PROTECTIVE MASK
A replaceable filter cartridge for a protective mask is provided. The filter cartridge includes a housing configured to receive a filter element. The filter cartridge includes a gasket received in the housing, the gasket including a gasket body having a plurality of apertures formed therein to enable air to pass through the gasket body. Interstitial portions of the gasket body between the apertures form one or more ribs. The filter cartridge is configured to be removably coupled to the protective mask and located along a jawline of a user when worn.
1 . A replaceable filter cartridge for a protective mask, the filter cartridge comprising:
a housing configured to receive a filter element;
a gasket received in the housing, the gasket including a gasket body having a plurality of apertures formed therein to enable air to pass through the gasket body, wherein interstitial portions of the gasket body between the apertures form one or more ribs;
wherein the filter cartridge is configured to be removably coupled to the protective mask and located along a jawline of a user when worn.
2 . The filter cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the filter element is configured to be permeated by a sanitizing agent operative to deactivate a damaging agent.
3 . The filter cartridge of claim 2 , further comprising a sanitizing emitter configured to emit the sanitizing agent to permeate the filter element, wherein the one or more ribs are operative to support the sanitizing emitter.
4 . The filter cartridge of claim 2 , wherein the sanitizing agent comprises a disinfectant liquid.
5 . The filter cartridge of claim 2 , wherein the sanitizing agent comprises light in an ultraviolet spectrum.
6 . The filter cartridge of claim 5 , wherein a sanitizing emitter comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes adapted to emit different wavelengths of light, and wherein different light emitting diodes are selectively activated based on a type of damaging agent to be deactivated.
7 . The filter cartridge of claim 2 , wherein the filter element has a shape selected to correspond to a distribution pattern of the sanitizing agent while providing sufficient surface area for respiration.
8 . A protective mask comprising:
a transparent impermeable membrane;
a frame coupled to a perimeter of the impermeable membrane;
a seal operatively coupled to the frame; and
a replaceable filter cartridge coupled to the frame, the filter cartridge including:
a housing; and
a filter element received in the housing, wherein the filter element is configured to be permeated by a sanitizing agent operative to deactivate a damaging agent;
wherein the filter cartridge is configured to be located along a jawline of the user when worn such that the impermeable membrane extends away from the face of the user.
9 . The protective mask of claim 8 , wherein the impermeable membrane extending away from the face of the user increases comfort for the user and reduces fog from the user's breath.
10 . The protective mask of claim 8 , wherein the impermeable membrane includes a first portion that extends from a top edge at a first angle and transitions at an inflection point to a second portion that extends at a second angle different from the first angle, wherein the inflection point is positioned to align with the user's nose to provide spacing between the user's face and an interior surface of the impermeable membrane.
11 . The protective mask of claim 8 , wherein the filter cartridge includes a gasket having a gasket body with a plurality of apertures formed therein to enable air to pass through the gasket body, wherein interstitial portions of the gasket body between the apertures form one or more ribs.
12 . The protective mask of claim 8 , further comprising a sanitizing emitter configured to emit the sanitizing agent to permeate the filter element.
13 . The protective mask of claim 12 , wherein the sanitizing agent comprises a disinfectant liquid or a light in an ultraviolet spectrum.
14 . The protective mask of claim 12 , wherein the filter element has a shape selected to correspond to a distribution pattern of the sanitizing agent emitted by the sanitizing emitter while providing sufficient surface area for respiration.
15 . A protective mask comprising:
a frame configured to be positioned about a face of a user;
a transparent impermeable membrane coupled to the frame, wherein the impermeable membrane is configured to extend away from the face of the user, and wherein the face of the user is visible through the transparent impermeable membrane while the user is wearing the protective mask;
a filter cartridge removably coupled to the frame; and
a filter element located in the filter cartridge, wherein the filter element is configured to be permeated by a sanitizing agent operative to deactivate a damaging agent;
wherein the filter cartridge is configured to be located along a jawline of the user when worn such that the impermeable membrane extends away from the face of the user.
16 . The protective mask of claim 15 , wherein the impermeable membrane defines a volume between the user's face and an interior surface of the impermeable membrane at a location corresponding to the user's nose.
17 . The protective mask of claim 15 , wherein the sanitizing agent comprises light in an ultraviolet spectrum.
18 . The protective mask of claim 15 , wherein the filter cartridge includes a gasket having a gasket body with a plurality of apertures formed therein to enable air to pass through the gasket body, wherein interstitial portions of the gasket body between the apertures form one or more ribs operative to support a sanitizing emitter.
19 . The protective mask of claim 15 , wherein the sanitizing agent comprises a disinfectant liquid or a light in an ultraviolet spectrum.
20 . The protective mask of claim 15 , wherein the filter element has a shape selected to correspond to a distribution pattern of the sanitizing agent emitted by a sanitizing emitter while providing sufficient surface area for respiration.