WO2017063140A1

WO2017063140A1 - Dehumidifier for dust mask

Info

Publication number: WO2017063140A1
Application number: PCT/CN2015/091839
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rocky Qu; Jex ZHANG; Zhao Xia Jin
Original assignee: Honeywell International Inc
Current assignee: Honeywell International Inc
Priority date: 2015-10-13
Filing date: 2015-10-13
Publication date: 2017-04-20
Anticipated expiration: 2018-04-13
Also published as: CN108430590A; CN108430590B

Abstract

Systems and methods for reducing moisture inside a face mask. A moisture absorbing system may comprise a dehumidifier (110) operable to attach to a face mask (100). The dehumidifier (110) may contain a moisture absorbing material or desiccant (120). The dehumidifier (110) may be attached to the mask (100) over an exhalation port (112), allowing the user's exhaled breath to enter the dehumidifier (110). The desiccant (120) may absorb the moisture from the exhaled breath. The desiccant (120) may generate an alkaline liquid (122) when the desiccant (120) absorbs water vapor. The generated liquid (122) may be collected in a bulkhead (116) of the dehumidifier (110), and may be monitored by the user to determine end of service life for the dehumidifier (110). For example, a fill line (130) may be printed on the dehumidifier (110), such that when the level of the liquid reaches the fill line (130), end of service life is indicated for the desiccant.

Description

DEHUMIDIFIER FOR DUST MASK

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

Dust masks, and other face masks, may be worn in various situations, such as in city environments where the ambient air could be dangerous to the user, or work environments, where the user may be exposed to dangerous particles in the air. Masks may be worn over the user’s nose and mouth to ensure that the user does not inhale hazardous materials. In some cases, face masks may comprise exhalation valves.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the disclosure may include embodiments of a dehumidifier for use with a face mask, the dehumidifier comprising a container operable to be attached to an exhalation port of a face mask； a desiccant held within the container； a bulkhead operable to separate the container into two portions, wherein one portion holds the desiccant； and a one-way breathability layer operable to allow water vapor to enter the container from a user’s exhaled breath, wherein the desiccant is operable to absorb moisture from the user’s exhaled breath and generate an alkaline liquid, and wherein the alkaline liquid is held within a second portion of the container.

In some embodiments, the desiccant comprises calcium chloride beads. In some embodiments, the container is transparent to allow a user to view the generated liquid in the container. In some embodiments, the dehumidifier further comprises a fill line for indicating end of service life for the desiccant, wherein end of service life is indicated when the generated liquid reaches the fill line. In some embodiments, the end of service life of the desiccant coincides with the end of service life of the mask, and the dehumidifier is permanently attached to the mask. In some embodiments, the dehumidifier is removably attached to the port on the mask, such that the dehumidifier may be removed and replaced when the dehumidifier has reached end of service life. In some embodiments, the dehumidifier snaps onto the port. In some embodiments, the dehumidifier threads onto the port. In some embodiments, the bulkhead comprises holes to allow liquid generated by the desiccant to pass through the holes into the bulkhead.

Additional aspects of the disclosure may include embodiments of a dehumidifier for use with a face mask, the dehumidifier comprising a container operable to be attached to an exhalation port of a face mask； a desiccant held within the container； a bulkhead operable to separate the container, wherein the desiccant is located outside of the bulkhead； and a one-way breathability layer operable to allow water vapor to enter the container from a user’s exhaled breath, wherein the desiccant is operable to absorb moisture from the user’s exhaled breath and generate an alkaline liquid； wherein the alkaline liquid is held within the bulkhead of the container； wherein the container is transparent to allow a user to view the generated liquid in the container； and wherein the container comprises a fill line for indicating end of service life for the desiccant, wherein end of service life is indicated when the generated liquid reaches the fill line.

In some embodiments, when the dehumidifier is attached to the mask, the bulkhead is located below the desiccant, such that gravity pulls the generated liquid from the desiccant into the bulkhead. In some embodiments, the generated liquid does not pass through the one-way breathability layer. In some embodiments, the one-way breathability layer comprises a

layer. In some embodiments, the desiccant comprises calcium chloride.

Other aspects of the disclosure may include embodiments of a method of removing moisture from a face mask, the method comprising providing a dehumidifier containing a desiccant and a one-way breathability layer； attaching the dehumidifier over an exhalation port in a mask； absorbing, by the desiccant, the moisture from a user’s exhaled breath that passes through the one-way breathability layer； generating, by the desiccant, a liquid when the desiccant absorbs moisture from the user’s breath； collecting the liquid in a bulkhead of the dehumidifier, wherein the bulkhead separates the desiccant from the generated liquid； and indicating end of service life of the desiccant when the liquid level reaches a fill line on the dehumidifier.

In some embodiments, the desiccant comprises calcium chloride. In some embodiments, the method may further comprise removing the dehumidifier from the mask and replacing the dehumidifier. In some embodiments, the dehumidifier comprises a transparent container to allow a user to view the liquid level. In some embodiments, the generated liquid does not pass through the one-way breathability layer. In some embodiments, when the dehumidifier is attached to the mask, the bulkhead is located below the desiccant, such that gravity pulls the generated liquid from the desiccant into the bulkhead.

These and other features will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts.

FIG. 1 illustrates a mask with a dehumidifier attached to the mask according to an embodiment of the disclosure；

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the disclosure；

FIG. 3 illustrates another view of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the disclosure；

FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed view of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the disclosure；

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate the process of assembling a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the disclosure； and

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate additional views of a dehumidifier attached to a mask according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be understood at the outset that although illustrative implementations of one or more embodiments are illustrated below, the disclosed systems and methods may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not yet in existence. The disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.

The following brief definition of terms shall apply throughout the application:

The term “comprising” means including but not limited to, and should be interpreted in the manner it is typically used in the patent context；

The phrases “in one embodiment, ” “according to one embodiment, ” and the like generally mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention, and may be included in more than one embodiment of the present invention (importantly, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment) ；

If the specification describes something as “exemplary” or an “example, ” it should be understood that refers to a non-exclusive example；

The terms “about” or approximately” or the like, when used with a number, may mean that specific number, or alternatively, a range in proximity to the specific number, as understood by persons of skill in the art field； and

If the specification states a component or feature “may, ” “can, ” “could, ” “should, ” “would, ” “preferably, ” “possibly, ” “typically, ” “optionally, ” “for example, ” “often, ” or “might” (or other such language) be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or to have the characteristic. Such component or feature may be optionally included in some embodiments, or it may be excluded.

Embodiments of the disclosure include systems and methods for reducing moisture inside a face mask. A moisture absorbing system may comprise a dehumidifier operable to attach to a face mask, particularly a dust mask. The dehumidifier may contain a moisture absorbing material or desiccant, such as calcium chloride. The dehumidifier may be attached to the mask over an exhalation port, allowing the user’s exhaled breath to enter the dehumidifier. The desiccant may absorb the moisture from the exhaled breath. Thus, the moisture content inside the mask may be kept at a comfortable level, to reduce breathing resistance and uncomfortable elevated temperatures. In some embodiments, the desiccant may generate an alkaline liquid when the desiccant absorbs water vapor. The generated liquid may be collected in a bulkhead of the dehumidifier, and may be monitored by the user to determine end of service life for the dehumidifier. For example, a fill line may be printed on the dehumidifier, such that when the level of the liquid reaches the fill line, end of service life is indicated for the desiccant.

Air pollution is a serious problem in some countries, such as China, especially in the winter. People may wear respirators or masks when outside for protection. The use of a moisture absorbing material may extend the life of a face mask. If a user is uncomfortable when wearing the mask, the user may discard the mask before it has been exhausted, thus wasting some of the lifetime of the mask. Additionally, users may be more likely to wear a mask, and thus protect themselves from harmful ambient air, if the mask is comfortable. When the moisture is not removed from the mask, the moisture may build up in the filtering material of the mask, increasing the breathing resistance through the material. Additionally, bacteria thrive in warm and damp environment, so a damp mask could contain harmful bacteria. Also, if a user wears glasses, humidity from a mask may mist user’s glasses, reducing visibility.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a mask 100 may comprise a non-woven fabric 102, operable to filter dust and/or chemicals from the air. In some embodiments, the mask 100 may be held on the user’s face by one or more straps 104. In some embodiments, the mask 100 may comprise an exhalation port 112, and a moisture absorbing dehumidifier 110. The dehumidifier 110 may attach to the exhalation port 112, and may contain a desiccant 120 (which may also be called a moisture absorbing material) . In some embodiments, the dehumidifier 110 may comprise threads that screw into the port 112. In some embodiments, the dehumidifier 110 may snap onto the port 112. In some embodiments, the dehumidifier 110 may be more permanently attached to the port 112.

In some embodiments, the dehumidifier 110 may comprise a bulkhead 116 for separating the desiccant 120 into one part of the dehumidifier 110. In some embodiments, the dehumidifier 110 may comprise a container 118, wherein the container 118 fits around the other elements of the dehumidifier 110 and attaches to the port 112.

In some embodiments, when the desiccant 120 absorbs moisture, the desiccant may generate a liquid 122 when moisture is absorbed by the desiccant. For example, the desiccant may comprise calcium chloride, and when the calcium chloride absorbs moisture, the calcium chloride may generate an alkaline liquid (CaCl₂*6H₂O) . In some embodiments, the bulkhead 116 may separate the desiccant 120 from the generated liquid 122. In some embodiments, the container 118 may comprise a transparent material, so that the desiccant 120 and liquid 122 may be viewed through the container 118.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an exploded view of the dehumidifier 110 is shown. The dehumidifier 110 may comprise a one-way breathability layer 114 located adjacent to the exhalation port 112. In some embodiments the port 112 may comprise holes 113 to allow a user’s exhaled breath to enter the dehumidifier 110, while the one-way breathability layer 114 may prevent air and/or fluid from entering the mask 100 through the port 112. In some embodiments, the bulkhead 116 may comprise holes 115 to allow liquid from the desiccant 120 (not shown) to flow through the holes into the bulkhead 116, wherein the holes 115 may be small enough to prevent the desiccant 120 from entering the bulkhead 116.

In some embodiments, the one-way breathability layer 114 may comprise

material, which may comprise a synthetic material wherein water vapor may pass through the material, but liquid water may not pass through the material. Therefore, water vapor from a user’s exhaled breath may pass through the layer 114 into the dehumidifier 110, but liquid water 122 (shown in FIG. 1) generated by the desiccant 120 may not pass through the layer 114.

FIG. 3 shows a detailed view of moisture 302 entering the dehumidifier 110 via the exhalation port 112. The moisture 302 may flow through the one-way breathability layer 114 into the desiccant 120. In some embodiments, the desiccant may comprise a beaded material. Then, the moisture 302 may be absorbed by the desiccant 120, generating a liquid 122. The liquid 122 may flow through the holes 115 of the bulkhead 116 and be held within the container 118.

The desiccant 120 may comprise anhydrous calcium chloride. The anhydrous calcium chloride may absorb the water vapor and produce an alkaline liquid by bonding the water molecules from the absorbed vapor. Anhydrous calcium chloride is a substance that has been approved by the FDA as a packaging aid and household product to ensure dryness.

FIG. 4 illustrates another detailed view of the dehumidifier 110. In some embodiments, the dehumidifier may comprise a fill line 130. In some embodiments, the fill line 130 may be printed on the surface of the container 118. In other embodiments, the fill line 130 may be printed on the surface of the bulkhead 116. As shown in FIG. 4, the dehumidifier 110 may be installed on a mask such that the bulkhead 116 is located below the desiccant 120. Therefore, liquid 122 generated by the desiccant 120 may be pulled by gravity into the bulkhead 116 via the holes 115. The fill line 130 may indicate when the desiccant 120 has reached an end of service life. In other words, the fill line 130 may serve as an end of service life indicator (ESLI) . A user may be able to view the amount of liquid 122 that has been generated and collected in the bulkhead 116. When the liquid 122 level reaches the fill line 130, and the desiccant 120 has reached its end of service life, the user may replace the dehumidifier 110 with a new dehumidifier.

In some embodiments, the location of the fill line 130, as well as the size of the bulkhead 116 and container 118 may be determined to correlate with the service life of the desiccant 120. The desiccant 120 may be tested to determine the amount of liquid 122 produced per volume of desiccant 120 whenever the desiccant 120 is exhausted. This information may be used to determine, from the amount of desiccant 120 held in the container, how much liquid 122 will be generated by the desiccant 120 at the end of service life of the desiccant 120. Then, the fill line 130 may be placed accordingly on the container 118.

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate the steps of assembling a dehumidifier 110. In FIG. 5A, the bulkhead 116 may be inserted into the container 118. In some embodiments, the edges 502 of the bulkhead 116 may seal with the inner surfaces 504 of the container 118, to create a liquid-tight space between the container 118 and bulkhead 116. The bulkhead 116 may only cover a portion of the container 118. In some embodiments, the bulkhead 116 may cover approximately half of the container 118. In FIG. 5B, the desiccant 120 may be inserted into the container 118. In some embodiments, the desiccant may fill the portion of the container that is not taken up by the bulkhead 116.

In FIG. 5C, the one-way breathability layer 114 may be attached to the container 118. In some embodiments, the layer 114 may be attached to the container with adhesive. In other embodiments, the layer 114 may be held in place between the container and port 112 without adhesive. In FIG. 5D, the dehumidifier 110, comprising the container 118, the bulkhead 116, the desiccant 120, and the one-way breathability layer 114, may be attached to the port 112, wherein the port 112 may be a part of a mask, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In FIG. 5D, the fill line 130 on the container 118 may be shown.

In some embodiments, the dehumidifier 110 may be removably attached to the port 112, wherein multiple containers 118 may be attached to the port 112 at different times. For example, when a dehumidifier 110 has reached its end of service life, as indicated by the liquid reaching the fill line (as described in FIG. 4) , the dehumidifier 110 may be removed from the port 112 and replaced with another dehumidifier 110. In some embodiments, the dehumidifier 110 may comprise threads that screw into the port 112. In some embodiments, the dehumidifier 110 may snap onto the port 112. In other embodiments, the end of service life of the dehumidifier 110 may coincide with the end of service life of the mask, and therefore the dehumidifier 110 may be more permanently attached to the port 112 (and therefore the mask) .

FIGS. 6A-6C show additional views of the dehumidifier 110 being attached to a port 112 in a mask 100. In FIG. 6A, the dehumidifier 110 is being attached to the port 112 on the mask 100. FIG. 6B shows the exterior of the mask 100 with the dehumidifier attached to the port 112 and mask 100. FIG. 6C shows the interior of the mask 100 and the port 112.

Some embodiments of the disclosure may comprise a method of removing moisture from a face mask. The method may comprise providing a dehumidifier containing a desiccant and a one-way breathability layer and attaching the dehumidifier over an exhalation port in a mask, wherein the one-way breathability layer is located between the exhalation port and the other elements of the dehumidifier. The method may comprise absorbing, by the desiccant, the moisture from a user’s exhaled breath that passes through the one-way breathability layer. The method may comprise generating, by the desiccant, a liquid when the desiccant absorbs moisture from the user’s breath, and collecting the liquid in a bulkhead of the dehumidifier, wherein the bulkhead separates the desiccant from the generated liquid. The method may also comprise indicating end of service life of the desiccant when the liquid level reaches a fill line on the dehumidifier.

In some embodiments, the desiccant may comprise calcium chloride. In some embodiments, the method may further comprise removing the dehumidifier from the mask and replacing the dehumidifier. In some embodiments, the dehumidifier may comprise a transparent container to allow a user to view the liquid level. In some embodiments, the generated liquid may not pass through the one-way breathability layer. In some embodiments, when the dehumidifier is attached to the mask, the bulkhead may be located below the desiccant, such that gravity pulls the generated liquid from the desiccant into the bulkhead.

While various embodiments in accordance with the principles disclosed herein have been shown and described above, modifications thereof may be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the teachings of the disclosure. The embodiments described herein are representative only and are not intended to be limiting. Many variations, combinations, and modifications are possible and are within the scope of the disclosure. Alternative embodiments that result from combining, integrating, and/or omitting features of the embodiment (s) are also within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above, but is defined by the claims which follow, that scope including all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Each and every claim is incorporated as further disclosure into the specification and the claims are embodiment (s) of the present invention (s) . Furthermore, any advantages and features described above may relate to specific embodiments, but shall not limit the application of such issued claims to processes and structures accomplishing any or all of the above advantages or having any or all of the above features.

Additionally, the section headings used herein are provided for consistency with the suggestions under 37 C.F.R. 1.77 or to otherwise provide organizational cues. These headings shall not limit or characterize the invention (s) set out in any claims that may issue from this disclosure. Specifically and by way of example, although the headings might refer to a “Field, ” the claims should not be limited by the language chosen under this heading to describe the so-called field. Further, a description of a technology in the “Background” is not to be construed as an admission that certain technology is prior art to any invention (s) in this disclosure. Neither is the “Summary” to be considered as a limiting characterization of the invention (s) set forth in issued claims. Furthermore, any reference in this disclosure to “invention” in the singular should not be used to argue that there is only a single point of novelty in this disclosure. Multiple inventions may be set forth according to the limitations of the multiple claims issuing from this disclosure, and such claims accordingly define the invention (s) , and their equivalents, that are protected thereby. In all instances, the scope of the claims shall be considered on their own merits in light of this disclosure, but should not be constrained by the headings set forth herein.

Use of broader terms such as comprises, includes, and having should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as consisting of, consisting essentially of, and comprised substantially of. Use of the term “optionally, ” “may, ” “might, ” “possibly, ” and the like with respect to any element of an embodiment means that the element is not required, or alternatively, the element is required, both alternatives being within the scope of the embodiment (s) . Also, references to examples are merely provided for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to be exclusive.

While several embodiments have been provided in the present disclosure, it should be understood that the disclosed systems and methods may be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. The present examples are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the intention is not to be limited to the details given herein. For example, the various elements or components may be combined or integrated in another system or certain features may be omitted or not implemented.

Also, techniques, systems, subsystems, and methods described and illustrated in the various embodiments as discrete or separate may be combined or integrated with other systems, modules, techniques, or methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Other items shown or discussed as directly coupled or communicating with each other may be indirectly coupled or communicating through some interface, device, or intermediate component, whether electrically, mechanically, or otherwise. Other examples of changes, substitutions, and alterations are ascertainable by one skilled in the art and could be made without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed herein.

Claims

A dehumidifier (110) for use with a face mask (100) , the dehumidifier (110) comprising:

a container (118) operable to be attached to an exhalation port (112) of a face mask (100) ；

a desiccant (120) held within the container (118) ；

a bulkhead (116) operable to separate the container (118) into two portions, wherein one portion holds the desiccant (120) ； and

a one-way breathability layer (114) operable to allow water vapor to enter the container (118) from a user’s exhaled breath,

wherein:

the desiccant (120) is operable to absorb moisture from the user’s exhaled breath and generate an alkaline liquid (122) , and

the alkaline liquid (122) is held within a second portion of the container (118) .
The dehumidifier (110) of claim 1, wherein the desiccant (120) comprises calcium chloride beads.
The dehumidifier (110) of claim 1, wherein the container (118) is transparent to allow a user to view the generated liquid (122) in the container (118) .
The dehumidifier (110) of claim 3 further comprising a fill line (130) for indicating end of service life for the desiccant (120) , wherein end of service life is indicated when the generated liquid (122) reaches the fill line (130) .
The dehumidifier (110) of claim 4, wherein the end of service life of the desiccant (110) coincides with the end of service life of the mask (100) , and the dehumidifier (110) is permanently attached to the mask (100) .
The dehumidifier (110) of claim 1, wherein the dehumidifier (110) is removably attached to the port (112) on the mask (100) , such that the dehumidifier (110) may be removed and replaced when the dehumidifier (110) has reached end of service life.
The dehumidifier (110) of claim 6, wherein the dehumidifier (110) snaps onto the port (112) .
The dehumidifier (110) of claim 6, wherein the dehumidifier (110) threads onto the port (112) .
The dehumidifier (110) of claim 1, wherein the bulkhead (116) comprises holes (115) to allow liquid (122) generated by the desiccant (120) to pass through the holes (115) into the bulkhead (116) .
A method of removing moisture from a face mask, the method comprising:

providing a dehumidifier containing a desiccant and a one-way breathability layer；

attaching the dehumidifier over an exhalation port in a mask；

absorbing, by the desiccant, the moisture from a user’s exhaled breath that passes through the one-way breathability layer；

generating, by the desiccant, a liquid when the desiccant absorbs moisture from the user’s breath；

collecting the liquid in a bulkhead of the dehumidifier, wherein the bulkhead separates the desiccant from the generated liquid； and

indicating end of service life of the desiccant when the liquid level reaches a fill line on the dehumidifier.
The method of claim 10, wherein the desiccant comprises calcium chloride.
The method of claim 10 further comprising removing the dehumidifier from the mask and replacing the dehumidifier.
The method of claim 10, wherein the dehumidifier comprises a transparent container to allow a user to view the liquid level.
The method of claim 10, wherein the generated liquid does not pass through the one-way breathability layer.
The method of claim 10, wherein, when the dehumidifier is attached to the mask, the bulkhead is located below the desiccant, such that gravity pulls the generated liquid from the desiccant into the bulkhead.