Respiratory filter
First Claim
1. A seal check mechanism for a respirator, comprising:
- an air passageway in the respirator, the air passageway having a sealing rim;
a blocking member selectively movable between engaged and disengaged positions relative to said sealing rim; and
a spring element disposed to releasably maintain said blocking member in said disengaged position during respirator operation;
wherein said blocking member is user actuatable against the spring element'"'"'s bias to move said blocking member into said engaged position to substantially prevent entry of air into said air passageway during seal checking.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An improved respirator filter assembly includes an integral fit seal check mechanism easily controlled by the user. Upon release, the seal check mechanism permits free airflow through the filter assembly. The seal check mechanism includes an air passageway having a sealing rim and a blocking member which is selectively movable between engaged and disengaged positions relative to the sealing rim. A spring element is disposed to releasably maintain the blocking member in the disengaged position during filter assembly operation, wherein a user may actuate the blocking member against the bias of the spring element to move the blocking member into the engaged position to substantially prevent entry of air into the air passageway during seal checking.
55 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A seal check mechanism for a respirator, comprising:
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an air passageway in the respirator, the air passageway having a sealing rim;
a blocking member selectively movable between engaged and disengaged positions relative to said sealing rim; and
a spring element disposed to releasably maintain said blocking member in said disengaged position during respirator operation;
wherein said blocking member is user actuatable against the spring element'"'"'s bias to move said blocking member into said engaged position to substantially prevent entry of air into said air passageway during seal checking. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A filter assembly for a respirator, said filter assembly comprising:
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a seal check mechanism for a respirator, including;
an air passageway in the respirator having a sealing rim;
a blocking member selectively movable between engaged and disengaged positions relative to said sealing rim; and
a spring element disposed to releasably maintain said blocking member in said disengaged position during filter assembly operation;
wherein said blocking member is user actuatable against the bias of said spring element to move said blocking member into said engaged position to substantially prevent entry of air into said air passageway during seal checking; and
filter material sealably fastened to said air passageway and extending to a periphery of said blocking member, wherein air passing through said air passageway passes through said filter material. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method for fabricating a seal check mechanism for a respirator, said method comprising the steps of:
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providing an air passageway in the respirator having a sealing rim;
providing a blocking member that is selectively movable between engaged and disengaged positions relative to said sealing rim; and
providing a spring element disposed to releasably maintain said blocking member in said disengaged position during filter assembly operation, wherein said blocking member is user actuatable against the bias of said spring element to move said blocking member into said engaged position to substantially prevent entry of air into said air passageway during seal checking.
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20. A method for seal checking a respirator, said method comprising the steps of:
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providing the respirator with a filter assembly including;
an air passageway having a sealing rim;
a blocking member proximate said rim wherein the blocking member is selectively movable between engaged and disengaged positions relative to said sealing rim;
a spring element in operative engagement with the blocking member to releasably maintain said blocking member in said disengaged position during filter assembly operation;
actuating said blocking member against the bias of said spring element to move said blocking member into said engaged position; and
withdrawing air from said filter assembly wherein a partial vacuum is created within the respirator in the event of a seal between the respirator and a user.
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Specification