BACKGROUND

[0001] From simple masks, which cover a wearer's nose and mouth, to more elaborate hooded devices, various respirators exist that can clean or detoxify air. Respirators have been developed for numerous applications that require either the provision of clean air to a wearer or the maintenance of a clean ambient environment with the wearer's presence.

[0002] For example, a fire in a high-rise building requires immediate safe evacuation. Many high-rise building codes require safety features, such as alarms, sprinklers, and other systems. Whether commercial or residential, evacuation from a high-rise building requires quickly descending down the stairs or ascending to the roof top in order to be rescued. Although current rescue technology for mass evacuation can reach as high as a third floor level, safe evacuation from high-rise buildings can benefit tremendously from portable rescue breathing equipment to prevent smoke inhalation.

[0003] Toxic smoke inhalation accounts for the majority of fatalities of a fire— approximately 70%— which means that very few victims actually die from flame. With an increasing number of high-rises, and other factors, such as terrorist threats, reliable evacuation equipment has never been more critical. In response to this demand, a variety of escape devices have been conceived.

[0004] In addition to fire emergencies, respirators can be used in other applications, such as for military, private industry, and public uses. For example, respirators can be used in clean room environments, surgical procedures, testing facilities, and other procedures in the medical, manufacturing, emergency service, laboratory, and other numerous fields.

SUMMARY

[0005] Respirator assemblies in general can protect the wearer from adverse atmospheric conditions, such as toxic gases, harmful breathable particles, or dangerous radiation. Conversely, respirator assemblies can also be used to protect the environment from contamination which may be generated by the wearer. Examples of this can be found in clean air room, various industrial manufactured products (such as computer chips and the like), surgical rooms (to prevent the risk of infection and to protect immuno-compromised patients from infection), and other myriad places.

[0006] Aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein recognize and address inherent drawbacks the variety of respirators used in numerous fields and applications. For example, a surgical respirator assembly has a top-mounted impeller motor attached to a frame and a hood fitted over the assembly. The top-mounted impeller makes the assembly top heavy, which makes it difficult for a user to wear the apparatus. Aside from the imbalance problems, impeller motors are also expensive and bulky. Further, the frame has to be reused by different surgeons, thus creating the possibility of cross-contamination.

[0007] Further, for emergency situations, respirators are often bulky, sometimes require sizing for fitting particular individuals, and generally are not conducive to easy or practical day-to-day carriage or storage. These respirators have employed a variety of fitting methods general ly relying on multiple or single-strap arrangements requiring individual adjustment to ensure a proper airtight fit to the individual user. A tight fit between the mask and facial skin may not be possible in those who have a beard, painful facial scars, or deformities. Those who require corrective glasses can have trouble putting on the hood and maintaining vision. In an emergency or panic situation, such methods are time-consuming and confusing, especially in the case of multiple-strap arrangements. Claustrophobia is also a very real concern, as well as the clumsiness and consequent time-consuming placement of the device.

[0008] Further, and more importantly, other disadvantages of the such respirators include low useful life (usually only 5 minutes) and the failure to prevent inhalation of activated charcoal particulate in the canister. Additionally, certain prior art systems are expensive to manufacture, do not lend themselves to a low retail cost, and hence, are effectively precluded from a cost standpoint from widespread distribution in necessary areas.

[0009] In accordance with an aspect of at least some of the embodiments disclosed herein, the present application discloses and teaches a respirator assembly and related methods of use by which a respirator assembly can be effectively stored and deployed, whi le providing a comfortable experience and excellent efficiency. One of the realizations disclosed herein is that prior art breathing systems are poorly designed and make ineffective use of costly filtering materials, which results in shorter life, poor performance, and unnecessary cost. Further, certain prior art breathing systems are bulky and cannot be stored effectively. These drawbacks not only represent potential areas of improvement, but also represent potential areas of harm and risk for the user.

[0010] Another realization in accordance with some embodiments, is that all respirator assemblies may share a principle of operation regardless of the application. This principle is to create an artificial environment, either for the wearer or for the ambient environment, than would otherwise exist. This can be achieved with certain basic considerations: 1 ) provide clean, breathable air; 2) allow for a visual field; and 3) provide an exhaust port to exhaust air. Another basic consideration may be creating a barrier between the wearer and the environment, whether by covering the entire wearer's head or by creating an airflow channel to the wearer's nose and/or mouth.

[0011] Some embodiments of the present inventions incorporate one or more of the above considerations with versati le adaptability for different applications and needs. For example, some embodiments offer disposable, cost effective, versatile respirator assemblies. These assemblies can range from a respirator hood assembly for use in a surgical setting, to a respirator device incorporated into a fireman's helmet for emergency situations, to a respirator assembly for use in a body suit for manufacturing facilities, to various other uses. As discussed herein, numerous other applications can be achieved using one of a variety of the respirator assembly configurations disclosed herein.

[0012] Various embodiments of a respirator assembly and methods of use are provided herein and overcome deficiencies noted above through superior design innovations. For example, in some embodiments, the respirator device can comprise a ducted frame configured to receive and distribute filtered air and breathable gas to the wearer. The frame can be collapsible from a deployed position to stowable position. Further, the device can comprise one or more components that can provide improved balance and comfort when borne by the wearer. The device can also comprise a metering system and/or one or more sensors for optimizing the filtration and/or gas flow rate, which can provide a targeted amount of breathable air for the wearer and improve the efficiency and useful life of the device. [0013] For example, some embodiments can comprise a respirator head assembly comprising a head support, a mandibular or air passage component, and a shield.

[0014] The head support can be configured to extend about a wearer's head. The head support can comprise a front section. The mandibular or air passage component can have an upper section, a lower section coupled to the upper section, and an interior channel extending through the upper and lower sections. The upper section can have an inlet in fluid communication with the channel for delivering gas to the channel. The lower section can have at least one sidewall aperture in fluid communication with the channel that permits expelling of gas from the channel for respiration by the wearer. The shield can have a perimeter portion and an upper portion attachable to the head support front section.

[0015] In some embodiments, the respirator head assembly can comprise a head support, an air passage, a metering system, and a shield. The mandibular or air passage component can be coupled to the head support. The mandibular or air passage component can have an inlet fluidly interconnected with at least one sidewall aperture that directs gas from the inlet and air passage to the wearer for respiration. The metering system can be in fluid communication with the air passage component inlet. The metering system can be configured to induce air flow through the air passage component and through the at least one sidewall aperture.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the at least one sidewall aperture can comprise a plurality of sidewall apertures extending along the mandibular component lower section. The at least one sidewall aperture can comprise an elongate slit extending along the mandibular component lower section.

[0017] The mandibular or air passage component can be rotatable relative to the head support. For example, the mandibular component can rotate between a deployed position, wherein the lower section extends away from the head support, and a stowed position, wherein the lower section is positioned generally parallel relative to the head support.

[0018] Further, the mandibular or air passage component lower section can be rotatably coupled to the upper section. For example, the lower section can also be rotatably coupled to the upper section at first and second joints. The upper section can comprise first and second segments coupled to opposing sides of the head support. The first segment can comprise a first connection port attachable to an air filtration device. The second segment can comprise a second connection port attachable to one of a nebulizer or an oxygen tank.

[0019] The mandibular or air passage component can also comprise a mouthpiece configured to be received into the mouth of the wearer.

[0020] The respirator head assembly can also comprise an air filtration device in fluid communication with the mandibular or air passage component. In some embodiments comprising a metering system, the air filtration device can also be in fluid communication with the metering system.

[0021] In some embodiments, the respirator head assembly can also comprise a belt. For example, an air filtration device can be coupled to the belt, which can be worn by the user on their body (such as around the waist) to distribute weight of the device for providing a weight neutral configuration.

[0022] Further, the respirator head assembly can also comprise a sensor. The sensor can be operative to detect at least one environmental parameter or user parameter.

[0023] For example, the assembly can comprise a breathing rate sensor. The breathing rate sensor can be operative to provide electronic feedback to the metering system for controlling an air flow rate of the metering system.

[0024] In embodiments with a sensor and a metering system, the metering system can be configured to change a mode of operation of the filtration device in response to the at least one environmental parameter or user parameter.

[0025] The metering system can be positioned downstream of the filtration device to induce the provision of the volume of air by negative pressure. Alternatively, the metering system can be positioned upstream of the fi ltration device to induce air flow by positive pressure.

[0026] The respirator head assembly can also comprise an exhaust valve in fluid communication with the chamber. In some embodiments having a metering system, the metering system can be triggered in response to air flow through the exhaust valve.

[0027] In some embodiments, the assembly can optionally comprise a head covering. The head covering can be coupled to the shield around the perimeter portion. The head covering can be configured to extend over the wearer's head and to provide a seal around the wearer's neck.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Various features of illustrative embodiments of the inventions are described below with reference to the drawings. The illustrated embodiments are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, the inventions. The drawings contain the following figures:

[0029] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a respirator assembly, according to some embodiments.

[0030] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a ducted frame assembly of the respirator assembly of Figure 1 , according to some embodiments.

[0031] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a shield of the respirator assembly of Figure 1 , according to some embodiments.

[0032] Figure 4 is a side view of the ducted frame assembly of Figure 2, according to some embodiments.

[0033] Figure 5A is a top view of a mandibular component of the respirator assembly, according to some embodiments.

[0034] Figure 5B is a top view of another mandibular component of the respirator assembly, according to some embodiments.

[0035] Figure 5C is a top view of yet another mandibular component of the respirator assembly, according to some embodiments.

[0036] Figure 6 is a side view of a ducted frame assembly of the respirator assembly, wherein a mandibular component of the ducted frame assembly is in a deployed position, according to some embodiments.

[0037] Figure 7 is a side view of the ducted frame assembly of Figure 6, wherein the mandibular component of the ducted frame assembly is in a stowed position, according to some embodiments.

[0038] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a respirator assembly in a collapsed configuration, according to some embodiments. [0039] Figures 9-10 are perspective views of a respirator assembly being worn by a user, according to some embodiments.

[0040] Figure 1 1 is a side view of a ducted frame assembly of the respirator assembly, according to some embodiments.

[0041] Figures 12A-B are schematic views of a bellows filtering system, according to some embodiments.

[0042] Figure 13 is a schematic side view of a bellows mechanism, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] While the present description sets forth specific details of various embodiments, it will be appreciated that the description is illustrative only and should not be construed in any way as limiting. Additionally, it is contemplated that although particular embodiments of the present inventions may be disclosed or shown in the context of emergency respiration systems, such embodiments can be used in various other contexts, such as surgical operations, manufacturing, and other areas requiring clean air or which require the cleaning of ambient air for respiration. Furthermore, various applications of such embodiments and modifications thereto, which may occur to those who are skilled in the art, are also encompassed by the general concepts described herein.

[0044] As noted above, various devices have been developed to enable people, such as firemen or hotel patrons, to escape the dangers of smoke inhalation during a fire. However, these devices have certain drawbacks. For example, these devices are often exceedingly cumbersome, provide a narrow field of view, are inefficient, and have a generally complex and uncomfortable designs.

[0045] Embodiments disclosed herein provide a respirator assembly that can be adapted for use in professional situations, such as firefighting, or for use in emergency situations, such as hotel preventative equipment. The respirator assembly can comprise a support and a ducted frame. The ducted frame can comprise a channel extending therethrough. In some embodiments, the head support can comprise a helmet or a head support. Optionally, the respirator assembly can comprise a shield that can be placed in the field of view of the wearer. Further, the respirator assembly can also comprise a hood, helmet, or head covering that can be attached to (or to which can be attached) the support, the ducted frame, and/or the shield.

[0046] The respirator assembly can be configured as a collapsible unit that can be stowed in a collapsed configuration for storage. Optionally, the ducted frame can comprise one or more pivotal joints that allows the ducted frame to move between deployed and retracted positions so that the respirator assembly can either be set up for use or collapsed for storage. Additionally, some embodiments can be configured such that the assembly provides a neutral balance on the wearer's head to prevent unsteadiness and discomfort. Further, other features can be implemented with the respirator assembly, such as an air flow metering system, which can dramatically improve the efficiency and longevity of filtering devices that can be used to filter ambient air for the respirator assembly.

[0047] Figures 1 -3 illustrate perspective views of a respirator assembly 100 and components that can be used with the assembly 100. The assembly 100 can comprise a support 102 and a ducted frame 104. The support 102 can be an adjustable support, which can be customized to the wearer's specifications. Thus, the support 102 can be configured to fit onto the head of any of a variety of wearers 106. The frame 104 can comprise a channel extending their through. The ducted frame 104 can be configured to serve as a delivery means for providing air, such as filtered air and/or other gases, such as oxygen, to the wearer.

[0048] The support 102 can be configured to support the ducted frame 104 about the head of the wearer 106. For example, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the ducted frame 104 can be supported to extend around a lower aspect of the wearer's head, such as around the jaw line. The ducted frame 104 can be coupled with the support 102 along an intermediate section 1 10 of the support 102.

[0049] Some embodiments of the assembly 100 can be configured such that the support 102 and the frame 104 are formed from separate components that are coupled together to form the assembly 100. However, in accordance with some embodiments, the support 102 and the frame 104 can be interconnected as a single, continuous part. Thus, the frame 104 can be directly attachable or wearable on the head of the wearer. In such embodiments, the assembly 100 is configured such that the frame incorporates a support or a support section operative to support the frame on the wearer's head.

[0050] In some embodiments, the support 102 can be configured to be coupled with a shield 108. For example, a frontal section 120 of the support 102 can comprise an attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism can cooperatively engage a corresponding attachment mechanism 122 of the shield 108. Thus, the shield 108 can be positionable in the field of view of the wearer 106. Further, the support 102 can also comprise an adjustment mechanism that configured to articulate the shield between one or more positions when attached to the support 102. For example, the shield can be moved generally vertically up or down to within the line of sight of the wearer. The shield can be rotated generally up or down. The shield can also be rotated generally left or right.

[0051] Optionally, the shield 108 can be supported by at least a portion of the frame 104. For example, a central or mandibular component 130 of the frame 104 can comprise an attachment mechanism configured to support or be coupled with a lower portion 124 of the shield 108. Furthermore, downtube portions 132 of the frame 104 can also be configured to engage with or support corresponding side portions 126 of the shield 108.

[0052] In addition, the assembly 100 can also comprise a hood or head cover 140. The hood 140 can be formed from a generally airtight material, which can prevent the ingress or permeation of contaminants, particulate, gases, or toxicities into or out of the hood 140. The hood 140 can be attached to a perimeter 142 of the shield 108 to create an airtight seal with the shield 108. Further, the hood 140 can comprise a lower portion 150 that can be configured to engage with the torso or neck portion of the wearer. For example, the hood 140 can incorporate one or more straps 152 that can be looped around the wearer's neck, with a first end 154 being attachable to a second end 156 in order to secure the strap 152 in place and create a tight seal around the wearer's neck. Such embodiments can be used in surgical operations, laboratory work, manufacturing facilities, emergency operations, and the like.

[0053] The assembly 100 can also be configured to comprise one or more exhaust ports. For example, as illustrated in Figure 1 , the hood 140 can comprise at least one exhaust port 170, 172. The exhaust port 170, 172 can be a one-way valve that allows air to be expelled from the hood 140. In accordance with some embodiments, the port 170 can be positioned along a lower, front portion of the hood 140, as shown. The port 172 can be positioned along an upper rear portion of the hood 140, as shown. In accordance with some embodiments, the port can be positioned along an upper, side, and/or rear portion of the hood. For example, one or more ports can be positioned along the upper or lower sides, upper or lower front portion, and/or upper or lower rear portion.

[0054] In accordance with some embodiments, the assembly 100 can be configured as a positive pressure system. As a positive pressure system, the assembly 100 can provide a constant flow of air (such as filtered air or oxygen) through the frame channel to the wearer without effort on the wearer's part. Such a system can advantageously allow the wearer to freely breathe clean air and ensure that the wearer does not inhale ambient air.

[0055] The assembly 100 can also be configured as a negative pressure system. As a negative pressure system, the assembly 100 can be configured to provide air on demand or in response to effort by the wearer. For example, the wearer can use a mouthpiece to breathe in filtered air or oxygen on an as-needed basis. Of course, in such a system, the wearer must expend some effort and energy procuring the air for respiration, which may be challenging in an emergency situation. However, a negative pressure system can also conserve resources and prolong the useful life of the assembly 100.

[0056] Referring to Figure 2, the frame 104 can be configured to extend around the head of the wearer to provide a flow of air to the wearer. In some embodiments, the frame 104 can comprise the central or mandibular component 130, which can extend around the front of the wearer's face. The mandibular component 130 can be configured to deliver air, oxygen, or other gas to the wearer through the channel of the frame 104. However, the mandibular component 130 can also be configured to serve as a vent for expelling respirated air from the interior of the hood 140. In such embodiments, the mandibular component could be connected with a mechanism that provides a vacuum or suction through the channel, such as a fan or other device.

[0057] The embodiment illustrated in Figure 2 shows that the frame 104 can extend upwardly from the mandibular component 130 along the downtube portions 132 and comprise first and second lateral portions 180, 1 82. The first and second lateral portions 1 80, 1 82 can be coupled to the support 102 in order to secure the frame 104 relative to the support 1 02. Additionally, the first and second lateral portions 180, 1 82 can comprise first and second connection ports 190, 192. The channel of the frame 104 can be configured such that the first and second connection ports 190, 192 are in fluid communication with the first and second lateral portions 180, 182 and the mandibular component 130, as well as with each other, according to some embodiments.

[0058] For example, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, the first connection port 190 can be configured to be coupled with an air delivery tube 200 that can be connected to an air filter 210. In operation, some embodiments can be configured such that the air filter 210 can pump air into the delivery tube 204 delivery through the first connection port 190 into the frame 104. Once the air is urged into the frame 104, the air can pass through the first lateral portion 1 80 toward the mandibular component 130. Because the second connection port 192 can either be connected with another gas source or closed, air passing into the mandibular component 130 will be expelled through one or more apertures or sidewall apertures 220 formed in the mandibular component 130. The one or more apertures 220 can be configured to direct filtered, clean air toward the face of the wearer for inhalation.

[0059] Further, some embodiments can be configured such that the second connection port 192 can be coupled to a second delivery tube 230. The second delivery tube 230 can be in fluid communication with a gas source, such as an oxygen tank, a nebulizer, and/or other sources that may treat the air or provide a desired gas to the wearer. Gas from the second delivery tube 230 can be delivered through the frame 104 to the mandibular component 1 30 and the expelled through the at least one aperture 220 of the mandibular component 1 30.

[0060] In some embodiments, the first and second connection ports 1 90, 1 92 can both be in fluid communication with respective sources which can deliver gas to the inside of the hood 140 for inhalation by the wearer. The gas from the second connection port 1 92 can be admixed with the air from the first connection port 190.

[0061] The frame 1 04 of the apparatus 100 can comprise one or more apertures or sidewall apertures in fluid communication with the channel of the frame 104. Figures 5A-C illustrate top views of example embodiments of the mandibular component of the frame, in which the one or more apertures of the mandibular component have particular configurations or patterns. According to some embodiments, the one or more apertures of the frame 104 can have a specified size, configuration, spacing, and/or extent along the frame 104, to provide desired fluid mechanic properties for the apparatus 100.

[0062] Figure 5A i llustrates an embodiment of a mandibular component 130, wherein the at least one aperture 220 comprises an elongate slot. The elongate slot can extend along a central portion 240 and side portions 242 of the mandibular component 130. The elongate slot can define a generally constant width, according to some embodiments. However, the elongate slot can also define a variable width. For example, the width of the elongate slot can increase approaching the central portion 240 of the mandibular component 130. Further, the width of the elongate slot can also decrease approaching the central portion 240. Other various geometries can be provided, which can increase and decrease the width of the slot, and/or combine the slot with one or more additional apertures. Additionally, the slot can be configured to generally open towards the user in order to direct airflow to the nose and mouth of the user. Accordingly, the slot can extend along an upper, inner portion (which is generally oriented towards the user) of the mandibular component 130.

[0063] As illustrated in Figure 5B, the mandibular component 130 can comprise the plurality of apertures 220, as shown above in Figure 2. The plurality of apertures 220 can be generally evenly spaced along a length of the mandibular component 130. Further, the plurality of apertures 220 have a generally identical configuration, with each being shown as a small round or circular hole. The plurality of apertures 220 can extend not only along a central portion 240, but also along side portions 242 of the mandibular component 130. However, as noted, the number, size, and/or extent of the apertures 220 can vary, as desired.

[0064] For example, Figure 5C illustrates another embodiment of a mandibular component 1 30'. The mandibular component 1 30'can comprise a plurality of apertures or sidewall apertures 220', which can be oblong. Additionally, the plurality of apertures 220' can have differing longitudinal lengths, with apertures along a central portion 240' having greater longitudinal lengths than apertures along side portions 242' thereof. The smaller length apertures along the side portions 242' can tend to provide greater resistance to airflow from those apertures, thus preventing air or gas passing through the mandibular component 1 30' from exiting the mandibular component 130' before reaching the central portion 240' . Accordingly, flow can be maintained to the central portion 240' of the mandibular component 130', and air or gas passing through the mandibular component 130' can be more evenly distributed toward the central portion 240' of the mandibular component 1 30'.

{0065] Therefore, in some embodiments, in order to provide sufficient flow through the mandibular component to all apertures, the spacing and/or size of the apertures can be varied. The embodiment illustrated in Figures 5A-C shows that flow restriction can be accomplished by varying the size, number, and/or length of the apertures. Further, the size, number, and/or length of the apertures can also be based on the volume flow rate into the mandibular component, as provided by the air or gas sources.

[0066] The mandibular component can also be configured to support a mouthpiece. For example, instead of or in addition to a plurality of apertures or sidewall apertures disposed along the mandibular component, a mouthpiece can be supported on a central portion of the mandibular component such that the wearer can receive the mouthpiece for respiration. In such embodiments, a one-way valve can also be provided for exhaling through the mouthpiece to prevent exhaled air from entering the channel of the mandibular component.

[0067] Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more sensors, microphones, speakers, heads-up displays, and/or other communication equipment can be integrated into or used in connection with the apparatus 1 00. For example, a breathing sensor could be integrated into the apparatus to monitor air quality, breathing rate, and/or other parameters of the wearer's respiration. A microphone and/or speakers could be integrated into the frame in order to facilitate communication with other parties. A heads-up display can also be integrated into the apparatus to provide vital information to the wearer, such as the status of air or gas tanks or filters, apparatus alerts or malfunctions, positional information, such as compass and location, instructions by text or symbols, and/or other information that may be necessary for emergency personnel, medical personnel, explorers, and the like, who may use the apparatus. Other various devices and equipment can be integrated into the apparatus, as desired.

[0068] Referring now to Figures 6-8, an apparatus 300 can be provided that includes a support 302 and a foldable frame 304. The foldable frame 304 can be configured with at least one pivot joint 306 that enables the frame 304 to move between deployed and collapsed configurations. Figure 6 illustrates the frame 304 in a deployed configuration, with a mandibular component 310 of the frame 304 being extended or rotated away from a lateral portion 312 of the frame 304. Conversely, Figure 7 illustrates the mandibular component 3 10 being folded toward the lateral portion 312 of the frame 304. The pivot joints 306 can be configured to allow fluid communication between the mandibular component 310 and the lateral portions 312 of the frame 304, such that when the frame 304 is in the deployed state, air can pass through the lateral portions 312 to the mandibular component 3 10.

[0069] Figure 8 illustrates a respirator hood apparatus 3 12 in a folded, stowed, or collapsed configuration. The frame 304 in the collapsed state, which allows a shield 320 to be folded or rotated towards the support 302 along with the mandibular component 310. Further, a hood 330 of the apparatus 312 can be folded around the components of the apparatus 312. For example, after the mandibular component 310 has been folded against the support 302, any delivery tubes 340 or filtering devices 342 of the apparatus 312 can be folded onto or coiled onto the support 302 to create a compact bundle, which can then be enwrapped in the material from the hood 330. Further, in some embodiments, the strap used to close off the neck portion of the hood 330 can be used to secure the bundled apparatus, as shown by strap 344. Thus, the strap 344 can be a multi-use strap that can assist in bundling the apparatus 3 12, as well as in fitting the hood 330 of the apparatus 312 onto the wearer.

[0070] In accordance with aspects of some embodiments, the respirator hood apparatus advantageously fits onto the wearer in a balanced assembly. As a balanced assembly, the apparatus can be comfortably worn, for example, while moving and engaging in a rescue operation. Various prior art apparatuses operate using a center of gravity that creates moments or forces on the head or body of the wearer as a result of movement or otherwise wearing the apparatus. However, some embodiments disclosed herein enable a wearer to move their head comfortably without undue torque or force being exerted on the wearer's head or body.

[0071] Figures 9-1 1 illustrate some embodiments of low impact, balanced assemblies. Figures 9- 10 illustrate a respirator hood apparatus 400 that is coupled to a pair of hoses 402, 404. The hoses 402, 404 can be coupled with desired filtration, gas, and/or other air treatment devices 406. These devices 406 can be coupled to the clothing of the wearer, in order to reduce the load on the wearer's head and improve the balance of the apparatus 400.

[0072] For example, as illustrated in Figures 9- 10, the apparatus 400 can comprise a belt 408 onto which the devices 406 can be mounted. The devices 406 can advantageously be mounted at a location below the shoulders of the wearer, which can improve balance and weight distribution of the overall apparatus. In use, the wearer can place a hood 420 of the apparatus 400 over their head and strap the belt 408 around their waist to carry the devices 406. Accordingly, the wearer can comfortably support the weight of the devices 406 on a body-borne piece of clothing (e.g., the belt 408).

[0073] Further, the belt 408 can also be used as a strap to secure the equipment in a small bundle, which can be advantageous, especially in stowable or collapsible frame embodiments.

[0074] Figure 1 1 illustrates an embodiment of a collapsible frame apparatus 500 having a support 502 and a frame 504. The frame 504 can comprise a mandibular component 506 that is pivotally or rotatably connected to a lateral portion 508 at a pivot point 5 10. The lateral portion 508 can be coupled to the support 502 and comprise a connection port 512 that can meet coupled to a delivery tube 514.

[0075] The lateral portion 508 can be coupled to a medial or central portion 520 of the support 502, which can improve the weight balancing of the apparatus 500. Further, the lateral portion 508 can define a longitudinal axis 530. The longitudinal axis 530 of the lateral portion 508 can be oriented in a generally vertical direction (e.g., in some embodiments, within about 45° of vertical; in some embodiments, within about 30° of vertical; or in some embodiments, within about 20° vertical). The upright orientation of the longitudinal axis 530 can allow the lateral portion 508 to distribute and balance the weight of the delivery' tube 514, as well as any filtration, gas, and/or other air treatment devices, about the head of the wearer. The centralized coupling can thereby reduce any moment or force that would otherwise create an imbalance or undue stress on the head or body of the wearer.

[0076] In accordance with some embodiments, the respirator hood apparatus can also be configured to provide a controlled airflow output to the wearer. A controlled airflow output can improve the efficiency and thereby maximize the useful life of the apparatus. A controlled airflow output can be implemented through an air flow metering system. The metering system can comprise one or more sensors that are in communication with one or more output devices of the apparatus. The output devices of the apparatus can comprise the filtration equipment, gas tanks or sources, delivery tubes, and/or other components of the apparatus. In operation, one or more sensors can detect biometric data of the wearer in order to determine an appropriate operating level of the output devices. Based on the detected data, the output devices can supply the wearer with a targeted amount of air, oxygen, and/or other gases in order to optimize air quality for the wearer and equipment life, among other things.

[0077] For example, a metering system can comprise a breathing sensor that detects the breathing rate of the wearer. Based on the breathing rate, the apparatus can provide the wearer with a specific amount of replenished, breathable air for inhalation within the hood of the apparatus, using one or more output devices.

[0078] Some embodiments can be configured to operate using a vacuum force or negative pressure. For example, a mouthpiece could be used to provide a targeted amount of breathable air for use by the wearer.

[0079] However, some embodiments can be configured to operate using forced air or positive pressure. For example, a passive breathing device, such as a ducted framework, as discussed herein, can also be used to provide a given amount of breathable air for use by the wearer. Any of such embodiments can reduce the amount of excess or potentially unused air that may otherwise be lost to the atmosphere so that the useful life of the apparatus is maximized.

[0080] The above-described embodiments can be implemented with a metering system by integrating one or more sensors therewith. For example, the system illustrated in Figure 1 can be implemented with a breathing sensor that controls the operation of a filtration device. The operation of the filtration device can be controlled by increasing, decreasing, activating, or deactivating the draw of air into the filtration device. Accordingly, the flow of breathable air to the user can be increased, decreased, activated, or deactivated based on feedback received from the sensor.

[0081] Some embodiments of a metering system can also be configured to comprise a metering device, such as a bellows or piston, which can be used to provide or receive a controlled or measured amount of air from an output device.

[0082] Figures 12A-B illustrate some embodiments of a metering system that comprise a bellows device. Figure 12A illustrates a metering system 550 comprising a filtration device 552 and a bellows device 554. The filtration device 552 and the bellows device 554 can be fluidly coupled to a delivery tube 556 for delivering a supply of breathable air to the wearer. As illustrated, the bellows device 554 can be connected to the delivery tube 556 downstream of the filtration device 552.

[0083] In some embodiments, the metering system 550 can be configured to comprise one or more sensors. For example, the metering system 550 can be in electronic communication with a feedback sensor that senses one or more biometric data of the wearer. Based on the biometric data, the metering system 550 can increase, decrease, stop, or start the flow of breathable air to the wearer.

[0084] For example, the bellows device 554 can act as a reservoir of breathable air, which can be accessed by vacuum force (e.g., by having the wearer inhale through a mouthpiece) and/or positive pressure (e.g., by collapsing the bellows device 554 to urge air out of the bellows device and into the delivery tube 556). The bellows device 554 can provide an at-will supply of breathable air that is refilled at a targeted rate based on the breathing rate of the wearer. The bellows device 554 can also provide a thrust of breathable air to the wearer in a passive manner, using a targeted flow rate that is based on the breathing rate of the wearer.

[0085] Further, the filtration device 552 can also be operated at a targeted rate in order to fill the bellows device 554. Once the bellows device 554 is filled, contraction of the bellows device 554 could be triggered, thus urging filtered air into the delivery tube 556 for respiration by the wearer. Should the breathing rate (or other biometric data) require that more or less air be delivered for respiration by the wearer, the system could trigger an increased or decreased output by the filtration device 552, which would correspondingly increase the rate at which the bellows device 554 fills and subsequently contracted.

[0086] The system 550 can also comprise one or more sensors that detect air quality. For example, a sensor can detect the quality of air coming into the chamber and/or conditions inside the chamber. Additionally or alternatively, a sensor can be provided that detects quality of ambient air or conditions outside the chamber. Thus, a sensor can be mounted on the device and in fluid communication with the chamber. Further, a sensor can be mounted onboard or off board the device and in fluid communication with ambient air. The sensor can operate such that when the oxygen level decreases or the carbon dioxide level increases the system infuses oxygen or cleaned air into the chamber. The sensor can also trigger a signal to indicate when the air quality has improved to allow the user to remove the device.

[0087] The system can also comprise other electronic communications equipment. For example, the system can comprise a transmitter configured to convey information to or from the system. For example, the system can transmit information such as wearer location, air or environmental conditions at the wearer's location, video, audio, and/or other types of data. Further, the system can also include components such as a microphone, heads-up-display, speakers, and/or other sensors.

[0088] Figure 12B illustrates another embodiment of a metering system 570 in which a filtration device 572 is located downstream of a bellows device 574. In such an embodiment, the bellows device 574 can be configured to be actuated in response to biometric data obtained from a sensor of the apparatus. The bellows device 574 can force air into the filtration device 572, which can then be delivered through a delivery tube 576.

[0089] Figure 13 is an exemplary embodiment of a bellows device 590. The bellows device 590 can be an active or passive device. As an active device, the bellows device 590 can comprise one or more contraction mechanisms 592 that contract the volume of the bellows device to urge air downstream for respiration by the wearer through a delivery tube 594. As a passive device, the bellows device 590 can be filled by filtered air from a filtration device and later drained through a vacuum force applied at the delivery tube 594. As also shown, in some embodiments, the bellows device can be connected downstream of a filtration device via a delivery tube 596.

[0090] Although embodiments of these inventions have been disclosed in the context of certain examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present inventions extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while several variations of the inventions have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of these inventions, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventions. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventions.