Abstract: A half-mask respirator is retained on a wearer's head by upper and lower straps and a strap support. The upper and lower straps connect to the strap support at upper and lower strap attachment points on each side of the strap support. The distances between the attachment points on each opposing side of the strap support are fixed when the strap support is located on the wearer's skull and the half-mask respirator is mounted over the wearer's nose and mouth. As a result, the lower strap is supported above the neck of the wearer which eliminates a potential source of discomfort for the wearer.

Abstract: An improved face mask that is retained by a carriage and harness assembly, thereby allowing the face mask to drop down from the face of the wearer.

Abstract: An improved face mask that is retained by a carriage and harness assembly, thereby allowing the face mask to drop down from the face of the wearer.

Abstract: An improved face mask that is retained by a carriage and harness assembly, thereby allowing the face mask to drop down from the face of the wearer.

Abstract: A face seal assembly for respirators comprising a generally U-shaped frame having a bottom portion and first and second side portions spaced from each other and extending in a generally upward direction from the bottom portion. The assembly further includes a first face seal segment attached to the bottom portion at a point closer to the second side portion than the first side portion and to the first side portion at a point above the bottom portion, and a second face seal segment attached to the bottom portion at a point closer to the first side portion than the second side portion and to the second side portion at a point above the bottom portion. The first and second face seal segments may each include an elastic piece.

Abstract: An insert-molded head harness for use in securing a respirator mask to the face of a wearer, wherein the head harness comprises a web having a central portion and a peripheral portion extending at least partially around the central portion, and a plurality of elastomeric fastening straps having first and second ends, the first ends being integrally bonded to the peripheral portion of the web and the second ends being adapted to be used in securing a respirator mask to the face of a wearer. The head harness can include an elastomeric flange which comprises an elastomeric resin and embeds the peripheral portion of the web. The web preferably comprises a material selected from the group consisting of woven, knitted, and non-woven materials.

Abstract: An insert-molded head harness for use in securing a respirator mask to the face of a wearer, wherein the head harness comprises a web having a central portion and a peripheral portion extending at least partially around the central portion, and a plurality of elastomeric fastening straps having first and second ends, the first ends being integrally bonded to the peripheral portion of the web and the second ends being adapted to be used in securing a respirator mask to the face of a wearer. The head harness can include an elastomeric flange which comprises an elastomeric resin and embeds the peripheral portion of the web. The web preferably comprises a material selected from the group consisting of woven, knitted, and non-woven materials.

Abstract: A filter element adapted for attachment to a respirator face piece which includes front and rear walls of filter material, a breather tube, and a porous inner layer which maintains the front and rear walls in a spaced-apart relationship over substantially their entire area and which functions to evenly distribute air flow across the available filter element surface area.

Abstract: A filter element adapted for attachment to a respirator face piece which includes front and rear walls of filter material, a breather tube, and a porous inner layer which maintains the front and rear walls in a spaced-apart relationship over substantially their entire area and which functions to evenly distribute air flow across the available filter element surface area.