Face Mask Covering A Breathing Passage Patents (Class 128/206.12)
  • Patent number: 6895960
    Abstract: A modular respirator system has interchangeable facial lenses and body seals such as a full facepiece seal or a hood. A method of conversion from a full facepiece respirator to a hood respirator, or vice versa, is also disclosed. In one embodiment, lens conversion is accomplished without changing the type of body seal. In another embodiment, a breathable gas delivery conduit is connected to the facial lens and interchanged between the body seals together with the facial lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Frank J. Fabin
  • Patent number: 6892725
    Abstract: A neck seal for use in a protective hood includes an inner section including a passage for donning. The inner section is fabricated from an elastomeric material to form a seal around a neck of a user. The neck seal also includes an outer section adhered to the inner section. The outer section is fabricated from a material heat sealable to a hood covering material. In one embodiment, the elastomeric material of the inner section is a latex material. The outer section can, for example, be fabricated from a thermoplastic material. In one embodiment the thermoplastic material is a polyurethane such as a polyester-based polyurethane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Mine Safety Appliances Company
    Inventor: Zane N. Frund
  • Patent number: 6886563
    Abstract: Fold-flat personal respiratory protection devices that have a flat substantially rectangular central portion having first and second edges, at flat first member joined to the first edge of the central portion through either a fold-line, seam, weld or bond, said fold, bond, weld or seam of the first member being substantially coextensive with said first edge of said central portion, and a flat second member joined to the second edge of the central portion through either a fold-line, seam, weld or bond, the fold, bond, weld or seam of the second member being substantially coextensive with said second edge of said central portion. At least one of the central portion and first and second members are formed from filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Graham J. Bostock, John W. Bryant, Desmond T. Curran, Christopher P. Henderson, Dennis L. Krueger, James F. Dyrud
  • Patent number: 6860267
    Abstract: A gas mask having a filter canister mount including an inhalation valve and a self-sealing mechanism that prevents air inflow when a filter canister is removed from the canister mount. In one embodiment, the self-sealing valve includes an elastomeric diaphragm mounted in the inlet port and includes a hinge and a skirt, the skirt having a sealing surface that is biased into contact with a valve seat. The filter canister includes a projection adapted to act on the hinge to pivot the skirt away from the sealing surface as the canister is fitted to the canister mount. In one embodiment, the canister comprises a stacked-radial-flow arrangement of particulate and carbon filtration media. In one embodiment, the gas mask includes a visor having a pair of spaced optical panels with a hinge mounted therebetween for relative rotational movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Avon Protection Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Capon, David K. Friday, Brian E. Davis, David W. Pike, Gary M. Dunn
  • Patent number: 6854463
    Abstract: Filtering face mask 10 has a mask body 12 and an exhalation valve 14. The mask body 12 is adapted to fit over the nose and mouth of a person, and the exhalation valve 14 is attached to the mask body 12. The exhalation valve 14 has a valve seat 26 and a single flexible flap 24. The valve seat 26 includes a seal surface 31 and an orifice 32. The orifice 32 is circumscribed by the seal surface 31. The single flexible flap 24 has a fixed portion 28 and one free portion 38. The one free portion 38 has a free end, and the fixed portion 28 is located off-center of the flexible flap 24 away from the free end and is secured to the valve seat 26 outside the orifice 32. The one free portion 38 is pressed toward the seal surface 31 when the wearer is neither inhaling or exhaling. The free portion 38 can be lifted from the seal surface 31 during an exhalation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Daniel A. Japuntich, Vaughn B. Grannis, Harold J. Seppala, Anthony B. Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20040255944
    Abstract: A disposable face mask includes a mask body covering substantially a nose and mouth of a wearer, and a connecting means included with the mask body. The connecting means includes a pair of ties, an elastic cord, and/or an extension having lateral panels which have a connectable section. A cord is coupled to and extends between at least one pair of lateral panels. The connecting means is configured to releasable encircle a back of a wearer's head to hold a mask body in position over a wearer's nose and mouth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Henry Louis Griesbach, Daryl S. Bell
  • Publication number: 20040231672
    Abstract: The invention relates to an equine inhalation mask, comprising at least one valveless combined inhalation and exhalation conduit, into which inhalant sources comprising respiration control elements and an energy supply that does not require supply lines are interchangeably integrated. A filter system is mounted on the outer end of the inhalation and exhalation conduit facing away from the head of the horse. Said system and the fact that the mask is effectively sealed when on the head of the horse prevent any escape of the aerosol into the environment, thus permitting a reliable inhalation therapy lasting several minutes under normal respiratory conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas Schmehl, Tobias Gessler, Kerstin Frey
  • Publication number: 20040231671
    Abstract: A travel mask that fits over the nose and mouth area of a wearer's face for filtration of air, particularly recycled air in the travel compartment of a common carrier, the travel mask having a face shield that preferably includes an aroma patch that emits a pleasant aroma and a retainer such as a head band for retaining the face shield against a user's head. The retainer has slidable ear plugs for blocking noise. The travel mask also has a foldable eye flap or flaps for blocking light when the flap or flaps are extended, the flap or flaps preferably having thermal gel packs for cooling or warming the eye lid area of the wearer during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Paul G. Begum
  • Patent number: 6817362
    Abstract: A respirator comprising a facepiece having a cup shaped portion for sealingly engaging a face of a wearer and covering the mouth and nose of the wearer and a cover having a cup shape that is complementary to the cup shaped portion of the facepiece. The cover is capable to detachably mate with the facepiece to define with the facepiece a void area that is cup-shaped and suitable to receive a filter having a complementary shape. The filter includes an apex portion, a side portion depending from the apex portion and a continuous flange portion surrounding said side portion and projecting laterally therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: North Safety Products Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel GĂ©linas, Breck Andrew Petrillo
  • Publication number: 20040221849
    Abstract: A respiratory mask includes a shield and a mask body. The shield includes an air-impermeable bent sheet that defines a rim-receiving recess. The mask body is detachably connected to the shield and includes a rim that is received in the rim-receiving recess and that defines a chamber therein. The shield cooperates with the mask body to define a gap therebetween. The rim is formed with at least an aperture that is in spatial communication with the chamber and the gap. A filter sheet is permeable to air and is attached to the rim to cover the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Ming-Jeng Shue, Deborah Huang
  • Patent number: 6805123
    Abstract: A compact multipurpose dustproof mask includes a body pipe having an outlet hole formed at one end and a mouth contact hole formed at the other end thereof, and the end where the mouth contact hole is formed is held in the mouth and/or nose, a backward flow preventing ball installed to be capable of moving back and forth and pressed by a returning means in a direction to block a narrow hole formed inside the body pipe so that the body pipe can be open/shut according to pressure of internal air, and a branch pipe formed between the mouth contact hole of the body pipe and the backward flow preventing ball, the branch pipe having an inlet hole having a shape corresponding to a filter formed at one end thereof so that the filter is connected. Thus, the manufacturing cost and the size of a product can be reduced. Also, the mask can be easily carried and kept.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Inventor: Jung-Eun Seo
  • Publication number: 20040200591
    Abstract: The invention concerns a permeable material containing a fibrous composition consisting of organic and/or inorganic fibres characterised in that it further contains between 0.1 and 10 g/m2, advantageously 1 g/m2 of activated carbon fibres whereon is adsorbed a germicidal agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph Dussaud
  • Patent number: 6802315
    Abstract: A vapor phase treated electret filter media includes an additive or mixtures thereof that enhance the charge stability of the media. The filter media achieves acceptable alpha values for a range of filtration challenges without significant decay in alpha values over time. Preferred charge additives include fatty acid amides and mixtures thereof. Exemplary vapor phase deposition monomers include fluorinated monomers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Hollingsorth & Vose Company
    Inventors: Richard E. Gahan, Wai Ming Choi
  • Patent number: 6799573
    Abstract: An air filtration system includes a light weight container which stores a quantity of water for filtering contaminants from inhaled air. A coupling assembly is used to connect the container to a flexible hose for delivery of the filtered air to the dust mask worn by the user. The coupling assembly allows a user to interchange one light weight container with another in a quick and convenient manner if one container becomes saturated with contaminants. A user simply pulls downward on the slidable jacket to release the industrial plug and allowing the attachment of another container to the hose via the coupling assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Inventor: James D. Bonner
  • Publication number: 20040173216
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a face mask comprising a health-promoting resin. The face mask comprises a fibrous pad covering wearer's nose and mouth, and a pair of loops attached to both sides of the fibrous pad so as to hang them on both ears, respectively, wherein the pad is composed of an inner layer, an outer layer combined with the inner layer and a health-promoting resin interposed between the inner and outer layers. The face mask can substantially prevent microorganisms from entering the wearer's body by antimicrobial processing, thereby improving the wearer's health and promoting blood circulation to activate various cellular functions and growth-promoting effects in the wearer's body by far-infrared rays and anions generated in an appropriate amount from the health-promoting resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Sung Yong Park
  • Publication number: 20040168689
    Abstract: An inhalation opening 6 and an exhalation-opening 4 are formed in the facepiece 2 of a breathing apparatus 1 and the openings can be closed with an inhalation valve 8 and exhalation valve 7, respectively. If a person wearing the breathing apparatus 1 inhales, the inhalation valve 8 is open and the exhalation valve 7 is closed. A photointerrupter 11 senses the closing operation of the exhalation valve 7 and supplies electric power to a motor 9 to drive a blower 16.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventor: Satoshi Kuriyama
  • Patent number: 6783566
    Abstract: A filter cartridge assembly including a replendam that combines a particulate filter with an irregular shaped gas sorbent bed. Best operational practice requires that the air passing through the filter be distributed uniformly over the sorbent bed. The repledam directs the air over the surface of the larger sorbent bed utilizing vane-like structures extending from the reticulated member providing for uniform distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Scott Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher G. Estkowski
  • Patent number: 6758212
    Abstract: The breathing system includes an elastic, non-porous body housed within an outer protective shell. The body terminates at its forward end in a protective cap and an air inlet passage and at its inner face in oral and nasal cavities. An air filter is disposed in the body and a mouthpiece, including a bite block, is provided for communicating filtered air into the individual's mouth. The bite block has converging surfaces for biasing the mask toward the individual's face when the individual bites down on the block. A hood attached to the mask surrounds the individual's head and receives exhaled air through exhalation ducts communicating between the mouthpiece and the hood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Brookdale International Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Linsey J. Swann
  • Publication number: 20040089304
    Abstract: The present invention relates to face masks to control and improve the quality of inhaled air. Claimed and described is a respiratory face mask comprising a flange and a filter layer, the flange having an inner periphery and an outer periphery and a first and a second width measured perpendicular to the inner periphery between the inner periphery and the outer periphery, characterised in that the first width is greater than the second width. Preferably, such face masks are strapless and rely on a hydrogel adhesive for attachment and sealing. Further claimed and described is an improved cover layer for an adhesive of such a face mask.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Mohamed Ali Barakat, Gianluca Brotto, Rainer Link, Gianfranco Palumbo
  • Publication number: 20040084048
    Abstract: A method and device for effective delivery of a gas such as oxygen for inhalation are described that sequentially dilute room air to the flow of gas during a respiratory cycle. A mask assembly is described that comprises an inspiratory and expiratory limb each containing a very low resistance one-way valve, and a sequential dilution conduit (leading from the atmosphere to the inspiratory limb) with a one-way valve that has a slightly positive cracking pressure. A sequential dilution valve may also be placed in the sequential dilution conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Alex Stenzler, Tim Quinn, Edmond Chu, Hiroshi Sasano, Ron B. Somogyi, George A. Volgyesi, Steve D. Iscoe, David Preiss, Eltan Prisman, Alex Vesely, Joseph A. Fisher
  • Publication number: 20040079373
    Abstract: A respiratory protection apparatus has a face body, and a right side and a left side of a vertical centerline of the body are respectively provided with filtering devices each of which houses an electrical fan unit therein. Without narrowing the field of the front vision, without increasing the front side weight, and without deteriorating the work efficiency and comfortable fitting, the apparatus ensures the air flow rate of more than 120 liters per minute. Moreover, the electrical fan unit may be detachable from the face body, so that the face body is easily washed and parts are readily replaced with new ones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: Yamamoto Kogaku Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Etsuji Mukaiyama, Nobutaka Takami
  • Patent number: 6722366
    Abstract: A method of making a personal respiratory protection device. The method comprises: (a) forming a multi-layered structure that comprises a first cover web, a filtration layer that comprises a web that contains electrically-charged microfibers, and a second cover web; and (b) adapting the multi-layered structure into a first panel, a central panel, and a second panel such that the central panel is separated from each of the first and second panels by first and second lines of demarcation, and each of the first, second, and central panels is non-pleated. The first and second cover webs are disposed on first and second opposing sides of the filtration layer, respectively, and at least one of the cover webs comprises spunbond fibers. The resulting respiratory protection device is capable of being folded flat at the respective lines of demarcation for storage and can be opened to form a cup-shaped air chamber over the nose and mouth of the wearer when in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Graham J. Bostock, John W. Bryant, Desmond T. Curran, Christopher P. Henderson, Dennis L. Krueger, James F. Dyrud
  • Publication number: 20040065327
    Abstract: A CPAP system is described for improved respiratory therapy of patients. In particular a patient interface is disclosed with an outlet vent with lower noise levels and more diffused outlet flow over prior art outlet vents. The outlet vent includes a main vent which is diffused and muffled and a higher resistance vent provided in case the main vent is blocked. The outlet vent is removable for easy maintenance and provides indication to the user when maintenance is required. The outlet vent described may be used on nasal masks, mouthpieces and patient interfaces generally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Lewis George Gradon, Nicholas Charles Alan Smith, Alastair Edwin McAuley, Mark Joseph Haycock, Chris Earl Nightingale
  • Patent number: 6715489
    Abstract: Fold-flat personal respiratory protection devices are provided. The devices have a flat central portion having first and second edges, a flat first member joined to the first edge through either a fold-line, seam, weld or bond that is substantially coextensive with the first edge, and a flat second member joined to the second edge through either a fold-line, seam, weld or bond that is substantially coextensive with the second edge. At least one of the central portion and first and second members are formed from filter media. The device is capable of being folded flat for storage with the first and second members being in at least partial face-to-face contact with a common surface of the central portion and, during use, is capable of forming a cup-shaped air chamber over the nose and mouth of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Graham J. Bostock, John W. Bryant, Desmond T. Curran, Christopher P. Henderson, Dennis L. Krueger, James F. Dyrud
  • Publication number: 20040055604
    Abstract: A filter cartridge (5), suitable for attachment to a respiratory mask, has a housing that includes an air inlet (27), an air outlet (39), and filter material (17, 19) through which air to be filtered travels through when passing from the inlet to the outlet. At least part of the housing includes a sheet material (23) that is thermo-formed around the sides of the filter material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: Andrew S. Viner, Audra A. Conlan, Brian Cormack, Malcolm R. Watson, Christopher P. Henderson, Desmond T. Curran, Elfed I. Williams
  • Publication number: 20040040562
    Abstract: A valve includes a flexible member and a support member having a member connector. The flexible member is coupled with the member connector, which is substantially spherically configured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: Robert A. Brunell
  • Publication number: 20040031490
    Abstract: Safety apparel and/or non-apparel items that filter from the air one or more airborne particles and/or undesired gasses to provide safety to a human and/or non-human from potentially unhealthy airborne particles. The apparel and/or non-apparel item at least partially includes a filter material. The filter material on the apparel and/or non-apparel item has a sufficient size to enable the human and/or non-human to cover the nose, eyes, and/or mouth of the human and/or non-human. The filter material filters at least one airborne particle and/or undesired gas by a mechanical mechanism, an electrical mechanism, and/or a chemical mechanism. The apparel and/or non-apparel item can include at least one visual and/or textural indicator on the apparel and/or non-apparel item to at least partially indicate the location of the filter material on the apparel and/or non-apparel item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: John R. Haaga
  • Publication number: 20040025880
    Abstract: A gas mask having a filter canister mount including an inhalation valve and a self-sealing mechanism that prevents air inflow when a filter canister is removed from the canister mount. In one embodiment, the self-sealing valve includes an elastomeric diaphragm mounted in the inlet port and includes a hinge and a skirt, the skirt having a sealing surface that is biased into contact with a valve seat. The filter canister includes a projection adapted to act on the hinge to pivot the skirt away from the sealing surface as the canister is fitted to the canister mount. In one embodiment, the canister comprises a stacked-radial-flow arrangement of particulate and carbon filtration media. In one embodiment, the gas mask includes a visor having a pair of spaced optical panels with a hinge mounted therebetween for relative rotational movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Andrew Capon, David K. Friday, Brian E. Davis, David W. Pike, Gary M. Dunn
  • Publication number: 20040020489
    Abstract: A breathing filter with a nose mask, strap(s), and a filter member. The strap(s) are elastic, and serve to hold the nose mask over the user's nose. The filter member is a plug-in device allowing removal of the filter member and replacement of the filter member cartridge or the filter material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Michael R. Gillespie, John B. Williamson
  • Publication number: 20040011363
    Abstract: The invention relates to biological defense masks, and more particularly, biological defense masks designed for use by populations at risk of widespread biological attack via biological weapons of mass destruction. The present invention is also related to methods for using such biological defense masks wherein meteorological data is used to issue advisories with regard to the use of such biological defense masks to a population at risk of biological weapons of mass destruction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Stanley L. Wiener, Corey Grove
  • Patent number: 6679261
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an adjustable forehead support for a nasal or full-face mask wherein the forehead support may be adjusted for the different shapes and sizes of a facial profile. The forehead support utilizes a dual-arm system that adjusts the position of the forehead support vis-á-vis the mask and/or airflow tube. The angle of the mask to the face may be adjusted with the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Resmed Limited
    Inventors: Perry D. Lithgow, Robert E. Styles, Zdzislaw A. Ziolkowski, Philip R. Kwok
  • Patent number: 6659102
    Abstract: An oxygen mask filter system for preventing the transmission of a disease from a patient to medical personnel. The oxygen mask filter system includes a face mask having an interior surface and an exterior surface, a plurality of vent apertures, a disk member movably attached to the exterior surface of the face mask about the vent apertures, and a filter member attached to the interior surface of the face mask for filtering gases prior to expulsion from the interior of the face mask to the exterior through the vent apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Anthony L. Sico
  • Publication number: 20030221690
    Abstract: In this invention, air-blocking material is contained that enables the formation of a concentrated passage in the inner surface of the mask body that covers the nose and mouth of the user where air is concentrated and passed through at the time of inhalation and exhalation. Accordingly, concentrated passage maintains humidity and preserves heat due to the humidity and warm air of the respiration heat, produced at the time of exhalation. Consequently, cold and dry air of the outside that is the main cause of cold outbreak is converted into warm and humid air while passing through the concentrated passage, which in turn prevents worsening of cold symptoms and the outbreak of cold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Bookyung Lee
  • Publication number: 20030217751
    Abstract: My new mask is like dust masks and surgical masks but it's more efficient and more comfortable. The user can berathe comfortably all day through the cotton cloth I use to make said mask, and it can be reused many times because it's washable. The new built-in padded nose clamp is made of a copper wire that is plyable enough to easily bend to fit the contour of the users nose and strong enough to hold it's shape during normal use. To gather the bottom of said mask snugly under the users chin I built in some draw strings that are fastened together under the users chin with an adjustable quick fastening device. The new design, new materials and the new adjustable devices make my mask easy to use, efficient and comfortable enough to wear all day.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventor: Stuart Lane Patrick
  • Patent number: 6644316
    Abstract: A respiratory mask having a variable flow venting is provided according to the invention, including a gas supply hose, a mask shell adapted to output a gas to a respiratory system of a person, the mask shell adapted to be connected to the gas supply hose, and an exhaust gas flow volume regulating device which maintains a substantially constant gas flow volume out of the respiratory mask independent of an internal gas pressure inside the respiratory mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce R. Bowman, Gary L. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20030200969
    Abstract: A gas mask (1) is provided with a sealing element (5) of a special shape. The sealing element is easy to handle for use with a plug-in breathing filter (4). The sealing element also provides good sealing against gases from the environment. The sealing element (5) of the gas mask (4) seals the outlet (3) for the breathing filter (4) all around and has a cross section that is limited axially by two parallel, flat, peripheral surfaces (51, 52), whose radial inner limiting surface (53) is concave, and whose radial outer limiting surface (54) extends axially from the outside to the inside first concavely and passes over in the middle area into an elevation (55) tapering outwardly in the radial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Hartmut Kintzel, Ralf Drews, Markus Kater
  • Publication number: 20030192546
    Abstract: Fold-flat personal respiratory protection devices are provided. The devices have a flat central portion having first and second edges, a flat first member joined to the first edge of the central portion through either a fold-line, seam, weld or bond, said fold, bond, weld or seam of the first member being substantially coextensive with said first edge of said central portion, and a flat second member joined to the second edge of the central portion through either a fold-line, seam, weld or bond, the fold, bond, weld or seam of the second member being substantially coextensive with said second edge of said central portion. At least one of the central portion and first and second members are formed from filter media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Graham J. Bostock, John W. Bryant, Desmond T. Curran, Christopher P. Henderson, Dennis L. Krueger, James F. Dyrud
  • Patent number: 6615833
    Abstract: The maskap is a safety mask that is worn like a cap, It has a thin rubber liner (or airtight material) that covers the inside of the cap. The rubber liner forms a seal when worn as a mask. There are two plastic eye covers that are sealed to the cap, that when worn as a mask will let the user see through them. On the brim of the cap but under the fabric is a filter box. The filter box has two air tubes molded to it. The air tubes run up the front of the cap. The open ends of the air tubes are sealed with the rubber liner. When the maskap is worn as a mask the user will breath through the filter box. There are elastic bands that are sewn to the cap at three or more points to hold the maskap on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph Henry Bigelow
  • Patent number: 6615832
    Abstract: A wear article including a body or shell formed from a structurally rigid material having a surface that is shaped to fit over a portion of a person's body. An interface flange is sized and shaped to mate with the body surface to form a releasible or removable attachment therebetween. An interface pad is permanently attached to the flange, wherein the flange is interposed between the body and interface pad. The pad includes a resilient film body that is filled with a gel material and a contact surface configured to conform to a portion of a person's body when placed thereagainst. Together, the interface flange and interface pad form an interface assembly that is releasibly attached to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Bragel International, Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Chen
  • Publication number: 20030154984
    Abstract: A disposable breathing mask (1) comprising side walls (4, 5) and bottom walls (6, 7) made of multilayer filter material. The mask is attached to a user's head (2) by means of a strap (3) attached to attachment areas (25, 26). Joining the attachment points (25, 26) is a rib (27) which extends over the user's nose. The attachment points (25, 26) and rib (27) together form an exo-skeleton which maintains the positional stability of the strap mounting areas during donning of the mask. Arms (31, 32) extend laterally away from the rib (27) and are arranged such as to apply mild pressure to the side walls (4, 5) in the region of the user's nose so as to ensure contact between the filter material and the user's nose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Mark Anthony John Fernandes
  • Publication number: 20030154983
    Abstract: Personal Air Filtering Device with a face mask comprised of nonporous material, the face mask held onto the user's head by standard elastic straps, the face mask having a flexible gasket about its perimeter to provide an airtight seal between the mask and the user's face, the face mask having a check valve that lets exhaled air out of the mask but does not let unfiltered air into the mask, a flexible tube that enters the face mask at one end and enters an air filtering assembly on the opposite end, said air filtering assembly enclosed in a housing, said housing having an air intake opening, and said air filtering assembly including an air moving device such as a fan or pump, a carbon filter cartridge, a particulate matter filter, a battery power supply, and an on-off switch. A preferred embodiment includes said flexible tube held onto the user's clothing by a neck clip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Alvin J. Marx
  • Publication number: 20030136408
    Abstract: A device for removing airborne contaminants and inhaled biopathogens, particularly particulate or aerosol contaminants, from respired air that can be either stationary or incorporated into a garment or accessory worn upon the body. In a preferred embodiment, the device provides multiple levels of protection against inhalation of a dangerous airborne contaminant. In a preferred embodiment, a negative electrode of a portable power supply such as a battery is connected to voltage multiplier and modulation circuit and than to a discharge electrode having an electron emissive surface disposed near the wearer's airway such as, for example, on a chin guard disposed in front of the airway. The positive (counter) electrode is similarly disposed away from the airway such as, for example, near the forehead, but is electrically insulated from the wearer's body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventor: Julian L. Henley
  • Publication number: 20030136409
    Abstract: A compact multipurpose dustproof mask includes a body pipe having an outlet hole formed at one end and a mouth contact hole formed at the other end thereof, and the end where the mouth contact hole is formed is held in the mouth and/or nose, a backward flow preventing ball installed to be capable of moving back and forth and pressed by a returning means in a direction to block a narrow hole formed inside the body pipe so that the body pipe can be open/shut according to pressure of internal air, and a branch pipe formed between the mouth contact hole of the body pipe and the backward flow preventing ball, the branch pipe having an inlet hole having a shape corresponding to a filter formed at one end thereof so that the filter is connected. Thus, the manufacturing cost and the size of a product can be reduced. Also, the mask can be easily carried and kept.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventor: Jung-Eun Seo
  • Publication number: 20030131846
    Abstract: Improved full-face, flushed-seal respirators are provided having a primary sealing element adjacent to a breathing space and a secondary sealing element. Exhaled air (i.e., clean air obtained by passage through a filtering element or elements) is passed from the breathing space into a flushing channel formed between the primary and secondary seals. If there is leakage in the primary seal, air from this flushing channel leaks into the breathing space rather than ambient air. Air within the flushing channel will predominately be air that has already passed through the filtering elements. The present invention provides, therefore, an inexpensive respirator which provides significantly more protection than conventional negative-pressure respirators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: Donald L. Campbell, Christopher C. Coffey, William A. Hoffman, Judith B. Hudnall
  • Patent number: 6584976
    Abstract: A filtering face mask that covers at least the nose and mouth of a wearer and that includes an exhalation valve. The exhalation valve opens in response to increased pressure when the wearer exhales to allow the exhaled air to be rapidly purged from the mask interior. An exhale filter element is placed in one of several locations in the exhale flow stream to remove contaminants from the exhaled air. The face mask is beneficial in that it provides comfort to the wearer by allowing warm, moist, high-CO2-content air to be rapidly evacuated from the mask interior through the valve and also protects the wearer from splash fluids and polluted air while at the same time protecting other persons or things from being exposed to contaminants in the exhale flow stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Daniel A. Japuntich, Nicole V. McCullough, Jane K. Peterson, Nicholas R. Baumann, John W. Bryant, Christopher P. Henderson, Bruce E. Penning
  • Patent number: 6584975
    Abstract: A respirator mask for filtering breathed air including a mask portion dimensioned for covering the mouth of the user. The mask portion includes an inner portion, an outer portion, and an air chamber therebetween. The mask portion includes a generally circular peripheral edge. The peripheral edge includes a top edge, a bottom edge, and opposed side edges. The mask portion includes a recessed mouth section on the inner portion thereof. The recessed mouth section includes a central aperture in communication with the air chamber. The mask portion includes a pair of air vents secured to the outer portion thereof. The pair of air vents each have open inner and outer ends. The open inner ends are in communication with the air chamber. A mouthpiece portion is removably coupled with respect to the mask portion. The mouthpiece portion includes a shield portion dimensioned for positioning within the recessed mouth section of the mask portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Eldridge Taylor
  • Patent number: 6568392
    Abstract: Fold-flat personal respiratory protection devices are provided. The devices have a flat central portion having first and second edges, a flat first member joined to the first edge of the central portion through either a fold-line, seam, weld or bond, said fold, bond, weld or seam of the first member being substantially coextensive with said first edge of said central portion, and a flat second member joined to the second edge of the central portion through either a fold-line, seam, weld or bond, the fold, bond, weld or seam of the second member being substantially coextensive with said second edge of said central portion. At least one of the central portion and first and second members are formed from filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Graham J. Bostock, John W. Bryant, Desmond T. Curran, Christopher P. Henderson, Dennis L. Krueger, James F. Dyrud
  • Patent number: 6561190
    Abstract: A mask (10) for use with a system for supplying breathable gas pressurised above atmospheric pressure to a human or animal's airways. The mask (10) includes a mask shell (12) which is, in use, in fluid communication with a gas supply conduit (30), and a gas washout vent assembly (20). At least the region of the mask shell (12) or conduit (30) surrounding or adjacent the vent assembly is formed from a relatively flexible elastomeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventor: Philip R. Kwok
  • Patent number: 6550479
    Abstract: A respiratory protection air-purifying device that minimizes the area required in front of the face, especially around the mouth area, by locating the heavier filter cartridge behind the head, resting on the lower neck and shoulders, connected by two filtered air tubes around the head and neck partially counter-balancing the valve chamber directly in front of the mouthpiece, forming a ring around the head with the mouthpiece in the mouth and the exhaust port in the bottom of the valve chamber. The valve chamber has the filtered air intake check type valves opposite each other horizontally, an exhaust check type valve down with short exhaust tube and an oval mouthpiece tube passing through the mouthpiece, into the mouth. The respirator is worn around the head and neck with the filter resting on the lower neck and shoulders, the mouthpiece inserted in the mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: James Neil Duxbury
  • Patent number: 6543450
    Abstract: A simple, lightweight, easily deployable mask designed for use in modern fires. The mask substantially covers a wearer's face and includes a peripheral adhesive seal for preventing contaminants from effecting the wearer's visual or respiratory systems. The peripheral seal preferably comprises an adhesive band employing the skin adhesive commonly used in surgical masks. The adhesive band provides for closed attachment of the mask to the brow, the temporal area, cheek, over the jaw and down under the chin. The mask is anchored firmly to the ears of the wearer by resilient straps. Thus attached, the mask seals the eyes, nasal passages and mouth from the toxic external environment. The mask includes an intermediate seal separating the mask into separate visual and respiratory portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: John T. Flynn