Surgery – Respiratory method or device – Means for supplying respiratory gas under positive pressure
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-05
2001-11-20
Weiss, John G. (Department: 3761)
Surgery
Respiratory method or device
Means for supplying respiratory gas under positive pressure
C128S204290
Reexamination Certificate
active
06318364
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is broadly concerned with modular oxygen mask deployment containers designed to be mounted within aircraft oxygen mask deployment openings. More particularly, the invention pertains to such modular units having an openable box with physically separate oxygen inlet, oxygen valve and latching components therein which can be attached to the box at various locations affording a considerable degree of design flexibility and eliminating the need to custom design a container for individual aircraft. Also, the preferred containers of the invention are smaller than many standard aircraft openings so that they can be used in a variety of aircraft; in order to close the openings in an aesthetically pleasing manner, the containers have closure covers attached to the lids thereof. In this fashion, the aircraft openings are fully closed while nevertheless permitting use of the small, readily modifiable containers of the invention.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Commercial passenger aircraft are provided with an emergency oxygen mask for each passenger, to be used in the event of a cabin depressurization. Typically, the masks are stored within a deployment opening adjacent the passenger seating, for ready access during emergency situations. In many aircraft the masks are stored in specialized containers situated in deployment openings directly above the passenger seats. In operation, the container lid is opened through a selectively actuatable latch mechanism allowing the stored masks to drop under the influence of gravity for passenger access. In some smaller aircraft the deployment openings may be provided astride passenger seats. In any case, the masks are operatively connected to a source of oxygen, e.g., a central oxygen supply or to respective oxygen-generating candles located adjacent each mask container.
Normally, the oxygen mask containers used in the past have been specifically designed for each individual type of commercial aircraft. Thus, the containers used in a Boeing 757 aircraft may not be readily used in an Airbus. As a consequence of this design strategy, many containers include unique parts which cannot realistically be used in other containers. To give but one example, it is very common to combine the oxygen inlet, lid latch and oxygen valve components in a single device. While this tends to reduce the weight of the container, it renders the part virtually unuseable in other designs. Moreover, a failure in such a combined part complicates trouble shooting and replacement. These combined parts are also relatively large and take up a considerable volume of space within the container which often creates unnecessary “dead spaces.”
Another consequence of a uniquely designed oxygen mask container is that it is normally sized to essentially fill an associated aircraft deployment opening, and includes a single lid which is sized to mate with the deployment opening. Accordingly, such a container cannot be used in aircraft having a differently configured mask deployment opening, because either the container will not fit within the opening and/or the single lid will not properly mate with the opening.
There is accordingly a real and unsatisfied need in the art for an improved oxygen mask deployment container of the modular type which can be used in a variety of different aircraft without the need for complete redesign thereof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the problems outlined above and provides a modular aircraft oxygen mask deployment container including a box sized to fit within any one of a plurality of differently sized aircraft oxygen deployment openings presenting respective, different openings, together with a selectively openable lid normally closing the box. At least one oxygen mask is located within the box and is deployable therefrom when the lid is open. An operating assembly is coupled with the box and the mask(s) therein for supplying oxygen to the latter upon mask deployment.
In preferred forms, an outer cover separate from the lid and configured to mate with and close a particular deployment opening is provided, where the outer cover is releasably connected with the lid of the container box for opening movement therewith. Thus, a relatively small box may be used in a wide variety of different aircraft, and the designer need only ensure that an outer cover for a particular deployment opening is used. In practice, the outer cover is advantageously secured to the box lid by means of VELCRO (multiple hook and loop material), thereby allowing easy cover adjustment during installation.
The functionality of the containers of the invention is enhanced to the use of a box having a plurality of individual, spaced apart component mounts formed in the walls thereof. These mounts can be in the form of knockouts, slots, holds or other openings allowing attachment of components within the box at a variety of locations. Furthermore, contrary to present practice, it has been found that it is desirable to provide physically separate oxygen inlet, oxygen valve and lid latch components making up the operating assembly. These physically separate components are attachable to the housing at any one of a number of the component mount locations, thereby giving the designer a high degree of flexibility to accommodate specific situations and weight requirements. Broadly speaking, at least two of the oxygen inlet, oxygen valve and lid latch components should be physically separate and connected to the box at separate components mounts; as indicated though, in preferred forms all three of these components are physically separate.
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Scott Product Brochure re Passenger Oxygen Mask Dispensing Units (9/96).
BE Aerospace Drawing re Automatic Deployment Oxygen Mask Container Assy Dual with Curved Lid .
BE Aerospace Drawing re Automatic Deployment Oxygen Mask Container Single.
Ford Michael D.
Hannah Gary
Ramus Sebastien A.
Weinstein Sara G.
BE Intellectual Property Inc.
Hovey Williams Timmons & Collins
Mitchell Teena
Weiss John G.
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