US3747599A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Bacterial control mask
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-05-28
•
Granted: 1973-07-24
•
Expires: 1991-05-28
Abstract
Abstract An operating mask for protection of the operator from airborne bacteria and viruses during dental operations. One form of mask includes a cup which encloses at least the nose, mouth, and chin areas of the face of the wearer and which is made of a rigid material, with a peripheral gasket secured to it. The mask is carried by a headband, and use of the gasket and adjustment of the headband permit an air-tight chamber to be formed. The mask also includes air inlet means and exhaust means so that purified air can be forced into the chamber formed by the cup, while contaminated air can be evacuated completely away from the atmosphere in which the operation takes place. Communication means are also provided as well as means for protecting the hearing of the user. Protection of the eyes from trauma and infection and aids for sharper visualization and protection of visual acuity are also provided. In the preferred form of the invention, the entire face is enclosed, but it is possible to utilize the general principles of the invention with variations in which only the nose, mouth, and chain areas of the user are enclosed in the airtight chamber. A still further variation permits the use of a complete head-enclosing helmet which is sealed over the shoulders in a manner comparable to football shoulder pads or by means of a cuffed suit or tunic.
Inventors
- 👤 O Malmin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 16:55
CPC Classifications
A; A41; A41D; A41D13/00; A41D13/05; A41D13/11; A41D13/1184
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
196 words
Means for totally controlling the bacterial-virus communication between an operator''s respiratory system and the environment of the surrounding operating site comprising; A. a mask 1. adapted to enclose at least the nose, mouth and chin areas of the wearer''s face; B. sealing means 1. carried by said mask for 2. sealing said mask to the wearer''s face to form an air-tight chamber; C. adjustable mounting means for securing said mask to the wearer''s head; D. air inlet means attached to said mask and adapted to be connected to a remotely positioned source of purified air and provide said air to said chamber; E. a totally leakproof exhaust means attached to said mask for removing expired air from said chamber and from the immediate surrounding operating environment; and F. said air inlet means and said exhaust means being positioned on said mask in horizontally and vertically spaced relationship to each other and with the nose-mouth area of the wearer being disposed between said air inlet and exhaust means; G. with said exhaust means being disposed above the plane of said air inlet means whereby a curtain of air is directed across the respiratory openings of the wearer.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
196 words
Means for totally controlling the bacterial-virus communication between an operator''s respiratory system and the environment of the surrounding operating site comprising; A. a mask 1. adapted to enclose at least the nose, mouth and chin areas of the wearer''s face; B. sealing means 1. carried by said mask for 2. sealing said mask to the wearer''s face to form an air-tight chamber; C. adjustable mounting means for securing said mask to the wearer''s head; D. air inlet means attached to said mask and adapted to be connected to a remotely positioned source of purified air and provide said air to said chamber; E. a totally leakproof exhaust means attached to said mask for removing expired air from said chamber and from the immediate surrounding operating environment; and F. said air inlet means and said exhaust means being positioned on said mask in horizontally and vertically spaced relationship to each other and with the nose-mouth area of the wearer being disposed between said air inlet and exhaust means; G. with said exhaust means being disposed above the plane of said air inlet means whereby a curtain of air is directed across the respiratory openings of the wearer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
146 words
sealing said mask to the wearer''s face to form an air-tight chamber; C. adjustable mounting means for securing said mask to the wearer''s head; D. air inlet means attached to said mask and adapted to be connected to a remotely positioned source of purified air and provide said air to said chamber; E. a totally leakproof exhaust means attached to said mask for removing expired air from said chamber and from the immediate surrounding operating environment; and F. said air inlet means and said exhaust means being positioned on said mask in horizontally and vertically spaced relationship to each other and with the nose-mouth area of the wearer being disposed between said air inlet and exhaust means; G. with said exhaust means being disposed above the plane of said air inlet means whereby a curtain of air is directed across the respiratory openings of the wearer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
146 words
sealing said mask to the wearer''s face to form an air-tight chamber; C. adjustable mounting means for securing said mask to the wearer''s head; D. air inlet means attached to said mask and adapted to be connected to a remotely positioned source of purified air and provide said air to said chamber; E. a totally leakproof exhaust means attached to said mask for removing expired air from said chamber and from the immediate surrounding operating environment; and F. said air inlet means and said exhaust means being positioned on said mask in horizontally and vertically spaced relationship to each other and with the nose-mouth area of the wearer being disposed between said air inlet and exhaust means; G. with said exhaust means being disposed above the plane of said air inlet means whereby a curtain of air is directed across the respiratory openings of the wearer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device of claim 1 further characterized by the presence of pressure control means operatively associated with said air inlet means and with said exhaust means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The device of claim 1 further characterized by the presence of A. a face plate carried by said mounting means and having an eye shield therein; B. said mask being carried by said face plate.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 3 further characterized by the presence of magnifying means carried by said face plate.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device of claim 4 wherein said magnifying means are movable into and out of covering relationship with said eye shield.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 3 further characterized by the presence of hearing obturators carried by said mounting means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 1 further characterized by the presence of communication means carried by said mask.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-07-23 | 1977-01-22 | 1977-07-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-07-23 | 1981-01-22 | 1981-07-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-07-23 | 1985-01-22 | 1985-07-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |