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Title:
MASK INSERT WITH MAGNETIC COUPLING
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2022/162683
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The present invention relates to an ergonomic respiratory mask insert (100) comprising a frame (101) and at least one magnetic coupling assembly (102) integrally associated with said frame (101). The mask insert (100) of the present invention advantageously does not restrict movement of the jaw and lacks a chin support. the magnetic coupling assembly (102) allows for ease of use and compatibility with a wide variety of masks available.

Inventors:
BHAGAT GEETI (IN)
SHARMA MANISH (IN)
Application Number:
PCT/IN2021/051067
Publication Date:
August 04, 2022
Filing Date:
November 12, 2021
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
BHAGAT GEETI (IN)
International Classes:
A61M16/06; A62B18/02
Foreign References:
KR101074601B12011-10-17
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
SAHNEY, Garima (IN)
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Claims:
l/We claim:

1. An ergonomic respiratory mask insert (100) comprising: a. a frame (101); and b. at least one magnetic coupling assembly (102) integrally associated with said frame (101).

2. The mask insert (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said frame (101) is not provided with a chin support.

3. The mask insert (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said frame (101) further comprises an integral nasal support (103) structure.

4. The mask insert (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a part of at least a side (106; 107) of the frame (101) comprises at least a first extension.

5. The mask insert (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein at least a part of the first extension further comprises a second extension (108; 109) wherein the angle between the common edge of the first and second extension is greater than 90°.

6. The mask insert (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one cutout.

7. The mask insert (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one magnetic coupling assembly (102) essentially consists of a recessed pit (104) integral with the frame (101), wherein at least a magnetic material (105) is removably or irremovably located.

8. The mask insert (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said frame (201) comprises two magnetic coupling assemblies (202; 203).

9. The mask insert (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said frame (101) is made of at least a polymer material, preferably low-density polyethylene.

10. The mask insert (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said frame (101) further comprises at least an anti-microbial substance. The mask insert (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said frame (101) further comprises at least an aromatic substance. A mask system (300) comprising: a. an ergonomic respiratory mask insert (400) as claimed in claim 1; b. a mask (500); and c. at least one apparatus (600) capable of removably binding to the magnetic material (405) situated in the recessed pit (404) in the frame (401), wherein the mask (500) is sandwiched between the mask insert (400) and the apparatus (600).

Description:
MASK INSERT WITH MAGNETIC COUPLING

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of masks. In particular, there is provided a mask insert with magnetic coupling assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Masks are an effective first line defense against pollution especially in large cities where pollution levels are significantly over recommended healthy levels. More recently, in view of COVID-19 pandemic, use of masks has been compulsorily mandated. Furthermore, masks are to be worn for an extended period of time.

This had led to emergence of new difficulties and limitations in existing masks, such as convenience, ergonomics, hygiene, ease of use, compatibility, etc.

Therefore, there is a need in the art to develop technologies which address user concerns and improve user compliance with mask usage.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ergonomic respiratory mask insert (100) comprising: (a) a frame (101); and (b) at least one magnetic coupling assembly (102) integrally associated with said frame (101).

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mask system (300) comprising: (a) an ergonomic respiratory mask insert (400) as claimed in claim 1; (b) a mask (500); and (c) at least one apparatus (600) capable of removably binding to the magnetic material (405) situated in the recessed pit (404) in the frame (401), wherein the mask (500) is sandwiched between the mask insert (400) and the apparatus (600).

This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further illustrate aspects of the present disclosure. The disclosure may be better understood by reference to the drawings in combination with the detailed description of the specific embodiments presented herein.

Fig. 1 depicts the frontal side view of the mask insert (100) of the present invention, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 depicts the back view of the mask insert (100) of the present invention, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 depicts the side view of the mask insert (100) of the present invention, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 depict the top view of the mask insert (100) of the present invention, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Those skilled in the art will be aware that the invention described herein is subject to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the invention described herein includes all such variations and modifications. The invention also includes all such steps, features, compositions and methods referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of said steps or features.

Definitions

For convenience, before further description of the present invention, certain terms employed in the specification, examples are collected here. These definitions should be read in light of the remainder of the disclosure and understood as by a person of skill in the art. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. The terms used throughout this specification are defined as follows, unless otherwise limited in specific instances. As used in the specification and the claims, the singular forms “a", “an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The present disclosure is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein, which are intended for the purposes of exemplification only

Functionally-equivalent processes and methods are clearly within the scope of the disclosure, as described herein.

The present invention provides an ergonomic respiratory mask insert (100) comprising: (a) a frame (101); and (b) at least one magnetic coupling assembly (102) integrally associated with said frame (101).

In an embodiment, the frame (101) is as shown in Fig. 1. It is understood that the frame (101) may comprise different number of cutouts. In an embodiment, there may be more or less cutouts based on specific functional requirements. Advantageously, the frame (101) does not comprise a chin support. The lack of a chin support allows for greater unrestricted freedom of movement of the jaw while talking.

The frame (101) of the insert (100) further comprises a nasal support structure (103), which is integral to the frame (101), as shown in Fig. 2. The nasal support structure (103) helps in positioning of the insert (100) over the nose and mouth of a user. The nasal support structure (103) facilitates resting of the frame (101) of the insert (100) around the nose of the user, such that the insert (100) does not need a chin support. The nasal support structure (103) also provides a dual function of forming a protective barrier such that entry of dust etc. from the external environment is significantly reduced. In an embodiment, the nasal support structure (103) comprises at least a flattened lip extension (106; 107) on both sides as shown in Fig. 2. In an alternative embodiment, the extension on each side can be of different shapes and sizes as per design and functional requirements.

At least a part of at least a side (106; 107) of the frame (101) of the mask insert (100) of the present invention comprises at least a first extension. The extension essentially which rests on the area around the nose/cheeks and disperses the pressure (due to the mask) over a larger area for comfort. In an embodiment the extension is flat. In a preferred embodiment, the extension is contoured such as to generally conform to the face contours. In a preferred embodiment, the first extension is present on both sides of the frame (101). In another preferred embodiment, the extension extends substantially along the length of each side of the frame (101).

At least a part of the first extension further comprises a second extension (108; 109) wherein the angle between the common edge of the first and second extension is greater than 90° (Fig. 2). The second extension is situated proximal to the nasal support structure (103). In a preferred embodiment, the second extension is present on both sides of the frame (101). In another preferred embodiment, the second extension extends partly along the length of the side of the frame. The second extension essentially functions to form a close seal between the face and the frame near the nose area, while at the same time distributing the pressure over a larger area.

The mask insert (100) of the present invention further comprises at least one cut out. In an embodiment, the mask insert (100) comprises 6 cut outs. It is understood to a person skilled in the art that the shape or number of cutouts is not a limiting factor of the mask insert (100). It is possible to incorporate more or less number of cutouts and/or cutouts of different sizes and arrangement.

The mask insert (100) has at least one magnetic coupling assembly (102), which essentially consists of a recessed pit (104) integral with the frame (101), wherein at least a magnetic material (105) is removably or irremovably located as seen in Fig. 1. In a preferred embodiment, the at least a magnetic material (105) is irremovably located in the pit (104). In an embodiment, the at least a magnetic material (105) is glued to the pit (104). In an embodiment, the at least a magnetic material is ferro-magnet. In another embodiment, the at least a magnetic material is a neodymium magnet.

In a preferred embodiment, the recessed pit (104) is circular in shape. In another embodiment, the recessed pit (104) can be in any other shape. In a preferred embodiment, the frame (201) comprises two magnetic coupling assemblies (202; 203), wherein the assemblies are located equidistant from each other when measured from the front central axis. It is understood by a person skilled in the art that the frame may comprise any number of recessed pits comprising one or more magnets and that the location of the pits may be distributed in any suitable manner.

The mask insert (100) of the present invention is made of a polymeric material. In an embodiment, the polymeric material is low-density polyethylene (LDPE). In another embodiment, the polymeric material can be biodegradable. In an embodiment, the polymeric material is food grade. In another embodiment, the polymeric material is cosmetic grade. In an embodiment, the polymeric material is hypoallergenic. In yet another embodiment, the polymeric material may comprise more than one polymeric material.

In an embodiment, the insert (100) further comprises at least an anti-microbial substance. In an embodiment, the anti-microbial material is effective in inhibiting bacterial growth on the surface of the insert (100). In an embodiment, the anti-microbial material is effective in neutralizing bacteria on the surface of the insert (100). In an embodiment, the anti-bacterial material is effective in neutralizing virus on the surface of the insert (100). In an embodiment, the antibacterial substance is effective in neutralizing bacteria or virus on the surface of the insert (100) by at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 98%. In an embodiment, the anti-microbial substance is herbal based. In another embodiment, the anti-microbial substance is silver ion-based technology. In an embodiment, the anti-microbial technology is coated on the surface of the insert (100), wherein the coat can be a single- or multiple coats. In another embodiment, the anti-microbial substance is infused in the polymeric substance during manufacturing of the insert (100). In an embodiment, the anti-microbial substance can be one more substances/technology and/or can be infused in the polymeric material and/or coated on the surface. In an embodiment, the insert (100) may also be infused or coated with at least an essential oil.

Fig. 3 shows the side view of the mask insert (100) of the present invention. It can be appreciated that the mask insert (100) is located over the nose/mouth of a user, and covered by a mask. The lack of a chin support can also be appreciated from the side view which allows free movement of the jaw.

Fig. 4 shows the top view of the mask insert (100) of the present invention. It can be appreciated that the top view shows the nasal support and the side support structures to reduce pressure on the sensitive skin area.

The insert (100) of the present invention can be used with any mask presently known in the art, such as surgical mask, N95 mask, cloth mask, and the like. The present invention also provides a mask system (300) comprising: (a) an ergonomic respiratory mask insert (400) as substantially described herein; (b) a mask (500); and (c) at least one apparatus (600) capable of removably binding to the magnetic material (405) situated in the recessed pit (404) in the frame (401), wherein the mask (500) is sandwiched between the mask insert (400) and the apparatus (600).

The at least one apparatus (600) capable of removably binding to the magnetic material is essentially a disc made of a metal, which can be bound to the magnet. The disc may further comprise non-metal elements such as plastic etc. At least a surface, such as the outer surface, facing away from the magnet may be painted or customized. The disc may be circular or any other shape.

Operation of the mask system (300) comprises positioning the insert (400) over the nose/mouth of an user; fixing the mask (500) over the insert and using the straps of the mask (500) to fix it; and positioning the apparatus (600) over the magnet such that the mask material is sandwiched between the insert and the apparatus.

The mask can be any mask presently known in the art, such as surgical mask, N95 mask, cloth mask, and the like.

It is understood that variations and modifications of the features of the mask insert (100) of the present invention without deviating from the innovative concept of the present invention is within the scope of a person skilled in the art. The particular embodiments disclosed in the present invention is exemplary in nature and is not to be construed as limiting in any manner.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The features of the mask (100) of the present invention effectively eliminate the problem of gap formation between the mask and the face by forming a seal between the mask and the face.

The feature of lack of a chin support in the frame (101) allows for ease and unrestricted movement of the jaw.

The mask (100) of the present invention is a universal fit. The magnetic coupling assembly (102) helps to sandwich the mask between the magnet and the badge, thus holding the insert (100) in place at all times without the requirement of any external attachment system such as double-sided tape, thread, or clip(s).

The integral magnetic coupling assembly eliminates the need of clips, which have limited compatibility with various masks. Consequently, the insert (100) of the present invention can be used with all masks (surgical, N95, fashion) of varying thickness.

Additional attachment methods (tape/thread) need not be procured with the user, which is an added expense.

Use of an inner mask insert (100) as described and claimed in the present invention also helps to preserve the hygiene of single-use and reusable face masks alike by reducing application of bodily fluids, make-up, etc. Further, the extent of contact of the mask material with the skin is reduced. Fogging of spectacles is also reduced due to the ergonomic features.

The support provided by the insert (100) reduces load on the nose by dividing the weight of the mask between the insert and face, thus reducing skin indentation and irritation.