(12) United States Patent
`Brostrom et al.
`
`I lllll llllllll Ill lllll lllll lllll lllll lllll 111111111111111111111111111111111
`US006457473Bl
`US 6,457,473 Bl
`Oct. 1, 2002
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`(54) DROP-DOWN FACE MASK ASSEMBLY
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Gerald M. Brostrom, Burnsville, MN
`(US); David C. Byram, River Falls, WI
`(US)
`
`(73) Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company,
`St. Paul, MN (US)
`
`( *) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/541,858
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Apr. 3, 2000
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`( 63) Continuation of application No. 08/943,757, filed on Oct. 3,
`1997, now Pat. No. 6,062,221.
`Int. Cl.7 ................................................ A62B 18/08
`(51)
`(52) U.S. Cl. ............................. 128/207.11; 128/206.27;
`128/206.28
`(58) Field of Search ....................... 128/206.27, 206.28,
`128/207.11
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
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`
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`
`Monro et al.
`Motsinger
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`Dauster
`Meidenbauer, Jr.
`Bierman ................ 128/207.11
`Motsinger
`Reed ..................... 128/207.11
`Galleher, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . 128/207 .11
`Galleher, Jr.
`Smith et al.
`Bennett ................. 128/207.11
`Malmin
`Malmin
`Mayhew
`Phillips
`
`. . . . . 128/207 .11
`
`8/1980 Kubik et al.
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`3/1992 Crater et al.
`
`(List continued on next page.)
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`DE
`DE
`DE
`DE
`FR
`FR
`GB
`GB
`NL
`SU
`WO
`WO
`WO
`WO
`WO
`WO
`WO
`WO
`WO
`
`414007
`528975
`43 23 926 Al
`19714325 Al
`780746
`48776
`203741
`289810
`50041
`199669
`WO 87/01949
`WO 98/24499
`WO 98/58558
`WO 99/06116
`Wo 99/16532
`WO 99/16533
`WO 99/16945
`WO 99/20349
`WO 99/58197
`
`10/1921
`5/1927
`1/1995
`10/1998
`5/1935
`3/1938
`9/1923
`1/1929
`3/1941
`12/1965
`4/1987
`6/1998
`12/1998
`2/1999
`4/1999
`4/1999
`4/1999
`4/1999
`11/1999
`
`Primary Examiner-Aaron J. Lewis
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Karl G. Hanson; Kevin W.
`Raasch; James A. Rogers
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`An improved face mask that is retained by a carriage and
`harness assembly, thereby allowing the face mask to drop
`down from the face of the wearer.
`
`4 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets
`
`Page 1
`
`Fisher & Paykel Ex. 1213
`IPR Petition - USP 8,944,061
`
`

`

`US 6,457,473 Bl
`Page 2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3/1993 Vogliano
`5,191,882 A
`11/1993 Rudolph ................ 128/204.18
`5,265,595 A
`12/1993 Wyatt ............................ 2/173
`5,269,024 A
`3/1994 Almovist et al.
`5,291,880 A
`5/1994 Kronzer et al.
`5,307,796 A
`12/1994 Burgio
`5,374,458 A
`3/1995 Brostrom et al.
`5,394,568 A
`5/1995 Jones et al.
`5,411,576 A
`6/1995 Bracken
`5,429,126 A
`5,429,683 A * 7/1995 Le Mitouard .......... 128/207.11
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`12/1995 Jones et al.
`5,488,948 A
`2/1996 Dubruille et al.
`5,496,507 A
`3/1996 Angadjivand et al.
`5,503,147 A
`4/1996 Bertheau
`5,509,436 A
`4/1996 Japuntich et al.
`
`5,542,128 A * 8/1996 Lomas .................. 128/207.11
`5,570,689 A
`11/1996 Starr et al.
`5,617,849 A
`4/1997 Springett et al.
`5,656,368 A
`8/1997 Braun et al.
`D383,204 s
`9/1997 Lomas
`5,662,101 A * 9/1997 Ogden et al.
`5,690,102 A
`11/1997 Bertheau et al.
`5,706,804 A
`1/1998 Baumann et al.
`5,724,677 A
`3/1998 Bryant et al.
`5,908,598 A
`6/1999 Rousseau et al.
`5,921,239 A * 7/1999 McCall et al. ......... 128/207.11
`5,924,420 A
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`6,062,221 A
`5/2000 Brostrom et al.
`* cited by examiner
`
`128/207.11
`
`Page 2
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 1, 2002
`Oct. 1, 2002
`
`Sheet 1 of 6
`Sheet 1 of 6
`
`\
`
`FIG. I
`100
`
`FIG.|
`
`US 6,457,473 B1
`US 6,457,473 Bl
`
`240
`
`Page 3
`
`Page 3
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct.1, 2002
`
`Sheet 2 of 6
`
`US 6,457 ,473 Bl
`
`FIG. 2
`
`61--......
`
`44
`
`50
`
`46
`
`FIG. 4
`38
`
`44
`
`61
`
`Page 4
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 1, 2002
`
`Sheet 3 of 6
`
`US 6,457,473 Bl
`
`FIG. 3
`
`46
`
`FIG. 5
`
`44
`
`_f46
`
`-36
`
`Page 5
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 1, 2002
`Oct. 1, 2002
`
`Sheet 4 of 6
`Sheet 4 of 6
`
`US 6,457,473 B1
`US 6,457,473 Bl
`
`a
`
`~26
`
`
`
`36
`
`40
`
`42
`
`I I I I I
`
`FIG. 6
`
`Page 6
`
`Page 6
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 1, 2002
`Oct.1, 2002
`
`US 6,457 ,473 Bl
`
`FIG. 7
`
`50
`
`Sheet 5 of 6
`Sheet 5 of 6
`
`US 6,457,473 B1
`
`,61
`
`60
`
`Page 7
`
`Page 7
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 1, 2002
`Oct. 1, 2002
`
`Sheet 6 of 6
`Sheet 6 of 6
`
`0
`0
`
`J
`
`FIG.9
`
`US 6,457,473 B1
`US 6,457,473 Bl
`
`FIG.8
`-
`
`Page 8
`
`Page 8
`
`

`

`US 6,457,473 Bl
`
`1
`DROP-DOWN FACE MASK ASSEMBLY
`
`This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/943,757
`filed Oct. 3, 1997 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,062,221.
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`The present invention generally relates to face masks, and
`more particularly, to a face mask that is retained by a
`carriage and harness assembly thereby allowing the face
`mask to drop down from the face of the wearer.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`5
`
`10
`
`2
`retained at a first position covering the nose and mouth of the
`wearer and at a second position dropped down from the face
`of the wearer without moving the harness assembly from the
`head of the wearer. The mask hangs near the user's body in
`the dropped down position. This is advantageous in situa(cid:173)
`tions where the user needs access to his or her mouth and
`does not have to take the time to set the mask down and
`re-don the mask when the mask is needed. Also, the mask is
`out of the user's way when hanging near the body, thereby
`allowing substantially unobstructed working conditions.
`This flexibility saves time and protects the mask and accom-
`panying filters from contamination. In addition, the mask is
`easily adjusted and conforms to multiple facial configura(cid:173)
`tions.
`Another advantage is that the mask is held at four points
`against the face of the wearer. This four point seal provides
`greater protection against contaminants. Also, the carriage
`may be separable from the mask body, allowing different
`variations of mask bodies to be attached to the carriage. This
`interchangeability allows the user to select the appropriate
`mask body and filter for the environment in which the
`wearer is working.
`These features of novelty and various other advantages
`which characterize the invention are pointed out with par-
`25 ticularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part
`hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention,
`its advantages, and the objects obtained by its use, reference
`should be made to the drawings which form a further part
`hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in
`30 which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodi(cid:173)
`ment of the invention.
`
`Face masks for covering the nose and mouth of the wearer
`are used to protect the wearer from airborne contaminants. 15
`Such masks are well known and come in several varieties.
`Some masks are of single construction and include filtering
`material covering the mouth and nose of the wearer and are
`attached by elastic bands extending around the head of the
`wearer. Other masks utilize a solid mask body with inhala- 20
`tion and exhalation valves formed in the mask. Still other
`masks utilize interchangeable filter cartridges.
`A face mask should be easy to don, doff, and adjust. A
`mask that is quickly fitted saves time and protects the wearer
`under changing environmental conditions.
`A face mask should form a reliable seal between the mask
`and the face of the wearer despite various facial configura(cid:173)
`tions. Also, the face mask should be adaptable to different
`environments and be interchangeable with other filters.
`Many existing face mask securing means have shortcom(cid:173)
`ings. Often, the need arises to temporarily remove the face
`mask. For example, the wearer often needs access to his or
`her mouth. Also, the environment may be temporarily free of
`contaminants so that the wearer doesn't immediately need 35
`air filter protection. When wearing protective head gear,
`such as a hard hat, the wearer must remove the hard hat
`when donning or doffing the face mask. Once the wearer
`removes the mask, the mask is typically set aside where it
`may be contaminated and is often thrown away. When the 40
`wearer needs to re-don the mask, he or she must first locate
`the mask and then readjust the mask to his or her face. Often,
`the wearer will grab a new mask and ignore or discard the
`original mask, thereby wasting time and increasing the cost
`of maintaining an adequate face mask supply.
`Accordingly, a need exists for a face mask that is easy to
`don, adjustable, allows the wearer to drop the mask down
`and yet provides a tight seal between the face and the mask.
`
`45
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`reference
`structure
`
`Referring now to the drawings wherein like
`letters and numerals indicate corresponding
`throughout the several views:
`FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of the face mask
`according to the principles of the present invention;
`FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a carriage of the
`present invention detached from the mask;
`FIG. 3 shows a front perspective view of an alternative
`embodiment of the face mask of the present invention
`utilizing an alternative carriage configuration;
`FIG. 4 shows a back perspective view of the carriage of
`the face mask shown in FIG. 1;
`FIG. 5 shows a back perspective view of an alternative
`carriage configuration of the face mask according to prin-
`50 ciples of the present invention;
`FIG. 6 shows a bottom perspective view of a carriage of
`the present invention;
`FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an alternative carriage
`detached from the mask showing a continuous strap accord-
`55 ing to principles of the present invention;
`FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the face mask of FIG.
`1 fully donned according to the principles of the present
`invention;
`FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the face mask of FIG.
`1 in the dropped down position according to the principles
`of the present invention.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`The present invention provides a face mask apparatus.
`The mask has a mask body configured for covering the nose
`and mouth of the wearer. A carriage is permanently or
`detachably connected to the mask body. The carriage has at
`least four spaced apart guides or engagement points. The
`carriage may be adapted for use with a variety of masks.
`A harness assembly connects to the carriage at the at least
`four spaced apart engagement points. The harness assembly
`is configured to extend about the head of the wearer.
`The harness may include a support crown. The support
`crown extends about the head of the wearer. In this
`configuration, a band(s) connects the support crown to the
`carriage.
`One advantage of the present invention is that the mask 65
`body is capable of being retained at multiple positions
`without removing the harness. The mask body is able to be
`
`60
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`An embodiment of the invention will be described in
`detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference
`numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the
`
`Page 9
`
`

`

`US 6,457,473 Bl
`
`25
`
`30
`
`10
`
`3
`several views. Reference to this embodiment does not limit
`the scope of the invention, which is limited only by the scope
`of the claims attached hereto.
`In general, the present invention relates to a face mask.
`More particularly, the present invention relates to a face
`mask apparatus that is retained by a carriage and harness
`assembly on the head of the wearer allowing the face mask
`to drop down from the face of the wearer.
`Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a face mask generally
`shown as 100, is configured to fit over the mouth and nose
`of a wearer. The face mask 100 has a mask body 10. Many
`such masks are known such as the Series 6000™ by Min(cid:173)
`nesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, the 5500 by
`North Safety Products, and the Advantage 200 by MSA. By
`way of description, the typical mask body has a seal portion
`12 and a central portion 14. The seal portion 12 is configured
`to provide a seal against the face of the wearer. The seal
`portion 12 may be constructed of rubber-like material and is
`generally contoured to serve as a sealing surface. The central
`portion 14 is generally constructed of rigid material and 20
`serves as a support for the seal portion 12.
`An exhalation port 16 is typically located on the central
`portion 14. A lip member 18 may be located on the outer
`circumferential wall of the exhalation port 16. The lip
`member 18 is recessed away from the mask body 10. The lip
`member 18 may have four grooves 19 located on the outer
`wall. A valve 20 is positioned across the outside of exhala(cid:173)
`tion port 16 such that the valve 20 covers the entire port 16,
`thereby forming a substantially airtight seal. The valve 20
`acts as a one-way valve, allowing air to exit out of the mask,
`but preventing air from entering the mask when the wearer
`breathes in. Such valves are well understood in the art.
`Inhalation ports 22a and 22b are typically disposed on
`opposite sides of the exhalation port 16. Inhalation valves 35
`23a and 23b are located across ports 22a and 22b,
`respectively, thereby forming a substantially airtight seal.
`The inhalation valves 23a and 23b act as a one-way valve
`allowing air to enter the mask body when the wearer
`breathes in, but preventing air from escaping the mask body 40
`when the wearer exhales. Inhalation seals 24a and 24b are
`located within inhalation ports 22a and 22b and proximal to
`inhalation valves 23a and 23b, respectively. Inhalation seals
`24a and 24b seal off the inhalation ports 22a and 22b such
`that substantially all inhaled air passes through inhalation 45
`valves 23a and 23b, respectively. Filters (not shown) may be
`placed over the inhalation ports 22a and 22b to remove
`particulates, vapors, aerosols, or other toxins from incoming
`air as is well known in the art. The particular filter may take
`a variety of different forms depending upon the impurities to 50
`be filtered. For example, a filter cartridge, as is well known
`in the art, is attached to each inhalation port, thereby
`providing filtering capabilities.
`A carriage 26 is associated with the mask body 10. The
`carriage may be permanently or detachably connected to the 55
`mask body. In a preferred embodiment, the carriage 26 is
`configured to substantially match the contours of the mask
`body 10, such that the carriage fits over the mask body 10.
`The carriage 26 is removably connected to the mask body 10
`by conventional connecting means. The carriage 26 is con- 60
`structed of substantially rigid material such as plastic. A port
`28 is located on the carriage 26 such that the air exiting the
`exhalation port 16 is channeled through the port 28.
`In one configuration, the port 28 is located to align with
`the exhalation port 16 of the mask body 10. A lip member 65
`30 is located on the outer circumferential wall of the port 28.
`The lip member 30 has four protrusions 31 located on the
`
`4
`inner circumferential wall of the lip member 30. The pro(cid:173)
`trusions 31 are configured to connect with the grooves 19 of
`the lip member 18, thereby connecting the mask body 10 and
`the carriage 26. The size of the lip 18, grooves 19, lip 30, and
`5 protrusions 3 1 are designed such that the mask body 10
`snaps into the carriage 26 to form an attachment. The
`attachment is such that a force encountered under ordinary
`working conditions will not disengage the carriage 26 from
`the mask body 10. The mask body 10 and the carriage 26 are
`detached by manually forcing the carriage 26 away from the
`mask body 10. Other conventional attachment means can be
`used and the present invention is not limited to the lip-to-lip
`attachment system disclosed. For example, that attachment
`may involve a number of protrusions snapping into a com-
`15 plimentary number of recesses. Furthermore, the attachment
`system is not limited to being located on the exhalation or
`inhalation ports. The attachment systems allows for the
`attachment of different mask bodies with different seal and
`filter characteristics to the carriage 26.
`The carriage 26 may be permanently or detachably con(cid:173)
`nected to the mask body 10. The carriage may have a strap
`retainer (described below). In a preferred embodiment, the
`carriage 26 is detachably connected to mask body 10. The
`carriage 26 has an upper portion 32 and a lower portion 34.
`The upper portion 32 matches the shape of the mask body 10
`and angles back near the seal portion 12. The lower portion
`34 matches the general shape of the mask body 10 and
`angles back near the seal portion 12. The upper portion 32
`has a first upper guide 36 and a second upper guide 38. The
`lower portion 34 has a first lower guide 40 and a second
`lower guide 42. The guides are designed to accommodate a
`strap and may take the form of slots, eyelets, or any structure
`having a suitable opening that permits the strap to move
`within the opening.
`The lower guides 40, 42 are angled to permit the mask
`body to be pulled in an up and down direction relative to the
`wearer's face and the strap(s) (discussed more fully below in
`connection with the harness) to be pulled about the wearer's
`head without substantially binding and consequently dam(cid:173)
`aging the straps. The angles facilitate adjustment of the band
`about the head. In a preferred embodiment, the angle a as
`measured from a vertical plane in relation to the mask (as
`depicted in FIG. 6) is about 15° to about 45°, with a range
`of about 20° to about 30° being most preferred. The upper
`guides may be angled in a similar manner.
`FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of a face mask
`apparatus, similar to face mask apparatus 100, utilizing an
`alternative carriage configuration. A carriage 26 has a port
`29 located on the lower portion of the carriage 26 and
`directed down from the carriage 26. The port 29 is located
`such that in operation, exhaled air will be directed down and
`away from the wearer's head. This configuration has several
`advantages. Users often wear face shields in combination
`with the face masks. Face shields may fog up upon direct
`impact by exhaled air, thereby reducing visibility. The port
`29 directs air away from the face shield, preventing the face
`shield from fogging up. In addition, the downward location
`of the port 29 maintains the integrity of the exhalation valve
`20 by reducing the amount of direct contact with airborne
`particulates. Often, heavy airborne particulates such as paint
`and dust are blown directly at the user's face and may
`degrade an exposed exhalation valve.
`Harness 61 may comprise a single or multiple straps and
`may have a support crown. Referring now to FIG. 4, in a
`preferred embodiment, harness 61 has a first strap 44 and a
`second strap 46. First strap 44 passes from the first upper
`guide 36 to the second lower guide 42. Similarly, a second
`
`Page 10
`
`

`

`US 6,457,473 Bl
`
`5
`strap 46 passes from the second upper guide 38 to the first
`lower guide 40. The guides are located in a generally
`symmetrical position at the four general corners of the
`carriage 26. The location of the guides act as general
`pressure points. At these points, when the mask is donned,
`the carriage 26 pushes down on the seal 12, thereby com(cid:173)
`pressing the seal 12 against the face of the wearer. This four
`point seal configuration is advantageous in a drop-down
`configuration over a two point seal system because the
`pressure is evenly distributed over the seal portion 12,
`thereby forming an evenly pressurized seal against the face
`of the wearer. This configuration serves as protection from
`outside contaminants and serves to conform to different
`facial configurations. As a result, the face mask of the
`present invention can be worn by a wide number of persons.
`In a preferred embodiment, the first strap 44 and second
`strap 46 cross-over at the inside of the carriage 26. A strap
`retainer 48 is provided to guide the straps to this crossover
`position and to the respective guides. The strap retainer 48
`has two sets of oppositely disposed guides to direct the 20
`straps to the crossover position. The strap retainer 48 is
`constructed of sufficiently rigid material. The strap retainer
`48 ensures that the straps are smoothly guided to the proper
`position when the mask is adjusted along the straps. The
`crossing over of the straps 44 and 46 acts to provide even 25
`pressure on the seal 12, thereby improving the sealing
`characteristics.
`In an alternative embodiment as depicted in FIG. 5, the
`straps do not cross-over. The carriage 26 has a first upper
`guide 36, a second upper guide 38, a lower first guide 40, 30
`and a lower second guide 42. A first strap 44 passes from the
`first upper guide 38 to the first lower guide 42. A second
`strap 46 passes from the second upper guide 36 to the second
`lower guide 40.
`Referring back to FIGS. 1-2, the first strap 44 and the
`second strap 46 have proximal and distal ends. The proximal
`ends of the first strap 44 and the second strap 46 may have
`attachment means as disclosed below in connection with the
`distal ends of the straps or may be connected to a support
`crown 50. The support crown 50 is generally oval shaped
`and configured to fit and conform to the head of the wearer.
`The support crown 50 is constructed of substantially flexible
`material to conform to the wearer's head. The support crown
`50 is of conventional design. The support crown 50 is
`designed such that protective head gear can be fitted over the
`support crown 50 without causing undue discomfort. It is
`often necessary to wear protective head gear, such as a hard
`hat, in conjunction with a face mask. Alternative support
`crowns can be used without deviating from the spirit of the 50
`present invention.
`The distal ends of the first strap 44 and second strap 46 are
`provided with strap connectors. The first strap 44 and second
`strap 46 are formed of elastic fabric material as is well
`known in the art. In an alternative embodiment, the straps
`are formed of rigid material and are flexibly connected to the
`support crown 50 so to provide resiliency.
`In one embodiment, a connector assembly is attached to
`the distal ends of the straps. In a preferred embodiment, one
`strap has a hook 52 and the other has an eye fastener 54. The
`hook 52 and eye 54 are configured to connect to each other
`as is well known in the art. The hook 52 may have an
`adjustable buckle 58. The adjustable buckle 58 is configured
`such that the hook 52 can be adjusted along the strap 44 and
`the hook 52 will not freely slip on the first strap 44. The
`adjustable buckle 58 holds the strap 44 into place. Similarly,
`the eye 54 may have an adjustable buckle 62 to hold the strap
`
`6
`46 into place. The position of the hook 52 and eye 54 on the
`straps determines the fit of the mask, and can be adjusted to
`accommodate different facial configurations and desired
`tightness. Other conventional connectors and adjusters can
`5 be used such as hook and loop fastener materials.
`In an alternative embodiment, the distal ends of the straps
`connect to the support crown 50 behind the head of the
`wearer. Each strap has an eyelet that connects to a corre(cid:173)
`sponding hook located on the support crown 50. This has the
`10 advantage of increased comfort, as straps more freely turn
`with head and support crown movement. This is advanta(cid:173)
`geous when the movement of the support crown 50 is
`severely restricted, such as when the user is wearing pro(cid:173)
`tective head gear. When the straps are connected to each
`other, strap movement is restricted and can cause discomfort
`15 on the back of the head of the wearer.
`FIG. 7 shows another alternative embodiment utilizing
`one continuous strap connecting to opposite sides of the
`harness. A continuous strap 60 has a hook 62 on each end.
`A harness 61 has a loop 66 on each side. The hooks 62 are
`designed to attach to the corresponding loops 66 located on
`the harness. The strap 60 is continuous and wraps around the
`neck of wearer. When doffing the face mask, the hooks 62
`are disconnected from the loops 66 thereby releasing the
`strap 60 and allowing the mask to drop down to a position
`below the face of the wearer. The harness 61 remains resting
`on the head of the wearer, and the strap 60 remains hanging
`around the neck of the wearer.
`In yet another alternative embodiment, the ends of a
`continuous strap connect to opposite sides of a protective
`head gear, such as a hard hat. A harness is no longer
`necessary because the straps connect directly to the hard hat.
`The hard hat has suitable means to connect to the strap. This
`is advantageous in an environment that requires the constant
`35 use of a hard hat.
`Referring now to FIG. 8, in operation, the face mask 100
`is donned by placing the harness 61 about the wearer's head.
`The face mask is slid up along the straps 44 and 46 to a
`position covering the nose and mouth of the wearer. The
`40 straps 44 and 46 are then connected about the head of the
`wearer. The straps 44 and 46 are adjusted so that a suitable
`fit is obtained. In one embodiment, the hook 52 and eye 54
`connect the straps 44 and 46 around the head of the wearer.
`The hook 52 and eye 54 are adjusted along the respective
`45 strap until a suitable fit is obtained.
`Referring now to FIG. 9, the face mask 100 is dropped
`down to a position below the face of the wearer. The face
`mask is dropped down by disconnecting straps 44 and 46
`from behind the head of the wearer. The face mask is then
`slid down straps 44 and 46 to a suitable position. The face
`mask hangs near the wearer's body. The harness 61 remains
`on the wearer's head. With the mask in the dropped down
`position, the wearer can perform his tasks while having
`access to his or her mouth. Also, since the mask hangs near
`55 the wearer's body, the wearer's view is relatively unob(cid:173)
`structed. The mask does not slip freely along the straps. An
`increased force is needed to move the mask because the
`mask will not slide under its own weight.
`When the mask is needed, the wearer simply slides the
`60 face mask up to his or her nose and mouth and connects
`straps 44 and 46 behind the head, and balances tension by
`pulling on the straps. This provides for quick donning which
`is highly advantageous. Often, environments become
`quickly contaminated, and the wearer must be able to
`65 quickly don the face mask. This is not possible where the
`wearer must retrieve the mask, or where the wearer must
`spend time readjusting the mask.
`
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`US 6,457,473 Bl
`
`7
`Although the description of the preferred embodiment and
`method have been quite specific, it is contemplated that
`various modifications could be made without deviating from
`the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended
`that the scope of the present invention be dictated by the s
`appended claims, rather than by the description of the
`preferred embodiment.
`It is claimed:
`1. A carriage for a face mask, the carriage comprising:
`a main body having at least four spaced apart engagement
`points through which straps forming a head harness
`may be threaded, wherein the four spaced apart engage(cid:173)
`ment points comprise two sets of generally diagonally
`opposed engagement points;
`
`10
`
`8
`a strap retainer for guiding straps in a crossed configura(cid:173)
`tion with respect to the four spaced apart engagement
`points; and
`a harness comprising a first and second band, wherein the
`first and second band cross adjacent the main body.
`2. The carriage of claim 1, wherein the main body
`comprises a front and a back, and the strap retainer is located
`on the back of the main body.
`3. The carriage of claim 2, further comprising an air
`passage for allowing air to freely pass through the carriage.
`4. The carriage of claim 1, wherein the main body
`comprises an inside, and further wherein the strap retainer is
`located proximate the inside of the main body.
`
`* * * * *
`
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