Personal protective equipment strap retaining devices
Assignee3M Innovative Properties Company
InventorsThomas J. Brace, William A. Mittelstadt, David M. Blomberg
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A strap retaining device having an actuation arm that may engage a retaining tab is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the strap retaining device includes a frame, a retention tab pivotally connected to the frame, and an actuation arm connected to the frame and having a first actuation element movable towards the retention tab from a neutral position to an actuated. The first actuation ramp is movable in a first plane to cause the retention tab to move in a second plane that is perpendicular to the first plane.
Claims26
A strap retaining device for a personal protection device, comprising:
- a frame comprising a first frame portion and a second frame portion;
- a retention tab having a first end pivotally connected to the frame at the first frame portion and a second end portion not connected to the frame;
- a strap channel between the second end of the retention tab and the second frame portion;
- and
- a first actuation arm connected to the frame and comprising a first actuation element movable towards the retention tab;
- and
- a strap positioned in the strap channel and looped about the second frame portion;
- wherein the first actuation element is movable in a first plane from a neutral position to an actuated position in which the first actuation element causes the retention tab to move in a second plane that is substantially perpendicular to the first plane;
- and wherein the strap retention tab clamps the strap against the second portion of the frame in the neutral position.
A harness assembly for a respirator, comprising:
- First and second strap retaining devices each including a frame comprising a first frame portion and a second frame portion, a retention tab having a first end pivotally connected to the frame at the first frame portion and a second end portion not connected to the frame, a strap channel and a first actuation arm connected to the frame and comprising a first actuation ramp movable in a first plane from a neutral position to an actuated position in which the first actuation ramp contacts a surface of the retention tab and causes the retention tab to move in a second plane that is perpendicular to the first plane;
- a first strap positioned in a strap channel of the first strap retainer about a portion of the frame of the first strap retainer;
- and
- a second strap positioned in a strap channel of the second strap retainer about a portion of the frame of the second strap retaining devices;
- wherein the first strap retaining device comprises a first attachment element and the second strap retaining device comprises a second attachment element and the first attachment element is attachable to the second attachment element, and wherein the strap retention tabs of the first and second strap retaining devices clamp the first and second straps, respectively, against the second portion of the frame when in a neutral position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.