PROTECTIVE DEVICE

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to German Patent Application No. 10 2012 022 002.2, filed on November 12, 2012, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The subject matter described herein relates to a holding system for a carrier plate for a respiratory protective device.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Rescue personnel, e.g., firemen, must carry essential parts of their equipment with themselves in use since in case of an emergency there is no time to subsequently procure this equipment. A standard piece of equipment that is carried along is, e.g., a breathing device with a pressure container on a carrier plate or a device that regenerates exhaled air. The breathing device is carried as a rule on the back and comprises, among other things, a hip belt.

[0004] In addition to these pieces of equipment a retention system or retention belt and/or a hip harness is frequently also carried on the hip with which a roping down is possible or that can serve as part of a rescue loop.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] Generally, one embodiment provides a holding system with a hip belt for a person, characterized by a means arranged on the hip belt (3) for creating at least one opening (10), in particular two openings (10, 20) for legs through leg loops (1, 2) using at least one connection means (5, 6) so that a rescue loop (30) is present in use with which the person (100) can be held sitting.

[0006] Another embodiment provides a carrier plate for a breathing apparatus for use with such a holding system.

[0007] A further embodiment provides a personal rescue holding system, comprising: a main belt configured to secure around the waist of a user in a releasable fashion; a first connection belt having a first end connected to the main belt and a second end connected to the main belt; at least one fastening mechanism connected to a front position of the main belt;

wherein, in a first configuration, the first connection belt connects to the main belt at the first end and the second end such that the connection belt hangs from the main belt but does not form a rescue loop; and wherein, in a rescue loop configuration, the first connection belt is additionally attached at a central portion thereof to the front position of the main belt via the at least one fastening mechanism to form a rescue loop having two leg loops.

[0008] A yet further embodiment provides a personal rescue holding system, comprising: a main belt configured to secure around the waist of a user in a releasable fashion; a first connection belt having a first end connected to the main belt and a second end connected to the main belt; a second connection belt forming a looped fastening mechanism connected to a front position of the main belt; wherein, in a first configuration, the first connection belt connects to the main belt at the first end and the second end such that the first connection belt hangs from the main belt but does not form a rescue loop; and wherein, in a rescue loop configuration, the first connection belt is additionally attached at a central portion thereof to the front position of the main belt via the second connection belt forming the looped fastening mechanism there-around to form a rescue loop having two leg loops.

[0009] The foregoing is a summary and thus may contain simplifications,

generalizations, and omissions of detail; consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting.

[0010] For a better understanding of the embodiments, together with other and further features and advantages thereof, reference is made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The scope of the invention will be pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS [0011] Fig. 1 shows a conventional hip harness; [0012] Fig. 2 shows a first example embodiment of a holding system; [0013] Fig. 3 shows the first example embodiment in the formation of leg loops; [0014] Fig. 4 shows the first example embodiment with formed leg loops; [0015] Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a second connection part; [0016] Fig. 6 shows a second example embodiment of a holding system; [0017] Fig. 7 shows another view of the second example embodiment; [0018] Fig. 8 shows a schematic view of the second example embodiment; [0019] Fig. 9 shows a schematic view of a third example embodiment of a holding system; [0020] Fig. 9A shows another view of the third example embodiment;

[0021] Fig. 10 shows a schematic view of a fourth example embodiment of a holding system;

[0022] Fig. 1 OA shows another view of the fourth example embodiment;

[0023] Fig. 11 shows a schematic view of a fifth example embodiment of a holding system;

[0024] Fig. 11 A shows another view of the fifth example embodiment in an initial position;

[0025] Fig. 1 IB shows another view of the fifth example embodiment in a position of use forming a rescue loop;

[0026] Fig. 12 shows a schematic view of a sixth example embodiment of a holding system;

[0027] Fig. 12A shows another view of the sixth example embodiment;

[0028] Fig. 13 shows a schematic view of a seventh example embodiment of a holding system;

[0029] Fig. 14 shows an example for a prefabricated rescue loop;

[0030] Fig. 15 shows another example for a prefabricated rescue loop;

[0031] Fig. 16 shows a view of an example embodiment of a holding system with a respiratory protective device;

[0032] Fig. 17 shows a pouch on the back side of a hip belt; [0033] Fig. 18 shows an example embodiment of a material loop for fastening on a hip belt;

[0034] Fig. 19 shows another example embodiment of a holding system;

[0035] Fig. 20A shows another example embodiment of a holding system in the ready form;

[0036] Fig. 20B shows the example embodiment according to fig. 20A in the use form with leg openings;

[0037] Fig. 21 shows another embodiment of a holding system with a roping-down device;

[0038] Fig. 22 shows a snap hook and eye with an eyelet for roping down.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations in addition to the described example embodiments. Thus, the following more detailed description of the example embodiments, as represented in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments, as claimed, but is merely representative of certain example embodiments.

[0040] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an

embodiment" (or the like) means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" or the like in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0041] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to give a thorough understanding of certain embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the various embodiments can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, et cetera. In other instances, well known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obfuscation.

[0042] There are many different issues that must be balanced when designing equipment to be carried by rescue personnel. For example, many cases of use as possible for the equipment carried should be covered, but at the same time equipment should be easily carried.

[0043] One embodiment provides an arrangement for creating one or two openings for legs by leg loops, arranged on a hip belt. At least one connection part is used in such a manner that a rescue loop is present when in use with which a person can be held in a seated position. Thus, the leg loops do not have to always be present but rather can be formed in use when needed. The connection part can, if not being used for forming the leg loops, also assume other functions such as, e.g., in the securing of an individual person. This creates an efficient holding system, in particular a retention system, for a person. It should be noted that a "part", as used herein, may include multiple parts, e.g., acting together, and further noting that this term may be used interchangeably throughout with other terms, e.g., "element". [0044] It is also practical if a second connection part that can be connected to the hip belt is designed in particular as a belt with a snap hook and eye for individual securing. An embodiment of the holding system therefore may comprise one or more connection parts that can be used alone or together as part of the leg loops.

[0045] In this case of a hip belt, the first connection part and/or the second connection part may be manufactured from a textile belt material. This material is light, can be

mechanically loaded and adapts itself to the body contour of the person. If the belt material is formed from a flame-resistant material it can also be thermally loaded.

[0046] In one embodiment, the ends of the second connection part are fastened in use laterally to the hip belt and the second connection part is arranged loosely behind the back of the person. The first connection part is configured on the front side of the hip belt, whereby the first connection part is designed to be long enough that the second connection part can be looped around with it and the first connection part can be guided in use between the legs of the person to the front again (to the hip belt).

[0047] In another embodiment, the second connection part comprises a belt part connected to it (in particular a belt part firmly connected to it), whereby the belt part comprises a loop on the end with which the first connection part can be fixed on the second connection part.

[0048] In another alternative embodiment, the second connection part can be fastened to the hip belt laterally, in particular laterally on two eyelets, whereby the first connection part can be looped around in use with the second connection part, whereby after the looping around the first connection part can be engaged at the front on the hip belt or in particular can be threaded through a ring on the hip belt. [0049] It is also possible that the second connection part can be fastened laterally, in particular laterally to two eyelets on the hip belt, and that a loop is arranged on the second connection part, which loop can be drawn forward in use between the legs of the person and can be fastened at the front on the hip belt.

[0050] Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment, two connection parts can be fastened laterally, in particular to eyelets on the hip belt, whereby the connection parts form closed loops that hang loosely on the sides of the person when not in use or are stowed on the hip belt, whereby both connection parts can be drawn from the rear to the front in use between the legs of the person and can be fastened at the front on the hip belt.

[0051] The connection part can advantageously be formed from a flat, flexible material and have a substantially triangular form, whereby a wide side of the connection part is arranged on the back side of the hip belt and the opposing tip can be fastened in use on the front side of the hip belt. The triangular form results in an ergonomically good seat holding in the rescue loop formed.

[0052] An embodiment of the holding system can be used to rope people down. To this end a snap hook and eye can comprise an eyelet, e.g., a multifunction eyelet, for roping down.

[0053] In addition, the holding system can comprise a monitoring means for the thermal loading (e.g., the connection part), a thermometer and/or a thermoelectric element for the conversion of thermal energy into current. The monitoring of the thermal load may be important for the functional safety of the holding system. After a predetermined thermal exposure

(duration and/or temperature) it can be displayed that part(s) of the holding system must be replaced. Thermoelectric elements can be constructed to be very small and light and to make current available for supplying other parts of the holding system.

[0054] In order to protect parts of the equipment when not in use and to prevent a person from remaining suspended, it is advantageous if a connection part and/or a holding rope can be folded out of a pouch for use. The pouch may be arranged on the hip belt.

[0055] In order to be able to provide the holding system with other pieces of equipment it comprises at least one material loop arranged on the hip belt. The material loop can be manufactured, e.g., from belt material and be detachably connected to the hip belt.

[0056] If the holding system is used together with a respiratory protective device, all metallic parts may be manufactured from steel in accordance with the relevant norms for respiratory protective devices.

[0057] Certain issues associated with rescue equipment are also addressed by a carrier plate for a respiratory protective device, which plate can be connected to a holding system in accordance with embodiment(s) described herein. A few example embodiments of a holding system are shown in an exemplary manner in the following more detailed description with reference to the figures.

[0058] The illustrated example embodiments will be best understood by reference to the figures. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain example embodiments.

[0059] Fig. 1 shows a known hip harness on a person 100. This hip harness has two firmly arranged leg loops 1 , 2 that are arranged in use on the legs of the person 100. The person 100 can be roped down, e.g., from a building or can rope himself down by connecting ropes (not shown here). A D-ring is arranged on the right side (viewed from the person 100) on which ring a snap hook and eye can be fastened.

[0060] In addition to this hip harness a respiratory protective device (not shown here) also may be carried, which has its own hip belt carried over the hip belt of the hip harness shown. A few embodiments of a holding system 50 are shown in the following that can be combined, e.g., with a carrier plate of a breathing device (see, e.g., Fig. 16), but which also makes possible a plurality of functions at the same time without an integration with the breathing device. For reasons of clarity the person 100 who carries the holding system 50 is not shown in some of the figures.

[0061] Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a holding system 50 with a padded hip belt 3. The padding 4 rests in use on the back of the person 100 (not shown here). The hip belt 3 is held together by a closing system 7 on the front side of the person 100. This can be, e.g., a rapid closure with which the hip belt 3 (and optionally the respiratory protective device) can be rapidly cast off if this should be necessary in order, e.g., to get through a narrow opening.

[0062] A pouch 9 is arranged on the hip belt 3 from which pouch a first connection part 5 can be removed (see, e.g., Fig. 3). The first connection part 5 is constructed here as a textile belt with a width of 40 mm wherewith the first connection part 5 basically meets the requirements of the standard EN 1498 concerning rescue loops. Fig. 14 and Fig. 15 show examples of firmly prefabricated rescue loops 30.

[0063] The hip belt 3 comprises on the side (in the area of the pelvis loops in use) connections for a second connection part 6 that can be firmly connected on the one end to the hip belt 3 (i.e., it can be removed, as a result of which an increased flexibility is achieved), and on the other end is suspended in an eyelet with a snap hook and eye 8 (shown in Fig. 6).

[0064] The second connection part 6 can, e.g., be used for the individual securing of the person 100 in that the snap hook and eye 8 is loosened, the second connection part 6 is looped around a stationary object and then the snap hook and eye 8 is reconnected to the hip belt 3.

[0065] It is shown in the following how leg loops 1, 2 with openings 10, 20 for the legs of the person 100 can be formed by the cooperation of the connection parts 5, 6.

[0066] In Fig. 3 the first connection part 5 is shown unfolded from pouch 9 (no longer shown for reasons of clarity). The first connection part 5 is firmly sown to the hip belt 3.

Alternatively, the first connection part 5 could also lie loosely with a loop around the circumferential belt band of the hip belt, so that it can conduct the force into the hip belt 3.

[0067] A first loop 5A is arranged, e.g., firmly sown, on the front end of the first connection part 5 and approximately 60 to 90 cm away from the hip belt 3. Furthermore, a second loop 5B is arranged approximately 10 to 15 cm away from the hip belt 3. Then, a snap hook and eye (not shown here) can be arranged in both loops 5A, 5B in order to form a rescue loop (see Fig. 4).

[0068] If a rescue loop 30 in the sense of the standard EN 1498, class B, is to be formed now with the holding system 50, the second connection part 6 is carried behind the back of the person 100, i.e., the second connection part 6 extends behind the back of the person 100 between the lateral connections on the hip belt 3 and hangs loosely down enough behind the back of the person 100 that one can grasp it from the front between the legs. [0069] The first connection part 5 hangs loosely (optionally after it was removed from the pouch 9 on the hip belt 3) down on the front side of the person 100. If the first connection part 5 is thrown to the rear through the legs of the person around the second connection part 6 (as is indicated in Fig. 3) and the second connection part 6 is "captured", openings 10, 20 for the legs are formed to the left and the right from the first connection part 5. Thus, a type of seat is formed around the person 100 from the two connection parts 5, 6 and the hip belt 3 and the connection parts 5, 6 form the leg loops 1, 2.

[0070] The first leg loop 1 with the opening 10 for the right leg is formed on the outside by the second connection part 6, in the step of the person 100 by the first connection part 5. The second leg loop 2 with the opening 20 for the left leg is accordingly formed in a mirror image.

[0071] Subsequently, the first loop 5A is guided to the second loop 5B, whereby both loops 5A, 5B are fastened on the hip belt 3 by a snap hook and eye 8. This is shown in Fig. 4. Thus a rudimentary seat (rescue loop 30) is produced in the sense of the standard EN 1498 B. It would also be possible to hook the first loop 5A into the hip belt 3.

[0072] In order that the holding system 50 also functions in the case of large or strong people, it is appropriate if the first connection part 5 has a length of 50 to 100 cm. In the embodiment shown a roping-down device is arranged on the snap hook and eye 8 which device is designed as a separate mechanical device that is engaged on the snap hook and eye 8 and by which the rope later runs through and is braked.

[0073] Fig. 5 shows a second connection part 6 in detail. A first loop 6A is arranged on the distal end (that is, facing away from the person 100) for attaching a snap hook and eye that can be arranged in use, e.g., laterally on a D ring on the hip belt 3. A snap hook and eye 8 is arranged on the proximal end. A second loop 6B for the optional halving of the connection part 6 is arranged approximately centrally here on the second connection part 6 in case the person 10 wants to position himself at a shorter distance and retain himself.

[0074] A second connection part 6 can be used, e.g., as a connection part in the sense of standard EN 345, as a connection part for holding belts according to standard EN 385, as a stop device according to standard EN 795B, as a rescue loop of class A and C according to standard EN 1498 or, as shown in Figs. 2 to 4, in conjunction as a rescue loop of class B according to standard EN 1498. Basically, however, the connection part can also be constructed more simply, e.g., as simple belt loops.

[0075] Figs. 6 to 8 show a second embodiment of a holding system 50, whereby the design of the hip belt 3 is similar to that of the first embodiment. Here too a second connection part 6 is fastened laterally on the hip belt 3. In Fig. 6 the snap hook and eye 8 can be recognized viewed on the left side of the person 100 (not shown here), with which snap hook and eye the second connection part 6 is engaged into the hip belt 3. On the opposite side the second connection part 6 is firmly connected via a D ring to the hip belt 3. "Firmly" denotes here "looped in" or "mounted", so that the connection part 6 is basically detachably arranged. The second connection part 6 has a belt length of 40 cm.

[0076] In order to form the leg loops 1, 2 the second connection part 6 has a firm belt part 6C here that is firmly connected to the first connection part 6. This belt part 6C has a loop on the end through which the first connection part 6 runs. During use the second connection part 6 is arranged together with the belt part 6C hanging loosely behind the person 100. The belt part 6C is designed comparatively short. The belt part 6C can be coupled to a snap hook and eye 8 with the hip belt 3. However, other connection possibilities are conceivable.

[0077] During non-use the first connection part 5 is arranged folded together on the hip belt 3, as is shown in Fig. 7. This first connection part 5 is not used in the embodiment to make the rescue loop 30.

[0078] If a type of rescue loop is now to be formed from the holding system 50, the belt part 6C hanging behind the body of person 100 is drawn through the legs to the front. The loop on the belt part 6C then serves as eyelet for a snap hook and eye (not shown here) of the roping- down device and forms together with the middle D ring of the holding belt 3 the rescue loop 30.

[0079] Fig. 8 shows the second embodiment according to Figs. 6 and 7 in a schematic view. The schematic view - that is used in a similar form in the following - should make the guidance of the belts and connection part clearer, whereby the individual elements or parts of the connection part 5, 6 are shown and other parts of the holding system 50 can be designed analogously to the views of Figs. 1 to 7.

[0080] The second connection element 6 is arranged on two eyelets laterally on the hip belt 3. The first connection part 5 is sown in this instance on one end to the second connection part 6 and provided on the other end with an eyelet, either for mounting on a D ring in case of a rescue, or packed in the snap hook and eye of the second connection part.

[0081] Fig. 9 shows a third embodiment in a schematic view (analogous to Fig. 8). As in the second embodiment, the second connection part 6 is fastened on two eyelets laterally on the hip belt 3 (shown in Fig. 6 as a solid line). The first connection part 5 loops around the second connection part 6 arranged behind the body of the person 100, whereby after looping around the first connection part 5 is engaged at the front on hip belt 3. The part of the second connection part 6 shown in dotted lines indicates the position that the second connection part 6 assumes after the coupling to the first connection part 5. Both ends of the first connection part 5 are drawn through a D ring and are therefore not statically sown to the hip belt 5.

[0082] Fig. 9A shows the embodiment of fig. 9 in the form of an illustration, whereby the second connection part 6 is shown coupled to a first connection part 5 so that leg openings 10, 20 for a rescue loop 30 are formed. The binding of the first connection part 5, forming a loop, to the hip belt 3 takes place via a snap hook and eye 8.

[0083] Fig. 10 shows a fourth embodiment in a schematic view. As in the second embodiment, the second connection part 6 is fastened laterally on the hip belt 3 on two eyelets (solid line in Fig. 10). In this embodiment, a first connection part 5 as an individual part can be dispensed with but rather a type of loop is arranged on the second connection part 6 which loop can be drawn forward in use between the legs of the person 100 in order to be fastened, e.g., with a snap hook and eye (not shown here) in the front on the hip belt 3 (dotted line in Fig. 10).

Alternatively, the first connection part 6 could also be hooked loosely into a snap hook and eye and/or rapid closure.

[0084] In Fig. 10A, the embodiment of Fig. 10 is shown as an illustration. Also here leg openings 10, 20 for a rescue loop 30 are formed. The second connection part 6 has to this end a loop approximately in the middle in which a snap hook and eye 8 is suspended. A binding to the hip belt 3 thus takes place.

[0085] Fig. 11 shows a fifth embodiment, also in a schematic view. Here, two connection parts 5, 6 are fastened laterally on eyelets on the hip belt 3 (e.g., with a snap hook and eye). The connection parts 5, 6 form closed loops that hang loosely on the person 100 when not in use (shown in Fig. 11 as solid lines) or are stowed in or on the hip belt 3. Basically, the connection parts 5, 6 can also be designed as belt or rope loops.

[0086] In order to form a rescue loop 30, both connection parts 5, 6 form loops since they are mounted by one end firmly on a D ring on the hip belt 3 and are fastened in a readily detachable manner on the other by a snap hook and eye on the hip belt 3. If the rescue loop 30 should be formed, then the two loops are drawn between the legs from the rear to the front and fastened with a snap hook and eye (not shown here ) on the hip belt 3 (shown in dotted lines in Fig. 11).

[0087] In the previously shown embodiments a snap hook and eye is repeatedly used for the detachable fastening. Alternatively, another readily detachable connection part such as, e.g., a click buckle, can also be used.

[0088] Figs. 11A and 11B show illustrations of the embodiment according to fig. 11. In fig. 1 IB the binding of the two connection parts 5, 6 via a snap hook and eye 8 on the hip belt 3 can be recognized and leg openings 10, 20 for a rescue loop 30 are produced.

[0089] Fig. 12 schematically shows another embodiment of a holding system 50, whereby only a second connection part 6 is used here. When not in use the second connection part 6' hangs down (shown with a solid line in Fig. 12) on a side of the person 100. It can be disengaged in use from an eyelet on the hip belt 3 for forming a rescue loop 30 and engaged on an opposite eyelet on the hip belt 3. The connection part 6' ' (shown in dotted lines in Fig. 12) is, e.g., a belt on which the person 100 can sit. The hip belt 3 imparts stability to the rescue loop 30 formed in this manner. Fig. 12A shows an illustration of the embodiment according to Fig. 12. [0090] Fig. 13 shows another embodiment of a holding system 50. In it the connection elements 5', 6' are arranged in the initial position in front on the hip belt 3. Alternatively, these connection parts 5, 6 can also be formed as a Y piece (shown in Fig. 13 as a dark solid line). In the position of use the connection part 5", 6" are run forward between the legs to the front.

[0091] Figs. 14 and 15 show examples for rescue loops 30 according to standard EN 1498, class B. They are rescue loops 30 that are firmly built, i.e., without detachable parts such as, e.g., a connection parts 5, 6 and without being able to be integrated for a back plate.

[0092] Fig. 16 describes the combination of a carrier plate 41 for a respiratory protective device 40 with an embodiment for a holding system. The hip belt 3 of the holding system 50 forms not only a retention system for a person 100 but is also at the same time the hip belt 3 for the carrier plate 41 of the respiratory protective device 40. Thus, the already described tasks of the holding system can perform the tasks of the holding of a respiratory protective device 40. The person 100 may thus carry less equipment with himself in use since the holding system fulfils several tasks simultaneously.

[0093] Fig. 17 shows the embodiment of a pouch 26 on the back side of the hip belt 3. In the embodiment shown the pouch is illustrated transparently in order to show a connection part present in the pouch 26. The pouch 26 is closed here with pushbuttons but may also be closed with other means (e.g., a zipper, a VELCRO hook and loop fastener, etc.). Also, it is not obligatory that such a pouch 26 must always be arranged on the back side of the hip belt 3. The pouch 26 can also be arranged laterally or on the front side of the hip belt 3. The connection part/rescue seat could also be stowed in a separate pouch fastened on the hip belt. [0094] Fig. 18 shows a material loop 25 that can be connected to the hip belt 3. The material loop 25 comprises two flaps that are laid around the hip belt 3 and are detachably connected by pushbuttons 27 to the holding system 50. For example, a hatchet, pouch, axe, a hammer or like equipment may be suspended in the opening formed in this manner.

Alternatively, instead of two flaps, one flap or more than two flaps may be used.

[0095] Fig. 19 shows another embodiment of the holding system. This embodiment has a pouch 26 on the back side of the hip belt 3. For example, two connection parts 5, 6 can be arranged in it. In Fig. 19 the connection parts 5, 6 are suspended by snap hooks and eyes in a D ring. In this position the holding system 50 is in a ready position.

[0096] Fig. 20A and 20B show another embodiment, wherein Fig. 20A shows the arrangement of the connection parts 5, 6 before the forming of the leg openings 10, 20 and Fig. 20B after the forming of the leg openings 10, 20.

[0097] Fig. 21 shows an embodiment similar to the one illustrated in Fig. 4. A roping- down device is arranged on the snap hook and eye 8. Fig. 22 shows a snap hook and eye with an eyelet 24 for roping down eyelet on snap hooks and eyes.

[0098] Note that the metallic parts of the holding system 50 may be manufactured for example from steel in conformity with the relevant respiratory protective device standards in order to make possible an integration with a respiratory protective device. Material(s) may be chosen with this in mind; for example, use of aluminum is currently not allowed for this. The connection parts 5, 6 are advantageously manufactured from flame-resistant material.

[0099] This disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The example embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain principles and practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

[0100] Thus, although illustrative example embodiments have been described herein with reference to the accompanying figures, it is to be understood that this description is not limiting and that various other changes and modifications may be affected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure.