Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-9993668-B2
Publication Date
2018-06-12
Expiration Date
Abstract
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 apertures, an inhalation port positioned within one of the apertures of the mask body, an exhalation valve positioned within a second one of the apertures of the mask body, a harness assembly configured to extend about a wearer's head wherein the harness assembly includes a first strap, a strap retainer positioned on the mask body and disposed over the exhalation valve, the strap retainer configured to receive the first strap; and a valve protector positioned between the first strap and the exhalation valve.
Core Innovation
A face mask assembly covers a wearer’s nose and mouth with a mask body that includes separate apertures. The mask body has an inhalation port positioned within a first aperture and an exhalation valve positioned within a second aperture, providing distinct intake and exhaust structures. A harness assembly extends about the wearer’s head and includes a first strap that is received by a strap retainer positioned on the mask body over the exhalation valve.
A valve protector is positioned between the first strap and the exhalation valve, and is positioned to prevent strap interference with the exhalation diaphragm while maintaining airflow. The valve protector includes a dome or ring-shaped structure with an aperture positioned over the exhalation valve. The strap retainer and the exhalation valve include attachment elements that are received by corresponding slots provided on the valve protector for detachable attachment.
The mask body includes a sealing rim and a breathing chamber formed by a deformable resilient face-shaped face piece that contacts the wearer’s face. A downward exhaust opening is provided in the strap retainer to route exhaust from the wearer downward through the opening when the mask is positioned on the wearer’s head. The mask body further includes filter cartridge mounting apertures at side apertures, and the face piece is arranged to form a seal with an encircling flange that contacts the wearer’s face.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim covers a face mask with separate inhalation and exhalation apertures, a head harness with a strap retainer over the exhalation valve, and a valve protector positioned between the strap and the exhalation valve. The claim further requires coordinated attachment elements and slots among the strap retainer, the exhalation valve, and the valve protector for detachable attachment, yielding three core inventive aspects.
Separate inhalation port and exhalation valve apertures in a mask body
A mask body having a plurality of apertures, including an inhalation port positioned within a first one of the plurality of apertures and an exhalation valve positioned within a second one of the plurality of apertures.
Strap retainer positioned over an exhalation valve receiving a harness strap
A harness assembly configured to extend about the wearer's head wherein the harness assembly includes a first strap, and a strap retainer positioned on the mask body and disposed over the exhalation valve, the strap retainer configured to receive the first strap.
Valve protector between the strap and exhalation valve with mating attachment elements and slots for detachable connection
A valve protector positioned between the first strap and the exhalation valve, wherein the strap retainer includes a first plurality of attachment elements, the exhalation valve includes a second plurality of attachment elements, and the valve protector includes a first plurality of slots configured to receive the first plurality of attachment elements and a second plurality of slots configured to receive the second plurality of attachment elements.
Across the independent claim, the inventive structure is driven by three linked features: separate apertures for an inhalation port and an exhalation valve; a harness strap received by a strap retainer disposed over the exhalation valve; and a valve protector positioned between the strap and exhalation valve enabling detachable connection via mating slots and attachment elements.
Stated Advantages
Prevents strap interference with the exhalation diaphragm while maintaining airflow.
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
Interested in licensing this patent?