DE102020129752B4 - Protective mask and method for producing a protective mask - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for producing a protective mask (1) for covering a person's mouth and/or nose area, comprising the steps of:Introducing at least one resilient tab (7) with at least three resilient parts (10, 11) including two outer parts (10) and a middle part (11) into a clamping element (2) made of a flat material,Introducing at least one head fastening strap (6) for fastening the protective mask (1) to the person's head under all parts of the tab (7) so that the head fastening strap (6) can be clamped to the clamping element (2) by the spring force of the outer parts (10) of the tab (7),Connecting the middle part to the clamping element (2) in order to fix the head fastening strap (6) to the clamping element (2) in a displaceable manner by means of the connected middle part (11), andApplying the clamping element (2) to a filter element (3) for covering the person's mouth and/or nose area to obtain the protective mask (1).

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a protective mask with a filter element for covering a mouth and/or nose area of a person, at least one head fastening strap for fastening the protective mask to the person's head, and at least one clamping element fastened to the filter element. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing a protective mask with a filter element for covering a mouth and/or nose area of a person, and at least one head fastening strap for fastening the protective mask to the person's head.

Background of the invention

Protective masks are used to protect the face or parts of it and the respiratory organs. As filter masks or fresh air masks, protective masks protect against gases, vapors, liquid mist, coarse and respirable fine dust, pathogens, viruses and/or unpleasant odors. Masks are differentiated, for example, into everyday masks, so-called makeshift masks made of fabric or community masks as medical mouth and nose protection, MNS, for example according to EN 14683, filtering masks, for example according to EN 149, FFP1 mask, FFP2 mask, N95 mask, or FFP3 mask. The aforementioned FFP masks are usually used as part of personal protective equipment as part of occupational safety in areas where harmful substances are present in the air.

US 2005/0 051 172 A1 describes a disposable dust mask for wear by a user, having a filter body with a front filter whose central portion projects further than either of its sides.

EN 20 2013 011 420 U1 describes a holder for a fastening strap comprising a frame element enclosing a frame interior with a frame front side web, a frame base opposite the frame front side web and two lateral frame longitudinal side webs connecting the frame front side web and the frame base to one another.

US 2009/0 000 624 A1 describes a respirator mask having a strap together with a method of making and attaching the same.

WO 2020/053 786 A2 describes a filtering respiratory mask comprising a mask body with a filter structure and a fastening region arranged on the mask body, which comprises a connected portion and an opening arranged in the connected portion.

EP 1 495 785 A1 describes a respirator mask comprising a mask shell, an elastic band and a buckle, the mask shell having two through holes on both sides thereof through which the elastic band can pass and being fitted over a nose.

The aforementioned protective masks are usually attached to the head with a strap that is either behind the ears or behind the head. Higher-quality masks have two flexible head fastening straps. While in simpler masks the straps are elastically welded to the protective mask or attached using metal clips, in high-quality masks these can also be made adjustable or openable. In order to achieve a sufficient filtering effect, it is fundamentally important that the protective mask can be attached to the head easily and in a defined and sealed manner. Protective masks whose position on the head can be adjusted particularly well and easily require adjustment and positioning components for this purpose and can often only be manufactured in a complex, multi-stage production process and are therefore expensive.

Description of the invention

Based on this situation, it is an object of the present invention to provide a protective mask and a method for producing a protective mask, which protective mask can be attached to the head more easily and comfortably while being cost-effective to produce.

The object of the invention is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

• Einbringen wenigstens einer federnden Lasche mit wenigstens drei federnden Teilen einschließlich zweier äußerer Teile und eines mittleren Teils in ein Klemmelement aus einem Flachmaterial,
• Einbringen wenigstens eines Kopfbefestigungsbands zum Befestigen der Schutzmaske an dem Kopf der Person unter alle Teile der Lasche, so dass durch die Federkraft der äußeren Teile der Lasche das Kopfbefestigungsband an das Klemmelement klemmbar ist,
• Verbinden des mittleren Teils mit dem Klemmelement, um das Kopfbefestigungsband durch den verbundenen Teil verschiebbar an dem Klemmelement zu fixieren, und
• Aufbringen des Klemmelements auf ein Filterelement zum Bedecken der Mund- und/oder Nasenpartie der Person zum Erhalten der Schutzmaske..

Accordingly, the object is achieved by a method for producing a protective mask for covering a mouth and/or nose area of a person, comprising the steps:

• Introducing at least one resilient tab with at least three resilient parts including two outer parts and a middle part into a clamping element made of a flat material,
• Inserting at least one head fastening strap for fastening the protective mask to the head of the person under all parts of the flap, so that the spring force of the outer parts of the tab the head fastening strap can be clamped to the clamping element,
• Connecting the middle part to the clamping element in order to fix the head fastening strap slidably to the clamping element through the connected part, and
• Applying the clamping element to a filter element to cover the mouth and/or nose area of the person to maintain the protective mask.

An essential point of the invention is that the clamping element does not consist of a three-dimensionally constructed and prefabricated part, as in the prior art, which is fed to the protective mask during production and is usually made separately from plastic injection molding, but of the flat material which is fed to the protective mask as a meter or roll product during production and can be punched out together with the filter element or cut using a laser, for example. In other words, the proposed protective mask requires fewer and more cost-effective components and materials than protective masks known from the prior art, since the clamping element, as described later, can be manufactured together with the protective mask, in particular by punching out, and can preferably be made of the same material as the filter element. In this respect, the protective mask can be manufactured fully automatically and more quickly with lower energy consumption, since the clamping element can be fed by rotating parts of a production machine, does not have to be fed by linear movements with changing direction and certainly does not have to be fed manually. In other words, the proposed method allows what is known as inline production, whereby the head fastening strap does not have to be laboriously passed through the clamping element, for example manually. In contrast to the prior art, the fixing is carried out by the middle part of the clamping element, which, after the head fastening strap has been passed under it, is in turn connected to the clamping element, whereby the head fastening strap can be clamped to the clamping element by the spring force of the outer parts of the tab.

The head fastening strap is preferably designed as a textile, rubber-like, elastic and/or flat strap, in particular as a flat strap. The filter element preferably has a design and/or extension modeled on the mouth and/or nose area, on the lateral transverse sides of which the head fastening strap can be provided and/or, when the protective mask is worn, oriented towards the ear. Preferably, one head fastening strap and correspondingly one clamping element are provided on each transverse side. Particularly preferably, two head fastening straps and two clamping elements spaced accordingly are provided on each transverse side. Likewise, three or only one head fastening strap and clamping element can be provided. The head fastening strap is not welded, glued, sewn and/or mechanically connected to the protective mask and/or the filter element. Preferably, the tab, in particular the outer parts of the tab, clamps the head fastening strap independently due to the spring force, whereby the head fastening strap and thus the protective mask can be tightened by pulling on the head fastening strap. Preferably, an opening is provided in the filter element in the region of the clamping element and/or the tab.

It is also preferred to provide a single head fastening strap for each side of the head and to have a three-part design. The three parts are preferably the same size and U-shaped, with the transverse sides of the inserted parts forming a common contact line with the clamping element. The parts can also have different transverse widths, but preferably form a common contact line. For example, the outer parts can have the same size and the middle part can have a larger transverse width. After the head fastening strap has been inserted, for example by placing it under the parts folded up in relation to the clamping element and connecting the middle part, in particular at the contact line, to the clamping element, the head fastening strap can be pulled longitudinally away from the protective mask in the area of the middle part so that the head fastening strap forms a lateral loop. In this way, the head fastening strap can be clamped against the clamping element at the contact line by the transverse sides of the outer parts.

To produce a plurality of protective masks, a filter element can be provided with clamping elements on both sides and a running head fastening strap can be inserted and fixed into the respective clamping elements on both sides as described above. The two head fastening straps can be connected to one another between two protective masks, for example by welding, and then separated so that the protective mask is provided with a head fastening strap connected in this way on both sides. Each head fastening strap can then be pulled laterally in the longitudinal direction away from the protective mask as described above in order to adjust the length of the head fastening strap to the person's head.

Particularly preferably, the tab, in particular the outer parts and/or a transverse side of the tab facing the contact line, clamps the head fastening strap in such a way that the head fastening strap is clamped against unraveling "backwards" towards the ear and/or the head fastening strap can be shortened by pulling on the end of the head fastening strap opposite the ear "forwards" through the tab "back" on the head. The tab is preferably pre-tensioned with spring force in such a way that the tab strives towards a closed position in which the tab lies flush against the clamping element. The clamping element preferably has a flat and/or rectangular extension. The head fastening strap is preferably guided behind the person's head and connected at its ends on opposite lateral transverse sides to the filter element. Further preferably, the head fastening strap is not designed to be attached to the person's ear. When the head fastening strap is guided through, the tab preferably opens outwards away from the face. The filter element is preferably designed to be flat or at least has a flat and/or planar design in the area of the clamping element. Furthermore, the filter element can have a flat or curved wing on its transverse side, on which the clamping element is provided.

The protective mask is preferably designed as a respiratory mask, in particular as a half mask, preferably for use as a filtering mask (FFP), in particular to prevent the inhalation of harmful particles and to reduce infection with pathogens through the mouth and/or nose, and/or for use as an aerosol-filtering respiratory mask and/or filter particle mask, further in particular to prevent the transmission of pathogens through droplet infection and/or in particular to reduce a germ load, in particular a virus load, for example in the event of an epidemic or pandemic spread of infectious diseases such as COVID-19. The protective mask is preferably designed as a particle-filtering half mask in accordance with EN 149:2001 or EN 149:2001+A1:2009, in particular an FFP-1, FFP-2 or FFP-3 mask. Furthermore, the mask can be designed according to EN standards 136, 140, 143, 149, 1827, 12941 and/or 12942.

The protective mask can have one or more fabric layers as a filter element, in particular one on top of the other, preferably glued, connected and/or sewn together, which can comprise a woven fabric, knitted fabric, knitted fabric, scrim and/or a textile composite material, in particular a fleece or woven fabric. The filter element can consist of textile fibers and/or have such, with natural fibers, preferably wool or cotton, and/or synthetic fibers, preferably synthetic fibers (chemical fibers) such as cellulosic fibers, for example viscose fibers, being used as textile fibers, in particular from the group of polyesters (PES), polyolefins, such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (CLF), polyvinylidene chloride (CLF), acetate (CA), triacetate (CTA), polyacrylic (PAN), polyamide (PA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVAL), polyurethanes, polyvinyl esters, (meth)acrylates and mixtures thereof. The above abbreviations for the textile fibers come from DIN 60001-4 (August 1991). The protective mask can contain additional fabric layers, for example as intermediate layers with different functions, for example for additional filtering, sealing, moisture absorption, etc.

The filter element can have a filtering effect and for this purpose can comprise, for example, a fleece or nonwoven fabric, in particular a flexible, porous fabric that is a textile composite material and is not produced by classic methods of weaving warp and weft or by forming stitches, but by intertwining and/or cohesive and/or adhesive bonds of textile fibers. Fleeces are generally loose materials made from staple fibers or filaments, in particular from synthetic fibers or chemical fibers, for example polypropylene, polyester, viscose, etc., whose cohesion is provided by the fibers' own adhesion. Individual fibers can have a preferred direction, so-called oriented or cross-layer fleeces, or they can be undirected, so-called random fleeces. The average diameter of the textile fibers of the filter element is preferably at most 100 µm, in particular at most 30 µm, preferably at most 20 µm, preferably at most 10 µm, particularly preferably at most 5 µm, very particularly preferably at most 2 µm. In general, the diameter of the textile fibers of the filter element should be in the range from 0.05 to 50 µm, in particular 0.1 to 50 µm, preferably 0.2 to 30 µm, particularly preferably 0.2 to 20 µm, very particularly preferably 0.5 to 10 µm.

The fleeces can be mechanically bonded by needling, meshing or by swirling with sharp water jets, so-called spunlaced fleeces. Fleeces can also be produced by spunbonding, meltblow processes and preferably by electrospinning. Adhesively bonded fleeces are produced by bonding the fibers with liquid binding agents, for example acrylate polymers, SBR/NBA, polyvinyl ester or polyurethane dispersions, or by melting or dissolving so-called Binding fibers that are mixed into the fleece during production. During cohesive bonding, the fiber surfaces are dissolved using suitable chemicals and bonded using pressure or welded at elevated temperatures. Fleeces made from so-called spunbonded nonwovens, i.e. fabrics made by spinning and then laying, blowing or sponging onto a conveyor belt, are called spunbonded fabrics. To achieve the filtering effect, the filter element is preferably designed with smaller pores than another fabric layer. The shape of the filter element can be adapted to the person's face to form a so-called CUP mask or it can be designed to be foldable to form a so-called folding mask.

The filter element can have an average pore size or average mesh size - depending on the type of fabric layer - of greater than 1 µm, in particular greater than 10 µm, preferably greater than 50 µm, particularly preferably greater than 100 µm, or more than 200 µm. In this way, a good separation rate in relation to particles and aerosols and/or a low breathing resistance can be achieved. Furthermore or additionally, the filter element can comprise an electrostatic material, in particular an electret, through which small dust particles and liquid droplets can be bound by electrostatic forces. The ratio or quotient of the average pore size or mesh size to the average diameter of the textile fibers of the filter element is particularly preferably in the range from 0.1 to 2,000, in particular 1 to 500, preferably 5 to 350, particularly preferably 10 to 300, very particularly preferably 25 to 250. In particular, the ratio or quotient of the average pore size or mesh size to the average diameter of the textile fibers of the filter element should be at most 2,000, in particular at most 500, preferably at most 350, particularly preferably at most 300, very particularly preferably at most 250. However, the ratio or quotient of the average pore size or mesh size to the average diameter of the textile fibers of the filter element should be at least 0.1, in particular at least 1, preferably at least 5, particularly preferably at least 10, very particularly preferably at least 25, even more preferably at least 40. In this way, particularly efficient separation rates with regard to pathogens and aerosols are achieved.

In order to achieve an efficient separation rate with regard to pathogens, the filter element can have an average efficiency Em according to DIN EN 779 (July 1993 ) of at least 40%, in particular at least 50%, preferably at least 70%, particularly preferably at least 90%, most preferably at least 95%. Furthermore, the filter element can have an average separation efficiency Am according to DIN EN 779 (July 1993 ) of at least 50%, in particular at least 70%, preferably at least 90%, particularly preferably at least 95%, very particularly preferably at least 99%. The filter element is advantageously designed such that, at an inflow velocity of 0.1 m/s, it has an average separation rate for particles and/or aerosols with diameters in the range from 1 to 100 µm of at least 80%, in particular at least 90%, preferably at least 95%.

According to a preferred development, the clamping element is applied to the filter element before the resilient tab is inserted. In this respect, a separate clamping element can first be produced as described, which is in particular glued to the filter element with its upper side, for example. The clamping element can also first be applied to the filter element and then produced as described. In this case, the flat material is preferably designed as a plastic film with a thickness of, for example, 1, 2 or 3 mm and/or the filter element is punched in the same way when it is inserted, for example by punching. The filter element and the clamping element can be produced simultaneously, for example the clamping element arranged on the filter element can be punched out in a single production step, as described below.

• Einbringen der Lasche mittels Stanzen und/oder Schneiden, Stanzen und/oder Schneiden einer Öffnung in das Filterelement im Bereich der Lasche, und/oder gleichzeitiges Stanzen und/oder Schneiden der Lasche zum Einbringen derselben und der Öffnung in das Filterelement im Bereich der Lasche.

There are basically different ways of inserting the tab. According to a particularly preferred training, the procedure includes the following step:

• Inserting the tab by means of punching and/or cutting, punching and/or cutting an opening in the filter element in the area of the tab, and/or simultaneously punching and/or cutting the tab to insert the same and the opening in the filter element in the area of the tab.

For punching, a tool is advantageously used which comprises, for example, a "large" U and a "small" U, the transverse sides of which overlap, in particular at the contact line, and the longitudinal sides of which are of equal length. The outer parts preferably have an identical transverse width, which is also identical to the transverse width of the middle part. Instead of a U, other shapes can also be provided, for example a U with rounded corners, a circular design, etc.

• nach Einbringen der Lasche, Biegen des Klemmelements über eine durch die Lasche definierte Biegelinie, so dass sich die Lasche entlang ihrer Kontaktlinie von dem Klemmelement abhebt, zum Einbringen des Kopfbefestigungsbands unter die abgehobene Lasche, und
• Zurückbiegen des Klemmelements, so dass die Kontaktlinie an dem Klemmelement zu liegen kommt und die äußeren Teile der Lasche das Kopfbefestigungsband an das Klemmelement klemmen.

According to a preferred further development, the procedure comprises the following steps:

• after inserting the tab, bending the clamping element over a bending line defined by the tab so that the tab lifts off the clamping element along its contact line, for inserting the head fastening strap under the lifted tab, and
• Bend the clamping element back so that the contact line lies on the clamping element and the outer parts of the tab clamp the head fastening strap to the clamping element.

Bending preferably takes place via a bending line extending in the longitudinal direction of the clamping element. During bending, the tab remains essentially in its original position, so that a gap is created between the tab that has been lifted in relation to the clamping element, into which gap the head fastening strap can be easily inserted. Accordingly, the bending line preferably extends parallel to the contact line along the transverse side of the tab, which is in particular connected in one piece to the clamping element. Bending back preferably takes place due to an inherent stress of the clamping element, for example by simply letting go of the bent-up clamping element.

• Einbringen einer seitlichen Aussparung in die äußeren Teile der Lasche, durch welche das Kopfbefestigungsband zwischen Lasche und Klemmelement hindurchführbar ist.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the method comprises the step:

• Creating a lateral recess in the outer parts of the tab through which the head fastening strap can be passed between the tab and the clamping element.

Preferably, the lateral recess is provided on an outer longitudinal side of the outer part of the tab, which is oriented away from the middle part. Due to the recess, the head fastening strap can be guided more easily through the tab and clamping element, for example to adjust the fit of the protective mask on the person's head in order to then fix the head fastening strap between the transverse side of the tab and the clamping element. The recess is preferably V-shaped, whereby the tip of the V can be oriented away from the contact line.

• Verbinden des mittleren Teils mit dem Klemmelement mittels Verschweißen und/oder Verkleben.

The middle part can be connected to the clamping element using several variants. According to a particularly preferred development, the method comprises the step:

• Connecting the middle part to the clamping element by welding and/or gluing.

In this way, the middle part can be connected to the clamping element at the contact line in a simple and automated manner, preferably at its transverse side facing the contact line.

According to a further preferred development, the resilient tab is U-shaped and/or if the resilient tab is oriented towards an edge of the protective mask, the filter element overlaps the clamping element completely or at least partially, and/or the middle part of the tab is U-shaped. The clamping element can be formed, punched, made of and/or cut from the flat material. The tab can be produced by a U-shaped punching in a manufacturing process with the filter element. Oriented towards an edge of the protective mask means in particular that the U-shaped transverse side is oriented towards the edge, while the tab on its opposite transverse side can be designed in one piece with a remaining part of the clamping element away from the edge of the protective mask. Completely overlapping means in particular that the clamping element does not protrude beyond the filter element in the direction of the ear when the protective mask is worn. The flat material can be a fabric layer as described above or plastic. Preferably, the flat material is sheet-like, flat, curved and/or flat and has, for example, a thickness of less than 3, 2, 1 or 0.5 mm.

According to a preferred development, the at least one clamping element is designed to be integrated with the filter element, and/or the at least one clamping element is provided within the filter element or the at least one clamping element is provided on the filter element and/or the clamping element is provided on an edge of the filter element. The clamping element is preferably designed in one piece with the filter element. The clamping element can in particular be provided between fabric layers of the filter element within the latter. The at least one clamping element is preferably glued to the latter within the filter element and/or the at least one clamping element is glued to the filter element.

According to another preferred development, the at least one clamping element is glued, welded and/or sewn to the filter element. The clamping element preferably has a flat and/or flexible design which can be adapted to the shape of the person's face.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the filter element has at least two fabric layers arranged one above the other and the at least one clamping element and at least one of the fabric layers are made of the same material and/or are designed in one piece. The filter element is preferably glued to the fabric layers. In particular In particular, the clamping element is not designed as a plastic component which is attached to the filter element as an extension thereof.

According to another preferred development, the at least one clamping element is provided on the filter element without any protrusion. The clamping element preferably lies flush on the filter element.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the clamping element has a marking surface. The marking surface is preferably designed as a flat surface and/or is provided in particular laterally next to the filter element, for example offset from it.

The object of the invention is further achieved by a protective mask with a filter element for covering a mouth and/or nose area of a person, at least one head fastening strap for fastening the protective mask to the head of the person, and at least one clamping element made of a flat material applied to the filter element, wherein the at least one clamping element has a resilient tab with at least three resilient parts including two outer parts and a middle part, by the spring force of which the outer parts of the tab, the head fastening strap inserted under all parts of the tab can be clamped to the clamping element, and whose middle part is connected to the clamping element in order to fix the head fastening strap slidably to the clamping element by the connected part.

According to a preferred development, the at least one clamping element is designed to be integrated with the filter element, and/or the at least one clamping element is provided within the filter element or the at least one clamping element is provided on the filter element and/or the clamping element is provided on an edge of the filter element.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the resilient tab is U-shaped, the middle part of the tab is U-shaped and/or the resilient tab is oriented towards an edge of the protective mask, the filter element completely or at least partially overlaps the at least one clamping element, and/or the clamping element is formed, punched, made and/or cut from the flat material.

According to a preferred development, the at least one clamping element is glued, welded and/or sewn to the filter element.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the filter element has at least two fabric layers arranged one above the other and the at least one clamping element and at least one of the fabric layers are made of the same material and/or are designed in one piece.

According to a preferred development, a lateral recess is made in the outer parts of the tab, through which the head fastening strap can be passed between the tab and the clamping element.

Further embodiments and advantages of the protective mask will become apparent to the person skilled in the art in analogy to the method described above.

Short description of the drawings

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings using preferred embodiments.

• 1 eine schematische Ansicht eines Teils einer Schutzmaske zum Bedecken einer Mund- und/oder Nasenpartie einer Person mit einem Klemmelement gemäß einem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung,
• 2 eine schematische Teilansicht der Schutzmaske gemäß 1 gemäß dem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung,
• 3 eine schematische Ansicht des Klemmelements gemäß 1 gemäß dem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung,
• 4 eine schematische Seitansicht des gebogenen Klemmelements gemäß 1 gemäß dem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung,
• 5 eine weitere schematische Ansicht des Klemmelements gemäß 1 gemäß dem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung, und
• 6 eine noch weitere schematische Ansicht des Klemmelements gemäß 1 gemäß dem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung.

In the drawings show

• 1 a schematic view of a part of a protective mask for covering a mouth and/or nose area of a person with a clamping element according to a preferred embodiment of the invention,
• 2 a schematic partial view of the protective mask according to 1 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention,
• 3 a schematic view of the clamping element according to 1 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention,
• 4 a schematic side view of the bent clamping element according to 1 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention,
• 5 another schematic view of the clamping element according to 1 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, and
• 6 a further schematic view of the clamping element according to 1 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of the implementation examples

1 shows a schematic view of a part of a protective mask 1 for covering a mouth and/or nose area of a person with a clamping element 2 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, while 2 a schematic partial view of a clamping element 2 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention shows. Finally, 3 , 5 and 6 each a schematic view of the clamping element according to 1 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, while 4 a schematic side view of the bent clamping element according to 1 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention.

The protective mask 1 has a flat, breathable filter element 3 for covering a person's mouth and/or nose area, which filter element has a plurality of textile fabric layers 4 (not shown in detail). A first fabric layer 4 is made of a hydrophilic textile material for absorbing moisture from the person's breathing air and is used to place it on the person's mouth and/or nose area. A second, middle fabric layer 4 has a filtering material such as fleece, an electrostatic material, a combination of the aforementioned or comparable materials in order to filter air flowing through the second fabric layer 4. A third fabric layer 4 is made of a hydrophobic material for repelling dirt and/or moisture from the ambient air. The three fabric layers 4 are arranged on top of each other in a surface-covering manner and are connected to one another at their edges and along their flat extension by weaving, gluing, sewing, etc.

An elastic, textile and flat head fastening band 6 is provided on each of the two transverse sides 5 of the filter element 3, which are knotted or welded together at their ends (not shown), and can be guided around the head in order to fasten the protective mask 1 to the head. Furthermore, a clamping element 2 is arranged on each of the two transverse sides 5, which adjoins the filter element 3 or, according to an embodiment not shown, is completely overlapped by the filter element 3 and thus does not protrude beyond the filter element 3 in relation to the transverse side 5.

The clamping element 2 has a flat and rectangular extension which lies flush against the transverse side 5 and is significantly smaller than the extension of the filter element 3. The clamping element 2 is glued, welded and/or sewn to the filter element 3 and is thus designed as one piece with the filter element 3. For this purpose, the clamping element 2 can be provided within the filter element 3 according to a design not shown, namely arranged between two fabric layers 4. The clamping element 2 can also be arranged as in 1 shown on an edge of the fabric layers 4. The clamping element 2 can be made of plastic. Likewise, the clamping element 2 and at least one fabric layer 4 can be made of the same material.

A U-shaped resilient tab 7 is inserted into the clamping element 2 by means of punching, indicated by a dashed line, which with respect to the U-shaped transverse side as in 2 can be seen oriented towards the transverse side 5 or is open at its contact line 8. The tab 7 is not punched out on its opposite side oriented away from the transverse side 5 and merges integrally into the flat extension of the (remaining) clamping element 2 at a bending line 9, shown in dashed lines.

3 shows the clamping element 2 in a top view with the tab 7, which has three resilient parts 10, 11 including two outer parts 9 and a middle part 11 enclosed in the middle by the outer parts 10. The individual parts 10, 11 each have a rectangular base of the same size, with triangular recesses 12 being provided on the outer long sides of the outer parts 9. Accordingly, the contact line 8 extends along the three transverse sides of the individual parts 10, 11. In a first production step, the individual parts 10, 11 are as in 3 punched out, either only in the clamping element 2, which is then later applied to the filter element 3, or in the clamping element 2 already applied to the filter element 3.

In a further manufacturing step, the clamping element 2 is bent over the bending line 9, as shown in side view in 4 shown so that the tab 7 leaves a gap. The head fastening strap 6 is then inserted into the gap. After releasing or bending back the tab 7, shown and indicated in 5 by arrows, the head fastening band 6 runs under the tab 7 and exits through the recesses 12 to extend in the direction of the bending line 9 on the clamping element 2. The middle part 11 is then welded to the clamping element 2 at its contact line 8 and thus fixed, indicated by smaller cross lines.

Finally, we will 6 As can be seen, the head fastening strap 6 is guided in the area of the middle part 11 away from the bending line 9, so that a loop is formed, as in 1 and 2 visible. At the same time, the head fastening strap 6 is guided along the contact line 8 between the transverse sides of the outer parts 10 and the clamping element 6, so that the spring force of the tab 7 or the outer parts 10 clamps the head fastening strap 6 and thus fixes it in its position in relation to the clamping element 2. As a result, the head fastening strap 6 cannot slip out of the clamping element in the direction of the head. In order to fix the protective mask 1 more firmly to the head, the head fastening strap 6 can be pulled away from the head through the tab 7. and remains in the pulled-out state clamped by the tab 7 in its position in relation to the tab 7.

The embodiments described are merely examples that can be modified and/or supplemented in many ways within the scope of the claims. Each feature that has been described for a specific embodiment can be used independently or in combination with other features in any other embodiment. Each feature that has been described for an embodiment of a specific category can also be used in a corresponding manner in an embodiment of another category.

List of reference symbols

1

Protective mask

2

Clamping element

3

Filter element

4

Fabric layer

5

Short side

6

Head strap

7

Tab

8

Contact line

9

Bending line

10

Outer part

11

Middle part

12

Recess

Claims (13)

Method for producing a protective mask (1) for covering a person's mouth and/or nose area, comprising the steps of: Introducing at least one resilient tab (7) with at least three resilient parts (10, 11) including two outer parts (10) and a middle part (11) into a clamping element (2) made of a flat material, Introducing at least one head fastening strap (6) for fastening the protective mask (1) to the person's head under all parts of the tab (7) so that the head fastening strap (6) can be clamped to the clamping element (2) by the spring force of the outer parts (10) of the tab (7), Connecting the middle part to the clamping element (2) in order to fix the head fastening strap (6) to the clamping element (2) in a displaceable manner by means of the connected middle part (11), and Applying the clamping element (2) to a filter element (3) for covering the mouth and/or nose area the person to receive the protective mask (1). Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the clamping element (2) is applied to the filter element (3) before the resilient tab (7) is inserted. Method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the step: Introducing the tab (7) by means of punching and/or cutting, punching and/or cutting an opening in the filter element (3) in the region of the tab (7), and/or simultaneously punching and/or cutting the tab (7) to introduce the same and the opening in the filter element (3) in the region of the tab (7). Method according to one of the preceding claims, with the steps: after inserting the tab (7), bending the clamping element (2) over a bending line (9) defined by the tab (7) so that the tab (7) lifts off the clamping element (2) along its contact line (8), for inserting the head fastening strap (6) under the lifted tab (7), and bending the clamping element (2) back so that the contact line (8) comes to lie on the clamping element (2) and the outer parts of the tab (7) clamp the head fastening strap (6) to the clamping element (2). Method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the step: Introducing a lateral recess (12) into the outer parts (10) of the tab (7), through which the head fastening strap (6) can be guided between the tab (7) and the clamping element (2). Method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the step: Connecting the middle part (11) to the clamping element (2) by means of welding and/or gluing. Method according to one of the preceding claims, the resilient tab (7) is U-shaped and/or the resilient tab (7) is oriented towards an edge of the protective mask (1), the filter element (3) completely or at least partially overlaps the clamping element (2), and/or the middle part of the tab (7) is U-shaped. Protective mask (1), with a filter element (3) for covering a mouth and/or nose area of a person, at least one head fastening strap (6) for fastening the protective mask (1) to the head of the person, and at least one clamping element (2) made of a flat material and applied to the filter element (3), wherein the at least one clamping element (2) has a resilient tab (7) with at least three resilient parts (10, 11) including two outer parts (10) and a middle part (11), by the spring force of which the outer parts of the tab (7) clamp the head fastening strap (6) inserted under all parts (10, 11) of the tab (7) to the clamping element (2), and whose middle part (11) is connected to the clamping element (2) in order to fix the head fastening strap (6) slidably to the clamping element (2) by means of the connected middle part (11). Protective mask (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one clamping element (2) is designed to be integrated with the filter element (3), and/or the at least one clamping element (2) is provided within the filter element (3) or the at least one clamping element (2) is provided on the filter element (3) and/or the clamping element (2) is provided on an edge of the filter element (3). Protective mask (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the resilient tab (7) is U-shaped, the middle part of the tab (7) is U-shaped and/or the resilient tab (7) is oriented towards an edge of the protective mask (1), the filter element (3) completely or at least partially overlaps the at least one clamping element (2), and/or the clamping element (2) is formed, punched, made and/or cut from the flat material. Protective mask (1) according to one of the three preceding claims, wherein the at least one clamping element (2) is glued, welded and/or sewn to the filter element (3). Protective mask (1) according to one of the four preceding claims, wherein the filter element (3) has at least two fabric layers (4) arranged one above the other and the at least one clamping element (2) and at least one of the fabric layers (4) are made of the same material and/or are designed in one piece. Protective mask (1) according to one of the five preceding claims, wherein a lateral recess is made in the outer parts of the tab (7), through which the head fastening strap (6) can be passed between the tab (7) and the clamping element (2).

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