Back to results
US 8,757,156 B2Granted
Face mask with unidirectional multi-flap valve
Assignee3M Innovative Properties Company
InventorsPhilip G. Martin, Michael K. Domroese
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Face masks that include a unidirectional valve are disclosed. The unidirectional valves permit fluid communication between an interior gas space defined by the mask and the wearer and an exterior gas space outside of the face mask. The unidirectional valves includes one or more valve flaps positioned over an opening formed in the base of the valve. Each of the valve flaps includes a free edge and a hinge located generally opposite from the free edge.
Claims26
A face mask that comprises:
- a mask body adapted to fit over at least the nose and mouth of a person to help define an interior gas space when worn;
- and
- a unidirectional valve that permits fluid communication between the interior gas space and an exterior gas space, wherein the unidirectional valve comprises:
- a base attached to the mask body, the base comprising two or more openings through which gas may pass between the interior gas space and the exterior gas space, wherein each opening of the two or more openings is surrounded by a seal surface that extends around the opening;
- a stationary diaphragm positioned on the base, wherein the diaphragm extends over the two or more openings and their respective seal surfaces;
- two or more valve flaps formed within the diaphragm, wherein each valve flap of the two or more valve flaps is located over one of the two or more openings, and wherein each valve flap of the two or more valve flaps comprises a boundary slot formed through the diaphragm and a hinge along which the valve flap is attached to the diaphragm, wherein the boundary slot defines a free edge of the valve flap that extends from a first end to a second end and wherein the hinge extends between the first end and the second end of the free edge of the valve flap;
- and
- wherein each valve flap of the two or more valve flaps exhibits a cantilever bend ratio of 0.0050 or less and has a thickness of 10 to 2000 micrometers and comprises a closed position in which the valve flap contacts the seal surface and remains in contact with seal surface regardless of the orientation of the unidirectional valve, and wherein the valve flap also comprises an open position in which at least a portion of the valve flap is lifted off of the seal surface such that gas may pass between the interior gas space and the exterior gas space.
5 more elements
A face mask that comprises:
- a mask body adapted to fit over at least the nose and mouth of a person to help define an interior gas space when worn;
- and
- a unidirectional valve that permits fluid communication between the interior gas space and an exterior gas space, wherein the unidirectional valve comprises:
- a base attached to the mask body, the base comprising at least two openings through which gas may pass between the interior gas space and the exterior gas space, wherein each opening of the at least two openings is surrounded by a seal surface that extends around the opening;
- first and second valve flaps located respectively over each of the at least two openings, and wherein each of the first and second valve flaps comprises a stationary portion and a movable portion, wherein a hinge is located between the stationary portion and the movable portion, and wherein each valve flap comprises a free edge extending around the movable portion of the valve flap outside of the hinge;
- and
- wherein each valve flap exhibits a cantilever bend ratio of 0.0050 or less and has a thickness of 10 to 2000 micrometers and comprises a closed position in which the movable portion of the valve flap contacts the seal surface and remains in such contact regardless of the orientation of the valve, and wherein the each valve flap also comprises an open position in which the movable portion of the valve flap is lifted off of the seal surface such that gas may pass between the interior gas space and the exterior gas space;
- and
- and further wherein the first and second valve flaps that are located over the at least two openings are oriented in the same direction such that the free edge of the first valve flap is located adjacent the hinge of the second valve flap and wherein the hinges of the first and second valve flaps are generally parallel to each other.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.