Mask Attached To Ear Patents (Class 128/206.13)
  • Patent number: 7779832
    Abstract: A universal headgear is easy to use and creates an effective seal between a patient interface device, such as gas delivery mask, and a patient. The headgear of the present invention includes a halo-like headband formed from an elastomeric material. The headband includes contoured panels that allow the device to fit most people without circumference length adjustment. The halo headband is designed to maintain a substantially frusto-conical shape when worn. The present invention preferably includes an adjustable crossover strap on the top connecting the contoured panels that is adapted to hold the halo headband in position. The headpiece further includes connecting straps to adjustably connect the headgear to a patient interface device. The present headgear fits a wide range of head sizes and shapes, is easy to use, and provides increased stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC
    Inventor: Peter Ho
  • Patent number: 7721732
    Abstract: A heat exchange module comprising a number of substantially parallel and spaced apart heat exchange elements is provided. One or more surfaces of the heat exchange elements may be coated with a dessicant. The module can be manufactured so that first and second surfaces of the module are curved. The module may be used as part of a face mask or other garment that positions the module within the respiratory air stream of a user. The module may be inserted in a mesh sleeve provided as part of the garment. The module may also be used as part of other forms of clothing that protect the face and in protective helmets, or as part of outdoor or survival equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: QXTEC, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee R. Bagby
  • Patent number: 7703456
    Abstract: A coating composition that is incorporated into a facemask to reduce fogging and glare is provided. For example, in one embodiment, the facemask contains a shield or visor formed from a transparent substrate having at least one surface applied with the coating composition of the present invention. The present inventors have unexpectedly discovered that one or more water-soluble organic polymers, such as ethyl hydroxyethylcellulose, may be utilized as a principal component of the coating composition to reduce fogging and glare in a simple, yet effective manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Ali Yahiaoui, Roger Bradshaw Quincy, III, John Gavin MacDonald, Eric Clayton Steindorf, Joel Brostin
  • Patent number: 7665464
    Abstract: A respiratory mask having a flexible, mask seal portion for engagement with the face of a user, a gel forehead cushion and a rotatable elbow coupling having integral exhaust ports. The mask seal portion has a thin section which permits the mask to more easily adapt to the contour of the face of the user. The gel forehead cushion provides increased compliancy and resiliency to better adapt to multiple user physical profiles. The elbow coupling includes tapered through holes in a polycarbonate arc piece to provide a quiet passage of gas through the holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Ric Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Ralph E Kopacko, Zachary D Paul, Shari S Barnett
  • Patent number: 7665465
    Abstract: A respiratory support system having a patient interface attached to a headgear assembly for delivering a gas to a patient is disclosed. The headgear provides a rigid member and a pad held in place on the patient's head by straps. The rigid member functions to prevent creep of the straps, distribute the strapping forces, and minimized tangential strap forces that otherwise squeeze the sides of the patient's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC
    Inventor: Steven B. Radney
  • Publication number: 20100000541
    Abstract: A protective garment incorporates a face and neck mask adapted to filter out airborne particulates. The protective garment outwardly has the appearance of a conventional shirt, sweater or jacket, yet incorporates a convenient, easy to use, and readily accessible mask that is always available to the wearer and is ready for use on short notice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen G. Baker
  • Patent number: 7624735
    Abstract: A patient interface that includes a support body having a cushion and cheek interfaces. Collectively, the cushion and cheek interfaces operate to distribute compressive forces exerted on the user's face. The support body of the patient interface is constructed from a flexible material to impart additional adjustability to the cheek interfaces. The support body also has arcuate eyelets designed to provide a hinge between the headgear assembly and the support body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Respironics Respiratory Drug Delivery (UK) Ltd
    Inventors: Peter Chi Fai Ho, Lance Busch, Jerome Matula, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7610916
    Abstract: A forehead support adapted to be secured to a respiratory mask includes a joining member for securing to the mask and a cushion frame pivotally mounted to the joining member. The cushion frame is adapted to locate one or more forehead cushions. The cushion frame is adapted to pivot relative to the joining member. The cushion frame is selectively lockable at two or more predetermined angular positions relative to the joining member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Philip Rodney Kwok, Michael Kassipillai Gunaratnam, Perry David Lithgow, Jonathan Paul Harrison, Jonathan Lee Liston, Robert Matchett, Robert Edward Styles
  • Patent number: 7607433
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for a gas delivery and monitoring system for delivering a gas product to a patient and receiving a gas product exhaled from a patient. In an embodiment, the gas delivery and monitoring system includes a head support made of resilient material and having therein a facial cavity. The facial cavity is configured to fit the contours of a patient's face and provides an oxygen rich environment for the patient while undergoing a medical procedure. In an embodiment, the facial cavity is shaped substantially in the form of a figure eight. In an embodiment, the facial cavity is further provided with one or more segmented edges that can be removed to further shape the facial cavity to the contours of the patient's face. In an embodiment, tubing is used to deliver oxygen from an oxygen source to the patient. Similarly, tubing is also used to receive carbon dioxide exhaled by the patient so that it might be measured by a carbon dioxide monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Silva-Parris Medical Consultants
    Inventors: Elizabeth Silva, Ronald Neal Parris
  • Publication number: 20090205666
    Abstract: A face mask has mask material and ties or ear loops coupled to the mask material. The face mask is flat until worn. The mask material has an outside and an inside, which inside is designed to be against the wearer's face when the mask is worn. A deformable nose strip is provided near a top edge of the mask material. The nose strip is preformed into a contour for fitting about a nose. The contour bows out from the inside to the outside. A wearer donning the mask intuitively knows to orient the contour to the wearer's nose, wherein the inside is automatically positioned against the wearer's face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Michael L. Bowen
  • Publication number: 20090199856
    Abstract: A protective garment adapted to be worn by a patient fitted with mask having a strap. The garment is constructed from a soft, resilient material, such as yarn which is knitted, or foam. The garment includes (1) an elongate central portion having a first end and an opposite second end. The central portion has a recessed region and adjacent peripheral raised regions. The recessed region and peripheral raised regions extend substantially the entire length of the central portion. The recessed region receives the strap of the mask. The garment further includes cheek pads integral with the first and second ends of the central portion. The protective garment prevents the face, ears and head of the patient from chafing caused by direct contact between the patient's skin and the mask and strap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: Marcell Berlin
  • Publication number: 20090194107
    Abstract: A mini-nasal filter including a filter element and an anchoring arrangement adapted to hold the filter element in registration external to, and under, a user's nose. An operable anchoring arrangement includes one or more section of adhesive tape that can be affixed to the user's nose, and/or lip. The filter element may carry a masking scent, or be impregnated with a substance to enhance adherence of particulate matter to the filter. Certain masks may include a bioactive agent to resist germs, bacteria, and viruses, and/or a treatment compound for nasal therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Edward A. Loeser, Jerold B. Martin, Bob Powers, SR.
  • Patent number: 7562658
    Abstract: A holding device for a respiratory mask, especially for use in the field of sleep medicine, includes a headband which, in an application position, extends from the forehead area of the patient to behind the ear area of the patient, whereby the headband is provided with a flexible reinforcing insert for reinforcing the headband in a lateral direction. This makes it advantageously possible to provide the mask retention forces, which are necessary for reliably applying a respiratory mask, in a manner that is very compatible with regard to ergonomics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: MAP Medizin Technologie GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Madaus, Harald Vögele
  • Publication number: 20090145444
    Abstract: A dust mask, the dust mask being lightweight, disposable and configured for a human face, the dust mask further being substantially continuous, and unitary if desired, and sized and configured to extend from ear to ear and to cover all of and substantially only a mouth, nose and ears, the mask further configured to transmit air inhaled by or exhaled by the user yet substantially completely block at least dust from reaching the nose, mouth and ears of the user. The mask can be further configured to substantially completely block at least one undesired air-borne contaminant in addition to dust and can comprise a central portion covering the user's nose and mouth and two earpieces seamlessly attached to the central portion. The mask can further comprise a pliable, resilient nose bridge that can be adjusted to conform to the nose of the user as well as a variety of other structural elements and configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas William Edwards
  • Publication number: 20090114228
    Abstract: A mask designed to be worn to cover the mouth of a user comprises an inner and exterior layers, with an odor adsorbing layer and a filter layer disposed between the inner and exterior layer. The filter layer is positioned between the inner layer and odor adsorbing layer to prevent or minimize entry of unwanted particulate matter into the user's mouth. Once the mask is used to its fullest, it can be thrown away since it is constructed to be sufficiently low in cost so that it can be disposed and another one used the next time odor and particulate filtering is needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: Garry William Kirschner
  • Patent number: 7520923
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a filtration article, such as a protective facemask, a method for using a filtration article, and a method for preparing a filtration article. In particular, the invention relates to a protective facemask that cost-effectively offers a broad spectrum of antimicrobial protection through the use of fibers treated with one or more oligodynamic metal and/or salt of an oligodynamic metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: MVP Textiles & Apparel, Inc.
    Inventor: Ken Marcoon
  • Publication number: 20090071483
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mask in that a housing space is formed through a three dimensional type cover and a fixing supporter is inserted into an edge of the three dimensional type cover in order to prevent the mask from being easily polluted by adhering closely to a nose and mouth of wearer, so that the outward form of the three dimensional type cover can be maintained even though a comparatively small power such as a wind or a physical contact is applied thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventor: Se Hwa Son
  • Publication number: 20080230066
    Abstract: A face mask for covering the nose and mouth of a healthcare professional. The mask is made from a material that is impregnated or coated with a pleasant smelling perfume. The mask may be impregnated with the perfume at the factory or, alternatively, may be sold with one or more perfume retaining dispensers which enable the professional to apply a desired quantity of perfume to the mask immediately prior to use. The mask of the present invention may also be provided with a child-appealing image thereon. The image may be applied at the factory by incorporating the same into the material from which the mask is made or by adhesively connecting the same thereto. Alternatively, the image may be in the form of an applique that is child-appealing in nature is adhesively or otherwise secured to the outer surface of the mask at the hospital or consulting room. The pleasant smelling perfume may also be applied to the applique.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: KITARU INNOVATIONS INC.
    Inventor: Kapoor Chandaria
  • Patent number: 7406965
    Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly includes a frame and a forehead support secured to the frame. The forehead support includes a joining member secured to an upper portion of the frame and a cushion frame movably mounted to the joining member. One of the joining member and cushion frame includes a pair of shafts and the other of the joining member and cushion frame includes a pair of openings. The pair of shafts are respectively received in the pair of openings to couple the cushion frame to the joining member and enable the cushion frame to move relative to the joining member. Each of the shafts has a non-circular cross section defining a major longitudinal axis that is angled forwardly of a vertical axis of one of the joining member and cushion frame so as to angle toward a front portion of one the joining member and cushion frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Philip R. Kwok, Milind Chandrakant Raje, Aaron Samuel Davidson
  • Publication number: 20080105261
    Abstract: An air filtering soft face mask has a soft body formed of multiple layers of material, including at least one layer of air filtering material capable of filtering selected contaminants from air. The body has an arcuate or peaked nose engaging edge adapted to engage a nose of a wearer and terminating in remote ends that extend downwardly. The body has a chin underlying edge adapted to underlie a chin of a wearer and terminating in remote ends that extend upwardly. The remote ends of the chin underlying edge being secured to the remote ends of the nose engaging edge to form side edges. Jaw movement tensions the body, forcing the nose engaging edge into firmer engagement with the nose of the wearer, forcing the chin underlying edge into firmer engagement with the chin of the wearer and tensioning the side edges into firmer engagement with the cheeks of the wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: PRIMED MEDICAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Victoria Stan Harold, Brenda Marks, Raymond Marusyk, Guy Plamondon, Nancy Wong
  • Patent number: 7290545
    Abstract: A face mask is provided that is configured to reduce or eliminate fogging that may occur on eye wear or an eyeshield worn by a user of the face mask. The face mask includes a body portion that has a layer with an inner surface configured for facing the face of the user. The layer has at least one fold that extends in a horizontal direction across at least a portion of the layer. The fold has a fold forming portion located between and attached to two primary portions of the layer. The inner surface of the fold forming portion is in facing relationship with the inner surface of the vertically disposed lower primary portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Angela M. Kleman, Eric C. Steindorf, Tameka Spence, Kiran K. Reddy
  • Patent number: 7234466
    Abstract: A forehead support (10) is disclosed that is adapted to be secured to a respiratory mask (16). The forehead support (10) including a joining member (14) for securing to the mask (16) and a cushion frame (12) pivotally mounted to the joining member (14). The cushion frame (12) is adapted to locate one or more forehead cushions (25). The cushion frame (12) is also adapted to pivot relative to the joining member (14). The cushion frame (12) is also selectively lockable at two or more predetermined angular positions relative to the joining member (14). A respiratory mask assembly comprising a respiratory mask (16) and a forehead support (10) adapted to be secured to the mask (16) is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Philip R. Kwok, Michael K. Gunaratnam, Perry D. Lithgow, Jonathan P. Harrison, Jonathan L. Liston, Robert S. Matchett, Robert E. Styles
  • Patent number: 7210482
    Abstract: A face mask structure has an upper mask portion, a middle mask portion, and a lower mask portion, which are formed integrally. The upper mask portion has an upper metal stripe disposed at a proper position thereof. The lower mask portion has a lower metal stripe disposed at a proper position thereof. The upper and lower mask portions are folded in opposite directions. When in use, the upper and lower mask portions are spread out to support the middle mask portion. In this way, the face mask structure becomes fitting in with the shapes of human faces. Furthermore, the middle mask portion has multiple folding portions. When in use, the folding portions are stretched out to increase filtering area. Thereby, the inner space of the face mask structure is increased, the air-invasion rate is reduced, and the filtering efficiency is thus improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignees: Taiwan Textile Research Institute, Champak Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Po-Hsiung Huang, Cheng-Kun Chu, Hung-En Chen, Jing-Tyr Lin, Jen-Hsiung Lee
  • Patent number: 7185653
    Abstract: A disposable mask for dust protection is provided for maintaining contact with the wearer's face even when moving one's mouth, in which the strap is fixed to maintain tension, and to enable easy adjustment of the length of the strap. The disposable dust protective mask includes a filter body having a front filter, upper and lower sealing wings coupled to the front filter such that they can fold which closely contact the ridge of the nose and the jaw of the wearer, first spread-guiding lines, formed at respective sides corresponding to the front filter, for guiding the upper and lower sealing wings to be spread, second spread-guiding lines for guiding the upper and lower sealing wings to be spread, strap adjusting devices coupled to both sides of the filter body, and a strap connected to the strap adjusting devices and hung on the wearer. The upper and lower sealing wings spread apart along the first and second spread-guiding lines depending on movement of the wearer's mouth and jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: INSAN Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang-Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 7036507
    Abstract: The invention provides a filter mask for filtering air inhaled and exhaled from the mouth and nostrils while providing a positive facial lock at all edges of the mask. The filter mask has upper and lower edges which are provided with malleable stiffeners for conforming to the shape of the wearer's nose and cheek area and the lower jaw and chin area, respectively. The material of the filter mask is folded to have an omega pleat for forming a breathing chamber and a secondary pleat for assisting in securing the mask to the lower jaw and chin area. A pair of headbands are used to hold the mask on the head. The peripheral edges of the mask are bound. The mask provides excellent filtration since the positive facial lock around all edges of the mask substantially prevents air from leaking between the mask and the face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Alpha Pro Tech Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Jensen
  • 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
  • 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: 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: 20040118405
    Abstract: A disposable face mask includes a mask body covering substantially a nose, mouth, and chin of a wearer, and an extension provided with the mask body. The extension is configured to encircle a back of a wearer's head and to substantially cover a wearer's cheeks, jaw, and ears. A substantial portion of the extension is formed from a resilient material treated with a repellant agent to prevent contaminants from entering or exiting such treated portion of the extension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Michael A. Amante, Daryl S. Bell, Naveen Agarwal, Jeffrey M. Willis
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20040078860
    Abstract: A face mask is provided. The face mask includes a body portion that is configured to be placed over a mouth and at least part of a nose of a user in order to at least partially isolate the mouth and nose. The body portion contacts at least a portion of the skin of the user's face. A left extension portion is integrally attached to the body portion. The left extension portion is configured to extend around at least a portion of the left side of the user's head. The left extension portion is made of the same material as the body portion. The left extension portion has a left ear attachment member for engaging the left extension portion to the left ear of the user. Also, a right extension portion is integrally attached to the body portion and is configured to extend around at least a portion of the right side of the user's head. The right extension portion is also made of the same material as the body portion and has a right ear attachment member for engaging the right ear of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Daryl Steven Bell, Naveen Agarwal, Michael Andrew Amante, Jeffrey M. Willis
  • Patent number: 6718981
    Abstract: A dental mask which has two separate chambers, one for inhalation and the other for exhalation. The two separate chambers being separated by an elasticized strip across the philtrum area. The mask is designed to be disposable, yet also have the ability to accept, for increased protection, filter insertable pads which can be placed in the inner surface of the mask. An embodiment of the mask would allow the main frame to be reusable, by having means for snapping a disposable filter onto the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Venanzio Cardarelli
  • Publication number: 20040011362
    Abstract: A filtering face mask that includes a mask body that is adapted to fit over the nose and mouth of a person and a harness that is attached to the mask body. The mask body comprises i) a first shaping layer that has been molded; ii) a second shaping layer that has been molded; iii) a filtration layer that is disposed between the first and second shaping layers; iv) a first adhesive layer that adheres the first shaping layer to the filtration layer; and v) a second adhesive layer that adheres the second shaping layer to the filtration layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Seyed Abolhassan Angadjivand, James E. Springett, Thomas I. Insley
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6629532
    Abstract: A retention device and method for retaining an object, including preferably a gas mask, in position proximate a user's mouth. The retention device includes straps coupled to both sides of the object and having at ends thereof ear pieces. The ear pieces fit over the ears, and are configured to receive the strap at a point proximate the anterior, center portion of the ear, causing pulling forces to be on the posterior center portion of the ear rather than on the top of the ear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventor: George L. Campbell, Sr.
  • 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: 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: 20030150459
    Abstract: A retention device and method for retaining an object, including preferably a gas mask, in position proximate a user's mouth. The retention device includes straps coupled to both sides of the object and having at ends thereof ear pieces. The ear pieces fit over the ears, and are configured to receive the strap at a point proximate the anterior, center portion of the ear, causing pulling forces to be on the posterior center portion of the ear rather than on the top of the ear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: George Leonard Campbell
  • Publication number: 20030150460
    Abstract: A retention device and method for retaining an object, including preferably a gas mask, in position proximate a user's mouth. The retention device includes straps coupled to both sides of the object and having at ends thereof ear pieces. The ear pieces fit over the ears, and are configured to receive the strap at a point proximate the tragus portion of the ear, causing pulling forces to be on the posterior center portion of the ear rather than on the top of the ear. The ear pieces have a downwardly exterior anterior leg and a downwardly extending posterior leg. In one embodiment, the ear pieces are substantially U-shaped. In another embodiment, the ear pieces are substantially ring-shaped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: George L. Campbell, Lucky Campbell
  • 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
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20020185133
    Abstract: A filtering face mask that comprises a mask body that is adapted to fit over the nose and mouth of a wearer, the mask body comprising a filtration layer through which inhaled air may pass before being inhaled by a wearer of the face mask; and an exhalation valve that is attached to the mask body, the exhalation valve allowing air exhaled by a wearer to pass from an interior of the mask body to its exterior without having to pass through the filtration layer, the exhalation valve comprising: a valve seat that comprises: a seal surface; and an orifice that is circumscribed by the seal surface; and a single flexible flap that has one fixed portion and one free portion and a circumferential edge, the circumferential edge having a first segment that is associated with the one fixed portion of the flap so as to remain at rest during an exhalation and having a second segment that is associated with the one free portion of the flexible flap so as to be lifted away from the seal surface during an exhalation, the secon
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Daniel A. Japuntich, Vaughn B. Grannis, Harold J. Seppala, Anthony B. Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20020170563
    Abstract: A filtering face mask that comprises a mask body adapted to fit over the nose and mouth of a person; and an exhalation valve that is attached to the mask body. The exhalation valve comprises a valve seat and a flexible flap. The valve seat has an orifice through which fluid can pass and is surrounded by the seal surface. The flexible flap is operatively supported relative to the valve seat and pressed against the seal surface of the valve seat in a closed state of the exhalation valve. The flexible flap assumes in its closed state, a curved profile in a cross-sectional view thereof The curved profile comprises a curve that extends from a first point where a first portion of the flexible flap contacts the seal surface to a second point where a second portion of the flexible flap contacts the seal surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Daniel A. Japuntich, Vaughn B. Grannis, Harold J. Seppala, Anthony B. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 6422238
    Abstract: Headgear (20) for securing a respiratory mask (12) to a patient incorporates a quick release arrangement. The headgear has at least one strap (22,24) extending from each side of the mask, the straps being releasably fastened rearwards of the patient's face to secure the mask. The headgear further includes release means in the form of a pull cord (41) attached to an overlying strap (22) at its region of fastening to the underlying strap (24) an guided forward to be gripped at the front of patient. Pulling forward to the pull tab (45) of the cord (41) separates the fastening (28) between the straps (22,24) and pulls the mask away from the patient's face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventor: Perry D. Lithgow
  • Publication number: 20020092527
    Abstract: The ventilation interface for sleep apnea therapy interfaces a ventilation device to the patient's airways. The ventilation interface includes a pair of nasal inserts made from flexible, resilient silicone which are oval shaped in cross-section and slightly tapered from a base proximal the ventilation supply to the distal tip end. A bead flange is disposed about the exterior of each insert at the distal end of the insert. In one embodiment, a valve is disposed between the nasal inserts and a source of positive airway pressure, the valve having a rim with a one-way diaphragm pivotally attached to the valve body with an inflatable bladder depending from the rim which seals against an exit port during inspiration and deflates to uncover the exit port on expiration. Another embodiment has nasal inserts without positive airway pressure but with a removable filter in the inserts for filtering inspired air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas J. Wood
  • Patent number: 6394090
    Abstract: Respiratory devices having first and second lines of demarcation bisected by a fold. The devices are capable of being folded in a first substantially flat configuration for storage (e.g., in a pocket) and are capable of being unfolded in a second ready-to-wear configuration so that a portion of the device covering the nose and the mouth is off-the-face. Processes for making such devices include folding a preform over a bisecting axis and cutting the preform at desired angles and sealing the cuts together to form the mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Daniel T. Chen, Dana W. Nouri
  • Publication number: 20020056450
    Abstract: This invention is an Anti-Fog Mask which is designed to prevent glasses from fogging due to the moist breath from the mouth and nose of the users of glasses in the winter, by a specially designed system that will closely contact the mask with the nose of the user. This particular mask is effective in preventing the moist breath coming out through the upper part of the mask, and its structure is simple and cheap to produce.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2001
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventor: Kun Woo Lee
  • Publication number: 20020046754
    Abstract: A face mask is disclosed that includes a mask portion, a resilient member (e.g., a pillowed web), and, optionally, an adhesive portion. The resilient member and the adhesive portion are alternately positionable between the mask portion and the wearer to inhibit the passage of vapor between the mask and the wearer, which prevents fogging of the wearer's eyewear. A method for using the face mask is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Nicholas R. Baumann, Shannon L. Dowdell, Matt T. Scholz, Wayne K. Dunshee