Breathing device

Abstract

A variant of the respirator device includes a central portion of the respirator, a filter assembly, and a liner. The central portion of the respirator defines a transparent central region configured to align with the user's nose and mouth, and a filter window laterally offset from the transparent central region. The filter assembly includes a filter medium and a seal, the seal surrounding the perimeter of the filter medium and defining a central recess configured to engage with the edge of the filter window to momentarily hold the filter assembly within the filter window. The liner is disposed on the back of the central portion of the respirator and configured to seal against the user's face and to position the central portion of the respirator and the filter assembly offset from the user's face to form an airflow channel to guide airflow across the user's smooth cheek area.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 428,314, filed November 28, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates generally to the field of respirators, and more specifically to a novel and useful device for a transparent shield respirator having a conformal foam facial gasket that incorporates an interchangeable acoustically permeable conformal frame pleated filter. Brief description of the attached diagram

[0004] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a respirator device;

[0005] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a respirator device;

[0006] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a respirator device;

[0007] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a respirator device;

[0008] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a respirator device;

[0009] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a respirator device;

[0010] Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is a schematic diagram of a respirator device;

[0011] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a respirator device; and

[0012] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a respirator device. Description of the Implementation Examples

[0013] The following description of embodiments of the present invention is not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments, but rather to enable those skilled in the art to understand and use the invention. The variations, configurations, implementations, exemplary implementations, and examples described herein are optional and are not exclusive. The invention described herein can include any and all permutations of these variations, configurations, implementations, exemplary implementations, and examples.

[0014] 1. Respiratory apparatus

[0015] like Figure 1 As shown, the respirator device 100 includes: a central portion 110 of the shield; a first filter assembly 120; a second filter assembly 128; and a liner 140.

[0016] The central portion 110 of the shield is formed of a flexible material and is transparent overall, thereby defining a central region 112 configured to be located at a central position above the user's face; a left filter window 114 laterally offset from the transparent central region 112; and a right filter window 116 laterally offset from the transparent central region 112 opposite to the left filter window 114.

[0017] The first filter assembly 120 includes a first filter medium 121 and a first seal 122. The first seal 122 surrounds the periphery of the first filter medium 121 and defines a first central recess 123, which is configured to engage with a first edge 115 of the left filter window 114 to momentarily hold the first filter assembly 120 within the left filter window 114.

[0018] The second filter assembly 128 includes a second filter medium 129 and a second seal 130. The second seal 130 surrounds the periphery of the second filter medium 129 and defines a second central recess 131 configured to engage with a second edge of the right filter window 116 to momentarily hold the second filter assembly 128 within the right filter window 116.

[0019] Pad 140: disposed on the back of the central portion 110 of the shield; and configured to conform to the user's facial contours, aligning the transparent barrier-free window of the central region 112 with the user's nose and mouth. Pad 140 is also configured to position the central portion 110 of the shield and the first filter assembly 120 offset from the user's face to form a left airflow channel 150, the left airflow channel 150: defining a first height; defining a first depth less than the first height; and extending across the user's left cheek region, exposing a smooth skin area on the upper cheek. Pad 140 is also configured to position the central portion 110 of the shield and the second filter assembly 128 offset from the user's face to form a right airflow channel 150, the right airflow channel 150: defining a second height; defining a second depth less than the second height; and extending across the user's right cheek region, exposing a smooth skin area on the upper cheek.

[0020] 2. Application

[0021] Typically, the respirator device 100 can be used as a respirator that: induces a cooling sensation on a smooth skin area of ​​the user's upper cheek; maintains contact with the user's face by responsively adapting to movements of the user's face (e.g., head turning, speaking), exhibits elasticity; and allows other users to see facial cues (e.g., expressions) from the user. More specifically, the respirator device 100 may include: a central portion 110 of the shield, including a transparent region 112 configured to be centered above the user's nose and / or mouth; a filter assembly 120 momentarily coupled to the central portion 110 of the shield and arranged offset from the transparent region 112 of the central portion 110 of the shield; and a pad 140 disposed on the rear side of the central portion 110 of the shield and configured to conformally fit the user's face to position the filter assembly 120 near the user's smooth cheek area and to form an airflow passage 150 within the internal volume (identified as a plenum) of the central portion 110 of the shield between the filter assembly 120 and the transparent central region 112 of the central portion 110 of the shield.

[0022] Therefore, during the user's inhalation (e.g., nasal inhalation, mouth inhalation) and exhalation (e.g., nasal exhalation, mouth exhalation), the airflow within the airflow channel 150 is guided through the smooth skin on the upper cheek area to induce a cooling sensation on the user's face, while maintaining unobstructed view of the user's nose and mouth within the transparent central area 112 of the shield's central portion 110.

[0023] The respirator device 100 includes a liner 140, which is formed of an elastomeric conformal closed-cell foam material including a non-porous skin surface; arranged around the periphery of a central portion 110 of the respirator; includes an upper liner portion 143 defining an arched geometry contoured along the upper edge of a transparent central region 112 of the central portion 110 of the respirator; and includes a lower liner portion 144 defining a concave geometry contoured along the lower edge of the transparent central region 112 of the central portion 110 of the respirator. Additionally, the liner 140 is configured to conform to the user's face to form an airflow passage 150 extending between an internal filter assembly 120 and the transparent central region 112 of the central portion 110 of the respirator; contoured along the user's nasal bone to maintain contact between the upper liner portion 143 and the user's face; and contoured along the user's mandible to maintain contact between the lower liner portion 144 and the user's face.

[0024] The respirator device 100 may further include: a neck harness 160, which is attached to the central portion 110 of the shield and configured to wrap around the back of the user's neck; and a skull harness 165, which is attached to the central portion 110 of the shield and configured to form a loop around the user's skull. Thus, the neck harness 160 and the skull harness 165 cooperate to: surround the user's face stabilizing pad 140 to form an airflow passage 150 within the central portion 110 of the shield; position the user's nose and mouth within a transparent central region 112 of the central portion 110 of the shield; and position the filter window 114 (and thus the filter assembly 120) near the user's smooth cheek area.

[0025] Therefore, the pad 140 cooperates with the user's face so that during facial movements (e.g., head rotation, jaw movement during speech), the pad 140 does not slide on the user's face, but rather deflects, stretches, and compresses to conform to the facial topology, exhibiting uniform elasticity, thereby: maintaining contact between the upper pad portion 143 and the user's nasal bone; maintaining contact between the lower pad portion 144 and the underside of the user's jawbone; and guiding airflow through the filter assembly within the internal volume of the shield's central portion 110.

[0026] Additionally, the central portion 110 of the shield also includes a filter window 114, which is offset from the transparent central region 112 and configured to receive the filter assembly 120; and is configured to receive the filter assembly 120 to position the airflow channel 150 near the user's smooth cheek area. Specifically, the filter assembly 120 may include: a filter medium 121 (e.g., a polytetrafluoroethylene membrane, spunbond polyester); and a seal 122 surrounding the filter medium 121 and defining a central recess 123 extending around the periphery of the seal 122 and configured to engage with the edge 115 of the filter window 114 to position the filter assembly 120 within the filter window 114. The seal 122 may be formed of an elastomeric material configured to deform during installation of the filter assembly 120 into the filter window 114; and include a groove configured to extend around and abut against the inner and outer edges of the edge 115 of the filter window 114, thereby positioning and sealing the filter assembly 120 within the filter window 114. Thus, the filter assembly 120 is operable by a user in a deformable configuration to position the filter assembly 120 within the filter window 114 of the central portion 110 of the housing; and is operable in a nominal configuration to position the edge 115 of the filter window 114 within the central groove 123 of the seal 122, thereby forming an interference fit between the filter window 114 and the filter assembly 120, which guides airflow from the outside of the central portion 110 through the filter assembly 120 within the internal volume of the central portion 110 of the housing. Therefore, during inhalation by the user (e.g., from the nose or mouth), airflow within the airflow channel 150 is guided from the filter assembly 120 across the user's smooth cheek area to induce a cooling sensation. Additionally, during exhalation by the user (e.g., from the nose or mouth), airflow within the airflow channel 150 is guided from the transparent central region 112 across the user's smooth cheek area to induce a cooling sensation.

[0027] Therefore, the respirator device 100: induces a cooling effect on the user's smooth cheek area during inhalation and exhalation; allows an external observer to observe facial cues from the user's nose and mouth areas within the transparent central region 112 of the central portion 110 of the shield; deflects and twists around the user's face to keep the pad 140 against the user's face to direct airflow from the filter assembly 120 toward the internal volume of the central portion 110 of the shield; and prevents contaminants from the external environment surrounding the central portion 110 (e.g., airborne particles, dirt, dust) from entering the interior of the central portion 110 of the shield (identified as an air chamber).

[0028] 3. Lens section

[0029] Typically, the respirator device 100 includes a central portion 110 of a shield formed of a transparent flexible material (e.g., a polycarbonate membrane) configured to deflect and twist in response to facial movement of a user; and configured to contour to the user's face to expose the user's nose and mouth areas. More specifically, the respirator device 100 includes a transparent central region 112 configured to be positioned above the user's face (e.g., nose, mouth); a left filter window 114 laterally offset from the transparent central region 112; and a right filter window 116 laterally offset from the transparent central region 112 opposite to the left filter window 114. Therefore, the respirator device 100, when placed on the user's face, exposes the nasal and mouth areas to the observer; and supports the momentary connection of the filter assembly 120 at the left filter window 114 and / or the right filter window 116 to prevent contaminants from the external environment (e.g., airborne particles, dirt, dust) surrounding the central portion 110 of the lens from entering the interior of the central portion 110 of the shield.

[0030] In one embodiment, the shield's central portion 110: defines a target width configured to curve from the user's left cheekbone to the right cheekbone to position the shield's central portion 110 across the user's breathing area (e.g., mouth, nose) and smooth cheek area; and defines a target height configured to extend from the user's bridge of the nose to below the chin. The shield's central portion 110 includes: an upper edge defining an upper arch configured to follow the contour of the user's nasal bone; a lower edge defining a lower arch configured to follow the contour of the user's mandible; a left edge located between the upper and lower edges and configured to follow the contour of the user's left cheekbone; and a right edge opposite the left edge, located between the upper and lower edges and configured to follow the contour of the user's right cheekbone. More specifically, the upper edge may further define: a left fan-shaped region configured to outline along the left maxilla below the user's left eye to create an unobstructed field of vision from the left eye when the central portion 110 of the lens is positioned on the user's face; and a right fan-shaped region opposite the left fan-shaped region configured to outline along the right maxilla below the user's right eye to create an unobstructed field of vision from the right eye when the central portion 110 of the shield is positioned on the user's face.

[0031] In this embodiment, the central portion 110 of the shield includes a left filter window 114, which is arranged on the left side near the center portion 110 of the lens; defines a target shape (e.g., a semi-elliptical shape, a circular shape, a rhombus shape); defines a window width; and defines a window height smaller than the window width. Similarly, the central portion 110 of the shield includes a right filter window 116, which is arranged on the right side near the center portion 110 of the shield; defines a target shape (e.g., a semi-elliptical shape, a circular shape, a rhombus shape); defines a window width; and defines a window height smaller than the window width. Furthermore, the filter window 114 may include markings (e.g., contrasting color bands) arranged around its perimeter, indicating a sealing edge configured to guide the user to position the filter assembly 120 within the filter window 114 of the central portion 110 of the shield.

[0032] Although this embodiment includes a left filter window 114 and a right filter window 116 arranged on the central portion 110 of the shield, other variations may include a single filter window and / or multiple (e.g., more than two) filter windows arranged on the central portion 110 of the shield, which are configured to receive the filter assembly 120.

[0033] Therefore, the central portion 110 of the shield: allows an observer to observe facial cues (e.g., facial expressions) from the user through the transparent central area 112; includes a filter assembly 120 that is momentarily connected within the right filter window 116 and the left filter window 114 of the central portion 110 of the shield; and flexes and twists in response to movement of the user's face.

[0034] 4. Filter assembly

[0035] Typically, the filter assembly 120 includes: a filter medium 121; and a seal 122. The filter medium 121 is configured to prevent contaminants (e.g., airborne particles, dirt, dust) from entering the internal volume of the respirator device 100 between the central portion 110 of the lens and the user's face from the external environment outside the lens center portion 110. The seal 122 is arranged around the filter medium 121 (e.g., overmolded filter medium 121); and defines an outer circumferential groove configured to be positioned around and abut against the edge 115 of the filter window 114, thereby forming a double seal against the inner and outer edges of the edge 115 of the filter window 114, while positioning the filter medium 121 within the filter window 114. More specifically, the filter assembly 120 is configured to deform in response to a force applied around the seal 122 surrounding the filter medium 121 to fully position the filter assembly 120 within the filter window 114. Therefore, upon release of the force applied around the seal 122, the filter assembly 120 returns to its nominal shape (e.g., a semi-elliptical shape) to induce an engagement between a central recess 123 arranged around the seal 122 and an edge 115 surrounding the filter window 114, thereby forming an interference fit between the filter window 114 and the filter assembly 120. Thus, the filter assembly 120 can: prevent contaminants (e.g., airborne particles, dirt, dust) from entering the interior of the central portion 110 of the housing; and form an interference fit between the filter assembly 120 and the filter window 114 to guide airflow from outside the central portion 110 of the housing through the filter assembly 120 and into the internal volume of the central portion 110 of the housing.

[0036] 4.1 Interference fit

[0037] In one embodiment, the respirator device 100 includes: a filter window 114 (e.g., a left filter window 114) defining a square edge 115 surrounding the periphery of the filter window 114; and a central recess 123 defining a forked geometry extending around the periphery of a seal 122 surrounding a filter medium 121, and configured to engage with the square edge 115 of the filter window 114.

[0038] In one example, the fork-shaped geometry includes: a first fork 124 surrounding the periphery of the seal 122; a second fork 125 surrounding the periphery of the seal 122 opposite to the first fork 124; and a slot 126 located between the first fork 124 and the second fork 125, the slot 126 being configured to receive a square edge 115 of the filter window 114. Thus, the fork-shaped geometry of the central recess 123 extends around the periphery of the seal 122 to mate with the inner and outer edges of the edges surrounding the periphery of the filter window 114 (e.g., quad edges, triangular edges, rounded edges), thereby forming an interference fit between the filter assembly 120 and the central portion 110 of the shield. In this example, the central recess 123 can instantaneously connect the filter window 114 to: position the square edge 115 of the filter window 114 within the slot 126 of the forked geometry of the central recess 123; seal the first fork tooth 124 of the forked geometry against the outer edge of the edge 115 of the filter window 114; and seal the second fork tooth 125 of the forked geometry against the inner edge of the edge 115 of the filter window 114 opposite to the outer edge, thereby forming an interference fit between the filter assembly 120 and the filter window 114.

[0039] In one embodiment, the filter assembly 120 is operable to: position the filter assembly 120 within the filter window 114 in a deformable configuration during the application of force around the periphery of the filter assembly 120; and seal the filter assembly 120 against the edge of the filter window 114 in a nominal configuration during the absence of force applied around the periphery of the filter assembly 120.

[0040] In one example, filter media 121 includes a multilayer construction (e.g., a single or double layer of PTFE membrane, wherein the PTFE membrane layer is bonded to spunbond polyester fabric on each side) having a target filtration efficiency (e.g., between 95% filtration efficiency for R95, N95 and 99.97% filtration efficiency for P100, N100); defines a parallel pleated geometry encapsulating filter media 121 within a seal 122; and spans a target surface area within the seal 122 (e.g., between 80 square inches and 110 square inches, between 51,000 square millimeters and 70,967.6 square millimeters). Additionally, the seal 122 is formed of an elastomeric material (e.g., urethane, thermoplastic) molded around the filter medium 121; and defines a target hardness range (e.g., between 55 Shore A and 75 Shore A), which is configured to deform the filter assembly 120 in response to a force applied around the seal 122 surrounding the filter medium 121.

[0041] In another example, filter window 114 is defined by: a window width (e.g., between 3 inches and 4 inches); and a window height smaller than the window width (e.g., between 0.5 inches and 1.0 inches). In this example, filter assembly 120: defines a semi-elliptical geometry matching the window width and window height; and is configured to deform laterally and vertically in response to forces applied around the periphery of filter assembly 120. Thus, a user can then: apply a force around seal 122 surrounding filter medium 121 to operate filter assembly 120 in a deformable configuration to position filter assembly 120 within the window width and window height of filter window 114; and remove the force applied around seal 122 to operate filter assembly 120 in a nominal configuration such that central recess 123 engages with the edge of filter window 114, thereby forming an interference fit between filter assembly 120 and filter window 114.

[0042] In one embodiment, the filter assembly 120 can be interchanged among a plurality of filter windows located on the central portion 110 of the housing. For example, the central portion 110 of the housing may include a left filter window 114 arranged near the left side of the central portion 110 of the housing; and a right filter window 116 arranged near the right side of the central portion 110 of the housing. Thus, the filter assembly 120 can be selectively arranged by the user within the left filter window 114 or the right filter window 116. More specifically, the filter assembly 120 is operable in a first configuration, including the central groove 123 of the seal 122 engaging with the first edge 115 of the left filter window 114 to momentarily hold the filter assembly 120 within the left filter window 114; and is operable in a second configuration, including the central groove 123 of the seal 122 engaging with the second edge of the right filter window 116 (opposite to the left filter window 114) to momentarily hold the filter assembly 120 within the right filter window 116.

[0043] In another embodiment, the respirator device 100 includes a first filter assembly 120 comprising: a first filter medium 121; and a first seal 122 surrounding the first filter medium 121 and defining a first central recess 123 configured to momentarily engage a left filter window 114 of the central portion 110 of the respirator. Similarly, the respirator device 100 may include a second filter assembly 128 comprising: a second filter medium 129; and a second seal 130 surrounding the second filter medium 129 and defining a second central recess 131 configured to momentarily engage a right filter window 116 of the central portion 110 of the respirator. In this embodiment, as described above, the first filter assembly 120 and the second filter assembly 128 may be interchangeable between the left filter window 114 and the right filter window 116. Additionally, although this embodiment includes a first filter assembly 120 and a second filter assembly 128 configured to momentarily connect the central portion 110 of the shield, other variations may include a single filter assembly and / or multiple (e.g., more than two) filter assemblies configured to momentarily connect filter windows arranged on the central portion 110 of the shield.

[0044] Therefore, the filter assembly 120 momentarily connects to the filter window 114 of the central portion 110 of the shield in order to: prevent contaminants (e.g., airborne particles, dirt, dust) from entering the internal volume of the central portion 110 of the shield during user inhalation; and form an interference fit between the filter assembly 120 and the filter window 114 to guide airflow from outside the central portion 110 of the shield through the filter assembly 120 toward the internal volume of the central portion 110 of the shield.

[0045] 4.2 Filter cover

[0046] In one embodiment, the filter assembly 120 includes a seal 122 surrounding a periphery of a filter medium 121; defining a central recess 123 extending around the periphery of the seal 122; and defining an intermittent outer recess 127 adjacent to the central recess 123, the intermittent outer recess 127 surrounding the periphery of the seal 122 and configured to momentarily engage a filter cover 133 extending across the filter medium 121 of the filter assembly 120. In this embodiment, the filter cover 133 includes a pre-filter media 134 (e.g., silicone, Sil-Scrim thermomolded polyester sparse cloth, carbon sparse cloth); and a capture detent 135 arranged around the inner periphery of the pre-filter media 134 and configured to engage the intermittent outer recess 127 to momentarily retain the filter cover 133 on the outer surface of the filter medium 121. Therefore, while the filter cover 133 is held on the outer surface, the filter cover 133 cooperates with the filter assembly 120 to form an air cavity between the surface area of ​​the filter medium 121 of the filter assembly 120 and the pre-filter medium 134 of the filter cover 133.

[0047] Additionally, the filter cover 133 may include a valve plate 170 configured to mate with the geometry of the filter edge: centrally located on the pre-filter medium 134; disposed within the air cavity formed by the filter assembly 120 and the filter cover 133; and configured to prevent inward airflow during user inhalation and outward airflow during user exhalation. Therefore, the filter cover 133 cooperates with the filter assembly 120 to isolate the filter medium 121 of the filter assembly 120 from the external environment, thereby allowing for graded regulation of airflow (e.g., inward and outward airflow) and preventing large particulate and liquid contaminants (e.g., airborne particles >PM10, dirt, dust, body fluids, blood, water droplets) from directly contacting the filter medium 121 of the filter assembly 120.

[0048] Additionally, a valve plate 170 is centrally located on a pre-filter medium 134, which is suspended near the inlet opening of the filter assembly 120 and separated from the inlet face of the filter assembly 120 by an air chamber to prevent interference with inward airflow during inhalation or outward airflow during exhalation. The valve plate 170 is configured to cover the inlet face of the filter assembly 120. The configuration of the pre-filter medium 134 incorporates the flexibility of its outer plane, suspending the valve plate 170 near the face of the filter assembly 120. If necessary, the valve plate 170 can be deflected by force to engage the face of the filter assembly 120 and impede inlet and outlet airflow, thereby allowing assessment of the seal integrity of the gasket 140 against the user's face. The force applied to engage the valve plate 170 against the face of the filter assembly 120 is less than 1 inch-pound to avoid false-positive gasket seal integrity assessments by applying pressure to the gasket 140 seal during the pressure application sequence in the evaluation process. The assessment requires a short, sudden burst of inhalation sufficient to create a vacuum in the respirator's air chamber, while the valve plate 170 simultaneously deflects and presses against the surface of the filter assembly 120. The resulting increase in vacuum from the sudden inhalation pulls the respirator assembly 100 toward the face, thereby increasing the pressure of the liner 140 on the facial seal area, which is easily perceived by the user. A weak vacuum or lack of vacuum during the assessment indicates a liner seal leak at the liner-facial seal area, and requires reassembly of the respirator assembly 100 until a perceptible vacuum can be achieved.

[0049] In one example, the respirator device 100 includes a first filter assembly 120, which includes a first seal 122 defining a first central recess 123 extending around the periphery of the first seal 122; and a first discontinuous outer recess 127 adjacent to the first central recess 123, surrounding the periphery of the first seal 122. In this example, the first filter assembly 120 can momentarily engage a left filter window 114 to position the first outer recess 127 outside the lens center portion 110. Additionally, the respirator device 100 includes a first filter cap 133, which includes a first pre-filter medium 134; and a first capture pawl 135 arranged around the periphery of the first pre-filter medium 134 and configured to engage the first discontinuous outer recess 127 to momentarily hold the first filter cap 133 on a first outer surface of the first filter medium 121 of the first filter assembly 120. Similarly, the respirator device 100 includes a second filter assembly 128, which includes a second seal 130 defining a second central recess 131 extending around the periphery of the second seal 130; and a second discontinuous outer recess 132 adjacent to the second central recess 131, surrounding the periphery of the second seal 130. The second filter assembly 128 can momentarily engage the right filter window 116 to position the second outer recess 132 outside the lens center portion 110. Furthermore, the respirator device 100 includes a second filter cap 136, which includes a second pre-filter medium 137; and a second capture pawl 138 arranged around the periphery of the second pre-filter medium 137 and configured to engage the second discontinuous outer recess 132 to momentarily hold the second filter cap 136 on the second outer surface of the second filter medium 129 of the second filter assembly 128.

[0050] Therefore, the respirator device 100 may include a filter cover 133 configured to momentarily engage the filter assembly 120 in order to: prevent large particulate and liquid contaminants (e.g., airborne particles > PM10, dirt, dust, body fluids, blood, water droplets) from directly contacting the filter medium 121 of the filter assembly 120; and guide airflow (e.g., inward airflow, outward airflow) during the user's inhalation and exhalation.

[0051] 4.3 Adjustable filter depth

[0052] In one embodiment, the filter assembly 120 is operable in a first depth configuration, including a central recess 123 of the seal 122 engaging the filter window 114 to position the filter assembly 120 within a first depth (e.g., between 0.1 inches and 0.2 inches) of the internal volume of the central portion 110 of the lens; and is operable in a second depth configuration, including an outer recess 127 of the seal 122 engaging the filter window 114 to position the filter assembly 120 within a second depth greater than the first depth (e.g., between 0.21 inches and 0.3 inches) of the internal volume of the central portion 110 of the lens. More specifically, the filter assembly 120 is operable in a first depth configuration, including a central groove 123 of the seal 122 engaging with the edge of the filter window 114 to momentarily hold the filter assembly 120 within the filter window 114 at the first depth; and is operable in a second depth configuration, including an outer groove 127 of the seal 122 engaging with the edge of the filter window 114 to momentarily hold the filter assembly 120 within the filter window 114 at a second depth greater than the first depth.

[0053] Therefore, the filter assembly 120 is selectively arranged within the filter window 114 to adjust the depth of the filter assembly 120 extending within the internal volume of the lens center portion 110, so as to prevent the filter assembly 120 from directly contacting the user's face when a larger filter is installed. Although this embodiment includes a seal 122 defining a central recess 123 and an outer recess 127 surrounding the periphery of the seal 122, other variations may include a single recess and / or multiple (e.g., more than two) recesses arranged around the periphery of the seal 122, the seal 122 surrounding the filter medium 121 of the filter assembly 120.

[0054] 5. Padding

[0055] Typically, the respirator device 100 includes a pad 140, which is disposed around the rear side of the central portion 110 of the lens and configured to conform to the user's face. More specifically, the pad 140 is disposed around the periphery of the central portion 110 of the lens (e.g., adhesively attached, overmolded); configured to contour around the user's face to position the user's nose and mouth within a transparent central region 112 of the central portion 110; and forms an airflow channel 150 within the internal volume of the central portion 110 to guide airflow across the user's smooth cheek area during inhalation and exhalation. Thus, the pad 140 maintains contact with the user's face during facial movement to prevent air from entering and / or leaving the internal volume (e.g., air chamber) of the central portion 110 along the compressed pad 140 against the user's face; and causes a passive cooling effect on the user's face during inhalation and exhalation as air flows through the airflow channel 150 across the user's smooth cheek area.

[0056] 5.1 Facial Compression

[0057] In one embodiment, the pad 140 is formed of an elastomeric closed-cell conformal foam material including a non-porous surface (e.g., an integrated skin); disposed around the rear side of the central portion 110 of the cover; and configured to conform to the user's face to position the filter window 114 near the user's smooth cheek area. Specifically, the pad 140 is formed of an elastomeric urethane foam and / or an elastomeric silicone foam material; including a continuous smooth skin surface integrally formed during a specialized foam molding process that implements a proprietary tool coating that, upon contact, disrupts the surface tension between the tool contact surface and the foam, causing air cells near the foam surface to collapse, forming a uniform smooth skin surface with increased durability, improved release characteristics, and an ideal sealing area surface finish for facial contours; and defines a continuous boundary around the rear side of the central portion 110 of the lens to outline the contours of the user's nose, cheeks, and chin, thereby maintaining contact with the user's face during facial movements (e.g., movement of the jawbone).

[0058] In this embodiment, the pad 140 includes a left pad portion 141, which defines a first depth (e.g., 0.25 inches, 6 mm), contoured along the left edge of the lens center portion 110, and is configured to conform to the left side of the user's jawbone to position the left filter window 114 of the lens center portion 110 near the user's left smooth cheek area. Similarly, the pad 140 includes a right pad portion 142, which matches the first depth (e.g., 0.20 inches, 5 mm), contoured along the right edge of the lens center portion 110, and is configured to conform to the right side of the user's jawbone to position the right filter window 116 of the lens center portion 110 near the user's right smooth cheek area. The entire pad 140 is a single continuous injection molded part, designed to eliminate all mold parting lines that could create potential leakage paths between the pad's sealing area and the facial topology.

[0059] Therefore, the right pad portion 142 cooperates with the left pad portion 141 to: maintain contact between the pad 140 and the user's face (e.g., the sealing area); and guide airflow through the filter assembly 120 into the internal volume (e.g., the air chamber) of the lens center portion 110. Thus, during user facial movements (e.g., movement of the mandible, rotation of the head), the pad 140 (through the pad's elastomer, foam conformal properties, and a design specifically configured to move with the interface of the pad sealing area on the facial topology) remains in contact with the user's face.

[0060] Additionally, the pad 140 includes an upper pad portion 143, which defines a second depth greater than the first depth (e.g., 0.25 inches, 6 millimeters); defines an arched geometry that contours along the upper edge of the transparent central region 112; and is configured to conform to the skin supported by the user's nasal bone and cheekbone to position the user's nose within the transparent central region 112 of the lens central portion 110. Furthermore, the pad 140 includes a lower pad portion 144, which defines a third depth greater than the second depth (e.g., 0.80 inches, 20 millimeters); defines a concave geometry that contours along the lower edge of the transparent central region 112; and is configured to conform to the underside of the user's mandible to position the user's chin and mouth within the transparent central region 112 of the lens central portion 110.

[0061] Therefore, the lower pad portion 144 cooperates with the upper pad portion 143, the left pad portion 141, and the right pad portion 142 to maintain contact with the skin supported by the user's facial bones (e.g., nasal bone, cheekbone, mandible) while keeping the smooth cheek area exposed within the internal volume of the shield's central portion 110. Thus, during user facial movements (e.g., head rotation, mandibular movement during speech), the pad 140 does not slide on the user's face; instead, the pad 140 can elastically deflect to: maintain contact between the upper pad portion 143 and the user's nasal bone; and maintain contact between the lower pad portion 144 and the underside of the user's mandible.

[0062] 5.2 Airflow channels + facial cooling

[0063] In one embodiment, the pad 140 is configured to conform to the user's face to: position the filter assembly 120 offset from the user's smooth cheek area; and form an airflow channel 150 extending from the filter assembly 120 to a transparent central region 112 (positioned around the user's nose and mouth), and is configured to guide airflow across the user's smooth cheek area. Specifically, the airflow channel 150: defines a target depth range (e.g., between 0.1 inches and 0.3 inches, and between 2.5 mm and 8 mm) between the inner surface of the shield's central portion 110 and the user's face; and defines a target height range (e.g., between 0.5 inches and 1.5 inches, and between 2.5 mm and 8 mm) across the user's smooth cheek area.

[0064] In one example, the pad 140 is configured to conform to the user's face to: position the first filter assembly 120 offset from the user's left smooth cheek region; and form a left airflow channel 150 extending from the first filter assembly 120 at the left filter window 114 to the transparent central region 112 of the shield's central portion 110, and is configured to guide airflow flowing within the left airflow channel 150 through the user's left smooth cheek region. Similarly, the pad 140 is configured to compress against the user's face to: position the second filter assembly 128 offset from the user's right smooth cheek region; and form a right airflow channel 150 extending from the second filter assembly 128 at the right filter window 116 to the transparent central region 112 of the shield's central portion 110, and is configured to guide airflow flowing within the right airflow channel 150 through the user's right smooth cheek region. Therefore, air travels through the user's left smooth cheek area in the left airflow channel 150 and through the user's right smooth cheek area in the right airflow channel 150, thereby producing a cooling effect on the user during inhalation and exhalation.

[0065] For example, during user inhalation, the first filter assembly 120 and the second filter assembly 128 cooperate to: guide airflow within the left airflow channel 150 (from the first filter assembly 120 to the user's mouth) laterally and vertically across the left smooth cheek region; and guide airflow within the right airflow channel 150 (from the second filter assembly 128 to the user's mouth) laterally and vertically across the right smooth cheek region. Additionally, during user exhalation, the first filter assembly 120 and the second filter assembly 128 cooperate to: guide airflow within the left airflow channel 150 (from the user's mouth to the first filter assembly 120) laterally and vertically across the right smooth cheek region; and guide airflow within the right airflow channel 150 (from the user's mouth to the second filter assembly 128) laterally and vertically across the right smooth cheek region.

[0066] In another example, during user inhalation, the first filter assembly 120 and the second filter assembly 128 cooperate to: guide airflow within the left airflow channel 150 (from the first filter assembly 120 to the user's nose) laterally and vertically across the left smooth cheek region; and guide airflow within the right airflow channel 150 (from the second filter assembly 128 to the user's nose) laterally and vertically across the right smooth cheek region. Additionally, during user exhalation, the first filter assembly 120 and the second filter assembly 128 cooperate to: guide airflow within the left airflow channel 150 (from the user's nose to the first filter assembly 120) laterally and vertically across the right smooth cheek region; and guide airflow within the right airflow channel 150 (from the user's nose to the second filter assembly 128) laterally and vertically across the right smooth cheek region.

[0067] Therefore, the pad 140 is configured to conform to the user's face to form an airflow channel 150 within the internal volume of the central portion 110 of the shield, so as to induce a cooling effect on the user's smooth cheek area during the user's inhalation (e.g., inhaling through the nose and inhaling through the mouth) and exhalation (e.g., exhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth).

[0068] 5.3 Humidity Control

[0069] In one embodiment, the shield 110 is formed of a transparent, flexible material (e.g., a polycarbonate film) and includes a hydrophilic coating disposed on the inner and outer sides of the central portion 110 of the lens. A user's inhalation and exhalation cause moisture (e.g., fog, droplets) to form on the inner surface of the central portion 110 of the lens, which in turn hinders the user's facial cues (e.g., expressions). Therefore, the hydrophilic coating on the central portion 110: prevents moisture (e.g., fog, droplets) from forming on the inner surface of the inner portion; and guides the moisture by gravity to the lower pad portion 144 of the pad 140 disposed around the central portion 110 of the shield.

[0070] In another embodiment, the liner 140 may include a moisture trap 145 (e.g., a cavity recess) molded into the lower portion and cooperating with a hydrophilic coating and a moisture-removing liner skin surface to trap moisture formed inside the central portion 110 of the lens. Thus, the liner 140 allows the user to routinely (i.e., as needed) dispose of the moisture collected within the moisture trap 145 molded into the lower liner portion 144 of the liner 140 by manually breaking the liner seal below and near the trap area during any phase of the respiratory cycle, so as not to contaminate the air cavity space with particles. Other variations of this embodiment may include a one-way release valve inlet located at the base of the moisture trapping section 145, which is arranged at the lower liner portion 144 and configured to selectively release moisture accumulated in the moisture trapping section 145 at the lower liner portion 144 by the user performing a user seal check, thereby forcing the moisture trapping section valve to open and providing a path for the moisture collected in the trapping section to escape from the respirator, thus preventing particulate contamination of the air chamber space.

[0071] 6. Headband

[0072] Typically, the respirator device 100 may include: a neck strap 160, which is attached to the central portion 110 of the respirator and configured to wrap around the user's neck; and a cranial strap 165, which is attached to the central portion 110 of the respirator and configured to wrap around the user's upper skull. Specifically, the cranial strap 165 cooperates with the neck strap 160 to: position the central portion 110 near the user's face; and maintain the padding 140 in close contact with the user's face. Therefore, during facial movement, the neck strap 160 and the cranial strap 165 cooperate to maintain the padding 140 in close contact with the user's face, rather than allowing it to slide across the user's face.

[0073] In one embodiment, the central portion 110 of the lens shield includes: a lower left perforation 118 disposed near the left filter window 114 of the central portion 110 of the lens shield; and a lower right perforation 118 disposed near the right filter window 116 of the central portion 110 of the lens shield, opposite to the lower left perforation 118. Additionally, the neck strap 160 includes: a first strap clip 162 (e.g., a snugger clip) disposed at a first end of the neck strap 160 and momentarily connected to the lower left perforation 118 of the lens central portion 110; and a second strap clip 162 (e.g., a snugger clip) disposed at a second end of the neck strap 160 opposite to the first end and momentarily connected to the lower right perforation 118 of the lens central portion 110.

[0074] In one example, the neck strap 160 is formed of an elastomeric material (e.g., laminated foam backing microfiber, woven polyester flat strap); and spans a target length (e.g., 26 inches, 66.04 cm) from a first end to a second end of the neck strap 160; and spans a target height (e.g., 0.5 inches, 12 mm) configured to follow a set contour along the back of the user's neck.

[0075] Additionally, the central portion 110 of the shield includes: a left upper perforation 118 disposed near the left filter window 114 of the central portion 110 of the shield; and a right upper perforation 118 disposed near the right filter window 116 of the central portion 110 of the shield, opposite to the left upper perforation 118. Furthermore, the cranial band 165 includes: a posterior cranial portion 166 formed of the elastomeric material described above, configured to wrap around the user's posterior cranium; a third band clip 162 (e.g., a snap clip) disposed at a first end of the posterior cranial portion 166 and momentarily connected to the left upper perforation 118 of the central portion 110 of the shield; and a fourth band clip 162 (e.g., a snap clip) disposed at a second end of the posterior cranial portion 166 opposite to the first end and momentarily connected to the right upper perforation 118 of the central portion 110 of the shield. The cranial band 165 also includes an anterior cranial portion 167 (e.g., a thermoplastic strip), which is coupled to a posterior elastomeric cranial portion 166 and includes an extending dogleg section oriented posteriorly on either side to wrap around the user's anterior cranium; and a halo that cooperates with the posterior cranial portion to form around the user's supraskull. This cranial band provides the additional utility of adjusting the yoke for placing the respirator on the user's face with one hand.

[0076] Therefore, the cranial band 165 cooperates with the neck band 160 to tighten the cranial band 165 around the user's upper skull, thereby providing pressure to stabilize the pad 140 on the user's face. Thus, during facial movement, the neck band 160 cooperates with the cranial band 165 to conformally hold the pad 140 on the user's face.

[0077] 7. Respirator settings + facial configuration

[0078] In one embodiment, the respirator device 100 includes a central shield portion 110, which includes: a padding 140 disposed around the rear side of the central shield portion 110; a transparent central region 112 configured to be positioned above the user's face; a left filter window 114 laterally offset from the transparent central region 112; and a right filter window 116 opposite to the left filter window 114, also laterally offset from the transparent central region 112. During initial setup of the respirator device 100, the user can: attach a first filter assembly 120 within the left filter window 114 of the central shield portion 110; attach a second filter assembly 128 within the right filter window 116 of the central shield portion 110; attach a neck strap 160 to the central shield portion 110; and attach a skull strap 165 to the central shield portion 110.

[0079] The neck strap 160 is configured to support the respirator device 100 around the user's back neck and hold the respirator device 100 in a suspension configuration around the user's neck before placing the pad 140 around the user's face. The user can then: conform the pad around their face to guide airflow through the filter assembly 120 into the internal volume of the central portion 110 of the shield; and secure the cranial strap 165 in a loop configuration around the user's upper skull. Thus, the cranial strap 165 cooperates with the neck strap 160 to conformally hold the pad 140 against the user's face, thereby forming a sealed air chamber between the shield and the user's face.

[0080] In the sealed configuration, the pad 140 remains conformally against the user's face to form a left airflow channel 150 across the user's left smooth cheek area and a right airflow channel 150 across the user's right smooth cheek area. Therefore, in the sealed configuration, the first filter assembly 120 is positioned offset from the user's left smooth cheek area, and the second filter assembly 128 is positioned offset from the user's right smooth cheek area. Thus, during inhalation (e.g., nasal inhalation, oral inhalation) and exhalation (e.g., nasal exhalation, oral exhalation), the respirator device 100 induces a cooling effect on the user's left and right smooth cheek areas.

[0081] In addition, the pad 140 works in conjunction with the user's face so that, during the user's facial movement, the pad 140 does not slide on the user's face, but rather elastically deforms while maintaining contact with the user's face, thereby guiding the airflow within the left airflow channel 150 and the right airflow channel 150.

[0082] Therefore, the respirator device 100: induces a cooling effect on the user's smooth cheek area during the user's inhalation and exhalation; enables an external observer to observe facial cues from the user's nose and mouth areas within the transparent central region 112 located in the central portion 110 of the shield; and prevents contaminants (e.g., airborne particles, dirt, dust) from the external environment surrounding the central portion 110 of the shield from entering the interior (e.g., air chamber) of the central portion 110 of the shield.

[0083] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art from the foregoing detailed description and from the accompanying drawings and claims, modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A respirator device, comprising: The central portion of the protective cover: - Formed from flexible materials; and -limited: --A transparent central area, which is configured to be positioned above the user's face; --Left filter window, which is offset laterally from the transparent center area; and --The right filter window is horizontally offset from the transparent center area and is opposite to the left filter window; A first filter component, the first filter component comprising: - First filter medium; and - First seal, the first seal: --around the periphery of the first filter medium; and --Define a first central recess, the first central recess being configured to engage with a first edge of the left filter window to momentarily hold the first filter assembly within the left filter window; A second filter assembly, the second filter assembly comprising: -Second filter media; and -Second seal, the second seal: -- Surrounding the periphery of the second filter medium; and --Define a second central recess, the second central recess being configured to mate with a second edge of the right filter window to momentarily hold the second filter assembly within the right filter window; and Pad, the pad: - Arranged on the back side of the central portion of the shield; and - Configured as: -- Fits the user's face so that the transparent central area is aligned with the user's nose and mouth; --The central portion of the shield and the first filter assembly are positioned offset from the user's face to form a left airflow channel, the left airflow channel being: ---Limited to the first height; ---Defining a first depth less than the first height; and ---Extends across the user's smooth left cheek area; and --The central portion of the shield and the second filter assembly are positioned offset from the user's face to form a right airflow channel, the right airflow channel being: ---Limited to the second height; ---Defining a second depth that is less than the second height; and ---Extends across the user's right smooth cheek area.

2. The respirator device according to claim 1, wherein, The left airflow channel: A first depth range, defined between 0.1 inches and 0.75 inches, is used to position the first filter assembly offset from the user's left smooth cheek area; and A first height range between 0.75 inches and 2.0 inches is defined to position the first filter assembly across the user's left smooth cheek area.

3. The respirator device according to claim 1, wherein, The first filter component and the second filter component cooperate to: During the user's inhalation: -Guide the airflow from the first filter assembly to the user's nose in the left airflow channel to pass horizontally and vertically through the smooth left area of ​​the user's upper cheek; and -Guide the airflow within the right airflow channel from the second filter assembly to the user's nose horizontally and vertically across the smooth right area of ​​the user's upper cheek; and During the user's exhalation: - The airflow within the left airflow channel from the user's nose to the first filter assembly is guided laterally and vertically across the smooth left area of ​​the user's upper cheek; and - The airflow within the right airflow channel from the user's nose to the second filter assembly is guided laterally and vertically across the smooth right area of ​​the user's upper cheek.

4. The respirator device according to claim 1: in, The left filter window defines a square edge surrounding its perimeter, the square edge being the first edge; and Wherein, the first central groove: - Defines a forked geometry, which is embedded around the periphery of the first seal and includes: --First fork tooth; --The second fork tooth, which is opposite to the first fork tooth; and --A narrow slot, which is located between the first fork tooth and the second fork tooth; and - Configured to momentarily connect the left filter window to: -- Position the first edge of the left filter window within the slot of the fork-shaped geometry; --The first fork tooth of the forked geometry is sealed against the outer edge of the first edge of the left filter window; and --The second fork of the fork geometry is sealed against the inner edge of the first edge of the left filter window opposite the outer edge, and the second fork cooperates with the first fork to form an interference fit between the outer edge and the inner edge of the first edge of the first filter assembly.

5. The respirator device according to claim 1: in, The first seal further includes a first outer groove, which is offset from the first central groove and surrounds the perimeter of the first filter medium; It also includes a first filter cover, the first filter cover comprising: - First pre-filter medium; and - A first capturing pawl, which is arranged around the first pre-filter medium and configured to engage the first external groove to momentarily hold the first filter cap on the first outer surface of the first filter medium; The second seal further includes a second outer groove, which is offset from the second central groove and surrounds the perimeter of the second filter medium; and It also includes a second filter cover, the second filter cover comprising: -Second pre-filter media; and - A second capture pawl, which is arranged around the second pre-filter medium and configured to engage the second outer groove to momentarily hold the second filter cap on the second outer surface of the second filter medium.

6. The respirator device according to claim 1: in, The first seal further includes a first outer groove, which is offset from the first central groove and surrounds the perimeter of the first filter medium; and Wherein, the first filter component: - Capable of operating in a first configuration, including the first central groove of the first seal engaging with the first edge of the left filter window, to: --Instantly hold the first filter component within the left filter window; and --Forming the left airflow channel at the first depth; and - Capable of operating in a second configuration, including the first outer groove of the first seal engaging with the first edge of the left filter window, to: --Instantly hold the first filter component within the left filter window; and -- Forming the left airflow channel at a third depth less than the first depth.

7. The respirator device according to claim 1: in, First filter medium: - Composed of a three-layer structure, the three-layer structure comprising: --The first layer, which includes a polytetrafluoroethylene membrane; --A second layer made of loosely woven polyester fabric, laminated to the first side of the first layer; and --A third layer made of loosely woven polyester fabric, laminated to the second side of the first layer opposite to the first side; -Defining the parallel pleated geometry encapsulated within the first seal; and -Spanning a target surface area range between 80 square inches and 110 square inches; and Wherein, the first sealing element: - Formed from an elastomeric material molded around the first filter medium; and - Target hardness range limited to between 55 Shore A and 75 Shore A.

8. The respirator device according to claim 1: in, The left filter window is limited to: -First window width; and - The height of the first window is less than the width of the first window; Wherein, the first filter component: - Defines a semi-elliptical geometric structure, wherein the semi-elliptical geometric structure is: --Has the width of the first window; and --Has the height of the first window; - Configured to deform laterally and vertically in response to forces applied around the periphery of the first filter assembly; - During the application of force around the periphery of the first filter assembly, it is possible to operate in a deformable configuration to position the first filter assembly within the first window width and the first window height of the left filter window; and - During periods when no force is applied around the periphery of the first filter assembly, it is possible to operate in a nominal configuration to seal the first filter assembly against the first edge of the left filter window.

9. The respirator device according to claim 1, wherein, First filter component: Capable of operating in a first configuration, including the first central groove of the first seal engaging with the first edge of the left filter window to momentarily hold the first filter assembly within the left filter window; and It can operate in a second configuration, including the first central groove of the first seal engaging with the second edge of the right filter window to momentarily hold the first filter assembly within the right filter window.

10. The respirator device according to claim 1: in, The central portion of the protective cover also includes: - The upper left perforation is located near the left filter window; -The lower left perforation is located below the upper left perforation and near the left filter window; - The upper right perforation is located near the right filter window; and - A lower right perforation is located below the upper right perforation, near the right filter window; and Also includes: - Neck band, the neck band: --include: ---The first clip, which is positioned at the first end of the neck strap and momentarily connected to the lower left perforation in the center portion of the shield; and ---Second clip, the second clip is disposed at the second end of the neck strap opposite to the first end and momentarily connected to the lower right perforation of the center portion of the shield; --Configured to wrap around the back of the user's neck; and -Cranial bands, the cranial bands: --include: ---The posterior skull portion, which is configured to wrap around the user's posterior skull; ---The anterior cranial portion, which is connected to the posterior cranial portion and is configured to wrap around the user's anterior cranial portion; ---A third clip, positioned at the first end of the posterior skull portion and momentarily connected to the upper left perforation of the central portion of the shield; and ---The fourth clip is positioned at the second end of the posterior skull portion opposite the first end and is momentarily connected to the upper right perforation in the center portion of the shield; and --Configured to cooperate with the neck strap to position the padding to fit the user's face.

11. The respirator device according to claim 1, wherein, The liner: It is formed from an elastomeric conformal foam material including a non-porous surface; It is configured to conform to the user's face, combining a narrow sealing area to expose the user's smooth skin area, and guiding airflow from the outside of the central portion of the shield through the first filter assembly and the second filter assembly, through the smooth skin area and into the internal volume of the central portion of the shield; and include: -Left pad portion, the left pad portion: --Limit the first depth; --Set the outline along the left edge of the central portion of the shield, and --Configured to fit against the left side of the user's jawbone, positioning the left filter window of the central portion of the shield near the user's smooth left cheek area; and -Right pad portion, the right pad portion: --A depth that matches the first depth defined by the left pad portion; -- Define the outline along the right edge of the central portion of the shield; --Configured to fit against the right side of the user's jawbone, positioning the right filter window of the central portion of the shield near the user's right smooth cheek area; and --Works in conjunction with the left pad portion to maintain contact between the pad and the user's face during the user's movement of the jawbone.

12. The respirator device of claim 11, wherein the padding further comprises: The upper pad portion, the upper pad portion: - A second depth is defined as greater than the first depth defined by the left pad portion; -An arched geometry that defines the outline along the upper edge of the transparent central region; and - It is configured to fit the skin supported by the user's nasal bone and cheekbone to position the user's nose within the transparent central area of ​​the central portion of the shield; and The lower liner portion, the lower liner portion: - A third depth greater than the second depth defined by the upper pad portion; -A concave geometry that defines the outline along the lower edge of the transparent central region; - It is configured to fit against the underside of the user's mandible to position the user's chin and mouth within the transparent central area of ​​the central portion of the shield; and - Cooperating with the upper padding portion to elastically deflect during user movement of the mandible: --Maintain contact between the upper pad portion and the skin on the user's nasal bone area; and --Maintain contact between the lower pad portion and the skin on the underside of the user's mandibular region.

13. The respirator device according to claim 1: in, The central portion of the protective cover: - Formed from polycarbonate film material; and - Including a hydrophilic coating disposed on the inner and outer sides of the central portion of the shield; and The padding includes a lower portion, wherein the lower portion: - It is configured to conform to the user's jawbone; and - Includes a moisture trapping section molded into the lower portion and cooperating with the hydrophilic coating and moisture-removing foam skin to trap moisture formed inside the inner side of the central portion of the shield.

14. A respirator device, comprising: The central portion of the lens, wherein the central portion of the lens defines: - A transparent central area, which is configured to be positioned above the user's face; and - A first filter window, which is laterally offset from the transparent central region; Filter assembly, the filter assembly comprising: - Filter media; and -Seal, the seal: --The periphery surrounding the filter medium; and --A central groove defining a fork-shaped geometric structure, the fork-shaped geometric structure comprising: ---First fork tooth; ---The second fork tooth, which is opposite to the first fork tooth; and --- A narrow slot, which is located between the first fork tooth and the second fork tooth; --Configured to work in conjunction with the first filter window to: --- Position the first edge of the first filter window within the slot to momentarily hold the filter assembly within the first filter window; ---Seal the first fork tooth against the outer edge of the first edge of the first filter window; and ---Seal the second fork against the inner edge of the first edge of the first filter window, opposite to the outer edge; and Pad, the pad: - Arranged on the back side of the central portion of the lens; and - Configured as: --A seal against the user's face to align the transparent central area with the user's nose and mouth; and --The central portion of the lens and the filter assembly are positioned offset from the user's face to form an airflow channel, the airflow channel being: ---Has the highest altitude; ---Having a first depth less than the first height; and ---Extends across the user's smooth left cheek area.

15. The respirator device according to claim 14, in, The filter assembly is a first filter assembly; The airflow channel is the left airflow channel; The respirator device further includes a second filter assembly; The central portion of the lens and the second filter assembly are positioned offset from the user's face to form a right airflow channel that extends across the user's right smooth cheek area; and The first filter component and the second filter component cooperate to: -During the user's inhalation: --Guide the airflow within the left airflow channel from the first filter assembly to the user's mouth, both laterally and vertically across the smooth left cheek area; and --Guide the airflow within the right airflow channel from the second filter assembly to the user's mouth, both laterally and vertically across the smooth right cheek area; and -During the user's exhalation: --Guiding the airflow within the left airflow channel from the user's mouth to the first filter assembly, the airflow passes laterally and vertically across the smooth left cheek area; and --The airflow within the right airflow channel from the user's mouth to the second filter assembly is guided laterally and vertically across the smooth right cheek area.

16. The respirator device according to claim 14: in, The seal also includes an intermittent outer groove, which is offset from the central groove and surrounds the periphery of the filter medium. and It also includes a filter cover, the filter cover comprising: - Pre-filtering medium; - A capture pawl, the capture pawl being arranged around the pre-filter medium and configured to engage the intermittent external groove of the seal to momentarily retain the filter cap on the outer surface of the filter medium; and - A valve plate, which is suspended on the pre-filter medium and configured to displace against the edge of the filter assembly and seal the air chamber space in response to a deflection force on the outside of the filter medium.

17. The respirator device according to claim 14: in, The seal further includes an outer groove offset from the central groove, the outer groove surrounding the periphery of the filter medium; and The filter component includes: - Capable of operating in a first configuration, including the central groove of the seal engaging with the first edge of the first filter window, to: -- Keep the filter component momentarily within the first filter window; and -- Forming the airflow channel at the first depth; and - Capable of operating in a second configuration, including the outer groove of the seal engaging with the first edge of the first filter window, to: -- Keep the filter component momentarily within the first filter window; and -- Forming an airflow channel with a second depth less than the first depth.

18. The respirator device according to claim 14: in, The central portion of the lens further defines a second filter window, which is opposite to the first filter window and laterally offset from the transparent central region. and The filter component includes: - Capable of operating in the first configuration, including: --The first edge of the first filter window is nested within the slot of the seal to momentarily hold the filter assembly within the first filter window; --The first fork tooth abuts against the outer edge of the first edge of the first filter window for sealing; and --The second fork tooth abuts against the inner edge of the first filter window opposite to the outer edge to seal; and - Capable of operating in the second configuration, including: --The second edge of the second filter window is nested within the slot of the seal to momentarily hold the filter assembly within the second filter window; --The first fork tooth abuts against the outer edge of the second edge of the second filter window for sealing; and --The second fork tooth abuts against the inner edge of the second edge of the second filter window, which is opposite to the outer edge, for sealing.

19. A respirator device, comprising: The central portion of the lens, wherein the central portion of the lens defines: - A transparent central area, which is configured to be positioned above the user's face; and - A filter window that is laterally offset from the transparent center area; Filter assembly, the filter assembly comprising: - Filter media; and -Seal, the seal: --The periphery surrounding the filter medium; and --Defining a central recess configured to mate with the filter window, so as to: --- Position the edge of the filter window within the central recess to momentarily hold the filter assembly within the filter window; ---Seal the outer edge of the filter window against its edge; and ---The inner edge opposite the outer edge of the filter window is sealed against the edge of the filter window; and Pad, the pad: - Arranged on the back side of the central portion of the lens; and - Configured as: --A seal against the user's face to align the transparent central area with the user's nose and mouth; and --The central portion of the lens and the filter assembly are positioned offset from the user's face to form an airflow channel that extends across the user's smooth left cheek area.

20. The respirator device according to claim 19: in, The filter window is defined by a square edge surrounding its perimeter; and Wherein, the central groove: - Defines a forked geometry that extends around the periphery of the seal and includes: --First fork tooth; --The second fork tooth, which is opposite to the first fork tooth; and --A narrow slot, which is located between the first fork tooth and the second fork tooth; and - Configured to momentarily connect the filter window to: -- Position the square edge of the filter window within the slot of the fork-shaped geometry; --The first fork tooth of the forked geometry is sealed against the outer edge of the square edge of the filter window; and --The second fork of the fork-shaped geometry is sealed against the inner edge of the square edge of the filter window, which is opposite to the outer edge.

Images