U.S. patent application number 12/529794 was filed with the patent office on 2010-05-06 for respirator flow control apparatus and method.
Invention is credited to Desmond T. Curran, Mark A.J. Fernandes, Thomas I. Insley, Andrew Murphy, Derek A. Parkin, Garry J. Walker.
Application Number | 20100108067 12/529794 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39788949 |
Filed Date | 2010-05-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100108067 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Walker; Garry J. ; et
al. |
May 6, 2010 |
RESPIRATOR FLOW CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD
Abstract
A respirator has a shell that defines a breathable air zone for
a user wearing the respirator. An air flow control system for the
respirator has an air delivery conduit within the shell of the
respirator, a valve member moveable relative to the air delivery
conduit and within the shell to vary the amount of air flow through
the air delivery conduit, and a valve actuator outside of the shell
of the respirator. The valve actuator is manipulatable by a user of
the respirator while wearing the respirator to control movement of
the valve member.
Inventors: |
Walker; Garry J.; (
Stock-on-Tees, GB) ; Murphy; Andrew; (Durham, GB)
; Curran; Desmond T.; (County Durham, GB) ;
Parkin; Derek A.; (County Durham, GB) ; Insley;
Thomas I.; (Lake Elmo, MN) ; Fernandes; Mark
A.J.; (Warwickshire, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
PO BOX 33427
ST. PAUL
MN
55133-3427
US
|
Family ID: |
39788949 |
Appl. No.: |
12/529794 |
Filed: |
March 21, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
March 21, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US08/57788 |
371 Date: |
September 3, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61066129 |
Mar 23, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
128/205.24 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A62B 18/084 20130101;
A62B 17/04 20130101; A62B 18/04 20130101; A62B 18/10 20130101; A42B
3/286 20130101; A62B 18/006 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
128/205.24 |
International
Class: |
A62B 7/00 20060101
A62B007/00; A62B 9/02 20060101 A62B009/02 |
Claims
1. An air flow control system for a respirator which has a shell
that defines a breathable air zone for a user wearing the
respirator, the control system comprising: an air delivery conduit
within the shell of the respirator; a valve member moveable
relative to the air delivery conduit and within the shell to vary
the amount of air flow through the air delivery conduit; and a
valve actuator outside of the shell of the respirator that is
manipulatable by a user of the respirator while wearing the
respirator to control movement of the valve member.
2. The air flow control system of claim 1 wherein the conduit is
separable from the shell.
3. The air flow control system of claim 1 wherein the air delivery
conduit comprises a first conduit of a plurality of air delivery
conduits within the shell of the respirator.
4. The air flow control system of claim 3 wherein the amount of air
flow through the first conduit defines the amount of air flow
through at least a second conduit of the plurality of air delivery
conduits.
5. The air flow control system of claim 3 wherein each air delivery
conduit receives air flow from a common air flow inlet.
6. The air flow control system of claim 3 wherein each air delivery
conduit has a separate air flow outlet.
7. The air flow control system of claim 1 wherein the air delivery
conduit is shape stable.
8. The air flow control system of claim 1 wherein the shell of the
respirator and the air delivery conduit are shape stable.
9. The air flow control system of claim 1 wherein the shell of the
respirator is non-shape stable.
10. The air flow control system of claim 1 wherein the air delivery
conduit has an air flow inlet end extending out of the shell of the
respirator, wherein the air delivery conduit has a plurality of air
flow outlets within the shell of the respirator, and wherein the
valve member is movable relative to a first set of one or more of
the openings to vary the effective air flow size of each of the
openings of the first set of openings.
11. The air flow control system of claim 10 wherein no more than
50% of the air flowing through the air delivery conduit is allowed
to flow through the first set of one or more openings.
12. The air flow control system of claim 10 wherein the first set
of one or more openings is disposed on a side of the air delivery
conduit facing toward a head of the user.
13. The air flow control system of claim 10 wherein the first set
of one or more openings is disposed on a side of the air delivery
conduit facing away from a head of the user.
14. The air flow control system of claim 10 wherein the first set
of one or more openings is disposed to direct air flowing
therethrough across a portion of a head of the user.
15. The air flow control system of claim 1 wherein the valve member
is slidable relative to the air delivery conduit.
16. The air flow control system of claim 1 wherein the valve member
is rotatable relative to the air delivery conduit.
17. The air flow control system of claim 1 wherein the valve
actuator is slidable relative to the shell of the respirator.
18. The air flow control system of claim 1 wherein the valve
actuator is rotatable relative to the shell of the respirator.
19. The air flow control system of claim 1, and further comprising:
a controller within the shell coupled to the valve member, wherein
the controller causes movement of the valve member in response to a
signal generated by the valve actuator from outside of the
shell.
20. A method for controlling air flow within a respirator
comprises: forcing air through an air delivery conduit within a
shell of the respirator, wherein the shell defines a breathable air
zone for a user wearing the respirator; and manipulating an
actuator outside of and adjacent to the shell, by a user of the
respirator while wearing the respirator, to vary the amount of air
flow through the air delivery conduit.
21. The method of claim 20 wherein the manipulating step comprises
rotating the actuator relative to the shell of the respirator.
22. The method of claim 20 wherein the manipulating step comprises
sliding the actuator relative to the shell of the respirator.
23. The method of claim 20 wherein the forcing step comprises
forcing air through a plurality of air delivery conduits within the
shell of the respirator.
24. The method of claim 23 wherein the forcing step comprises
providing air for each air delivery conduit from a common air flow
inlet.
25. The method of claim 23 wherein the manipulating step comprises
varying the amount of air flow through at least two of the air
delivery conduits controlled.
26. The method of claim 20 wherein the manipulating step comprises
the actuator providing a signal to a moveable valve member that is
in the shell.
27. A respirator comprising: a shell that defines a breathable air
zone for a user wearing the respirator, wherein the shell includes
a visor portion to permit a user wearing the respirator to see
through the visor portion of the shell; a plurality of air delivery
conduits within the shell of the respirator; a valve within at
least one of the air delivery conduits to vary the amount of air
flow therethrough; and a valve actuator for controlling the valve,
wherein the valve actuator is outside the shell of the respirator
and is capable of manipulation by a user of the respirator while
the user is wearing the respirator.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Generally, this disclosure relates to respirators that are
worn on a user's head to provide breathable air for the user.
[0002] Respirators are well known and have many uses. For example,
respirators may be used to allow the user to breathe safely in a
contaminated atmosphere, such as a smoke filled atmosphere, a fire
or a dust laden atmosphere, or in a mine or at high altitudes where
sufficient breathable air is otherwise unavailable, or in a toxic
atmosphere, or in a laboratory. Respirators may also be worn where
it is desired to protect the user from contaminating the
surrounding atmosphere, such as when working in a clean room used
to manufacture silicone chips.
[0003] Some respirators have a helmet that is intended to provide
some protection against impacts when working in a dangerous
environment or when the user is at risk of being struck by falling
or thrown debris such as in a mine, an industrial setting or on a
construction site. Another type of respirator employs a hood when
head protection from impact is not believed to be required such as,
for example, when working in a laboratory or a clean room.
[0004] A respirator hood is usually made of a soft, flexible
material suitable for the environment in which the hood is to be
worn, and an apron or skirt may be provided at a lower end of the
hood to extend over the shoulder region of the user. Hoods of this
type are commonly used with a bodysuit to isolate the user from the
environment in which the user is working. The apron or skirt often
serves as an interface with the bodysuit to shield the user from
ambient atmospheric conditions. Another form of hood is sometimes
referred to as a head cover, and does not cover a user's entire
head, but only extends above the ears of the user, and extends down
about the chin of the user in front of the user's ears. The hood
has a transparent region at the front, commonly referred to as a
visor, through which the user can see. The visor may be an integral
part of the hood or detachable so that it can be removed and
replaced if damaged.
[0005] A respirator helmet is usually made from a hard, inflexible
material suitable for the environment in which the helmet is to be
worn. For example, such materials may include metallic materials
such as steel or hard polymers. A respirator helmet typically will
extend at least over the top of the user's head, and may have a
brim around all sides thereof, or a bill extending forwardly
therefrom, thereby providing additional protection over the user's
facial area. In addition, such a helmet may also include protective
sides extending downwardly from along the rear and sides of the
user's head. Such sides may be formed from an inflexible material
or may be formed from a flexible material. A respirator helmet has
a visor disposed thereon that permits the user to see outside of
the respirator. The visor may be transparent. However, in some
instance, such as for welding, the visor may be tinted or it may
include a filter, such as an auto darkening fitter (ADF). The visor
may be an integral part of the respirator helmet or detachable so
that is can be removed and replaced if damaged.
[0006] A respirator helmet is intended to provide a zone of
breathable air space for a user. As such, the helmet is also
typically sealed about the user's head and/or neck area. At least
one air supply provides breathable air to the interior of the
respirator helmet. The air supply pipe may be connected to a remote
air source separate from the user, but for many applications, the
air supply pipe is connected to a portable air source carried by
the user, commonly on the user's back or carried on a belt. In one
form, a portable air supply comprises a turbo unit, including a fan
driven by a motor powered by a battery and a filter. The portable
air supply is intended to provide a breathable air supply to the
user for a predetermined period of time.
SUMMARY
[0007] An air flow control system for a respirator, which has a
shell that defines a breathable air zone for a user wearing the
respirator, comprises an air delivery conduit within the shell of
the respirator, a valve member moveable relative to the air
delivery conduit and within the shell to vary the amount of air
flow through the air delivery conduit, and a valve actuator outside
of the shell of the respirator that is manipulatable by a user of
the respirator while wearing the respirator to control movement of
the valve member.
[0008] In another aspect, a method for controlling air flow within
a respirator comprises forcing air through an air delivery conduit
within a shell of a respirator, wherein the shell defines a
breathable air zone for a user wearing the respirator, and
manipulating an actuator outside of and adjacent to the shell, by a
user of the respirator while wearing the respirator, to vary the
amount of air flow through the air delivery conduit.
[0009] In another aspect, a respirator comprises a shell that
defines a breathable air zone for a user wearing the respirator,
wherein the shell includes a visor portion to permit a user wearing
the respirator to see through the visor portion of the shell, a
plurality of air delivery conduits within the shell of the
respirator, a valve within at least one of the air delivery
conduits to vary the amount of air flow therethrough, and a valve
actuator for controlling the valve, wherein the valve actuator is
outside the shell of the respirator and is capable of manipulation
by the user of the respirator while the user is wearing the
respirator.
[0010] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every
implementation of the claimed subject matter, and is not intended
to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed
subject matter. Many other novel advantages, features, and
relationships will become apparent as this description proceeds.
The figures and the description that follow more particularly
exemplify illustrative embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The disclosed subject matter will be further explained with
reference to the attached figures, wherein like structure or system
elements are referred to by like reference numerals throughout the
several views.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a respirator assembly, with a
respirator hood shown in phantom.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a top view of the respirator assembly of FIG. 1,
with the hood removed for clarity of illustration.
[0014] FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial sectional perspective view as
taken along lines 3-3 in FIG. 2, with a portion of the hood
shown.
[0015] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the manifold for
the respirator assembly.
[0016] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the
assembled manifold of FIG. 4, showing a valve and actuator
therefore in a closed position.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5, showing the valve and
actuator in an open position.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the
manifold for a respirator assembly.
[0019] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of certain components
of the manifold of FIG. 7.
[0020] FIG. 9 is an enlarged rear elevational view of a portion of
the assembled manifold of FIG. 7, showing a valve and actuator
therefore in a closed position.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9, showing the valve and
actuator in an open position.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the
manifold for a respirator assembly.
[0023] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the manifold of
FIG. 11, without a lock ring.
[0024] FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the
manifold of FIG. 11, with an upper portion of the manifold removed,
showing a valve and actuator therefore in a closed position.
[0025] FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 13, showing the valve and
actuator in an open position.
[0026] FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the
manifold of FIG. 11, as viewed from the front of the manifold and
showing the valve in a closed position.
[0027] FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 15, showing the valve in
an open position.
[0028] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the
manifold for a respirator assembly.
[0029] FIG. 18 is an enlarged partial sectional view as taken along
lines 18-18 in FIG. 16, showing a valve and actuator therefore in a
closed position.
[0030] FIG. 19 is a view similar to FIG. 18, showing the valve and
actuator in an open position.
[0031] FIG. 20 is a side elevation of a respirator assembly with a
respirator hood covering the entire head of a user.
[0032] FIG. 21 is a side elevation of a respirator assembly with a
head cover style respirator hood that only partially covers the
head of a user.
[0033] FIG. 22 is a side elevation of a respirator assembly with a
respirator hood that entirely covers the head of the user and is
used in combination with a full protective body suit worn by the
user.
[0034] FIG. 23 is a side elevation of a respirator assembly with a
hard shell helmet covering the entire head of a user.
[0035] FIG. 24 is a side elevation of a respirator assembly with a
hard shell helmet covering the top and facial area of the head of a
user.
[0036] FIG. 25 is a side elevation of a respirator assembly with a
hard shell helmet covering the top and facial area of the head of a
user, in the general form of a welding mask.
[0037] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a respirator assembly with
a hard shell hood shown in phantom.
[0038] FIG. 27 is an enlarged exploded view of a portion of the
manifold of the respirator assembly of FIG. 26.
[0039] FIG. 28 is a schematic illustration of an alternative valve
control configuration.
[0040] While the above-identified figures set forth one or more
embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, other embodiments are
also contemplated, as noted in the disclosure. In all cases, this
disclosure presents the disclosed subject matter by way of
representation and not limitation. It should be understood that
numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by
those skilled in the art which fall within the scope and spirit of
the principles of this disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Glossary
[0041] The terms set forth below will have the meanings as
defined:
[0042] Hood means a loose fitting face piece that covers at least a
face of the user but does not provide head impact protection.
[0043] Helmet means a head covering that is at least partially
formed from a material that provides impact protection for a user's
head and includes a face piece that covers at least a face of the
user.
[0044] Non-shape stable means a characteristic of a structure
whereby that structure may assume a shape, but is not necessarily
able, by itself, to retain that shape without additional
support.
[0045] Shape stable means a characteristic of a structure whereby
that structure has a defined shape and is able to retain that shape
by itself, although it may be flexible.
[0046] Breathable air zone means the space around at least a user's
nose and mouth where air may be inhaled.
[0047] Shell means a barrier that separates an interior of a
respirator, including at least the breathable air zone, from the
ambient environment of the respirator.
[0048] Valve means a device that regulates the flow of air.
[0049] Valve actuator means a device responsible for moving a valve
member of a valve.
[0050] Valve member means an element of a valve that is moveable
relative to a manifold.
[0051] Manifold means an air flow plenum having an air inlet and
having one or discrete air conduits in communication with the air
inlet, with each air conduit having at least one air outlet.
[0052] A respirator assembly 10 is illustrated in FIG. 1. In this
instance, the respirator assembly 10 includes a non-shape stable
hood 12 that serves as a shell for the respirator assembly 10 and
that, for clarity of illustration in FIG. 1, is shown by phantom
lines. The respirator assembly 10 further includes a head harness
14 that is adjustable in one or more dimensions so that it may be
sized to conform to a head 16 of a user 18. The hood 12 is sized to
extend over at least a front and top of the head 16 of the user 18,
if not over the entire head 16.
[0053] The respirator assembly 10 further comprises a shape stable
air manifold 20. The manifold 20 is removably supported by the
harness 14 at a plurality of points such as attachment points 22
and 24 in FIG. 1. The harness 14 and manifold 20 are secured
together by suitable mechanical fasteners, such as detents, clips,
snaps, or two part mechanical fasteners (e.g., hook and loop
fasteners). In one embodiment, the harness 14 and manifold 20 are
separable via such fasteners. When connected and mounted on a
user's head 16 as illustrated in FIG. 1, the harness 14 supports
the manifold 20 in a desired position relative to the user's head
16.
[0054] As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the air manifold 20 has an air
inlet conduit 26 and a plurality of air delivery conduits 27 and 28
(in FIG. 2, two of the delivery conduits 28a and 28b are
illustrated). In one embodiment, the air inlet conduit 26 is
disposed adjacent a back of the user's head 16. The air inlet
conduit 26 is in fluid communication with the air delivery conduit
27. The air delivery conduit 27 includes an air distribution
chamber 30 and is in turn in fluid communication with each air
delivery conduit 28. The air delivery conduit 27 and its air
distribution chamber 30 are also disposed adjacent the back of the
user's head 16, and as the air delivery conduits 28 extend
forwardly therefrom, they curve and split to provide separate
conduits for the flow of air therethrough. Each air delivery
conduit 28 has an air outlet 32 (e.g., air outlet 32a of air
delivery conduit 28a and air outlet 32b of air delivery conduit
28b). In one embodiment, each air outlet is adjacent a facial area
34 of the head 16 of the user 18. While only two air delivery
conduits 28 are illustrated on the manifold 20 in FIGS. 1 and 2, it
is understood that any number (e.g., one, two, three, etc.) of such
conduits may be provided. Further, in some embodiments, a manifold
may have one or more outlets of respective air delivery conduits
adjacent a user's forehead and one or more outlets of respective
air delivery conduits adjacent a user's nose and mouth (e.g., on
each side of the user's nose and mouth).
[0055] The hood 12 includes a visor 36 disposed on a front side
thereof through which a user 18 can see. In one embodiment, (see,
e.g., FIG. 1), an interior portion of the visor 36 (or an interior
portion of the hood) is releasably affixed to a tab portion 37 of
the harness 14, on each side of the user's facial area 34. The hood
12 is thus supported adjacent its front side by the harness 14. On
its back side, the hood 12 includes an air inlet opening 38 (FIG.
1). The air inlet conduit 26 of the manifold 20 extends through the
air inlet opening 38 and is in fluid communication with a supply of
breathable air via an air hose 40 attached to the air inlet conduit
26 (that attachment being, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1,
outside of the hood 12). The hose 40 is in turn connected to a
supply 42 of breathable air for the user 18. Such a supply 42 may
take the form of a pressurized tank of breathable air, a powered
air-purifying respirator (PAPR) or a supplied breathable air
source, as is known. The air flows from the supply 42 through hose
40 and into the air inlet conduit 26 of the manifold 20. The air
then flows through the air distribution chamber 30 of the air
delivery conduit 27 and into each of the air delivery conduits 28.
Air flows out of each conduit 28 from its air outlet 32 and into a
breathable air zone 44 defined by the hood 12 about the head 16 of
the user 18. Breathable air is thus delivered by the manifold 20 to
the user's facial area 34 for inhalation purposes which, in some
embodiments, includes not only the space around the user's nose and
mouth where air may be inhaled, but also other areas about the
user's face such as around the user's eyes and forehead.
[0056] Because of the introduction of such air, the air pressure
within the hood 12 typically may be slightly greater than the air
pressure outside the hood. Thus, the hood 12 can expand generally
to the shape illustrated in FIG. 1 about the user's head 16,
manifold 20 and harness 14. As is typical, air is allowed to escape
the hood 12 via exhalation ports (not shown) or via allowed leakage
adjacent the lower edges of the hood 12 (e.g., about the neck
and/or shoulders of the user 18). The respirator assembly 10 thus
provides the user 18 with a breathable zone of air 44 within the
non-shape stable hood 12, with the air delivered adjacent the
user's face by the shape stable manifold 20.
[0057] FIG. 3 illustrates a connection between the hood 12 and the
manifold 20 via the air inlet opening 38 of the hood 12. The air
inlet conduit 26 extends through the air inlet opening 38. A
removable fastener, such as lock ring 46 is received on the air
inlet conduit on an external side of the hood 12. As seen in FIG.
4., the lock ring 46 has cammed surfaces 46a which engage (upon
rotation of the lock ring 46 relative to the air inlet conduit 26)
cooperative surfaces 47 on the air inlet conduit 26 to urge the
material of the hood adjacent the air inlet opening 38 against an
annular shoulder 48 of the air inlet conduit 26 on an interior side
of the material of the hood 12. Lock ring 46 and shoulder 48 thus
cooperate to form a seal between the hood 12 and manifold 20 as it
passes through the air inlet opening 38 of the hood 12.
[0058] The lock ring 46 may be coupled to the air inlet conduit by
opposed surfaces 46a and 47 such as mentioned above, or may be
coupled thereto by other suitable means, such as opposed threaded
surfaces or a bayonet mount or the like. In each instance, the lock
ring 46 is removable, thereby allowing the hood 12 to be removable
with respect to the manifold 20 (and harness 14 attached thereto).
Thus, the hood 12 may be considered a disposable portion of the
respirator assembly 10. Once used, soiled or contaminated by use,
the hood 12 may be disconnected (via separation of the hood 12 from
the manifold 20 by means of manipulation of the lock ring 46, and
by disconnection of the hood 12 from the harness 14, if so
attached) and discarded, and a new hood 12 attached to the harness
14 and to the manifold 20 for reuse.
[0059] By separating the structure facilitating the air flow within
the hood from the hood itself, the hood construction is simplified
and less expensive. In addition, no portion of the air flow
conduits are formed from non-shape stable material (i.e., from hood
material) and thus prone to collapse, which can lead to
inconsistent air flow to a user or to inappropriate air flow
distribution (such as the air blowing directly into the user's
eyes). The shape stable manifold 20 has a defined configuration
that does not appreciably change, even though the shape of the hood
may be altered by contact with certain objects. Thus, the conduits
for air delivery defined by the manifold 20 will not collapse or be
redirected inadvertently to provide an undesired direction of air
flow into the breathable air zone. Further, the cost of fabricating
the harness and manifold assembly will typically be greater than
the cost of fabricating the hood alone. Thus, the more expensive
components (e.g., harness and manifold) are reusable, while a used
hood can be removed therefrom and a new hood can be substituted in
its place. Indeed, the reusable manifold 20 may be used with hoods
of different configurations, so long as each hood is provided with
an air inlet port sized and positioned to sealably mate with the
air inlet conduit of the manifold. A hood formed as a portion of a
full body suit, a shoulder length hood, a head cover or even hoods
of different styles (e.g., different visor shapes or hood shape
configurations) can thus be used with the same manifold 20. The
hood may be non-shape stable, as discussed above, while the
manifold is shape stable, thereby insuring that the air flow to the
user will be consistent in volume and consistently delivered to a
desired outlet position within the breathable air zone.
[0060] FIG. 4 illustrates, in an exploded view, one way for forming
the manifold 20. In the illustrative embodiment, the manifold 20
has an upper half 50 and a lower half 52. The upper half includes
the air inlet conduit 26 formed thereon. In one embodiment, each
half is formed (e.g., molded) from a thermoplastic polymer such as,
for example, polypropylene, polyethylene, polythene, nylon/epdm
mixture and expanded polyurethane foam. Such materials might
incorporate fillers or additives such as pigment, hollow glass
microspheres, fibers, etc. The upper and lower halves 50 and 52 are
formed to fit or mate together to define the manifold 20, with the
space between the upper and lower halves 50 and 52 forming air
delivery conduit 27 (see FIGS. 1 and 2), its air distribution
chamber 30, and the air delivery conduits 28. Upon assembly, the
upper and lower halves 50 and 52 are secured together by a
plurality of suitable fasteners such as, for example, a threaded
fastener 53 (FIG. 3), or may be mounted together using adhesives,
thermal or ultrasonic bonding techniques, or by other suitable
fastening arrangements. Once assembled, it is not contemplated that
any portion of the manifold be separable from the manifold, other
than the lock ring 46.
[0061] In one embodiment, the air distribution chamber 30 of the
manifold 20 has a plurality of openings 54 therein (in alternative
embodiments, no openings out of the manifold within the hood are
provided except for the air outlet on each air distribution
conduit). As illustrated in FIGS. 3-6, a set of such openings may
be provided and in this instance, the openings 54 are formed as
generally parallel slots. While four openings 54 are illustrated,
any number of openings (including a single opening) will suffice.
The openings 54 are aligned so that if air is allowed to flow out
of the air distribution chamber 30 through the openings 54, the air
flows away from the head of the user (in direction of arrow 56 in
FIG. 1). Air flowing out of the openings 54 is still within the
shell defined by the hood 12, and is useful for user perceived
cooling purposes about the user's head 16.
[0062] A valve comprises a shield plate 58 that is moveable to
cover and uncover the openings 54 on the manifold 20. The shield
plate 58 is formed, on an exterior surface thereof, to mirror the
interior surface of the air distribution chamber 30 on the upper
half 50 of the manifold 20. The shield plate 58 likewise has a
plurality of openings 60 therethrough, with the same number and
shape of openings 60 as the openings 54, and the openings 60 are
formed to be selectively aligned with the openings 54 (as seen in
FIGS. 3 and 6). The mating of the shield plate 58 and inner surface
of the upper half 50 of the manifold 20 is illustrated in FIG.
3.
[0063] The shield plate 58 is rotatable through an arc defined
about an axis of the cylindrical air inlet conduit 26, from a
position shown in FIG. 5 where the openings 54 are covered, to a
position shown in FIG. 6 where the openings 54 are uncovered and in
alignment with the openings 60 of the shield plate 58. As seen in
FIGS. 3 and 4, the shield plate 58 has an annular ring 62. The
annular ring 62 is seated within the air distribution chamber 30
and air inlet conduit 26 when the manifold 20 is assembled. An
arcuate actuator tab 64 extends outwardly from a bottom edge of the
ring 62. The tab 64 extends through an arcuate slot 66 extending
circumferentially about the air inlet conduit 26, as seen in FIGS.
3-6. The actuator tab 64 is moveable within and across the arc of
the slot 66 to change the position of the shield plate 58 relative
to the openings 54 on the manifold 20. In a first position, as seen
in FIG. 5, the slots 54 are covered by the shield plate 58. In a
second position, as seen in FIG. 6, the slots 54 are aligned with
the slots 60 on the shield plate 58 and thus air is allowed to flow
out of the openings 54 in the manifold 20. Arrows 68 in FIGS. 5 and
6 illustrate the possible directions of movement of the actuator
tab 64 relative to the arcuate slot 66. Portions of the slot 66 not
filled by the actuator tab 64 are covered by the bottom edge of
annular ring 62 so that no appreciable amount of air may escape
from within the manifold 20 via the slot 66. In one embodiment, the
openings 54 are formed so that no more than 50% of the air flowing
through the manifold 20 can flow through the openings 54 (e.g.,
when the openings 54 are fully aligned with openings 60 on the
shield plate 58, as seen in FIG. 6). The amount of openings 54
exposed is variable between fully covered (FIG. 5) and fully opened
(FIG. 6), by relative movement of the openings 60 on the shield
plate 58 with respect to the openings 54 on the manifold 20.
[0064] A portion of the actuator tab 64, as seen in FIG. 3, is
outside of the material of the hood 12, and thus accessible by a
user while the hood is being worn. Accordingly, a user can
manipulate the actuator tab 64 outside the hood 12 to control
movement of the shield plate 58. The shield plate 58 serves as a
valve member within the air distribution chamber 30 to vary the
amount of air flowing therethrough and into the air delivery
conduits 28 of the manifold 20. Of course, the more air that is
allowed to flow out of the manifold 20 via the openings 54, the
less air that is available to flow through the air delivery
conduits 28 directly to the facial area 34 of the user 18. While
the size of the slot 66 limits the amount of travel of the actuator
tab 64, detents may be provided between the moveable valve and
manifold to provide the user with a tactile and/or audible
indication that the valve formed by the shield plate 58 is in a
fully closed position (FIG. 5) or in a fully open position (FIG. 6)
relative to the openings 54 on the manifold 20.
[0065] The shield plate 58 thus provides a cover adjacent the
openings 54 which is moveable relative to the openings 54 to change
the size of the openings 54. The actuator tab 64 is connected to
the shield plate 58 (i.e., as a valve actuator outside of the hood)
and permits a user wearing the respirator assembly 10 to move the
shield plate 58 to a desired position relative to the openings 54
while the respirator assembly 10 is worn.
[0066] An alternative embodiment of the manifold for a respirator
assembly 10 is disclosed in FIGS. 7-10. For clarity of
illustration, only a manifold 120 is illustrated in FIGS. 7-10,
although it is understood that the manifold 120 may be
cooperatively mounted to a head harness (such as harness 14 shown
in FIG. 1) and also cooperatively mounted to a hood (such as hood
12 shown in FIG. 1) via an air inlet port on the hood. In these
aspects, the manifold 120 is likewise removably mounted relative to
a harness and also removably mounted with respect to a hood. Thus,
the advantages of reuse of the manifold 120 of FIGS. 7-10 once a
hood associated therewith has been contaminated or damaged are
likewise available, as discussed above with respect to manifold
20.
[0067] The manifold 120 has an air inlet conduit 126 and a
plurality of air delivery conduits 128 (in FIGS. 7 and 8, two of
the air delivery conduits 128a and 128b are illustrated). In one
embodiment, the air inlet conduit 126 is disposed adjacent a back
of the user's head (in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 1).
The air inlet conduit 126 is in fluid communication with an
intermediate air delivery conduit 129 that includes an air
distribution chamber 130 therein, and is also in fluid
communication with each air delivery conduit 128. In use, the air
distribution chamber 130 is also disposed adjacent the back of a
user's head, and the intermediate air delivery conduit 129 extends
forwardly from the air inlet conduit 126, centrally over a user's
head. As the air delivery conduits 128 extend further forwardly
from the intermediate air delivery conduit 129, they curve and
split (symmetrically) to provide separate conduits for the flow of
air therethrough. Each air delivery conduit 128 has an air outlet
132 (e.g., air outlet 132a of air delivery conduit 128a and air
outlet 132b of air delivery conduit 128b). In one embodiment, each
air outlet is adjacent the face of the user. While only two air
delivery conduits 128 are illustrated on the manifold 120 in FIGS.
7 and 8, it is understood that any number of such conduits may be
provided.
[0068] The air inlet conduit 126 of the manifold 120 extends
through an air inlet port of a hood and is in fluid communication
with a supply of breathable air, in the same manner as disclosed
with respect to hose 40 and supply 42 of breathable air in relation
to the embodiment of FIG. 1. Air flows into the air inlet conduit
126 of the manifold 120, then flows through the intermediate air
delivery conduit 129, and its air distribution chamber 130, and
into each of the air delivery conduits 128. Air flows out of each
air delivery conduit 128 from its air outlet 132 and into a
breathable air zone defined by the hood about the head of a user
for inhalation by the user.
[0069] The hood, as described above, is often non-shape stable and
serves as a shell for the respirator assembly, while the manifold
120 is shape stable. The connection between the hood and the
manifold 120 via the air inlet port of the hood is similar to that
described with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, using a lock
ring or the like to sealably attach the manifold 120 to the hood
yet allow the air inlet conduit 126 of the manifold to extend out
from the hood to receive supplied air. Other than the different
shape of the manifold 120 relative to the shape of the manifold 20,
and to the variations in the valve structures therebetween, (as
explained below) the manifold 120 interacts with a hood and harness
in the same way as described above, and achieve the same air
delivery functionality as described above. In addition, the
manifold 120 may be formed from the same materials as disclosed for
the manifold 20.
[0070] FIG. 8 illustrates, in an exploded view, certain components
of the manifold 120. In this case, that portion of the manifold 120
defining air conduits 128 and 129 is shown assembled. A set of one
or more openings 154 are disposed through the manifold 120 and into
the air distribution chamber 130 thereof. In this exemplary
embodiment, each of the openings 154 is arcuate in shape, and some
of them have different lengths. The openings 154 are aligned so
that as air is allowed to flow out of the air distribution chamber
130 through the openings 154, the air flows away from the head of
the user, yet still within the shell defined by the hood.
[0071] A valve comprises a shield plate 158 that is moveable to
cover and uncover the openings 154 on the manifold 120. The shield
plate 158 is functionally similar to the shield plate 58 of the
embodiment of FIGS. 1-6. It mates with the air distribution chamber
130 to cover and uncover the openings 154. The shield plate 158 has
a plurality of openings 160 therethrough, with the same number and
shape of openings 160 as the openings 154, and the openings 160 are
formed to be selectively aligned with the openings 154 (as seen in
FIGS. 7 and 10).
[0072] The shield plate 158 is rotatable through an arc defined
about an axis of the cylindrical air inlet conduit 126, from a
position shown in FIG. 9, wherein the openings 154 are covered, to
a position shown in FIG. 10, where the openings 154 are uncovered
and in alignment with the openings 160 of the shield plate 158. The
shield plate 158 has an annular ring 162 that is seated within the
air distribution chamber 130 and air inlet conduit 126 when the
manifold 120 is assembled. An arcuate actuator tab 164 extends
outwardly from a bottom edge of the ring 162. The tab 164 extends
through an arcuate slot 166 extending circumferentially about the
air inlet conduit 126, as seen in FIG. 8. The arcuate tab 164 is
moveable within and across the arc of the slot 166 to change the
position of the shield plate 158 relative to the openings 154 on
the manifold 120. In a first position, as seen in FIG. 9, the slots
154 are covered by the shield plate 158. In a second position, as
seen in FIG. 10, the slots 154 are aligned with the slots 160 on
the shield plate 158 and thus air is allowed to flow out of the
openings 154 in the manifold 120. Arrows 168 in FIGS. 9 and 10
illustrate the directions of movement of the actuator tab 164
relative to the arcuate slot 166. Portions of the slot 166 not
filled by the actuator tab 164 are covered by the bottom edge of
the annular ring 162 so that no appreciable amount of air may
escape from within the manifold 120 via the slot 166. In one
embodiment, the openings 154 are formed so that no more than 50% of
the air flowing through the manifold 120 can flow through the
openings 154 (e.g., when the openings 154 are fully aligned with
the openings 160 on the shield plate 158, as seen in FIG. 10). The
amount of openings 154 exposed is variable between fully covered
(FIG. 9) and fully opened (FIG. 10), by relative movement of the
openings 160 on the shield plate 158 with respect to the openings
154 on the manifold 120.
[0073] Like the actuator tab 64 of the embodiment shown in FIGS.
1-6, a portion of the actuator tab 164 of the embodiment of FIGS.
7-10 is outside of the material of the hood, and thus accessible by
a user while the hood is being worn in order to manipulate the
position of the shield plate 158 relative to the openings 154. The
shield plate 158 serves as a valve member within the air
distribution chamber 130 to vary the amount of air flowing
therethrough and into the air delivery conduits 128 of the manifold
120. The more air that is allowed to flow out of the manifold 120
through the openings 154, the less air that is then available to
flow through the delivery conduits 128 directly to the facial area
of a user. While the size of the slot 166 limits the amount of
travel of the actuator tab 164, detents may be provided between the
moveable valve and manifold to provide the user with a tactile
and/or audible indication that the valve formed by the shield plate
158 is in a fully closed position (FIG. 9) or in a fully opened
position (FIG. 10) relative to the openings 154 of manifold
120.
[0074] The shield plate 158 thus provides a cover adjacent the
openings 154 which is moveable relative to the openings 154 to
change the size of the openings 154. The actuator tab 164 is
operably connected to the shield plate 158 (i.e., as a valve
actuator outside of the hood) and permits the user wearing the
respirator assembly to move the shield plate 158 to a desired
position relative to the openings 154 while the respirator assembly
is worn.
[0075] An alternative embodiment of the manifold for a respirator
assembly 10 is disclosed in FIGS. 11-16. Again, for clarity of
illustration, only a manifold 220 is illustrated in FIGS. 11-16,
although it is understood that the manifold 220 may be
cooperatively mounted to a head harness (such as harness 14 shown
in FIG. 1) and also cooperatively mounted to a hood (such as hood
12 shown in FIG. 1) via an air inlet port on the hood. In these
aspects, the manifold 220 is likewise removably mounted relative to
a harness and also removably mounted with respect to a hood. Thus,
the advantages of reuse of the manifold 220 of FIGS. 11-16 once a
hood associated therewith has been contaminated or damaged are
likewise available, as discussed above with respect to manifolds 20
and 120.
[0076] The manifold 220 has an air inlet conduit 226 and a
plurality of air delivery conduits 228 (in FIGS. 11-16, two of the
air delivery conduits 228a and 228b are illustrated). In one
embodiment, the air inlet conduit 226 is disposed adjacent a back
of the user's head (again in a manner similar to that disposed and
shown in FIG. 1). The air inlet conduit 226 is in fluid
communication with an intermediate air delivery conduit 229 and in
fluid communication with each air delivery conduit 228. In use, the
air inlet conduit 226 and intermediate air delivery conduit 229 are
disposed adjacent the back of a user's head, with the intermediate
air delivery conduit 229 extending forwardly from the air inlet
conduit 226, centrally relative to a user's head. As the air
delivery conduits 228 extend further forwardly from the
intermediate air delivery conduit 229, they curve and split
(symmetrically) to provide separate conduits for the flow of air
therethrough. Each air delivery conduit 228 has an air outlet 232
(e.g., air outlet 232a of air delivery conduit 228a and air outlet
232b of air delivery conduit 228b). In one embodiment, each air
outlet 232 is adjacent the face of the head of the user. While only
two air delivery conduits 228 are illustrated on the manifold 220
in FIGS. 11-16, it is understood that any number of such conduits
may be provided.
[0077] The inlet conduit 226 of the manifold 220 extends through an
air inlet port of a hood and is in fluid communication with a
supply of breathable air, in the same manner as disclosed with
respect to hose 40 and supply 42 of breathable air in relation to
the embodiment of FIG. 1. Air flows into the air inlet conduit 226
of the manifold 220, then flows through the intermediate air
delivery conduit 229 and into each of the air delivery conduits
228. Air flows out of each air delivery conduit 228 from its air
outlet 232 and into a breathable air zone defined by the hood about
the head of a user for inhalation by the user.
[0078] The hood, as described above, is non-shape stable, and
serves as a shell for the respirator assembly, while the manifold
220 is shape stable. The connection between the hood and the
manifold 220 via the air inlet port of the hood is similar to that
described with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, using a lock
ring or the like to sealably attach the manifold 220 to the hood
yet allow the air inlet conduit 226 of the manifold to extend out
from the hood to receive supplied air. Other than the different
shape of the manifold 220 relative to the manifolds 20 and 120, and
to the variations in the valve structures therebetween (as
explained below), the manifold 220 interacts with a hood and
harness in the same way as described above, and achieves the same
air delivery functionality as described above.
[0079] In one embodiment, the manifold 220 is formed (i.e., molded)
from a thermoplastic polymer material such as, for example,
polypropylene, polyethylene, polythene, nylon/epdm mixture and
expanded polyurethane foam. Such materials might incorporate
fillers or additives such as pigments, hollow glass, microspheres,
fibers, etc. FIG. 11 illustrates the manifold 220 in assembled
form. FIG. 12 illustrates the manifold 220 in an exploded view,
wherein in this embodiment, the manifold 220 has an upper half 250
and lower half 252. The upper and lower halves 250 and 252 are
formed to fit or mate together to define the manifold 220, with the
space between the upper and lower halves 250 and 252 forming air
delivery conduits 228 and 229 (that are in fluid communication with
the air inlet conduit 226 coupled thereto). Upon assembly, the
upper and lower halves 250 and 252 are secured together by a
plurality of suitable fasteners (such as threaded fasteners) or may
be mounted together using thermal or ultrasonic bonding techniques,
or other suitable fastening arrangement. Once assembled, it is not
contemplated that any portion of the manifold be separated from the
manifold, other than the lock ring 246.
[0080] In one embodiment, a valve is again provided for the
manifold to allow the release of air flowing therethrough through
one or more openings in the manifold prior to the air reaching the
air outlets 232 of the air delivery conduits 228. In the
illustrated embodiment, an opening 253 is provided in the manifold
220 at the point where the manifold 220 splits (symmetrically) from
one air delivery conduit 229 to two air delivery conduits 228a and
228b, such as at juncture area 255. Thus, air flowing out of the
opening 253 flows alongside and over the head of a user (as opposed
to away from the head like the openings in manifolds 20 and
120).
[0081] A valve comprises a valve member 257 that is moveable to
selectively open and close the opening 253 in the manifold 220. The
valve member 257 includes a valve face seal 259 which is shaped to
mate with interior edges (such as edges 261 shown in FIG. 14) of
the opening 253. The valve member 257 is moveable toward and away
from the opening 253 to close and open it, respectively. FIG. 13
illustrates the valve member 257 moved with its valve face seal 259
into the opening 253 to close it, while FIG. 14 illustrates the
valve member 257 with its valve face seal 259 moved away from the
opening 253, thereby unsealing it and permitting the flow of air
therethrough from within the manifold 220.
[0082] The valve member 257 is moved relative to the opening 253 by
sliding it back and forth, in direction of arrows 263 in FIGS. 13
and 14. The valve member 257 is formed from a plate 265 that at a
first end is joined or formed as the valve face seal 259. The plate
265 has an elongated aperture 267 therein. A spacer 269 between the
upper and lower halves 250 and 252 of the manifold 220 extends
through the elongated aperture. The spacer 269 includes a plate
ramp surface 271 that is disposed for engagement with an edge of
the elongated aperture 267 in the plate 265. Thus, when the plate
265 is moved away from the opening 253, the plate ramp surface 271
urges portions of the plate 265 upwardly away from the lower half
252 of the manifold 220 (as illustrated in FIG. 14). When the plate
265 is moved toward the opening 253, the plate ramp surface 271
allows the valve face seal 259 to lower into a sealed closure
position relative to the opening 253 (as illustrated in FIG.
13).
[0083] The valve member 257 includes an annular ring 277, which is
connected to a second end of the plate 265. The annular ring 277 is
slidably disposed within a cylindrical bore in the air inlet
conduit 226 when the manifold 220 is assembled (see, e.g.,
cylindrical bore 377a for like ring 377 of the embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19). A pair of arcuate actuator tabs
279 extend outwardly from a bottom edge of the ring 277 (see FIG.
12). The tabs 279 are disposed on opposite sides of the ring 277
and in opposed longitudinal alignment with the connections of the
ring 277 to the plate 265. Each tab 279 extends through a
respective arcuate slot 281 extending circumferentially about the
air inlet conduit 226, as seen in FIGS. 12-14.
[0084] The actuator tabs 279 are moveable longitudinally (along the
direction of an axis of the air inlet conduit 226) through the
slots 281 to change the position of the valve face seal 259
relative to the opening 253 on the manifold 220. In a first
position, as seen in FIGS. 13 and 15, the opening 253 is covered by
the valve face seal 259. In a second position, as seen in FIGS. 14
and 16, the opening 253 is uncovered, and the valve face seal 259
is spaced away therefrom. Each slot 281 is sized to slidably
receive its respective tab 279 therein, and thereby permit movement
of the tab 279 therethrough in direction of arrows 263 in FIGS. 13
and 15. The slots 281 are dimensioned relative to the tabs 279 so
that no appreciable amount of air may escape from within the
manifold 220 via the slots 281. In one embodiment, the opening 253
is formed so that no more than 50% of the air flowing through the
manifold 220 can flow through the opening 253. The amount of air
flow through the opening 253 is variable dependent upon the
position of the valve face seal 259 relative to the opening 253,
with flow permitted at any flow level between fully closed (an
opening fully covered position of the valve face seal 259 (FIGS. 13
and 15)) and fully opened (an openings fully opened position of the
valve face seal 259 (FIGS. 14 and 16)).
[0085] Portions of the actuator tabs 279, as seen in FIGS. 13 and
14, are outside of the material of the hood (represented in FIGS.
13 and 14 by phantom hood 12), and thus are accessible by a user
when the hood is being worn in order to manipulate the position of
the valve member 257 relative to the opening 253. The valve member
257 thus serves to vary the amount of air flowing through the
conduit 220 to its air outlets 232. If the valve member 257 is
opened at all, air will flow out of the opening 253, and thus less
air will flow out of the air outlets 232. The amount of
longitudinal travel of the valve member 257 is limited by, on the
one hand, engagement of the valve seal face 259 with the opening
253, and, on the other hand, with engagement of a bottom edge of
the annular ring 277 with a shoulder at the bottom of the
cylindrical bore within the air inlet conduit 226. Detents may be
provided between the valve member 257 and manifold 220 to provide
the user with a tactile and/or audible indication that the valve
formed by the valve members 257 is in a fully closed position
(FIGS. 13 and 15) or in a fully open position (FIGS. 14 and 16)
relative to the opening 253 of the manifold 220.
[0086] A C-shaped ring member 283 (see FIG. 12) may be fixed on
each of the actuator tabs 279 (outside of the hood) to further
facilitate user manipulation of the actuator tabs 279. The ring
member 283 may have one or more ribs or other features thereon to
facilitate the handling and movement thereof relative to the air
inlet conduit 226 (which in turn would move the actuator tabs 279,
and hence the valve member 257). The actuator tabs 279 and
associated ring member 283 serve as a valve actuator outside of the
hood and permit the user wearing the respirator assembly to move
the valve member 257 to a desired position relative to the opening
253 while the respirator is worn.
[0087] The manifold 220 illustrated in FIGS. 11-16 thus provides a
shape stable manifold having a valve which is operable from outside
of the respirator hood to open and close the opening within the
manifold 220 inside of the shell of the respirator assembly. This
actuation is achieved by linear movement of a valve actuator (the
actuator tabs 279 and associated ring member 283) on the outside of
the hood adjacent the back of the user's head. Thus, a user can
easily modify the air flow through the manifold 220 between a
condition where all air flowing through the manifold exits the
manifold adjacent the facial area via the air outlets 232 and a
condition where some or up to half of the air flowing through the
manifold exits the manifold through the opening 253, thereby
flowing across the top of the user's head for cooling purposes.
[0088] An alternative embodiment of the manifold for a respirator
assembly 10 is disclosed in FIGS. 17-19. For clarity of
illustration, only a manifold 320 is illustrated in FIGS. 17-19,
although it is understood that the manifold 320 may be
cooperatively mounted to a head harness (such as harness 14 shown
in FIG. 1) and also cooperatively mounted to a hood (such as hood
12 shown in FIG. 1) via an air inlet port on the hood. In these
aspects, the manifold 320 is likewise removably mounted relative to
a harness and also removably mounted with respect to a hood. Thus,
the advantages of reuse of a manifold 320 of FIGS. 17-19 once a
hood associated therewith has been contaminated or damaged are
likewise available, as discussed above with respect to manifold
20.
[0089] The manifold 320 has an air inlet conduit 326 and a
plurality of air delivery conduits 328 (in FIG. 17, two of the air
delivery conduits 328a and 328b are illustrated). In one
embodiment, the air inlet conduit 326 is disposed adjacent the back
of the user's head (in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 1).
The air inlet conduit 326 is in fluid communication with an
intermediate air delivery conduit 329 that includes an air
distribution chamber 330 therein, and is also in fluid
communication with each air delivery conduit 328. In use, the air
distribution chamber 330 is also disposed adjacent the back of a
user's head, and the intermediate air delivery conduit 329 extends
forwardly from the air inlet conduit 326 centrally over a user's
head. As the air delivery conduits 328 extend further forwardly
from the intermediate air delivery conduit 329, they curve and
split (symmetrically) to provide separate conduits for the flow of
air therethrough. Each air delivery conduit 328 has an air outlet
332 (e.g., air outlet 332a of air delivery conduit 328a and air
outlet 332b of air delivery conduit 328b). In one embodiment, each
air outlet 332 is adjacent the face of the head of the user. While
only two air delivery conduits 328 are illustrated on the manifold
320 in FIG. 17, it is understood that any number of such conduits
may be provided.
[0090] The air inlet conduit 326 of the manifold 320 extends
through an air inlet port of a hood and is in fluid communication
with a supply of breathable air, in the same manner as disclosed
with respect to hose 40 and supply 42 of breathable air in relation
to the embodiment of FIG. 1. Air flows into the air inlet conduit
326 of the manifold 320, then flows through the intermediate air
delivery conduit 329, and its air distribution chamber 330, and
into each of the air delivery conduits 328. Air flows out of each
air delivery conduit 328 from its air outlet 332 and into a
breathable air zone defined by the hood about the head of a user
for inhalation by the user.
[0091] The hood, as described above, is non-shape stable and serves
as a shell for the respirator assembly, while the manifold 320 is
shape stable. The connection between the hood and the manifold 320
via the air inlet port of the hood is similar to that described
with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, using a lock ring or
the like to sealably attach the manifold 320 to the hood yet allow
the air inlet conduit 326 of the manifold to extend out from the
hood to receive supplied air. Other than the different shape of the
manifold 320 relative to the shape of the manifolds 20, 120 and
220, and to the variations in the valve structures therebetween (as
explained below), the manifold 320 interacts with a hood and
harness in the same way as described above, and achieves the same
air delivery functionality as described above. In addition, the
manifold 320 may be formed from the same materials as disclosed for
the manifold 20.
[0092] As air flows through the manifold 320 from the air inlet
conduit 326, it may in one embodiment only leave the manifold 320
via the air outlets 332. However, in another embodiment, air
outlets for the air may be provided at other locations along the
manifold 320. For instance, as shown in FIG. 17, one or more
openings 354 may be provided on a lower portion of the manifold,
facing a user's head. FIG. 17 illustrates a first set of a
plurality of openings 354 through a wall of the manifold in the
intermediate air delivery conduit 329 that defines the air
distribution chamber 330. In one exemplary arrangement, as
illustrated, the openings 354 may be disposed in a grill format,
although the openings may be of any size and number and
configuration. The openings 354 are aligned so that as air is
allowed to flow out of the air distribution chamber 330 through the
openings 354, the air flows toward the head of the user and within
the shell defined by the hood.
[0093] A valve comprises a shield plate 358 that is moveable to
cover and uncover the openings 354 on the manifold 320. The shield
plate 358 is moved toward and away from the opening 354 similar to
the valve movement of the valve of the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 11-16. The shield plate 358 is attached via one or more
connectors 359 to an annular ring 377. The annular ring 377 is
slidably disposed for longitudinal travel (relative to an axis of
the air inlet conduit 326) within a cylindrical bore 377a in the
air inlet conduit 326. A pair of arcuate actuator tabs 379 extend
outwardly from a bottom edge of the ring 377.
[0094] The tabs 379 are disposed on opposite sides of the ring 377
and in opposed longitudinal alignment with the connectors 359. Each
tab 379 extends through an arcuate slot 381 extending
circumferentially about the air inlet conduit 326. The actuator
tabs 379 are moveable longitudinally (in direction of arrows 363 in
FIGS. 18 and 19) through the slots 381 to change the position of
the shield plate 358 relative to the openings 354 on the manifold
320. In a first position, as seen in FIG. 18, the openings 354 are
covered by the shield plate 358. In a second position, as seen in
FIG. 19, the openings 354 are uncovered, and the shield plate 358
is spaced away therefrom. Each slot 381 is sized to slidably
receive its respective tab 379 therein, and thereby permit movement
of the tab 379 extending therethrough in direction of arrows 363.
The slots 381 are dimensioned relative to the tabs 379 so that no
appreciable amount of air may escape from within the manifold 320
via the slots 381. In one embodiment, the openings 354 are formed
so that no more than 50% of the air flowing through the manifold
320 can flow through the openings 354. The amount of air flow
through the openings 354 is variable dependent upon the position of
the shield plate 358 relative to the openings 354, with flow
permitted at any flow level between fully closed (an openings fully
covered position of the shield plate 358 (FIG. 18)) and fully open
(an openings fully opened position of the shield plate 358 (FIG.
19)).
[0095] Portions of each actuator tab 379, as seen in FIG. 17, are
outside of the material of the hood (represented in FIG. 17 by
phantom hood 12), and thus accessible by a user when the hood is
being worn in order to manipulate the position of the shield plate
358 relative to the openings 354. The shield plate 358 thus serves
as a valve member to vary the amount of air flowing through the
conduit to its air outlets 332. If the shield plate 358 is opened
at all, then air will flow out of the openings 354, and thus less
air will flow out of air outlets 332. The amount of longitudinal
travel of the shield plate 358 is limited by, on the one hand,
engagement of the shield plate 358 with the openings 354, and, on
the other hand, with the engagement of a bottom edge of the annular
ring 377 with a shoulder at the bottom of the cylindrical bore 377a
within the air inlet conduit 326. Detents may be provided between
the valve structure bearing shield plate 358 and manifold 320 to
provide the user with a tactile and/or audible indication that the
valve formed by the valve shield 358 is in a fully closed position
(FIG. 18) or a fully open position (FIG. 19) relative to the
openings 354 of the manifold 320.
[0096] The shield plate 358 thus provides a cover adjacent the
openings 354 which is moveable relative to the openings 354 to
change the size of the openings 354. The actuator tabs 379 are
operably connected to the shield plate 358 (i.e., as a valve
actuator outside of the hood) and permit the user wearing the
respirator assembly to move the shield plate 358 to a desired
position relative to the openings 354 while the respirator assembly
is worn.
[0097] As noted above, the respirator assembly includes a hood. An
exemplary hood is illustrated in FIG. 1. FIGS. 20-22 further
illustrate exemplary hoods which may be used in connection with the
respirator assembly of the present disclosure. FIG. 20 illustrates
a hood 12A that is sized to cover the entire head 16 of a user 18,
with an apron at its bottom end, adjacent the user's shoulders.
FIG. 21 illustrates an alternative hood 12B, which is sometimes
referred to as a head cover, wherein the hood 12B covers only a top
and front portion of the head 16 of a user 18, leaving the user's
ears, neck and shoulders uncovered. The hood 12B seals about the
user's head at its lower edges. FIG. 22 illustrates a hood 12C that
entirely covers the head 16 of a user 18, but that is also used in
combination with a full protective body suit 19 worn by a user 18.
Each of the hoods 12A, 12B and 12B may be non-shape stable and
incorporates a shape stable manifold such as disclosed herein
within the shell of the respective hood. In the embodiment
disclosed in FIG. 22, the manifold is coupled to a PAPR air and/or
power supply P that is carried on a belt worn by a user 18.
[0098] Other alternative hood configurations are possible, and no
matter what the configuration of the non-shape stable hood that
defines the shell for respiration purposes, a shape stable manifold
is included within that hood (such as the exemplary manifolds
disclosed herein). The manifold typically receives air from a
single air inlet, and distributes air to multiple air outlets
within the hood, via multiple conduits therein. The manifold may be
removable from the hood, thus allowing disposal of a soiled hood
and reuse of the manifold. In addition, a head harness may be
provided to mount the manifold and hood to the head of the user.
The head harness likewise may be removable from the hood for reuse,
and may also be removable from the manifold.
[0099] In the embodiments of the respirator assembly discussed
above, the shell has been disclosed as a hood, such as a non-shape
stable hood. The manifold disclosed is also operable within a
helmet, which may have a shape stable shell. In that instance, the
helmet comprises a shell but that shell would be (at least in part)
impact resistant to some degree. The air delivery conduits of the
manifold are within the shell of the helmet, and likewise moveable
members of a valve structure are within one or more such conduits
to provide air flow control within the manifold. The amount of flow
control through different portions of the manifold is controlled by
user manipulation of a valve actuator outside of the helmet's shell
and adjacent thereto. For instance, the user controls air flow by
movement of the actuator tabs disclosed above (which are disposed
about the air inlet conduit for a manifold and adjacent a back side
of a user's head, where the air is supplied to the respirator
assembly).
[0100] Exemplary helmets for use in a respirator assembly are
illustrated in FIGS. 23-25. FIG. 23 illustrates a respirator
assembly having a helmet 25A that, once positioned on the head 16
of a user 18, covers the entire head. FIG. 24 illustrates a helmet
25B that is sized to cover only the top of a user's head 16 along
with the facial area thereof. FIG. 25 illustrates a helmet 25C that
also covers at least the top of a user's head 16 and the facial
area thereof. Helmet 25C is configured in the general form of a
welding helmet.
[0101] In these exemplary illustrations, the helmet (such as
helmets 25A, 25B or 25C) is rigid, has an at least partially hard
shell and provides a breathable air zone for a user. Air is
provided to that breathable air zone via the type of manifold
disclosed herein, and the amount of air flow to the user's facial
area and cooling air within the shell of the respective helmet is
likewise controlled by the valve of that manifold. As noted above,
the valve is manipulatable by a user while the user wears the
respirator assembly and its helmet. The manifold may be fixed to
the helmet, or may be removable therefrom. Likewise, a head harness
(such as the exemplary head harness 14 shown in FIGS. 24 and 25) is
provided to fit the respirator assembly to the head of a user, and
to support the helmet and manifold. The harness 14 may be removable
from the helmet and/or manifold.
[0102] An alternative embodiment for the manifold for a respirator
assembly 410 is disclosed in FIGS. 26-27. In this instance, the
respirator assembly 410 includes a shape stable helmet 25D that
serves as a shell for the respirator assembly and that, for clarity
of illustration in FIG. 26, is shown by phantom lines. Although not
shown in FIG. 26, the respirator assembly 410 further includes a
head harness that is adjustable in one or more dimensions so that
it may be sized to conform to a head of a user. The helmet 25D is
sized to extend over at least the top of the head of a user, and
includes a shape stable visor 436 on a front side thereof which
extends over and about the facial area of the user.
[0103] The respirator assembly further comprises a shape stable
manifold 420. The manifold 420 may be separable from the head
harness, and may also be separable from the helmet 25D.
[0104] The manifold 420 has an air inlet conduit 426 and a
plurality of air delivery conduits 427 and 428. In one embodiment,
the air inlet conduit 426 is disposed adjacent a back of the user's
head. The air inlet conduit 426 is in fluid communication with the
air delivery conduit 427. In this instance, the air delivery
conduit 427 extends forwardly over a central portion of the user's
head and has an air outlet 429 above the user's facial area. The
air delivery conduit 427 includes an air distribution chamber 430
therein, which in turn is in fluid communication with the air
delivery conduits 428 (in FIG. 26, two air delivery conduits 428a
and 428b are illustrated). In this instance, the air distribution
chamber 430 is disposed adjacent the top of the helmet 25D, within
the air delivery conduit 427. Each air delivery conduit 428 has an
air outlet 432 (e.g., air outlet 432a of air delivery conduit 428a
and air outlet 432b of air delivery conduit 428b). Each air
delivery conduit 428 extends downwardly from the air distribution
chamber 430 alongside the head of the user and has its respective
air outlet adjacent the user's nose and mouth. While only two air
delivery conduits 428 are illustrated on the manifold 420 in FIGS.
26 and 27, it is understood that any number of such conduits may be
provided.
[0105] Typically, a seal is provided about the user's head to
provide an enclosed space within the shell of the hood 25D for
containing breathable air. In some instances, the seal may not be
complete to allow for exhalation air to escape, or exhalation
valves may be provided. The air inlet conduit 426 is in fluid
communication with a supply of breathable air, in the same general
manner as disclosed with respect to hose 40 and supply 42 of
breathable air in relation to the embodiment of FIG. 1. Air from
the air supply flows into the air inlet conduit 426 of the manifold
420, then flows through the air delivery conduit 427 and, depending
upon the position of a valve, into the air delivery conduits 428.
Air flows out of the air delivery conduit 427 at its air outlet 429
and out of the air delivery conduits 428 at their air outlets 432.
From the air outlets 429 and 432, air flows into a breathable air
zone defined by the shell of the helmet about the head of a user,
for inhalation by the user.
[0106] This exemplary embodiment illustrates that the valve (and
its valve actuator) for the air delivery conduit within a shell may
have alternative positions and structures from those disclosed in
the above embodiments. In this instance, as best seen in FIG. 27,
the valve includes the air distribution chamber 430 within the air
delivery conduit 427, which itself is defined in part by a
cylindrical wall 430a.
[0107] Air flowing into the air delivery conduit 427 (as indicated
by arrow 431 in FIG. 27) enters the air distribution chamber 430
via an air inlet 433. Air may exit the air distribution chamber 430
through one or more of three air outlets, forward air outlet 435,
or side air outlets 437a and 437b. Air flowing through the air
outlet 435 continues flowing within the air delivery conduit 427 to
its air outlet 429. Air flowing through the air outlet 437a flows
into the air delivery conduit 428a and to its air outlet 432a. Air
flowing through the air outlet 437b flows into the air delivery
conduit 428b and to its air outlet 432b.
[0108] A valve 439 controls the flow of air with respect to the air
outlets 435, 437a and 437b. The valve 439 has a circular cover 441
which is sized to sealably cover the open top of the cylindrical
wall 430a of the air distribution chamber 430. Two arcuate valve
blades 443a and 443b (i.e., valve members) depend downwardly from
the cover 441. The blades 443a and 443b are sized to completely
cover (e.g., from the inside) the outlets 437a and 437b,
respectively, when the valve 439 is aligned as illustrated in FIG.
27 and assembled with the air distribution chamber 430. The cover
441 is sealably coupled to the wall 430a of the air distribution
chamber 430 so that air entering the air distribution chamber 430
from the air inlet 433 can only exit therefrom out of the air
outlet 435. The cover 441 of the rotatable valve 439 is rotatable
in a first direction, for example, in a clockwise manner (as seen
in FIG. 27), to move the valve blades 443a and 443b to uncover or
partially uncover the air outlets 437a and 437b, respectively.
Thus, manipulation of the valve 439 results in diversion of some of
the air flowing through the manifold 420 into the air delivery
conduits 428a and 428b. The cover 441 is likewise rotatable in a
second direction, for example in a counterclockwise manner, to
cover the air outlets 437a and 437b with the valve blades 443a and
443b, respectively. The cover 441 is prevented by stops (not shown)
from rotating in either direction to a position whereby the valve
blades 443a or 443b obstruct the air inlet 433.
[0109] While the valve 439 is disposed essentially within the air
delivery conduit 427, a valve actuator 445 for the valve is exposed
exteriorly of the shell of the helmet 25D. In the illustrated
embodiment, the actuator 445 has a tab 449 that can be grasped and
turned by the user to vary the air flow relation between the air
outlets 429, 432a and 432b within the respirator assembly. The
actuator 445 and its tab 449 are rotatably mounted relative to the
shell of the helmet 25D so that exterior manipulation is permitted
to operate the valve members (e.g., valve blades 443a and 443b)
within the shell, yet sealed relative to the shell of the helmet
25D so that the breathable air zone therein is not compromised.
Detents may be provided within the structure of the valve to
indicate various degrees of rotation of the valve blades relative
to the air outlets.
[0110] Although the manifolds disclosed herein have been described
with respect to several embodiments, workers skilled in the art
will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without
departing from the spirit and scope of the respirator assembly
disclosure. For instance, in some embodiments, the exemplary
manifolds each have two symmetrically aligned air delivery
conduits. However, it may not be essential in all cases that the
conduit arrangement be symmetrical, and an asymmetrical arrangement
may be desired for particular respirator assembly applications. In
addition, while the illustrated embodiments disclose shape stable
manifolds, it may be sufficient for the manifold to be shape stable
merely adjacent the valve member of the valve, and thus have
portions thereof that are non-shape stable. The valves illustrated
are intended to be exemplary only, and other valve types are
contemplated such as, for example, flowing type valves, pin valves,
plug valves, diaphragm valves and spool valves. Furthermore, the
air outlets for some of the illustrated manifolds have been
disclosed as generally above and to the side of a user's eye.
Alternative locations for the air outlets are also contemplated
(such as seen in the manifold of FIG. 27), and the present
disclosure should not be so limited by such exemplary features. In
respirator assemblies where the hood defines the shell, the shell
may be formed from, for example, such materials as fabrics, papers,
polymers (e.g., woven materials, non-woven materials, spunbond
materials (e.g., polypropylenes or polyethylenes) or knitted
substrates coated with polyurethane or PVC) or combinations
thereof. In alternative embodiments where the shell is a portion of
a helmet, portions of the shell may be formed from, for example,
such materials as polymers (e.g., ABS, nylon, polycarbonates or
polyamides or blends thereof), carbon fibers in a suitable resin,
glass fibers in a suitable resin or combinations thereof.
[0111] In addition, the valve actuators disclosed are all
mechanical in nature (using either rotary of linear motion).
Alternatively, an electromechanical device may be used to actuate
the valve member of the valve. Such an embodiment is illustrated in
FIG. 28, where a shell S of a respirator assembly has a manifold M
therein. In this exemplary embodiment, a valve member VM and at
least a portion of a controller C therefore reside within the shell
S of the respirator assembly. The controller C, such as a solenoid,
linear drive, or servo motor, moves the valve member VM, in
response to a remote signal Si invoked by the user manipulating an
actuator A outside of the shell S. The signal Si may be delivered
either through cables, wired connections or radio "wireless"
communication. A wireless-controlled valve member VM in such an
application would employ a radio receiver R for receiving control
signals Si transmitted from a user-operated transmitter T
associated the actuator A. Thus, the controller C is within the
shell S and causes movement of the valve member VM in response to
the signal Si generated by the valve actuator A outside of the
shell S. As discussed above, the valve member may operate between
two states, or may open and close progressively. The valve actuator
A for the controller C may be conveniently located for user access
and activation on the respirator assembly, on a PAPR blower
controller, or incorporated into a separate handheld transmitter.
With electronic interface of the controller, it is thus be possible
to incorporate feedback loops into the valve flow control process.
As an example, a temperature sensor within the shell could work
cooperatively with the controller to direct more or less airflow to
a target zone within the shell. Electromechanical valve actuation
also lends itself to distributive control of the airflow. In
distributive control, multiple valve members/controllers could be
controlled to manipulate airflow to different zones within the
respirator shell to better balance the airflow within the
respirator shell.
* * * * *