CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX [0003] Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

[0004] Protective suits or hoods may be work in hazardous environments to protect a user from breathing hazardous air and from contacting hazardous material with their skin and clothes. Protective suits and hoods may provide safe breathable air for the user within the suit. In some cases, a suit may be pressurized with air.

SUMMARY

[0005] Aspects of the disclosure may include embodiments of a method for placing a mask onto a user's face while the user is wearing a protective suit, the method comprising attaching a filtering mask to the interior of a protective suit, wherein a facepiece of the mask is located within a hood of the suit, and wherein the mask is held in place by a loop on the interior of the suit; donning the suit, wherein the facepiece is placed to the side of the user's head within the hood of the suit, before entering a hazardous area; before doffing the suit, placing the mask onto the user's face by grasping the mouthpiece of the mask by the user's mouth; doffing the suit, keeping the mask held against the user's face to protect the user from hazardous air; and removing the mask when the user has left all hazardous areas. [0006] In some embodiments, attaching the mask to the interior of the suit comprises attaching a loop around a portion of the mask. In some embodiments, doffing comprises removing the attachment with the loop. In some embodiments, placing the facepiece on the user's face comprises adjusting the position of the facepiece using the user's neck and shoulders. In some embodiments, the method may further comprise, before doffing the suit, if the suit is compromised while in the hazardous area, placing the mask onto the user's face by grasping a mouthpiece of the mask by the user's mouth. In some embodiments, the method may further comprise completing work wearing the protective suit, wherein the facepiece of the mask remains within the hood. In some embodiments, the method may further comprise attaching an oral intake portion of the mask to a filter portion of the mask.

[0007] Additional aspects of the disclosure may include embodiments of a method for placing a mask onto a user's face while the user is wearing a protective hood, the method comprising attaching a filtering mask to the interior of a protective hood, wherein at least a facepiece of the mask is located within the hood, and wherein the mask is held in place by a loop on the interior of the hood; donning the hood, wherein the facepiece is placed to the side of the user's head within the hood, before entering a hazardous area; before doffing the hood, placing the mask onto the user's face by grasping the mouthpiece of the mask by the user's mouth; doffing the hood, keeping the mask held against the user's face to protect the user from hazardous air; and removing the mask when the user has left all hazardous areas.

[0008] In some embodiments, the hood is attached to a protective suit. In some embodiments, the method may further comprise, before doffing the hood, if the hood is compromised while in the hazardous area, placing the mask onto the user's face by grasping a mouthpiece of the mask by the user's mouth. In some embodiments, attaching the mask to the interior of the hood comprises attaching a loop around a portion of the mask. In some embodiments, doffing comprises removing the attachment with the loop. In some embodiments, the method may further comprise completing work wearing the protective hood, wherein the facepiece of the mask remains within the hood. In some embodiments, the method may further comprise attaching an oral intake portion of the mask to a filter portion of the mask.

[0009] Other aspects of the disclosure may include embodiments of a filtering mask to be worn with a protective hood, comprising a facepiece that covers the nose and mouth of a user, operable to seal against the face of the user; and an oral intake, operable to provide breathing air to the user, the oral intake comprising a mouthpiece operable to be held in the mouth of the user; a tube that fits through a portion of the facepiece; and a filter operable to attach to the tube, such that air breathed by the user through the tube passes through the filter, wherein the mask is operable to be attached to the interior of a protective hood, and placed on the user's face by grasping the mouthpiece with the user's mouth.

[0010] In some embodiments, the oral intake further comprises a hose between the tube and the filter, wherein the hose allows for the filter to be placed further away from the facepiece, and therefore out of the way of the user's face. In some embodiments, the mask is attached to the interior of the protective hood by attaching a loop around the tube of the mask. In some embodiments, the filter is placed within the body of the suit. In some embodiments, the facepiece of the mask is placed within the hood when the mask is not in use. In some embodiments, the mask may further comprise an exhalation valve.

[0011] These and other features will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts.

[0013] FIGS. 1 A-1C illustrate a mask according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0014] FIGS. 2A-2B illustrates the mask worn by a user according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a mask according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a mask worn with a protective suit according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a closer view of the mask worn with the protective suit according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates another view of the mask worn with the protective suit according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates a method for placing a mask onto a user's face while the user is wearing a protective suit according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] It should be understood at the outset that although illustrative implementations of one or more embodiments are illustrated below, the disclosed systems and methods may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not yet in existence. The disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents. [0021] The following brief definition of terms shall apply throughout the application:

[0022] The term "comprising" means including but not limited to, and should be interpreted in the manner it is typically used in the patent context;

[0023] The phrases "in one embodiment," "according to one embodiment," and the like generally mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention, and may be included in more than one embodiment of the present invention (importantly, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment);

[0024] If the specification describes something as "exemplary" or an "example," it should be understood that refers to a non-exclusive example;

[0025] The terms "about" or approximately" or the like, when used with a number, may mean that specific number, or alternatively, a range in proximity to the specific number, as understood by persons of skill in the art field; and

[0026] If the specification states a component or feature "may," "can," "could," "should," "would," "preferably," "possibly," "typically," "optionally," "for example," "often," or "might" (or other such language) be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or to have the characteristic. Such component or feature may be optionally included in some embodiments, or it may be excluded.

[0027] Embodiments of the disclosure include systems and methods for providing a mask that is held by the user's mouth, wherein the mask provides filtered breathing air when a protective suit is donned and/or doffed by the user.

[0028] When a user is doffing a protective suit, the area where the suit is doffed may still be contaminated and not safe for a user to breathe. However, because the suit has been removed, the user has no way to breathe safely, so a user must hold their breath until they reach a safe location. Additionally, when a user is wearing a protective hood or suit, there may not be a back up safe breathing option if the suit or hood is compromised.

[0029] Applicants have suggested a filtering mask that can be worn on the interior of the protective hood or suit, wherein the mask may be placed out of the way until needed. In similar solutions, a user may be required to use their hands to place the mask onto their face, and/or use elastic or straps to hold the mask in place on the user's head. Applicants have suggested a mask that comprises a mouthpiece to be held in the user's mouth, similar to a snorkel. Therefore, the mask would not require the user's hands to place and/or hold the mask onto the user's face, as the user may just grasp the mouthpiece with their mouth. The mask may comprise a filter to allow for filtered breathing air. The mask may be placed within the hood of the suit, so that the mouthpiece is accessible to a user when they are wearing the suit. If the suit is compromised, and/or if the user wishes to doff the suit, the user may place the mask over their face by grasping the mouthpiece, and may breathe through the mouthpiece and the filter.

[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 1 A-1C, an exemplary embodiment of a mask 100 is shown. The mask 100 may comprise an oral intake 1 10, wherein the oral intake comprises a mouthpiece 1 12. The oral intake 110 may also comprise a tube 1 14 with an opening 1 16 through the tube 1 14 to the mouthpiece 1 12. Additionally, the oral intake 1 10 may comprise an attachment point 1 18 at the end of the tube 1 14. The mask 100 may comprise a facepiece 102 that is operable to fit over the nose and mouth of a user. The facepiece 102 may comprise a molded material, wherein the edge 106 of the facepiece 102 may seal against the user's face whenever the facepiece 102 is held in place. In some embodiments, a user may hold the facepiece 102 against their face by holding the mouthpiece 112 in their mouth. The oral intake 1 10 may fit through an opening in the facepiece 102, and may be sealed so that no air can pass into the facepiece 102 when it is worn by a user. Additionally, the mouthpiece 1 12 of the oral intake 1 10 may be located on the interior of the facepiece 102, while the tube 1 14 and attachment point 1 18 are located on the exterior of the facepiece 102.

[0031] The mouthpiece 1 12 may comprise any mouthpiece shape that may be easily held in the mouth of a user. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece 1 12 may comprise one or more elements, such as bite plates, grooves, and/or lips. These elements may allow the mouthpiece 1 12 to fit comfortably in the mouth of a user. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece may comprise a flexible material. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece may comprise a rubber material. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece may comprise a silicone material.

[0032] In some embodiments, the facepiece 102 may comprise a transparent material. In some embodiments, the facepiece 102 may comprise a rigid material. In some embodiments, the facepiece 102 may comprise a flexible material. In some embodiments, the facepiece 102 may comprise a general shape designed to fit on the face of a user. In some embodiments, the facepiece 102 may comprise a customized shape for a specific user. In some embodiments, the facepiece 102 may comprise one of a plurality of general shapes or sizes, such as small, medium, and large. In some embodiments, the facepiece 102 may comprise a nose clip 104 operable to fit over the nose of a user. In some embodiments, the nose clip 104 may fit tight enough on a user's nose to effectively close the use's nose, thereby allowing the user to only breathe through their mouth (via the oral intake 1 10). In some embodiments, the facepiece 102 may comprise an exhalation valve 108.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2B, the mask 100 described in FIGS. 1 A-1C is shown as worn by a user. The mouthpiece 1 12 is not shown, as it is held within the user's mouth. The edge 106 of the facepiece 102 is pressed against the user's face. The mask 100 may not require any elastic or straps to hold the mask 100 to the user's face, wherein the mouthpiece 1 12 held in the user's mouth holds the facepiece against the user's face. Additionally, the user may not be required to hold the mask 100 with their hands.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 3, a mask 300 is shown, which may be similar to the mask 300 of FIGS. 1A-1C, and 2A-2B. The mask 300 may comprise a facepiece 302, and an oral intake 310 attached to the facepiece 302, wherein the oral intake 310 comprises a mouthpiece 312, a tube 314, and an attachment point 318. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the oral intake 310 may be attached to a hose 320 at the attachment point 318. The hose 320 may then be attached to a filter 322. In some embodiments, the facepiece 302 may comprise an exhalation valve 308.

[0035] The filter 322 may allow filtered breathing air to pass through the hose 320 to the oral intake 310, where the user may breathe the filtered air via the mouthpiece 312. In some embodiments, the length of the hose 320 may be determined to allow the filter 322 to be out of the way of a user's motions. Additionally, the filter 322 may be held out of the way, by the hose 320, when a user wears the mask 300 while wearing a protective suit.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 4, the mask 300 may be located on the interior of a protective suit 400. The suit may comprise a hood 402 and body 404. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the mask 300 may be held out of the way in the suit 400, wherein the suit 400 may comprise a loop 410 for looping around the hose 320 of the mask 300 and holding the mask 300 in place. The loop 410 may keep the mask 300 from moving around within the suit 400, and keep the facepiece 302 of the mask 300 within the hood 402 of the suit 400. When the mask 300 is not in use, the facepiece 302 may be placed to side of a user's head, allowing for the facepiece 302 to be accessed, but not hinder any movements for the user. The mask 300 is shown worn with an inflated suit, but the mask 300 may be worn with any type of protective suit or hood. In some embodiments, the mask 300 may be worn with just the hood 402 that covers the head and shoulders of the user. [0037] FIG. 5 illustrates a closer view of the mask 300 inside the suit 400. The facepiece 302 may be placed on either side of the user's head within the hood 402. The loop 410 may fit around the hose 320 of the mask 300. In some embodiments, the loop 410 may be detectable (on one or both ends) from the suit 400. Before a user wears the suit 400, the user may attach the mask 300 to the suit 400 by attaching the loop 410 over the hose 320 of the mask 300. The user may then don the suit 400, placing the facepiece 302 of the mask 300 out of the way within the hood 402 of the suit 400. While the facepiece 302 is out of the way, the loop 410 may keep the mask 300 from moving around within the suit 400. The loop 410 may also keep the facepiece 302 within the hood 402 of the suit 400. The facepiece 302 of the mask 300 may be accessible to the user, for the user to grasp the mouthpiece 312 of the mask 300 with their mouth, without having to user their hands to move the mask 300.

[0038] FIG. 6 illustrates the mask 300 and suit 400 when the mask is worn on the user's face. The user may grasp the mouthpiece 312 of the mask 300 using their mouth to place the facepiece 302 onto their face. The user may bend their neck and shoulders to reach the mask 300 with their mouth. The user may wish to wear the mask 300, providing filtered breathing air, if the suit 400 is somehow compromised. Additionally, when doffing the suit 400, the user may be in an area where exposure to hazardous gases is still possible. Therefore, the user may wear the mask 400 for provide filtered breathing air until the user can move to a safe area. When the user is doffing the suit 400, the user may remove the loop 410 from the hose 320 of the mask 300, allow the user to continue wearing the mask 300 when the suit is removed.

[0039] FIG. 7 illustrates a method 700 for placing a mask onto a user's face while the user is wearing a protective suit. At step 702, the mask may be attached to the interior of a protective suit, wherein the facepiece of the mask is located within the hood of the suit, and wherein the mask is held in place by a loop on the interior of the suit. At step 704, the suit is donned by a user, wherein the facepiece is placed to the side of the user's head within the hood of the suit. At step 706, the user completes work in a hazardous area while wearing the suit. If the suit is compromised while in the hazardous area, at step 708, the mask is placed onto the user's face by grasping the mouthpiece of the mask by the user's mouth. The user may move their neck and shoulders to reach the mouthpiece with their mouth, but may not use their hands to position the mask, as the user's hands may not be accessible when wearing the suit. If the suit is not compromised while the user is working in the hazardous area, at step 710, before doffing the suit, the user may place the mask onto the user's face by grasping the mouthpiece of the mask by the user's mouth. At step 712, the user may doff the protective suit, keeping the mask held against the user's face to protect the user from any hazardous air. The suit may be removed in an area that is not complete clear of hazardous air. Then at step 714, the user may remove the mask when the user has left all hazardous areas.

[0040] While various embodiments in accordance with the principles disclosed herein have been shown and described above, modifications thereof may be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the teachings of the disclosure. The embodiments described herein are representative only and are not intended to be limiting. Many variations, combinations, and modifications are possible and are within the scope of the disclosure. Alternative embodiments that result from combining, integrating, and/or omitting features of the embodiment(s) are also within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above, but is defined by the claims which follow, that scope including all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Each and every claim is incorporated as further disclosure into the specification and the claims are embodiment(s) of the present invention(s). Furthermore, any advantages and features described above may relate to specific embodiments, but shall not limit the application of such issued claims to processes and structures accomplishing any or all of the above advantages or having any or all of the above features.

[0041] Additionally, the section headings used herein are provided for consistency with the suggestions under 37 C.F.R. 1.77 or to otherwise provide organizational cues. These headings shall not limit or characterize the invention(s) set out in any claims that may issue from this disclosure. Specifically and by way of example, although the headings might refer to a "Field," the claims should not be limited by the language chosen under this heading to describe the so-called field. Further, a description of a technology in the "Background" is not to be construed as an admission that certain technology is prior art to any invention(s) in this disclosure. Neither is the "Summary" to be considered as a limiting characterization of the invention(s) set forth in issued claims. Furthermore, any reference in this disclosure to "invention" in the singular should not be used to argue that there is only a single point of novelty in this disclosure. Multiple inventions may be set forth according to the limitations of the multiple claims issuing from this disclosure, and such claims accordingly define the invention(s), and their equivalents, that are protected thereby. In all instances, the scope of the claims shall be considered on their own merits in light of this disclosure, but should not be constrained by the headings set forth herein.

[0042] Use of broader terms such as comprises, includes, and having should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as consisting of, consisting essentially of, and comprised substantially of. Use of the term "optionally," "may," "might," "possibly," and the like with respect to any element of an embodiment means that the element is not required, or alternatively, the element is required, both alternatives being within the scope of the embodiment(s). Also, references to examples are merely provided for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to be exclusive. [0043] While several embodiments have been provided in the present disclosure, it should be understood that the disclosed systems and methods may be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. The present examples are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the intention is not to be limited to the details given herein. For example, the various elements or components may be combined or integrated in another system or certain features may be omitted or not implemented.

[0044] Also, techniques, systems, subsystems, and methods described and illustrated in the various embodiments as discrete or separate may be combined or integrated with other systems, modules, techniques, or methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Other items shown or discussed as directly coupled or communicating with each other may be indirectly coupled or communicating through some interface, device, or intermediate component, whether electrically, mechanically, or otherwise. Other examples of changes, substitutions, and alterations are ascertainable by one skilled in the art and could be made without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed herein.