort, this capacity being linked to the materials used and the dimensions of the bars.

[0040] Having a proximal nose bar shorter than a distal nose bar offers many advantages.

[0041] The presence of the first bar, short, arranged near the root of the nose, makes it possible to adjust the mask to the shape of the bony dorsum of the nose.

[0042] The presence of the second, long bar, placed further away from the root of the nose, allows the mask to be adjusted to the shape of the cartilaginous dorsum and the wings of the nose.

[0043] The combination of these two bars allows adjustment to a wide variety of nose shapes.

[0044] The combination of these two bars also provides comfort when wearing protective glasses or glasses with corrective lenses. The glasses frame is advantageously supported on the mask, between the two bars. The risk of the glasses slipping is thus reduced. The risk of fogging on the glasses is also reduced.

[0045] The combination of these two bars makes it possible to improve the field of vision, and to limit the interference between the edge of the mask and the eyelids.

[0046] According to various embodiments, the mask has the following arrangements, possibly combined.

[0047] The length of the first bar is between 30 mm and 50 mm.

[0048] The length of the second bar is between 80 mm and 120 mm, advantageously substantially equal to 100 mm.

[0049] In certain implementations, the first bar and / or the second bar comprises a strip of malleable metallic or polymeric material. The metallic strip is for example made of aluminum, the same material being advantageously used for the proximal bar and the distal bar.

[0050] In some implementations, the first bar and / or the second bar comprises at least one wire made of malleable material covered with a polymeric material.

[0051] The thickness of the first bar is advantageously less than the thickness of the second bar, the thickness of the first bar being advantageously between 0.5 mm and 1 mm, the thickness of the second bar being advantageously between 1 mm and 1.5 mm.

[0052] The first, proximal bar is advantageously more easily deformable than the second, distal bar.

[0053] In certain implementations, the fixing in the mask of the first bar and / or the second bar is ensured by gluing, advantageously by heat-sealing.

[0054] In other implementations, at least one of the bars is glued or enclosed in a location of the mask, delimited by a weld or a seam.

[0055] Advantageously, the first bar and the second bar are placed between an internal layer intended to be in contact with the skin of the wearer of the mask and a filtering layer.

[0056] A comfort strip is preferably arranged on the internal face of the mask, close to the upper free edge of the mask.

[0057] Advantageously, the mask comprises an upper panel intended to cover the user's nose, a central panel intended to face the user's breathing orifices, and a lower panel intended to cover the user's chin, the bars being placed on the upper panel.

[0058] Advantageously, the central panel comprises a rigid layer arranged between a filtering layer and an external layer, the rigid layer advantageously having a weight of between 50 g / m2 and 100 g / m2.

[0059] Advantageously, the upper panel, the central panel and the lower panel comprise an internal layer, a filtering layer, and an external layer, the layer internal being intended to come into contact with the skin of the wearer of the mask, the three layers being made from a non-woven polymer material, advantageously polypropylene, or polyethylene, or other heat-meltable materials.

[0060] Advantageously, the weight of the internal layer is between 15 g / m2 and 40 g / m2, the weight of the filtering layer being between 20 g / m2 and 70 g / m2, the weight of the external layer being between 15 g / m2 and 40 g / m2.

[0061] Advantageously, the mask comprises an elastic band slidably mounted on the central panel.

[0062] In some implementations, the elastic band is slidably mounted in two side hems of the center panel.

[0063] Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear in the light of the description of embodiments, given below with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0064] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of a three-panel mask, according to a method of embodiment of the invention, the mask being shown worn by a user equipped with protective glasses;

[0065] [Fig.2] is a front view of the mask shown in [Fig.l], the mask being re presented alone, for simplification;

[0066] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of the mask shown in [Fig.l], the mask being represented alone, for simplification;

[0067] [Fig.4] is a plan view of an unfolded mask seen flat, before assembly, according to a embodiment;

[0068] [Fig.5] is a plan view of the two faces of an assembled and folded mask, seen flat, before putting on the elastic band and folding the elastic loops.

[0069] A free-ventilation filtering respiratory protection mask according to the invention, as illustrated in the figures, is designated as a whole by the reference 1.

[0070] The mask 1 can in particular be used in a medical or industrial environment, or even in public spaces.

[0071] The mask 1 is intended to be worn by a user, as shown in [Fig.l].

[0072] In certain implementations, not shown, the mask 1 comprises a valve respiratory.

[0073] The mask 1 is intended to protect the user from dust, aerosols or other fine particles, particularly in an industrial environment.

[0074] The mask 1 will also find use in the medical field, in particular for health professionals, such as doctors, surgeons, dentists, as well as patients.

[0075] In some implementations, the mask 1 is of class FFP1 and is suitable for work environments in which aerosols, solid or liquid dusts are present. The mask 1 provides protection against dust, the mask 1 filtering at least 80% of particles in the air up to a size of 0.6 qm, and can be used as long as the concentration of the pollutant does not exceed four times the maximum exposure value. Mask 1 provides sufficient respiratory protection in construction or the food industry. Mask 1 is advantageously worn by people suffering from chronic illnesses.

[0076] In other implementations, the mask 1 is of class FFP2 and is suitable for working environments in which the ambient air contains aerosols, solid or liquid dust, the mask 1 filtering at least 94% of the particles in the air, within the limit of a size of 0.6 qm, and can be used to the extent that the concentration of pollutant on the site does not exceed ten times the occupational exposure limit value. The mask 1 can in particular be used in metallurgy and mining. The mask 1 provides protection against aerosols and solid or liquid dust.

[0077] In other implementations, the mask 1 is of class FFP3 and has a maximum total leakage rate of 5% and a filtration of at least 99% against particles, up to a size of 0.6 qm. The mask 1 ensures the filtration of aerosols and solid and liquid particles. The respiratory protection mask 1 can be used in work environments where the concentration of pollutants does not exceed more than twenty times the occupational exposure limit value. The mask is advantageously used in the chemical industry and by health professionals.

[0078] The designations FFP1, FFP2, FFP3 are used here with reference to the filtration rate and the total inward leakage rate, measured by laboratory tests with on the one hand a liquid aerosol of sodium chloride and on the other hand a solid aerosol of paraffin oil, according to standard NF EN 149.

[0079] The mask 1 comprises an upper panel 2 intended to cover the nose of a user, a central panel 3 intended to cover the respiratory orifices of the user, and a lower panel 4 intended to cover the chin of the user.

[0080] In the embodiment shown in [Fig.l], the mask 1 is provided with an elastic band 5 forming a single loop, for holding the mask 1 on the user. The elastic band 5 is integral with the two lateral edges 6 of the central panel 3.

[0081] By elastic is meant here the capacity to deform under the application of a manual force and to return to its initial shape after removal of the manual force.

[0082] The elastic band 5 comprises, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer material, for example a knit, in particular based on elastane. Advantageously, the elastic band is latex-free.

[0083] The manual elongation of the elastic band 5 is advantageously between 150% and 300%.

[0084] As an indication, the minimum length of the elastic band 5 is around 400 mm for a mask intended for adults.

[0085] In certain implementations, the elastic band 5 slides freely in a hem of the central panel 3. By hem is meant here a fold of the central panel, the fold being sewn or even glued, for example by high frequency welding or ultrasonic welding.

[0086] In other implementations, the elastic band 5 is fixed on each of the two lateral edges 6 of the central panel 3, for example by sewing or welding, this fixing being carried out on the external face or on the internal face of the central panel 3.

[0087] In other implementations, the mask 1 is provided with two elastic bands, each of the two bands being fixed to the two lateral edges 6 of the central panel 3.

[0088] In other implementations, the mask 1 is provided with at least two non-elastic holding bands, the holding of the mask being obtained by making a knot or using an adjustment ring.

[0089] Advantageously, the retaining band(s) are substantially flat and thus do not roll around the user's head.

[0090] As a guide, an elastic fabric support band with a width of between 5 mm and 10 mm is used.

[0091] Advantageously, the holding strip(s) have a different color depending on the size of the mask 1, or depending on the type of mask.

[0092] The upper panel 2 is provided with at least two nasal bars 7, 8. These two bars 7, 8 are shown diagrammatically by dashed lines in [Fig.l].

[0093] These two bars 7, 8 are malleable and allow the mask 1 to be adjusted on the user's face.

[0094] Manual deformation of the bars 7, 8 makes it possible to adjust the mask 1 to the shape of the user's nasal bridge, keeping the shape obtained throughout the wearing of the mask 1.

[0095] The human nose varies greatly, and can be, for example, straight, hooked, or aquiline. A hooked nose has a curve or bump only at the bridge of the nose. An aquiline nose has a hooked appearance. More broadly, the human nose can have a concave or convex curvature at the bridge of the nose, or even from the root to its lobule. Furthermore, the sides of the human nose are not always symmetrical, and noses can be, for example, snub-nosed or flattened. Noses can also be deformed following an accident or trauma.

[0096] For adaptation to the shape of the nose, the mask 1 advantageously comprises a first bar 7, proximal and short, and a second bar 8, distal and long.

[0097] The terms proximal and distal are used here with reference to the distance between each bar 7, 8 and the free edge 10 of the upper panel 2.

[0098] In other embodiments, not shown, the mask comprises more than two nasal bars, in particular a third nasal bar placed at a distance from the second bar.

[0099] In the embodiment shown, a first strip 7 is arranged near the free edge 10 of the upper panel 2.

[0100] The presence of the first bar 7, short, arranged near the root of the nose, makes it possible to adjust the upper panel 2 to the shape of the bony dorsum of the nose.

[0101] The presence of the second long bar 8, arranged further away from the root of the nose, makes it possible to adjust the upper panel 2 to the shape of the cartilaginous dorsum and the wings of the nose.

[0102] The bony dorsum has a compressive strength and a sensitivity different from the cartilaginous dorsum. The manual deformation of the first proximal bar 7 is advantageously easier than the manual deformation of the second distal bar 8. In certain implementations, the material used for the first bar 7 is more malleable than the material used for the second bar 8. Alternatively or in combination, the section of the first bar 7, in particular its thickness, is less than the section of the second bar 8, in particular its thickness.

[0103] The combination of these two bars 7, 8 allows adjustment to a wide variety of nose shapes.

[0104] The combination of these two bars 7, 8 also provides comfort when wearing glasses, for example protective glasses or glasses with corrective lenses. The glasses frame advantageously rests on the upper panel 2 of the mask 1, between the two bars 7, 8. The risk of the glasses frame slipping is thus reduced. The risk of fogging of the glasses lenses is also reduced.

[0105] In certain implementations, the first bar 7 advantageously has a length of the order of 30 to 50 mm, a width of the order of 3 mm and a thickness of the order of 0.5 to 1 mm.

[0106] For information purposes, the first bar 7 is placed at a distance of a few millimeters from the free edge 10 of the upper panel 2.

[0107] A second strip 8 is arranged at a greater distance from the free edge 10 of the upper panel 2.

[0108] For information purposes, the second bar 8 extends at a distance of 6 mm from the first bar 7.

[0109] The second bar 8 is advantageously longer than the first bar 7.

[0110] In certain implementations, the second bar 8 has a length of the order of 100 mm a width of the order of 4.8 mm, and a thickness between 1 and 1.5 mm.

[0111] The two bars 7, 8 are manually deformable. The deformation obtained is not irreversible, the application of a new manual force being able to return the bars 7, 8 substantially to their initial state. The deformation obtained can be carried out in several stages, to properly match the shape of the nose.

[0112] Advantageously, the two bars 7, 8 are in the form of substantially parallel profiles, and extending in the same plane, before the first use of the mask 1.

[0113] In certain implementations, the two bars 7, 8 are arranged between an internal layer of the upper panel 2, intended to come into contact with the user's skin, and a filtering layer.

[0114] In some implementations, at least one of the bars is aluminum-based and is in the form of a strip or at least one wire.

[0115] In other implementations, the bars comprise a strip or at least one wire made of ductile steel, where appropriate coated with a polymer material such as polypropylene or polyvinyl chloride.

[0116] In some implementations, at least one strip is heat-sealed.

[0117] The mask 1 preferably comprises at least three superimposed layers of material, a filter membrane being placed between an internal layer, intended to be placed on the face side of a user, and an external layer opposite the internal layer.

[0118] The inner layer, intended to come into contact with the face of the wearer of the mask 1, is now described.

[0119] Advantageously, this internal layer extends substantially over the entire surface of the upper panel 2, the central panel 3 and the lower panel 4.

[0120] In certain implementations, the inner layer is made of non-woven material, for example based on polypropylene, polyethylene or polyester. The inner layer is advantageously soft in contact with the skin.

[0121] Advantageously, the inner layer is formed from calendered fibers, so as to avoid the formation of fluff which may be unpleasant to wear. Advantageously, the weight of the inner layer is between 15 g / m2 and 40 g / m2.

[0122] The thickness of the internal layer is advantageously of the order of 0.3 mm or less than 0.3 mm, so as to maintain good breathability for the mask 1.

[0123] The inner layer forms protection for the filter layer which may contain free fibers.

[0124] In some implementations, the inner layer is provided with absorbent properties, in order to reduce the formation of water vapor during breathing.

[0125] The filter layer, arranged between the inner layer and the outer layer, is now described.

[0126] The filter layer ensures particle filtration and a maximum rate of penetration of sodium chloride and paraffin oil, between 20% and 1%, depending on the level of protection desired for the mask 1.

[0127] The weight of the filter layer is preferably between 20 g / m2 and 70 g / m2.

[0128] Advantageously, the filter layer is made from a non-woven polymer material, in particular polypropylene or polyethylene.

[0129] Advantageously, the filter layer has an electrostatic charge, to facilitate the retention of particles.

[0130] Advantageously, the filter layer is formed by assembling at least two layers, and allows low respiratory resistance, for example less than 3 mbar on inspiration, at a continuous flow rate of 95 1 / min.

[0131] Advantageously, the entire surface of the mask 1 is provided with the filtering layer.

[0132] We now describe the external layer, opposite the internal layer, and intended to come into contact with the ambient air.

[0133] The outer layer protects the filter layer.

[0134] In certain implementations, the outer layer is made from a non-woven polymer material, in particular polypropylene or polyethylene.

[0135] Advantageously, the outer layer is formed by assembling at least two layers of material. The weight of the outer layer is advantageously between 15 g / m2 and 40 g / m2, so as to maintain protection of the filter layer and to limit the entry of liquid aerosols into the filter layer.

[0136] Advantageously, the external layer extends over the entire surface of the upper panel 2, the central panel 3 and the lower panel 4, and covers the entire surface of the filter layer.

[0137] A rigid layer is now described, advantageously placed in the central panel 2, between the filtering layer and the external layer.

[0138] The presence of this rigid layer offers two advantages.

[0139] Firstly, a distance is maintained between the central panel 2 and the user's mouth, during breathing, improving wearing comfort. A cavity is maintained at the front of the mask 1 during breathing movements.

[0140] Secondly, the air movements during inspiration and expiration do not deform the mask 1, such deformations being seen as unsightly or annoying for the user or those around him.

[0141] Advantageously, the rigid layer is formed from a non-woven polymer material, preferably from two-component filaments comprising a polyester and a polypropylene. The weight of the rigid layer is advantageously between 50 g / m2 and 100 g / m2.

[0142] Welding lines 13 are advantageously produced in the central panel 3, forming articulation lines when the mask 1 is formed. The presence of these welding lines 13 reinforces the maintenance of a gap between the central panel 3 and the user's mouth. For information purposes, the welding lines have a width of approximately 2 mm.

[0143] Welding lines 14 are also advantageously produced in the upper panel 2.

[0144] In some implementations, a comfort strip 12 is placed on the inner face of the inner layer, in the part of the upper panel 2 intended to come into contact with the bridge of the user's nose. This comfort strip is indicated in [Fig.l] by a dashed line.

[0145] The presence of this comfort band 12 offers numerous advantages.

[0146] Firstly, the comfort band reduces the feeling of stiffness resulting from the presence of the bars 7, 8.

[0147] Secondly, the comfort band 12 forms a seal reducing the risks of air leakage around the edge of the mask 1, and in particular at the level of the user's cheekbones.

[0148] The comfort strip 12 is for example made of a non-woven polymer material, for example a needle-punched non-woven polypropylene or polyethylene. The thickness of the comfort strip 12 is advantageously of the order of 1.5 mm. The comfort strip 12 is preferably secured by ultrasonic welding.

[0149] Alternatively, the comfort strip 12 is made from a polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene foam, preferably with a thickness of between 1.5 and 3 mm.

[0150] The width of the comfort band 12 is preferably between 20 and 40 mm.

[0151] The free edge 10 of the upper panel 2 advantageously has a curvature 9, defining an extension for the upper panel 2, covering the start of the nose.

[0152] Weld lines 15, 16, shown diagrammatically by dashes in [Fig.2], delimit the spaces in which the bars 7, 8 are placed. For information, these weld lines have a width of approximately 1 mm.

[0153] The lower panel 4 advantageously has two tabs 20, facilitating the adjustment of the mask 1 to the user's chin. Manually gripping each of the two tabs 20 makes it possible to press the lower panel 4 against the bottom of the face.

[0154] In the embodiment shown in [Fig.4], the central panel 3 is provided with a central orifice 19, intended to be placed opposite a respiratory valve. This arrangement is optional.

[0155] In the embodiment shown in [Fig.4], the mask 1 is laid flat, before final assembly of the panels 2, 3, 4, the lateral edges 6 of the central panel 2 each being provided with a hinge line 6a to form a passage for an elastic band 5. In [Fig.4], the elastic band 5 is not shown, for the sake of simplification.

[0156] [Fig.5] represents the mask laid flat, seen on its two sides, before being put into position of the elastic band and folding of the elastic loops. The upper panel 2 and the lower panel 4 are advantageously folded over the central panel 3, the mask 1 thus being delivered flat in a very compact configuration.

[0157] The assembly of the layers forming each of the panels 2, 3, 4 is advantageously carried out by welding. Depending on the materials used, the welding is of the ultrasonic or high frequency type. For information, the width of the welding zone is 3 mm, in particular along the free edge 10 of the upper panel 2, and along the free edge of the lower panel 4.

[0158] The assembly of the panels 2, 3, 4 together is advantageously carried out by welding. Depending on the materials used, the welding is of the ultrasonic or high frequency type. For information purposes, the width of the welding zone is 4 mm, between the upper panel 2 and the central panel 3 on the one hand, and between the central panel 3 and the lower panel 4 on the other hand.

[0159] For information purposes, when laid flat as shown in [Fig.5], the width of the mask 1 obtained is for example 210 mm, the maximum height of the central panel 2 being 85 mm.

[0160] Mask 1 has many advantages.

[0161] Firstly, user comfort is high. The presence of at least two deformable nasal bars, a short proximal bar and a long distal bar, allows adaptation to a wide variety of nose shapes and reduces the risk of fogging of the spectacle lenses. The sliding elastic band allows for quick installation, without the risk of the band slipping on the user's head. The placement of a rigid layer in the central panel maintains a volume in front of the user's mouth, facilitating breathing, since the user's mouth does not touch the central panel or the valve with which the central panel is provided.

[0162] The mask 1 is delivered compact, ready to use, flat, the upper panel 2 and the lower panel 4 being folded onto the central panel 3.

[0163] The mask is aesthetic, and breathing advantageously does not cause it to deform, making it easier to use, particularly during work involving physical effort.

[0164] The identification of the mask class (FFP1, FFP2, FFP3) is facilitated by the use of an elastic band 5 of a different color, depending on the type of mask 1, in addition to marking on the packaging and on the product, for example on the central panel.

[0165] High protection is ensured, the free ventilation filtering respiratory mask 1 advantageously complying with standards NF EN 149 and NF EN 14683.

Claims

Claims

1. A free-ventilation filtering respiratory protection mask (1) comprising an upper free edge (10) and a deformable nasal bar intended to fit the contours of the user's nose, the mask (1) comprising a first proximal deformable nasal bar (7) arranged at a first distance from the upper free edge (10) of the mask (1), and a second distal deformable nasal bar (8) arranged at a second distance from the upper free edge (10) of the mask (1), the second distance being greater than the first distance, characterized in that the first bar (7) is shorter than the second bar (8).

2. Free-ventilation filtering respiratory protection mask (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the length of the first bar (7) is between 30 mm and 50 mm.

3. Free-ventilation filtering respiratory protection mask (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the length of the second bar (8) is between 80 mm and 120 mm, advantageously substantially equal to 100 mm.

4. Free-ventilation filtering respiratory protection mask (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first bar (7) and / or the second bar (8) comprises a metal strip made of malleable material.

5. Free-ventilation filtering respiratory protection mask (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first bar (7) and / or the second bar (8) comprises at least one wire made of malleable material covered with a polymer material.

6. Free-ventilation filtering respiratory protection mask (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the thickness of the first bar (7) is less than the thickness of the second bar (8), the thickness of the first bar (7) being advantageously between 0.5 mm and 1 mm, the thickness of the second bar (8) being advantageously between 1 mm and 1.5 mm.

7. Free-ventilation filtering respiratory protection mask (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the fixing in the mask (1) of the first bar (7) and / or the second bar (8) is ensured by gluing, advantageously by heat-sealing, at least one of the bars being advantageously glued or enclosed in a location delimited by a weld or a seam.

8. Free-ventilation filtering respiratory protection mask (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first bar (7) and the second bar (8) are placed between an internal layer intended to be in contact with the skin of the wearer of the mask and a filtering layer.

9. Free-ventilation filtering respiratory protection mask (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a comfort strip (12) is arranged on the internal face of the mask, close to the upper free edge (10) of the mask.

10. A free-ventilation filtering respiratory protection mask (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises an upper panel (2) intended to cover the user's nose, a central panel (3) intended to face the user's breathing orifices, and a lower panel (4) intended to cover the user's chin, the bars (7, 8) being placed on the upper panel (2).

11. Free-ventilation filtering respiratory protection mask (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the central panel (3) comprises a rigid layer arranged between a filtering layer and an external layer, the rigid layer advantageously having a weight of between 50 g / m2 and 100 g / m2.

12. A free-ventilation filtering respiratory protection mask (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the upper panel (2), the central panel (3) and the lower panel (4) comprise an inner layer, a filtering layer, and an outer layer, the inner layer being intended to come into contact with the skin of the wearer of the mask, the three layers being made from a non-woven polymer material, advantageously polypropylene or polyethylene.

13. Free-ventilation filtering respiratory protection mask (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the weight of the inner layer is between 15 g / m2 and 40 g / m2, the weight of the filter layer being between 20 g / m2 and 70 g / m2, the weight of the outer layer being between 15 g / m2 and 40 g / m2.

14. Free-ventilation filtering respiratory protection mask (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that it comprises an elastic band (5) slidably mounted on the panel central (3).

15. Free-ventilation filtering respiratory protection mask (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the elastic band (5) is slidably mounted in two side hems of the central panel (3).

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