Respirator headpiece and release mechanism

Description of the invention

The present invention relates to a quick release mechanism for a respirator and to a respirator including a quick release mechanism.

Breathing masks are known to be worn by people exposed to an environment that is unpleasant or harmful to health. A commonly known type of respirator is a half-mask respirator that includes a cup-type mask supported by a yoke attached to two strap systems. One strap arrangement, the top arrangement, is designed to stay on top of the wearer's head. The second, lower system is adapted to wrap around and wrap around the back of the wearer's neck. The top system is generally attached to a wider elastic strap, commonly known as a "band", that fits snugly on or hugs the top of the head. The top strap is generally adjustable between the face piece and the "clamp" by a buckle having an adjusting mechanism, such as a "D-ring" for tightening the strap around the head. As is well known in practice, the D-ring generally requires the user to use two hands to manipulate the D-ring to adjust the length of the strip during application or dressing, which is often a challenge for the user. .

The bottom strap generally includes a fastener including a hook and slot assembly and further including an adjusting mechanism such as a D-ring.

The user typically puts on (puts on) the respirator by tightening the lower neck straps and then lifting the "clamp" up over the top of the head while bringing the mask and the yoke or face piece into position on the face. The strips are then manipulated through the D-rings and adjusted until a good fit is achieved and a leak test is successfully performed. Removal or withdrawal of the respirator is performed in reverse to the application operation, with the lower straps unfastening and the "brace" being removed from the head while the face-piece is removed from the face of the wearer.

During a normal day, a worker requiring the wearing of a respirator may wear and release this respirator up to twenty times a day. The process of applying the presently known respirators (respirators), including the fitting and face-tightness test, is perceived by many workers as complicated and inconvenient. In some cases, workers dispense with the application procedure when it is apparent that the task to be performed would take less time to complete than the mask application procedure. The application procedure is further complicated by other protective equipment such as goggles, glasses, headphones, headgear, and a helmet that must be removed in order to apply and withdraw the respirator.

Extracting modern respirators is considered by many users to be as complicated as putting on. In order to remove the respirator, even briefly, the bottom strap must be unfastened and the "clamp" must be lifted up from the head as described above. Temporarily removing or lowering the respirator (respirator) is accomplished by sliding the "clamp" on the back of the head and allowing the face-piece to drop in front of the wearer, while the respirator is held in place by the waistband around the wearer's neck. Both activities, the complete removal and lowering of the respirator (respirator) are made more difficult by the inclusion of the protective equipment as described above.

Another problem with known respirators arises when the respirator rests on a top strap that cannot be extended in any way. Over time, tightening the rigid strips causes fatigue in the mask material and may even cause the mask to break during application.

Yet another problem with prior art respirators is that the strap fasteners as well as the clamping and release mechanisms cause point stresses on the face piece making it uncomfortable for the wearer.

A quick release mechanism for a respirator including a yoke attached to the face mask of the respirator and at least one strap of the invention further comprising a latch attached to the yoke, at least one guide connected to the yoke, at least one strap attached to the latch. and the at least one strip is disposed within the at least one guide.

Preferably, the pawl is pivotally attached to the yoke at a first end of the pawl.

PL 200 091 B1

Preferably, the mechanism further includes at least one opening in the face mask, the at least one opening including at least one filter positioned within the opening.

Preferably, the respirator mechanism further includes a headgear, and the yoke includes a pair of guiding holes, and a pair of straps is attached to the pawl at a pair of closure holes located in the pawl at its other end, and a pair of straps is positioned inside the pair of guiding holes and attached to the pawl. the headgear.

Preferably, the belts of the mechanism comprise an elastic material having a substantially circular cross-section.

Preferably, the pawl is pivotable from an unlatched position to a latched position, whereby a tensile force is generated in the straps in the latched position pressing the mask against the wearer's face.

Preferably, the mechanism further comprises a pair of attachment points located in the yoke and a pair of straps attached to the headgear, the straps being located at the attachment points.

Preferably, each of the attachment points comprises a plug mechanism including a pair of slots.

Preferably, the plug-in mechanisms include a D-ring attached to the yoke.

Preferably, the yoke comprises a rigid plastic material.

Preferably, the pawl comprises a rigid plastic material.

A quick release mechanism for a respirator including a yoke attached to the face mask of the respirator and at least one strap of the invention further comprising a latch attached to the yoke and at least one guide connected to the yoke, the at least one strap attached to the latch. and the mechanism also includes at least one aperture disposed in the face mask and at least one filter disposed therein.

Preferably, the pawl is hingedly connected to the yoke at a first end of the pawl.

Preferably, the respirator mechanism further includes a headgear, the yoke including a pair of guiding holes, a pair of straps attached to the pawl at a pair of closure holes located in the pawl at the other end thereof, and a pair of straps within the pair of guiding holes and secured to the pawl. to the headgear.

Preferably, the straps of the mechanism are composed of an elastic material having a substantially circular cross-section.

Preferably, the pawl is pivotable from the non-latched position to the latched position, and furthermore, a force is generated in the straps in the latched position, biasing the mask against the wearer's face.

Preferably, the mechanism further comprises a pair of attachment points located in the yoke and a pair of straps attached to the headgear, the straps being provided at the attachment points.

Preferably, each of the attachment points comprises a plug mechanism including a pair of slots.

Preferably, the plug-in mechanisms include a D-ring attached to the yoke.

Preferably, the yoke comprises a rigid plastic material.

Preferably, the pawl comprises a rigid plastic material.

A respirator incorporating a quick release mechanism that includes a proper mask part having at least one medium inlet port, at least one filter material positioned in communication with the medium inlet port, a yoke provided on the face mask part and at least one the strap according to the invention is characterized in that it further comprises a pawl connected to the yoke part, a headpiece attached to the first ratchet end portion by a first headpiece strap, and at least one neck strap positioned to engage the yoke portion and extend around the wearer's neck.

An advantage of the present invention is to provide a respirator that can be easily and conveniently put on, removed and lowered without inconvenience to the user.

Advantages and advantageous effects of the solution according to the invention over the solutions known from the prior art result from the used design of the respirator head part and the quick release mechanism of the respirator.

PL 200 091 B1

In one preferred embodiment, the respirator's quick release mechanism includes a yoke attached to the face mask of the respirator (respirator). An eccentric cam latch is pivotally attached to the yoke. At least one strap is attached to the pawl so that actuating the pawl into the locked position increases the tension in the strap that supports and seals the respirator on the wearer's face. In an exemplary embodiment, a guide is provided on the yoke to ensure that the mask can be put on and removed consistently with minimal effort (for example: potential one-handed putting on and off). An opening may also be provided in the face mask and, optionally, in the yoke, and a filter may be placed therein to provide the desired filtration of inhaled gases.

The invention is shown in the drawing in which Fig. 1 shows the front of the respirator in an uncompressed position, in a perspective view, Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a face part of a respirator, showing the face part in an exploded view. Fig. 3 is a perspective side view of the parts of the mask including a hinge closure for a ratchet mechanism. 4 - respirator in unlatched position in top and left perspective view, fig. 5 - respirator in unlatched position in side perspective view, fig. 6 face piece of respirator showing latched position in view front perspective, fig. 7 - a respirator showing the rear details of the face with the points of engagement of the straps with the yoke in a perspective rear view, Fig. 8 - the inner surface of the face part in a perspective view, Fig. 9 the face piece of Fig. 8 in a front view in section taken along line 2-2 of fig. 10 the face-piece of fig. 8 seen in a side view taken along line 4-4 of fig. 11 - a component part (element) of the sorbent cartridge cover in a top perspective view, Fig. 12 - a sorbent cartridge cover element in a top perspective view, Fig. 13 - a sorbent cartridge cover element of Fig. 12 in a perspective side view, Fig. 14 - the second sorbent cartridge cover element in the rear perspective view, Fig. 15 - the free-standing sorbent cartridge cover element in the top perspective view, Fig. 16 - rear perspective view of the cup cover element of the filter cartridge, Fig. 17 - top perspective view of the disc filter base element, Fig. 18 - rear perspective view of the disc filter cover element, Fig. 19 - respirator rest position in front perspective view.

The respirator 10 with release mechanism of an embodiment of the present invention is shown generally in Figure 1. The respirator 10 has a quick release mechanism 12 in the face support assembly, the quick release mechanism 12 including a yoke 14 and a cam latch 16 pivotally attached to the yoke. 14 through hinge pins 18, 20 (shown in Fig. 2). The face piece or mask 22 is supported by the yoke 14 so that the face piece 22 fits over the wearer's face. Alternatively, the face piece support assembly may include a face mask support piece (not shown) whereby the face piece 22 and the yoke 14 are integrally formed as a single piece by a known process such as, but not limited to, two step molding or multi-step layering "type" molding. over-molding ".

The respirator or respirator 10 may further include sorbent material 24,26 (26 shown in FIG. 2) disposed on opposite sides of the face piece 22. The yoke 14 is releasably attached by snap-fitting to the face piece 22 on a "push button" pin 62. or "button" (in Figure 2) similar to prior art respirators and respirators. The sorbent material 24, 26 is disposed within the sorbent cartridge covers 28, 30 below the sorbent cartridge covers 32, 34.

Referring again to Fig. 1, exemplary cam latch 16 further includes an outlet recess 36 housing an exhalation valve housing 38, while the cam latch 16 is in a locked position (generally shown as 40 in Fig. 6). In addition, the cam latch 16 includes first and second release notches 42, 44 shaped to receive a top strap loop 46. (Alternatively, independent strips may be joined at the first and second notches 42, 44). The top strip 46 extends over the yoke portion 14 and through the first and second slots guides positioned above the cam tab 16. The top strip 46 continues to engage the first and second exits 52, 54 in the face portion 22. Thus, the cam tab. 16 and face piece 52 are joined together for downward movement 58

The cam latch 16 pulls the face piece closer to the headgear 56, and the upward movement 60 of the cam latch 16 relieves the tension in the top strap 46, allowing the face piece 22 to drop freely from the headgear 56 to a resting position.

Returning to Fig. 2, an exemplary face-piece 22 is shown to illustrate a partially pre-assembled condition. The face piece includes a button-type or push-button type pin 62 shaped to engage the outlet opening 64 of the yoke 14. Likewise, the face piece 22 includes a button-type or push-button type pin 66 shaped to engage the outlet opening (not shown) of the yoke 14. . The face piece further includes a centrally located opening 68 shaped to receive an exhalation valve seat 70 (which may be snap-fit ​​to face piece 22 or formed integral with face piece 22 by a known molding process).

Referring again to Fig. 2, the exemplary face piece may further include first and second openings 76, 78 shaped to receive first and second cartridge / filter retainers 80, 82. The first and second cartridge / filter retainers 80, 82 are shown tied (looped) through the connecting material 84 such that they can be readily fitted from the inside of the face piece 22 and pushed outward through the first and second openings 76, 78 side.

Optionally, cartridge / filter retainers 80, 82 may be integrally formed with face piece 22 by any known process.

Referring again to Fig. 2, exemplary first and second cartridge / filter retainers further include a plurality of upwardly projecting portions 86 shaped to engage and retain portions of the first and second sorbent cartridge housings 28, 30. The sorbent material 26 is shown as being provided within the sorbent cartridge housing 30 below the sorbent cartridge cover 34.

Referring again to FIG. 2, exemplary yoke 14 may include first and second connectors or plug mechanisms 88, 90 (connector 88 shown in FIG. 4) located below cam latch 16 shaped to receive lower neck straps 92, 94 (shown). in Fig. 4). As shown, the respirator may include two neck straps 92,94. However, the present respirator may also include a single neck strap (not shown) shaped to be pulled over the user's head or shaped to engage mechanically with a yoke, such as a snap buckle (not shown).

Exemplary connectors or plug mechanisms 88, 90 of the first and second strips include a post 96 (best shown in Fig. 3) around which the strip material is looped along a length and a serration 98 (best shown in Fig. 3) that holds the looped material. the belt in place and keeps the belt tension while it is tightened. The invented yoke 14 is shown to include first and second plug connectors, the lower straps 92,94 may be attached through the posts 96 by any suitable means such as, but not limited to: sewn, glued, riveted, or clamped (looped) through a conventional D-ring. ring ”(not shown). The yoke 14 also includes first and second holes 100 (not shown), 102 of hinge pins shaped to receive the hinge pins 18, 20.

Referring again to Fig. 2, exemplary yoke 14 further includes snap closures 104, 106 formed or otherwise provided on the outer surface of yoke 14 proximate hinge pins 18, 20. Returning to Fig. 3, the snap closures are of this size and shaped to accommodate portions 108 (not shown) 110 notched on the underside of the cam pawl 16 adjacent to the hinge pins 18, 20. The snap closures 104, 106 and the notched portions 108, 110 ensure that the cam pawl engages securely in the latched position. Preferably, the latch closures 104, 106 and the notched portions 108, 110 are shaped such that an audible click occurs upon engagement of the cam latch 16.

Referring now to Fig. 4, an exemplary respirator is depicted to illustrate the unlocked position. The top strap 46 extends from the cam latch 16 through the first and second strap guides 48, 50 for engagement with the headgear 56 at the outlet openings 52, 54. The bottom strips 92, 94 extend from the first and second connector or plug mechanism 88, 90 strips and are attached to cervical latch 112.

In one embodiment, the top strap 46 includes a resilient strip material that is flexible enough to define a path between the headpiece 56 through the yoke 14 to the cam latch 16 in both the locked and unlocked positions. Likewise, the lower strips 92,94 may include elastic material. The term strip as used herein includes material having

Any cross section such as rectangular, trapezoidal, circular and elliptical among others. As best shown in Figure 1, the top strap 46 holds and seals the face piece 22 against the wearer's face by distributing the loading tension in the band 46 across the cam latch 16, yoke 14 and face piece 22. The load distribution as described creates pressure, but is comfortable. and ensures that the face piece 22 is secured and sealed against the wearer's face.

In one embodiment, the top strap 46 includes a material that has a sufficiently small (short length) extension so that the strap 46 does not extend completely while the user squeezes the ends of the strap on the headgear 56, thereby allowing maximum movement of the top of the belt 46 through the belt guides 48, 50 when the cam pawl is moved into the disengaged or rest position. However, some elongation is necessary to allow the strap to stretch, for example when the wearer is making facial movements. Accordingly, the exemplary belt elongation is up to zero percent and the maximum belt elongation is up to about 150% of the max. In another exemplary embodiment, the maximum strip extension ranges from between about 10 to about 50 percent. In another embodiment, the maximum belt extension is between about 25 to about 35 percent. In another embodiment, the maximum belt elongation is about 25%. The maximum belt elongation as defined herein allows the 100% maximum elongation to correspond to twice the length of the strip from its original length.

Referring to Fig. 5, a side perspective view of an exemplary respirator 10 illustrating its rest position is shown. A preferred neck catch 112 may include a single support portion (not shown) or may include two engaging separate portions 114,116 (best seen in Figure 1). The depicted neck grip (latch) advantageously provides a comfortable, rounded fit around the back of a wearer's neck. The interlocking discrete portions 114,116 may include a mechanical connection (not shown) as known in the art including but not limited to Velcro, bulges or hooks and eyelets, allowing the neck clip 112 to be fitted and removed more easily and conveniently. Optionally, the lower straps 92,94 can be attached to the side buckles (not shown) located along the wearer's neck.

Referring to Fig. 6, a front perspective view of an exemplary respirator or respirator 10 shows its latched position 40. Cam latch 16 includes first and second concave regions 118, 120 shaped to hold upper band 46 in place when cam. the pawl 16 is in the latched position. Thereby, an upper strip 46 (not shown) that extends at an angle from the first and second strip guides 48, 50 across the concave regions 118, 120, around the exhalation valve housing 38 and through the first and second release notches 42 (not shown). ), 44 engages and effectively holds the cam pawl 16 in position by the pressure applied to the top strap 46 in the first and second concave regions 118, 120. When the catch 16 is in the latched position under the wearer's chin, the top strap 46 further supports the face piece 22 and pulls it towards the wearer's face.

The exhalation valve housing 38 shown further includes a web of material 122 (best seen in FIG. 2) positioned internally in a release recess 36 along the cam portion of the pawl 16. The web of material 122 is shaped to engage the cam latch 16 in its latched position. to further ensure that the cam latch 16 is secured. In one illustrative embodiment, the conformation between the material web 122 and the cam pawl 16 is such that an audible click or rattle is produced upon latching of the cam pawl 16. This further ensures that the user can be sure that the cam latch 16 is secured.

Referring now to Fig. 7, a rear perspective view of an exemplary respirator or respirator 10 shows the rear details of the structure of the face piece 22, the first and second belt guides 48, 50, and the first and second connectors or plug-in mechanisms 88, 90. Rear details of the face piece 22 include an easily deformable material placed around all points of contact with the user's face to ensure a comfortable and secure fit regardless of the contours of the face. Accordingly, it is preferred that the facepiece 22 comprises a resilient material such as semi-fluid silicone, rubber, or a thermoplastic elastomer, among others. The post 96 around which a length of the bottom strip material is looped and the serration member 98 of the second pin connector 90 of the strip are particularly well visible in these details.

PL 200 091 B1

Referring now to Fig. 8, an exemplary headpiece 56 including male release notches 52,54 is shown. Attaching the top strap 46 to the headpiece 56 may be accomplished in a variety of ways, including the use of plastic rivets (not shown) crimped into a a known process such as ultrasonic welding. However, the illustrated headpiece 56 includes first and second release notches 52,54 having serrated or irregular cuts through the material of the headpiece 56 through which the top strap 46 passes. In this way, the user can pinch the top strap 46 by simply pulling on the ends 116, 118 (shown in Figure 1). 9 and 10) of this strip 46. The incisions in the headpiece material provide flaps 128,130, serrated or irregular regions 132,134 by which the strap ends 116,118 are held in place and the tension in the top strap 46 is maintained.

Referring again to Figures 8, 9, and 10, the illustrative exemplary headpiece 56 includes cutouts 136 that provide ventilation and flexibility to the headpiece 56.

Referring now to Fig. 11, an exemplary sorbent cartridge housing 28 is shown. The sorbent cartridge housing 28 preferably includes an eccentric opening 138 (the eccentricity of which moves the sorbent cartridge out of sight of the user) having slotted portions 140 arranged and shaped to receive an upwardly projecting portion 86 of the first and second retainers 80, 82 cartridge / filter, a base portion 142 including longitudinal projections 144, and a portion 146 including an upper edge 148 of the sidewall. The design of the slit portions 140 on the sorbent cartridge housing 28 and the upwardly projecting portions 86 of the first and second cartridge / filter retainers enables the sorbent cartridge housing 28 to be quickly and efficiently installed or removed by a simple twisting motion. The longitudinal projections 144 on the base portion 142 keep the sorbent material (not shown) away from the base portion 142, allowing an optimal amount of surface area of ​​the filter material to be exposed to the elements. This reduces pressure loads and allows easier breathing and more efficient filtration. Preferably, the material for the cover 28 of the sorbent cartridge comprises carbon and absorbent filter materials.

Referring now to Figures 12 and 13, an exemplary sorbent cartridge cover 32 is shown. The cover 32 of the sorbent cartridge includes a plurality of openings 150, an upper peripheral edge 152, an outer rib 154, and an inner rib 156. Preferably, the plurality of openings 150 are arranged as hexagonal openings defined by the cover material 32 of the sorbent cartridge to minimize the exposed surface area of ​​the lining filter material. (not shown). An inner ring 158 of cover material (as shown) may also be provided to reduce the flexibility of cover 32, strengthen the structure, and keep a filter disk (not shown) spaced from the cover material to increase the effective exposed surface area of ​​the filter disk area. The outer and inner ribs 154, 156 of the filter cartridge cover 32 are positioned and shaped to guide the upper edge 148 of the sorbent cartridge housing 28 into place when assembling the sorbent cartridge assembly. In one exemplary embodiment, the outer and inner rings 146, 148 of the sorbent cartridge cover 32 are sized and shaped to firmly engage the upper edge of the sorbent cartridge housing 28. The cover 32 of the sorbent cartridge may be connected to the cover 28 of the sorbent cartridge as is known in the art. In one embodiment, the cover 28 of the sorbent cartridge is snap-fitted or welded to the housing 28 of the sorbent cartridge.

Referring now to Fig. 14, an exemplary second sorbent cartridge housing 162 is shown. The second sorbent cartridge housing 162 can be sized and shaped to contain a pleated, specific filter (not shown). A second cartridge housing 162 includes a plurality of openings 164, a lower peripheral edge 166, and a protruding rib 168. In this embodiment, the plurality of openings 164 are arranged as circular openings defined by the material of the sorbent cartridge 162, less preferably than hexagonal openings, yet still providing a good amount of exposed surface area of ​​filter material (not shown) contained. One preferred embodiment ensures that the protruding rib 168 of the second cartridge housing 162 is sized and shaped to receive a pleated filter (not shown) that serves to filter particular materials. The second cartridge housing 162 is preferably permanently attached by welding, snapping or other known methods to the top of the cartridge housing 30. Optionally, the second shell 162 of the cartridge may be shaped to engage by threading 170.

(Shown in FIG. 1) (preferred when a second cartridge cover 162 is used) disposed on the cover 32 of the sorbent cartridge.

Referring now to Fig. 15, an exemplary filter cartridge enclosure 172 component is shown. The free-standing filter cartridge shield 172 is shown including an eccentric opening 174 (the eccentricity of this opening permits the free-standing filter to be moved beyond the user's field of view), including slotted portions 176 shaped and arranged to receive protruding portions 86 of first and second cartridge retainers 80, 82. / filter, a base portion 178 including longitudinal projections 180, and a sidewall portion 182 including an upper edge 184. The arrangement of the slotted portions 176 on the free-standing filter cartridge housing 172 and the protruding portions 86 on the first and second cartridge / filter retainers 80, 82 allows for quick installation and removal of the free-standing filter cartridge housing 172 through simple rotation. The ridges 180 on the base portion 178 keep the filter material (not shown) away from the base portion 178, allowing the optimal size of the surface area of ​​the filter material to be exposed. This reduces pressure loads and allows for easier breathing and more efficient filtration. Suitable materials for the free-standing filter cartridge enclosure 172 include, but are not limited to, filter materials capable of filtering particles, and in particular, pleated (lap) particle filters.

Referring to Fig. 16, an exemplary filter cartridge cover 186 is shown. Filter cartridge cover 186 includes a plurality of openings 188 (hexagonal openings are preferred as shown), an upper peripheral edge 190, and an inner ring 192 connected to the upper peripheral edge 190 via radial arms 194. The upper peripheral edge 190 is sized and shaped to firmly engage with the top peripheral edge 190. the protruding rib of the second cartridge housing 162 or free standing filter cartridge housing 172. As shown, it is preferred that the inner ring 192 protrude downwardly from the upper peripheral edge 190 to expose the maximum surface area of ​​the second filter material (not shown). When the snap fit is shown, the second filter cartridge cover 172 may be engaged to the second cartridge housing 162 or to the free standing filter cartridge housing 172 by any known method including, but not limited to, gluing, twisting, snapping, and welding.

Referring now to Fig. 17, an exemplary disc filter base member 196 is shown. The base 196 of the disc filter preferably includes an eccentric opening 198 (the eccentricity of which moves the disc filter out of the user's field of view) includes slit portions 200 shaped and arranged to receive protruding portions 86 of the first and second retainers 80, 82 of the second cartridge / filter. a base portion 202 that includes protrusions 204 and a sidewall portion 206 that includes an upper edge 208. The design of the slit portions 200 on the base 196 of the disc filter and the projecting portions 86 on the first and second retainers 80, 82 allows the disc filter base 196 to be installed and removed quickly and efficiently by simple rotation. The longitudinal projections 204 on the base portion 202 hold the filter material (not shown) away from the base portion 202, allowing the optimal size of the filter material surface area to be exposed. This reduces pressure loads and allows for easier breathing and more efficient filtration. As shown, base 196 of a disc filter may also include male threads 210 to retain a threaded cover, an exemplary threaded cover being described below.

Referring now to Fig. 18, an exemplary disc filter cover 212 is shown. Disc filter cover 212 includes a lower circumferential rib 214, a sidewall portion 216, a vault portion 218, and a plurality of openings 220 disposed through the vault portion 218. The lower peripheral rib 214 and sidewall portions 216 are shaped to engage the upper peripheral edge 152 of the cover 32 of the sorbent cartridge or the upper edge 208 of the disc filter base 196 and hold the disc filter filter material (not shown).

When an embodiment of a snap fit is shown, disc filter cover 212 may engage first sorbent cartridge cover 32 or disc filter base 196 in any known manner including, but not limited to twisting, snap fit, and welding.

The respirator 10 of the present invention is put on by manipulating the cam pawl 16 of the quick release mechanism 12. The application begins when the cam pawl 16 is in its upper, non-latched position. The user grips the headgear 56 with one hand and the yoke 14 or exhalation valve housing 38 with the other hand. Two separate

The portions 114,116 of the neck grip 112 are located around the neck of the wearer and secured by the lower straps 92, 94. The headpiece 56 is brought around the top of the head and the face piece 22 is positioned close (parallel) to the face. The cam latch 16 is then lowered in the direction of arrow 58 (in Figure 1) into the latched position.

The respirator 10 is loosened (removable) by moving the cam latch 16 in the opposite direction. The cam latch 16 pivots in the direction shown by arrow 60 (in Fig. 1) around the articulating pins 18, 20 into an unlatched (release) position. The quick release 12 is actuated in this case partly by manipulation forces exerted by the user and partly by accumulated stresses in the top strap 46 and partly by the weight of the lower part of the respirator 10. Thus, the quick release 12 is actuated and the respirator is operational. rest position by pressing your thumb on the cam latch 16. In addition, the respirator 10 of the present invention can be removed (loosely) without the need to remove other protective devices such as, for example, goggles (not shown).

Referring now to Fig. 19, another embodiment of the respirator 10 is shown in a rest position. As can be seen, such a respirator 10 provides a desired and comfortable rest position. When the respirator is released (removed) as described above, the yoke 14 pivots upward relative to the wearer's face and the effective length of the top strap 46 between the headpiece 56 and the face piece 22 increases. The face piece descends further away from the wearer's face in the direction shown by arrow 222. In one embodiment, the top strap 46 slides (glides) as much as about 10.16 cm (4 inches) through the guide holes or guides 48, 50 when the yoke 14 is moved from the latched position to the non-latched position. This allows the respirator to be in a rest position without removing the neck grip 112 from the neck or removing the headgear 56 from the top of the head. Applying the respirator 10 from the rest position simply requires lifting the face piece 22 into a position on the face, while the cam latch 16 is snapped down in the direction shown by arrow 58, preferably using only one hand.

While recommended non-limiting embodiments have been shown for purposes of illustration only, various modifications and substitutions can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.