Manner of attaching component elements to filtration material such as may be utilized in respiratory masks
Assignee3M Innovative Properties Company
InventorsDesmond T. Curran, Elfed I. Williams
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A component is attached to filtration material by providing the component with a deformable extension member that is preferably integral with the component and that extends from a base portion of the component. The extension member is inserted through an opening provided through the filtration material and is then deformed to provide a mechanical clamp that is utilized in attaching the component in position. In certain embodiments, the component is an attachment such as an exhalation valve of a respiratory mask.
Claims42
A filtration device comprising a web of material that itself comprises a layer of filtration material, the web material having first and second major surfaces and an opening, and at least one component that is attached to the web material, the component comprising a component base portion having a surface that abuts against the first major surface of the web material and an extension member that extends from the component base portion and passes through the opening of the web material, the extension member also having a deformed portion that is turned back toward the component base portion and has at least a surface part thereof that is positioned against the second major surface of the web material so as to clamp the component in fluid-tight relationship to the web material.
A respiratory mask comprising:
- a. a mask body that includes a layer of filtration material having first and second major surfaces and an aperture therein, and
- b. at least one component comprising a component base portion and an extension member that extends from the component base portion through the aperture, the extension member being deformed to have a surface in sufficient contact with the mask body so as to make a fluid tight seal between the component and the mask body.
A respiratory mask comprising:
- a. a mask body that includes a layer of filtration material having first and second major surfaces and an aperture therein, and
- b. an exhalation valve comprising a base portion and an extension member that extends from the base portion through the aperture, the extension member having a deformed portion that contacts the mask body, and a portion of the mask body being turned along a portion of the extension member and relative to the first and second major surfaces.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.