US 5,848,589 A · Altitude mask simulator

Abstract

A training mask for replicating the decrease in oxygen density and the increased breathing effort at higher altitudes. The mask has a nasal portion for covering the user's nose and a lower portion for covering the user's mouth. A peripheral edge conformable with the face forms a chamber with the user's mouth and nose contained therein. A valve-controlled air channel presents a first exterior aperture in communication with the outside ambient air and a second interior aperture positioned adjacent the user's mouth. A fibrous filter, or a plurality of such filters, are releasably engageable within the air channel. Upon inhalation the oxygen density of the ambient air, as drawn through the air channel and through the fibrous filter(s), is decreased. This decrease replicates the decrease in oxygen found in the ambient air at higher altitudes which requires the user to increase the breathing effort so as to deliver a sufficient amount of oxygen to the bloodstream. Upon exhalation the exhaled air is discharged through valve controlled exhaust ports.

Claims11

Dependent claims

A training mask comprising:

a mask body comprising:
a mouth portion adapted to cover a user's mouth;
a nasal portion adapted to cover a user's nose;
a peripheral edge adapted to conform to a user's face for presenting a chamber adapted to contain a user's covered mouth and nose therein;
an air channel extending through said mask and presenting a bore with a first aperture on an outside surface of said mask and a second aperture on an inside surface of said mask;
intake valve means in said bore having a first closed position upon exhalation of air by a user and a second open position upon inhalation of a user to allow for passage of ambient air through said bore;
exhaust valve means in said mask for regulating a discharge of exhaled air of a user from the chamber and to an outside of said mask;
a filter releasably engageable within said bore, said filter having material therein adapted to impede passage of air therethrough and selectively decrease the oxygen density of the air at said second interior aperture for inhalation by a user, whereby to simulate a decrease of oxygen density in inhaled air as at a higher altitude.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Altitude mask simulator

Life of this patent

Altitude mask simulator

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11