Side plug-in filter cartridge

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-9393448-B2
Application number	US-201113298402-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Nov 17, 2011
Priority date	Nov 17, 2011
Publication date	Jul 19, 2016
Grant date	Jul 19, 2016

Abstract

A respirator 10 that includes a mask body 14 , a filter cartridge receptacle 15 , and a filter cartridge 12 . The filter cartridge 12 has a side 30 that is capable of being plugged into the receptacle 15 . The filter cartridge 15 can be inserted into the proper position within the receptacle 15 while the mask body 14 is being donned. The securement can be achieved without having the user visibly witness the actual engagement. An audible click or other indication can be provided so that the user knows that proper engagement has been achieved. The engagement may exhibit little spacing between the filter cartridge 12 and the mask body 14 , thereby improving viewer visibility and making the inventive respirator 10 more comfortable to wear.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A respirator that comprises:
a mask body;
a female filter cartridge receptacle that is secured directly to the mask body; and
a filter cartridge comprising first and second major surfaces and a male end, wherein at least a portion of the male end is disposed between the first and second major surfaces, and wherein the male end is capable of being plugged into the female filter cartridge receptacle;
wherein the spacing between the second major surface of the filter cartridge and the mask body is less than 1 centimeter at the closest distance between the second major surface and the mask body.

2. The respirator of claim 1 , wherein the receptacle is capable of being removably attached to the mask body.

3. The respirator of claim 2 , wherein the receptacle includes a means for attaching the receptacle to the mask body.

4. The respirator of claim 1 , wherein the receptacle is integral to the mask body.

5. The respirator of claim 1 , wherein the second major surface is flush with the mask body.

6. The respirator of claim 1 , wherein the filter cartridge does not need to be rotated or manipulated other than being slid to create an attachment to the mask body receptacle.

7. The respirator of claim 1 , wherein the filter cartridge may be disengaged by the user simply by pushing a disengagement mechanism.

8. The respirator of claim 7 , wherein the disengagement mechanism comprises a button, tab, or a latch.

9. The respirator of claim 7 , wherein the disengagement mechanism is a release button.

10. The respirator of claim 1 , wherein the respirator comprises an attachment mechanism for securing the cartridge to the receptacle, the attachment mechanism being spring loaded.

11. The respirator of claim 1 , wherein one or both of the major surfaces is fluid permeable to allow ambient air to enter the filter cartridge to be filtered, and wherein the first and second major surfaces each have a surface area of 60 to 90 square centimeters.

12. The respirator of claim 11 , wherein the filter cartridge is curved from front to back.

13. The respirator of claim 12 , wherein the filter cartridge is curved from side to side.

14. The respirator of claim 1 , wherein the filter cartridge has an opening located in the male end of the filter cartridge, the opening allowing for clean air to pass from the filter cartridge into an interior gas space of the respirator.

15. The respirator of claim 14 , wherein the opening is located on a front sidewall of a housing of the filter cartridge.

16. The respirator of claim 1 , wherein the second major surface of the filter cartridge faces the mask body.

17. A respirator that comprises:
a mask body;
first and second female filter cartridge receptacles that are each secured to the mask body; and
a first filter cartridge comprising a male end plugged into the first female filter cartridge receptacle and a second filter cartridge comprising a male end plugged into the second female filter cartridge receptacle such that the first and second filter cartridges are located on opposing sides of the mask body, wherein each of the first and second filter cartridges further comprises a first major surface and a second major surface, wherein at least a portion of the male end of each of the first and second filter cartridges is disposed between the respective first and second major surfaces, wherein both the first major surface and the second major surface of each of the first and second filter cartridges are fluid permeable;
wherein the spacing between the second major surface of at least one of the first and second filter cartridges and the mask body is less than 1 centimeter at least closest distance between the second major surface and the mask body.

18. The respirator of claim 17 , wherein the respirator is configured such that air can pass through the first and second major surfaces of each of the first and second filter cartridges and enter a plenum located in each of the first and second filter cartridges that is in fluid communication with an opening in each of the respective first and second filter cartridge receptacles.

19. The respirator of claim 18 , wherein each of the first and second filter cartridges comprises a conduit formed in the male end that allows for air to pass from the plenum to the respective filter cartridge receptacle.

Assignees

• Dwyer Gary E
• Legare Pierre
• 3M Innovative Properties Co

Inventors

• Dwyer Gary E
• Legare Pierre

Classifications

• A62B18/025 Primary

  Halfmasks (A62B23/02 takes precedence; surgical face masks A41D13/11) · CPC title

• A62B18/02 Primary

  Masks (gas-masks for animals A62B18/06; masks for welders A61F9/06) · CPC title

• A62B9/04

  Couplings; Supporting frames · CPC title

• Y10T29/49826

  Assembling or joining · CPC title

• A62B7/10

  with filter elements · CPC title