Infinitely adjustable training mask with an air filter and a drinking device

Abstract

An infinitely adjustable training mask for simulating the increased breathing resistance level at higher altitudes including an air-impermeable mask body covering the nose and mouth of the wearer, an infinitely adjustable inhalation resistance assembly extended through the mask body, a replaceable particulate air filter to provide respiratory protection when the wearer inhales, and a drinking device for hydration and consumption of foods. The inhalation resistance assembly contains a stationary aperture component and a rotating dial aperture component for adjusting the sizes of the overlapping inhalation adjustment apertures to achieve the desired breathing resistance level. Upon exhalation of the wearer, the exhaled air is discharged through a flexible one-way check valve controlled exhalation channel. A replaceable particulate air filter which can be easily placed inside or removed from the internal cavity of the infinitely adjustable inhalation resistance assembly helps to reduce inhalation exposures to airborne particles during outdoor training sessions. The drinking device enables the wearer to conveniently hydrate or consume foods without taking the mask off, thus allowing maximum amount of wear time to improve training efficiency. A strap is connected to the mask body to be positioned about the head of a wearer to securely maintain the mask during training.

Claims

1. A training mask providing infinitely adjustable inhalation resistance with an elastic head harness strap assembly, comprising: an air impermeable mask body defining a mask interior space and perimeter seal with convex and/or concave accentuations such that said perimeter seal and said interior space conform to, reciprocate and compensate for, corresponding specific anatomic features of a wearer's face and enclosing the wearer's nose and mouth; at least one infinitely adjustable inhalation resistance assembly extending through said mask body, comprising a first stationary internal component and a second external rotating dial parallelly and co-radially stacked on top of said first stationary internal component, such that turning said second external rotating dial infinitely and seamlessly adjusts the sizes of the corresponding overlapping inhalation adjustment apertures formed by said first stationary internal component and second external rotating dial to control inhalation resistance of ambient air through said overlapping inhalation adjustment apertures into said mask interior space in response to inhalation by a wearer; and an air exhalation channel subassembly comprising air permitting exhalation apertures located at the center of a top planar portion on said first stationary internal component, an air exhalation channel located at the center of a top planar portion of said second external rotating dial, and a flexible one-way check valve for regulating a discharge of exhaled air of a wearer.

2. A training mask in accordance with claim 1, further comprising said first stationary internal component having a flat and smooth top planar portion presenting multiple bores as inhalation adjustment apertures around its perimeter, and air permitting exhalation apertures located at the center of a top planar portion.

3. A training mask in accordance with claim 1, further comprising said second external rotating dial having a flat and smooth top planar portion presenting multiple bores as inhalation adjustment apertures around its perimeter, and correspond with the locations and shapes of said inhalation adjustment apertures on said first stationary internal component, and an air exhalation channel located at the center of a top planar portion.

4. A training mask in accordance with claim 1, wherein: said flexible one-way check valve has a flexible diaphragm with a thin and substantially planar disc portion exhibiting an outline covering an outer facing perimeter of said air exhalation channel of said external rotating dial, said diaphragm has a first closed position upon inhalation by a wearer and a second open position upon exhalation by a wearer to allow for passage of exhaled air from said mask interior space through the air exhalation channel to an outside of the mask, the planar disc portion of the flexible diaphragm can have various thicknesses ranging from 0.2 mm to 5 mm for adjusting the exhalation resistance level for a wearer; and a mounting rod extending from the center of said planar disc portion and attached to the center of the top planar portion of the first stationary internal component and through the air exhalation channel of the second external rotating dial.

5. A training mask in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a drinking inlet port, and a drinking inlet port cap, wherein: said drinking inlet port has a drinking inlet chamber; and said drinking inlet port cap has an airtight closed position during exercise, and an open position exposing a drinking inlet chamber to allow a wearer to consume liquid or food contained in a reservoir through a straw.

6. A training mask in accordance with claim 1, further comprising separate infinitely adjustable inhalation resistance assembly and air exhalation channel assembly.

7. A training mask providing infinitely adjustable inhalation resistance with a particulate air filter and an elastic head harness strap assembly, comprising: an air impermeable mask body defining a mask interior space and perimeter seal with convex and/or concave accentuations such that said perimeter seal and said interior space conform to, reciprocate and compensate for, corresponding specific anatomic features of a wearer's face and enclosing the wearer's nose and mouth; at least one infinitely adjustable inhalation resistance assembly extending through said mask body, comprising a first stationary internal component and a second external rotating dial parallelly and co-radially stacked on top of said first stationary internal component, such that turning said second external rotating dial infinitely and seamlessly adjusts the sizes of the corresponding overlapping inhalation adjustment apertures formed by said first stationary internal component and second external rotating dial to control inhalation resistance of ambient air through said overlapping inhalation adjustment apertures into said mask interior space in response to inhalation by a wearer; an air exhalation channel subassembly comprising air permitting exhalation apertures located at the center of a top planar portion on said first stationary internal component, an air exhalation channel located at the center of a top planar portion of said second external rotating dial, and a flexible one-way check valve for regulating a discharge of exhaled air of a wearer; and an integrally-disposed replaceable particulate air filter for filtering inhaled air that passes through said mask body and incorporated into said first stationary internal component.

8. A training mask in accordance with claim 7, further comprising said first stationary internal component having a flat and smooth top planar portion presenting multiple bores as inhalation adjustment apertures around its perimeter, and air permitting exhalation apertures located at the center of a top planar portion.

9. A training mask in accordance with claim 7, further comprising said second external rotating dial having a flat and smooth top planar portion presenting multiple bores as inhalation adjustment apertures around its perimeter, and correspond with the locations and shapes of said inhalation adjustment apertures on said first stationary internal component, and an air exhalation channel located at the center of a top planar portion.

10. A training mask in accordance with claim 7, wherein: said flexible one-way check valve has a flexible diaphragm with a thin and substantially planar disc portion exhibiting an outline covering an outer facing perimeter of said air exhalation channel of said external rotating dial, said diaphragm has a first closed position upon inhalation by a wearer and a second open position upon exhalation by a wearer to allow for passage of exhaled air from said mask interior space through the air exhalation channel to an outside of the mask, the planar disc portion of the flexible diaphragm can have various thicknesses ranging from 0.2 mm to 5 mm for adjusting the exhalation resistance level for a wearer; and a mounting rod extending from the center of said planar disc portion and attached to the center of the top planar portion of the first stationary internal component and through the air exhalation channel of the second external rotating dial.

11. A training mask in accordance with claim 7, further comprising separate infinitely adjustable inhalation resistance assembly and air exhalation channel assembly.

12. A training mask in accordance with claim 7, wherein: a replaceable particulate air filter comprises a cylindrical mounting frame adapted to closely fit inside and extend through the internal chamber of said first stationary internal component; and an air filter element adapted to be positioned in said cylindrical mounting frame and covering the entire area defined by the inner diameter and perimeter of the internal chamber of said first stationary internal component to ensure that only filtered clean air passes through said mask body during inhalation by a wearer.

13. A training mask in accordance with claim 7, wherein the filter media of said air filter element on said replaceable particulate air filter is essentially selected from the group of foam, polyester mesh, nonwoven polyester, carbon, fiberglass, paper, cotton, synthetic polyester fiber, hog hair, corrugated aluminum, bonded aluminum, stainless steel membrane, polypropylene.

14. A training mask providing infinitely adjustable inhalation resistance with a drinking device and an elastic head harness strap assembly, comprising: an air impermeable mask body defining a mask interior space and perimeter seal with convex and/or concave accentuations such that said perimeter seal and said interior space conform to, reciprocate and compensate for, corresponding specific anatomic features of a wearer's face and enclosing the wearer's nose and mouth; at least one infinitely adjustable inhalation resistance assembly extending through said mask body, comprising a first stationary internal component and a second external rotating dial parallelly and co-radially stacked on top of said first stationary internal component, such that turning said second external rotating dial infinitely and seamlessly adjusts the sizes of the corresponding overlapping inhalation adjustment apertures formed by said first stationary internal component and second external rotating dial to control inhalation resistance of ambient air through said overlapping inhalation adjustment apertures into said mask interior space in response to inhalation by a wearer; an air exhalation channel subassembly comprising air permitting exhalation apertures located at the center of a top planar portion on said first stationary internal component, an air exhalation channel located at the center of a top planar portion of said second external rotating dial, and a flexible one-way check valve for regulating a discharge of exhaled air of a wearer; an external drinking tube outside said mask body; a rotatable connection piece extending through said mask body; and a bendable internal mouthpiece inside said mask body for the consumption of liquid or food by a wearer.

15. A training mask in accordance with claim 14, further comprising said first stationary internal component having a flat and smooth top planar portion presenting multiple bores as inhalation adjustment apertures around its perimeter, and air permitting exhalation apertures located at the center of a top planar portion.

16. A training mask in accordance with claim 14, further comprising said second external rotating dial having a flat and smooth top planar portion presenting multiple bores as inhalation adjustment apertures around its perimeter, and correspond with the locations and shapes of said inhalation adjustment apertures on said first stationary internal component, and an air exhalation channel located at the center of a top planar portion.

17. A training mask in accordance with claim 14, wherein: said flexible one-way check valve has a flexible diaphragm with a thin and substantially planar disc portion exhibiting an outline covering an outer facing perimeter of said air exhalation channel of said external rotating dial, said diaphragm has a first closed position upon inhalation by a wearer and a second open position upon exhalation by a wearer to allow for passage of exhaled air from said mask interior space through the air exhalation channel to an outside of the mask, the planar disc portion of the flexible diaphragm can have various thicknesses ranging from 0.2 mm to 5 mm for adjusting the exhalation resistance level for a wearer; and a mounting rod extending from the center of said planar disc portion and attached to the center of the top planar portion of the first stationary internal component and through the air exhalation channel of the second external rotating dial.

18. A training mask in accordance with claim 14, further comprising separate infinitely adjustable inhalation resistance assembly and air exhalation channel assembly.

19. A training mask in accordance with claim 14, wherein: said external drinking tube is attached to a tube fitting on said rotatable connection piece outside said mask body; said rotatable connection piece is adjacent to said infinitely adjustable inhalation resistance assembly and extending through said mask body, and can be pivoted on an axis of rotation to allow for rotation relative to said mask body; said bendable internal mouthpiece is attached to a mouthpiece fitting on said rotatable connection piece inside said mask body; and said tube fitting and said mouthpiece fitting on said rotatable connection piece form a pathway which defines a sealed fluid passage connection between said external drinking tube and said bendable internal mouthpiece to allow for consumption of liquid or food without requiring a wearer to remove said training mask.

20. A training mask in accordance with claim 14, further comprising a second connection piece adjacent to said infinitely adjustable inhalation resistance assembly on the opposite side of said rotatable connection piece and extends through said mask body, said second connection piece has an airtight drinking tube adapter into which an external distal end of said external drinking tube is plugged in a parked position during exercise.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In the drawings:

[0022] FIG. 1 is an operational front view showing the training mask according to the invention being worn by a wearer;

[0023] FIG. 2 is a detached perspective view of the training mask according to FIG. 1;

[0024] FIG. 3 is a rotated rear perspective view of the training mask according to FIG. 2 and illustrating the first stationary internal component without the replaceable particulate air filter;

[0025] FIG. 4 is a rotated rear perspective view of the training mask according to FIG. 2 and illustrating the first stationary internal component with the replaceable particulate air filter;

[0026] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the training mask, the infinitely adjustable inhalation resistance sub-assemblies, the replaceable particulate air filter, and the drinking device sub-assemblies; the inhalation resistance assembly allows for infinitely customizable inhalation resistance levels in order to seamlessly simulate the breathing difficulties associated with gradual changes in altitude elevations, while the drinking allows for the consumption of liquid or food conveniently without requiring the wearer to remove the training mask;

[0027] FIG. 6 is a front view of the training mask according to FIG. 2 and the infinitely adjustable inhalation resistance assembly adjusted to 0% inhalation resistance by rotating the second external rotating dial;

[0028] FIG. 7 is a succeeding view to FIG. 6 and the infinitely adjustable inhalation resistance assembly adjusted to 50% inhalation resistance by rotating the second external rotating dial;

[0029] FIG. 8 is a succeeding view to FIG. 7 and the infinitely adjustable inhalation resistance assembly adjusted to 87.5% inhalation resistance by rotating the second external rotating dial;

[0030] FIG. 9 is a front view of the training mask according to FIG. 2 and the infinitely adjustable inhalation resistance assembly with alternatively shaped (circular) overlapping inhalation adjustment apertures;

[0031] FIG. 10 is a front view of the training mask according to FIG. 2 and the infinitely adjustable inhalation resistance assembly with another alternatively shaped (crescent) overlapping inhalation adjustment apertures;

[0032] FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the infinitely adjustable inhalation resistance assembly and the flexible one-way check valve in an closed position blocking air from entering the air exhalation channel during inhalation;

[0033] FIG. 12 is a succeeding view to FIG. 9 and depicts the flexible one-way check valve in an open position allowing air to exit from the air exhalation channel during exhalation;

[0034] FIG. 13 is a rotated rear perspective view of the training mask according to FIG. 2 and the bendable internal mouthpiece adjusted to a higher position to fit a wearer's mouth and facial structure;

[0035] FIG. 14 is a succeeding view to FIG. 11 and the bendable internal mouthpiece adjusted to a lower position to fit a wearer's mouth and facial structure;

[0036] FIG. 15 is a side view of the training mask according to FIG. 1;

[0037] FIG. 16 is a front view of the training mask according to FIG. 1 where the wearer is drinking water from a cup through a drinking device;

[0038] FIG. 17 is a sectional view of a drinking device;

[0039] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a training mask with an infinitely adjustable inhalation resistance assembly and a separate air exhalation assembly;

[0040] FIG. 19 is a rear view of a training mask according to FIG. 18;

[0041] FIG. 20 is an exploded view of a training mask according to FIG. 18;

[0042] FIG. 21 is a sectional view of an air exhalation channel assembly on a training mask according to FIG. 18;

[0043] FIG. 22 is a sectional view of an infinitely adjustable inhalation resistance assembly on a training mask according to FIG. 18;

[0044] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a training mask with an infinitely adjustable inhalation resistance assembly and a drinking inlet port with a drinking inlet port cap in an open position; and

[0045] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a training mask with an infinitely adjustable inhalation resistance assembly and a drinking inlet port with a drinking inlet port cap in a closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0046] Referring to the drawings in particular, FIG. 1-2 and FIG. 15 show in a front view, a perspective view, and a side view of a training mask 1 with an infinitely adjustable inhalation resistance assembly 3 extending through a mask body 2, with a drinking device 18 on a rotatable connection piece 19. The mask body 2 has an elastic head harness strap assembly 4 to allow hands-free use of the training mask 1. The drinking device 18 has, on the outside of the mask body 2, an external drinking tube 20 which can be brought into connection with a reservoir for liquid or food, the external drinking tube is connected to a rotatable connection piece 19 extending through the mask body 2, and on the interior space of the mask body 2, an internal mouthpiece 21 which can be adjusted to fit a wearer's mouth and facial structure, as shown in FIG. 16. An airtight drinking tube adapter 24, into which the external drinking tube 20 can be plugged in a parked and airtight position when not in use, is provided on the opposite side of the rotatable connection piece 19.

[0047] FIG. 3 illustrates an inner view of the training mask 1 according to FIG. 1. Identical components are designated by the same reference numbers as in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The drinking device 18 has, on the inside of the mask, a bendable internal mouthpiece 21, through which the wearer can consume liquid or food.

[0048] FIG. 4 shows an inner view of the training mask 1 according to FIG. 1. A replaceable particulate air filter 12 is placed inside the internal cavity of the infinitely adjustable inhalation resistance assembly 3;

[0049] FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the training mask 1 according to FIG. 1. The infinitely adjustable inhalation resistance assembly 3 comprises a first stationary internal component 5 with air permitting exhalation apertures 10 and overlapping inhalation adjustment apertures 14, a second external rotating dial 6 with air exhalation channel 11 and overlapping inhalation adjustment apertures 14, a flexible one-way check valve 13, a replaceable particulate air filter 12 comprising a cylindrical mounting frame 25 and air filter element 26, the replaceable particulate air filter can be easily placed inside or removed from the internal cavity of the first stationary internal component 5, and a large protective cap 7. The drinking device 3 comprises of an external drinking tube 20 connected via a tube fitting 22 to a rotatable connection piece 19 extending through the mask body 2, the external drinking tube 20 can be placed in a parked position by plugging the distal end onto an airtight drinking tube adapter 24, an bendable internal mouthpiece 21 is connected via a mouthpiece fitting 23 to the rotatable connection piece 19 which allows the wearer to easily consume food or liquid through an unplugged external drinking tube 20.

[0050] FIG. 6-8 show in a front view of the training mask 1 according to FIG. 2 with the protective cap 7 removed to better illustrate the seamless rotary adjustments of the infinitely adjustable inhalation resistance assembly 3. An infinite amount of inhalation resistance adjustments can be achieved by turning the second external rotating dial 6, this brings the corresponding overlapping inhalation adjustment apertures 14 on the first stationary internal component 5 and the second external rotating dial 6 into and out of alignment circularly to gradually increase or decrease the size of the inhalation apertures. The inhalation resistance levels of 0%, 50%, and 87.5% are shown in FIG. 6-8.

[0051] FIG. 9-10 show in a front view of the training mask 1 according to FIG. 2, and the shapes of the overlapping inhalation adjustment apertures 14 on the first stationary internal component 5 and the second external rotating dial 6 are illustrated differently to show the other possible shapes of the apertures.

[0052] FIG. 11 shows a sectional view of the infinitely adjustable inhalation resistance assembly 3 with a replaceable particulate air filter 12 and a flexible one-way check valve 13 in a closed position during inhalation of a wearer and blocking air from entering the air exhalation channel 11, the replaceable particulate air filter 12 ensures that only filtered clean air passes through the mask body 2 and inhaled by the wearer, thus helping to reduce inhalation exposures to airborne particles during outdoor training sessions.

[0053] FIG. 12 shows a sectional view of the infinitely adjustable inhalation resistance assembly 3 with a replaceable particulate air filter 12 comprising a cylindrical mounting frame 25 and air filter element 26, and a flexible one-way check valve 13 in an open position during exhalation of a wearer and permitting exhaled air to escape from the interior space of the mask body 2 through the air exhalation channel 11 to ambient space.

[0054] FIG. 13-14 show in a rear perspective view of the training mask 1 according to FIG. 2. By actuating the rotatable connection piece 19 or directly adjusting the bendable internal mouthpiece 21, the position of the mouthpiece 21 within the mask body 2 can be changed to accommodate different wearers' individual mouth and facial structure.

[0055] FIG. 16 illustrates a front view of the training mask 1 according to FIG. 1. The external drinking tube 20 is detached from the airtight drinking tube adapter 24, and the rotatable connection piece 19 is actuated to pivot the external drinking tube 20 to a lower position and submerged in a liquid contained in a drink cup, the internal mouthpiece 21 is adjusted to match the position of the wearer's mouth to allow the consumption of liquid from the drinking cup through the drinking device 18.

[0056] FIG. 17 shows a sectional view of a drinking device 18 according to FIG. 2. The drinking device 18 comprises a rotatable connection piece 19 which extends through the mask body 2 and is accommodated in a rotatably movable manner, an external drinking tube 20 attached to a tube fitting 22 on the rotatable connection piece 19, and an internal mouthpiece 21 attached to a mouthpiece fitting 23 on the rotatable connection piece 19 in a rotatably movable and bendable manner for consuming liquid or food, an unobstructed and sealed pathway for the consumption of liquid or food is formed by the external drinking tube 20, the tube fitting 22, the rotatable connection piece 19, the mouthpiece fitting 23, and an internal mouthpiece 21.

[0057] FIG. 18-20 show in a perspective view, rear view, and an exploded view of a training mask 1. The infinitely adjustable inhalation resistance assembly 3 and the air exhalation channel assembly 9 are separate to demonstrate other possible configurations of the invention.

[0058] FIG. 21 shows a sectional view of an air exhalation channel assembly 9 on a training mask 1 according to FIG. 18. A flexible one-way check valve 13 can be in a closed position during inhalation of a wearer and blocking air from entering the air exhalation channel 11, or in an open position to permit exhaled air to escape from the interior space of the mask body 2 through the air exhalation channel 11 to ambient space during exhalation of a wearer.

[0059] FIG. 22 shows a sectional view of an infinitely adjustable inhalation resistance assembly 3 on a training mask 1 according to FIG. 18. An infinite amount of seamless inhalation resistance adjustments can be achieved by turning the second external rotating dial 6, this brings the corresponding overlapping inhalation adjustment apertures 14 on the first stationary internal component 5 and the second external rotating dial 6 into and out of alignment circularly to gradually increase or decrease the size of the inhalation.

[0060] FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of a training mask 1 with an infinitely adjustable inhalation resistance assembly 3 and a drinking inlet port 15 with a drinking inlet port cap 17 in an open position exposing a drinking inlet chamber 16, allowing a wearer to consume liquid or food contained in a cup or reservoir through a straw.

[0061] FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of a training mask 1 with an infinitely adjustable inhalation resistance assembly 3 and a drinking inlet port 15 with a drinking inlet port cap 17 in an airtight closed position.

[0062] While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles of the invention, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.

APPENDIX LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0063] 1. Training mask [0064] 2. Mask body [0065] 3. Infinitely adjustable inhalation resistance assembly [0066] 4. Elastic head harness strap assembly [0067] 5. First stationary internal component [0068] 6. Second external rotating dial [0069] 7. Large protective cap [0070] 8. Small protective cap [0071] 9. Air exhalation channel assembly [0072] 10. Air permitting exhalation apertures [0073] 11. Air exhalation channel [0074] 12. Replaceable particulate air filter [0075] 13. Flexible one-way check valve [0076] 14. Overlapping inhalation adjustment apertures [0077] 15. Drinking inlet port [0078] 16. Drinking inlet chamber [0079] 17. Drinking inlet port cap [0080] 18. Drinking device [0081] 19. Rotatable connection piece [0082] 20. External drinking tube [0083] 21. Bendable internal mouthpiece [0084] 22. Tube fitting [0085] 23. Mouthpiece fitting [0086] 24. Airtight drinking tube adapter [0087] 25. Cylindrical mounting frame [0088] 26. Air filter element [0089] 27. Second connection piece