Respirator with stretch-panels

a technology of stretch-panels and respirators, which is applied in the field of filter masks, can solve the problems of air being harmful to breathe, many workers simply going without a protective mask, and the full effect of the filter mask will not be realized

Inactive Publication Date: 2009-06-18
KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE INC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]The present invention includes a disposable respirator which defines an area surrounded by a periphery, the disposable respirator extending across a wearer's nose bridge, across each of the wearer's cheeks, and underneath the wearer's chin for covering the nose and mouth of the wearer. The disposable respirator includes a

Problems solved by technology

Often construction or agricultural workers will be working in a “dirty” environment in which the air would be harmful to breathe if it were not filtered.
Unfortunately, many workers will simply go without a protective mask if they deem it too uncomfortable.
Regardless of the application, the full benefits of the

Method used

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  • Respirator with stretch-panels
  • Respirator with stretch-panels
  • Respirator with stretch-panels

Examples

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third embodiment

[0038]Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, and not meant as a limitation of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield still a It is intended that the present invention include these and other modifications and variations.

[0039]The present invention is a respirator 10 that is generally constructed from a filter body 12 and one or more stretch-panels 14, exemplified by panels 14A and 14B in FIGS. 1-10. As shown, respirator 10 preferably has the general shape of a cup defining an opening 11 that is generally against the wearer's face when worn (see, FIG. 3). The filter body portion of the mask 10 is preferably held away from the wearer's nostrils and mouth. Such “off-the-face” style masks provide a breathing chamber to permit cooler wear...

first embodiment

[0064]Desirably, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6-10, like seams 71 of the first embodiment, seams 77 are outwardly facing fin seams created by an air impermeable bond such as a pressure or ultrasonic bond.

[0065]It is further contemplated that a direction of stretch may coincide with the anticipated movement of the wearer. For instance, chewing may cause the wearer's jaw to move in direction 84 (see FIG. 6). Thus, the stretch direction of panel 14B may substantially align with direction 84. So as not to “lock up” the stretchability of panel 14B, the periphery may also be configured to align with the anticipated direction of movement.

[0066]The embodiment of respirator 10 as shown in FIG. 7 differs from the previous embodiment in that an exhalation attachment device 100 replaces the slit 44 and strap 42 (described in the embodiment of FIG. 1). This device 100 bypasses the filtration media of the respirator during exhalation enabling faster expulsion of the hot humid exhaled breath....

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Abstract

A disposable respirator made from a filter body having at least one stretch-panel incorporated therein. The stretch-panel allows the respirator to better conform to the wearer's face during movement due to talking, coughing, or general head or neck movement. There may be one or more stretch-panels located underneath the chin or over the cheeks of the wearer.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention relates to filter masks which isolate both the mouth and nostrils of a wearer from the surrounding environment. More particularly, the invention relates to a conforming, collapsible filter mask which requires only a headband to secure the filter mask to the wearer's head.[0002]There are many situations today where it is necessary to filter the air which is inhaled and exhaled. Such filtration is primarily concerned with removal of small particulate matter, such as dirt or bacteria, as opposed to gases or liquids, from the air. Perhaps the most common instance in which a filter mask is used is in the medical arts. However, the same filter masks which have application in the medical arts are also, in many cases, well suited for use in industrial and domestic applications.[0003]In the medical arts, filter masks are often used to prevent substances exhaled by the wearer from entering the surrounding environment. The same mask may also be us...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): A41D13/11
CPCA62B23/025A41D13/113
Inventor WELCHEL, DEBRA N.STEINDORF, ERIC C.
Owner KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE INC
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