Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods for completing a fit test on a respiratory mask A method may comprise installing a speaker within an interior cavity of the face mask, wherein the speaker communicates with an electronics unit; installing a microphone within the interior cavity of the face mask, wherein the microphone communicates with the electronics unit; generating, by the speaker, a sound during the fit test; detecting, by the microphone, sound generated by the speaker during the fit test; comparing, by the electronics unit, a detected signal from the microphone to a baseline expected sound; when the detected signal is within a certain range of the baseline expected sound, indicating to the user that the fit test is completed and passed; and when the detected signal is not within a certain range of the baseline expected sound, indicating to the user that the fit test is completed and failed.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a body-worn unitary harness having a shoulder portion and a waist portion in tensile communication with one another, such that both the shoulder and the waist portions can be simultaneously adjusted using a single adjustment mechanism to conform to a wearer's body. In an illustrative embodiment, a length of webbing may thread through an angle-turning buckle and change direction therein. Tensile forces in the length of webbing may be directed in different directions on either side of the angle-turning buckle. A single clasp may facilitate both donning and doffing of the unitary harness. An implement connector may be coupled to a hip member and configured to connect an implement to the unitary harness. Various exemplary unitary harnesses may provide comfortable implement carrying capacity while automatically adjusting relative waist and shoulder lengths to accommodate a user's movements and positions.

Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods for completing a fit test on a respiratory mask A method may comprise installing a speaker within an interior cavity of the face mask, wherein the speaker communicates with an electronics unit; installing a microphone within the interior cavity of the face mask, wherein the microphone communicates with the electronics unit; generating, by the speaker, a sound during the fit test; detecting, by the microphone, sound generated by the speaker during the fit test; comparing, by the electronics unit, a detected signal from the microphone to a baseline expected sound; when the detected signal is within a certain range of the baseline expected sound, indicating to the user that the fit test is completed and passed; and when the detected signal is not within a certain range of the baseline expected sound, indicating to the user that the fit test is completed and failed.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to connectors for use with harness and backplate systems in an SCBA. An SCBA may comprise a backplate for holding a cylinder of air and a harness with straps operable to attach to the backplate. Applicants have developed a backplate connector that provides a reliable quick connection and disconnection for straps attached to a backplate. The connector may fit into a slot on the backplate. In some embodiments, a plurality of connectors may be used to connect a plurality of straps to the backplate. Additionally, the connector may comprise a clip or other attachment operable to secure one or more hoses of the SCBA. This design may prevent the air hoses being hooked accidently, and the attachment of the hoses may help to secure the connector into the slot of the backplate, reducing the change of the connector disconnecting during normal usage.

Abstract: A harness may be used to carry a breathable air system. Generally, the harness may comprise at least one shoulder strap and a plurality of attachments configured to attach the at least one shoulder strap to the breathable air system. Additionally, the plurality of attachments may allow the breathable air system to be configured into a plurality of strap configurations. For example, the plurality of strap configurations may include a hip configuration, a waist configuration, a leg configuration, and/or a back configuration. In some configurations, an additional/accessory strap may be used to more securely carry the breathable air system in the plurality of strap configurations.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA comprising a waist pad bumper system. The waist pad bumper system may comprise a soft rubber gasket located between the waist pad and the backplate of the SCBA, operable to compress to cushion the movement of the backplate with respect to the waist pad; a hard rubber gasket located between the waist pad and the backplate operable to compress to cushion the movement of the backplate with respect to the waist pad; one or more magnets located on the waist pad; and one or more magnets located on the backplate operable to interact with the one or more magnets located on the waist pad, wherein the magnets of the waist pad have the same polarization as the magnets of the backplate and therefore repel each other.

Abstract: A harness may be used to carry a breathable air system. Generally, the harness may comprise at least one shoulder strap and a plurality of attachments configured to attach the at least one shoulder strap to the breathable air system. Additionally, the plurality of attachments may allow the breathable air system to be configured into a plurality of strap configurations. For example, the plurality of strap configurations may include a hip configuration, a waist configuration, a leg configuration, and/or a back configuration. In some configurations, an additional/accessory strap may be used to more securely carry the breathable air system in the plurality of strap configurations.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to connectors for use with harness and backplate systems in an SCBA. An SCBA may comprise a backplate for holding a cylinder of air and a harness with straps operable to attach to the backplate. Applicants have developed a backplate connector that provides a reliable quick connection and disconnection for straps attached to a backplate. The connector may fit into a slot on the backplate. In some embodiments, a plurality of connectors may be used to connect a plurality of straps to the backplate. Additionally, the connector may comprise a clip or other attachment operable to secure one or more hoses of the SCBA. This design may prevent the air hoses being hooked accidently, and the attachment of the hoses may help to secure the connector into the slot of the backplate, reducing the change of the connector disconnecting during normal usage.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a body-worn unitary harness having a shoulder portion and a waist portion in tensile communication with one another, such that both the shoulder and the waist portions can be simultaneously adjusted using a single adjustment mechanism to conform to a wearer's body. In an illustrative embodiment, a length of webbing may thread through an angle-turning buckle and change direction therein. Tensile forces in the length of webbing may be directed in different directions on either side of the angle-turning buckle. A single clasp may facilitate both donning and doffing of the unitary harness. An implement connector may be coupled to a hip member and configured to connect an implement to the unitary harness. Various exemplary unitary harnesses may provide comfortable implement carrying capacity while automatically adjusting relative waist and shoulder lengths to accommodate a user's movements and positions.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a body-worn unitary harness having a shoulder portion and a waist portion in tensile communication with one another, such that both the shoulder and the waist portions can be simultaneously adjusted using a single adjustment mechanism to conform to a wearer's body. In an illustrative embodiment, a length of webbing may thread through an angle-turning buckle and change direction therein. Tensile forces in the length of webbing may be directed in different directions on either side of the angle-turning buckle. A single clasp may facilitate both donning and doffing of the unitary harness. An implement connector may be coupled to a hip member and configured to connect an implement to the unitary harness. Various exemplary unitary harnesses may provide comfortable implement carrying capacity while automatically adjusting relative waist and shoulder lengths to accommodate a user's movements and positions.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA comprising a waist pad bumper system. The waist pad bumper system may comprise a soft rubber gasket located between the waist pad and the backplate of the SCBA, operable to compress to cushion the movement of the backplate with respect to the waist pad; a hard rubber gasket located between the waist pad and the backplate operable to compress to cushion the movement of the backplate with respect to the waist pad; one or more magnets located on the waist pad; and one or more magnets located on the backplate operable to interact with the one or more magnets located on the waist pad, wherein the magnets of the waist pad have the same polarization as the magnets of the backplate and therefore repel each other.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a body-worn unitary harness having a shoulder portion and a waist portion in tensile communication with one another, such that both the shoulder and the waist portions can be simultaneously adjusted using a single adjustment mechanism to conform to a wearer's body. In an illustrative embodiment, a length of webbing may thread through an angle-turning buckle and change direction therein. Tensile forces in the length of webbing may be directed in different directions on either side of the angle-turning buckle. A single clasp may facilitate both donning and doffing of the unitary harness. An implement connector may be coupled to a hip member and configured to connect an implement to the unitary harness. Various exemplary unitary harnesses may provide comfortable implement carrying capacity while automatically adjusting relative waist and shoulder lengths to accommodate a user's movements and positions.

Abstract: An automotive interior door panel having a decorative covering displayed to the interior compartment of a vehicle and a rigid substrate having a backing surface. The backing surface includes a plurality of energy absorbers integrally molded thereon. The method utilizing the following steps. A low-pressure or high pressure injection mold operable between open and closed positions is moved to the open position. The mold has a covering receiving surface and an energy absorber producing surface. A flexible covering is positioned juxtaposed the covering receiving surface. The mold is moved to the closed position to create a space between the covering and the energy absorber producing surface. A molten plastic material is injected into the space to form the door substrate. The substrate has a nominal cross-sectional thickness between said energy absorbers.

Abstract: A seat mounting apparatus for supporting a seat allows the seat to be positioned in three possible positions allowing for improved ingress/egress and cargo carrying. The seat mounting apparatus includes a seat back frame (28), a seat bottom frame (36), a front leg (50), and a rear leg (44). A guide mechanism (59) is disposed between the seat bottom frame and the front leg for guiding the front leg. A reclining mechanism (91) is interposed between the seat back frame and the seat bottom frame for allowing the seat back frame to move between first and second reclined positions and into a first folded position. A front release mechanism (61) is interposed between the seat bottom frame and the front leg for controlling relative motion between the front leg and the seat bottom upon actuation of the front release mechanism.