阅读说明：本技术 面罩颏部维持特征部 (Mask chin maintenance feature ) 是由 达林·K·汤普森 贾奇·W·摩根三世 杰佛瑞·S·沃格思 格雷厄姆·P·威尔逊 卡尔·E·塔 于 2020-05-04 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明公开了一种呼吸面罩和用于呼吸面罩的面部密封件,该面部密封件被构造成即使当用户移动他/她的颌部和/或面颊时也保持贴靠用户的面部的密封。在一个实施方案中,呼吸面罩包括主体和联接到该主体的面部密封件,并且该面部密封件包括被构造成与用户的面部接触的密封脊和远离密封脊延伸的可压缩部分。在一个实施方案中,该面部密封件还包括颏部维持元件,该颏部维持元件被构造成在其中接纳用户颏部的至少一部分。在一个实施方案中,该可压缩部分能够在未压缩的第一状况和压缩的第二状况之间转换。(A respiratory mask and a face seal for a respiratory mask configured to maintain a seal against a user's face even when the user moves his/her jaws and/or cheeks. In one embodiment, a respiratory mask includes a body and a face seal coupled to the body, and the face seal includes a sealing ridge configured to contact a user's face and a compressible portion extending away from the sealing ridge. In one embodiment, the face seal further comprises a chin retaining element configured to receive at least a portion of a user's chin therein. In one embodiment, the compressible portion is capable of transitioning between an uncompressed first condition and a compressed second condition.)

1. A respiratory mask, comprising:

a main body; and

a face seal coupled to the body, the face seal comprising:

a sealing ridge configured to contact a face of a user; and

a compressible portion extending away from the sealing ridge.

2. The respiratory mask of claim 1, wherein the face seal further comprises a rim portion configured to receive at least a portion of the body of the respiratory mask.

3. The respiratory mask of claim 1, wherein the face seal further comprises a main portion comprising the sealing ridge.

4. The respiratory mask of claim 3, wherein the face seal further comprises a chin retaining element extending away from the main portion of the face seal and configured to receive at least a portion of the chin of the user.

5. The respiratory mask of claim 4, wherein the sealing ridge has a free edge, the compressible portion extending away from the sealing ridge at a location between the free edge and the chin retaining element.

6. The respiratory mask of claim 4, wherein the compressible portion is transitionable between an uncompressed first condition and a compressed second condition, the sealing ridge being configured to remain in contact with the user's face when the compressible portion transitions between the uncompressed first condition and the compressed second condition.

7. The respiratory mask of claim 6, wherein the compressible portion comprises a proximal portion bonded to the sealing ridge, a distal portion opposite the proximal portion, and an intermediate portion between the proximal portion and the distal portion.

8. The respiratory mask of claim 7, wherein the intermediate portion has a U-shaped cross-section with a lowest point.

9. The respiratory mask of claim 8, wherein the nadir is located at a first position relative to the chin maintaining element when the compressible portion is in the uncompressed first condition, and the nadir is located at a second position relative to the chin maintaining element when the compressible portion is in the compressed second condition, the second position being further away from the chin maintaining element than the first position.

10. The respiratory mask of claim 1, wherein the compressible portion is U-shaped in cross-section.

11. The respiratory mask of claim 1, wherein the compressible portion has a plurality of folds.

12. A respiratory mask, comprising:

a main body; and

a face seal coupled to the body, the face seal comprising:

a main portion having a sealing ridge configured to contact a face of a user;

a chin retaining element extending away from the main portion of the face seal;

a compressible portion having a proximal portion, a distal portion opposite the proximal portion, and an intermediate portion between the proximal portion and the distal portion, the proximal portion being bonded to and extending away from the main portion of the face seal, the compressible portion being located between the sealing ridge and the chin retaining member, the compressible portion being transitionable between an uncompressed first condition and a compressed second condition; and

a rim portion bonded to the distal portion of the compressible portion, the rim portion configured to receive at least a portion of the body, the rim portion located at a first distance from the main portion of the face seal when the compressible portion is in the uncompressed first condition and located at a second distance from the main portion of the face seal when the compressible portion is in the compressed second condition, the first distance being greater than the second distance.

13. The respiratory mask of claim 12, wherein the middle portion of the compressible portion has a first direction of curvature and each of the proximal and distal portions of the compressible portion has a second direction of curvature opposite the first direction of curvature.

14. The respiratory mask of claim 12, wherein the central portion of the compressible portion is U-shaped in cross-section.

15. The respiratory mask of claim 14, wherein the compressible portion has a lowest point that moves away from the chin retaining element when the compressible portion transitions from the uncompressed first condition to the compressed second condition.

16. The respiratory mask of claim 12, wherein the intermediate portion has a bellows shape.

17. The respiratory mask of claim 12, wherein the sealing ridge is configured to remain in contact with the face of the user when the compressible portion transitions between the uncompressed first condition and the compressed second condition.

18. The respiratory mask of claim 12, wherein the respiratory mask is configured for use with a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

19. The respiratory mask of claim 12, wherein the face seal is constructed of at least one of silicone rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, and rubber.

20. A face seal for a respiratory mask configured to be worn by a user, the face seal comprising:

a main portion comprising a sealing ridge configured to contact a face of a user;

a chin retaining element extending away from the main portion of the face seal;

a compressible portion having a proximal portion, a distal portion opposite the proximal portion, and an intermediate portion between the proximal portion and the distal portion, the proximal portion being bonded to and extending away from the main portion of the face seal, the intermediate portion having a first direction of curvature, and each of the proximal portion and the distal portion of the compressible portion has a second bending direction opposite the first bending direction, the compressible portion is located between the sealing ridge and the chin retaining element, the compressible portion is transitionable between an uncompressed first condition and a compressed second condition, the sealing ridge is configured to remain in contact with the face of the user when the compressible portion transitions between the uncompressed first condition and the compressed second condition; and

a rim portion bonded to the distal portion of the compressible portion, the rim portion being located a first distance from the main portion of the face seal in a first condition in which the compressible portion is uncompressed, and being located a second distance from the main portion of the face seal when the compressible portion is in a second condition in which the compressible portion is compressed, the first distance being greater than the second distance.

Technical Field

The present technology relates generally to personal protective equipment and, in particular, to a face seal for a respirator mask that has a compressible portion that maintains a seal between the face seal and the user's face even as the user moves his/her jaw or cheek.

Background

Many types of respirators are known for delivering breathing air and/or filtered breathing air to a user's respiratory protection system. Such respirators have different performance requirements depending on the situation in which the devices are intended to be used. Examples of respirators include self-contained respirators (SCBA) that supply pressurized air or filtered or clean ambient air, Air Purifying Respirators (APR), Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs), and the like. The certification authority sets forth different requirements for different types of respirators, such as fit factor requirements corresponding to the assigned protection factors, to allow users to select the appropriate respirator or respiratory protection equipment for their work environment, taking into account the contaminants and environmental conditions that require various levels of protection.

Disclosure of Invention

Respirators typically include a face mask that should fit the face of the wearer properly. The face mask is designed for a particular type of respirator. For example, a mask for an SCBA may be designed differently than a mask for an APR or PAPR. The seal of the mask may be designed differently for SCBA and APR because SCBA and APR have different fit factor requirements. The material of the mask and/or the seal may vary depending on the type of respirator. Thus, a user who must operate in different types of environments to perform different tasks may require a different mask for each different respirator. Multiple masks are maintained for each type of respirator so that the user can perform different functions, which can be expensive to the user. In addition, having multiple masks can cause logistical burdens and inventory control issues for the user, and annual fit testing drives up maintenance costs in implementing and supporting respiratory protection projects. Moreover, having different designs for a range of respirators is expensive in terms of design costs, mold costs, manufacturing costs, and the like.

The seal of the mask is an important feature that affects the fit factor. One area of the mask where it is difficult to maintain a seal with the user's face is under the user's chin. For example, movement of the user's mouth, such as during speech, causes the user's face to move relative to the seal, which may damage the seal. In addition, because of the inconvenience of attaching straps near the chin region of the mask, the mask tends to move away from the chin region of the user, such as when the user looks down and the weight of the mask pulls the mask away from the user's face. Additionally, some known mask support canisters or other components that tend to pull the mask away from the user's face.

The fit comfort of the mask to the face also affects the fit factor, since if the mask is uncomfortable to wear, the mask will distract and distract the user, or can cause painful "hot spots" on the wearer's face, resulting in an excessive physiological burden. In addition, the user may improperly wear and tighten the mask in an attempt to avoid such discomfort. Masks are typically made in only a very limited number of shapes and sizes, intended for a wide variety of facial shapes and sizes in a user population. The various anthropometric adaptations necessary to support the faces of a group of users makes it difficult to provide a mask that will comfortably fit a large group of users. In addition, these differences also make it difficult to design a mask that maintains contact with and maintains an airtight seal against the user's face as the user moves his/her face (such as the jaw and/or cheek).

The present disclosure relates generally to respiratory masks and face seals for respiratory masks that are configured to maintain a seal against a user's face even as the user moves his/her jaw and/or cheek. In one embodiment, a respiratory mask includes: a main body; and a face seal coupled to the body, the face seal comprising: a sealing ridge configured to contact a face of a user; and a compressible portion extending away from the sealing ridge.

In one aspect, the face seal further includes a rim portion configured to receive at least a portion of the main body of the respiratory mask.

In one aspect, the face seal further includes a main portion including a sealing ridge. In one aspect, the face seal further includes a chin retaining element extending away from the main portion of the face seal and configured to receive at least a portion of a chin of a user.

In one aspect, the sealing ridge has a free edge, and the compressible portion extends away from the sealing ridge at a location between the free edge and the chin retaining element.

In one aspect, the compressible portion is transitionable between an uncompressed first condition and a compressed second condition, the sealing ridge configured to maintain contact with a face of a user when the compressible portion transitions between the uncompressed first condition and the compressed second condition. In one aspect, the compressible portion includes a proximal portion bonded to the sealing ridge, a distal portion opposite the proximal portion, and an intermediate portion between the proximal portion and the distal portion. In one aspect, the intermediate portion has a U-shaped cross-section with a lowest most point. In one aspect, the lowest point is located at a first position relative to the chin maintaining element when the compressible portion is in the first uncompressed condition, and the lowest point is located at a second position relative to the chin maintaining element that is further from the chin maintaining element than the first position when the compressible portion is in the second compressed condition.

In one aspect, the compressible portion is U-shaped in cross-section.

In one aspect, the compressible portion has a plurality of folds.

In one embodiment, a respiratory mask includes: a main body; and a face seal coupled to the body, the face seal comprising: a main portion including a sealing ridge configured to contact a face of a user; a chin retaining element extending away from the main portion of the face seal; a compressible portion having a proximal portion, a distal portion opposite the proximal portion, and an intermediate portion between the proximal portion and the distal portion, the proximal portion being bonded to and extending away from the main portion of the face seal, the compressible portion being located between the sealing ridge and the chin retaining member, the compressible portion being transitionable between an uncompressed first condition and a compressed second condition; and an edge portion coupled to a distal portion of the compressible portion, the edge portion configured to receive at least a portion of the body, the edge portion located at a first distance from a main portion of the face seal in the first uncompressed condition of the compressible portion and located at a second distance from the main portion of the face seal when the compressible portion is in the second compressed condition, the first distance being greater than the second distance.

In one aspect, the intermediate portion of the compressible portion has a first bending direction, and each of the proximal portion and the distal portion of the compressible portion has a second bending direction opposite the first bending direction.

In one aspect, the compressible portion has a U-shaped cross-section at the middle portion. In one aspect, the compressible portion has a lowest point that moves away from the chin retaining member when the compressible portion transitions from the first uncompressed condition to the second compressed condition.

In one aspect, the intermediate portion has a bellows shape.

In one aspect, the sealing ridge is configured to remain in contact with the face of the user when the compressible portion transitions between the uncompressed first condition and the compressed second condition.

In one aspect, wherein the respiratory mask is configured for use with a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

In one aspect, the face seal is constructed from at least one of silicone rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, and rubber.

In one embodiment, a face seal for a respiratory mask configured to be worn by a user comprises: a main portion including a sealing ridge configured to contact a face of a user; a chin retaining element extending away from the main portion of the face seal; a compressible portion having a proximal portion, a distal portion opposite the proximal portion, and an intermediate portion between the proximal portion and the distal portion, the proximal portion being bonded to and extending away from the main portion of the face seal, the intermediate portion having a first bending direction, and each of the proximal portion and the distal portion of the compressible portion having a second bending direction opposite the first bending direction, the compressible portion being located between the sealing ridge and the chin retaining element, the compressible portion being transitionable between an uncompressed first condition and a compressed second condition, the sealing ridge being configured to remain in contact with a user's face when the compressible portion transitions between the uncompressed first condition and the compressed second condition; and an edge portion coupled to a distal portion of the compressible portion, the edge portion being located a first distance from the main portion of the face seal when the compressible portion is in the first uncompressed condition, and the edge portion being located a second distance from the main portion of the face seal when the compressible portion is in the second compressed condition, the first distance being greater than the second distance.

The details of one or more aspects of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the techniques described in the disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

Drawings

A more complete understanding of the present invention and the attendant advantages and features thereof will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a respirator mask having a face seal according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front view of an embodiment of a face seal of the respirator mask of FIG. 1 according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective partial cross-sectional view of the mask shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the face mask shown in FIGS. 1-3 including a chin retaining element and a compressible portion in an uncompressed first condition according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the portion of the mask shown in FIG. 4 attached to the body of the respirator mask according to the present disclosure, the compressible portion being in the uncompressed first condition, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the portion of the mask shown in FIG. 4 according to the present disclosure, the mask being attached to the body of the respirator mask, as shown in FIG. 5 and according to the present disclosure, the compressible portion being in the uncompressed first condition;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the portion of the mask shown in FIG. 4 according to the present disclosure, the mask being attached to the body of the respirator mask, as shown in FIG. 5 and according to the present disclosure, the compressible portion being in the compressed second condition; and is

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the face seal of the respirator mask of FIG. 1 according to the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure advantageously provides a respirator mask that includes a face seal having a chin retaining element and a compressible portion. The face seal is configured to physically engage and provide a seal with the face of a user, including proximate the mouth and cheeks of the user. The compressible portion of the face seal compresses and decompresses as the jaw and cheek of the user move to provide and maintain a seal against the user's face despite movement of the user's face. In particular, the face seal of the present disclosure allows the body of the mask to "float" over the face of the user without breaking the seal between the user and the mask.

Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments that are in accordance with the present disclosure, it is noted that the components are represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. As used herein, relational terms, such as "first," "second," "top," and "bottom," and the like, may be used solely to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship or order between such entities or elements. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the concepts described herein. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference designators refer to like elements, there is shown in the drawings an embodiment of a respirator mask for providing respiratory protection constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention and designated generally by the numeral "10". Referring to fig. 1, mask 10 is a respirator mask that is configured to be worn by a user in an environment where the user is exposed to harmful substances, such as, but not limited to, gases, vapors, aerosols (such as dust, mist, and/or biological agents), and the like. The mask 10 includes a face seal 12, the face seal 12 having an integrated strap 14 with a buckle 15. As used herein, the term "integrated" means that the face seal 12 is manufactured to include the strap 14, such as by molding the face seal 12 and the strap 14 as a single integrated piece. Further, the strip 14 is an extension of the main portion 12a of the face seal 12. However, it should be understood that other configurations may also be used, such as where the strap is removably coupled to the face seal 12. Mask 10 includes other components depending on the conditions and purpose for which mask 10 is used.

In one embodiment, the mask 10 generally includes a body 16, a panel or louver 18 with an aperture 20 to which a respirator can be attached (not shown), and a nasal mask 22. In one embodiment, the body 16 defines an interior 24 of the mask 10, and the nasal mask 22 and at least a portion of the face seal 12 are located within the interior 24 of the mask 10. As shown herein, the mask 10 is a full face mask that covers the face of the user, including the user's eyes. However, it should be understood that the mask 10 is not limited to this configuration, and alternatively may be any other type of mask 10 configured to at least partially seal to a user's face, such as an oronasal mask.

The body 16 may be constructed of any suitable material, such as a rigid or semi-rigid plastic. The face seal 12 may be attached to the mask body such that the face seal 12 is configured to form a seal around at least a portion of a user's face when the mask is worn. In some embodiments, the face seal 12 (and in one embodiment, the strap 14) is constructed of a material that is less stiff than the body 16. By way of non-limiting example, the body 16 may be constructed of a rigid plastic, such as High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), while the face seal 12 may be constructed of silicone rubber, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), rubber (natural and/or synthetic), and/or other materials that are more flexible than the body 16.

The main body 16 of the mask 10 includes one or more openings or apertures, such as the aperture 20. Each aperture is configured to receive one or more attachable components (not shown), such as a replaceable filter cartridge, a valve, an air hose, a voice module, and the like. The body 16 may include any number of apertures depending on the particular application of the mask 10 and the number of attachable components used.

Although not shown, in some embodiments, the mask 10 includes a harness configured to retain the mask body 16 on the face of a user, thereby retaining the mask 10 in position over the nose and mouth of the user. In some embodiments, the harness includes straps (not shown) that are attached to the mask body 16 and configured to secure the mask 10 to the head of a user. For example, a harness may be coupled to the strap 14 on the face seal 12. However, it should be understood that the harness may additionally or alternatively include any other structure. The harness may be reusable. Optionally, the harness is disposable. The harness is optionally made using materials that are relatively easy to sterilize using relatively common sterilization methods.

Referring now to fig. 2 and 3, the face seal 12 is shown in greater detail. The face seal 12 is configured to at least partially seal against a mask of a user's face. As will be described in greater detail below, the face seal 12 includes a chin maintaining element 26 and a compressible portion 28 proximate the chin maintaining element 26. In one embodiment, the face seal 12 also includes an edge portion 30 configured to receive at least a portion of an edge or perimeter 32 of the body 16 and/or the louver 18 for coupling the face seal 12 to the body 16 and/or the louver 18 (e.g., as shown in fig. 5-7). Additionally or alternatively, the rim portion 30 can be configured to accept at least a portion of one or more other components of the mask 10, and thus the face seal 12 can be coupled to at least a portion of one or more other components of the mask 10. In one non-limiting example, the edge portion 30 is folded to define a channel configured to receive at least a portion of one or more components of the mask 10.

Referring now to fig. 4 and 5, a cross-sectional view of the portion of the face seal 12 that includes the chin retaining member 26 and the compressible portion 28 is shown. Fig. 4 shows only a portion of the face seal 12, and fig. 5 shows a portion of the face seal 12 of fig. 4 coupled to a portion of the mask body 16. In one embodiment, the chin support member 26 extends from at least a portion of the face seal 12, such as a portion of the face seal 12 that is proximate to the chin 33a, face, and/or jaw/neck 33b of the user when worn by the user. The chin maintaining element 26 is sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the user's chin 33a therein, and the chin maintaining element 26 includes a bottom portion configured to extend under the user's chin 33a (e.g., as shown in fig. 4). The face seal 12 may be rolled up and away from the main portion 12a of the face seal 12 to form a shield-shaped chin retaining member 26 adapted to capture the chin 33a therein. As used herein, the phrase "main portion 12a of the face seal 12" generally includes portions of the face seal 12 other than the chin retaining member 26, the compressible portion 28, and the edge portion 30.

In one embodiment, the face seal 12 also includes a sealing ridge 34 configured to contact and provide a seal against the face and/or neck of the user 33b when the mask is worn. In one embodiment, the sealing ridge 34 extends generally downward from the chin retaining member 26 (i.e., toward the neck of the user) when the mask 10 is worn by the user. Further, in one embodiment, the compressible portion 28 extends away from the main portion 12a of the face seal 12 generally between the free edge 36 of the seal ridge 34 and the chin retaining member 26 such that the compressible portion 28 is below the chin retaining member 26 and above the free edge 36 of the seal ridge 34 when the mask 10 is worn by a user. As discussed in more detail below (and shown in fig. 6 and 7), the edge portion 30 of the face seal 12 is located a distance from the main portion 12a of the face seal 12 (e.g., a distance from both the chin retaining member 26 and the sealing ridge 34), which is defined by the compressible portion 28. In one embodiment, the distance between the edge portion 30 of the face seal 12 and the main portion 12a (i.e., both the chin retaining member 26 and the sealing ridge 34) is greater when the compressible portion 28 is in the first, uncompressed condition than when the compressible portion 28 is in the second, compressed condition. As shown in fig. 5, the rim portion 30 may be secured to the body 16, a portion of the body 16, or other component of the mask 10 by a collar or securing element 38 configured to extend at least partially over the rim portion 30. Further, in one embodiment, the chin support member 26 is proximate a lower portion of the nasal mask 22 (also shown in fig. 6 and 7).

Referring now to fig. 6 and 7, the compressible portion 28 is shown in greater detail. Fig. 6 shows the face seal 12 connected to the mask body 16 and the compressible portion 28 in an uncompressed first condition. Fig. 7 shows the face seal 12 connected to the mask body 16, as shown in fig. 6, but with the compressible portion 28 in a compressed second condition. The compressible portion 28 is configured to compress or collapse relative to the main portion 12a of the face seal 12 and includes a proximal portion 40, a distal portion 42, and an intermediate portion 44 between the proximal and distal portions. In one embodiment, the proximal portion 40 is between the free edge 36 of the sealing ridge 34 and the chin retaining member 26At a location that meets the main portion 12a of the face seal 12 and extends outwardly from the main portion 12a of the face seal 12. In one embodiment, the distal portion 42 meets or joins with the edge portion 30, and in some embodiments, the distal portion 42 defines the edge portion 30. When in the uncompressed first condition, the compressible portion 28 has a somewhat undulating configuration with the intermediate portion 44 having a slight "U" shape or slight curve that extends downwardly relative to the chin retaining element 26 (and the chin 33a of the user) when the mask 10 is worn by the user. In other words, the intermediate portion 44 has a U-shaped cross-sectional shape. The intermediate portion 44 includes or defines a shield with a nadir 46, and the shield is deeper when the compressible portion 28 is in the compressed second condition (i.e., the nadir 46 is further from the upper portion of the shield and from the chin retaining member 26). Further, in one embodiment, each of the proximal portion 40 and the distal portion 42 includes a slight curvature opposite the curvature of the intermediate portion 44. When in the uncompressed first condition, the compressible portion 28 defines a distance d between the edge portion 30 (and thus the region where the face seal 12 is coupled to the body 16 or other mask component) and the main portion 12a of the face seal 12₁。

As shown in FIG. 7, when in the compressed second condition, the middle portion 44 of the compressible portion 28 has a more pronounced downward bow than when in the uncompressed first condition, and the distance d between the edge portion 30 and the main portion 12a of the face seal 12₂Less than the distance d shown in fig. 6₁. In other words, the compressible portion 28 is compressed and the middle portion 44 flexes downwardly away from the chin retaining member 26 to a greater extent (i.e., the shield is deeper and the nadir 46 is further away from the upper portion of the shield and further away from the chin retaining member 26) and the edge portion 30 is closer to the face of the user. When compressed, the lowest point 46 moves in a direction a, which is in a direction away from the chin retaining member 26. It should be understood that the directional arrows are shown relative to the portion of the mask associated with the arrows. In other words,when the compressible portion 28 is in the first uncompressed condition, the nadir 46 is located at a first position relative to the chin maintaining element 26, and when the compressible portion 28 is in the second compressed condition, the nadir 46 is located at a second position relative to the chin maintaining element 26 that is further from the chin maintaining element 26 than the first position. This compression may occur as the user moves his/her jaw or cheek. The compressible portion 28 provides a flexible portion that can absorb or allow movement and flexing without breaking the seal between the face seal 12 (such as the sealing ridge 34) and the user's face. Additionally, when compressed, the compressible portion 28 exerts an opposing force against the user's face and/or neck 33b, which helps maintain the seal between the sealing ridge 34 and the user's face and/or neck 33 b.

Various design parameters of the various structures of the face seal 12 and the compressible portion 28, such as, but not limited to, material, amount of flexibility, size, shape, orientation, positioning, location, and the like, may be selected to cause the face seal 12 to provide a predetermined seal with the user's face and to cause the compressible portion 28 to move, flex, and become compressed as the user's face moves. In fact, fig. 7 shows yet another non-limiting embodiment of the face seal 12 in which the compressible portion 28 has an accordion or bellows-like configuration, rather than the undulating configuration shown in fig. 4-7. For example, the compressible portion 28 may include one or more folds or folds. This configuration also allows the compressible portion 28 to compress and flex as the user's face moves without breaking the seal between the face seal 12 and the user's face. It should be understood that the compressible portion 28 may include more or fewer folds than shown in fig. 8, or may have a compressible configuration other than those shown herein.

In one embodiment, respiratory mask 10 includes: a main body 16; and a face seal 12 coupled to the body 16, wherein the face seal 12 comprises: a sealing ridge 34 configured to contact the face of the user; and a compressible portion 28 extending away from the sealing ridge 34.

In one aspect, the face seal 12 further includes a rim portion 30 that is configured to receive at least a portion of the main body 16 of the respiratory mask 10.

In one aspect, the face seal 12 also includes a main portion that includes the sealing ridge 34. In one aspect, the face seal 12 further includes a chin retaining member 26, the chin retaining member 26 extending away from a major portion of the face seal 12 and configured to receive at least a portion of a chin of a user.

In one aspect, the sealing ridge 34 has a free edge 36, and the compressible portion 28 extends away from the sealing ridge 34 at a location between the free edge 36 and the chin retaining member 26.

In one aspect, the compressible portion 28 is transitionable between an uncompressed first condition and a compressed second condition, the sealing ridge 34 being configured to maintain contact with a user's face when the compressible portion 28 transitions between the uncompressed first condition and the compressed second condition. In one aspect, the compressible portion 28 includes a proximal portion 40 coupled to the sealing ridge 34, a distal portion 42 opposite the proximal portion 40, and an intermediate portion 44 between the proximal and distal portions. In one aspect, the intermediate portion 44 has a U-shaped cross-section with a nadir 46. In one aspect, the nadir 46 is located at a first position relative to the chin retaining member 26 when the compressible portion 28 is in the first uncompressed condition, and the nadir 46 is located at a second position relative to the chin retaining member 26 when the compressible portion 28 is in the second compressed condition, the second position being further from the chin retaining member 26 than the first position.

In one aspect, the compressible portion 28 is U-shaped in cross-section.

In one aspect, the compressible portion 28 has a plurality of folds.

In one embodiment, respiratory mask 10 includes: a main body 16; and a face seal 12 coupled to the body 16, the face seal 12 comprising: a main portion including a sealing ridge 34 configured to contact a user's face; a chin retaining member 26 that extends away from a major portion of the face seal 12; a compressible portion 28, the compressible portion 28 having a proximal portion 40, a distal portion 42 opposite the proximal portion 40, and an intermediate portion 44 between the proximal portion 40 and the distal portion 42, the proximal portion 40 being bonded to and extending away from a major portion of the face seal 12, the compressible portion 28 being located between the sealing ridge 34 and the chin retaining member 26, the compressible portion 28 being transitionable between an uncompressed first condition and a compressed second condition; and an edge portion 30 coupled to the distal portion 42 of the compressible portion 28, the edge portion 30 configured to receive at least a portion of the body 16, the edge portion 30 located a first distance from a major portion of the face seal 12 in the first uncompressed condition of the compressible portion 28, and the edge portion 30 located a second distance from the major portion of the face seal 12 when the compressible portion 28 is in the second compressed condition, the first distance being greater than the second distance.

In one aspect, the intermediate portion 44 of the compressible portion 28 has a first bending direction, and each of the proximal and distal portions 40, 42 of the compressible portion 28 has a second bending direction opposite the first bending direction.

In one aspect, the intermediate portion 44 of the compressible portion 28 is U-shaped in cross-section. In one aspect, the compressible portion 28 has a nadir 46, the nadir 46 moving away from the chin retaining member 26 when the compressible portion 28 transitions from the first uncompressed condition to the second compressed condition.

In one aspect, the intermediate portion 44 has a bellows shape.

In one aspect, the sealing ridge 34 is configured to maintain contact with the face of the user when the compressible portion 28 transitions between the uncompressed first condition and the compressed second condition.

In one aspect, wherein the respiratory mask 10 is configured for use with a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

In one aspect, the face seal 12 is constructed from at least one of silicone rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, and rubber.

In one embodiment, a face seal 12 for a respiratory mask 10 configured to be worn by a user includes: a main portion including a sealing ridge 34 configured to contact a user's face; a chin retaining member 26 that extends away from a major portion of the face seal 12; a compressible portion 28, the compressible portion 28 having a proximal portion 40, a distal portion 42 opposite the proximal portion 40, and an intermediate portion 44 between the proximal portion 40 and the distal portion 42, the proximal portion 40 is joined to and extends away from the main portion of the face seal 12, the intermediate portion 44 has a first bending direction, and each of the proximal and distal portions 40, 42 of the compressible portion 28 has a second bending direction opposite the first bending direction, the compressible portion 28 is located between the sealing ridge 34 and the chin retaining member 26, the compressible portion 28 being transitionable between an uncompressed first condition and a compressed second condition, the sealing ridge 34 is configured to remain in contact with the face of the user when the compressible portion 28 transitions between the uncompressed first condition and the compressed second condition; and an edge portion 30 coupled to the distal portion 42 of the compressible portion 28, the edge portion 30 being located a first distance from a major portion of the face seal 12 when the compressible portion 28 is in the first uncompressed condition, and the edge portion 30 being located a second distance from the major portion of the face seal 12 when the compressible portion 28 is in the second compressed condition, the first distance being greater than the second distance.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Furthermore, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope of the invention, which is limited only by the following claims.