CN107281663A - End for the useful life instruction unit of dust mask - Google Patents

Abstract

This disclosure relates to which the end of the useful life instruction unit for dust mask, relates more specifically to a kind of dust mask with useful life instruction unit end, the dust mask includes：Half face dust mask fabric, at least one belt for being attached to dust mask fabric, storage tank, the useful life instruction unit end kept by dust mask fabric and the pipe for being connected to storage tank and useful life instruction unit end.

Description

The end of the expiry date indication part for the dust mask

Cross References to Related Applications

none.

Statement Regarding Federally Sponsored Research or Development

Not applicable.

References to the Microfiche Addendum

Not applicable.

Background technique

Dust masks protect humans from particulate matter such as dust and aerosols suspended in the air. Inhalation of such particles can cause short-term or long-term damage to the lungs. Dust masks also provide partial protection against bacterial and viral spores that can attach to aerosols. Dust masks can be manufactured in a variety of ways, but are usually made to be very cheap and disposable. Due to prolonged use, dust masks can become filled or clogged with particulate matter and are therefore ideally discarded and replaced with new, unused dust masks. Dust masks will provide no protection against gases such as SO2 (sulfur _dioxide ) that can readily diffuse through the fabric substrate of the dust mask.

Contents of the invention

In one embodiment, a dust mask having an end portion with a life-indicating portion is disclosed. The dust mask comprises: a half-face dust mask fabric, at least one strap attached to the dust mask fabric, a storage tank, an end of an expiry indicator held by the dust mask fabric, and a The term indicates the end of the tube.

In another embodiment, a dust mask life indicator fluid dispenser assembly tip is disclosed. The assembly includes a tank and a collapsible fluid conduit, wherein the conduit includes a plug that blocks an internal fluid passageway of the conduit when the collapsible fluid conduit is folded closed.

In yet another embodiment, an end of life indicating dust mask system is disclosed. The system includes at least one fluid dispenser assembly and at least one dust mask. The fluid dispenser assembly includes a tank and a collapsible fluid conduit connected to the tank. The dust mask includes a half-face dust mask fabric, at least one strap attached to the dust mask fabric, and an end of the use-by indicator retained by the dust mask fabric.

These and other features will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings and claims.

Description of drawings

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

1A and 1B are illustrations of a dust mask with a life-indicating end according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

2 is an illustration of an end portion of a dust mask life indicator fluid dispenser assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

3A , 3B and 3C are illustrations of the folding of the end of the dust mask life indicator fluid dispenser assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

4 is an illustration of an end of a dust mask life indicator fluid dispenser assembly coupled to a life indicator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

5A is an illustration of the backside of a dust mask with a life-indicating end according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

5B is an illustration of the front side of a dust mask with a life-indicating end according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

detailed description

At the outset, it should be understood that while an illustrative implementation of one or more embodiments is described below, the disclosed systems and methods may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether presently known or not implement. The disclosure should not be limited in any way to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques described below, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims and their full scope of equivalents.

The present disclosure discloses a dust mask including an end portion of a useful life indicator. Ideally, the dust mask is replaced after it has been filled with dust or other particulate matter. On the other hand, it is not advisable to discard dust masks prematurely: this would unnecessarily lead to additional costs for the purchase of dust masks and also waste limited material resources. The end of the life indicating portion disclosed herein helps to avoid both the undesired situations of continuing to use a full dust mask and prematurely discarding the dust mask when it has remaining performance. The end of the life-indicating portion indicates to the user when the dust mask disclosed herein has been used for a predetermined period of time considered to be the useful life of the dust mask. In one embodiment, the indicator features information that gradually becomes visible as the end of the lifespan approaches. This message may include spelling out letters or characters such as "NO USE", "USED", "DISCARD", "DISPOSE", "(FIN)" , "(FINI)" or other suitable brief information expressed in human-readable characters. Alternatively, the indicator portion is characterized by a generic logo or pictogram showing the depletion of the lifespan of the dust mask. The indication part may comprise a bibulous material molded or cut into the shape of characters or letters constituting the message. When the mask is in use, a reservoir of liquid is coupled to the indicator via a tube and liquid is gradually dispensed to the absorbent material, causing the absorbent material to display its indication over time (as it fills with liquid). When the dust mask is not in use, the mask is folded closed which results in a mechanical blockage in the tube sealing the fluid passage of the tube to prevent further fluid flow to the indication. Therefore, the time the mask is folded and not used does not increase the useful life of the mask.

Turning now to FIGS. 1A and 1B , a dust mask having an end portion with an expiration indicator 100 is depicted. In one embodiment, the dust mask having the end portion of the expiration indicator 100 includes one or more straps 102 for securing the dust mask to the wearer's face, such as a human face or a companion animal ( such as the face of a dog or cat). The dust mask having the end of the expiration indicator 100 also includes half face dust mask fabric 104 , and the end of the use by date indicator 106 . Half-face dust mask fabric 104 may be constructed of a porous fabric material that allows gas (eg, air) to pass through easily but filters particulate matter. It should be understood that some fine particles can pass through the fabric, while coarser larger particles are held back by the fabric material. Half-face dust mask fabric 104 may be cut and/or ultrasonically welded to cover the mouth and nose while leaving the user's eyes and vision unobstructed. When the dust mask with the end of the expiration indicator 100 still has a remaining lifespan, the information on the end of the lifespan indicator 106 is invisible or barely perceptible, as shown in FIG. 1A . As the remaining lifespan of the dust mask gradually decreases, the information on the end of the lifespan indicator 106 becomes more visible and obvious, as shown in FIG. 1B .

Turning now to FIG. 2 , further details of the dust mask having the end portion of the expiration indicator 100 are described. The end portion of the life-indicating portion 106 includes hygroscopic material forming characters, symbols, letters, generic logos, or pictograms that can display information or indicators to the user. As used herein, the term "hygroscopic material" means a material that absorbs and retains liquids, such as ink, water, or other liquids. When the absorbent material is dry or relatively impregnated with liquid, the absorbent material does not form a significant contrast with the half face mask fabric 104 . When the absorbent material is filled with liquid, the absorbent material contrasts with the half face mask fabric 104, thereby displaying a visual indicator. In some embodiments, the visual indicator may take the form of information represented by characters, symbols, or letters, such as "NO USE (not used)", "USED (used)", "DISCARD (discarded)", " DISPOSE (processing)", "(FIN)", "(FINI)" or other suitable brief information expressed in human readable characters. However, in another embodiment, the absorbent material may be shaped or molded to display a generic logo and/or pictogram indicating that the lifespan of the respirator is depleted.

In one embodiment, the appearance and/or visibility of the moisture-absorbent material can gradually change from invisible or non-contrasting to visible and contrasting. The degree to which the transition has progressed can provide the user with an indication of the degree of continuity along the life of the dust mask at this time, thereby assisting the user in making a judgment of when the dust mask is expected to be replaced. In one embodiment, the appearance and/or visibility of the absorbent material may be progressively directional, eg, from the left to the right of the end of the lifespan indicator 106 . Furthermore, the relative progression across the contrasting periphery of the end of the lifespan indicating portion 106 may provide the user with an indication of the degree of lifespan continuity along the respirator at that time.

The dust mask with the end of the expiration indicator 100 also includes a tank 108 or receptacle coupled to the collapsible fluid conduit 110 or tube. Tank 108 may hold a fluid, such as ink or another liquid, that may flow through folded fluid conduit 110 to the end of life indicator 106 . The collapsible fluid conduit 110 includes a mechanism that prevents the flow of fluid from the tank 108 to the end of the lifespan indicator 106 when the collapsible fluid conduit 110 is folded closed. Thus, when the dust mask with the end portion of the expiration indicating portion 100 is not in use and is properly folded, the time for which the use by date indication does not progress and/or does not accumulate for the remaining life of the dust mask. This makes sense because the lifespan does not drop significantly when the dust mask is not in use because particulate matter may not continue to fill and/or clog fabric 104 .

In one embodiment, the collapsible fluid conduit 110 includes a plug 112 adapted to be inserted into the valve 114 and then block the internal fluid passage of the collapsible fluid conduit 110, thereby preventing the flow of fluid from the tank 108 to the use-by date indicator. 106 ends. In one embodiment, the collapsible fluid conduit 110 includes a flexible elbow 116 or sleeve coupling the first tube segment 118 to the second tube segment 120 . The first tube section 118 and the second tube section 120 are hollow and facilitate fluid flow therethrough. It should be understood that this disclosure is intended to include other fluid conduit configurations as well. For example, in one embodiment, the collapsible fluid conduit 110 may comprise a flexible hose structure. It should also be appreciated that in one embodiment, when the collapsible fluid conduit 110 is folded closed, fluid can still flow from the tank 108 to the end of the life indicator 106, but at a reduced flow rate, e.g. At a flow rate of about 1/5 of the fluid flow rate when unfolded, or at a flow rate of about 1/10 of the fluid flow rate when unfolded.

Turning now to FIGS. 3A , 3B and 3C , the folding operation of the collapsible fluid conduit 110 is illustrated in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. When collapsed into the closed position, the plug 112 is inserted into the valve 114 and at least partially blocks the fluid flow of the collapsible fluid conduit 110 , for example blocking the fluid flow of the second tube section 120 . The valve 114 may include a flexible membrane that is deformed to at least partially obstruct the fluid flow path of the second tube section 120 . Alternatively, valve 114 may be a flapper valve that prevents the flow of fluid through valve 114 when folded fluid conduit 110 is folded open and the plug is removed from valve 114, and when plug 112 is inserted into valve 114 The middle snaps or pivots open to at least partially obstruct the fluid flow path of the second tube segment 120 . The tank 108 and collapsible fluid conduit 110 can be placed in the dust mask with the end of the expiration indicator 100 so that when the user folds the dust mask closed, the plug 112 is naturally inserted into the valve 114 .

Turning now to FIG. 4 , further details of the collapsible fluid conduit 110 are illustrated according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the storage tank 108 and the collapsible fluid conduit 110 form the end of the dust mask life indicator fluid dispenser assembly that can be removed from the dust mask at the end of its life and replaced when replaced. Reuse a new dust mask during this period. In this embodiment, the collapsible fluid conduit 110 also includes a nozzle 122 that is sealingly coupled to a socket 124 at the end of the life indicator 106 in a new, newly manufactured respirator.

Turning now to FIGS. 5A and 5B , the back side of the dust mask with the end of the expiration indicator 100 and the front side of the dust mask with the end of the expiration indicator 100 are depicted. As best shown in FIG. 5A , the reusable end of the dust mask life indicator fluid dispenser assembly can be held by a fabric pocket in the half face dust mask fabric 104 or by a strap or snap (snap). Keep. In one embodiment, the half-face dust mask fabric 104 may include a nose piece 140 that is bendable to adapt the shape of the half-face dust mask fabric 104 to an individual's face. In one embodiment, the end of the lifespan indicator 106 may be ultrasonically welded to the half-face respirator fabric 104 .

It is contemplated that the dust mask having the end portion of the expiration indicator 100 may be distributed and/or sold in kit form. For example, a plurality of half-face dust mask fabrics 104 having coupled ends of the life indicator 106 can be combined with the dust mask life indicator fluid dispenser assembly (i.e., the tank 108 and the collapsible fluid conduit 110) in the package. A single reusable end coupling suitable for display in a retail store or for shipping in an e-commerce or online retail business model. For example, a consumer may purchase an affordable kit or retail package from a store or online retail site, wherein the kit or package includes 5 half-face dust mask fabrics 104 with attached ends of an expiry indicator 106 and a dust mask. Single reusable end of mask life indicating portion fluid dispenser assembly. When the connecting end of the first half face dust mask fabric 104 and the service life indicating part 106 is used up (that is, the end of the service life indicating part 106 shows that the service life has been exhausted), the dust mask service life will be set. The reusable end of the indicator fluid dispenser assembly is separated from the end of the life-by-life indicator 106 and removed from the first half-face dust mask fabric 104, and the end of the dust mask life-indicator fluid dispenser assembly is removed. The reusable end fits into the second half-face dust mask fabric 104 and connects to the end of the use-by date indicator 106, which end is coupled (e.g., ultrasonically welded) to the second half-face dust mask fabric 104. The fluid in the tank 108 may be replenished at this time, or the tank 108 may be refilled at this time. The kit comprising a plurality of half-face dust mask fabrics 104 with coupled ends of the life indicator 106 and a single reusable end of the dust mask life indicator fluid dispenser assembly may also include a Tank 108 fluid. As noted above, the fluid may be ink or another fluid that forms a visual contrast to the half-face respirator fabric 104 when the end of the lifespan indicator 106 is filled with the fluid.

In other cases, a plurality of half-face dust mask fabrics 104 having coupled ends of the life indicator 106 may be packaged together with the end of the dust mask life indicator fluid dispenser assembly in a location intended for many workers therein. In a shipping container or box used in a work environment such as a power plant, furniture assembly plant, glass manufacturing plant, etc., the dust mask with the end of the expiration indicator 100 may be used. As one example, 100 half-face dust mask fabrics 104 with coupled ends of the life indicator 106 may be packaged in a kit of 20 dust mask life indicator fluid dispenser assemblies. The shipping container or box may also include fluid for replenishing the tank 108 .

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

In addition, techniques, systems, subsystems, and methods that may be described or illustrated in various embodiments as separate or independent techniques, systems, subsystems, and methods may be combined with other systems, modules, techniques, or Method combination or merging. Other items illustrated or described as being directly coupled or connected to each other may be indirectly coupled or connected via some interface, device, or intermediate component, whether electrically, mechanically, or otherwise. Those skilled in the art can ascertain other examples of alterations, substitutions, and alterations, and make alterations, substitutions, and alterations without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed herein.

Claims (10)

1. a kind of dust mask of the end with useful life instruction unit, including：

Half face dust mask fabric；

It is attached at least one belt of the dust mask fabric；

Storage tank；

The end of the useful life instruction unit kept by the dust mask fabric；With

It is connected to the pipe of the end of the storage tank and useful life instruction unit.

2. dust mask as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the end of useful life instruction unit includes using text character The hygroscopic material of form, and the storage tank keeps liquid.

3. dust mask as claimed in claim 2, wherein, when the liquid being maintained in the storage tank flows from the storage tank During to the useful life instruction unit, the hygroscopic material little by little absorbs the liquid.

4. dust mask as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the pipe includes plug, when when institute that pipe turns back to itself State the internal fluid channels that plug blocks the pipe.

5. a kind of end of dust mask useful life instruction unit fluid distribution device assembly, including：

Storage tank；With

Collapsible fluid conduit systems, will lead wherein the conduit is included in described in obstruction during the collapsible fluid conduit systems folded closed The plug of the internal fluid channels of pipe.

6. component as claimed in claim 5, wherein, the collapsible fluid conduit systems are configured to couple to by dust mask fabric The end of the useful life instruction unit kept, and the collapsible fluid conduit systems are folded open when by fluid from described Storage tank flows the end for being delivered to useful life instruction unit.

7. component as claimed in claim 5, wherein, accommodate ink fluid in the storage tank.

8. component as claimed in claim 5, wherein, the storage tank is constructed to what can be refilled.

9. a kind of useful life indicates the end of dust mask system, including：

At least one fluid distribution device assembly, wherein fluid distribution device assembly includes：

Storage tank, and

It is connected to the collapsible fluid conduit systems of the storage tank；With

At least one dust mask, wherein dust mask include：

Half face dust mask fabric,

At least one belt of the dust mask fabric is attached to, and

The end of the useful life instruction unit kept by the dust mask fabric.

10. system as claimed in claim 9, wherein, the dust mask includes the holding structure for being used to receive the storage tank, And the end structure of useful life instruction unit is into being sealingly coupled to the collapsible fluid conduit systems.