WO2017063137A1

WO2017063137A1 - Reusable silica-gel moisture absorption device designed to reduce moisture inside a mask

Info

Publication number: WO2017063137A1
Application number: PCT/CN2015/091829
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rocky Qu; Jex ZHANG; Zhao Xia Jin
Original assignee: Honeywell International Inc
Current assignee: Honeywell International Inc
Priority date: 2015-10-13
Filing date: 2015-10-13
Publication date: 2017-04-20
Anticipated expiration: 2018-04-13
Also published as: CN108472518B; CN108472518A

Abstract

Systems and methods for reducing moisture inside a face mask. A moisture absorbing system may comprise a jar (110) operable to attach to a face mask (100). The jar (110) may contain a moisture absorbing material (300), such as silica gel beads. The jar (110) may be attached to the mask (100) over an exhalation point, allowing the user's exhaled breath to enter the jar (110), wherein the moisture absorbing material (300) may absorb the moisture from the exhaled breath. The jar (110) may be rechargeable, or reusable. When the moisture absorbing material (300) has been saturated with moisture, the jar (110) may be removed from the mask (100) and heated on a heating base (402) to evaporate the moisture from the moisture absorbing material (300). The moisture absorbing material (300) may change color when it is saturated or dry.

Description

REUSABLE SILICA-GEL MOISTURE ABSORPTION DEVICE DESIGNED TO REDUCE MOISTURE INSIDE A MASK

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

Dust masks may be worn in various situations, such as in city environments where the ambient air could be dangerous to the user, or work environments, where the user may be exposed to dangerous particles in the air. Dust masks may be worn over the user’s nose and mouth to ensure that the user does not inhale hazardous materials. In some cases, dust masks may comprise exhalation valves.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the disclosure may include embodiments of a moisture absorbing device for use with a face mask, the device comprising a jar operable to be attached to a face mask, the jar comprising a moisture absorbing material operable to absorb the moisture in a user’s exhaled breath； a movable top cover； and a base with holes allowing a user’s exhaled breath to enter the jar； and a heating base comprising one or more dock operable to receive the jar, wherein the heating base is operable to heat the moisture absorbing material in the jar to evaporate the moisture from the moisture absorbing material, allowing the jar to be reused on a mask, and wherein the movable top cover is operable to open when the jar is placed on the heating base, to allow evaporated moisture to leave the jar.

In some embodiments, the moisture absorbing material comprises silica gel beads. In some embodiments, the moisture absorbing material comprises color changing silica gel beads. In some embodiments, the top cover of the jar comprises a window for viewing the color of the moisture absorbing material. In some embodiments, the jar further comprises a transparent isolating layer operable to contain the moisture absorbing material within the jar when the top cover is open, and wherein the isolating layer comprises holes to allow moisture to evaporate from the moisture absorbing material. In some embodiments, the jar further comprises a rod attached to the top cover, wherein when the jar is placed on the heating base, the rod is pushed upward, opening the top cover. In some embodiments, the jar is operable to be attached over an exhalation valve in the mask. In some embodiments, the base of the jar comprises a thermal conductive ceramic base. In some embodiments, the heating base comprises a plurality of docks for heating multiple jars.

Additional aspects of the disclosure may include embodiments of a method of removing moisture from a face mask, the method comprising providing a jar containing moisture absorbing material； attaching the jar over an exhalation valve in a mask； absorbing, by the jar, the moisture from a user’s exhaled breath； indicating, by the jar, when the moisture absorbing material is saturated； removing the jar from the mask, when the moisture absorbing material is saturated； placing the jar onto a heating base, wherein a top cover of the jar opens when the jar is placed on the heating base； heating the jar, by the heating base, to evaporate the moisture from the moisture absorbing material； indicating, by the jar, when the moisture absorbing material is dry； removing the jar from the heating base； and attaching the jar over an exhalation valve in a mask.

In some embodiments, the moisture absorbing material comprises color changing silica gel beads. In some embodiments, indicating when the moisture absorbing material is saturated comprises a color change of the moisture absorbing material, and wherein indicating when the moisture absorbing material is dry comprises a color change of the moisture absorbing material. In some embodiments, the jar comprises a window to allow a user to view the color change. In some embodiments, the silica gel beads are orange when dry and blue when saturated. In some embodiments, the mask comprises a port, and wherein attaching the jar to the mask comprises screwing the jar into the port on the mask. In some embodiments, the steps of the method are repeated as necessary by a user, wherein the jar may be reused multiple times.

Other aspects of the disclosure may include embodiments of a method of removing moisture from a face mask, the method comprising providing a jar containing moisture absorbing silica gel beads； attaching the jar over an exhalation valve in a mask； absorbing, by the silica gel beads, the moisture from a user’s exhaled breath； indicating, by a color change in the silica gels beads, when the silica gel beads are saturated； removing the jar from the mask, when the silica gel beads are saturated； placing the jar onto a heating base, wherein a top cover of the jar opens when the jar is placed on the heating base； heating the jar, by the heating base, to evaporate the moisture from the silica gel beads； indicating, by a color change in the silica gels beads, when the silica gel beads are dry； removing the jar from the heating base； and attaching the jar over an exhalation valve in a mask.

In some embodiments, the jar comprises a window to allow a user to view the color change. In some embodiments, the silica gel beads are orange when dry and blue when saturated. In some embodiments, the steps of the method are repeated as necessary by a user, wherein the jar may be reused multiple times.

These and other features will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts.

FIG. 1 illustrates a mask with a moisture absorbing jar attached to the mask according to an embodiment of the disclosure；

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a moisture absorbing jar according to an embodiment of the disclosure；

FIG. 3 illustrates another exploded view of a moisture absorbing jar according to an embodiment of the disclosure；

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate a moisture absorbing device comprising a moisture absorbing jar and a heating base according to an embodiment of the disclosure； and

FIG. 5 illustrates a heating process for a jar 110 containing moisture absorbing material according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be understood at the outset that although illustrative implementations of one or more embodiments are illustrated below, the disclosed systems and methods may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not yet in existence. The disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.

The following brief definition of terms shall apply throughout the application:

The term “comprising” means including but not limited to, and should be interpreted in the manner it is typically used in the patent context；

The phrases “in one embodiment, ” “according to one embodiment, ” and the like generally mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention, and may be included in more than one embodiment of the present invention (importantly, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment) ；

If the specification describes something as “exemplary” or an “example, ” it should be understood that refers to a non-exclusive example；

The terms “about” or approximately” or the like, when used with a number, may mean that specific number, or alternatively, a range in proximity to the specific number, as understood by persons of skill in the art field； and

If the specification states a component or feature “may, ” “can, ” “could, ” “should, ” “would, ” “preferably, ” “possibly, ” “typically, ” “optionally, ” “for example, ” “often, ” or “might” (or other such language) be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or to have the characteristic. Such component or feature may be optionally included in some embodiments, or it may be excluded.

Embodiments of the disclosure include systems and methods for reducing moisture inside a face mask. A moisture absorbing system may comprise a jar or canister operable to attach to a face mask, particularly a dust mask. The jar may contain a moisture absorbing material, such as silica gel beads. The jar may be attached to the mask over an exhalation point, or valve, allowing the user’s exhaled breath to enter the jar. The moisture absorbing material may absorb the moisture from the exhaled breath. Thus, the moisture content inside the mask may be kept at a comfortable level, to reduce breathing resistance and uncomfortable elevated temperatures. In the system of the disclosure, the jar may be rechargeable, or reusable. When the moisture absorbing material has been saturated with moisture, the jar may be removed from the mask and placed on a heating base. The heating base may heat the jar to evaporate the moisture from the moisture absorbing material. Then, once the moisture has been evaporated, the jar may be reattached to a face mask. In some embodiments, the moisture absorbing material may change color when it is saturated or dry, so that a user may visually observe when the jar should be removed from the mask and “recharged, ” or when the jar has been sufficiently dried and can be reattached to a mask.

The use of a moisture absorbing material may extend the life of a face mask. If a user is uncomfortable when wearing the mask, the user may discard the mask before it has been exhausted, thus wasting some of the lifetime of the mask. Additionally, users may be more likely to wear a mask, and thus protect themselves from harmful ambient air, if the mask is comfortable. When the moisture is not removed from the mask, the moisture may build up in the filtering material of the mask, increasing the breathing resistance through the material.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a mask 100 may comprise a non-woven fabric 102, operable to filter dust and/or chemicals from the air. In some embodiments, the mask 100 may be held on the user’s face by one or more straps 104. In some embodiments, the mask 100 may comprise an exhalation port 112, and a moisture absorbing jar (which may also be called a canister or container) 110. The jar 110 may attach to the exhalation port 112, and may contain a moisture absorbing material. In some embodiments, the jar 110 may comprise threads that screw into the port 112.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an exploded view of the moisture absorbing jar 110 is shown. The jar 110 may comprise a thermal conductive ceramic 204. The thermal conductive ceramic 204 may allow for heat transfer from the interior of the mask 100 into the jar 110. The thermal conductive ceramic 204 may comprise a material with high heat transfer efficiency and rapid heat conduction speed, thereby ensuring uniform thermal conductivity. The thermal conductive ceramic 204 may form the base of the jar 110, and may comprise holes 205 to allow the exhaled breath of a user to enter the jar 110. The jar 110 may comprise a container 206 operable to hold the moisture absorbing material. The moisture absorbing material may be held within the container 206 by an isolating layer (or cover) 208. The isolating layer 208 may comprise one or more holes 209 operable to allow fluid to flow through the layer 208, wherein the holes 209 are small enough to contain the moisture absorbing material. The jar 110 may also comprise a top cover 210 that comprises a window 212, wherein the window 212 allows a user to view the contents of the jar 110.

FIG. 3 shows another exploded view of the jar 110. In some embodiments, the moisture absorbing material 300 may comprise a beaded material. In some embodiments, the moisture absorbing material 300 may comprise silica gel beads. In some embodiments, the silica gel beads 300 may comprise color changing silica gel beads, wherein the beads comprise a first color when the beads are dry and a second color when the beads are saturated with moisture. In some embodiments, the first color may comprise orange and the second color may comprise blue. In some embodiments, a user may view the color change of the moisture absorbing material 300 via the window 212 of the top cover 210. In some embodiments, the isolating layer 208 may comprise a transparent material, so that the moisture absorbing material 300 may be viewed through the isolating layer 208. In some embodiments, the top cover 210 may comprise an opaque material, other than the window 212, so that the moisture absorbing material may only be viewed through the window 212. In other embodiments, the top cover 210 may comprise a transparent material. In some embodiments, the size of the window 212 may vary.

In some embodiments, the ceramic base 204 may be secured to the base 230 of the container 206, and the isolating layer 208 may be secured to the top 232 of the container 206. In other words, the ceramic base 204 and the isolating layer 208 may seal the container 206, with the

holes

205 and 209 allowing fluid flow through the container 206, but retaining the moisture absorbing material 300 within the container 206.

In some embodiments, the top cover 210 may comprise a rod 220 that may extend through the jar 110 when assembled. The rod 220 may fit through an opening 222 in the isolating layer 208 as well as an opening 224 in the ceramic base 204. In some embodiments, the rod 220 may protrude from the ceramic base 204.

Referring now to FIG. 4A, the entire moisture absorbing device 400 is shown, wherein the moisture absorbing device 400 comprises a heating base 402 and one or more jars 110. The moisture absorbing material 300 contained within the jar (s) 110 may comprise a reusable material, wherein, when the moisture absorbing material 300 is heated, the moisture may evaporate from the moisture absorbing material 300, allowing the jar 110 to be reused on a mask. As shown in FIG. 4A, the heating base 402 may comprise one or more docks 404 shaped to fit a jar 110. When a jar 110 is placed in the dock 404, the rod 220 of the top cover 210 (as shown in FIG. 3) may be pressed upward by the dock 404, opening the top cover 210. The heating base 402 may heat the jar 110, thereby heating the moisture absorbing material 300 in the jar 110. The heating may cause the moisture absorbed in the material 300 to evaporate and leave the jar 110 through the opening created between the container 206 and the top cover 210. When the moisture absorbing material 300 in the jar had been dried, the material 300 may change color. FIG. 4A shows three jars 110, two that have not been heated and one that has been heated. The jar 110 on the heating base 402 may be a first color, indicated dry material 300, while the other two jars 110 may have been used on masks and therefore are a second color, indicating that they are saturated with moisture. The color of the moisture absorbing material 300 may be viewed through the window 212 of the top cover 100.

In some embodiments, the heating base 402 may comprise an electrical plug 403 or power source. The heating base 402 may also comprise a power button or switch. In some embodiments, the heat base 402 may be activated when a jar 110 in placed in one of the docks 404. In some embodiments, the heating base 402 may heat the entire base 402 when activated, while in other embodiments, each of the docks 404 may be heated separately.

FIGS. 4B and 4C show other views of the heating base 402 in use. In FIG. 4B, a user is placing a used jar 110 onto the heating base 402. When the jar in placed on the heating base 402, the top cover 210 opens. In FIG. 4C, the first two jars 410 have been heated to dry the moisture absorbing material 300, and are the first (dry) color. The third jar 412 still contains moisture within the moisture absorbing material 300, and is the second (saturated) color.

FIG. 5 illustrates a heating process for a jar 110 containing moisture absorbing material 300. At step 502, the jar has been used on a mask to absorb the moisture in a user’s exhaled breath, and the moisture absorbing material 300 is the second (saturated) color. In some embodiments, the saturated color may be blue. The top cover 210 is closed, and the rod 220 is protruding from the base of the jar 110. At step 504, the jar has been inserted into the heating base (as shown in FIGS. 4A-4C) , and the top cover 210 move upward when the rod 220 contacts the dock of the heating base, allowing moisture to dissipate from the moisture absorbing material 300.

At step 506, the jar 110 is being heated and the moisture 420 is evaporating from the moisture absorbing material 300. The moisture absorbing material 300 may also be changing color to the first (dry) color. In some embodiments, the dry color may be orange. In some embodiments, while the moisture is evaporating, the moisture absorbing material 300 may be a mixture of the first color and the second color. At step 508, the moisture absorbing material 300 may be dried, and the first (dry) color. The jar 110 may be removed from the heating base, and the top cover 210 may close. The jar 110 may then be attached to a port on a mask (as shown in FIG. 1) to be reused. The process may be repeated as many times as needed. A user may use the color changing indications to know when a jar need to be heated, and when a jar is done heating.

Some embodiments of the disclosure may comprise a method of removing moisture from a face mask. The method may comprise providing a jar containing moisture absorbing material, and attaching the jar over an exhalation valve in a mask. While the jar is attached the mask, the method may comprise absorbing, by the jar, the moisture from a user’s exhaled breath. After the jar has been used on the mask to absorb moisture from the exhaled breath of a user, the method may comprise indicating, by the jar, when the moisture absorbing material is saturated, and removing the jar from the mask, when the moisture absorbing material is saturated. Once the jar is removed from the mask, the method may comprise placing the jar onto a heating base, wherein a top cover of the jar opens when the jar is placed on the heating base, and heating the jar, by the heating base, to evaporate the moisture from the moisture absorbing material. After the jar has been heated by the heating base, the method may comprise indicating, by the jar, when the moisture absorbing material is dry, and removing the jar from the heating base. If the user wishes to continue using the jar on a face mask, the method may comprise attaching the jar over an exhalation valve in a mask.

In some embodiments, the moisture absorbing material may comprise color changing silica gel beads. In some embodiments, indicating when the moisture absorbing material is saturated may comprise a color change of the moisture absorbing material, and indicating when the moisture absorbing material is dry may comprise a color change of the moisture absorbing material. In some embodiments, the jar may comprise a window to allow a user to view the color change. In some embodiments, the silica gel beads may be orange when dry and blue when saturated. In some embodiments, the steps of the method are repeated as necessary by a user, wherein the jar may be reused multiple times.

While various embodiments in accordance with the principles disclosed herein have been shown and described above, modifications thereof may be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the teachings of the disclosure. The embodiments described herein are representative only and are not intended to be limiting. Many variations, combinations, and modifications are possible and are within the scope of the disclosure. Alternative embodiments that result from combining, integrating, and/or omitting features of the embodiment (s) are also within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above, but is defined by the claims which follow, that scope including all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Each and every claim is incorporated as further disclosure into the specification and the claims are embodiment (s) of the present invention (s) . Furthermore, any advantages and features described above may relate to specific embodiments, but shall not limit the application of such issued claims to processes and structures accomplishing any or all of the above advantages or having any or all of the above features.

Additionally, the section headings used herein are provided for consistency with the suggestions under 37 C.F.R. 1.77 or to otherwise provide organizational cues. These headings shall not limit or characterize the invention (s) set out in any claims that may issue from this disclosure. Specifically and by way of example, although the headings might refer to a “Field, ” the claims should not be limited by the language chosen under this heading to describe the so-called field. Further, a description of a technology in the “Background” is not to be construed as an admission that certain technology is prior art to any invention (s) in this disclosure. Neither is the “Summary” to be considered as a limiting characterization of the invention (s) set forth in issued claims. Furthermore, any reference in this disclosure to “invention” in the singular should not be used to argue that there is only a single point of novelty in this disclosure. Multiple inventions may be set forth according to the limitations of the multiple claims issuing from this disclosure, and such claims accordingly define the invention (s) , and their equivalents, that are protected thereby. In all instances, the scope of the claims shall be considered on their own merits in light of this disclosure, but should not be constrained by the headings set forth herein.

Use of broader terms such as comprises, includes, and having should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as consisting of, consisting essentially of, and comprised substantially of. Use of the term “optionally, ” “may, ” “might, ” “possibly, ” and the like with respect to any element of an embodiment means that the element is not required, or alternatively, the element is required, both alternatives being within the scope of the embodiment (s) . Also, references to examples are merely provided for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to be exclusive.

While several embodiments have been provided in the present disclosure, it should be understood that the disclosed systems and methods may be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. The present examples are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the intention is not to be limited to the details given herein. For example, the various elements or components may be combined or integrated in another system or certain features may be omitted or not implemented.

Also, techniques, systems, subsystems, and methods described and illustrated in the various embodiments as discrete or separate may be combined or integrated with other systems, modules, techniques, or methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Other items shown or discussed as directly coupled or communicating with each other may be indirectly coupled or communicating through some interface, device, or intermediate component, whether electrically, mechanically, or otherwise. Other examples of changes, substitutions, and alterations are ascertainable by one skilled in the art and could be made without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed herein.

Claims

A moisture absorbing device (400) for use with a face mask (100) , the device (400) comprising:

a jar (110) operable to be attached to a face mask (100) , the jar (110) comprising:

a moisture absorbing material (300) operable to absorb the moisture in a user’s exhaled breath；

a movable top cover (210) ； and

a base (204) with holes (205) allowing a user’s exhaled breath to enter the jar (110) ； and

a heating base (402) comprising one or more dock (404) operable to receive the jar (110) , wherein:

the heating base (402) is operable to heat the moisture absorbing material (300) in the jar (110) to evaporate the moisture from the moisture absorbing material (300) , allowing the jar (110) to be reused on a mask (100) , and

the movable top cover (210) is operable to open when the jar (110) is placed on the heating base (402) , to allow evaporated moisture to leave the jar (110) .
The device of claim 1, wherein the moisture absorbing material (300) comprises silica gel beads.
The device of claim 1, wherein the moisture absorbing material (300) comprises color changing silica gel beads.
The device of claim 3, wherein the top cover (210) of the jar (110) comprises a window (212) for viewing the color of the moisture absorbing material (300) .
The device of claim 1, wherein the jar (110) further comprises a transparent isolating layer (208) operable to contain the moisture absorbing material (300) within the jar (110) when the top cover (210) is open, and wherein the isolating layer (208) comprises holes (209) to allow moisture to evaporate from the moisture absorbing material (300) .
The device of claim 1, wherein the jar (110) further comprises a rod (220) attached to the top cover (210) , wherein when the jar (110) is placed on the heating base (402) , the rod (220) is pushed upward, opening the top cover (210) .
The device of claim 1, wherein the jar (110) is operable to be attached over an exhalation valve in the mask (100) .
The device of claim 1, wherein the base (204) of the jar (110) comprises a thermal conductive ceramic base.
The device of claim 1, wherein the heating base (402) comprises a plurality of docks (404) for heating multiple jars (110) .
A method of removing moisture from a face mask, the method comprising:

providing a jar containing moisture absorbing material；

attaching the jar over an exhalation valve in a mask；

absorbing, by the jar, the moisture from a user’s exhaled breath；

indicating, by the jar, when the moisture absorbing material is saturated；

removing the jar from the mask, when the moisture absorbing material is saturated；

placing the jar onto a heating base, wherein a top cover of the jar opens when the jar is placed on the heating base；

heating the jar, by the heating base, to evaporate the moisture from the moisture absorbing material；

indicating, by the jar, when the moisture absorbing material is dry；

removing the jar from the heating base； and

attaching the jar over an exhalation valve in a mask.
The method of claim 10, wherein the moisture absorbing material comprises color changing silica gel beads.
The method of claim 11, wherein indicating when the moisture absorbing material is saturated comprises a color change of the moisture absorbing material, and wherein indicating when the moisture absorbing material is dry comprises a color change of the moisture absorbing material.
The method of claim 11, wherein the jar comprises a window to allow a user to view the color change.
The method of claim 11, wherein the silica gel beads are orange when dry and blue when saturated.
The method of claim 10, wherein the steps of the method are repeated as necessary by a user, wherein the jar may be reused multiple times.