Abstract: A docking assembly for a self-contained breathing apparatus comprises a seat, a coupler, a pawl, and a spring. The self-contained breathing apparatus generally includes a compressed air tank having a head and a nozzle, the compressed air tank being adapted to deliver breathable air to a user. The seat of the docking assembly is adapted to releasably retain the head of the compressed air tank. The coupler comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth and a handle and is adapted for threaded engagement with the nozzle of the compressed air tank. The pawl is mounted to the seat for pivotal displacement and adapted to engage at least one of the plurality of teeth on the threaded coupler to lock the threaded coupler onto the nozzle. The spring biases the arm into the locked position.

Abstract: A combination of an SCBA system for providing bottled air to a user and a PAPR system for purifying ambient air for use by a user wherein the two systems are used alternatingly depending on the contaminated condition of the ambient air and the oxygen content of the ambient air.

Abstract: A sealing mechanism for use in protective garments, such as hazard suits and the like, enables components of the protective garments, such as gas masks, hoses, respirators and the like to be removably attached to the garment material. The sealing mechanism includes a framing ring which may be attached to an object to be sealed to the garment material and a locking ring. The framing ring and the locking ring are adapted to engage each other in a snap fit type connection while trapping a portion of the garment material therebetween to thereby form an airtight seal between the object and the protective garment.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a user in a hazardous or contaminated environment caused by chemical, fire, biological, and/or nuclear contamination includes a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) for providing tank stored breathable air, a powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) for purifying ambient air and a valve system that can be used to control the source of air from either the SCBA or the PAPR. The source of breathable air can be selectively controlled via manual or automatic controls while a protective body suit can be operably coupled with the SCBA and the PAPR to protect a user within the contaminated environment.

Abstract: A combination of an SCBA system for providing bottled air to a user and a PAPR system for purifying ambient air for use by a user wherein the two systems are used alternatingly depending on the contaminated condition of the ambient air and the oxygen content of the ambient air.