A flaccid mask with straps and a supporting element that force the mask into sealing engagement with the wearer's face in response to force exerted by the straps on the supporting element

• US 5,353,789 A
• Filed: 11/16/1992
• Issued: 10/11/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 11/21/1991
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Dragerwerk AG
• Original Assignee: Dragerwerk AG
• Inventors: Schlobohm, Joachim
• Primary Examiner(s): Asher, Kimberly L.
• Application Number:
  US07/977,285
• Time in Patent Office: 694 Days
• Field of Search: 128/205.25, 128/206.12, 128/206.13, 128/206.15, 128/206.16, 128/206.17, 128/206.21, 128/206.27, 128/207.11, 128/206.19 , 128/206.23, 128/206.24, 128/206.26, 128/206.28, 2/6.2, 2/424
• US Class Current: 128/206.24
• CPC Class Codes: A62B 18/025 Halfmasks A62B23/02 takes precedence; surgical face masks A41D13/11

Abstract

A half mask (1) with a connection opening (13) for a filter (12), with a flexible half mask body (2) with a sealing edge (3) and with a solid filter holder (10) surrounding the half mask body. A strap (16) is connected to the filter holder. Wear comfort and tightness of fit are provided by the half mask body (2) having a supporting structure (17, 19, 21), which extends over at least a certain section and which is brought into engagement with the front sides (18, 20, 22) of the filter holder (10) pointing toward the sealing edge (3) by the strap (16), when the half mask (1) has been put on, in such a manner that the sealing edge (3) is supported.

Claims

1. Half mask, comprising:

a flexible half mask body with a cheek area, and a chin area and a sealing edge for engagement with a face of a user and with a connection opening for a filter;

a solid filter holder including a one piece element surrounding a front portion of said half mask body and surrounding both said cheek area and said chin area, said filter holder having front sides pointing in a direction towards said sealing edge, said half mask body being provided with an inhalation valve including structure which can be buttoned into said filter holder;

a strap connected directly to said solid filter holder; and

supporting means extending over a section of said flexible half mask body, said supporting means including first step means extending along said sealing edge in said cheek area, said front side of said solid filter holder including a first front side in contact with said first step means, said first step means for transferring forces exerted by said strap, from said first front side to said sealing edge in said cheek area and for facilitating sealing between said sealing edge in said cheek area and the face of the user, said flexible half mask body further including a nose area, said supporting means including second step means provided along said nose area, said filter holder including a second front side in contact with said second step means, said second step means for transferring forces exerted by said strap from said second front side to said sealing edge in said nose area.

2. Half mask according to claim 1, wherein:

said first step means is an oblique, funnel-shaped surface.

3. Half mask according to claim 1, wherein:

said supporting means including a supporting lip in said chin area, said filter holder including a third front side in contact with said supporting lip.

4. Half mask according to claim 1, wherein:

said filter holder including a button connection opening with a sealing surface for a round thread of a respirator filter.

5. Half mask according to claim 1, wherein:

said filter holder includes an exhalation opening adjacent an exhalation valve provided in said flexible half mask body.

6. Half mask, comprising:

a flexible half mask body formed of a flaccid elastomer with a sealing edge for engagement with a face of a user and with a connection opening for a filter;

a solid filter holder surrounding a front portion of said half mask body, said filter holder having front sides pointing in a direction towards said sealing edge;

a strap engaging said solid filter holder; and

supporting means extending around a section of said flexible half mask body, said flexible half mask body including a cheek area, said supporting means including first step means extending along said sealing edge in said cheek area, said front side of said solid filter holder including a first front side with a portion shaped corresponding to said first step means, said first step means for transferring forces exerted by said strap, from said first front side to said sealing edge in said cheek area to facilitate a sealing between said sealing edge in said cheek area and the face of the user, said flexible half mask body further includes a nose area, said supporting means including second step means provided along said nose area, said filter holder including a second front side in contact with said second step means, said second step means for transferring forces exerted by said strap from said second front side to said sealing edge in said nose area.