Flat-folded personal respiratory protection devices

A personal respiratory protection device that comprises:

• a multi-layered structure that comprises a stiffening layer, a filter layer, and a cover web, the stiffening layer and the cover web being disposed on first and second opposing sides of the filter layer, respectively, such that the stiffening layer is located outside of the filter layer and the cover web is located inside of the filter layer when the device is worn by a user;
• and
• first and second means for attaching a headband to hold the device in position on a wearer's face;
• wherein the multilayered structure is divided into a flat upper panel having an upper peripheral edge, a flat non-rectangular central panel and a lower panel having a lower peripheral edge, the central panel being separated from each of the upper and lower panels by first and second lines of demarcation, the first and second lines of demarcation converging towards the first and second means for attaching a headband;
• and
• wherein the multi-layered structure is capable of being folded at the respective lines of demarcation so that the device can be folded flat for storage and can be opened to form a cup-shaped off the face air chamber over the nose and mouth of the wearer while the upper peripheral edge and the lower peripheral edge contact the wearer's face when the device is in use.

A personal respiratory protection device that comprises:

• a multi-layered structure that comprises filter medium, the multi-layered structure divided into a flat upper panel having an upper peripheral edge, a flat non-rectangular central panel and a lower panel having a lower peripheral edge, the central panel being separated from each of the upper and lower panels by first and second lines of demarcation;
• edge seals along the upper and lower peripheral edges joining layers of the multilayer structure together, at least one of the edge seals being curved;
• and
• first and second means for attaching a headband to hold the device in position on a wearer's face,
• wherein the first and second lines of demarcation converge towards the first and second means for attaching a headband;
• and
• wherein the multi-layered structure is capable of being folded at the respective lines of demarcation so that the device can be folded flat for storage and can be opened to form a cup-shaped off the face air chamber over the nose and mouth of the wearer while the upper peripheral edge and the lower peripheral edge contact the wearer's face when the device is in use.