Firefighter Respirator Mask Device

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of firefighter facial masks. More specifically, the present invention relates to a firefighter respirator mask device that is preferably comprised of a body, a facial covering over an opening of an SCBA mask, a fastening mechanism and a filter. The body of the device preferably resembles an ovular shape, or any shape that sufficiently covers the hole left over the mouth of an SCBA mask when not attached to an oxygenated hose, normally present under hazardous conditions. The device is comprised of color-changing technology that allows the facial mask to turn colors in response to pathogenic exposure, indicating to the user that it is no longer sterile. In this manner, the device can be applied to any firefighter or industrial worker requiring the use of an SCBA without risk of possible pathogenic exposure when not attached to an oxygenated hose.

Claims

1. A firefighter respirator mask device that can be used to cover a mouthpiece opening of a SCBA mask, the firefighter respirator mask device comprising: a color-changing body: an elastic band; a front surface; a rear surface; at least two looped straps; and an adhesive layer having a peelable backing.

2. The firefighter respirator mask device of claim 1, wherein the color-changing body changes from a first color to a second color when the color-changing body is exposed to a threshold amount of a pathogen, a virus or a bacteria.

3. The firefighter respirator mask device of claim 1, wherein the at least two looped straps can be removably attached around a filter cover of the SCBA mask

4. The firefighter respirator mask device of claim 1, wherein the peelable backing can be removed from the adhesive layer, and the adhesive layer can be pressed around the mouthpiece opening to secure the firefighter respirator mask device around the mouthpiece opening.

5. The firefighter respirator mask device of claim 1, wherein the firefighter respirator mask device is a reusable mask.

6. A firefighter respirator mask device that can be used to cover a mouthpiece opening of a SCBA mask, the firefighter respirator mask device comprising: a color-changing body: an elastic band within the color-changing body that aids the color-changing body in being retained around the mouthpiece opening of the SCBA mask; a front surface; a rear surface having an adhesive layer comprised of a peelable backing; and at least two looped straps that can be removably attached around a filter cover of the SCBA mask, wherein the at least two straps are each further comprised of at least one fastener.

7. The firefighter respirator mask device of claim 6, wherein the at least two straps are comprised of a flexible, flame retardant and acid damage resistant material.

8. The firefighter respirator mask device of claim 6, wherein the peelable backing can be removed from the adhesive layer, and the adhesive layer can be pressed around the mouthpiece opening to secure the firefighter respirator mask device around the mouthpiece opening.

9. The firefighter respirator mask device of claim 6, wherein each of the at least one fastener of the at least two straps aids in retaining the at least two straps around the filter cover of the SCBA mask.

10. The firefighter respirator mask device of claim 9, wherein the at least one fastener is an adhesive fastener, a magnetic fastener or a hook and loop fastener.

11. The firefighter respirator mask device of claim 6, wherein the color-changing body changes from a first color to a second color when the color-changing body is exposed to a threshold amount of a pathogen, a virus or a bacteria.

12. A firefighter respirator mask device that can be used to cover a mouthpiece opening of a SCBA mask, the firefighter respirator mask device comprising: a color-changing body: an elastic band within the color-changing body that aids the color-changing body in being retained around the mouthpiece opening of the SCBA mask; a front surface; a rear surface having at least one pocket and an adhesive layer having a peelable backing; at least one filter received by the at least one pocket; and at least two looped straps that can be removably attached around a filter cover of the SCBA mask, wherein the at least two looped straps are each comprised of at least one fastener.

13. The firefighter respirator mask device of claim 11, wherein the at least two looped straps are comprised of a flexible, flame retardant and acid damage resistant material.

14. The firefighter respirator mask device of claim 11, wherein the peelable backing can be removed from the adhesive layer, and the adhesive layer can be pressed around the mouthpiece opening to secure the firefighter respirator mask device around the mouthpiece opening.

15. The firefighter respirator mask device of claim 11, wherein each of the at least one fastener of the at least two looped straps aids in retaining the at least two looped straps around the filter cover of the SCBA mask.

16. The firefighter respirator mask device of claim 14, wherein the at least one fastener is an adhesive fastener, a magnetic fastener or a hook and loop fastener.

17. The firefighter respirator mask device of claim 11, wherein the color-changing body changes from a first color to a second color when the body is exposed to a threshold amount of a pathogen, a virus or a bacteria.

18. The firefighter respirator mask device of claim 17, wherein the first color is green and the second color is red.

19. The firefighter respirator mask device of claim 11, wherein the at least one filter is a carbon filter or a HEPA filter.

20. The firefighter respirator mask device of claim 15, wherein the at least one filter changes from a first color to a second color when the body is exposed to a threshold amount of a pathogen, a virus or a bacteria

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of a firefighter respirator mask device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of one potential embodiment of a firefighter respirator mask device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a firefighter respirator mask device of the present invention while attached to a SCBA mask (shown as prior art) while the SCBA mask is worn by a wearer in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0019] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a firefighter respirator mask device that protects firefighters and other industrial workers from the possibility of airborne disease transmission while they are not breathing through an oxygen hose attached to their SCBA mask, and that would otherwise cover the hole in the SCBA mask. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a firefighter respirator mask that may be attached in a plurality of ways to allow for the convenient exchange and disposal of used masks that may be polluted with environmental toxicants. Further, there exists a long felt need in the art for a firefighter respirator mask that is comprised of a flexible and breathable material, such that it may be comfortably worn during possibly strenuous physical exercise while maintaining a sealed protection from airborne pathogens transmission. Additionally, there exists a long felt need in the art for a firefighter respirator mask device that signals to its user when is it is necessary to exchange the present filter or mask for a new, sterile one due to pathogenic exposure.

[0020] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a firefighter respirator mask device that allows coverage over the hole left in an SCBA mask when the mask is worn but not connected to an oxygen hose that is normally inserted into the mask during hazardous conditions. The device is primarily comprised of a body, a facial mask covering over the hole of an SCBA mask, a fastening mechanism, and in certain embodiments, a filter. The body may have the appearance of an oval-like shape, or any such shape that may perfectly cover and sufficiently seal the user of the SCBA mask from exposed outside air. The body may be made of a plurality of materials that may be commonly used for pathogen protecting facial masks, but is preferably made of a flexible, breathable and toxicant-trapping material. In addition, any surface of the body may be comprised of a plurality of indicia such as patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be firefighter or chemical work-related.

[0021] Further, the body has multiple attachment and removal options for secure fastening to an SCBA mask or other mask of the like. These options include but are not limited to: the edges of the mask containing an adhesive seal that may be peeled off at the moment of use, an elastic band entrapping the perimeter mouthpiece of the SCBA mask, in addition to straps that are preferably elastic and are looped, such that they can be removably-attached around the filter covers of the SCBA mask. In differing embodiments, the straps may include at least one fastener such as but not limited to adhesive or magnetic to aid the straps in being retained around the filter covers. In any such embodiment, disposable or non-disposable, the device may feature one, all three or more fastening features to ensure proper sealing from possibly hazardous and unsanitary air.

[0022] The material of the device is damage-resistant to the environment in which they may be typically worn (e.g. an environment on fire). As such, the material of the firefighter respirator mask device is acid damage-resistant and flame-retardant, being coated and/or intertwined with materials included but not limited to polytetrafluoroethylene, two component epoxy systems, trichloro-ethylene, triclosan, perchloroethylene, tetrabromobisphenol A, among others. In addition, the material of the device has color-changing properties that detect the presence of pathogens, viruses, and/or bacteria, thus indicating to the user when it is appropriate to exchange filters of the device or the device as a whole. The material of the body may feature phage-displaying trinitrotoluene (TNT) binding peptide motifs, or any other such color-changing technology to indicate to the user that the presence of pathogens, bacteria, and/or viruses that have been detected at some threshold amount.

[0023] Accordingly, the firefighter respirator mask device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it allows an SCBA mask user such as a firefighter or industrial chemical worker to wear the SCBA mask without attachment to an oxygen hose, and still be protected from the transmission of airborne pathogens, viruses and bacteria. The device also allows a user to be notified via color-changing signaling when the device and/or filter should be replaced due to contamination. Therefore, the device eliminates the need for a firefighter or industrial chemical worker to remove the SCBA mask entirely to still be protected from the damages of airborne pathogen.

[0024] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of a firefighter respirator mask device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 is comprised of a body 110 that is further comprised of an at least one elastic band 112, a front surface 120, a rear surface 130 with an adhesive layer 136 and a peelable backing 138, and at least one strap 140. In differing embodiments, the body 110 may be manufactured from a plurality of materials such as vinyl, canvas, cashmere, chenille, chiffon, damask, jersey, lace, linen, wool, modal, satin, silk, spandex, suede, tweed, twill, velvet, acrylic, modacrylic, nylon, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, vinylidene, benzoate, aramid, rayon, acetate, triacetate, etc., but is preferably made of a triune blend of cotton, polypropylene, and a polyester blend, in a disposable embodiment of the body 110. Additionally, any said materials may be infused with flame-retardant and acid-resistant chemical protection, which may include but is not limited to polytetrafluoroethylene, two component epoxy systems, trichloro-ethylene, triclosan, perchloroethylene, tetrabromobisphenol A, among others. In addition, the body 110 will change color in response to pathogen, virus, or bacteria exposure via utilization of phage-displaying trinitrotoluene (TNT) binding peptide motifs, or any other such color-changing technology to indicate to the user that the presence of pathogens, viruses, or bacteria has been detected at some threshold amount, and as such the device 100 and/or a filter 134 within the body 110 should be replaced. Furthermore, the front surface 120 of the body 110 may be comprised of any number of indicia 122 in the form of patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be fire, chemical or industrial work-related.

[0025] In the preferred embodiment of the device 100 shown in FIGS. 1,2, and 3, the body 110 is shaped such that it sufficiently covers a mouthpiece opening 12 in an SCBA mask 10 when said opening 12 is not being occupied by an oxygen hose. The body 110 is further comprised of an internal elastic band 112 that helps the body 110 in remaining fastened around the mouthpiece opening 12 of the SCBA mask 10, similar to how the elastic of a fitted bed sheet maintains fixture of the sheet around a bed. At least two straps 140 of the body 110 may be fixedly or removably-attached to the body 110, and are preferably elastic or of any flexible, flame-retardant, and acid-damage resistant material. The straps 140 are looped such that they can be removably-attached around the filter covers 14 of the SCBA mask 10. Any one or all three of the embodiments, either non-disposable with a filter, disposable with a filter or disposable without a filter may include or not include this strapped 140 attachment mechanism.

[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of one potential embodiment of a firefighter respirator mask device 100 of the present invention attached to an SCBA mask 10 in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In addition to the elastic band 112 attachment feature, the device 100 may also feature an adhesive layer 136 that is initially covered with a peelable backing 138 to be removed at the precise moment of use. The adhesive layer 136 is then pressed around the mouthpiece opening 12 of the SCBA mask 10 to secure further the device 100 to the SCBA mask 10. The adhesive layer 136 is located around the perimeter of the rear surface 130. Furthermore, certain embodiments may utilize at least one exchangeable filter 134 that can be placed inside the body 110 and secured by a pocket 132 which may contain one or more openings for simple removal and exchange of the filter 134, indicating to the user that it is time to be exchanged by changing color from green to red (or from a first color to a second color) in response to pathogenic exposure.

[0027] In differing embodiments, the filter 134 may be any filter type known in the art such as but not limited to: carbon filters, HEPA filters, etc. To ensure simple removal and exchange, the filter 134 may feature a small tag protrusion on its edge that is not exposed to the outside air, making for simple extraction of the filter 134 without touching the exposed, pathogenic-filled area of it. In disposable embodiments not featuring a filter 134 or pocket 132, the entire front surface 120 of the device 100 changes colors in response exposure to pathogens, viruses, and bacteria, indicating that it is appropriate to get a new mask. The filter 134 as well as the material of the body 110 itself in the disposable, non-removable filter embodiments will be flame-retardant as well as acid-resistant. In addition, one embodiment of the filter 134 may have the same color-changing properties as the body 110.

[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a firefighter respirator mask device 100 of the present invention while attached to a SCBA mask 10 (shown as prior art) while the SCBA mask is worn by a wearer in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 is depicted in this figure as being fixedly-attached to the SCBA mask 10 via straps 140 which are looped around the filter covers 14 of the SCBA mask 10. The body 110 further sufficiently covers the mouthpiece opening 12, which would otherwise be covered by an oxygen hose (not shown) when the mask 10 is in use. The body 110 is also depicted as being fixed to the SCBA mask 10 with a fastener 142 mechanism. In one embodiment, the straps 140 may include at least one fastener 142 such as, but not limited to, adhesive, magnetic or hook and loop, to aid the straps in being retained around the filter covers 14. The straps 140 are also flame-retardant and acid-resistant, to avoid unwanted removal of the device 100 from the SCBA mask 10 due to possible hazardous exposure.

[0029] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “firefighter respirator mask device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the firefighter respirator mask device 100 of the present invention.

[0030] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the firefighter respirator mask device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the firefighter respirator mask device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the firefighter respirator mask device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the firefighter respirator mask device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the firefighter respirator mask device 100 may be of any size, shape and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0031] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0032] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.