GB2437926A

GB2437926A - Personal respiratory device

Info

Publication number: GB2437926A
Application number: GB0613625A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Martin Harrison
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-05-11
Filing date: 2006-07-10
Publication date: 2007-11-14
Anticipated expiration: 2026-07-10
Also published as: GB2437926B; GB0613625D0; GB0609305D0

Abstract

A personal respiratory device comprises an item of headgear 2 provided with an air filter element 8, a mouthpiece 6 and a conduit 5 connecting the mouthpiece 6 to the air filter element 8. The mouthpiece 5 is adjustable between an in use position in front of a user's face, and a stowed position away from the user's face.

Description

Personal respiratory device

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a personal respiratory device; in particular to a personal respiratory device mduding an air filter mounted on an item of headgear.

Background of the Invention

Disposable face masks arc often used as a temporary method of preventing inhalation of dust dunng manual work Such masks are typically made of a filter material which fits over the nose and mouth of the wearer and is secured to the face by means of elastic straps which fit around the back of the user's head. There arc many draw hacks to this type of face mask. First of all the surface area of the air filter material is very small and the filter material can become clogged very quickly. Moreover, these masks tend to he available in one size, and the seal provided around the nose and mouth is not particularly effective, especially if the user has facial hair. Such a face mask is described in US 4,319,567.

Disposable face masks arc also very hot and uncomfortable to wear, even for a short period of timc. Masks thcn bccomc sweaty on thc inside during usc. Furthcrmorc, dirt and dust collccts on the inside of the mask when not in use unless the mask is stored in a clean environment.

Disposable face masks need to be changed frequently, but often a user will wait until the end of a job bcforc rcplacing a dogged mask as it is inconvenient to stop thc job in hand and rcplacc thc mask When the filter material does become dogged, air tends to leak In through the sides of the mask, often without the user being aware of the leak. Continuing to use a clogged face mask is dangerous to the health of the user.

Another disadvantage is that the user must find a mask to wear when he comes to carry out a dusty task If such a mask is not to hand then the user may decide to simply proceed without a mask rather than stopping what he's doing to find a mask. Over time this can be a serious health risk.

Powered full face shields are also known, such as that described in US 4,280,491. This device uses an electric fan to provide a flow of filtered air over the user's face. This device is very cumbersome and complicated to use and not suitable for the occasional user.

US 6,971,386 describes a personal respirator which combines a mouthpiece with an air filter.

Thc dcvicc is dcsigncd to bc worn around thc ncck and thc mouthpiccc liftcd to thc mouth whcn filtered air is required. The device is very bulicy and limits downward visibility when not in use.

As it is worn around the ncck it would not be compatible with any bulky dothing that is worn at the neck.

It would be desirable to provide an improved personal respiratory device.

Summary of the Invention

One aspect of the invention provides a personal respiratory device as specified in Claim 1.

A further aspect of the invention provides an air filter device as specified in Claim 22.

Preferred aspects of the invention are specified in the claims dependent on Claims I and 22 and

the description which follows.

The invention provides an improved personal respiratory device comprising a head-mounted air filter which provides filtered air to the user via a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is pivotable so that it may be stored out of the way of a user's face when not required.

The personal respiratory device of the invention includes an item of headgear, such as a hard hat, which is often used when a person is carrying out manual labour tasks. It is envisagcd that the headgear would not be removed between dusty tasks and filtered air is therefore always available to thc user by simply moving thc mouthpiccc down towards thc mouth.

The seal provided by a user's mouth on a mouthpiece is also much better than that provided by a traditional disposable face mask, and it is therefore much easier to tell when filter is becoming blocked and a user is much less likely to continue to work using a blocked filter The filter itself is stored within a waterproof housing so is kept clean and dry when not in use, thus prolonging the life of the filter.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In the drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention by way of example: Figure Ia shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a head mounted air filter device with the mouthpiece in an in use position; Figure lb shows a side view of the embodiment of Figure Ia in use; Figure 2a shows a perspective view of the embodiment of figure 1 a with the mouthpiece in a stowed position; Figure 2b shows a side view of the embodiment of Figure Ia with the mouthpiece in a stowed position Figure 3a is a front view of the air filter of the device of Figure 1; Figure 3b shows a rear view of the air filter of the device of Figure 1; Figure 3c is a cross sectional view through the air filter along the line A-A; Figures 4a and 4b show an alternative embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the invention where the air pipe is pivotably mounted on the head gear independently of the air filter; Figures 6a and b show an embodiment of the invention induding a nose clip; Figure 6c shows the embodiment of Figures 6a and 6b in use; Figure 7 shows an embodiment of the invention which indudes an adjustable air pipc; Figures 8a shows a front view of an embodiment of the invention including a two-part, foldable air pipe; Figure 8b shows the embodiment of figure 8a with the lower part of the air pipe rotated through 180 ; and Figure 8c shows the embodiment of Figures 8a and b with the upper part of the air pipe rotated through 180 .

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

With reference to Figure Ia and lb. a personal respiratory device I comprises a hard hat 2, with an air filter device shown generally at 21 attached to ii-. The air filter device 21 comprises a substantially waterproof housing 4 within which is a replaceable air filter element 8 (shown in broken lines in Figure 1). A mouthpiece 6 is attached to the air filter element 8 via an air pipe 5.

The air filter element 8, air pipe 5 and mouthpiece 6 are preferably formed as one unit which ensurcs an airtight seal In Figures 1 and 2, the housing 4 is attached to the outside of the hat 2.

In Figure Ia, the mouthpiece is shown in a position in front of the face of a user, such that it can easily be taken into the user's mouth. In Figure 1 b, the mouthpiccc is shown in a user's mouth.

As shown in Figures 2a and 2b, the air filter dement 8 and air pipe 5 are pivotably mounted within the housing 4 such that the mouthpiece 6 may be swivelled up and away from the user's face into a stowed position when not in use. Preferably the seal between the housing 4 and the air filtcr clement 8 is fairly tight, and thcrc is no nccd to sccurc thc mouthpiccc in the clcvatcd, stowed, position. However, there may be a clip or catch or other securing means (not shown) to secure thc mouthpiece 6 to the top of the hat 2 when not in use. There may also be a protective shield or covering (not shown) on top of the hat 2 to cover and protect the mouthpiece 6 when not in use.

When the user wishes to breathe filtered air, for example when performing a task in a dusty environment, the mouthpiece 6 is swivelled downwards to a position in front of the user's face The user then places the mouthpiece 6 in the mouth, grasping the mouthpiece 6 with their lips and possibly also their teeth. The side of the mouthpiece 6 taken into the mouth is fluidly connected with the air pipe The opposite side of the mouthpiece is sealed except for a one-way exhaust valve 12 which allows the user's exhaled breath to escape, but does not allow any unfiltered air to enter the mouthpiece.

The mouthpiece may be any type of mouthpiece suitable for fluidiy connecting the user's mouth with the air pipe 5.

There may be a one-way valve within the air pipe 5 to prevent exhaled air from travelling back up the air pipe 5 from the mouthpiece 6. This would ensure that thc user is breathing freshly filtered air with each inhalation.

As shown in Figures 3a to 3c, the air filter 8 is attached to a number of spacers 7a, 7b and 7c, these spacers ensure a constant air space around the filter 8 when it inserted Into the housing 4.

Figure 3c shows a cross section through the air filter 8 along the line A-A. The air filter clement 8 comprises a number of folds of filter paper 9 within a wire casing 10, giving a large surface area of filter material for the air to be drawn over. This large surface area means that it is easier for the user to draw air through the air filter element 8, and the air filter element 8 needs replacing less regularly compared with a standard disposable face mask. The air filter element 8 is sealed at one end by the spacer 7a, and the air pipe 5 connects with the central hole 11 at other end. Air is drawn in through the external surface of the filter, and exits via the air pipe 5 (as shown by the arrows in Figure 3a).

The air filter element 8 is inserted into the housing 4 and the spacers 7a, 7b and 7c ensure a tight fit. Thc housing 4 has an air inlct 3 on thc undcrsidc. To usc thc dcvicc I a uscr placcs thc mouthpiece 6 into his mouth and inhales. Air is then drawn into the housing 4, through the inlet 3, then through thc air filter element 8, and out through the air pipe 5 to the user via thc mouthpiece 6.

The air filter element 8 is kept in the housing 4 when not in use. This prevents the air filter element 8 becoming clogged with dust when not in use. The housing 4 also provides a weatherproof cover for the air filter element 8.

The housing 4 may be permanently attached to the hat 2. Altcrnativdy the housing 4 may be detachably mounted to the hat 2, for example by means of honk and mop fasteners, or straps.

Replacement air filter elements are preferably provided in the form of an air filter device comprising an air filter element 8, complete with spacers 7a, 7b and 7c, air pipe 5, and mouthpicce 6. This ensures a good seal between the air pipe 5, mouthpiece 6 and air filter 8.

Alternatively a replacement air filter device may also comprise the housing 4, suitable for attachment to an item of headgear.

In an alternative embodiment shown in Figures 4a and 4b the item of headgear is a soft hat or baseball cap 13. In this embodiment the hat 13 has a pocket 14 in the fabric at the front of the hat for receiving the housing 4. The pocket 14 may be stitched into the fabric or may be attached via a hook and loop typc fastening. The air filter dcvicc in this cmbodimcnt is identical to that described with reference to Figures 1 to 3.

In an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 5, the air filter may be built into the headgear 24 such that it is not outwardly visibic. In this embodiment the air pipe 22 and mouthpiccc 23 arc pivotably mounted to the headgear. The air pipe 22 is then fluidly connected to the internal air filter (not shown). In this example the air pipe 22 and mouthpiece 23 pivot independently of the air filter.

The personal respiratory device does not require the user to use a nose clip to seal the nose as there is a natural tendency to bypass the nose when breathing through the mouth, as when snorkeling, scuba diving or smoking. However, should a user prefer to seal the nose, a nose clip 1 may he provided as shown in Figures 6a to c. The nose clip 15 is situated on the mouthpiece 17. The clip 15 comprises two prongs 16 and 161 which extend upwards from the mouthpiece 17 at a slight angle. The length of the prongs 16 and 161 is such that they will meet a user's nostrils when the mouthpiece 17 is held in the mouth. The mouthpiece 17 is made from a flexible material and when the user grips the mouthpiece 17 between their lips or teeth as shown by the arrows in Figure Ga, the top surface of the mouthpiece 17 is deformed slightly bringing the top ends of the two prongs 16 and 16' together. In this way the two prongs 16 and 16' then grip thc user's nostrils 18 and providing a seal.

A further embodiment of the respiratory device is illustrated in Figure 7. In this embodiment the air pipe 19 is adjustable to allow accurate positioning of the mouthpiece 6 in front of a user's face. As shown in Figure 7 this may be achieved using a portion of concertina tubing 20 to allow the air pipe 19 to be extended or shortened. All other features of the personal respiratory device of this embodiment are identical to that described with reference to figures 1 to 3.

Accurate positioning of the mouthpiece 6 may also be achieved by means of a telescopic air pipe (not shown), or the vertical position of the housing 4 on the headgear 2 may he adjustable.

Figures 8a to c illustrate an embodiment of the invention comprising a fold-away air pipe. In this embodiment the air pipe shown generally at 25 is in two portions 26 and 27 connected at a pivotable joint 28. In Figure 8a the mouthpiece is in the in-use position. In Figure 8b the lower section of air pipe 27 has been rotated through 180 degrees, and in Figure Re the upper section of air pipe 26 has been rotated through 180 degrees. This configuration allows more compact storage of the air pipe when not in use.

A secondary Liter unit or air treatment unit may be added to further purify the air. For example an anti-bacterial or anti-viral filtcr may bc uscd to trcat the Lltcrcd air bcforc it is dclivcrcd to thc user.

In any of the embodiments descnbed above, the air pipe may be removable from the filter unit.

Claims

Claims 1. A personal respiratory device comprising an item of headgear;

at least one air filter element, the at least one air filter element having an air inlet and an outler, a mouthpiece; and at least one conduit fluidly connecting the mouthpiece to the outlet of the at least one air filter element; wherein the mouthpiece comprises a one-way exhaust valve, and the mouthpiece is adjustable between an in use position in front of a user's face, and a stowed position away from thc user's facc.

2 A personal respiratory device as claimed in Claim 1, further comprising at least one housing suitable for covering the at least one air filter element, wherein the at least one housing compnses at least one air inlet and the headgear comprises means for attaching the at least one housing.

3 A personal respiratory device as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the at least one housing compriscs an upper face and a lower face and the at icast one air inlet is situated on the lower face.

4 A personal respiratory device as claimed in Claim 2 or 3, wherein the at least one housing is substantially waterproof.

5. A personal respiratory device as claimed in any of Claims 2 to 4, wherein the at least one housing is substantially dustproof.

6. A personal respiratory device as claimed in any of Claims 2 to 5, wherein the at least one air Filter element is pivotably mountable within the at least one housing.

7. A personal respiratory device as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the item of headgear is selected from the group comprising a hard hat and a baseball cap and a sweat band and a soft cap.

8. A personal respiratory device as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the item of headgear is a baseball cap or a soft cap and the means for attaching the at least one housing to the headgear comprises a fabric pocket into which the housing is placed.

9. A personal respiratory device as claimed in any of Claims 3 to 8, wherein the means for attaching thc at icast onc housing to thc itcm of hcadgcar includes a hook and loop fastening.

10. A personal respiratory device as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the conduit connecting the mouthpiccc to thc outict of the air flltcr clement is dctachablc from the air filter element.

11. A personal respiratory device as claimed in any preceding Claim, further comprising a cover on the headgear for protecting the mouthpiece when the mouthpiece is in the stowed position.

12. A personal respiratory device as claimed in any preceding Claim, further comprising a clip for sealing the nostrils of the user.

13. A personal respiratory device as claimed in Claim 12, whercin the mouthpiccc comprises a flexible material and the clip compnses two prongs extending upwards from the mouthpiece.

14. A personal respiratory device as claimed in any preceding Claim, the conduit connecting the mouthpiece to the outlet of the air filter element comprises at least one extensible element.

15. A personal respiratory device as daimcd in Claim 14, wherein the at least one extensible clement comprises concertina tubing.

16. A personal respiratory device as claimed in Claim 14, wherein the at least one extensible element comprises telescopic tubing.

17. A personal respiratory device as claimed in any preceding Claim, further comprising at least one secondary air treatment unit.

18. A personal respiratory device as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the at least one secondary air treatment unit is selected from the group comprising: an anti-bactenal filter and an anti-viral filter 19 A personal respiratory device as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the conduit further comprises a one-way valve to prevent passage of air from the mouthpiece to the air filter unit.

20. A personal respiratory device as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the at least one conduit comprises at least two parts, and the at least two parts of the conduit are pivotably connected.

21. A personal respiratory device substantially as shown in and described with reference to the drawings.

22. An air filter device suitable for attaching to an item of headgear, the device comprising at least one air filter element, the air filter element having an air inlet and an outlet; a mouthpiece; and a conduit connecting the mouthpiece to the outlet of the air filter dement 23. An air filter device as claimed in Claim 22, further comprising at least one housing suitable for covering the at least one air filter clement, the at least one housing having an upper face and a lower face, wherein the housing comprises at least one air inlet on the lower face.

24. An air filter device as claimed in Claim 22 or 23, wherein the at least one air filter element is pivotably mountable within the at least one housing.

25. An air filter device as claimed in Claim 24, wherein the at least one housing is substantially waterproof.

26. An air filter device as claimed in Claim 24 or 25, wherein the at least one housing is substantially dustproof.

27. An air filter device substantially as shown in and described with reference to the drawings.