Removable Battery Cartridge for Face Masks

Abstract

A novel respiratory mask is provided. [Solution] A power source (12) for a personal protective equipment product (10), and a method and system for removably coupling the power source (12) to a personal protective equipment product, such as a respirator (10). A removable battery cartridge (12) is attached to a mask body (14) in the user's chin area below where a respirator would or has been attached. This positioning of the power source (battery cartridge (12)) out of the way of the user and allows the user to quickly and easily attach and remove the cartridge (12) from the mask (10), even when wearing gloves. In one embodiment, the mask body (14) includes a lower surface and a power source that is removably coupleable to the lower surface of the mask body.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Removable battery cartridge, respiratory mask and method and in particular a respiratory mask including a removable battery cartridge to the respiratory mask. [Background technology]

[0002] Personal protective masks, such as respirators, are used in environments where a person is exposed to hazardous materials, such as gases, vapors, aerosols (e.g., dust, mists, and / or biological agents). Respirators come in a variety of styles and sizes, ranging from less expensive disposable masks to more expensive reusable masks that contain replaceable filtration cartridges. Many respirators contain electronic devices, such as communication and data transfer devices, and these electronic components require a power source to operate.

[0003] Currently known power sources are bulky, cumbersome, or difficult to attach to the mask, and are not easily attached and detached from the mask for replacement or recharging. In currently known systems, the power source is attached to the top of the mask (e.g., on the user's head), to the cheek or side areas of the mask, or wired to the user's back or belt. However, in these locations, the power source adds additional bulk to the mask and may impede the user's movement. Currently known power sources are also difficult to attach and detach from the mask, which is required for replacement or recharging of the power source. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Some embodiments advantageously provide a removable battery cartridge for a respiratory mask, a respiratory mask having a removable battery cartridge, and a method of attaching the removable battery cartridge to the respiratory mask. The removable battery cartridge is attached to the mask body at the chin area. Thus, the power source (removable battery cartridge) is out of the way of the user and is in a position that allows the user to quickly and easily attach and remove the cartridge from the mask, even when wearing gloves.

[0005] In one embodiment, a respiratory mask includes a mask body including a housing portion, and a power source removably coupleable to the mask body housing portion.

[0006] In one aspect of the embodiment, the power source is a battery cartridge, and the mask further comprises a faceplate coupled to the mask body, the faceplate defining an opening, and the battery cartridge spaced vertically a predetermined distance from the opening. In one aspect of the embodiment, the power source is a battery cartridge, and the mask body defines a recess sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the battery cartridge. In one aspect of the embodiment, the mask body housing portion has a first side and a second side orthogonal to the first side, and the battery cartridge includes an edge that is coplanar with the second side of the mask body housing portion when the battery cartridge is coupled to the mask body.

[0007] In one aspect of the embodiment, the battery cartridge further includes a surface that is coplanar with the first surface of the mask body housing portion when the battery cartridge is attached to the mask body.

[0008] In one aspect of the embodiment, the battery cartridge edge is a fourth edge, the battery cartridge further includes a first edge, a second edge facing opposite the first edge, and a third edge facing opposite the fourth edge, and the recess further includes a recess first wall configured to contact the battery cartridge first edge when the battery cartridge is attached to the mask body, a recess second wall configured to contact the battery cartridge second edge when the battery cartridge is attached to the mask body, and a notch in the recess first wall.

[0009] In one aspect of the embodiment, the battery cartridge further includes a protrusion on a first edge of the battery cartridge, the protrusion being sized and configured to be received in the notch in the first wall of the recess when the battery cartridge is attached to the mask body.

[0010] In one aspect of the embodiment, the battery cartridge further includes an electrical connector on a third edge of the battery cartridge.

[0011] In one aspect of the embodiment, the battery cartridge further includes a screw boss on the second edge of the battery cartridge and a screw recess extending along the second edge of the battery cartridge, the screw boss and the screw recess each sized and configured to receive a screw.

[0012] In one aspect of the embodiment, the battery cartridge further includes a latch mechanism at the second edge of the battery cartridge. In one aspect of the embodiment, the mask body further includes a release mechanism in mechanical communication with the latch mechanism and configured to detach the second edge of the battery cartridge from the mask body upon actuation of the release mechanism.

[0013] In one aspect of the embodiment, the release mechanism is linearly movable along the mask body.

[0014] In one aspect of the embodiment, the latch mechanism includes a depressible projection and a spring.

[0015] In one aspect of the embodiment, the depressible projection engages the recess second wall when the latch mechanism is in the first position, and the depressible projection disengages from the recess second wall when the latch mechanism is in the second position.

[0016] In one aspect of the embodiment, actuation of the release mechanism causes the depressible projection to move linearly away from the recess second wall against the spring.

[0017] In one embodiment, a respiratory mask comprising a mask body and a battery cartridge removably coupled to the mask body, the mask body including a first surface, a second surface orthogonal to the mask body first surface, the mask body first surface defining an opening sized and configured to receive a respirator, and a mask body recess having a recess first wall, a recess second wall opposing the first wall, a recess third wall extending between the recess first wall and the recess second wall, and a recess fourth wall bordering the recess first wall, the recess second wall, and the recess third wall and parallel to the mask body first surface, the battery cartridge being adapted to removably couple to the mask body when the battery cartridge is coupled to the mask body and configured to retract from the recess first wall. a battery cartridge first edge configured to contact the recess second wall when the battery cartridge is coupled to the mask body, facing opposite the battery cartridge first edge, a battery cartridge second edge configured to abut the recess second wall when the battery cartridge is coupled to the mask body, a battery cartridge first face extending between the battery cartridge first edge and the battery cartridge second edge and configured to contact the recess fourth wall when the battery cartridge is coupled to the mask body, and a battery cartridge second face extending between the battery cartridge first edge and the battery cartridge second edge and configured to be coplanar with the mask body first face when the battery cartridge is coupled to the mask body.

[0018] In one aspect of the embodiment, the recess further includes a notch in a first wall of the recess, and the battery cartridge further includes a protrusion on a first edge of the battery cartridge, the protrusion being sized and configured to be received in the notch when the battery cartridge is attached to the mask body. In one aspect of the embodiment, the battery cartridge further includes a latch mechanism on a second edge of the battery cartridge and a release mechanism in mechanical communication with the latch mechanism, the battery cartridge being disengaged from the recess when the release mechanism is actuated.

[0019] In one embodiment, a removable battery cartridge for a respiratory mask, the respiratory mask having a first side and a second side orthogonal to the first side, the battery cartridge comprises a first edge, a second edge facing opposite the first edge, the first side extending between the first and second edges, a second side extending between the first and second edges and facing opposite the first side and configured to be coplanar with the mask first side when the battery cartridge is coupled to the mask body, and a latch mechanism engageable with the mask body. In one aspect of the embodiment, the battery cartridge further comprises a third edge extending between the first and second edges and a fourth edge facing opposite the third edge, extending between the first and second edges and configured to be coplanar with the mask second side when the battery cartridge is coupled to the mask body. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] A more complete understanding of the present embodiments, together with their attendant advantages and features, will be more readily appreciated by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary respiratory mask having a removable battery cartridge. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a detailed view of a respiratory mask with a removable battery cartridge in a partially removed state. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a detailed view of a respiratory mask with a removable battery cartridge in a fully removed state. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a side view of the removable battery cartridge. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a removable battery cartridge having a latch mechanism. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a removable battery cartridge having a latch mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] The present invention advantageously provides a removable power source and a respiratory mask having a removable power source, for example a removable battery cartridge, that is easily attached and detached from the mask.

[0023] Before describing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure in detail, it should be noted that components have been represented in the drawings, where appropriate, by conventional symbols and that only specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0024] As used herein, relationship terms such as "first," "second," "upper," and "lower" are used merely to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element without necessarily requiring or implying a physical or logical relationship, or order, between such entities or elements.

[0025] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as that commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs.Furthermore, the terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is not inconsistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and related art, and unless otherwise defined herein, they will not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense.

[0026] Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference designations indicate like elements, there is shown one embodiment of a personal protective equipment product having a removable battery cartridge constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, generally designated "10." With reference to FIG. 1, the personal protective equipment product is a respirator 10 configured to be worn by a user in an environment in which the user is exposed to hazardous materials, such as, but not limited to, gases, vapors, aerosols (such as dust, mists, and / or biological agents), and / or the like. In addition to a battery cartridge 12, which will be described in more detail below, the mask 10 generally includes a body 14, a faceplate or window 16 coupled to the body 14, a face seal 18 having one or more straps 20 coupled to the body 14, a bezel 22, an opening 24 in the faceplate 16 sized and configured for attachment to a respirator (not shown), and a nose cup 26 in communication with the opening 24. The mask 10 may include other components depending on the conditions and purpose for which the mask 10 is to be used.

[0027] The battery cartridge 12 can be removably coupled to the mask body 14. In one embodiment, the battery cartridge 12 is configured to be coupled to the mask body 14 at a location, such as at housing portion 25, below the opening 24 (and respirator, if fitted) in an area near the user's chin when the user is wearing the mask 10. In some embodiments, the housing portion 25 houses or contains electronic components of the system, such as a microphone, transceiver, wireless communication unit, etc. In this location, the battery cartridge 12 does not impede the user's movements, does not add bulk to the mask, and is easy to handle when putting on and taking off the mask.

[0028] The battery cartridge 12 may be constructed of the same material as the mask body 14, such as a hard plastic, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE). Optionally, the mask body 14 and / or the battery cartridge 12 may be overmolded with or include additional materials of lower hardness, such as silicone rubber, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), rubber (either natural or synthetic), and / or other materials. However, it is understood that the mask body 14 and the battery cartridge 12 should be sufficiently rigid to maintain their shape when the battery cartridge 12 is inserted and removed from the mask 10. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the housing portion 25 of the mask body 14 defines a first (or front) surface 28 and a second (lower) surface 30 of the mask 10, with the first surface 28 being orthogonal to the second surface 30. Stated another way, the first surface 28 and the second surface 30 may intersect to define a lower edge 32 of the mask body 14. As used herein, the term "orthogonal" includes surfaces that meet at 90 degrees as well as surfaces that lie in a plane that meets at 90 degrees, regardless of whether the surfaces meet at a rounded edge or at a sharp edge. Additionally, as used herein, the term "orthogonal" also includes surfaces that are approximately orthogonal to one another within an acceptable tolerance, such as within ±10 degrees. The lower edge 32 may be rounded or have another configuration. Even if the lower edge 32 is rounded (and even if the first surface 28 and / or the second surface 30 are non-flat, textured, etc.), the first surface 28 can be said to be at least substantially orthogonal to the second surface 30, since the plane in which the first surface 28 lies is at least substantially orthogonal to the plane in which the second surface 30 lies. When the mask 10 is worn by a user, the first surface 28 extends from approximately the user's chin to the user's forehead, and the second surface 30 extends from approximately the user's chin to the user's neck. The first surface 28 at least partially surrounds or follows the lower curve of the faceplate opening 22 .

[0029] In one embodiment, the battery cartridge 12 is generally rectangular or trapezoidal, having four edges and two sides. For example, the cartridge 12 includes a first edge 38 and a second edge 40 facing away from the first edge 38. In some embodiments, the first edge 38 and the second edge 40 can be parallel, but in the embodiment shown in Figures 1-3, the first edge 38 and the second edge 40 can be angled relative to one another, such as the oblique opposing sides of a trapezoid. As a non-limiting example, the battery cartridge 12 further includes a third edge 42 extending between the first edge 38 and the second edge 40, and the first edge 38 and the second edge 40 can meet the third edge 42 at an angle α of about 10 degrees to about 40 degrees from horizontal (e.g., as shown in Figure 5), depending on the type, size, and configuration of the mask to which the battery cartridge 12 is attached. The battery cartridge 12 further includes a fourth edge 44 facing away from the third edge 42. While the third edge 42 is flat, in one embodiment, the fourth edge 44 is curved (e.g., curves away from the third edge 42). However, it is understood that the fourth edge 44 may have a shape such that the battery cartridge 12 is coplanar with the mask body second surface 30. That is, the cartridge fourth edge 44 and the mask body second surface 30 may define a continuous surface when the battery cartridge 12 is mated with the mask body 14. As used herein, the term "coplanar" includes not only perfectly coplanar surfaces having smooth surfaces with no discernible boundary between the surfaces, but also surfaces having irregular shapes but lying in a common plane, and surfaces that are coplanar within an acceptable tolerance.

[0030] The battery cartridge 12 includes a first surface 46 and a second surface 48 facing away from the first surface 46. The first surface 46 and the second surface 48 may be joined by a first edge 38, a second edge 40, a third edge 42, and a fourth edge 44, respectively. The first surface 46 is flat, while the second surface 48 may have a shape such that the battery cartridge 12 is generally coplanar with the mask body first surface 28. That is, the cartridge second surface 48 and the mask body first surface 28 may define a continuous surface when the battery cartridge 12 is coupled to the mask body 14. Additionally, the curved transition between the cartridge second surface 48 and the cartridge fourth edge 44, or the edge where the cartridge second surface 48 and the cartridge fourth edge 44 meet, defines at least a portion of the mask lower edge 32. Similarly, the curved transition between the first mask body surface 28 and the second mask body surface 30, or the edge where the first mask body surface 28 and the second mask body surface 30 meet, also defines at least a portion of the lower mask edge 32 on either side of the recess 50 or the battery cartridge 12.

[0031] The mask body 14 includes or defines a recess 50 sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the battery cartridge 12. Specifically, the recess 50 is defined or included in the mask body housing portion 25, with the recess 50 recessing at least a portion of each of the first and second faces 28 and 30 of the mask body. In one embodiment, the recess 50 is sized and configured to surround the first edge 38, the second edge 40, the third edge 42, and the first face 46, with at least a portion of each of the fourth edge 44 and second face 48 exposed. For example, the fourth edge 44 and second face 48 may be fully exposed and coplanar with the mask body second face 30 and the mask body first face 28, respectively. In this configuration, the recess 50 includes or defines a first wall 54 (or first sidewall), a second wall 56 (or second sidewall) opposite the first wall 54, a third wall 58 (or ceiling) extending between the first wall 54 and the second wall 56, and a fourth wall 60 (or back wall) extending between and bounding the first wall 54, the second wall 56, and the third wall 58. The fourth wall 60 is parallel to the mask first surface 28. As used herein, the term "parallel" includes not only surfaces that are parallel within a tolerance of 0 degrees, but also surfaces that lie in planes that are approximately parallel to one another within an acceptable tolerance, such as within ±5 degrees. When the battery cartridge 12 is coupled to the mask 10, a first edge 38 of the battery cartridge 12 contacts the recess first wall 54, a second edge 40 of the battery cartridge 12 contacts the recess second wall 56, a third edge of the battery cartridge 12 contacts the recess third wall 58, and a first surface 46 of the battery cartridge 12 contacts the recess fourth wall 60.

[0032] The battery cartridge 12 is a housing having a power source 66 therein capable of operating the electronic components of the respiratory mask for a predetermined period of time. For example, the power source 66 can include one or more batteries (such as AA or AAA batteries) and / or a rechargeable battery of one or more batteries (e.g., 1-8 batteries). Non-limiting examples of batteries and / or rechargeable batteries include, without limitation, alkaline, nickel metal hydride (NiMH), lithium ion (Li-ion), and the like. The battery cartridge 12 includes an electrical connector 68 that transfers power from the power source 66 to the electrical components of the mask. Accordingly, the mask body 14 includes a corresponding electrical connector that can mate or engage with the electrical connector 68 of the battery cartridge 12. In one embodiment, the battery cartridge 12 includes a first electrical connector 68 at the third edge 42 and the mask body 14 includes a corresponding second electrical connector at the third wall 58 (not shown).

[0033] 2 and 3, the attachment of the battery cartridge 12 will be described in more detail. The battery cartridge 12 can be or is removably coupled to the mask 10 using any mechanism or device known in the art. In one embodiment as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the battery cartridge 12 includes a screw boss 72 and a corresponding linear screw recess 74 extending along the cartridge second edge 40. The screw recess 74 has a semicircular or at least curved cross-sectional shape, and together the screw boss 72 and the screw recess 74 are configured to receive a screw that couples the battery cartridge 12 to the mask body 14. For example, the recess third wall 58 may include a screw hole (not shown). The shape of the screw boss 72 and the screw recess 74 guides the screw 76 into the screw hole, and then the user rotates the screw 76 in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) until the screw 76 is tightened against the mask body 14 and the battery cartridge 12 is securely coupled or mounted to the mask body 14. In one embodiment, the screw 76 is a thumbscrew that can be rotated by the user without the use of tools. In another embodiment, the screw 76 is a blunt screw, such as a thumbscrew, a hex bolt, a screw, etc. In another embodiment, the screw 76 is an elongated quick release fastener.

[0034] To remove the battery cartridge 12, the user rotates the screw 76 in an opposite second direction (e.g., counterclockwise) until the screw 76 disengages from the mask body 14, releasing the battery cartridge 12. Figure 2 shows the battery cartridge 12 partially disengaged or removed from the mask body 14, and Figure 3 shows the battery cartridge 12 fully disengaged or removed from the mask body 14, releasing the screw 76. Although the screw 76 has been removed from the mask 10 in Figure 3, in one embodiment, the screw 76 is retained within the screw boss 72 when the screw 76 is removed from the mask body 14.

[0035] To facilitate mating of the battery cartridge 12 to the mask body 14, the battery cartridge 12 further includes a protrusion 80 extending from the cartridge eleventh edge 38. The recess 50 includes a corresponding notch 82 sized and configured to receive the protrusion 80. When mating the battery cartridge 12 to the mask body 14, the protrusion 80 on the cartridge first edge is inserted into the recess notch 82 to partially seat the battery cartridge 12 within the recess 50 and align the battery cartridge 12 for mating at the cartridge second edge 40. Once the protrusion 80 is seated within the notch 82, the cartridge second edge 40 is inserted into the recess 50 and the screw 76 is tightened as described above.

[0036] Reference is now made to Figures 5 and 6, which are cross-sectional views of the second attachment mechanism. In one embodiment, the battery cartridge 12 can be removably coupled to the mask body 14 using a spring-loaded latch mechanism 84. Similar to the battery cartridge shown in Figures 1-4, the battery cartridge 12 shown in Figures 5 and 6 also includes a protrusion 80 on the cartridge first edge 38 that can be inserted into a corresponding recessed notch 82 to facilitate coupling of the battery cartridge 12 to the mask 10. The battery cartridge 12 includes a depressible protrusion 86 that is at least partially disposed within the battery cartridge 12 and linearly movable within the battery cartridge 12. The battery cartridge 12 further includes a spring 88 coupled to, in contact with, or in communication with the depressible protrusion 86, which biases the depressible protrusion 86 to move in a first linear direction and resists the depressible protrusion 86 to move in a second linear direction opposite the first linear direction. For example, when the spring 88 is uncompressed, at least a portion of the depressible projection 86 extends through an opening 90 in the cartridge second edge 40, and when the spring 88 is compressed, the depressible projection 86 is at least substantially located within the battery cartridge 12. The recess second wall 92 has a corresponding opening 92, and when the spring 88 is uncompressed, at least a portion of the depressible projection 86 extends through the opening 92, and the battery cartridge 12 is coupled to the mask body 14. In this configuration, the latch mechanism holds the battery cartridge 12 within the recess 50, and the battery cartridge 12 is said to be in an attached, coupled, or locked position. The battery cartridge 12 further includes a release mechanism 94, such as a finger slide, that is linearly movable along the exterior surface of the mask body 14 and is coupled or otherwise in mechanical communication with the depressible projection 86 and can be quickly and easily operated by a user. In one configuration, a user can slide the release mechanism 94 in a first direction to compress the spring 88 and retract the depressible protrusion 86 in the battery cartridge 12 to couple or disconnect the battery cartridge 12 from the mask body 14.To couple or lock the battery cartridge 12 to the mask, the user can then slide the release mechanism 94 in the opposite second direction, or simply release the release mechanism 94 to expand the spring 88, thereby extending the pressable projection 86 into the recess opening 90. That is, when the latch mechanism 84 is in the first position, the pressable projection 86 engages the recess second wall 56, and when the latch mechanism 84 is in the second position, the pressable projection 86 disengages from the recess second wall 56. As shown in FIG. 2, actuation of the release mechanism 94 disengages the battery cartridge second edge 40 from the recess 50. The projection 80 of the battery cartridge first edge 38 can then disengage from the notch 82, allowing the battery cartridge 12 to be completely removed from the mask body 14.

[0037] It is understood that other attachment mechanisms may be used in addition to or in place of the attachment mechanisms shown and described herein. In either configuration, the attachment mechanism allows the user to quickly and easily attach and remove the battery cartridge 12, even when the user is wearing gloves. By way of non-limiting example, the release mechanism 94 may be a rotary switch, a button, or the like. Also, various safety mechanisms may be further included as a second or backup lock to secure the battery cartridge 12 to the mask 10. The safety mechanism may prevent the battery cartridge 12 from being inadvertently removed from the mask 10.

[0038] Many different embodiments are disclosed herein in conjunction with the above description and drawings. It will be understood that literally describing and illustrating every combination and subcombination of these embodiments would be undue repetition and obfuscation. Thus, all embodiments can be combined in any manner and / or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, is to be construed as constituting a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein and the methods and processes for making and using them, and supporting claims to those combinations or subcombinations.

[0039] In one embodiment, the respiratory mask includes a mask body (14) including a housing portion (25) and a power source (12) removably coupleable to the mask body housing portion (25).

[0040] In one aspect of the embodiment, the power source (12) is a battery cartridge (12), and the mask (10) further comprises a faceplate (16) coupled to the mask body (14), the faceplate (16) defining an opening (24), and the battery cartridge (12) is spaced a predetermined vertical distance from the opening (24). In one aspect of the embodiment, the power source (12) is a battery cartridge (12), and the mask body (14) defines a recess (50) sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the battery cartridge (12). In one aspect of the embodiment, the mask body housing portion (25) has a first surface (28) and a second surface (30) orthogonal to the first surface (28), and the battery cartridge (12) includes an edge (44) that is coplanar with the second surface (30) of the mask body housing portion (25) when the battery cartridge (12) is coupled to the mask body (14).

[0041] In one aspect of the embodiment, the battery cartridge (12) further includes a surface (46) that is coplanar with the first surface (28) of the mask body housing portion (25) when the battery cartridge (12) is attached to the mask body (14).

[0042] In one aspect of the embodiment, the battery cartridge edge (44) is a fourth edge (44), the battery cartridge (12) further includes a first edge (38), a second edge (40) facing away from the first edge (38), and a third edge (42) facing away from the fourth edge (44), and the recess (50) further includes a recess first wall (54) configured to contact the battery cartridge first edge (38) when the battery cartridge (12) is attached to the mask body (14), a recess second wall (56) configured to contact the battery cartridge second edge (40) when the battery cartridge (12) is attached to the mask body (14), and a notch (82) in the recess first wall (54).

[0043] In one aspect of the embodiment, the battery cartridge (12) further includes a protrusion (80) on the battery cartridge first edge (38), the protrusion (80) being sized and configured to be received in the notch (82) in the recess first wall (54) when the battery cartridge (12) is attached to the mask body (14).

[0044] In one aspect of the embodiment, the battery cartridge (12) further includes an electrical connector (68) at the battery cartridge third edge (42).

[0045] In one aspect of the embodiment, the battery cartridge (12) further includes a thread boss (72) on the battery cartridge second edge (40) and a thread recess (74) extending along the battery cartridge second edge (40), the thread boss (72) and the thread recess (74) each being sized and dimensioned to receive a screw (76).

[0046] In one aspect of the embodiment, the battery cartridge (12) further includes a latch mechanism (84) on the battery cartridge second edge (40). In one aspect of the embodiment, the mask body (14) further includes a release mechanism (94) in mechanical communication with the latch mechanism (84) and configured for actuation of the release mechanism (94) to detach the battery cartridge second edge (40) from the mask body (14).

[0047] In one aspect of the embodiment, the release mechanism (94) is linearly movable along the mask body (14).

[0048] In one aspect of the embodiment, the latch mechanism (84) includes a depressible projection (86) and a spring (88).

[0049] In one aspect of the embodiment, the depressible projection (86) engages with the recess second wall (56) when the latch mechanism (84) is in the first position, and the depressible projection (86) disengages from the recess second wall (56) when the latch mechanism (84) is in the second position.

[0050] In one aspect of the embodiment, actuation of the release mechanism (94) causes the depressible projection (86) to move linearly away from the recess second wall (56) against the force of the spring (88).

[0051] In one embodiment, a respiratory mask (10) is provided comprising a mask body (14) and a battery cartridge (12) removably coupled to the mask body (14), the mask body (14) having a first surface (28) and a second surface (30) perpendicular to the mask body first surface (28), the mask body first surface (28) defining an opening (24) sized and configured to receive a respiratory apparatus, the second surface (30) being recessed by a recess (50) in the mask body (14). a recess (50) having a recess first wall (54), a recess second wall (56) facing the first wall (54), a recess third wall (58) extending between the recess first wall (54) and the recess second wall (56), and a recess fourth wall (60) in contact with the recess first wall (54), the recess second wall (56), and the recess third wall (58) and parallel to the mask body first surface (28); a battery cartridge first edge (38) configured to contact the recess first wall (54) when the battery cartridge (12) is coupled to the mask body (14); a battery cartridge second edge (40) facing away from the battery cartridge first edge (38) and configured to abut the recess second wall (56) when the battery cartridge (12) is coupled to the mask body (14); a battery cartridge first face (46) extending between the battery cartridge first edge (38) and the battery cartridge second edge (40) and configured to contact the recess fourth wall (60) when the battery cartridge (12) is coupled to the mask body (14); and a battery cartridge second face (48) extending between the battery cartridge first edge (38) and the battery cartridge second edge (40) and configured to be coplanar with the mask body first face (28) when the battery cartridge (12) is coupled to the mask body (14).

[0052] In one aspect of the embodiment, the recess (50) further includes a notch (82) in the recess first wall (54), and the battery cartridge (12) further includes a protrusion (80) on the battery cartridge first edge (38) sized and configured to be received in the notch (82) when the battery cartridge (12) is attached to the mask body (14). In one aspect of the embodiment, the battery cartridge (12) further includes a latch mechanism (84) on the battery cartridge second edge (40) and a release mechanism (94) in mechanical communication with the latch mechanism (84), such that the battery cartridge (12) is disengaged from the recess (50) when the release mechanism (94) is actuated.

[0053] In one embodiment, a removable battery cartridge (12) for a respiratory mask (10), the respiratory mask (10) having a first side (28) and a second side (30) perpendicular to the first side (28), the battery cartridge (12) comprising a first edge (38), a second edge (40) facing away from the first edge (38), a first side (46) extending between the first edge (38) and the second edge (40), a second side (48) facing away from the first side (46) and configured to be coplanar with the mask first side (28) when the battery cartridge (12) is coupled to the mask body (14), and a latch mechanism (84) engageable with the mask body (14).

[0054] In one aspect of the embodiment, the battery cartridge (12) further comprises a third edge (42) extending between the first edge (38) and the second edge (40), and a fourth edge (44) facing opposite the third edge (42), extending between the first edge (38) and the second edge (40), and configured to be coplanar with the mask second surface (30) when the battery cartridge (12) is coupled to the mask body (14).

[0055] Other embodiments include the following: EMBODIMENT 1 The headgear for the first responder includes a face piece and a battery pack attached to the face piece, the battery pack being manually removable.

[0056] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments described herein are not limited to those specifically shown and described above. Additionally, unless noted to the contrary above, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. In light of the above teachings, various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 10...Mask (personal protective equipment product), 12...Power source (battery cartridge), 14...Mask body.

Claims

1. A respiratory mask (10), comprising: a mask body (14) including a mask body housing portion (25), the mask body housing portion (25) having a first surface (28) and a second surface (30) perpendicular to the first surface (28); a battery cartridge (12) including an electrical connector (68) for transferring power to electrical components of the respiratory mask, the battery cartridge further including a latch releasably coupleable to the mask body housing portion (25) and a release portion in mechanical communication with the latch, the release portion configured to release the battery cartridge (12) from the mask body upon actuation of the release portion, and the battery cartridge (12) when coupled to the mask body (14) is configured to release the battery cartridge (12) from the mask body upon actuation of the release portion. a battery cartridge (12) further including an edge (44) coplanar with the second surface (30) of the battery body housing portion (25), the edge (44) of the battery cartridge (12) being a fourth edge (44), the battery cartridge (12) further including a first edge (38), a second edge (40) facing away from the first edge (38), and a third edge (42) facing away from the fourth edge (44), the third edge (42) including the electrical connector (68); Equipped with The first surface (28) of the mask body housing portion (25) is a front surface of the mask body housing portion (25), and the battery cartridge (12) further includes a surface (48) that is coplanar with the first surface (28) of the mask body housing portion (25) when the battery cartridge (12) is attached to the mask body (14).

2. 2. The respiratory mask (10) of claim 1, wherein the mask (10) further comprises a faceplate (16) coupled to the mask body (14), the faceplate (16) defining an opening (24), and the battery cartridge (12) being vertically spaced a predetermined distance from the opening (24).

3. 3. The respiratory mask (10) of claim 2, wherein the mask body (14) defines a recess (50) sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the battery cartridge (12).

4. The recess (50) a recess first wall (54) configured to contact the battery cartridge first edge (38) when the battery cartridge (12) is attached to the mask body (14); a recess second wall (56) configured to contact the battery cartridge second edge (40) when the battery cartridge (12) is attached to the mask body (14); A notch (82) in the recess first wall (54); Further comprising: A respiratory mask (10) according to claim 3.

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