DE3113828A1 - FACE MASK AND METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF - Google Patents

Description

Description:

The invention relates to face masks and, more particularly, to face masks made up of a plurality of layers are formed, the individual layers having different functions. With the face mask According to the invention, at least one layer is formed from a perforated flexible plastic material and serves as a support layer that carries at least one further layer of filter material. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a pair of layers is formed from openwork flexible plastic material the carrier for the filter layer, wherein the layer of filter material is inserted between the layers of perforated plastic material is.

In the face mask according to the invention, the use of a perforated plastic material makes it possible the formation of a flexible but dimensionally stable support for the filter material. As the plastic material is also perforated and therefore has a large number of openings, allows the perforated Plastic material provides a generally unobstructed passage of a large volume of air. Because the openwork Plastic material allows the passage of a large volume of air, the face mask is after of the invention is comfortable to wear as the wearer's breathing is not unduly restricted. The layer of filter material can consist of any well known filter material, which is commonly used in Used in conjunction with face masks to filter out particulate contaminants in the air.

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In the face mask according to the invention, the filter material can be relatively thick and still be sufficient held by the support layers made of perforated plastic. The filter material used today is also not dimensionally stable or self-supporting, so that it is necessary to have some support equipment to use, which serve to support the filter material.

In the face mask according to the invention, the perforated plastic material can consist of a plastic sheet be formed, which has a pattern with openings, or it can be made from a fabric of woven Material or a sheet of net-shaped material are formed. In particular, can the openwork plastic material layer made of different types of plastic, such as vinyl, polyethylene, synthetic or natural rubber or other materials or combinations of these materials will. For example, the perforated plastic material layer is formed from ethyl vinyl acetate.

The filter material can be made of various types of filter materials, such as non-woven polyester, electrostatic charged polypropylene, activated charcoal, various types of natural fibers and others filter materials used today. Many filter materials used today, which form the filter part of the face masks, cannot withstand excessive temperatures because of the heat the filter properties of the material deteriorate or the filtering capacity of the material is canceled. at According to the invention, the face mask can be manufactured using a process in which the filter material is not exposed to high temperatures,

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so that the filter properties of the filter material are essentially not influenced.

In a first preferred embodiment according to According to the invention, the face mask is formed from four layers of material and in particular includes a pair of openwork flexible plastic layers that act as a carrier for a layer of filter material serve / which is arranged between the perforated plastic layers. A fourth inner layer made of a soft material serves as a layer that is to bear against the face of the wearer of the face mask comes. This soft material allows additional comfort for the person wearing the face mask.

A material such as nylon tricot can be used as the layer of soft material. at Another embodiment according to the invention is a single sheet of openwork flexible plastic material designed such that there is a support for a layer of filter material forms.

The invention may also include various additional means that provide a seal along the Allow the peripheral edge of the face mask. For example, a separate seal around the peripheral edge as attached by molding, around the perimeter of the face mask and also to seal that edge of the face mask that comes to rest against the face of the wearer of the mask. Another means for sealing the peripheral edge of the face mask is formed by the

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Layers of the face mask on the desired look- Its shape can be cut to size using a hot blade to make the openwork plastic to melt layers on the circumferential edge and thereby achieve a seal of the circumferential edge.

In a further embodiment according to the invention the filter material is cut to a desired filter shape beforehand. The layers out perforated plastic material extend beyond the previously cut filter material and when the perforated plastic layers are severed with a hot blade the circumferential edge sections of the layers of perforated plastic material are adhesively connected to one another, to form an edge seal for the face mask in the invention. The peripheral edge portions The layers of openwork plastic material can also be rolled or poured around if necessary to have a seal.

The invention also provides a method of molding a multi-layer face mask into a desired one Shape that is adapted to the contour of the wearer of the face mask and in which the filter material exposed to minimal heating to prevent damage to the filter material. In particular, the sheet pieces made of the perforated plastic material are used in one of the filter material distant place preheated. The flat pieces made of perforated plastic material are then placed between two corresponding molded parts and the filter material is simultaneously

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placed between the previously heated flat pieces made of perforated plastic material.

The corresponding moldings are kept at a low temperature and when the corresponding Moldings are brought together to give the face mask the desired shape the sheet of openwork plastic material that has been softened by preheating are both shaped and the temperature drops quickly. The use of such a cold forming technique prevents that the filter material is exposed to any heat. In the case of the previously described Method, the filter material can also be cut to the desired shape beforehand, so that after the molding of the face masks the layers of openwork plastic material over the previously cut The shape of the filter material.

The invention is thus concerned with a face mask that enables different types of Filter materials used can be turned to achieve the desired degree of filtration. Simultaneously it is also achieved that a sufficient volume of air for the wearer of the face mask pass through can. The face mask according to the invention comprises at least a single layer of openwork, flexible plastic material that is at least a layer of filter material carries and supports. The face mask according to the invention can be an additional Layer made of an openwork plastic material, which comprise an additional support forms and a layer of a soft fleece material can also be provided, which provides a

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improved wearing comfort. The invention includes various devices around the peripheral edge to seal the face mask. The invention also relates to a specific method of molding the face mask. A cold forming technique is used to prevent the filter material from falling is damaged by heating.

The invention is explained in more detail below using examples with reference to the accompanying drawing. It shows:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a face mask which is designed according to the invention,

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the face mask according to the first embodiment the invention,

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along line 3-3 in Figure 2;

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a detail of a second embodiment of a face mask according to the invention,

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a detail of a third embodiment of a face mask according to the invention, a seal for forming an edge termination includes,

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FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a detail of the third embodiment of a face mask according to the invention which provides an alternative means for forming an edge seal includes,

Figure 7 shows a fourth embodiment of a face mask according to the invention using a previously cut filter element,

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a detail of the face mask according to FIG. 7,

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a detail of the face mask from FIG. 7 with a Edge seal, and

FIG. 10 is a schematic view to illustrate a method for shaping the face mask according to the invention.

In Figures 1 to 3 is a first embodiment a face mask according to the invention, the face mask shown there having four layers of material includes. Specifically, a pair of openwork flexible plastic layers 10 and 12 are provided between which a layer 14 of filter material is inserted. A layer 16 of a soft nonwoven fabric is located on the inner surface of the face mask and allows additional comfort for the wearer

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the face mask. An elastic band 18 can be attached with the aid of clips 22, which to do this serves to hold the face mask in its position or on the face, as shown in FIG.

The perforated plastic layers 10 and 12 form support layers to support the filter material 14. The perforated plastic layers can in particular are formed from sheet materials that have a large number of openings passing through them to allow a free passage of air. The openwork plastic material layers can for example from a perforated plastic material, a woven plastic material, a reticulated plastic material, etc. may be formed. In general, the plastic material is of such a kind that it becomes a desired one The outer contour can be shaped and this contour maintains, so that the filter material is reliable is held. At the same time, however, the plastic material is sufficiently flexible to allow adaptation face mask to different face shapes from different face mask wearers to enable. In particular, the perforated plastic layers can be of several types or combinations of plastic materials such as vinyl, polyethylene, synthetic or natural rubber, etc., which allow deformability in order to achieve the desired shape and at the same time to have sufficient flexibility or resilience so that the shaped Face mask can adapt to the shape of the wearer's face.

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The filter layer 14 can be made of any known type of filter material, such as non-woven polyester material, electrostatically charged polypropylene, activated charcoal and various natural fibers, such as Merino wool or other types of material that are used for filtering purposes. Many these different types of filter materials cannot withstand strong heating, since the strong heating adversely affects the filter properties of the material. The invention gives discloses a method of forming the face mask in which the filter layer 14 is not subjected to excessive heating is exposed.

In the first embodiment of the face mask according to the invention, shown in Figures 1 to 3, is an inner layer made of a soft woven material is provided to improve wearing comfort. These Layer can be formed from a material, such as nylon tricot, that is adherent to the inner layer made of perforated plastic can be connected during the molding process. As in "Figures 1 to As shown, the edge portion 20 remains open which extends around the peripheral edge of the face mask. As previously indicated, the tape 18 can be attached to the edge portion using clips 22 and these brackets 22 also connect the layers together at two side portions. Possibly additional clips can be attached along the perimeter of the face mask.

Since the face mask of the invention is generally not intended to be worn repeatedly the edge section does not need to

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digerweise to be sealed. In addition, the various layers are adhesively bonded to one another to a certain extent during the molding process. In one embodiment of the face mask according to the invention, however, there are different devices provided that a seal of the peripheral edge portion enable the face mask. This additional seal can also be used to achieve a closer fit of the face mask to the wearer's face.

FIG. 4 shows a section of a second embodiment of a face mask according to the invention and particularly shows a face mask having a simpler structure than the first embodiment Has. This face mask according to FIG. 4 has only two layers of material. In the embodiment According to Figure 4, a first inner layer 30 of perforated flexible plastic material forms one Support carrier for a second layer 32 of filter material. Layers 30 and 32 can be used made of the materials specified above and an elastic band can be attached, to hold the face mask in its desired position.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 4, a filter material 32 is to be used which at least to a certain extent Dimensions is self-adhesive as the filter material is not sandwiched between two layers of plastic material is inserted. Of course, the relative positions of layers 30 and 32 can also be reversed, so that the filter material is on the inside. if

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for example, the layer 32 of filter material is made from a natural fiber such as merino wool then this layer can be applied directly to the wearer's face without impairing the wearing comfort rest. Since the embodiment of the face mask shown in FIG. 4 has a simple structure and has a low material consumption, it is less expensive than the embodiment according to Figures 1 to However, the face mask according to FIG. 4 is not as resistant as that according to FIGS. 1 to 3.

FIG. 5 shows a section of a third embodiment a face mask according to the invention, which has a pair of support layers 40 and 42 of openwork comprises flexible plastic material, between which a layer 44 of filter material is received. In the embodiment of Figure 5, the edge portion of the face mask is attached by a soft molded sealing element 46 sealed. The sealing element 46 is not only used for sealing of the edge section and not only prevents the layers from separating from one another, but that Sealing element 46 also enables the face mask to be seated more closely and tightly on the face surface of the wearer. The sealing element can be attached to the edge portion by molding or can be directly be molded.

FIG. 6 shows a face mask which has the basic structure of the face mask shown in FIG is equivalent to. It also includes a pair of layers 40 and 42 of openwork flexible plastic material, with the interposition of a layer 44

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wear this intermediate layer made of filter material. The face mask according to Figure 6 comprises various devices / which enable edge sealing. In the face mask according to FIG. 6, in particular, the Peripheral edge portion 48 has been cut with a hot cutting edge through which the plastic material of layers 40 and 42 is softened or melted to form a nonwoven bond with the peripheral edge of the filter layer 44 to enter. This melting of the plastic material enables an intimate bond different layers along the peripheral edge portion 48 and prevents the layers from each other to solve. Of course, the embodiments according to the invention according to FIGS. 4, 5 and each have a layer of a soft woven material on the inner surface of the mask. Also the Use of a separate sealing element or melting of the plastic material can be used in order to achieve an edge seal in these embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 4.

A fourth embodiment according to the invention is explained with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9, in which a previously Cut filter layer 50 is used. This previously cut filter layer 50 is between a pair of superimposed layers 52 and 54 of perforated plastic material. As can be seen from FIGS. 7 and 8, the peripheral sections of the plastic layers extend 52 and 54 beyond the pre-cut layer of filter material after these layers are used Formation of the face mask are assigned to each other. As shown in Figure 9, the peripheral portions of layers 52 and 54 with a hot cutting edge like

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previously mentioned, or they can be rolled over or folded over or into a Bead made of plastic material are melted down. The bead 56 of plastic material enables and allows for an edge seal on the face mask a closer, tight fit of the face mask against the face of the wearer.

A method for producing or shaping the face mask according to the invention is explained with reference to FIG. 10, in which the face mask in particular is given a desired contour without the filter material being exposed to excessive heat which could damage the filter material. In the method shown in FIG. 10, the filter material 110 can be used in the form of a flat piece, which can be cut to size beforehand, as is shown with method step 100. The previously cut filter material 110 is inserted between the upper and lower sheet-like structures made of plastic material. However, the upper and lower sheets 112 and 114 of plastic material are preheated first to soften the plastic material. The plastic material can for example be preheated to about 140.5 ⁰ C + 9.44 ^0C. This preheating is shown in method step 102, in which heating devices 116 and 118 are used. The previously heated upper and lower surface pieces made of plastic material are then inserted between corresponding molded parts 120 and 122, which are kept at a low temperature by means of a cooling device 124. The mold parts 120 and 122 are, for example, maintained at a temperature of 1.67 ° C + 2.6 ⁰ C. The previously cut filter material

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110 is also in the desired position between the corresponding molded parts 120 and 122 and placed between the top and bottom panels 112 and 114. In addition, a soft woven Material 126 between the counter-molded part and a sheet made of preheated plastic material. This process step is with 104 designated.

In the next process step, the moldings are brought together at a low temperature to the top and bottom panels 112 and 114 made of plastic material to grasp the previously cut filter material 110 and the fabric part 126, to shape a single face mask. The use of the cold forms enables the upper and lower sheet pieces made of plastic material at the same time when shaping to the desired Shape to be cooled. Here, only a little heat is transferred to the filter material, and yet a simple shaping of the face masks is possible. All the forms of training described above The face masks can optionally be molded using this method if at least have a layer of an openwork flexible plastic material that acts as a support and support serves for the filter material, so that a large volume of air through the openings of the perforated plastic materials can go through.

Finally, the individual face masks can be cut from the large parts and the edges can either using a separate

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Seal (see Figure 5) or by sealing the edge tightly with a hot cutting edge (see Figure 6 and 9) are tightly closed.

The invention thus provides an improved face mask which has both the desired filter properties as well as having a shape such that the face mask conforms to the shape of the face of the wearer is. At the same time, a relatively large volume of air can pass through the mask to the wearer of the mask .

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Claims (24)

PAT E N TA N WA LT £ * MEIEIC PRODUCTS, BJC. . 4671 Leahy Street Culver City, California 90230 USA A. GRÜNECKER OPUtNG H. KINKELDEY cn if »; W. STOCKMAtR DH ■ INTi Aa £ tCAlTEO * K. SCHUMANN P. H. JAKOB G. BEZOLD OR ROl.NAT- OPL-CHEM 8 MUNICH MAXIMILIANSTRASSK PH 15 947 April 6, 1981 Face mask and method for making the same claims 1. Face mask that is placed on the face surface of a Carrier is worn and the particulate contaminants filters out in the air, characterized by: at least one layer (10, 12; 30; 40, 42; 52, 54; 112, 114) made of flexible plastic material, which is shaped to generally conform to the contour of the face of the wearer and which forms a flexible support carrier for a filter material (14; 32; 44; 50; 110), wherein 130061/0723 TELEPHONE (OBO) 93 98 03 TELEX 0S-3BS80 TELESRAMUE MONAPAT TELECOPER this one layer of an openwork flexible Plastic material is formed, the one This first layer has a plurality of openings penetrating through, which allow a free passage of air allow this one layer, and a separate layer (14; 32; 44; 50; 110) of filter material, which is separated from this one layer (10, 12; 30; 40, 42; 52.54; 112, 114), the filter material removing the particulate contaminants filters out in the air. 2. Face mask according to claim 1, characterized in that an additional layer (12; 42; 54; 114) made of perforated, molded flexible plastic material is provided, which has a further flexible support carrier for the filter material (14; 44; 50; 110) and that the layer (14; 32; A4; 50; 140) of filter material is arranged between the layers (10, 12; 40, 42; 52, 54; 112, 114) of perforated, flexible plastic material. 3. Face mask according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in addition a layer (16) of soft woven material is provided covering the inner surface of the face mask covered. 4. Face mask according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the Circumferential edges (48) of the layers (40, 42) openwork flexible plastic material 130061/0723 be warmed around the perimeter of the face mask to close tightly. 5. Face mask according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the Layer (14; 32; 44; 50; 110) of filter material is previously cut in a special shape, and that the layers (10, 12; 40, 42; 52, 54; 112, 114) made of openwork flexible plastic material go beyond the peripheral edge of the filter material. 6. Face mask according to claim 5, characterized in that the peripheral edges (48) of the layers (40, 42) made of openwork flexible plastic material on an outside the peripheral edge of the filter material are adhered to each other to form a bead get connected. 7. Face mask according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that in addition a seal (46) is attached around the peripheral edge of the face mask. 8. Face mask according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, in addition, a layer (16) of soft tissue _{/ is} provided which covers the inner surface of the face / mask. 9. Face mask according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the Peripheral edge (48) of at least one layer (42) 130061/0723 made of openwork flexible plastic material is to close tightly 2u around the peripheral edge of the face mask. 10. Face mask according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the layer (14; 32; 44; 50; 110) of filter material is previously cut to a desired shape, and that at least one layer (10, 12; 30; 40, 42; 52, 54; 112, 114) made of perforated flexible plastic material extends beyond the peripheral edge of the filter material. 11. Face mask according to claim 10, characterized in that the peripheral edge (48) at least one layer of perforated flexible plastic material on one Place outside the outer circumference of the filter material is heated to form a bead. 12. Face mask according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that in addition a seal (46) is attached around the peripheral edge of the face mask. 13. A method of making a face mask that is applicable to the face surface of a wearer and enables filtering, characterized by the following steps: Formation of at least one layer of flexible plastic material consisting of an openwork consists of flexible plastic material and a 130061/0723 Has a plurality of openings that allow a free passage of air through the perforated plastic material enable, Formation of a layer of filter material to filter out the impurities in the air, Formation of corresponding molded parts that allow shaping, generally is adapted to the contour of the face of the wearer, Keeping the molded parts at a low temperature, Preheating the at least one layer of perforated flexible plastic material a high temperature sufficient to give the plastic material the desired shape, Moving the preheated layer of openwork flexible plastic material and the layer of Filter material between the cold corresponding molded parts, and Pressing the corresponding molded parts together to give the face mask the desired shape give, with at least one layer of openwork flexible plastic during the shaping material forms a support carrier that carries the layer of filter material, and at the same time the preheated layer of openwork flexible plastic material is cooled in such a way that that the layer of filter material remains undamaged. 130081/0723 14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that two layers of openwork flexible plastic material are formed and preheated and that the layer is made of Filter material placed between the layers of openwork flexible plastic material when the corresponding molded parts are pressed together. 15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that in addition a layer of soft tissue is formed, and that the layer of soft tissue between the corresponding Moldings is brought so that it covers the inner surface of the face mask. 16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized characterized in that, in addition, the peripheral edges of the layers of openwork Flexible plastic material is heated to seal the peripheral edge of the face mask complete. 17. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, thereby g. e k e η η ζ e Ine t that the layer of filter material to a desired one Shape is cut, and that the layers of openwork flexible plastic material be shaped so that they extend beyond the outer contour of the filter material. 18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the peripheral edges of the layers made of openwork flexible plastic material 130061/0723 adhered to a location outside the outer circumference of the filter material to form a bead be connected to each other. 19. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that a Seal is placed around the perimeter of the face mask. 20. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 19 / marked by the fact that a Layer of a soft fabric is formed between the corresponding molded parts is laid so that it covers the inner surface of the face mask. 21. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 20, characterized in that the circumferential edge of the at least one layer of perforated flexible plastic material for tight sealing of the circumferential edge of the face mask is heated. 22. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 21, characterized in that the Layer of filter material is previously cut to a desired shape, and that the at least a layer of openwork flexible plastic material is molded so that it extends beyond the outer contour of the filter material. 130061/0723 23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that g e k e η η, that the peripheral edge of the at least one layer of perforated, flexible plastic material at a location outside the The outer periphery of the filter material is heated to form a bead. 24. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 23, characterized gekennze ichnet that in addition a seal around the peripheral edge of the face mask is attached. 130061/0723