Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to respiratory device. Respiratory devices and respirators with air filters are used in many contexts relating to healthcare, particularly to regulate spread of infectious diseases or to protect against pollution.

Background of the invention

[0002] Respirators of the prior art may typically protect the user from inhaling undesired matter, e.g. viruses causing an infectious disease.

[0003] In a real-life situation, the surrounding environment of a user may often change, which strengthens the requirements of protective respirators arranged to regulate spread of infectious diseases. In a low-risk environment, one level of protection may be required, whereas in a high-risk environment, another level of protection may be required.

[0004] Additionally, a user may have been exposed to an infectious disease, making the user a suspected health risk for the surrounding environment of the user.

[0005] In environments where many respirators may be required by alternating users, transferring a respirator from one user to another user may also pose a health risk.

Summary of the invention

[0006] The inventor has identified the above-mentioned problems and challenges related to respirators, and subsequently made the below-described invention which may increase protection from inhaling undesired matter.

[0007] An aspect of the invention relates to a respiratory device comprising: a breathing interface arranged to respiratorily couple said respiratory device to a user of said respiratory device; a valve system arranged to provide an inhalation path and an exhalation path, wherein said inhalation path and said exhalation path are distinct; at least one filtering unit; characterized in that: said respiratory device is arranged to be mechanically switched between at least two distinct configurations: an inhalation filtering configuration, wherein said inhalation path comprises one of said at least one filtering unit; and an exhalation filtering configuration, wherein said exhalation path comprises one of said at least one filtering unit.

[0008] In the context of the present invention, a respiratory device may be understood as a device capable of aiding a user of the device with respiration. The respiratory device may, by use of a filtering unit, purify air related to the respiration of the user.

[0009] In the context of the present invention, a breathing interface may be understood as an interface which ensures that the respiratory device respiratorily coupled to the user of the device such that inhalation and exhalation of the user is performed through the respiratory device via the breathing interface. According to embodiments of the invention, the breathing interface may be a mouthpiece, a helmet, or a mask such as a half-face mask or a full-face mask. The breathing interface may ensure a seal between the respiratory device and at least the mouth of the user.

[0010] The respiratory device comprises a valve system which provides distinct exhalation and inhalation paths. By an inhalation path is understood a path along which air from the user surroundings is drawn through the respiratory device to the user, via the breathing interface, during inhalation by the user. Similarly, by an exhalation path is understood a path along which the breath, exhaled by the user, is pushed through the respiratory device and back into the surroundings. By the exhalation and inhalation paths being distinct is understood that the two paths are distinguishable, however it does not exclude that the two paths may overlap at least partly. Such an overlap may occur when the two paths pass through a shared component of the respiratory device.

[0011] In the context of the present invention, a valve system may be understood a system comprising one or more valves, such as two valves which individually permit air flow in a first direction and restrict air flow in a second direction. These valves may be combined such that one of the valves is open during inhalation and closed during exhalation by the user, while the other valve is closed during inhalation and open during exhalation by the user. The valves thereby ensure an inhalation path and an exhalation path which are distinct, i.e. the inhalation path and the exhalation path do not have identical routes. Both the inhalation path and the exhalation path may pass through the breathing interface, but, for example, only one of these paths passes through the filtering unit.

[0012] In the context of the present invention a filtering unit may be understood as any unit capable of filtering air, such as filtering air from a user’s surroundings which is inhaled through the inhalation path and/or air or breath exhaled through the exhalation path. The filtering unit may be arranged to reduce the passage of undesired matter through the filtering unit, typically by means of an air filter. Undesired matter may refer to hazardous fumes, vapours, gases, pollution, dust, bacteria and viruses.

[0013] Particularly regulating the spread of infectious viruses may be considered an outstanding problem. Not only may it be advantageous to protect a healthy person form inhaling infectious viruses, but it is also advantageous to protect the surrounding environment of a sick person carrying a disease of an infectious virus.

[0014] A prominent advantage of the respiratory device according to the present invention is the capability of the respiratory device to be mechanically switched between an inhalation filtering configuration and an exhalation filtering configuration. In the inhalation filtering configuration, the inhalation path passes through the filtering unit, and in the exhalation filtering configuration, it is the exhalation path which passes through the filtering unit. The advantage of the mechanically switching between the two configurations being that the same respiratory device may be used to protect a user from the surroundings, such as protecting a user from exposure to hazardous fumes, vapours, gases, pollution, dust, bacteria and viruses, while in addition protecting other people in the user’s surrounding from being contaminated by the user if the user is infected with e.g. a viral respiratory infection such as Coronavirus.

[0015] The present invention thereby offers a respiratory device, in which the inhalation path and exhalation path are user selectable. A healthy user may use the respiratory device to provide personal protection by configuring the respiratory device to be in the inhalation filtering configuration. In contrast, a sick user may use the same device to protect the surrounding environment by configuring the respiratory device to be in the exhalation filtering configuration. A user may switch the respiratory device between these two distinct configurations. The invention thereby provides an advantageous respiratory device, particularly in circumstances of increased risk of airborne infectious diseases, in which mechanically switching between two configurations may be valuable.

[0016] How the device is arranged to be mechanically switched between the at least two distinct configurations may vary between different embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments of the invention, the configuration of the respiratory device may be mechanically switched between by relocation of the filtering unit, or by removal of the filtering unit and replacement by a new filtering unit. As such, a filtering unit may be removed from an inhalation path and a new filtering unit may be added to an exhalation path, or vice versa. Alternative to removal and disposal of a filtering unit, the filtering unit may be removed and cleaned before being placed on another path. In other embodiments of the invention, the valves of the valve system are arranged to be switched or reversed, which may allow mechanically switching between the at least two distinct configurations. Embodiments of the invention are not limited to these examples of mechanically switching.

[0017] It should be noted that mechanically switching in the present context refers to the fact that the user inhalation/exhalation is selectively directed in two differently configured paths, and that the resulting flow of “air” is basically thus obtained through mechanical provisions in a mechanical context. This could e.g. be obtained through a simple switching of a filtering unit from the exhalation path to the inhalation path or vice versa. The invention furthermore provides that the mechanically switching may be established or promoted/provided via electronic control, such as electronic actuation/switching, both triggered e.g. by an electronic interface. In other words, the switching mechanism may be mechanical/electronical, the controlling interface may be implemented purely mechanically and/or electronically.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the invention, the exhalation path does not pass through a filtering unit in the inhalation filtering configuration, and the inhalation path does not pass through a filtering unit in the exhalation filtering configuration. Preferably, the inhalation of the user does not surpass the filtering unit in the inhalation filter configuration, and the exhalation of the user does not surpass the filtering unit in the exhalation filter configuration.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the invention said inhalation path and said exhalation path comprises one or more air conduits.

[0020] In the context of the present invention, an air conduit may be understood as a tube, a pipe, a duct, or any type of conduit which is capable of guiding air and/or breath from a user. An air conduit may for example be a coupling member which couples the breathing interface to the filtering unit such that an exhalation path or an inhalation path may pass from the breathing interface, through the air conduit, and through the filtering unit. The one or more air conduits may comprise various air guiding components, such as an air manifold capable of connecting a single air conduit with two other air conduits.

[0021] A respiratory device comprising one or more air conduits is advantageous in that the filtering unit may be attached to the breathing interface by one or more intermediate air conduits. This enables the filtering unit to be located at various positions on the body of the user, such as at positions away from the head area of the user. A breathing interface, such as a mask or a mouthpiece, holding an attached filtering unit may be heavy and uncomfortable to wear if the weight of the filtering unit is not supported in other ways. If, for example, the filtering unit is instead located at a belt attached to a waist, arm, or leg of the user, it may be more comfortable to wear. For this reason, it may be advantageous to have the filtering unit attached to the breathing interface by means of one or more air conduits.

[0022] By use of one or more air conduits, it is also further possible to dislocate any respiratory inlets and/or respiratory outlets of the respiratory device by desire, the respiratory inlet being an inlet of the respiratory device wherein air may be drawn into the device, and a respiratory outlet being an outlet of the respiratory device through which the breath of the user may be exhaled away from the device. According to some embodiments of the invention, a respiratory inlet is located at a leg of the user. Air away from a head area of a user, for example air near the waist of the user or lower down the leg of the user, may be more safe to breath in since this point is farther away from head height of other people who may be infected with an infectious disease, or air may otherwise be less polluted at this point than at the head area of the user. For these reasons, in particular the possibility of dislocation of the respiratory inlets and/or respiratory outlets, the one or more air conduits are advantageous.

[0023] According to some embodiments of the invention, a respiratory outlet is located at a leg of the user. Thus, a sick person, such as the user of the respiratory device, may exhale air into a region which is further away from inhalation regions of other nearby people.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the invention said one or more air conduits comprises a manifold.

[0025] In the context of the present invention, a manifold may be understood as an air channel into which other air channels may lead. As an example, a manifold may be capable of connecting a single air conduit with two other air conduits. The manifold may thus be used for connecting the breathing interface with two other air conduits to establish two distinct paths which passes through the breathing interface: the inhalation path and the exhalation path. Thus, both the exhalation path and the inhalation path may pass through the manifold. [0026] According to an embodiment of the invention said one or more air conduits comprises one or more tube segments.

[0027] In the context of the present invention, a tube segment may be understood as a continuous piece of tube. The tube segment may have any cross-sectional shape, such as a cylindrical shape, a square shape or an ellipsoid shape. The tube segment may be flexible and connect with other air conduits or components of the respiratory device. The one or more tube segments may be used to interconnect the filtering unit and with the breathing interface. Thereby may be achieved an advantageous respiratory device where components of the respiratory device may be dislocated with respect to one another. For example, the tube segments may allow the filtering unit to be placed freely on different positions of the user’s body. The tube segments may also provide for great user ergonomics when wearing because the components of the respiratory device may move independently of one another while still being connected. This is advantageous when a user is walking around while wearing the respiratory device.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the invention one of said one or more air conduits comprises two separate tube segments which comprises said inhalation path and said exhalation path, respectively.

[0029] An air conduit comprising two separate tube segments may be understood as an air conduit with an internal partitioning such that the internals of the air conduit may be regarded as two separate tube segments. This allows for both the inhalation path and exhalation path to pass through the same air conduit without the two paths mixing. An air conduit comprising two separate tube segments is advantageous in that a saving of materials may be achieved and thereby a lighter respiratory device may be achieved which is beneficial for reasons of ergonomics.

[0030] A respiratory device with exhalation and inhalation paths through one or more air conduits are possible to combine with further protection of the head area, presenting an additional advantage of the invention. Such further protection of the head area may for example be a protective hood which may further protect the eyes of the user from harmful substances in the surroundings. [0031] The respiratory device may include any number of air conduits and/or tube segments. Furthermore, the respiratory device may include any number of manifolds and air conduits comprising two separate tube segments.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the invention said inhalation path and said exhalation path are both modified when said respiratory device is mechanically switched between said at least two distinct configurations.

[0033] In the context of the present invention the term “modified” may be understood as any change in path of the inhalation and exhalation paths. As the respiratory device according to the present invention is mechanically switched between the at least two distinct configurations, the inhalation path and the exhalation path may change. For example, when mechanically switched, a filtering unit may be removed from one path and added to the other path. Alternatively, a valve configuration of the valve system may be switched or reversed, for example such that a part of the exhalation path becomes a part of the inhalation path and a part of the inhalation path becomes a part of the exhalation path.

[0034] Modification of the inhalation path and exhalation path when the respiratory device is mechanically switched between the at least two distinct configurations is advantageous in that the same respiratory device may serve a dual purpose: protection of the user from the surroundings and protection of the surroundings from the user of the respiratory device.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the invention said inhalation path and said exhalation path are switched when said respiratory device is mechanically switched between said at least two distinct configurations, such that said inhalation path and said exhalation path are switched into said exhalation path and said inhalation path, respectively.

[0036] In the context of the present invention, the term “switched” may also be understood as “interchanged” or “swapped”. The inhalation path and the exhalation path may be swapped, when the respiratory device is mechanically switched between the two different configurations. Thus, an inhalation path in an inhalation filtering configuration may become an exhalation path in an exhalation filtering configuration, and, similarly, an exhalation path in an inhalation filtering configuration may become an inhalation path in an exhalation filtering configuration.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the invention said exhalation path excludes said at least one filtering unit when said respiratory device is in said inhalation filtering configurations.

[0038] By the exhalation path excluding the at least one filtering unit is understood that the exhalation path does not pass through the at least one filtering unit.

[0039] Excluding the filtering unit from the exhalation path when the respiratory device is in the inhalation filtering configuration is advantageous in that when the respiratory device is in the inhalation filtering configuration it is the surroundings that poses a danger to the user of the respiratory device and the exhalation of the user does not pose a danger to nearby people in the users surroundings. Therefore, the exhalation path may not need to pass through a filtering unit.

[0040] By excluding the filtering unit from the exhalation path when it is not needed, a filter of the filtering unit may last substantially longer, before it needs to be replaced or maintained. Furthermore, excluding a filtering unit when it is not needed may ease exhalation/inhalation for the user.

[0041] According to an embodiment of the invention said inhalation path excludes said at least one filtering unit when said respiratory device is in said exhalation filtering configurations.

[0042] By the inhalation path excluding the at least one filtering unit is understood that the inhalation path does not pass through the at least one filtering unit.

[0043] Excluding the filtering unit from the inhalation path when the respiratory device is in the exhalation filtering configuration is advantageous in that when the respiratory device is in the exhalation filtering it is the user that poses a danger to nearby people in the users surroundings and not the surroundings that poses a danger to the user. Therefore, the inhalation path may not need to pass through a filtering unit. [0044] By excluding the filtering unit from the inhalation path when it is not needed, a filter of the filtering unit may last substantially longer, before it needs to be replaced or maintained. Furthermore, excluding a filtering unit when it is not needed may ease exhalation/inhalation for the user. [0045] According to an embodiment of the invention said inhalation path comprises a respiratory inlet.

[0046] In the context of the present invention, a respiratory inlet is understood an air intake, an opening, an air passage or any other kind of inlet through which air inhaled by the user may be drawn into the respiratory device. The respiratory inlet may comprise other components, such as a filtering unit, through which air is drawn into the device.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the invention said respiratory inlet comprises said at least one filtering unit in said inhalation filtering configuration.

[0048] The respiratory inlet may comprise the at least one filtering unit. In this sense the filtering unit may effectively serve as an entry point of air drawn into the respiratory device during inhalation by the user.

[0049] According to other embodiments of the invention, the filtering unit and the respiratory inlet are separate when the respiratory device is in the inhalation filtering configuration. [0050] According to an embodiment of the invention said exhalation path comprises a respiratory outlet.

[0051] In the context of the present invention, a respiratory outlet is understood an air exhaust, an opening, an air passage or any other kind of inlet through which the breath exhaled by a user may flow away from the respiratory device. [0052] According to an embodiment of the invention said respiratory outlet comprises said at least one filtering unit in said exhalation filtering configuration. [0053] The respiratory outlet may comprise the at least one filtering unit. In this sense the filtering unit may effectively serve as an exit point of air exhaled from the respiratory device during exhalation by the user.

[0054] According to other embodiments of the invention, the filtering unit and the respiratory outlet are separate when the respiratory device is in the exhalation filtering configuration.

[0055] According to an embodiment of the invention said valve system comprises one or more valves.

[0056] In the context of the present invention, a valve is understood as any kind of device that regulates, directs or controls the flow of gases, such as air to be inhaled by a user and breath exhaled by a user, by opening, closing or partially obstructing the passageways of the flow. The one or more valves may be of the type ball check valve, diaphragm check valve, tilting disc check valve, a lift check valve or other types of pneumatic non-return valves.

[0057] According to an embodiment of the invention each of said one or more valves is a one-way valve which permits air flow in a first valve direction and restricts air flow in a second valve direction, wherein said first valve direction and said second valve direction are opposite valve directions.

[0058] An individual one-way valve may have a first valve direction and a second valve direction, which are opposite direction. These valve directions may be understood relative to the individual valve.

[0059] One-way valves are simple and advantageous to use to provide distinct inhalation and exhalation paths. A further advantage of one-way valves are that may be turned around such that the air flow becomes restricted in another direction, and a respiratory device comprising one-way valves may thereby be mechanically switched between the at least two distinct configurations by swapping of one-way valves or rotation of individual one-way valves. [0060] According to an embodiment of the invention said valve system comprises two valves, wherein one of said two valves permits air flow in said first valve direction during a user exhalation and restricts air flow in said second valve direction during a user inhalation; and one other of said two valves permits air flow in said first valve direction during said user inhalation and restricts air flow in said second relative valve direction during said user exhalation.

[0061 ] User exhalation may be understood as exhalation by the user of the respiratory device and, similarly, user inhalation may be understood as inhalation by the user of the respiratory device.

[0062] A valve system comprising two valves, preferably two one-way valves, is advantageous in that the valve system may provide for distinct inhalation and exhalation paths using a simple mechanical design. [0063] According to other embodiments of the invention, the valve system may also comprise more than two valves, for example three or four valves, or more than four valves.

[0064] According to an embodiment of the invention said valve system comprises a valve unit. [0065] In the context of the present invention a valve unit is understood as a unit which houses some or all valves of the valve system. The valve unit may house one or more valves, and the one or more valves may be one or more one-way valves. In an embodiment of the invention the valve unit is housed within an air conduit such as a manifold. [0066] A valve unit housing the valves of the respiratory device is advantageous in that the valve unit represents a single unit where the valves are located. This may make the mechanical switching of the respiratory device between the at least two distinct configurations easy to perform if the mechanical switching comprises swapping of valves or turning over of valves because the valves may be in close proximity to one another.

[0067] According to an embodiment of the invention said breathing interface, said filtering unit, said valve unit, said one or more air conduits, or any combination hereof comprises said valve system.

[0068] Alternative to housing the valves in a valve unit, the valve system may be distributed across the entire respiratory device. The valves of the valve system may be integrated into the respiratory device, for example in an air conduit of the device.

[0069] According to an embodiment of the invention said breathing interface comprises a mouthpiece.

[0070] In the context of the present invention, a mouthpiece may be understood as piece which is arranged to engage with the mouth of a user. The mouthpiece may be a piece which the user of the respiratory device may bite into and thereby enable a partial or fully support of the weight of the respiratory device while ensuring that air is only inhaled through the mouthpiece, or breath is only exhaled through the mouthpiece without significant leakages of air or breath occurring between the mouthpiece and mouth/lips of the user.

[0071] According to embodiments of the invention where the breathing interface is a mouthpiece, the mouthpiece may advantageously be combined with a nose clip and/or goggles to provide additional protection for the user of the respiratory device.

[0072] According to an embodiment of the invention said breathing interface comprises a mask.

[0073] In the context of the present invention, a mask may be understood as a protective shielding arranged to be worn on the head or face of a user to protect the user from the surroundings while allowing vision. The mask may for example be a half-face mask, such that the respiratory device is a half-face respiratory device, or the mask may be a full-face mask, such that the respiratory device is a full-face respiratory device. A mask may provide additional protection to a user since the nose and/or eyes of the user may further be protected from the surroundings of the user.

[0074] According to an embodiment of the invention said breathing interface comprises a helmet.

[0075] The breathing interface according to the present invention may be a helmet or a hood. A helmet or hood may provide further protection to a user, since the entire head area of the user may be shielded from the surroundings. This may be advantageous is exposure of the users skin to surroundings may be dangerous to the user or merely if an additional level of safety is desired or has to be complied with.

[0076] According to an embodiment of the invention said filtering unit comprises an air filter comprising a filter material.

[0077] In the context of the present invention, an air filter may be understood as any kind of filter having a filter material which is arranged to filter air from contaminants such as toxic particles present in e.g. exhaust gases, viruses or other particles which are harmful to human beings. In an embodiment of the invention, the air filter is a HEPA filter.

[0078] Virus may be regarded important in the present context. Viruses are organic structures that spread as virus particles, known as ‘virions’, and usually have a diameter of 0.01 micrometer to 0.4 micrometer. Viruses are therefore very small and allocated to the PM1 category. The classification of particles into the categories PM10, PM2.5 and PM1 is based on the "National Air Quality Standard for Particulate Matter" of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is accepted and used worldwide. This classification plays a particularly important role in air filtration, as the size of the particles to be filtered is important in mechanical filtration. The choice of right filter is decisive here. Choosing such filters is known within the art.

[0079] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the air filter is arranged to be exchanged, for example by a user, when required. [0080] According to an embodiment of the invention said filter material of said filtering unit comprises activated carbon.

[0081 ] Activated carbon or activated charcoal may be understood as a form of carbon processed to have small, low-volume pores that increase the surface area, making the material suitable for adsorption of contaminants such as viruses and pollution.

[0082] According to an embodiment of the invention said respiratory device is arranged to be mechanically switched between said at least two distinct configurations by reversing or switching two valves of said valve system, such that one of said two valves which permits air flow in said first valve direction during said user exhalation and restricts air flow in said second valve direction during said user inhalation is reversed or switched such that it restricts air flow during said user exhalation and permits air flow during said user inhalation; and one other of said two valves which permits air flow in said first valve direction during said user inhalation and restricts air flow in said second valve direction during said user exhalation is reversed or switched such that it restricts air flow during said user inhalation and permits air flow during said user exhalation.

[0083] According to some embodiments of the invention, the valves or a separate valve unit is accessible to the user of the device, such that the user may switch or reverse the valves, which allows the respiratory device to be mechanically switched between the at least to distinct configurations. Allowing a user of the respiratory device to access the valves or a separate valve unit is advantageous in that it allows the user to control the configuration of the device, it allows the user to select and replace preferable valve types, and it allows maintenance of the respiratory device.

[0084] According to an embodiment of the invention said respiratory device is arranged to be mechanically switched between said at least two distinct configurations by a switching mechanism.

[0085] In the context of the present invention, a switching mechanism is understood as any kind of mechanism capable of switching the respiratory device between the at least two distinct configurations. The switching mechanism may be arranged to change a configuration of a blocking element, for example by moving a blocking element between a first location and a second location. When the blocking element is in the first location, it may allow an inhalation path and an exhalation path of a first configuration, and when the blocking element is in a second location, it may allow an inhalation path and an exhalation path of a second configuration. Moving the blocking element thus allows mechanically switching the respiratory device between two distinct configurations. Alternatively, the switching mechanism may be arranged to change an air conduit or tube segment configuration, to allow mechanically switching the respiratory device between two distinct configurations.

[0086] Allowing the user to switch the respiratory device between two distinct configurations via a switching mechanism is advantageous since it allows the configuration to be changed in a simple and quick manner.

[0087] According to an embodiment of the invention said respiratory device is arranged to be mechanically switched between said at least two distinct configurations by changing a connection between said filtering unit and said one or more air conduits.

[0088] According to an embodiment of the invention said respiratory device is arranged to be mechanically switched between said at least two distinct configurations by changing a connection between said breathing interface and said one or more air conduits.

[0089] Changing a connection between two components of the device allows the respiratory device to be mechanically switched between two distinct configurations. Allowing the user to do so is advantageous, since it may allow great flexibility as to how the device is assembled and worn. This may increase comfort for the user. [0090] According to an embodiment of the invention said respiratory device is arranged to be mechanically switched between said at least two distinct configurations by changing a configuration of said at least one filtering unit. [0091] The at least one filtering unit may be arranged to be moved from a first location to a second location, and thereby the respiratory device may be mechanically switched between two distinct configurations. Such a possibility is advantageous for the user, since it may allow the user to select a preferred filtering unit and to replace the filtering unit.

[0092] According to an embodiment of the invention said respiratory device comprises a dual filtering configuration, wherein said inhalation path and said exhalation path both comprise said at least one filtering unit.

[0093] In the context of the present invention, a dual filtering configuration may be understood as a configuration in which both the inhalation path and the exhalation path passes through the at least one filtering unit. According to embodiments of the invention, the two paths may pass through a common shared filtering unit. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the two paths may pass through different filtering units respectively. [0094] A dual filtering configuration may be advantageous if a user is suspected to be infected by an infectious disease, but the suspicion is unconfirmed. Thereby, if the user is not infected, the user is still protected by the filtering unit and if the user is infected, the surroundings of the user is protected from the infectious disease. The dual filtering configuration may also advantageous for a user who is infected, but who seek protection from inhalation of further undesired matter.

[0095] Embodiments of the invention arranged to be configured to a dual filtering configuration may generally be mechanically switched by any of the same principles as those presented for switching between an inhalation filtering configuration and an exhalation filtering configuration. For example, by changing a valve configuration, by a switching mechanism, by changing one or more connections involving at one or more air conduits, or by changing a configuration and/or location of a filtering unit.

[0096] According to some embodiments of the invention, the respiratory device may be switched to a dual filtering configuration, wherein both user exhalation and user inhalation passes through the same filtering unit, and thus both exhalation and inhalation are filtered. Such a configuration is advantageous, since it requires only one filtering unit.

[0097] According to an embodiment of the invention said respiratory device comprises an auxiliary filtering unit and a dual filtering configuration, wherein said inhalation path comprise said filtering unit and said exhalation path comprise said auxiliary filtering unit; or said inhalation path comprise said auxiliary filtering unit and said exhalation path comprise said filtering unit.

[0098] In the context of the present invention, an auxiliary filtering unit is understood as an additional filtering unit. The auxiliary filtering unit may be of the same type as the at least one filtering unit, or it may be of a different type.

[0099] Some embodiments of the invention comprises both a filtering unit and an auxiliary filtering unit, for example to provide a dual filtering configuration. Having several filtering units, e.g. a filtering unit and an auxiliary filtering unit, may be advantageous since it allows the respiratory device to be mechanically switched to a dual filtering configuration. Furthermore, it may allow filters of filtering units to last longer, before maintenance or replacement is required.

[0100] According to an embodiment of the invention said respiratory device is arranged to be mechanically switched to said dual filtering configuration from said inhalation filtering configuration or said exhalation filtering configuration by attachment of said auxiliary filtering unit to said one or more air conduits.

[0101] According to an embodiment of the invention said respiratory device is arranged to be mechanically switched to said inhalation filtering configuration or said exhalation filtering configuration from said dual filtering configuration by detachment of said auxiliary filtering unit or said filtering unit.

[0102] According to an embodiment of the invention said respiratory inlet and said respiratory outlet comprise said filtering unit and said auxiliary filtering unit, respectively, or said auxiliary filtering unit and said filtering unit, respectively, in said dual filtering configuration.

[0103] According to an embodiment of the invention said breathing interface comprises fastening means, arranged to fasten said breathing interface to a head of said user.

[0104] According to an embodiment of the invention one of said at one or more air conduits comprise fastening means, arranged to fasten said one of said at one or more air conduits to a body part of said user.

[0105] According to an embodiment of the invention said respiratory outlet comprises fastening means, arranged to fasten said respiratory outlet to said body part of said user.

[0106] According to an embodiment of the invention said respiratory inlet comprises fastening means, arranged to fasten said respiratory inlet to said body part of said user.

[0107] Fastening means may generally for example comprise a belt, a hook-and-loop fastener, an elastomeric band, or a string, but is not necessarily restricted to these examples.

[0108] It is advantageous for various parts of the respiratory device to be fastened to a body part or the head of a user, to make the device more comfortable to wear, or to ensure that a part of the device remains located at a desired position of the body.

[0109] According to an embodiment of the invention said body part of said user is any of the following: a leg of said user, a torso of said user, an arm of said user, a torso of said user, or a waist of said user.

[0110] According to an embodiment of the invention said breathing interface, said one or more air conduits, and said at least one filtering unit are detachably connected.

[0111] A respiratory device comprising components that are detachably connected or detachably attached to one another is advantageous in that the device may be disassembled and thus cleaned in an easy an efficient manner. Particularly, this allows a large number of respiratory devices according to the invention to be managed by a large facility where respirators may be needed, e.g. a hospital. When respiratory devices have been worn by one group of user, they can be restored to be worn by a new group of users by disassembling and cleaning the respiratory devices. Without cleaning, switching a respiratory device to a new user may pose a health risk for the new user, e.g. if there is a risk that an old user has had an infectious disease.

[0112] According to embodiments of the invention, further components of the respiratory device may also be detachably connected or detachably attached to one another, such as a respiratory inlet, a respiratory outlet, any fastening means, a protective hood or an auxiliary filtering unit.

[0113] According to an embodiment of the invention a material of said respiratory device is silicone.

[0114] Silicone is well suited for cleaning and comfort. Components of the respiratory device made by silicone may for example be cleaned in a washing machine, by exposure to steam, or by exposure to hot, preferably boiling, water.

[0115] A silicone component may be manufactured with a selected level of hardness, e.g. different hardness on a Shore hardness scale. Any component of the respiratory device may thus be manufactured to be soft and/or flexible by using silicone with a low hardness as a material, or hard and/or rigid by using silicone with a high hardness.

[0116] For example, components such as the breathing interface and air conduits may preferably be manufactured with silicone of hardness in the range from 0 to 80 on a Shore 00 scale, whereas components such as the filtering unit (disregarding the air filter) and other air conduits may be manufactured with silicone of hardness 80 or above on a Shore 00 scale.

[0117] Materials of the components are however not restricted to silicone, or silicone with hardness in the ranges exemplified above. [0118] In an embodiment of the invention, the valves of the valve system are made of silicone.

[0119] Alternative materials to silicone may e.g. include or incorporate latex, natural or synthetic rubber, synthetic or natural elastomer and/or any material suitable the purpose in relation to cleaning and flexibility.

[0120] According to an embodiment of the invention said respiratory device comprises a protective hood, comprising: a hood bag; a hood visor, preferably a transparent hood visor; tightening means, for tightening said protective hood around a neck of said user; and at least one duct inlet arranged to receive a duct part of said respiratory device.

[0121] In the context of the present invention, a protective hood is understood as any kind of hood arranged to be worn on the user’s head and to shield the users entire head from the surrounding environment. A protective hood may provide additional protection to a user of the respiratory device in which the breathing interface does not provide full protection, e.g. if the breathing interface is a mouthpiece. The hood bag should preferentially be made of a filtering or substantially airtight material and should preferably cover most of or the entire head section. A hood visor allows the user to maintain vision of the surroundings while wearing the protective hood. The hood bag is preferably tightly attached to the hood visor.

[0122] A protective hood according to the present invention comprises at least one duct inlet, arranged to receive a duct part of the respiratory device. A duct part may be understood as a breathing interface or an air conduit of the respiratory device. According to some embodiments of the invention, the protective hood may comprise two duct inlets, for example for two separate air conduits, for example for an air conduit for exhalation and for another air conduit for inhalation. [0123] It is advantageous to combine a protective hood with a respiratory device in which both an exhalation path and in inhalation path passes through one or more duct inlets, as it is then possible to avoid condensation within the protective hood.

[0124] In the context of the present invention, tightening means may be understood as cord, rope, or hook-and-loop fastener, but is not restricted to these examples. The tightening means allow a reduction of undesired matter such as viruses to pass into the protective hood.

[0125] The protective hood may be disposable, i.e. arranged to be used once by a single user. Consequently, it is easy to quickly adjust the respiratory device to provide comfort and to adjust protection to adapt to a potentially rapidly changing surrounding environment of undesired matter.

[0126] According to an embodiment of the invention said duct part comprises said breathing interface.

[0127] According to an embodiment of the invention said duct part comprises one of said one or more air conduits.

[0128] According to an embodiment of the invention said duct inlet comprises an elastomeric material with a hole arranged to receive said duct part.

[0129] The duct inlet may be arranged to slidably receive the duct part.

[0130] According to an embodiment of the invention said duct inlet is arranged to form a seal when receiving said duct part.

[0131] A seal may be understood as a substantially airtight seal, which aims to reduce the transmissibility of undesired matter into the protective hood.

[0132] An aspect of the invention relates to a protective hood, comprising: a hood bag; a hood visor, preferably a transparent hood visor; tightening means, for tightening said protective hood around a neck of a user; and at least one duct inlet arranged to receive a duct part of a respiratory device according to any of the above descrption. [0133] A protective hood of the invention is arranged to be combined with a respiratory device according to the present invention, i.e. they are arranged to be combined to provide full protection to the head of a user.

[0134] A protective hood of the invention in combination with a respiratory device according to the present invention, has the same advantages as a respiratory device comprising a protective hood, as described above.

[0135] According to an embodiment of the invention said duct part comprises a breathing interface of said respiratory device.

[0136] According to an embodiment of the invention said duct part comprises one of one or more air conduits of said respiratory device. [0137] According to an embodiment of the invention said duct inlet comprises an elastomeric material with a hole arranged to receive said duct part.

[0138] According to an embodiment of the invention said duct inlet is arranged to form a seal when receiving said duct part.

[0139] An aspect of the invention relates to a method for providing a restored respiratory device to a second user based on a depleted respiratory device of a first user, comprising: removing said depleted respiratory device from said first user; disassembling said depleted respiratory device into two or more respiratory device components, wherein said two or more respiratory components are any one of the following: a breathing interface, a filtering unit, or one or more air conduits; cleaning or replacing at least one of said plurality of respiratory device components to provide at least one clean respiratory device component; assembling a restored respiratory device using said at least one clean respiratory device component; and providing said restored respiratory device to said second user, wherein said depleted respiratory device and said restored respiratory device are respiratory devices according to any of the above description.

[0140] A depleted respiratory device may be understood as a respiratory device according to the invention which has been used by a user. Since a straightforward transfer of the device to a new user comes with a risk of transmitting an infectious disease, such a straightforward transfer is typically not desirable. A depleted respiratory device may thus for example be contaminated, be dirty, comprise a used air filter, or simply just be used by a first user.

[0141] An advantage of the present method for providing a restored respiratory device is therefore that it allows a restored respiratory device to be provided to a second user. The restored respiratory device may preferably comprise one or more cleaned parts from a depleted respiratory device. The method thus allows recycling one or more parts of the device. This is particularly useful in environments where many alternating users may require a respiratory device, e.g. at a hospital. In such an environment, a large number of respiratory devices according to the present invention may be acquired, and by regularly cleaning or replacing at least one of the plurality of respiratory device components to provide at least one clean respiratory device component, it is possible to maintain a steady supply of restored respiratory devices.

[0142] It should be noted that the configuration of the restored respiratory device may be switched/assembled to another configuration than an originating depleted respiratory device.

[0143] According to an embodiment of the invention said cleaning or replacing at least one of said plurality of respiratory device components comprise exposing said plurality of respiratory device components to steam or water above 90 degrees Celsius, preferably boiling water.

[0144] According to an embodiment of the invention said assembling a restored respiratory device comprises using a clean air filter. [0145] According to an embodiment of the invention said assembling a restored respiratory device comprises selectively positioning a restored filtering unit to provide a distinct configuration of said respiratory device.

[0146] An aspect of the invention relates to a method for changing a filter configuration of a respiratory device according to any of the above description between an inhalation filtering configuration and an exhalation configuration, comprising: providing said respiratory device to a user, wherein said respiratory device comprises: a breathing interface; at least one filtering unit; and a valve system; wherein said inhalation filtering configuration comprises a first inhalation path and a first exhalation path, and wherein said exhalation filtering configuration comprises a second inhalation path and a second exhalation path, wherein said first inhalation path and said second exhalation path comprises one of said at least one filtering unit; mechanically switching said filter configuration such that: said respiratory device in said inhalation filtering configuration switches to said exhalation filtering configuration; or said respiratory device in said exhalation filtering configuration switches to said inhalation filtering configuration. [0147] According to an embodiment of the invention said step of mechanically switching said filter configuration is performed by a user of said respiratory device.

[0148] The method for changing filter configuration according to the invention is advantageous since it allows a user to actively select a desired configuration of the respiratory device according to the invention.

[0149] An aspect of the invention relates to a use of a respiratory device according to any of the above description according to a method according to any of the above description.

[0150] The invention further relates to a use of a protective hood according to any of the above according to any of the above described methods.

The drawings

[0151] Various embodiments of the invention will in the following be described with reference to the drawings where fig. la-b illustrate a respiratory device according to an embodiment of the invention in an inhalation filtering configuration and an exhalation filtering configuration, which is arranged to be mechanically switched by reversing or switching valves, fig. 2a-b illustrate a respiratory device according to an embodiment of the invention in an inhalation filtering configuration and an exhalation filtering configuration, which is arranged to be mechanically switched by changing a configuration of a filtering unit, fig. 3a-b illustrate a respiratory device according to an embodiment of the invention in an inhalation filtering configuration and an exhalation filtering configuration, which is arranged to be mechanically switched by changing connections of the respiratory device, fig. 4a-b illustrate a respiratory device according to an embodiment of the invention in an inhalation filtering configuration and an exhalation filtering configuration, which is arranged to be mechanically switched by a switching mechanism, fig. 5a-c illustrate a respiratory device according to an embodiment of the invention in an inhalation filtering configuration, an exhalation filtering configuration and a dual filtering configuration, which is arranged to be mechanically switched by changing a configuration of a filtering unit and/or an auxiliary filtering unit, fig. 6a-f illustrate various types of breathing interfaces according to embodiments of the invention, fig. 7 illustrates a user wearing a respiratory device according to an embodiment of the invention, fig. 8 illustrates detailed disassembled respiratory device components according to an embodiment of the invention, fig. 9a-c illustrate a respiratory device combined with a protective hood according to an embodiment of the invention, and fig. lOa-c illustrate a respiratory device combined with another protective hood according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description

[0152] Fig. la-b illustrate a respiratory device (1) according to an embodiment of the invention in an inhalation filtering configuration and an exhalation filtering configuration. The respiratory device (1) is arranged to be mechanically switched by reversing or switching valves (12).

[0153] The respiratory device (1) shown in fig. la-b in two different configurations comprises a valve system (11), comprising two valves (12), arranged to provide a distinct inhalation path (21) and exhalation path (22). When the device is worn, the breathing interface (10) respiratorily couples the respiratory device (1) to a user (2), such that the user is able to breathe through the device, via the inhalation path (21) and exhalation path (22), for user inhalation and user exhalation, respectively. Air is inhaled into the respiratory device (1) through a respiratory inlet (16) and exhaled from the respiratory device (1) through a respiratory outlet (17).

[0154] The respiratory device (1) shown in fig. la is in an inhalation filtering configuration, wherein the inhalation path (21) comprises a filtering unit (13). In contrast, the respiratory device shown in fig. lb is in an exhalation filtering configuration, wherein the exhalation path (22) comprises the filtering unit (13). In this embodiment of the invention the respiratory inlet (16) comprises the filtering unit (13) when the respiratory device (1) is operated in the inhalation filtering configuration and the respiratory outlet (17) comprises the filtering unit (13) when the respiratory device (1) is operated in the exhalation filtering configuration, however in other embodiments of the invention the respiratory inlet (16) and respiratory outlet (17) may be separate from the filtering unit (13) when the respiratory device (1) is operated in the inhalation filtering configuration and the exhalation filtering configuration. [0155] A user of the respiratory device (1) can actively reverse or switch valves (12) of the valve system (11) and thereby mechanically switch between the inhalation filtering configuration and exhalation filtering configuration of the respiratory device (1) shown in fig. la and fig. lb, respectively. [0156] Fig. 2a-b illustrate a respiratory device (1) according to an embodiment of the invention in an inhalation filtering configuration and an exhalation filtering configuration. The respiratory device (1) is arranged to be mechanically switched by changing a configuration of a filtering unit (13).

[0157] The respiratory device (1) shown in fig. 2a-b in two different configurations comprises a valve system (11), comprising two valves (12), arranged to provide a distinct inhalation path (21) and exhalation path (22). In this embodiment of the invention, an air conduit (14) has two separate tube segments (15), which each comprise one of the valves (12). When the device is worn, the breathing interface (10) respiratorily couples the respiratory device (1) to a user (2), such that the user is able to breathe through the device, via the inhalation path (21) and exhalation path (22), for user inhalation and user exhalation, respectively.

[0158] The respiratory device shown in fig. 2a is in an inhalation filtering configuration, wherein the inhalation path (21) comprises a filtering unit (13). In contrast, the respiratory device shown in fig. 2b is in an exhalation filtering configuration, wherein the exhalation path (22) comprises the filtering unit (13). In this embodiment of the invention the respiratory inlet (16) comprises the filtering unit (13) when the respiratory device (1) is operated in the inhalation filtering configuration and the respiratory outlet (17) comprises the filtering unit (13) when the respiratory device (1) is operated in the exhalation filtering configuration, however in other embodiments of the invention the respiratory inlet (16) and respiratory outlet (17) may be separate from the filtering unit (13) when the respiratory device (1) is operated in the inhalation filtering configuration and the exhalation filtering configuration.

[0159] In this embodiment of the invention, a user can actively change a configuration of the filtering unit (13) by detaching the filtering unit (13) from a first location on the respiratory device (1) and attaching the filtering unit (13) to a second location on the respirtatory device (1), and thereby mechanical switch the respiratory device (1) between the inhalation filtering configuration and the exhalation filtering configuration of the respiratory device (1) shown in fig. 2a and fig. 2b, respectively. [0160] Fig. 3a-b illustrate a respiratory device according to an embodiment of the invention in an inhalation filtering configuration and an exhalation filtering configuration. The respiratory device (1) is arranged to be mechanically switched by changing connections of the respiratory device.

[0161] The respiratory device (1) shown in fig. 3a-b in two different configurations comprises a valve system (11), comprising two valves (12), arranged to provide a distinct inhalation path (21) and exhalation path (22). The respiratory device comprises three air conduits (14a, 14b, 14c) wherein two of the air conduits (14b, 14c) couples the breathing interface (10) to the third air conduit (14a), comprising two tube segments (15), upon which the filtering unit (13) is attached. When the respiratory device (1) is worn, the breathing interface (10) respiratorily couples the respiratory device (1) to a user (2), such that the user is able to breathe through the device, via the inhalation path (21) and exhalation path (22), for user inhalation and user exhalation, respectively.

[0162] The respiratory device shown in fig. 3a is in an inhalation filtering configuration, wherein the inhalation path (21) comprises a filtering unit (13). In contrast, the respiratory device shown in fig. 3b is in an exhalation filtering configuration, wherein the exhalation path (22) comprises the filtering unit (13). In this embodiment of the invention the respiratory inlet (16) comprises the filtering unit (13) when the respiratory device (1) is operated in the inhalation filtering configuration and the respiratory outlet (17) comprises the filtering unit (13) when the respiratory device (1) is operated in the exhalation filtering configuration, however in other embodiments of the invention the respiratory inlet (16) and respiratory outlet (17) may be separate from the filtering unit (13) when the respiratory device (1) is operated in the inhalation filtering configuration and the exhalation filtering configuration.

[0163] In this embodiment of the invention, a user can actively change connections of the respiratory device (1) to change between the inhalation filtering configuration and the exhalation filtering configuration of the respiratory device (1) shown in fig. 3a and fig. 3b, respectively. These connections are connections between air conduits 14a- b as illustrated in fig. 3a-b, but in other embodiments of the invention, the connections, which a user can actively change, may for example be connections between the breathing interface and one or more air conduits, between the breathing interface and a filtering unit, or between a filtering unit and one or more air conduits.

[0164] Fig. 4a-b illustrate a respiratory device according to an embodiment of the invention in an inhalation filtering configuration and an exhalation filtering configuration. The respiratory device (1) is arranged to be mechanically switched by a switching mechanism (18).

[0165] The respiratory device (1) shown in fig. 4a-b in two different configurations comprises a valve system (11), comprising four valves (12), arranged to provide a distinct inhalation path (21) and exhalation path (22). In each of the two configurations, only two of the four valves take part in providing the distinct inhalation path and exhalation path. The other two valves (12) are excluded by a blocking element (19), which decouples part of the respiratory device from the inhalation path (21) and the exhalation path (22). The blocking element (19) is arranged to be controlled, i.e. moved, be a switching mechanism (18) which is controllable by the user of the respiratory device.

[0166] When the device is worn, the breathing interface (10) respiratorily couples the respiratory device (1) to a user (2), such that the user is able to breathe through the device, via the inhalation path (21) and exhalation path (22), for user inhalation and user exhalation, respectively.

[0167] The respiratory device shown in fig. 4a is in an inhalation filtering configuration, wherein the inhalation path (21) comprises a filtering unit (13). In contrast, the respiratory device shown in fig. 4b is in an exhalation filtering configuration, wherein the exhalation path (22) comprises the filtering unit (13). In this embodiment of the invention the respiratory inlet (16) comprises the filtering unit (13) when the respiratory device (1) is operated in the inhalation filtering configuration and the respiratory outlet (17) comprises the filtering unit (13) when the respiratory device (1) is operated in the exhalation filtering configuration, however in other embodiments of the invention the respiratory inlet (16) and respiratory outlet (17) may be separate from the filtering unit (13) when the respiratory device (1) is operated in the inhalation filtering configuration and the exhalation filtering configuration.

[0168] In this embodiment of the invention, a user can actively alter or switch the switching mechanism (18) of the respiratory device (1) to change between the inhalation filtering configuration and the exhalation filtering configuration of the respiratory device (1) shown in fig. 4a and fig. 4b, respectively.

[0169] Fig. 5a-c illustrate a respiratory device (1) according to an embodiment of the invention in an inhalation filtering configuration, an exhalation filtering configuration and a dual filtering configuration. The respiratory device (1) of this embodiment is arranged to be mechanically switched between these configurations by changing a configuration of a filtering unit and/or an auxiliary filtering unit.

[0170] The respiratory device (1) shown in fig. 5a-c in three different configurations comprises a valve system (11), comprising two valves (12), arranged to provide a distinct inhalation path (21) and exhalation path (22). The respiratory device comprises four air conduits (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d). One air conduit (14a) has two separate tube segments (15), which each comprise one of the valves (12). This air conduit (14a) is attached to another air conduit (14b), which also has two separate tube segments (15), and which is further attached to the two final air conduits (14c, 14d). In the various configurations shown in fig. 5a-c, these two final air conduits (14c, 14d) may or may not be attached to a filtering unit (13) and an auxiliary filtering unit (13b), respectively, depending on the configuration of the respiratory device (1).

[0171] In fig. 5a, one air conduit (14c) is attached to a filtering unit (13), whereas the other air conduit (14d) is not, to provide an inhalation filtering configuration. In fig. 5b, the other air conduit (14d) is attached to an auxiliary filtering unit (13b), whereas the one air conduit (14c) is not, to provide an exhalation filtering configuration. Finally, in fig. 5c, one air conduit (14c) is attached to a filtering unit (13) and the other air conduit (14d) is attached to an auxiliary filtering unit (13b), which provides a dual filtering configuration. [0172] When the device is worn, the breathing interface (10) respiratorily couples the respiratory device (1) to a user, such that the user is able to breathe through the device, via the inhalation path (21) and exhalation path (22), for user inhalation and user exhalation, respectively.

[0173] In this embodiment of the invention, a user can actively change a configuration of the filtering unit (13) and/or the auxiliary filtering unit (13b), e.g. freely attach and/or detach both filtering units, and thus mechanically switching between the three distinct configurations of the respiratory device (1) shown in fig. 5a, fig. 5b, and fig. 5c.

[0174] Fig. 6a-f illustrate various types of breathing interfaces (10), each worn by a user (2), according to embodiments of the invention. These figures primarily show the breathing interface, and not further components of the respiratory device (1) according to the invention. Embodiments of the invention may include any of the breathing interfaces of fig. 6a-f, in any combination of, for example, one or more air conduits, a valve system, a filtering unit, or other parts of a respiratory device according to the invention. Furthermore, the invention is not limited to these examples.

[0175] Fig. 6a illustrates a breathing interface (10) which is a mouthpiece (31). In such embodiments of the invention, the breathing interface may be held by the mouth of the user, without requirement of fastening means. Other components of the respiratory device (1) besides the breathing interface may comprise fastening means, e.g. a filtering unit may comprise fastening means.

[0176] Fig. 6b illustrates a breathing interface (10) which is a mouthpiece (31). As such, the breathing interface is substantially similar to the breathing interface shown in fig. 6a, but fig. 6b further illustrates how the respiratory device according to the invention may be combined with further protective equipment. In this exemplary illustration, the further protective equipment is a nose clip. Further protective equipment may also include, for example, protective goggles.

[0177] Fig. 6c-d illustrate breathing interfaces (10) which are half-face masks (32), i.e. masks which cover both mouth and nose of the user (2). Such masks may typically require fastening means (30). In fig. 6c, the fastening means (30) is a string, which hold the breathing interface (10) in place by attachment to the ears of the user (2). In fig. 6d, the fastening means (30) are two bands, which extent around the head of the user to hold the breathing interface (10) in place. Fastening means are not restricted to these exemplary illustrations.

[0178] Fig. 6e-f illustrate breathing interfaces (10) which are full-face masks (33), i.e. masks which cover both mouth, nose, and eyes of the user (2). Such masks may require fastening means (30), for example as shown in fig. 6e, where the fastening means (30) are two bands, which extent around the head of the user to hold the breathing interface (10) in place. In fig. 6f, the full-face mask (33) comprises a hood or helmet, which provide additional protection to the rest of the head area, while also holding the facial part of the mask in place. Generally, a full-face mask (33) comprises a transparent visor to grant protection to the eyes while not hindering vision substantially. Preferably, the mouth and the nose are decoupled from the eyes by an approximately air-tight seal of the full-face mask, such that minimal condensation occurs on the visor.

[0179] Fig. 7 illustrates a user (2) wearing a respiratory device (1) according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0180] The user (2) is surrounded by a surrounding environment (4) which may potentially contain undesired matter, e.g. pollution or viruses carrying an infectious disease. The respiratory device (1) may thus be worn to protect the user (2) from such undesired matter. It may also be worn to protect the surrounding environment (4) from an infectious disease carried by the user (2).

[0181] The respiratory device (1) comprises a breathing interface (10) which is a mouthpiece (31) connected to an air conduit (14a), which is further connected to an additional air conduit (14b). This air conduit (14b) comprises fastening means (30), arranged to fasten the respiratory device (1) to the waist of the user (2). The air conduit (14b) is further connected to two additional air conduits (14c, 14d) which are connected to a filtering unit (13) and an auxiliary filtering unit (13b), respectively. The filtering unit (13) and the auxiliary filtering unit (13b) each comprise fastening means (30), arranged to fasten the respiratory device to a leg of the user (2).

[0182] The respiratory device shown in fig. 7 is in a dual filtering configuration, and may be mechanically switched into an inhalation filtering configuration or exhalation filtering configuration by detaching either the filtering unit (13) or the auxiliary filtering unit (13b) from the air conduits (14c, 14d). Alternatively, an air filter of either of the filtering units (13, 13b) may be removed to change configuration.

[0183] The respiratory device may be worn outside clothes of a user or, or clothes may be worn by a user to cover the respiratory device (1) partially.

[0184] Fig. 8 illustrates detailed disassembled respiratory device components according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0185] According to embodiments of the invention, the respiratory device components are detachably connected. The disassembled respiratory device components shown in fig. 8 are an example of such a respiratory device in a disassembled state. When in an assembled state, the shown respiratory device components may resemble respiratory devices according to any of the other disclosed embodiments of the invention.

[0186] The filtering unit parts (37a, 37b) may be clamped together, around an air filter (not shown), to form a filtering unit. The valve parts (36a, 36b) may also be clamped together to form an assembled valve. In the illustrated embodiment, two copies an assembled valve fit into separate tube segments (15) of one of the air conduits (14a), such that distinct inhalation and exhalation paths may be provided. The air conduit (14a) comprises a plurality of detachment grips (34), which aid the user to assemble and disassemble the respiratory device (1). The air conduit (14a) fit together with the breathing interface (10) and another air conduit (14b), which further fits together with up to two additional air conduits of which one air conduit (14c) is shown in the figure. The additional air conduits of which one air conduit (14c) is shown can each be connected to a filtering unit or auxiliary filtering unit of the type which may be assembled from the shown filtering unit parts (37a, 37b) together with an air filter. [0187] Some of the air conduits (14a, 14c) are manufactured in a flexible material, for example silicone. The air conduits of which one air conduit (14c) is shown has a rectangular shape and comprise an anti-squeeze bar (35), which each obstruct the air conduit (14c) to be squeezed together while being worn, which could otherwise result in an exhalation path or an inhalation path being blocked.

[0188] Fig. 9a-c illustrate part of a respiratory device combined with a protective hood according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0189] Fig. 9a illustrates part of a respiratory device according to an embodiment of the invention, namely a breathing interface (10) and an air conduit (14), worn by a user (2). Both the inhalation path and the exhalation path pass through the air conduit (14).

[0190] Fig. 9b illustrates a protective hood (40) according to an embodiment of the invention. The protective hood (40) comprises a hood bag (41), which is arranged to cover the head of a user (2). The hood bag (41) comprises a bottom opening through which a head of a user may enter the protective hood. The bottom opening can be tightened by the user (2) by using attached tightening means (44). In this embodiment of the invention, the tightening means comprises a string, however other tightening means may be used according to other embodiments of the invention. The protective hood (40) further comprises a hood visor (42), which allows the user (2) to maintain vision while wearing the protective hood (40). A duct inlet (43) is arranged to receive a duct part of the respiratory device.

[0191] Fig. 9c illustrates a user (2) wearing the protective hood (40) which has received a duct part (45) of the respiratory device. In this embodiment of the invention, the duct part (45) is the breathing interface (10), however in other embodiments of the invention, the duct part may be other components of the respiratory device. As the tightening means (44) have been tightened, the protective hood (40) provides protection of the entire head area of the user (2). Both user inhalation and user exhalation take place through the duct inlet (43), thus minimizing condensation within the protective hood (40). [0192] Fig. lOa-c illustrate a respiratory device combined with a protective hood according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0193] Fig. 10a illustrates part of a respiratory device according to an embodiment of the invention, namely a breathing interface (10) and two air conduits (14a, 14b), worn by a user (2). The two air conduits separate the inhalation path and the exhalation path by using a valve system which is included in the breathing interface (10).

[0194] Fig. 10b illustrates a protective hood (40) according to the invention. The protective hood (40) comprises a hood bag (41), which is arranged to cover the head of a user (2). The hood bag comprises a bottom opening through which a head of a user may enter the protective hood. The bottom opening can be tightened by the user (2) by using attached tightening means (44). In this embodiment of the invention, the tightening means comprises a string, however other tightening means may be used according to other embodiments of the invention. The protective hood (40) further comprises a hood visor (42), which allows the user (2) to maintain vision while wearing the protective hood (40). Two duct inlets (43) are arranged to receive duct parts of the respiratory device.

[0195] Fig. 10c illustrates a user (2) wearing the protective hood (40), receiving two duct parts (45) of the respiratory device. In this embodiment, the duct parts (45) are the two air conduits (14a, 14b). As the tightening means (44) have been tightened, the protective hood (40) provides protection of the entire head area of the user (2). Both user inhalation and user exhalation take place through the duct inlet (43), thus minimizing condensation within the protective hood (40).

[0196] List of reference signs:

1 Respiratory device

2 User

3 Nose clip 4 Surrounding environment

10 Breathing interface

11 Valve system

12 Valve

13 Filtering unit 13b Auxiliary filtering unit

14, 14a-d Air conduit

15 Tube segment

16 Respiratory inlet

17 Respiratory outlet 18 Switching mechanism

19 Blocking element

21 Inhalation path

22 Exhalation path

30 Fastening means 31 Mouthpiece

32 Half-face mask

33 Full-face mask

34 Detachment grip

35 Anti-squeeze bar 36a-b Valve part

37a-b Filtering unit part

38 F astening handl e

40 Protective hood

41 Hood bag 42 Hood visor

43 Duct inlet 44 Tightening means

45 Duct part