Abstract: An escape hood, comprising a respirator, having an air filter suitable for filtering toxic air contaminants and positioning members to retain the respirator in a respiratory path of the user; an optical lens; a expanding member, permitting hood to expand from a compact storage configuration to a usage configuration; a sealing structure, around said air filter, for preserving said filter during storage; and an unsealing mechanism, adapted to allow a user to withdraw the escape hood from a storage vessel, wherein during withdrawal, said sealing structure is automatically unsealed. An escape hood system is also provided, comprising: an array of storage vessels, each vessel being adapted to receive a sealed escape hood; a retainer, for retaining a sealed escape hood within the vessel, wherein the escape hood is unsealed during withdrawal of the escape hood from a storage vessel; and an electronic sensor for determining an occupancy of a storage vessel.

Abstract: A protective head enclosure for emergency use by a user to protect the respiratory tract and eyes from smoke and/or noxious gases and to protect the head from heat and/or toxic substances. The enclosure comprises a head enclosure made of substantially flexible, gas impermeable, heat and fire retardant sheet material, the enclosure having a closed top; a circular, flexible resilient ring disposed on and attached to the enclosure between its top and bottom, the resilient ring being adapted to be twisted into a double cylindrical coil for packing and storage of the enclosure and snapped open into a single circular ring and thereby open the enclosure for use; a closure for closing the bottom of the enclosure about the neck and/or shoulders of a user after the enclosure has been placed over the user's head. The protective head enclosure may be folded compactly and stored in a container or cabinet ready to use by a single motion, quick release.

Abstract: A protective head enclosure for emergency use by a user to protect the respiratory tract and eyes from smoke and/or noxious gases and to protect the head from heat and/or toxic substances. The enclosure comprises a head enclosure made of substantially flexible, gas impermeable, heat and fire retardant sheet material, the enclosure having a closed top; a circular, flexible resilient ring disposed on and attached to the enclosure between its top and bottom, the resilient ring being adapted to be twisted into a double cylindrical coil for packing and storage of the enclosure and snapped open into a single circular ring and thereby open the enclosure for use; a closure for closing the bottom of the enclosure about the neck and/or shoulders of a user after the enclosure has been placed over the user's head. The protective head enclosure may be folded compactly and stored in a container or cabinet ready to use by a single motion, quick release.