GB2596298A - Mask - Google Patents

Abstract

A mask 100 comprising a flexible support frame 102 having a loop portion 119 defining an opening (112, Fig 2), and a strap portion coupled to the loop portion. A filter 302 is detachably mounted on the loop portion for closing the opening. The filter member is configured to have a protruding structure creating a pocket in which the nose and mouth of a user is received in use. The mask further comprises a cover member 104 configured to be detachably mounted on the loop portion for covering the filter member. The cover member comprises vents 310 for ventilation. The filter is preferably either mounted to the loop portion using press-fit buttons, or by sandwiching the filter between the loop portion and the cover member.

Description

MASK

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to personal hygiene and protection equipment, and, more specifically, to a mask such as a 5 respiratory mask.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent times, the air quality of the atmosphere has deteriorated rapidly due to increasing levels of air pollution. In 2014 the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified air pollution as a Group 1 carcinogenic to humans. Further, statistics indicate over 8 million people die per year from air pollution related illnesses. Moreover, the spread of a pandemic virus such as the COVID-19 has developed a dire need for usage of personal hygiene and protective equipment. The most common solution to fight this problem is to use a respirator mask or personal protective equipment (PPE). The respirator mask designed to protect a user or a wearer from inhaling harmful particulates, such as dusts, fumes, vapours, or gases. Typically, in places and professions wherein people are subjected to such harmful particulates, the use of respirator mask becomes a necessity.

[0003] Typically, due to the rapidly increasing demand for respiratory masks, manufacturing capabilities are unable to meet the demand. Consequently, untested and unreliable masks are provided to the key workers and medical personnel. And such conventional protective masks do not offer total protection from transmission of a disease or virus.

Moreover, conventional masks are poorly designed, which causes ambient viral material present in the air to enter into a bronchial system of a user from the gaps on either side of the mask. Further, poorly designed mask does not allow prolong use thereof.

[0004] Generally, the health workers use the P95, N95, type 2R masks. These respiratory masks employ stitched fabrics secured with an elastic to cover the mouth and nose of a user. Further, said masks are for single use or disposable. Moreover, any given user is susceptible to touch the mask directly, and as the mask is in contact with nose and mouth of the user, this may cause a possibility of any contagious material to get into the bronchial system of the user. Further, with prolonged periods of wearing masks, said masks have been found to become uncomfortable, causing bruising and mild rupturing of the blood vessels beneath the skin.

Moreover, when the user adjusts or touches the mask repeatedly, the risk of viral transmission becomes very high from the viral material carried on the hands or on gloves. Moreover, the conventional masks are made using multiple parts, which makes the process of manufacturing such masks time consuming. Further, depending on the material to be used for manufacturing, the masks may become costly.

[0005] Therefore, in light of the aforesaid discussion, there exists a need to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks associated with conventional masks.

SUMMARY

[0006] The present disclosure seeks to provide a mask that provides proper-fit, prolong use with comfort, better protection and which can be manufactured in time and cost efficient manner. The present disclosure seeks to provide a solution to the existing problems of conventional masks for frequent adjustment, poor-fit, discomfort during prolonged usage, and time and cost intensive manufacturing.

[0007] The object of the present disclosure is achieved by the solutions provided in the description of embodiments. Advantageous implementations of the present disclosure are further defined in the description of embodiments.

[0008] In an aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a mask comprising: - a flexible support frame having -a loop portion having an opening, and -a strap portion coupled to the loop portion; - a filter member configured to be detachably mounted on the loop portion for closing the opening, wherein the filter member is configured to have a protruding structure creating a pocket; and - a cover member configured to be detachably mounted on the loop 10 portion for covering the filter member, the cover member comprises vents for ventilation.

[0009] The mask of the present disclosure comprises a flexible support frame having a loop portion having an opening, and a strap portion coupled to the loop portion. The design of the flexible support frame allows for a gap between nose/mouth and mask attributed to its rigid structure. Further, the design of the mask including the flexible support frame reduces the viral load attributed to the more comfortable and better fit eliminating risk of exposure to viral material in the air to enter due to a misfit of the mask with the face of user. Moreover, the deteriorating environmental impact of the large-scale usage of disposable masks is eliminated by the usage of a replaceable and reusable filter member allowing multiple usage of the mask.

[0010] According to an embodiment, the loop portion rests on and conforms to a peripheral portion around nose and mouth of a user, and the filter member creates the pocket in front of the nose and the mouth. The loop portion is configured to rest on and conform to the peripheral portion around the nose and mouth of user to provide a better fit of the mask to reduce the viral load by eliminating the gaps and spaces that arise due to the poor-fit of conventional mask.

[0011] In one embodiment, the loop portion of the flexible support frame further comprises a chin cover. The chin cover provides a comfortable and improved fit by conforming around a chin of the user. The also helps in prolong use of the mask.

[0012] In an embodiment, the flexible support frame further comprises a seal member around the opening of the loop portion. The seal member configured around the opening of the loop portion acts as a joint between the loop portion and the filter member to form an airtight seal around the filter member and area on the opening of the loop portion to prevent the user from exposure to the ambient environment.

[0013] In one embodiment, the flexible support frame includes different level of flexibility for the loop portion and the strap portion. The flexible support frame includes varying percentages of elastomers within the polycarbonate plastic. The varying percentages of elastomers modulate the degree of flexibility to form the flexible support frame configured to adapt to the facial movement and allow a comfortable fit, while keeping an air-tight seal from the ambient environment.

[0014] In one embodiment, the filter member is composed of a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) material. The High Efficiency Particulate 20 Air (HEPA) material of the filter members allows a superior filtration of about 99.97% of entering particles. The HEPA filter is superior in terms of filtration and breathability in comparison to conventional filters.

[0015] In one embodiment, the filter member is detachably mounted on the loop portion using press-fit buttons. The filter member is made re-25 usable and easily detachable from the loop portion by using press-fit buttons.

[0016] In one embodiment, the filter member is detachably mounted on the loop portion by sandwiching the filter member between the loop portion and the cover member. The filter member is secured between the loop portion and the cover member to provide an effective filtration of the entering air. Also, this reduces complexity associated with manufacturing of the mask, by providing easy detachable mounted to the filter member.

[0017] In an embodiment, the flexible support frame and the cover member are composed of a polymer. The flexible support frame and the cover member are composed of a polymer that enables a robust, flexible (yet non-collapsible) configuration of the mask.

[0018] In one embodiment, the flexible support frame and the cover member are manufactured using injection moulding technique. The injection moulding technique allows production of different areas or sections of the masks depending upon the material weight, material hardness, material roughness, material flexibility and requirements of implementation such as thickness, roughness, material for each of the different sections of the mask. Also, the injection moulding technique allows high volume mass production of the masks in time and cost-efficient manner. The design of masks provide improved stackability, which considerably increases ease of packaging for the transportation.

[0019] Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative implementations construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.

[0021] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mask, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a front view of a flexible support frame of the mask of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is an unassembled side view of the mask, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the mask in a used state, in accordance with

an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible.

[0024] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather 5 are used to distinguish one element from another. Further, the terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation.

[0025] Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure will be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments construed in 10 conjunction with the appended claims that follow.

[0026] It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0027] Referring now to FIG. 1, illustrated is a perspective view of a mask 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the mask 100 includes a flexible support frame 102, a filter member (shown and explained in conjunction with FIG. 3), and a cover member 104. It is to be understood that the mask 100 of FIG. 1 is shown in an assembled state thereof, and therefore filter member of the mask 100 is not shown, which is shown and explained in conjunction with FIG. 3.

[0028] Referring now to FIG. 2, illustrated is a front view of the flexible support frame 102 of the mask 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the flexible support frame 102 includes a loop portion 110 having an opening 112, and a strap portion 114 coupled to the loop portion 110. The loop portion 110 also includes a chin cover 116. Typically, in use the flexible support frame 102 fits around a face of a user and is strapped around the back of the head.

[0029] The loop portion 110 primarily includes attachment mechanisms for allowing the filter member (shown in FIG. 3) and the cover member 104 to attach thereto. As shown, the loop portion 110 includes support bars 118 for enclosing or defining the opening 112 of the loop porting 110. The loop portion 110 also includes a surrounding portion 120 around the opening 112 that provides a base structure for the attachment of the filter member (shown in FIG. 3) and the cover member 104 with the flexible support frame 102. In an example, the surrounding portion 120 includes a continuous ridge 122 around the opening 112 which allows the cover member 104 to detachably coupled to the surrounding portion 120 of the loop portion 110. Typically, a peripheral portion of the cover member 104 would include a complementary continuous ridge to allow snap fit between the cover member 104 and the loop portion 110, in particular to the flexible support frame 102.

[0030] In an embodiment, the filter member is detachably mounted on the loop portion 110 using press-fit buttons. For example, the surrounding portion 120 also includes female portions 124 of press-fit buttons, adapted to be detachably coupled to male portions of the press-fit buttons carried by the filter member. This allows detachably mounting of the filter member on the loop portion 110 for closing the opening 112.

[0031] In an embodiment, the flexible support frame 102 further comprises a seal member 126 around the opening 112 of the loop portion 110. Specifically, the seal member 126 is configured on the surrounding portion 120 and acts as a joint between the loop portion 110 and the filter member. The seal member 126 enables in building an airtight seal around the filter member and area on the opening 112 of the loop portion 110. In an embodiment, a seal member, such as the seal member 126, may be an integral part of the filter member, particularly, configured at a periphery of the filter member.

[0032] The strap portion 114 is a continuous structure extending from or coupled to the loop portion 110. The strap portion 114 is ergonomically designed and enables in holding the mask 100 in place or fit secure, when positioned around the back of the head. In an embodiment, the strap portion 114 may include a buckle or a retractable cord (not shown) for enabling length adjustment of the strap portion 114, for conveniently wearing the mask 100 based on different head sizes.

[0033] The flexible support frame 102 is configured to have a structure that conforms to various facial portions of a user. For example, the loop portion 110 is configured to secured over a nose, over sides of the face. The strap portion 114 is configured to be secured around the back of the head. The chin cover 116 covers and supports a chin of the user, or in other words wraps around a lower jaw of the user. This allows the flexible support frame 102 to form a flexible, lightweight sealed unit around the face of the user.

[0034] In an embodiment, the flexible support frame 102 is composed of a polymer. Further, the flexible support frame 102 is manufactured using injection moulding technique. For example, the flexible support frame 102 may be formed of polycarbonate plastic with plasticisers using injection moulding and over-moulding techniques. Further, the seal member 126 is formed at the joint, through over-moulding process by adding a liner of soft deformable plastic to build an airtight seal at connection around the filter member and the flexible support frame 102. Furthermore, the detachable coupling between the flexible support frame 102 and the filter member is enabled using injection moulding technique. For example, the female portions 124 of press-fit buttons configured on the surrounding portion 120 and the complementary male portions of the press-fit buttons carried by the filter member are formed of thin polycarbonate plastic using in the injection moulding technique.

[0035] Typically, the flexible support frame 102 is a flexible and soft support frame that fits and conforms to the face. Further, the flexible support frame 102 deforms and adapts to the facial movement for accommodating the facial movement of the user without stressing tissues in contact with the flexible support frame 102. Further, the flexible support frame 102 avoids pinching or constricting at sensitive areas of the face.

[0036] In an embodiment, the flexible support frame 102 includes different level of flexibility for the loop portion 110 and the strap portion 114. For example, the loop portion 110 may be more flexible as compared to the strap portion 114. Similarly, joint portions of the loop portion 110 and the strap portion 114 may be the hardest or non-flexible portion of the entire flexible support frame 102. Further, the region where the filter member connects with the flexible support frame 102 will contain less plasticisers than the rest of the flexible support frame 102, through the injection moulding process, which allows it to be slightly stiffer at the contact points. The varying percentages of elastomers within the polycarbonate plastic will modulate the degree of flexibility to form the flexible support frame 102 that moves with the facial movement and allows a comfortable fit, while keeping a seal from the ambient environment.

[0037] It will be apparent that flexible support frame 102 may be made of various sizes based on users of different age groups. In an embodiment, the flexible support frame 102 may be made of three different sizes, such as small, medium and large. In an example, the flexible support frame 102 may include a length of 130 mm and a width of 80 mm.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 3, illustrated is an unassembled side view of the mask 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the mask 100 includes the flexible support frame 102, the filter member 302, and the cover member 104.

[0039] The filter member 302 is configured to be detachably mounted on the loop portion 110 for closing the opening 112 (shown in FIG. 2). As shown, the filter member 302 is mounted on the loop portion 110 of the flexible support frame 102. It is to be understood that that the filter member 302 is mounted on or coupled to the loop portion 110 using the press-fit buttons arrangement, explained herein above. For example, the male portions of the press-fit buttons (not shown) carried by the filter member 302 is coupled to the female portions 124 of press-fit buttons carried by the surrounding portion 120 (shown in FIG. 2) of the loop portion 110.

[0040] In an embodiment, the filter member may be detachably coupled to the loop portion 110 using snap fit arrangement instead of the press-fit buttons arrangement. In another embodiment, the filter member 302 is detachably mounted on the loop portion 110 by sandwiching the filter member 302 between the loop portion 110 and the cover member 104. In simple words, the filter member 302 may supported or held in place by simply sandwiching the filter member 302 between the loop portion 110 and the cover member 104.

[0041] The filter member 302 is configured to have a protruding structure creating a pocket. The filter member 302 of the present disclosure has semi-rigid composition that allows the filter member 302 to attain the protruding structure. As shown, the filter member 302 is a curved surface conforming to and closing the opening 112 (shown in FIG. 2) of the loop portion 110. The design of the filter member 302 allows the filter member 302 to project out from the face so that the filter material 302 is held away from the face (particularly, from the nose and the mouth) of the user to reduce risk of contracting any infection or contamination. In an embodiment, the filter member 302 may be designed in a manner that the filter member 302 is held 50 mm from the mouth.

[0042] According to an embodiment, the filter member 302 is composed of a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) material. The filter member 302 is made of HEPA material, which is a material used in industrial air filtration systems, such as vacuum cleaners, clinical air filtration systems and laboratory cleaning systems. The HEPA material provides a filtration rate of 99.95 -99.97 % of particles to the 0.3-micron level, and yet is easy to breathe through and does not shed or leave any test or smell. The HEPA material of filter member 302 is made by multiple glass fibres forming a fine mesh. In an example, a single layer of high grade HEPA material can act as the filter member 302.

[0043] In an embodiment, the filter member 302 may include a pleated design (folding into a zig-zag shape) to allow for a larger area of HEPA filter material to be used during filtration. The larger area availability increases the air throughput of the filter member 302. In other words, the filter member 302 is able to filter out more air in one go, improving its effectiveness.

[0044] In an embodiment, the filter member 302 may be composed of a Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material. This allows the filter member 302 to be long lasting and allows easy cleaning, even with soap and water.

[0045] As mentioned herein above, the filter member 302 creates the pocket, specifically, the filter member 302 creates the pocket in front of the mouth and nose of the user. The pocket provides volume of space between the filter member 302 and the mouth and nose of the user for easy comfortable breathing and the better ventilation with HEPA composition.

[0046] The cover member 104 is configured to be detachably mounted on the loop portion 110 for covering the filter member 302. As shown, the cover member 104 is configured to fit over the filter member 302, therefore the cover member 104 is also configured to have a protruding structure conforming the filter member 302. However, the cover member 104 is marginally bigger in size as compared to the filter member 302 for suitably enclosing the filter member 302.

[0047] As explained herein above, the cover member 104 is detachably mounted on the loop portion 110. In the present embodiment, the peripheral portion of the cover member 104 includes a complementary continuous ridge (not shown) to allow snap fit between the cover member 104 and the loop portion 110. In another embodiment, the cover member 104 may be detachably mounted on the loop portion 110 using press-fit buttons, which can be formed using the injection moulding technique. Alternatively, the cover member 104 may be detachably mounted on the loop portion 110 using a hook and loop fastener. Moreover, the cover member 104 may be detachably mounted on the loop portion 110 using magnetic coupling.

[0048] The cover member 104 comprises vents 310 for ventilation.

As shown, the vents 310 are basically openings configured on the cover member 104 for allowing circulation of air therethrough while user is breathing. As shown in FIG. 1, the cover member 104 includes two sets of the vents 310, however, it may be evident that the cover member 104 may include single vent or more than two such vents 310.

[0049] In an embodiment, the cover member 104 may include perforations for allowing improved ventilation.

[0050] In use, during inhalation, the ambient is drawn into the pocket through the vents 310 and gets filtered by the filter member 302 before reaching the mouth and the nose of the user. Similarly, during exhalation, the exhaled air passes through the filter member 302 and 5 then moves out through the vents 310 into the surrounding.

[0051] In an embodiment, the cover member 104 is composed of a polymer. Further, the cover member 104 is manufactured using injection moulding technique. For example, the cover member 104 may be formed of polycarbonate plastics with plasticisers using injection moulding and over-moulding. In an embodiment, the cover member 104 is a semi-rigid structure configured to attain the protruding structure without collapsing. In an example, the cover member 104 is a thin layer of polymer that forms a hard cover on the filter member 302 and protects the filter member 302 from ambient conditions. In an embodiment, the cover member 104 may be composed of a Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material. The cover member 104 may be manufactured using a single mould.

[0052] Further, the injection moulding technique includes usage of at least one polymer from a group of polymers including Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS), Polyoxymethylene (POM), Polyethylene (PE), High density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polycarbonate (PC), Polyannide and Polypropylene. The at least one polymer is used for production of different areas or sections of the masks 100 (particularly, the flexible support frame 102 and the cover member 104) depending upon the material weight, material hardness, material roughness, material flexibility and requirements of implementation such as thickness, roughness, and material of each of the different areas and sections.

[0053] According to an embodiment, the cover member 104 is composed of a material that repels particulates such as blood particulates, splashes, aerosols, and viral materials. In use, the cover member 104 allow ventilation through the vents 310, allowing the filter member 302 to block ambient infectious material from entering into the bronchial system.

[0054] In an embodiment, the mask 100 may include an external cover, configured to shield at least the eyes of the user. In another embodiment, the external cover may be configured to also cover the head or ears of the user. Typically, the external cover may be a transparent cover that protects the eyes of the user from the external environment and allows the user to see through it. In an example, the external cover may be coupled to the flexible support frame 102. Further, the external cover may be integrally, detachably or foldably coupled to the flexible support frame 102. In another embodiment, the external cover may be integrally, detachably or foldably coupled to the cover member 104.

Further, the external cover may be coupled to either the flexible support frame 102 and the cover member 104 using at least one of the coupling mechanisms, such as a snap-fit arrangement, a hook and loop fastener, a push-fit button and so forth. In an embodiment, the external cover may be made of a polymer such as optical grade polycarbonate or optical grade plastic.

[0055] Referring now to FIG. 4, illustrated is a schematic view of the mask 100 in a used state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, in use, the flexible support frame 102, particularly, the loop portion 110 is configured to rest on and conform to a peripheral portion around nose and mouth of a user 400. Further, the flexible support frame 102, particularly, the chin cover 116 is configured to rest on and conform to chin of the user. Moreover, as shown, the filter member (not shown) along with the cover member 104 are configured to create the pocket in front of the nose and the mouth of the user 400.

[0056] The mask of the present disclosure is robust, light-weight, three-dimensional, as made of flexible moulded polymers with an outer shell (i.e. the cover member), so that the mask fits to a face of a user comfortably and securely and moves (deforms and bends) to accommodate facial movements of the user. The mask is lightweight and adjustable making it comfortable for prolonged usage. The soft flexible support frame of the mask connects with elastic-polymer strap to allow a fine-tuned fit. The mask is not stretched or pulled into the face by the elastic, rather held in place around the back of the head by the strap portion. The lightness of the front casing (i.e. the cover and filter members) helps the wearer for extended periods of use without causing irritation. The vents at the front (i.e. the cover member) allows greater air flow through the HEPA filter so that breathing is easy, and the filtration is always of the maximum possible efficiency.

[0057] The manufacturing of the mask using the injection moulding technique lowers the manufacturing costs and provides a superior fit in comparison to conventional masks. Further, the injection moulding technique enables in manufacturing masks at a larger scale with ease. This helps in meeting current overgrowing global demand for and respiratory masks and alternative for the PPE kits. The injection moulding production process allow manufacture of the mask in anywhere in the world. This may allow end of shortages of the respiratory mask in short span of time. The mask can be easily transported due to is stackability while packaging. For example, the masks can be stacked and stored in large numbers for stockpiling, and bulk orders.

[0058] The mask of the present disclosure is comfortable to wear for prolonged usage in a potentially infected environment. For example, the mask can be used for entire day long. Therefore, the mask can be efficiently used by the front-line workers in a pandemic situation, such as 30 in COVID-19 fight. The mask does not come in contact with the face of the user. Further, the effective fitting eliminates the need for frequent readjustment by the user using his/her hand. Further, elimination of the constant requirement of re-adjustment decreases the exposure and drastically decreases the risk of spreading the virus (or any sort of contamination) to the user of the mask. For example, the mask enables in reducing the penetration of viral material in comparison with existing products.

[0059] The mask of the present disclosure has a longer life making it a good economic choice. After use, for storage, the mask can be 10 dismantled safely, without coming in contact with potentially infected areas. The mask can be stored efficiently for long periods when not in use.

[0060] The mask is washable. The masks (i.e. the flexible support frame and the cover member) are configured to be steam cleaned or sterilised or autoclaved before reuse. For example, the mask can be cleaned/sterilized daily without losing any of its functional performance. Further, the filter member is replaceable to allow reuse of the mask. This can help in lowering large-scale usage of disposable, one-time use masks have a deteriorating environmental impact. The filter member can last up to 400 hours and can be cleaned/sterilised after each use. The filter member is also designed to be removable so they can be sterilized in autoclaves or UV sterilizers. Additionally, the mask can be cleaned using soap/water, disinfectants, neutralising compounds and so forth.

[0061] The mask of the present disclosure apart from the medical usage may be employed for various other purposes such as a protective mask, gas mask, welding mask, mask for firefighting and so forth. The mask may be used by personnel working at construction sites, sanitation sites, R&D labs and other places of work having unsuitable breathing conditions.

[0062] Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "incorporating", "have", "is" used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural. It is appreciated that certain features of the present disclosure, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination or as suitable in any other described

embodiment of the disclosure.

Claims (10)

1. CLAIMS1. A mask comprising: - a flexible support frame comprising -a loop portion having an opening, and -a strap portion coupled to the loop portion; - a filter member configured to be detachably mounted on the loop portion for closing the opening, wherein the filter member is configured to have a protruding structure creating a pocket; and - a cover member configured to be detachably mounted on the loop 10 portion for covering the filter member, the cover member comprises vents for ventilation.
2. 2. A mask according to claim 1, wherein the loop portion is configured to rest on and conform to a peripheral portion around nose and mouth of a 15 user, and the filter member is configured to create the pocket in front of the nose and the mouth.
3. 3. A mask according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the loop portion of the flexible support frame further comprises a chin cover.
4. 4. A mask according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible support frame further comprises a seal member around the opening of the loop portion.
5. 5. A mask according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible support frame includes different level of flexibility for the loop portion and the strap portion.
6. 6. A mask according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter 30 member is composed of a High Efficiency Particulate Air (NEPA) material.
7. 7. A mask according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter member is detachably mounted on the loop portion using press-fit buttons.
8. 8. A mask according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter member is detachably mounted on the loop portion by sandwiching the filter member between the loop portion and the cover member.
9. 9. A mask according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the 10 flexible support frame and the cover member are composed of a polymer.
10. 10. A mask according to claim 9, wherein the flexible support frame and the cover member are manufactured using injection moulding technique.