Breathing tube connection for respiratory protective headgear

Details Breathing tube connection for respiratory protective headgear Breathing tube connection for respiratory protective headgear

1998-03-10

2001-08-28

Lewis, Aaron J. (Department: 3761)

Surgery

Respiratory method or device

Means for quickly connecting or disconnecting apparatus...

C128S205250, C128S912000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06279573

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to respirator breathing systems and more particularly to connectors for attaching an air supply tube to a respirator.
BACKGROUND
Respirators are frequently worn by people working in areas where the air may be contaminated with toxic or noxious substances such as particulates, gases and vapors. For example, the air in a sanding or grinding area may contain airborne particulates, the air in a painting area may contain droplets of paint or solvent vapors, and the air in a welding area may contain harmful particles or fumes.
The respirator may filter the air or it may provide a supply of uncontaminated air. A positive pressure respirator has a source of clean air brought into the mask under positive pressure, giving a higher pressure inside the mask of the respirator than in the surrounding ambient air. The source of clean air may include blowing or pulling ambient air through a filter or it may include bringing clean air in from an external source,
A positive pressure respirator usually employs a breathing tube to direct the clean air into the breathing zone of the respirator. Because the breathing tube is a source of clean air, the security of the attachment of the breathing tube to the headgear is important. Potential hazards include objects that may catch on the latch, thereby leading to a risk that the tube becomes separated from the respirator.
Various governmental agencies and industry organizations have established regulations specifying standards that must be met by this connection under certain use conditions. For example, the European Committee for Standardization requires that the connection must withstand a pulling force of 25 kilograms, or approximately 56 lbs. of pressure (CEN Type 3).
A common attachment method currently in use with respiratory devices involves a rigid cylindrical fitting projecting from the headgear to which the breathing tube is attached. This attachment typically employs a rigid cylindrical fitting on the end of the breathing tube. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,996,981 describes a respiratory device in which the device includes an aperture or orifice into which a hose is fitted in sealing relation. Other similar examples are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,736,927; 3,963,021; and 4,676,236. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 3,921,223 describes a rearwardly extending nipple that is designed to engage the end of a tube, which is made of flexible plastic or rubber material. The attachment fitting or nipple may also be ribbed or tapered.
Various clamping devices have been used to provide a more secure attachment of the breathing tube to the respirator. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,549,104 a breathing tube is secured in a sleeve by means of a clamp that encircles the sleeve overlying an end portion of the tube. Other clamps have also been used, including pinch clamps, clamps tightened with a screwdriver, and clamps tightened with a thumbscrew. Compression fittings tightened by a threaded retainer have also been used.
SUMMARY
There is a need in the art for a respirator connector that is protected from accidental disconnection. It is desirable that the connector be suitable for use in various types of respirators and yet be relatively easy for the wearer of the respirator to connect and disconnect from the respirator. While providing the aforementioned advantages, the connector should be capable of withstanding a relatively substantial pull-off pressure.
In one aspect of the present invention, a respirator connector for a breathing tube includes a first conduit, a transition conduit, and a cantilevered snap latch that extends therefrom. The snap latch has a locking member for engaging a receiving structure on a respirator.
In another aspect of the present invention, a connector assembly for connecting a breathing tube to a respirator includes a respirator having a recessed receiving structure, said recessed receiving structure adapted for receiving a connector. The receiving structure includes a protruding member for engaging a locking member on the connector. The connector includes a first air conduit and a transition conduit between the air conduit and the breathing tube. The first conduit, transition conduit and breathing tube comprises an air conduit. A cantilevered snap latch, including a locking member, extends from the connector. Preferably, the connector is capable of withstanding a pull-off force of about 25 kilograms or 56 lbs.
The recessed receiving structure of the present invention is formed or disposed within a respirator, such as a helmet or full-face respirator. The recessed receiving structure includes an air inlet for supplying air from the breathing tube to the respirator breathing zone. The protruding member of the recessed receiving structure engages the locking member disposed on the cantilevered snap latch.
The first conduit is shaped to fit within the air inlet receptacle in the respirator. The first conduit is substantially disposed within the receptacle when attached. Preferably, the first conduit is a flat conduit.
The transition conduit of the connector may include a base and a body. Preferably, the body protrudes from the base at an angle, such that the axis formed by the air conduit comprising the first conduit, transition conduit, and breathing tube is non-linear.
The cantilevered snap latch includes a latch base and a latch body. Latch body further includes a locking member. Preferably, the snap latch is attached or molded with the first conduit or transition conduit. The latch body depends therefrom and forms an angle with the first conduit. Reinforcing members may be formed with the snap latch to assist in securing the latch to the respirator. Preferably, the snap latch, when attached to the respirator, is disposed substantially within the receiving.
The recessed receiving structure, flattened profile, and nonlinear connection angle provide a low profile for the helmet and an attractive appearance. The lower helmet profile allows the helmet to be smaller, reducing both bulk and weight. The cantilevered snap latch resides in a recessed area of the helmet to avoid snagging or inadvertent catching when worn in close quarters. The cantilevered latch is capable of meeting CEN Type 3 standards. However, the snap latch may be easily disconnected by the wearer, without the necessity of using tools or otherwise performing a complicated procedure.
While flattening the profile of the connector, a large cross-sectional area of the air conduit is maintained, thus maintaining minimal pressure drop or flow resistance of the air. This structure therefore provides greater air flow for increased wearer comfort and longer battery life for those systems using battery powered fans to supply the filtered breathing air.


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Product information:3M Positive

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