DESCRIPTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a portable appliance for emitting purified air.

[0002] As is known, increasing numbers of people are affected by allergic reactions related to environmental factors such as pollen, dust mites etc. Such reactions often take the form of respiratory difficulties and/or itchiness and swelling of the eyes.

[0003] Currently, the prevention or alleviation of such allergic reactions involves taking specific medicaments.

[0004] The use of filters which, placed on air intakes, withhold the particles causing allergies, such as pollen filters, is also known. Most cars are fitted with such filters .

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to prevent allergic reactions affecting the eyes and respiratory tract, especially when the allergic subject is in an external environment and cannot avail of cumbersome and heavy equipment .

[0006] Such purpose is achieved by an appliance emitting a jet of purified air according to claim 1. The dependent claims describe preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0007] The characteristics and advantages of the appliance according to the invention will be more clearly comprehensible from the description given below of its preferred embodiments, given by way of a non-limiting example with reference to the attached figures, wherein:

[0008] - Figure 1 is a perspective view of the dispensing appliance according to the invention, in one embodiment ;

[0009] - Figure 2 shows the dispensing appliance in figure 1, in a rear perspective view;

[0010] - Figure 3 shows only the dispensing mask of the appliance;

[0011] - Figure 4 shows the dispensing mask in separate parts, in a front perspective view;

[0012] - figure 5 shows the same parts as the previous figure, but in a rear view;

[0013] - figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-section of the dispensing mask;

[0014] - figure 7 is a front view of the dispensing mask;

[0015] - figure 7a is a cross-section of the mask along the line C-C in figure 7;

[0016] - figure 8 is a side view of the mask;

[0017] - figure 8a is a cross-section of the mask along the line A-A in figure 8;

[0018] - figure 8b is a cross-section of the mask along the line B-B in figure 8;

[0019] - figure 9 shows the inside of the compression and filtering device, in one embodiment;

[0020] - figure 9a shows the inside of the compression and filtering device, in an embodiment variation;

[0021] - figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the device in figure 9a;

[0022] - figure 11 shows the dispensing appliance in an embodiment which uses the filtering and compression device in figure 9;

[0023] - figure 11a shows the dispensing appliance in an embodiment which uses the filtering and compression device in figure 9a, with a connection to the dispensing mask alternative to that of figure 1;

[0024] - figure 12 shows a dispensing mask fitted with lenses; and

[0025] - figure 12a is a cross-section of the mask along the line A-A in figure 12;

[0026] In said drawings, reference numerals 100; 200; 300 globally denote an appliance for emitting filtered air according to the invention.

[0027] According to a general embodiment, the dispensing appliance comprises a portable device for compressing and filtering the air 10; 110 suitable to generate filtered compressed air. At least one supply tube of filtered air 12,120 extends from an exit door 14 of said portable device 10; 110 to take the filtered, compressed air to a dispensing mask 50 in the form of a pair of glasses.

[0028] In said dispensing mask 50 there is at least one perimetral dispensing chamber 52 which surrounds the eyes and to which said at least one supply tube of filtered air 12,120 is connected for the introduction of the filtered, compressed air to said chamber 50.

[0029] In the dispensing mask 50 there is at least one exit hole 54, 56 communicating with said chamber 52 and aimed towards the area of the eyes and/or nose.

[0030] Preferably, the dispensing chamber 52 comprises an upper semi-chamber 52a, which extends along an upper section of the perimeter of the mask, and which is open towards the eye area through at least one upper exit hole 54, and a lower semi-chamber 52b, which extends along a lower section of the mask and which is open towards the nose area through at least one lower exit hole 56.

[0031] Advantageously, each semi-chamber 52a, 52b is provided with its own input connector 58a, 58b for connection to a supply tube 12,120.

[0032] As will be more clearly specified below, the two semi-chambers 52a and 52b can be supplied alternately or simultaneously. If only one of the two semi-chambers is supplied, the input connector of the other can be simply disconnected from the compression and filtering device 10 (figure 11a) . If the two semi-chambers are however supplied simultaneously, a single supply tube of filtered air 12 forming a fork 13 near the dispensing mask may be provided (figure 11) , or a second supply tube 120 may be provided, for example, for the introduction of filtered air mixed with a medicament 18, for example contained inside the same compression and filtering device 10, into one of the two semi-chambers.

[0033] In one advantageous embodiment, the input connector/s 58a, 58b extend from one or both lateral extremities of the dispensing mask and face backwards, so that the supply tube/s 12,120 pass behind the ears of the user, hidden as much as possible from view. In this embodiment, the upper semi-chamber 58a extends along the upper half of the dispensing mask, in other words along the upper section connecting the lateral extremities passing over the eyes, while the lower semi-chamber 58b extends along the lower half of the mask, that is to say along the lower section which passes under the eyes and over the nose.

[0034] Preferably, there are two upper exit holes 54, one above and one at the height of a respective eye. Similarly, there are also two lower exit holes 56, each made in a section below the respective eye, facing downwards and converging so as to point towards the user's nostrils.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, the dispensing mask comprises a load-bearing frame 60, for example made in a polymer material, in which a perimetral channel 62 is made, and a sealing gasket 70, for example also made in soft polymer material, or in rubber, which couples to said load-bearing frame 60 so as to close said perimetral channel 62 hermetically, forming the dispensing chamber 52.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the load-bearing frame supports a transparent screen 63, if necessary incorporating lenses 64 for users who normally wear glasses .

[0037] Advantageously, the perimetral channel 62 is open on the side facing the user's face and the sealing gasket 70 forms the soft rim of the mask which touches the user' s skin. Consequently, in a preferred embodiment, the dispensing mask 50 adheres to the face, like a ski mask, so as to internally define, with the transparent screen 63, an aeration chamber where filtered air for the eyes accumulates .

[0038] In Figures 4 and 5 one may observe how a pair of input connectors 58a, 58b are made in the load-bearing frame 60 of the mask, and in particular in a lateral portion which connects the lateral extremity of the transparent screen 63 to the user's face. The sealing gasket 70 is provided with a lateral thickening 72 in which a pair of through holes are made 74a, 74b which the input connectors 58a, 58b fit into with calibrated interference. Such interaction of the input connectors and the through holes of the sealing gasket help to form a secure coupling between the load-bearing frame 60 and the sealing gasket 70.

[0039] Figure 6 shows the dispensing mask in longitudinal cross-section. Internally, the load-bearing frame 60 delimiting the perimetral channel 62, and externally the walls of the sealing gasket 70 fitted over said channel 62 may be noted. It may also be seen how the semi- chambers of the dispensing chamber 52a, 52b are delimited by a pair of transversal septums 53 which divide the perimetral channel 62 made in the load bearing frame 60 into two portions.

[0040] From the cross-sections of figures 7a, 8a and 8b one may observe how the sealing gasket 70 surmounts, at least for most of its depth, the perimetral channel 62, in practice enveloping almost the entire side of the load- bearing frame 60 facing the user's face.

[0041] Returning now to the portable compression and filtering device 10; 110, its peculiar characteristic is that of being made of components scaled so as to be housed in a box-like body 20; 220 suitable not only to be comfortably transported by the user, but also to remain hidden from view. For example, such box-like body 20; 220 is scaled to be attached to a belt. For example, as shown in figure 2, the rear side of the box-like body 20 is provided with clips 21 for attachment to the belt.

[0042] In one embodiment (Figure 9) , the portable compression and filtering device 110 comprises a compressor 30 suitable to aspirate air from the outside environment, for example through an entrance filter 31, and a filtering body 34 through which the compressed air is made to pass by the compressor 30. In one embodiment, the exit door 14 of the compression and filtering device, to which the filtered air supply tube 12 is connected, is made in said filtering body 34.

[0043] According to one embodiment (figure 10), said filtering body 34 comprises a filter 35 inserted in a special tank 36 and supported at the bottom by a filter holder 37 connected to the compressor 30.

[0044] In one embodiment, the compression and filtering device is powered by batteries 38. Advantageously, said power supply batteries 38 are rechargeable. To recharge said batteries, the compression and filtering device is provided with an electric socket 39 for connection to a power supply unit.

[0045] As mentioned above, in one embodiment (figures 1, 2, 9a, 10, 11a), the compression and filtering device 10 further comprises a container 18 of a medication to (also) supply the dispensing mask with filtered air containing a predefined dose of said medicament. Such container 18 is connected in input to the exit of the filter 14, for example by means of a tube 12', and in output to a supply tube of filtered air mixed with the medicament 120. The medicament may be dosed by inserting in the container a pre-established quantity of the substance and/or by acting on a valve 40 controlling the dispensing of the medicament, fitted on the box-like body 20.

[0046] In one embodiment (figures 1 and 2), the filtered air supply tube 12 is connected to one out of the input connectors 58a, 58b of the upper semi chamber 52a or the lower semi-chamber 52b, while the filtered air supply tube with medicament 120 is connected to the other of said connectors, for a simultaneous supply of both semi- chambers .

[0047] In the embodiment variation shown in figure 11a, the supply tube of the medicament 120 flows into the filtered air supply tube 12 to supply the upper chamber or lower chamber of the dispensing mask with filtered air mixed with the medicament.

[0048] From the description given it appears clear how the device proposed proves, as well as efficacious, particularly comfortable and practical to use outdoors, where the problem of allergies mainly occurs for many people. In fact the device is very lightweight, compact and above all discreet: effectively, the dispensing mask may be made so as to be easily confused with a pair of "techno" glasses, that is to say the type worn close to the face. The dispensing chamber may be made in a reduced thickness of the load-bearing frame facing the user' s face, and therefore without making the outer rim of the mask particularly evident, as may be seen from the attached drawings.

[0049] The compression and filtering device is completely hidden from view, and even the supply tubes may be rendered almost invisible by passing them behind the ears and inside a jacket.

[0050] To conclude, the appliance according to the invention presents itself as an effective instrument for combating many allergic reactions, such as to pollen, which affect both the respiratory tract and the eyes. The appliance is also very advantageous against air pollution since it can be used in the version without medicament, to breathe in clean air even in highly polluted environments. For example, thanks to its practical and discreet characteristics, the appliance is suitable for use daily in city traffic, both on foot, in the car or on a bike.

[0051] A person skilled in the art may make modifications, adaptations and substitutions of elements with others functionally equivalent to the embodiments of the appliance according to the invention so as to satisfy contingent requirements, while remaining within the sphere of protection of the following claims. Each of the characteristics described as belonging to a possible embodiment may be realised independently of other embodiments described.