Modular respirators and a method of conversion thereof
43 claims: 10 independent, 33 dependent
- 1Zastrzeżenia patentowe 1. Sposób przetworzenia maski respiratora z pierwszego rodzaju osłony ciała na drugi rodzaj osłony ciała, przy czym maska respiratora ma szkło chroniące twarz, które ma obwodową krawędź uszczelniającą przebiegającą wokół tego szkła, znamienny tym, że rozłącza się szczelne połączenia pomiędzy obwodową krawędzią uszczelniającą szkła a otworem (4, 7) na szkło (3) w pierwszym rodzaju osłony ciała, wyjmuje się szkło (3) z otworu (4, 7) na szkło w pierwszym rodzaju osłony ciała, umieszcza się szkło (3) w położeniu zgodnym z tym otworem na szkło (4, 7) w drugim rodzaju osłony ciała, oraz tworzy się szczelne połączenia pomiędzy obwodową krawędzią uszczelniającą szkła a otworem (4, 7) na szkło (3) w drugim rodzaju osłony ciała.
- 2Sposób według zastrz. 1, znamienny tym, że pierwszego rodzaju osłonę ciała wybiera się z grupy złożonej z osłony pełnotwarzowej, kaptura respiratora oraz kombinezonu respiratora na całe ciało.
- 3Sposób według zastrz. 2, znamienny tym, że drugiego rodzaju osłonę ciała wybiera się z grupy złożonej z osłony pełnotwarzowej, kaptura respiratora oraz kombinezonu respiratora na całe ciało.
- 4Sposób według zastrz. 1, znamienny tym, że w masce respiratora posiadającej element zaciskowy do dociskania do siebie przeciwległych części brzegowych obwodowej krawędzi uszczelniającej szkła i otworu na szkło w pierwszego rodzaju osłonie ciała, na etapie rozłączania poluzowuje się element zaciskowy. PL 196 737 B1
- 5Sposób według zastrz. 4, znamienny tym, że w etapie poluzowania oddziela się przeciwległe gwintowane elementy mocujące elementu zaciskowego.
- 6Sposób według zastrz. 4, znamienny tym, ż e w etapie poluzowania sprężyście odłącza się element zaciskowy od maski respiratora.
- 7Sposób według zastrz. 4, znamienny tym, że w etapie poluzowania zwalnia się mechanizm zatrzaskowy elementu zaciskowego.
- 8Sposób według zastrz. 4, znamienny tym, że etapy poluzowania przeprowadza się bez użycia narzędzi.
- 9Sposób według zastrz. 4, znamienny tym, że jedna lub obie przeciwległe części brzegowe zawierają mikrostrukturowane powierzchnie uszczelniające.
- 10Sposób według zastrz. 4, znamienny tym, że przeciwległe części brzegowe zawierają współpracujące powierzchnie mechanicznie sprzęgające.
- 11Sposób według zastrz. 1, znamienny tym, że jako pierwszy rodzaj osłony ciała stosuje się respirator pełnotwarzowy, a jako drugi rodzaj osłony ciała respirator kapturowy.
- 12Respirator kapturowy zawierający osłonę przykrywającą głowę z otworem na szło w części przedniej oraz część osłaniającą szczelnie ciało, znamienny tym, że posiada osłonę (8) przykrywającą głowę z otworem (7) w części przedniej oraz część osłaniającą szczelnie ciało, przeznaczoną do tworzenia szczelnej osłony z szyją, ramionami lub innymi powierzchniami ciała użytkownika, wymienny element osłony twarzy posiadający obwodową krawędź uszczelniającą, rozłączane połączenie pomiędzy przednim otworem w osłonie a obwodową krawędzią uszczelniającą wymiennego elementu osłony twarzy, przy czym połączenie to ma pierwszy stan sprzężony, w którym wymienny element osłony twarzy jest szczelnie przymocowany do osłony i drugi stan rozłączony, w którym wymienny element osłony twarzy jest wyjmowany z osłony oraz sprzężony płynowo z kapturem przewód dostarczający gaz do oddychania.
- 13Respirator według zastrz. 12, znamienny tym, że wymiennym elementem osłony twarzy jest szkło (3) chroniące twarz, a przednim otworem jest otwór (4, 7) na szkło.
- 14Respirator według zastrz. 13, znamienny tym, że obwodową krawędzią uszczelniającą jest integralna obwodowa krawędź szkła.
- 15Respirator według zastrz. 13, znamienny tym, że zawiera ramkę szkła umieszczoną wokół szkła chroniącego twarz, przy czym obwodowa krawędź uszczelniająca jest obwodową krawędzią ramki szkła.
- 16Respirator według zastrz. 13, znamienny tym, że rozłączane połączenie jest wybrane z grupy złożonej z przeciwległych członów gwintowanych, sprężystej taśmy przynajmniej częściowo przebiegającej wzdłuż przeciwległych części krawędziowych i mechanizmu zatrzaskowego.
- 17Respirator według zastrz. 13, znamienny tym, że jedna lub obie przeciwległe części brzegowe zawierają mikrostrukturowane powierzchnie uszczelniające.
- 18Respirator według zastrz. 13, znamienny tym, że przeciwległe części brzegowe mają współpracujące mechaniczne powierzchnie sprzęgające.
- 19Respirator według zastrz. 13, znamienny tym, że zawiera pełnotwarzowe uszczelnienie (6, 26, 246) dołączone do szkła, przy czym osłona jest nałożona na pełnotwarzowe uszczelnienie poprzez rozłączane złącze pomiędzy otworem na szkło w osłonie a obwodową krawędzią uszczelniającą przebiegającą wokół szkła.
- 20Respirator według zastrz. 13, znamienny tym, że przewód doprowadzający gaz do oddychania jest połączony płynowo z kapturem poprzez osłonę.
- 21Respirator według zastrz. 13, znamienny tym, że przewód doprowadzający gaz do oddychania jest połączony płynowo z kapturem poprzez szkło.
- 22Respirator według zastrz. 12, znamienny tym, że wymiennym elementem osłony twarzy jest maska respiratora ze szkłem chroniącym twarz.
- 23Respirator według zastrz. 22, znamienny tym, że przewód doprowadzania gazu do oddychania jest dołączony do maski poprzez szkło.
- 24Respirator według zastrz. 22, znamienny tym, że maska oddechowa ma pełnotwarzowe uszczelnienie, przy czym na to pełnotwarzowe uszczelnienie (6, 26, 246) nałożona jest osłona z rozłączanym połączeniem pomiędzy otworem na maskę w osłonie a obwodową krawędzią uszczelniającą przebiegającą wokół maski.
- 25Respirator według zastrz. 24, znamienny tym, że pełnotwarzowe uszczelnienie jest odłączalne od maski oddechowej. PL 196 737 B1
- 26Respirator według zastrz. 22, znamienny tym, że zawiera paski przymocowane do maski oddechowej i przeznaczone do mocowania maski respiratora na twarzy człowieka.
- 27Respirator według zastrz. 22, znamienny tym, że maska respiratora ma przykrycie nosa.
- 28Respirator według zastrz. 27, znamienny tym, że przykrycie nosa jest odłączane od maski respiratora.
- 29Respirator według zastrz. 27, znamienny tym, że zawiera element mocujący, przymocowany do kaptura i nadający się do mocowania przykrycia na nosie lub na ustach człowieka oraz do mocowania z zewnętrzną stroną kaptura i odłączania od niej oraz regulacji.
- 30Zastaw respiratora zawierający co najmniej jedną osłonę ciała, która ma wykonany w niej otwór, znamienny tym, że posiada co najmniej jeden wymienny element osłony twarzy, z obwodową krawędzią uszczelniającą, przy czym wymienny element osłony twarzy nadaje się do selektywnie rozłączanego połączenia z każdą osłoną ciała wzdłuż obwodowej krawędzi uszczelniającej wymiennego elementu osłony twarzy z otworem w osłonie ciała, przy czym po takim połączeniu powstaje szczelne połączenie pomiędzy osłoną ciała a wymiennym elementem osłony twarzy oraz przewód doprowadzający gaz do oddychania, nadający się do sprzężenia płynowego z każdą z osłon ciała lub z wymiennym elementem osłony twarzy.
- 31Zestaw według zastrz. 30, znamienny tym, że co najmniej jedna osłona ciała zawiera wiele osłon ciała obejmujących pierwszy rodzaj osłony ciała i drugi rodzaj osłony ciała, przy czym otwór (4, 7) jest otworem na szkło (3), a wymienny element osłony twarzy jest szkłem.
- 32Zestaw według zastrz. 31, znamienny tym, że każda z pierwszego i drugiego rodzaju osłon ciała jest wybrana z grupy złożonej z osłony pełnotwarzowej, kaptura respiratora i kombinezonu respiratora na całe ciało.
- 33Zestaw według zastrz. 31, znamienny tym, że pierwszym rodzajem osłony ciała jest osłona pełnotwarzowa nadająca się do szczelnego połączenia z twarzą człowieka.
- 34Zestaw według zastrz. 33, znamienny tym, że drugi rodzaj osłony ciała jest wybrany z grupy złożonej z kaptura respiratora (8) i kombinezonu respiratora na całe ciało.
- 35Zestaw według zastrz. 31, znamienny tym, że zawiera połączenie przeznaczone do dociskania do siebie przeciwległych brzegowych części obwodowej krawędzi uszczelniającej na szkle i na otworze (4, 7) na szkło (3).
- 36Zestaw według zastrz. 35, znamienny tym, że jedna lub obie przeciwległe części brzegowe zawierają mikrostrukturowane powierzchnie uszczelniające.
- 37Zestaw według zastrz. 35, znamienny tym, że przeciwległe części brzegowe zawierają współpracujące mechaniczne powierzchnie sprzęgające.
- 38Zestaw według zastrz. 31, znamienny tym, że przewód doprowadzania gazu do oddychania jest przeznaczony do sprzężenia płynowego z każdego rodzaju osłoną ciała poprzez jej część.
- 39Zestaw według zastrz. 31, znamienny tym, że przewód doprowadzania gazu do oddychania jest przeznaczony do sprzężenia płynowego ze szkłem.
- 40Zestaw według zastrz. 31, znamienny tym, że co najmniej jedna osłona ciała jest co najmniej jednym kapturem oddechowym, przy czym kaptur ma wykonany w nim otwór na maskę, gdzie wymiennym elementem osłony twarzy jest maska respiratora ze szkłem chroniącym twarz sprzężonym z pełnotwarzowym uszczelnieniem, a ponadto kaptur jest nałożony na pełnotwarzowe uszczelnienie stanowiące osłonę.
- 41Zestaw według zastrz. 40, znamienny tym, że pełnotwarzowa osłona jest zdejmowana z maski.
- 42Zestaw według zastrz. 40, znamienny tym, że kaptur jest kombinezonem respiratora na całe ciało.
- 43Zestaw według zastrz. 40, znamienny tym, że przewód doprowadzania gazu do oddychania jest przeznaczony do sprzężenia płynowego z maską poprzez szkło.
Independent claims43
69 paragraphs in 2 sections, as filed
(12) PATENT DESCRIPTION (19) PL (11) 196737 (21) Application number: 365374 <sup>(13) B1</sup> (22) Date of notification: 5 June 2001 <sup>(51) Int.Cl.</sup>
A62B 17/04 (2006.01) (86) Date and number of the international application:
2001-06-05, PCT / US01 / 18144 (87) International application publication date and number:
25.07.2002, WO02 / 56965 PCT Gazette No. 30/02 (54) Respirator mask processing method, hood respirator and respirator kit
<td>(30) Priority: 2001-01-18, US, 09 / 765,224</td><td>(73) The right holder of the patent: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY, Saint Paul, US</td>
<td>(43) Application was announced: 10.01.2005 BUP 01/05</td><td>(72) Inventor (s): Frank J. Fabin, Saint Paul, US</td>
<td>(45) The grant of the patent was announced: 31.01.2008 WUP 01/08</td><td>(74) Representative: Chlebicka Lidia, KULIKOWSKA & KULIKOWSKI</td>
(57) 1. A method of processing a respirator mask from a first type of body shield into a second type of body shield, the respirator mask having a face protective glass which has a peripheral sealing edge extending around the glass, characterized in that the sealed connections between the peripheral sealing edge of the glass and the aperture are disconnected ( 4, 7) for glass (3) in the first type of body shield, the glass (3) is taken from the glass opening (4, 7) in the first type of body shield, the glass (3) is placed in a position coinciding with this glass opening (4, 7) in the second type of body shield, and tight connections are made between the peripheral sealing edge of the glass and the glass opening (4, 7) in the second type body covers.
12. A hooded ventilator comprising a head cover with an opening for a glass in the front part and a body sealing part, characterized in that it has a cover (8) covering the head with an opening (7) in the front part and a body-tight covering part intended to form a sealed cover from neck, arms or other surfaces of the user's body, a replaceable face shield element having a circumferential sealing edge, .........
thirty. A respirator kit including at least one body shield having an aperture therein, characterized by having at least one replaceable face shield component with a peripheral sealing lip, the replaceable face shield component being suitable for ....... .
<img file="PL196737B1_D0001.tif" />
Fig. 2
STATE OF THE ART
PL 196 737 B1
Description of the invention
The invention relates to a method of processing a respirator mask, hooded respirator, and respirator assembly.
Respirators supplying the user with breathing air have been known and used for many years. Such respirators include masks used by firefighters, in the military, and in industry where the air supply may be contaminated. In addition to providing a source of clean breathing air for the nose and mouth, full-face shields also protect the eyes and face from harmful or irritating gas and other substances. Such masks typically include a transparent face shield and may also include mountings to accommodate detachable and replaceable filter elements or air supply connections.
Specific types of respirators are commonly used, including filtering face shields, half or half mask respirators, full face respirators, hood respirators, or hood respirators combined with a face shield. Each respirator has one fixed design with no modularity or interchangeability. Examples of hooded respirators are described in US Patent No. 4,619,254 (Moretti et al.) Which discloses a protective respirator hood for use with half or full face respirator masks as well as for use as an air supplied respirator hood. A portion of the pliable material of the hood is connected to the respirator, which is then sealed over the wearer's nose and mouth.
Other examples of protective respirator hoods include those described in US Patent No. 4,484,575 (Brockway) and US Patent No. 4,542,538 (Moretti). The first of these patents describes a respirator hood with integrated glass. It is also foreseen to use a vacuum unit mounted through the glass of the respirator hood. The latter patent describes a respirator hood with a flexible clear film for use with optically clear glass. This clear film is intended for single use but is not replaceable with any other type of hood or face respirator. More importantly, the glass itself is integrated into the hood and is not a modular component.
There is known a solution disclosed in the US patent 5,63225 (Schegerin), presenting individual protection and breathing equipment in a polluted environment. The equipment includes an elastic hood, balaclava type, and a hard-shell helmet. The rigid frame respirator can be attached to the hood with an external bayonet mount. Additionally, the goggles can also be attached to the hood with a similar bayonet type attachment.
In addition, another US Patent No. 4,768,235 (Webster) discloses a mask and a hood that protects against cold and has glass. The mask is made of a breathable material.
Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, St. Paul, Minnesota, manufactures a wide variety of respirator assemblies (such as 3M's 6000 Series Ventilators) that use replaceable filters and disposable cartridges for a variety of environments. However, these respirators do not have removable face shields.
While some degree of component replacement can be achieved in any of the aforementioned protective respirators, such changes are limited to a selection from a range of selectable respirators, disposable protective glasses, and various forms of air supply.
A disadvantage of existing respirator hood designs, limiting application versatility and field configurability, lies in the integrated nature of the hood and shield. The known designs of respirators do not provide for the possibility of replacing the hood element and the cover. Similarly, known designs do not provide for the interchangeability of the cover between the hood respirator and the full face respirator.
The present invention overcomes the aforementioned difficulties by providing a respirator design that can be configured as a hood respirator, a full face respirator, or other similar or equivalent respirators employing modular components, especially a replaceable face shield.
In accordance with the present invention, a method of processing a respirator mask from a first type of body shield into a second type of body shield wherein the respirator mask has a face shield glass having a peripheral sealing edge extending around the glass, characterized in that leakproof connections between the peripheral sealing edge of the glass and the glass are detached. glass hole
In the first type of body shield, the glass is removed from the glass opening in the first type of body shield, the glass is aligned with the glass opening in the second type of body shield, and sealed connections are made between the peripheral sealing edge of the glass. and a glass opening in the second type of body shell.
Preferably, the first type of body shield is selected from the group consisting of a full face shield, a respirator hood, and a full-body respirator suit.
Preferably, the second type of body shield is selected from the group consisting of a full face shield, a respirator hood, and a full-body respirator suit.
The method of the invention includes a respirator mask having a clamp member for pressing the opposing peripheral portions of the peripheral sealing edge of the glass and the glass aperture of the first type of body shell together, loosening the clamp member in the disengagement step. In the loosening step, the opposing threaded fasteners of the clamp element are preferably separated, or the clamp element is elastically detached from the respirator mask, or the clamping element latching mechanism is released. According to the invention, the loosening steps are performed without the use of tools. Moreover, one or both of the opposing edge portions comprises microstructured sealing surfaces. Opposite edge portions include mating mechanically engaging surfaces.
In a preferred embodiment of the method, a full-face respirator is used as the first type of body cover and a hood-type respirator as the second type of body cover.
A hood-type respirator according to the invention, comprising a head cover with a glass opening in the front part, and a body sealing part, is characterized in that it has a head cover with an opening in the front part and a body-sealing part intended to form a sealed casing with the neck. , the arms or other surfaces of the user's body; a replaceable face shield element having a peripheral sealing edge; a releasable connection between the front opening in the visor and the peripheral sealing edge of the replaceable visor element, the connection having a first engaged state in which the replaceable visor element is sealed to the visor and a second disengaged state in which the replaceable visor element is removed from the visor. covers; and a breathable gas supply line fluidly coupled to the hood.
Preferably, the replaceable element of the visor is a face shield glass, the front opening is a glass aperture and the peripheral sealing edge is an integral peripheral edge of the glass. The respirator includes a glass frame disposed around the face-protecting glass, the peripheral sealing edge being the circumferential edge of the glass frame. The releasable connection is selected from the group consisting of opposing threaded members, a resilient band at least partially extending along the opposing edge portions, and a latch mechanism. One or both of the opposing edge portions contain microstructured sealing surfaces. The opposing edge portions have mating mechanical engaging surfaces. In addition, it is preferred that the respirator includes a full face seal attached to the glass, the cover overlapping the full face seal via a detachable interface between the cover glass opening and a peripheral sealing edge extending around the glass. The breathing gas line is in fluid communication with the hood via a sheath or the breathing gas line is in fluid communication with the hood through the glass.
In a preferred embodiment of the respirator according to the invention, the replaceable part of the face shield is a respirator mask with a face shield. The breathing gas supply hose is attached to the mask through the glass. The respirator has a full-face seal, a cover over the full-face seal with a detachable connection between the mask opening in the mask and a peripheral sealing lip extending around the mask, the full-face seal being removable from the respirator. In addition, the respirator includes straps attached to the respirator mask for securing the respirator mask to a human face, and the respirator mask has a noseband that is detachable from the respirator mask.
Preferably, the respirator includes a fastener attached to the hood and suitable for attaching the cover over the nose or mouth of a human, and for attaching and detaching it to the outside of the hood and adjusting it.
A respirator kit according to the invention comprising at least one body shell having an opening therein is characterized in that it has at least one replaceable face shield element with a circumferential sealing edge, the replaceable face shield element being suitable for
For selectively releasable connection to each body shield along the peripheral sealing edge of the interchangeable face shield element with an aperture in the body shield, such coupling forming a seal between the body shield and the interchangeable face shield element; and a breathing gas supply line capable of being fluidly coupled to either of the body shields or the replaceable face shield element.
Preferably, the kit includes at least one body shell comprising a plurality of body shells including a first type of body shell and a second type of body shell, the opening being a glass opening and the replaceable face shield member being glass. Each of the first and second types of body shields is selected from the group consisting of a full face shield, a respirator hood, and a full-body respirator suit.
The first type of body shield is preferably a full face shield capable of being sealed to the human face. Moreover, the second type of body cover is preferably selected from the group consisting of a respirator hood and a full body respirator suit. The assembly comprises a joint for pressing together the opposite peripheral portions of the peripheral sealing edge on the glass and on the glass opening. Moreover, one or both of the opposing edge portions comprises microstructured sealing surfaces and mating mechanical engaging surfaces.
The breathing gas supply line is designed for fluid coupling with each type of body shield through a portion thereof and for fluid coupling with the glass.
Preferably, the at least one body shield is at least one respiratory hood, the hood having a mask opening therein, where the replaceable element of the face shield is a respirator mask with a face glass coupled to a full face seal, and the hood is fitted over a full face seal. forming a cover. The full-face visor is removable from the mask. The hood is preferably a full-body respirator suit and the breathing gas supply conduit is designed for fluid coupling to the mask through the glass.
In one embodiment, the respirator of the first configuration may be converted to a respirator of the second configuration by removing the replacement glass from the first configuration and installing it in the second configuration. In one embodiment, the replaceable face shield is simply a face shield. In another embodiment, the replaceable face shield comprises a face shield glass and a full face seal that is secured around the glass. In the latter embodiment, the replaceable face shield itself functions as a full face respirator in conjunction with the actual breathing components, but it is possible to convert to a hood respirator by putting the hood over the full face respirator.
Furthermore, the present invention can be processed in the field between two configurations (e.g., hood configuration and full-face configuration) without the need for special tools (or any tools). Modifications in the field may be performed using ratchet or snap mechanisms in conjunction with the strap element to provide a connection and seal between the plain face shield and the body shield (e.g. full face shield or hood). In one embodiment, new mechanical fasteners using microstructured sealing and retaining members are used to attach the full face shield or hood to the glass.
The ability to switch from a full-face respirator to a different type of hooded respirator or vice versa, or from one type of hooded respirator to another type of hooded respirator is an important feature of the present invention. This is carried out using specially constructed parts that consist of a face shield, glass frame, glass, hard headgear, suspensions, and various hood combinations. In one preferred embodiment, the body shield and the plain face shield are connected by a glass frame sealed around the glass. This glass frame is easily removable by the user with the option of attaching either a hood or a full face shield thereto. Alternatively, the glass frame has a fastener that allows removal and reassembly without the need for tools or special equipment. This modularity allows the user to change the ventilator according to the specific needs of the user in a cost-effective and convenient manner. In addition, the user can replace worn, soiled or contaminated components as needed and desired. A further advantage of the invention is that different hoods can be interchanged with other breathing elements from traditional loose fittings to sealed hoods. This allows the user to supply air from the compressor via
Tubing and hoses, or from a self-powered air-purifying respirator. When using a tight-fitting hood, the user may be supplied with positive pressure air using a self-contained breathing device, or the respirator may be used in a negative pressure mode (where the user inhales through the filters).
The subject of the invention is illustrated in an embodiment in the drawing in which Fig. 1 shows a front perspective view of a known full face respirator as shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,924,420, Fig. 2 shows a front perspective view of a typical known hooded respirator such as R-series hood from 3M with built-in suspension on the head, fig. 3 shows a front view of embodiments of group I of the present invention in which the common component is bare face glass, which can be interchangeably attached to either the full face shield or the hood shield, Fig. 4 shows a front view of the embodiments of group II of the subject matter. the invention, where the common component is a face shield mounted with breathing elements. This common component can be interchangeably attached to either the full face shield or the hood, Fig. 5 shows a side view of the exchangeable face protection lenses assembled with the breathing pieces and the nose bridge with attachment in the hood. The hood has straps for drawing the nose piece against the wearer's face, Figure 6 is a side view of a full face respirator converted into a hood respirator with a full face shield, Figure 6. 7 is a perspective view of a hooded full face respirator converted from a full face respirator by putting the hood over the full face shield.
While the drawings above show some preferred embodiments of the invention, other embodiments are contemplated as well, as noted herein. Moreover, in several views a similar construction has been marked with similar numerical markings. The present description describes the present invention by way of example, and not in the sense of limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments may be devised by those skilled in the art within the scope and spirit of the principles of the present invention.
The invention relates to a modular respirator that can be converted into either a full face respirator or a hood respirator depending on the needs of the user and the conditions. According to the invention, a complete respirator configuration can generally be described as comprising (1) a removable face shield, (2) a removable sealed suit engageable with a removable face shield with a seal along the joining edges, and (3) a breathing gas supply line (breathing apparatus). which may include an air supply tube, breathing air passage, and filter members. In one embodiment, some or all of the breathing apparatus is coupled to the face shield and is considered to be part of the replaceable face shield.
In the various designs, the removable face shield may be: 1 the glass face shield itself; 2 a glass face shield with a frame around it; 3 a glass face shield with connections for receiving the necessary breathing equipment; 4 with a glass face shield with respiratory means; 5 a glass face shield coupled with a half-mask or nasal cover; 6 with a glass face shield coupled with a full face shield; and 7 each practical combination of the above solutions. The replaceable face shield thus always includes a face shield glass, but in some implementations also includes the above-mentioned other components attached to the face shield glass. The glass cover may be of any known type, such as a clear glass cover, a tinted glass cover, a coated glass cover, or a special glass cover that is translucent in a narrow light range in the spectrum (e.g. for ultraviolet light).
It should be understood that referring to any of the above configurations as "replaceable face shield" merely imply that the shield may be replaced as a whole unit, but not implying that it is designed as a single integral unit preventing any further interchangeability of any of its parts, such as respirators. mask, nasal cover or full face mask. It is therefore a feature of the present invention that modularity and interchangeability are scaled so that while all items may be made modular, they are not always removed or replaced in a single conversion.
Any respirator design incorporating a body-protective coverall and a face shield glass is potentially usable within the scope of the present invention. Exemplary body protection suits would include a full face shield (see, e.g., Figure 1), a respirator hood (see, e.g., Figure 2), or a full-body respirator kit. It should be understood that in the present invention a respirator hood with a full face shield is still considered a respirator hood. Likewise the set
A full-body respirator with full face shield is still considered a full-body respirator kit.
The replaceable face shield has a peripheral sealing edge around the peripheral edge of the face shield. This sealing lip may be on the glass itself and / or on another part of the face shield that is attached to the glass. The body protection suit has a front opening designed to receive a removable face shield. A sealed joint may be made along the peripheral sealing edge of the face shield and the edge of the front opening of the bodysuit. The airtight connection between the face shield and the body-protecting suit is effective at least against contamination from entering the respirator (in some cases, this airtight connection may be a gas-tight airtight connection, but is not necessary). In one embodiment, the integral peripheral edge of the glass itself constitutes the peripheral sealing edge of the visor. In another embodiment, the replaceable face shield comprises a face-shielding glass and a frame disposed around the glass. In this case, the outer peripheral edge of the glass frame serves as the perimeter sealing edge of the face shield instead of the glass itself.
In yet another embodiment, the replaceable face shield comprises a face shield lens and a full face shield integrally or interchangeably coupled with the glass. In this embodiment, the peripheral edge of the glass forms a perimeter seal edge. The full face shield is preferably coupled to the glass by means of an engaging glass frame or a bracket fitted around the glass along the peripheral edge of the glass. If required, the coupling frame or bracket is removable, the hood is replaced over the full face shield and the coupling frame or bracket is reinstalled to attach both the hood and the full face shield along the integral peripheral edge of the glass. When the hood is to be applied, a seal is formed along the peripheral sealing edge of the face shield, the sealing edge of the full face shield and the peripheral edge of the front opening in the hood.
Alternatively, the full face shield is joined to the glass along the butt edges without the use of a frame or bracket. Such a connection can be realized by using mechanical fastening elements using microstructured sealing and retaining elements. With this connection, the peripheral edge of the full face shield and the peripheral edge of the glass form an optional second peripheral sealing edge. If required, the hood can be placed over the full face shield without having to remove the full face shield. When the hood is applied in this way, a seal is formed between the hood and the face shield along the second peripheral sealing edge of the face shield and the sealing edge of the hood's front opening. It should be understood that even when a coupling frame or bracket is used to connect a full face shield and glass, by using appropriate coupling means such as mechanical fasteners, the hood can be attached to the removable face shield without removing the coupling frame or bracket.
The modularity of the invention brings significant advantages in allowing the user to select the type of respirator needed for personal or environmental reasons. For example, low contamination levels may allow the wearer to use a full face mask respirator that uses negative pressure. If higher levels of protection or comfort are desired, the wearer can convert the respirator into a tight-fitting hood with a positive pressure air supply system, e.g. filtered air supplied by an air-purifying self-powered respirator . Alternatively, other air supply systems (such as a compressed air system and a self-contained breathing device) can be selected. Specifically, a full face shield respirator may use a vacuum air supply with filters and cartridges, an air supply via a tubing attached to the compressor, a self-contained breathing device, or an air-purifying self-powered respirator. Such full face respirators typically include clear face glass, and may also include mounts or openings to receive replaceable filter elements or air supply connections. Such attachments or openings may be formed on separate mounting hardware mechanically attached to the face shield for attachment to a breathing air source, such as in the 3M Full Facepiece Respirator Series 7000 Respirator, or may be integrally formed with a face shield as described in the patent No. 5,924,420 (Reischel et al.). In accordance with the present invention, since a full-face respirator can easily be converted into a tight-fitting hooded respirator (e.g. hood attached to a full-face respirator) without the need to replace breathing components, all of the above air delivery modes are also available for
For use with a tight-fitting hooded respirator. In the case of a loosely fitting hood design, such as the 3M H-600 Series design, air may be supplied by a self-powered air-purifying respirator or from an appropriate air source. Air may be supplied either from the rear of the 3M H-600 series apparatus, or by using a neck connecting flange such as that described in US Patent No. 4,484,575 (Brockway). According to the present invention, the loosely fitting hood can be adapted to use a modular faceplate, and consequently the replacement of the modular faceplate can be done without altering or disrupting the operation of a separate air supply, such as a self-powered air purifying respirator.
In addition to being able to change from one ventilator configuration to another, it also has the advantage of being swappable. Should component parts such as glass, face shield or hood be damaged or dirty, they can be easily and quickly replaced on site.
The modularity and interchangeability of the present invention is further illustrated using three different groups of preferred embodiments. Unlike the known respirator systems shown in Fig. 1 and 2 that do not have a replaceable faceshield, in each embodiment of the present invention, the respirator system includes a common replaceable faceshield component and a plurality of removable face shield components that are connectable to the replaceable faceshield component to form a sealed seal with the face shield component faces along the respective joining edges.
Examples of implementation - Group I
As shown in Fig. 3, in the embodiments of group I, the common component 2 in the interchangeable system is bare face glass 3 without glass attachments. In one preferred embodiment, the face glass 3 can be removed from the opening 4 in the opening 4, for example. full face respirator 5 by detaching said glass 3 from the full face seal. The glass 3 can then be sealed into a similar opening 7 of the hood 8. These breathing elements 10, which supply air or filter the air to the respirator 5, are separate from the glass. Likewise, the air supply to the hood 8 (not shown) is separate from the face glass 3. Since glass 3 should often be optical glass and therefore expensive to produce, the embodiments of Group I allow the user to use glass 3 interchangeably without disturbing the preferred air supply modes.
Examples of execution - Group II
As shown in Figure 4, in group II of embodiments, the common component 22 in the replacement system is the face glass 24, coupled either integrally or separately with the necessary breathing pieces 20. However, this common piece 22 does not include a full face seal behind the glass 24. Such common element 22 is essentially a full-face respirator without a full-face shield 26. Assuming the user starts with a full face respirator, the user may remove the common piece (i.e., the glass 24 with the respiratory pieces 20 attached) from the full face respirator by separating the common piece 22 from the glass opening 25 in the full face shield 26 and transferring the common piece 22 to the full face respirator. a similar opening 127 in the second body shell a, such as a hood 28. The group II embodiments thus enable the user to replace the full face seal 26 with a plurality of different hoods 28 to provide special protection against specific contaminants and hazards, or vice versa. Respiratory members 20, if attached to glass 24, are moved with such a change, but may also be adapted to facilitate further interchangeability.
As shown in Fig. 5, it will be understood that the breathing elements 120 of the common element 122 may include a face half mask or nasal cover 132 which may be either integral with the glass 124 or adapted to facilitate further interchangeability or removability. When the half-mask or nose-cover 132 is attached to the glass 124, straps are needed to draw the mask or nose-cover against the wearer's face. While this object can be achieved in the hood, it is much more convenient and practical to provide adjustable straps 134 that attach to the hood 128 and can be tightened (or loosened) from the outside of the hood 128, preferably at the back of the user. Since the half-mask or nose-cover 132 is attached to the glass 124, and this is the hood glass 128, such straps 134 can be adapted to pull the half-mask or nose-cover 132 against the wearer's face.
Examples of execution - Group III
As shown in Figure 6, in the Group III embodiments, the common member 242 includes a face shielding glass 244 connected to the full-face shield 246. The user may further
Connect the hood 248 to the glass 244 without removing the full-face shield 246. This is accomplished by applying the hood 248 over the full-face seals 246. The result is a respirator 250 including a hood 248 fitted with a full-face shield 246 as shown in FIG. 7. Such application of the hood to the full face shield can be accomplished in several different ways as described above. In one preferred embodiment, for example, full face shield 246 is preferably attached to glass 244 by a frame 245 of two halves 245a and 245b secured around glass 244 along peripheral edge 249 of glass 244. Multiple threaded fasteners 251 may be used to engage each other. the frame halves 245a and 245b. If desired, bezel 245 may be removed, hood 248 reattached over full face seal 246, and bezel 245 replaced and tightened to secure both hood 248 and full face seal 246 along the peripheral edge of glass 244. When configured as a hood, the system according to the invention, it is also possible to convert into a full face respirator simply by removing the hood. Alternatively, the hood can be replaced with another hood.
It should be understood that in the Group III embodiments, the face shield may be: bare glass, glass with holes made on its surface to accommodate gas inlet-outlet connections for pipes, or glass coupled to the necessary breathing components.
In addition, it is to be understood that, although the above-mentioned replaceable face shield is referred to as "common element", this name is provided for illustrative purposes only. Other elements, such as a body shield, may be a common element in a particular configuration. For example, the user may start with a hooded respirator and then replace the face shield with another face shield while retaining the hood. In this case, the hood is a common element within the meaning of the above description.
In addition to the connecting frame 245 used to seal the interchangeable face shield and body shield as shown in Fig. 6, other fastening devices such as a bracket, strap, clamp, or latch may be used. Moreover, various fasteners may be used for the same purpose, such as those that employ microstructured sealing mechanisms. Such fasteners can be used to seal together two opposing surfaces without the aid of a separate mechanical fastening device. Among these fasteners are the known hook and loop fasteners plow mushroom hook tapes described in US Patent No. 5,077,870 (Melbye et al.). Frictional coupling and / or sealing properties between opposing edge portions on mating sealing members can also be improved by providing one or more opposing surfaces with microstructured surface properties, such as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,508,084 (Reeves et al.). or other equivalents known in the art.
While the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that variations in form and detail can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Contents2
5 sheets
Sheet 1 Sheet 2 Sheet 3 Sheet 4 Sheet 5
24 members in 15 offices
Priority claims5
| Document | Office | Kind | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 76522401 | United States of America | A | |
| 0118144 | United States of America | W | |
| 09765224 | – | – | – |
| US20010765224 | – | – | – |
| WO2001US18144 | – | – | – |
Members24
| Document | Office | Kind | |
|---|---|---|---|
| US2002092522A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| CA2433411A1 | Canada | A1 | |
| WO02056965A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| NO20033227D0 | Norway | D0 | |
| NO20033227L | Norway | L | |
| KR20030067751A | Republic of Korea | A | |
| TW553753B | Taiwan Province of China | B | |
| EP1353728A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| WO02056965A8 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A8 | |
| AR032795A1 | Argentina | A1 | |
| CN1486207A | China | A | |
| JP2004523277A | Japan | A | |
| ZA200306330B | South Africa | B | |
| PL365374A1 | Poland | A1 | |
| US2005103335A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US6895960B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| CN1301765C | China | C | |
| KR100753702B1 | Republic of Korea | B1 | |
| AU2001266711B2 | Australia | B2 | |
| PL196737B1This record | Poland | B1 | |
| EP1353728B1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | B1 | |
| AT430602T | Austria | T | |
| ATE430602T1 | Austria | T1 | |
| DE60138648D1 | Germany | D1 |
Numbers
- Publication
- 196737
- Publication, DOCDB
- 196737
- Publication, EPODOC
- PL196737B
- Application
- 365374
- Application, DOCDB
- 36537401
- Application, EPODOC
- PL20010365374
Titles2
- English
- MODULAR RESPIRATORS AND A METHOD OF CONVERSION THEREOF
- Polish
- Sposób przetwarzania maski respiratora, respirator kapturowy i zestaw respiratora
Classification
- CPC, 4
- A62B18/084
- A62B18/08
- A62B17/04
- A62B18/082
- IPC, 4
- A62B17 04
- A61M16 06
- A62B18 02
- A62B18 08
