Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a personal protective equipment (PPE) kit for use in preventing the spread of infection and viruses from individual-to-individual by way of aerosol transmission as they go about their day-to-day lives.

Background of the Invention

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become common and, in many environments, mandatory to wear a face covering or mask when an individual is in public spaces, such as retail outlets or public transport vehicles. People are becoming increasingly aware of this requirement, and many keep a mask in their handbag or coat pocket in order to ensure that they do not forget to take a mask with them when they go out. However, this means that the same mask may be re-used multiple times without washing or replacement, so that it may carry infection or viruses on it for some days after the last use, exposing the user (and others) to contraction if they touch it. Furthermore, when the mask is removed from its usual place, for washing or disposal, a user may forget to replace it such that the next time they go out, they do not have a mask to hand. Others simply rely on trying to remember to take a mask with them every time they go out, but then it is easy to forget now and again or plans could change while they are out, resulting in individuals not having a mask to hand when they need it.

It is currently mandatory in the UK for school children over a certain age, and students, to wear a mask, at least whilst they are inside their educational establishment. However, young people may not only be more susceptible to forgetting to keep their mask about their person, but they may also feel resistant to wearing a mask which may not be considered fashionable or attractive.

Aspects of the present invention seek to address at least one or more of the issues outlined above.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a general personal protective equipment (PPE) kit comprising a wristband and a face mask, wherein the wristband comprises a flexible band shaped and configured to be worn around a user’s limb, in use, the band incorporating an internal pouch or pocket along a portion of its length, the pouch or pocket having an opening accessible from an external surface of the band, the face mask comprising a flexible face covering that can be rolled or folded when not in use, the internal pocket of said band being shaped and configured to substantially fully receive said face covering in its rolled or folded configuration for storage, when not in use.

In a preferred embodiment, the face covering comprises a generally rectangular or truncated oval fabric strip, shaped and sized to cover a user’s mouth and at least a lower portion of their nose, when in use. Beneficially, the face covering may include a nose bridge portion of fabric at the upper edge thereof, when oriented for use, the nose bridge portion being shaped and sized to cover at least a substantial portion of the bridge of a user’s nose, in use. This is advantageous, because the nose bridge portion sits under a user’s glasses, when in use, and thereby prevents the glasses from becoming steamed up when the face mask is being worn.

The face covering may comprise at least a first layer of fabric having an outward facing surface, when in use, the first layer of fabric beneficially comprising a bioactive fabric having antimicrobial properties, such as, for example, a polymer fibre fabric incorporating a silver-based antimicrobial agent. The first layer of fabric of the face covering may also, beneficially have flame retardant properties. Fabrics of this type will be known to a person skilled in the art, and the present invention is not necessarily intended to be limited in this regard. However, by way of example, the first layer of fabric may comprise Trevira CS Bioactive fabric or the like. This type of fabric has fire retardant and long-lasting antimicrobial properties, and has the added benefit of being kind to the user’s skin and environmentally friendly.

In an exemplary embodiment, the face covering may comprise at least a second layer of fabric having an inward facing surface (i.e. facing toward, and against, the user’s face, in use)The second layer of fabric may comprise a natural fabric, for example, bamboo or cotton, that has moisture wicking and cooling properties that help to optimise user comfort (and help to ensure that they keep the mask on for extended periods of time). In a preferred embodiment, the second layer of fabric may comprise a stretchable fabric, such as stretch knit fabric, comprising predominantly natural fibres, such as bamboo or cotton, with a small percentage of elastane or spandex (or similar man-made elastic material) providing a four-way stretchable fabric. In an exemplary embodiment, the second layer of fabric of the face covering may comprise 90% or more of natural fibres such as bamboo, and 10% or less of elastic material such as elastane.

The wristband may comprise at least a first layer of fabric having an outward facing surface, when in use, the first layer of fabric beneficially comprising a bioactive fabric having antimicrobial properties, such as, for example, a polymer fibre fabric incorporating a silver-based antimicrobial agent of the type described above.

In an exemplary embodiment, the wristband comprises at least a second layer of fabric having an inward facing surface (i.e. facing toward the user’s skin, in use). The second layer of fabric of the wristband may comprise an elastic synthetic fabric such as elastane or other suitable (preferably stretchable) fabric, as will be known to a person skilled in the art. Of course, the second layer of fabric of the wristband could be the same as the fabric used for the above-mentioned second layer of the face covering, but this is by no means essential, and may, in some circumstances at least, be undesirable from a cost perspective at least, especially as the fabric will sit against a user’s wrist (say), in use, and so has a lesser need to be moisture wicking and ‘breathable’ than the face covering which will sit over a user’s mouth and nose. In an exemplary embodiment, the second layer of fabric of the wristband may beneficially comprise a bioactive fabric having antimicrobial properties, such as, for example, a polymer fibre fabric incorporating a silver-based antimicrobial agent of the type described above.

In one embodiment, the internal pouch or pocket is formed from a layer of fabric. The layer of fabric may be for example the same as one or more of: the first and/or second layers of fabric. Alternatively, the layer of fabric may for example be a further layer of fabric. The layer of fabric forming the internal pouch or pocket preferably comprises a bioactive fabric having antimicrobial properties. The layer of fabric forming the internal pouch or pocket may for example comprise a polymer fibre fabric incorporating a silver-based antimicrobial agent of the type described above. The layer of fabric forming the pouch or pocket may extend from the opening accessible from an external surface of the band, for example from the first layer of fabric. The layer of fabric forming the pouch or pocket may be an extension from the first and/or second layer of fabric.

The face mask beneficially includes some means for securing the face covering over a user’s mouth and nose for use. Such securing means may comprise, for example, elastic ear loops affixed at the side edges of the face covering, an elastic head loop affixed between the side edges of the face covering, or a pair of tie cords or straps affixed at the side edges of the face covering. Other securing means may be apparent to a person skilled in the art, and the present invention is not necessarily intended to be limited in this regard.

The wristband may comprise a closed loop formed of a single strip of flexible material (comprising one or more layers of fabric, as detailed above), the ends of which are connected together to form the loop. Beneficially, a first end of the strip overlaps the second end with connecting means (e.g. stitching or adhesive) at the side edges and between the second end and the adjacent portion of the strip, and an opening between the first end and the adjacent portion of the strip, so as to form a pocket or pouch between the ends of the strip for receiving the face mask in its folded or rolled configuration. The wristband can thus be worn with the face mask in stored in the pocket or pouch. The face mask is easily retrievable from the pocket or pouch for use via the opening between the first end and the adjacent portion of the strip, through which the user can grasp a portion of the face mask and simply pull it out. A flap or other covering may be provided for obscuring the opening, although this is by no means necessary, and may be undesirable in that it would make it more difficult to retrieve the face mask quickly. Nevertheless, it may be useful for aesthetic and/or protective purposes. In a preferred embodiment, however, means may be provided for releasably securing the opening in a closed configuration. For example, a hook and loop type fastening may be provided at the edge of the first end and at the adjacent portion of the strip so that the opening can be releasably closed simply by pushing the first end onto the adjacent portion of the strap. In alternative embodiments, press studs, or similar fastening means, could be used. Preferably, cooperative releasable securing means may be provided at the first end of the strip and the adjacent portion of the strip such that, in use, the opening can be closed by pushing the first end of the strip onto the adjacent portion of the strip, and released by pulling the first end of the strip away from the adjacent portion of the strip. These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of examples only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a PPE kit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in use; and

Figure 2 depicts a series of drawings illustrating the configuration and use of a PPE kit according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

Referring to Figures 1 of the drawings, a PPE kit according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention comprises a face mask 10 and a wristband 12. The wristband 12 includes an internal pouch or pocket along a portion of its length, having an opening 14 accessible at an outer surface of the wristband 12. The face mask 10 is formed of a flexible material, as will be described in more detail hereinafter, such that it can be folded or rolled into a small enough formfactor that it can be inserted into the internal pouch or pocket of the wristband via the opening 14.

A face mask 10 of a PPE kit according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a generally oval, convex face covering 16 formed of a one or more pieces of flexible material or fabric, truncated at the side edges, as will be known to a person skilled in the art. An elastic ear loop 18 is affixed at each of the side edges of the face covering 16 to enable the mask to be secured over a user’s mouth and nose, in use. The upper ‘corners’ 20 of the face covering 16 are indented, to accommodate a user’s eyes and prevent the face covering from obscuring their vision, in use. Between the indented portions 20, there is provided a rounded nose bridge portion 22 which, in use, sits over the bridge of a user’s nose and under their spectacles (if worn), to prevent a user’s spectacles from ‘steaming up’ during use, especially during cold weather.

The face covering 16 is beneficially formed of first and second layers of material. The first layer has an outward facing surface (i.e. facing away from a user’s face, in use) and is beneficially formed of a bioactive fabric having antimicrobial and fire retardant properties, such as, for example, a polymer fibre fabric incorporating a silver-based antimicrobial agent. Purely by way of example, the first layer of fabric may comprise Trevira CS Bioactive fabric or the like.

The second layer of the face covering 16 has an inward facing surface (i.e. facing toward, and against, the user’s face, in use). The second layer of fabric may comprise a natural fabric, for example, bamboo or cotton, that has moisture wicking and cooling properties that help to optimise user comfort (and help to ensure that they keep the mask on for extended periods of time). In a preferred embodiment, the second layer of fabric may comprise a stretchable fabric, such as stretch knit fabric, comprising predominantly natural fibres, such as bamboo or cotton, with a small percentage of elastane or spandex (or similar man-made elastic material) providing a four-way stretchable fabric. In an exemplary embodiment, the second layer of fabric of the face covering may comprise 90% or more of natural fibres such as bamboo, and 10% or less of elastic material such as elastane.

The wristband 12 comprises a closed loop formed of a strip of flexible material comprising first, second and third layers of fabric. A first end of the strip overlaps, and is joined to, the opposing second end. The stitching joining the first and second ends is provided at the side edges and between the second end and the adjacent portion of the strip, leaving the first end free. In this manner, an integral pouch or pocket is formed between the first and second ends of the strip, with the free first end defining the opening 14. Cooperative pieces of hook and loop type fastening material may be provided on the inner surface of the first end and the outer surface of the adjacent portion of the strip, so that the opening 14 can be releasably closed or secured just by pushing the first end onto the adjacent portion of the strip. The length of the pouch or pocket is designed to be sufficient to accommodate the face mask in its rolled or folded configuration.

The strip of flexible material forming the wristband may be formed of first, second and third layers of fabric. The first layer of fabric has an outward facing external surface. The first layer of fabric of the wristband is beneficially formed of a bioactive fabric having antimicrobial and fire retardant properties, such as, for example, a polymer fibre fabric incorporating a silver-based antimicrobial agent. Purely by way of example, the first layer of fabric of the wristband may comprise Trevira CS Bioactive fabric or the like.

The second layer of fabric of the wristband is preferably also a bioactive material having antimicrobial properties of the type described above. Indeed, the material of the second layer of fabric of the wristband may be the same material as that used for the first layer. In one exemplary embodiment, the first and second layers of the wristband may be formed by folding a strip of bioactive material along a longitudinal axis to form the strip of flexible material forming the wristband. A third layer, of elastic material (such as elastane), may be provided between the first and second layers of fabric of the wristband 12.

The wristband 12 can be worn around a user’s wrist (or indeed, their ankle, if preferred) such that the opening is on the inside of the wrist (and thus hidden) when access to the internal pouch or pocket is not required.

Referring now to Figure 2 of the drawings, in use, the wristband 12, with the face mask 10 stored in the internal pouch or pocket, is worn on a user’s wrist when it is not required for use. When the face mask 10 is required for use, the wristband 12 can be rotated around the user’s wrist until the opening 14 is on the outside of the wrist (drawing a) and, therefore, easily accessible using the user’s other hand. The opening 14 is released and the face mask 10 can thus be pulled free of the internal pocket or pouch (drawing b) and used, as required.

When the face mask 10 is no longer required, it can be folded or rolled (drawing c) until it is small enough to be pushed back into the internal pocket or pouch via the opening 14 (drawing d) and the opening 14 can then be pushed closed to secure it (drawing e), thereby safely storing the face mask and enabling it to be transported with the user wearing the wristband 12, until it is required again for use.

It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art, from the foregoing description, that modifications and variations can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.