Devices for the protection and isolation of the human body against contaminants and microorganisms, and groups of filters for devices for protection and isolation

Abstract

The device for personal protection and isolation against contaminants and microorganisms comprises a face protection element (1) designed to be worn by a user to at least partially cover the face, and a filter group (2) for air inhaled and / or exhaled by the user, the protection element (1) being adapted to cover at least the entire face of the user and having at least one opening for the passage of air provided with a one-way check valve (7) suitable for selectively allowing air to flow out and in through the protection element (1), the filter group (2) being fluidly connected to the interior of the protection element (1) by an access (25) made in the protection element (1) separately from the opening, and comprising a filter body (4) containing a filter (15) for purifying the air entering and leaving the protection element (1), the filter body (4) having a first opening for drawing air from the outside and / or discharging air to the outside, and a second opening for delivering air to the protection element (1) and / or recovering air from the protection element (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention is generally applicable in the field of personal protective equipment, and in particular, to protect the body from contaminants and microorganisms, especially pathogens such as bacteria and viruses, or to isolate infected persons and protect the environment and surrounding people from diseases that may spread through the trachea, and relates to a device for personal protection and isolation suitable for a user to wear.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a group of filters designed to be applied to masks and similar ornaments that can be worn by a user, and designed to cover the entire face in order to obtain the above-mentioned protection and isolation device.

Background Art

[0003] As is known, for protection against dust, contaminants or pathogenic microorganisms (especially viruses and bacteria), medical workers, personnel working in industrial sectors, or the general public, especially patients and other infected subjects, current medical devices for wearable personal protection such as masks and the like are designed to cover only limited parts of the face, usually the mouth and nose, i.e., only the trachea, and do not enable protection of the entire face.

[0004] As a result, it is not uncommon for a person wearing one of these devices not to always properly cover all parts of the face, and also due to the fact that other parts of the face, especially the eyes, have been proven to be a route for pathogens to enter the body, these devices have not been able to be completely effective.

[0005] Furthermore, known masks worn by a person wishing to protect themselves do not currently guarantee complete and effective protection by an airtight filter over the entire head or face area.

[0006] Another known problem associated with existing devices is the position of the filter close to the most sensitive areas. In this situation, both during the operation of putting on and taking off the mask, it can cause contamination of the user.

[0007] Furthermore, the type of filter in current filtration devices cannot be reused after sterilization.

[0008] German Patent No. 102018100473 is also related to a general mask and a transparent protective helmet that covers the entire head, and attempts to at least partially overcome these drawbacks by providing a personal protection device in which a face mask is connected to an independent filter element designed to be worn by the user at a position other than the head.

[0009] The connection between the mask and the filter element is provided by a tube for delivering filtered air towards the mask and then towards the user's mouth, and a tube for extracting air from the user's mouth.

[0010] However, this solution is only suitable for performing the protective function for the user of the protection device and is not suitable for protecting the surrounding people when the user himself is an infected person.

[0011] When such masks are worn by infected people to prevent external transmission, since a hermetic seal is not guaranteed, the environment around the person wearing the mask may be contaminated with a significant health risk.

[0012] Current alternatives are to confine the subject in a hospital environment with a slightly lower negative pressure atmosphere than the surrounding environment, but their implementation requires a huge amount of space, time, and resources.

[0013] A further drawback of known personal protective equipment is that it is impossible to consume drinks and food while wearing such a device.

[0014] Some solutions, such as U.S. Patent No. 2018280758, attempt to overcome this limitation by providing a connection for a straw on the front of the device, allowing the user to ingest liquid from the glass without removing the device.

[0015] However, it is clear that this solution does not allow for the ingestion of food and is thus not suitable for enabling proper hydration and nutrition in a safe state.

[0016] U.S. Patent No. 2016332008 discloses a face mask provided with a completely removable front portion arranged in front of the mouth.

[0017] In this way, a user who wants to ingest food or drink may be able to remove only the front portion without removing the entire protective device.

[0018] However, with this configuration of the face mask, once the front is removed, the device loses its protective function.

[0019] Another limitation of well-known personal protective devices is that they are ergonomically inferior and inconvenient, and normal operations and activities cannot be performed while wearing them.

[0020] In particular, none of the known devices allow for the possibility of performing basic physiological functions such as scratching or washing the face or reattaching glasses worn by the user without first removing the device, acting externally to perform operations inside the casing.

[0021] For example, British Patent No. 2247175 and Korean Patent No. 101136999 disclose personal protective devices equipped with helmets designed to completely cover the user's head, with a flexible membrane provided at the base to wrap around the user's neck and ensure a secure seal.

[0022] However, with the film, it is not possible to put a hand inside the helmet, and the design is such that there is a high risk of this external part coming into contact with the user's mouth after removal, and there is also a risk of transmission of pathogenic elements or impurities that may have accumulated thereon. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0023] An object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks by providing a highly safe and effective device for the protection and isolation of the human body against contaminants and microorganisms.

[0024] A specific object is to provide a device for the protection and isolation of the human body against contaminants and microorganisms that can protect the entire face.

[0025] Yet another object is to provide a device for the protection and isolation of the human body against contaminants and microorganisms that allows for the reuse of the filter in situations where filters are not available, such as in emergency situations like epidemics or pandemics.

[0026] Yet another object is to provide a device for the protection and isolation of the human body against contaminants and microorganisms that is suitable for both healthy individuals and infected individuals to wear, and always guarantees maximum safety for both the person wearing the device and the people in the vicinity.

[0027] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a group of filters that can be applied even to existing protective devices that do not have medical properties, such as general masks for underwater or snorkeling, and convert them into devices according to the present invention.

[0028] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a personal protection device that ensures overall excellent ergonomics and enables comfortable use of the device even over a long period of time.

[0029] Another specific objective is to allow the possibility of eating and drinking comfortably without removing the worn device, and thus to enable access to activities and services that are potentially prohibited by hygiene regulations.

[0030] One specific objective is to enable operations to be carried out from outside the device, on the head of the person using it, without removing the device, for example, but not exclusively, washing or scratching the face, or putting on again the glasses worn by the user.

[0031] Yet another specific objective is to enable, for example, but not exclusively, the monitoring of chemical-physical parameters such as thermal humidity, pressure, chemical parameters inside the protection device, to adjust these in real time to ensure optimal conditions, detect anomalies, and enable remote operation via a wireless connection.

[0032] Another specific objective is to directly transmit the weight of the device to the user's torso, allowing free rotation of the neck.

[0033] These objectives, like other objectives that will become apparent hereinafter, are achieved by the device according to claim 1 for the protection and isolation of the person against contaminants and microorganisms, and reference is made thereto for the sake of brevity of the description.

[0034] Thanks to this combination of features, the device can be used in two ways, namely a first protection mode for the user, in which the incoming air is filtered to prevent the user from inhaling contaminants or pathogens, and a second isolation mode, in which the outgoing air is filtered while avoiding the possibility of leakage of infectious air from the mouth provided in the protection element, if the user is an infected subject.

[0035] According to a further aspect of the invention, a filter group is provided according to claim 16, which is intended for application to existing protective elements such as diving or snorkeling masks, or other medical devices such as masks already on the market, and which, if appropriately configured, can be converted into the protective and insulating device according to the invention.

[0036] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are obtained from the dependent claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0037] Further features and advantages of the object of the invention will become clearer in the light of the following detailed description of the preferred but non-exclusive embodiments of the device for the protection and insulation of the person according to the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example with the aid of the attached diagrams.

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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0038] Referring to the accompanying drawings, some preferred but non-exclusive embodiments of the device according to the present invention are shown. Generally, it is designed to be worn by a user to avoid inhalation of ultrafine contaminants such as droplets, particles, dust, and / or pathogens such as bacteria, mycoplasma, viruses, and microorganisms.

[0039] The device is also suitable for use by people infected with bacteria or viruses to prevent them from contaminating the surrounding environment and nearby people with such pathogenic microorganisms.

[0040] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment, where the device, generally indicated at 100, comprises a head protection element 1 adapted to be worn by the user so as to almost completely cover the head, and a group of filters 2 for the air inhaled and / or exhaled by the user.

[0041] In this preferred but non-exclusive embodiment, the protection element 1 is made of a rigid or relatively flexible material and has a lower part into which the entire head of the user can be inserted and provided with an opening necessary for the insertion of the head. An elastic band 9 having a sealing closure arranged around the user's neck to eliminate gaps is provided to avoid air exchange with the outside through this area. The protection element 1 consists of a helmet.

[0042] The elastic band 9 is appropriately provided with an adjustable closure by a tensioner 11 provided with a locking element 10, so that a complete gapless state of the protection element 1 will always be ensured.

[0043] For the sake of convenience, the protection element 1 will be transparent at least in the eyes or at least in the whole part covering the face to enable an unobstructed field of view.

[0044] However, it is understood that the protective element may be designed to cover only partially the user's head, as long as it covers the entire face from the outside and isolates it.

[0045] The protective element 1 is provided on its front face with a mouth for an air passage, which is arranged, for example, at the position in front of the user's mouth.

[0046] The air passage mouth is provided with a one-way check valve 7 designed to selectively allow the outflow and inflow of air from the protective element 1.

[0047] Advantageously, the one-way valve 7 will be of a reversible type that changes the air outlet direction with respect to the front air passage mouth so as to allow only the inflow of the air inhaled by the user or only the outflow of the exhaled air, as required.

[0048] Preferably, the passage mouth may be provided with an anti-emission filter 22 and, optionally, a ring nut 21 for connecting to forced ventilation and / or oxygen supply means.

[0049] In addition, the protective element 1 may be further provided with an opening different from the front mouth for inserting a cannula 8 for feeding the user, and the cannula 8 will be provided with a check valve and a closing cap.

[0050] The filter group 2, which is shown in detail in the following Figure 2, comprises a filter body 4 that houses inside a filter 15 for purifying the air entering and leaving the filter group 2, and is fluidly connected to the inside of the protective element 1 via an access 25 made in the same protective element 1.

[0051] Preferably, although not necessarily, this access 25 will be arranged spaced apart from the front air passage mouth, and more preferably on the opposite side thereof, i.e., on the rear face of the protective element 1.

[0052] In this way, in both the steps of wearing and removing the device, it would be possible to have the additional advantage that the filter 15 is kept as far as possible from the sensitive parts of the face, namely the eyes, mouth and nose, ensuring further safety.

[0053] The filter body 4 comprises a first opening for the intake of external air and / or the discharge of air to the outside, and a second opening for the delivery of air to the protection element and / or the recovery of air from the protection element, according to the method of use which will be more clearly described below.

[0054] The filter body 4 may be directly attached to the protection element 1 or, as in the attached drawings, it is possible to provide a connecting tube 6 in addition to the access 25 provided in the protection element 1 to keep them separated, and then appropriately provide fixing bushings 14, 23 so that it can be selectively connected to one of the two openings.

[0055] In particular, the filter body 4 may be connected to the protection element 1 directly or via the connecting tube 6 according to two connection directions in which the positions of the first opening and the second opening are reversed with respect to each other and are selectively connected to the access 25 at the rear of the protection element 1.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the filter body 4 is attached in a state where it is desired that after the air enters the protection element 1, it reaches the user through the filter group 2.

[0057] This state would correspond to a one-way valve 7 in a position that allows air discharge.

[0058] This state represents the use in the user protection mode, in which the inhaled air is filtered and at the same time the possibility of inhaling contaminated unfiltered air that has not been properly filtered is prevented.

[0059] In this operating mode, the interior of the protection element 1 may be kept under positive pressure to ensure further safety against the intrusion of the above-mentioned particles and microorganisms.

[0060] In the second mode of use, the filter body 4 can be mounted upside down, i.e., with the first opening connected to the connecting pipe 6, whereby air leaks through the filter group 2.

[0061] This state would correspond to the one-way valve 7 being in a position that allows air inflow.

[0062] This state represents use in the user isolation mode, where the exhaled air is filtered, preventing pathogens from the user from contaminating the external environment or nearby people.

[0063] At the same time, the user may breathe through the one-way valve 7, and the filter 22 provided for the one-way valve 7 is supposed to remove external particles.

[0064] In this second operating mode, the interior of the protection element 1 may be kept at a negative pressure to ensure further safety against the leakage of the aforementioned ultrafine particles and microorganisms.

[0065] Furthermore, this operating mode would help achieve the confinement and isolation in a negative atmosphere of the potentially infected subject, avoiding the spread of infection to nearby individuals.

[0066] In this way, without relying on the costly structure of a negative pressure chamber, it may be possible to substantially save on cost, time, and space, while almost completely confining the infected subject and potentially allowing contact with family members.

[0067] Note that the transition from the protection mode to the isolation mode can be easily implemented by reversing the direction of the one-way valve 7 and simultaneously reversing the direction of the air flow in the filter group 2.

[0068] Presumably, the filter body 4 may house means for forced ventilation that is designed to promote the flow of air in two alternative and opposite directions, inside the filter body 4 and possibly also in the connecting pipe 6, and to enable a breathing operation with less effort in both aspects.

[0069] For this purpose, the means for forced ventilation will comprise, for example, an electric motor 18 that is housed in a motor body 3 of one-piece type and integrated with the filter body 4 and is driven by a battery 19 or some other power means that is also rechargeable and / or of the renewable type or an external power source.

[0070] The motor 18 will be associated with a fan 17 that generates a flow of air either inside the protective element 1 or from the protective element 1 to the outside, in accordance with the mounting direction of the filter group 2.

[0071] The latter may also house a control board that is provided with sensor means designed to detect the pressure inside the filter group 2 and / or the protective element 1 and to detect any abnormalities during operation.

[0072] The filter group 2 may also be provided with an external control mechanism 5 for activating the means for forced ventilation and / or a display for parameter control that may be of the touch type for giving instructions to the control board and / or the means for forced ventilation.

[0073] The filter 15 arranged inside the filter body 4 is preferably a HEPA or ULPA filter in accordance with the required safety requirements and may be sterilizable and / or washable for reuse.

[0074] In this case, the filter may be removable from the compartment 13 into which it is inserted for replacement or sterilization.

[0075] Advantageously, the filter body 4 may also accommodate a thermal or optical sterilizer 24, such as a UVC or IR lamp, which will act on and sterilize the filter 15 without having to be removed.

[0076] The protective element 1 may also be made of one or more materials that are washable and sterilizable at high and / or low temperatures.

[0077] Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of the device according to the invention obtained by applying a filter group 2 with connecting tubes as described above to a diving or snorkeling mask 20 of a known type that is presumably commercially available, where the connecting tube 6 is directly connected to the intake tube or snorkel of the mask 20.

[0078] The mask 20 may be further modified to insert a one-way check valve 7 into the front opening, to which a ring nut 21 for connecting to the above-mentioned filter 22 and possibly means for forced ventilation and / or oxygen supply means may also be applied.

[0079] This solution will have the advantage of being inexpensive and easy to introduce.

[0080] Figure 4 shows a device of a further embodiment, generally designated 200, where, in addition to the protective element 1 being associated with the filter group 2 in at least a functionally equivalent manner as described above, additional accessories and functionality are provided.

[0081] The first additional function is represented by the presence of an opening 26 designed to be positioned at the user's mouth in the front part of the protective element 1, and solids and / or liquids such as food and drink can be easily introduced through the opening 26 by removing a suitable cap 27 that advantageously can also accommodate an additional removable filter 28.

[0082] According to a variant, the device 29 may be provided with an opening 26 and a cap 27 and may be applicable to existing protection devices to achieve access to solids and / or liquids.

[0083] In addition, in order to guarantee the maintenance of a safe state for the user, inside the protection element 1, there may be sensor means 30 configured to detect one or more environmental parameters such as pressure, temperature, humidity, etc., for example an electronic control board 31 arranged in the filter group 2 or in any of the associated cases, which is configured to detect anomalies and communicate with a remote control system via a wireless communication system, and may be connected to an electronic control board 31 which will operate to keep these parameters constantly at a pre-set security level.

[0084] Thus, according to a particularly advantageous embodiment, by means of forced ventilation arranged inside or outside the filter group 2 and controlled by the electronic board 31, when the device operates in user protection mode, the internal space of the protection element 1 can always be kept in a slightly overpressure state, and when operating in isolation mode, in a slightly underpressure state.

[0085] This feature will guarantee the protection of the user or nearby people according to the operating mode, even when the user removes the cap 27 to introduce food and / or drink and / or other substances.

[0086] In fact, in protection mode, the overpressure created will prevent the inflow of air from the outside, and thus the inflow of impurities and sources of infection, while in isolation mode, the underpressure will prevent the diffusion of infected droplets that may be released by the user to the outside surroundings.

[0087] Furthermore, additional accessory elements consist of a deformable sealing membrane 32 arranged at the base of the protection element 1 and defining a band that eliminates the gap around the neck and allows access of the head to the inside of the protection element 1, and a hermetic closure around the neck.

[0088] In this preferred but non-exclusive embodiment, the membrane 32 will be made sufficiently wide and deformable so that, for example, it can always be inserted into the interior of the protection element 1 while remaining outside the membrane 32, in order to prevent contamination of the interior space.

[0089] In this way, as a non-exclusive example, operations in the interior space such as washing or scratching the user's face, or repositioning glasses, will be possible.

[0090] In this embodiment, in order to ensure sealing, the deformable membrane 32 will be appropriately provided with a closure adjustable by a tensioner and a locking element.

[0091] Even more preferably, the deformable membrane 32 is designed to be folded back with the inner part exposed to the outside at the outer part of the protection element 1, so that the possibility of contamination during detachment can be avoided.

[0092] According to yet another particularly advantageous aspect, the protection element 1 may have a saddle-shaped ergonomically shaped support base 33 made of, for example, a rigid or relatively flexible material and having a pair of recesses, which conforms to the user's physiognomy, allows the weight of the device 200 to bear directly on the user's shoulders and torso, enables free rotation of the head inside the protection element 1, and improves the ergonomics, tolerance and visual efficiency of the entire device 200.

[0093] According to a first variant, the device 200 of FIG. 4 may be provided with a reversible filter group 2 and / or a one-way non-return valve 7 that is also reversible in the same way as described for the configuration of FIG. 1.

[0094] However, according to a further variant, the filter group 2 and / or the valve 7 may be absent and / or non-reversible in the sense that they will operate for a one-way air flow.

[0095] Figures 5 to 9 show further modified examples in which one type of accessory existing in the embodiment of Figure 4 is provided.

[0096] In particular, Figure 5 shows an apparatus 200 provided with only an opening 26 having a cap 27 and an optional filter 28.

[0097] Figure 6 shows an apparatus 200 provided with only a deformable membrane 32 arranged around the neck.

[0098] Figure 7 shows an apparatus 200 provided with only a deformable and foldable membrane 32.

[0099] Figure 8 shows an apparatus 200 provided only with a filter group 2 having air treatment means including an electronic substrate 31 and a sensor 30.

[0100] Finally, Figure 9 shows an apparatus 200 provided only with an ergonomic support base 33.

[0101] However, it will be understood that, according to a plurality of combinations of what is available, a protective device according to further embodiments in which the number and type of means and accessories selected from those described above are different can be configured.

[0102] From the above, it is clear that the apparatus according to the present invention achieves the intended purpose.

Claims

1. An apparatus for the protection and isolation of an individual against contaminants and microorganisms, comprising: a face protection element (1) designed to be worn by a user to at least partially cover the face; a filter group (2) for filtering air inhaled and / or exhaled by the user; the protection element (1) is adapted to cover at least the entire face of the user and has at least one opening for an air passage provided with a one-way check valve (7) suitable for selectively allowing the outflow and inflow of air from the protection element (1); the filter group (2) is fluidly connected to the interior of the protection element (1) by an access (25) made separately from the opening in the protection element (1), and comprises a filter body (4) containing a filter (15) for purifying the incoming and outgoing air; the filter body (4) has a first opening for suction of external air and / or discharge of air to the outside, and a second opening for delivery of air to the protection element (1) and / or recovery of air from the protection element (1); the one-way check valve (7) is of a reversible type that changes the direction of the air outlet with respect to the opening of the passage; the filter body (4) is adapted to be connected to the protection element (1) according to two connection directions in which the positions of the first opening and the second opening are reversed and selectively connected to the access (25) of the protection element (1).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the one-way check valve (7) is provided with a ring nut (21) for connection to means for forced ventilation and / or means for oxygen administration.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the filter group (2) contains means for forced ventilation suitable for promoting the flow of air in the filter body (4) according to two alternatively selectable opposite directions.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the means for forced ventilation comprises an electric motor (18) driven by a battery (19) or other power means which are also rechargeable and / or renewable.

5. The filter group (2) houses a control board (31) connected to sensor means (30) suitable for detecting the pressure inside the filter body (4) and / or the protection element (1) to detect abnormalities during operation, and the device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 is characterized by this.

6. The filter group (2) includes a connecting pipe (6) of the filter body (4) to the access (25) of the protection element (1), and the device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 is characterized by this.

7. The filter (15) is selected from the group including HEPA and ULPA filters and is sterilizable and / or washable for reuse, and the device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is characterized by this.

8. The filter group (2) houses a UVC or IR sterilization device (24) for the filter (15), and the device according to claim 7 is characterized by this.

9. The protection element (1) is designed so that the entire head of the user can enter, and has an elastic band (9) with a sealed closing part arranged around the user's neck to eliminate gaps, and an insertion tube (8) equipped with a check valve for feeding food to the user, and the device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is characterized by this.

10. The access (25) of the protection element (1) is arranged on the side opposite to the mouth for the air passage, and the device according to claim 9 is characterized by this.

11. The protection element (1) has a front opening (26) wide enough to allow the introduction of solids and / or liquids, and is provided with a removable closing cap (27) that may be provided with at least one filter (28), and the device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is characterized by this.

12. The device according to claim 11 is characterized by including air treatment means designed to always maintain an overpressure in the internal air of the protection element.

13. A deformable sealing film (32) suitable for allowing the insertion of a hand into the protection element (1) is provided at the lower opening of the protection element (1) for inserting the head, and the device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 is characterized by this.

14. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that the deformable sealing film (32) is designed to be folded back by exposing the inner part to the outside at the outer part of the protection element (1).

15. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the protection element (1) has a support base (33) ergonomically shaped to fit the user's face.

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