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Publication Number
US-11266861-B2
Publication Date
2022-03-08
Expiration Date
Abstract
A face mask includes a valve protector between a strap and an exhalation valve thereof. The valve protector's thickness defines a spacing between the strap and a strap retainer that is positioned on a mask body, disposed over the exhalation valve, and receives the strap. This spacing controls an extent of friction between the strap and the strap retainer.
Core Innovation
A face mask is configured to be worn on a wearer's head and to cover the wearer's nose and mouth. The face mask includes a mask body having a plurality of apertures and an exhalation valve positioned within one of the apertures. A harness assembly extends about the wearer's head, and the harness assembly includes a first strap attached to the harness assembly.
A strap retainer is positioned on the mask body and disposed over the exhalation valve, where the strap retainer is configured to receive the first strap. A valve protector is positioned between the first strap and the exhalation valve, and the valve protector includes a first surface configured to engage the exhalation valve and a second surface opposite the first surface.
A valve-protector thickness is defined between the first surface and the second surface, and the valve-protector thickness defines a spacing between the first strap and the strap retainer. The spacing controls an extent of friction between the front surface of the first strap and the strap retainer, thereby maintaining a stable seal position on the wearer. Further embodiments use a dome-shaped or upper semicircular region to provide friction while protecting the exhalation valve from contamination and directing exhaust downward to reduce fogging.
Claims Coverage
The provided claim content includes one independent claim directed to a face mask with an exhalation valve and a harness/strap retainer arrangement, where a valve protector sets spacing that controls strap-to-retainer friction. Dependent claim refinements further define the valve-protector geometry and the friction/spacing relationships.
Valve-protector thickness defines strap-to-retainer spacing that controls friction
A face mask including a mask body with apertures and an exhalation valve; a harness assembly extending about the wearer's head with a first strap; a strap retainer positioned on the mask body over the exhalation valve and configured to receive the first strap; and a valve protector positioned between the first strap and the exhalation valve, where the valve protector defines a thickness such that the thickness defines a spacing between the first strap and the strap retainer, and the spacing controls an extent of friction between the first strap and the strap retainer.
The key inventive concept is that a valve protector between the strap and the exhalation valve defines a spacing via its thickness that controls friction between the strap and the strap retainer. The claim content also refers to geometry refinements including dome-shaped or upper semicircular regions, ring-shaped forms, and friction regions on the valve protector second surface.
Stated Advantages
Maintains a stable seal position on the wearer.
Protects the exhalation valve from contamination.
Directs exhaust downward to reduce fogging.
Documented Applications
Use as a half-mask/respirator face mask with an exhalation valve in a mask body and a valve protector that protects the exhalation valve and supports stable sealing while controlling fogging.
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