Patent ID: 6328031
Filing Date: 2001-12-11
Classification: A62B

Abstract:
An apparatus for protecting an individual from elements associated with a firefighting site, comprising:a face mask comprising:an annular rim having a front side, a rear side, an inner side, and an outer side;a seal member secured to the rim and adapted for sealing engagement with the individual's face, the seal member configured so as to define an annular recess between a portion of the seal member and the rear side of the rim; anda face plate extending across the rim and cooperating with the rim and the seal member to form a breathing chamber when the seal member is in sealing engagement with the individual's face;a firefighting hood constructed of a fire resistant material and configured to be extendible over the head of the individual, the hood having a face opening for exposing the individual's face to the breathing chamber of the face mask, the face opening defined by an annular edge, the annular edge of the hood disposed within the annular recess of the face mask; andmeans for detachably connecting the hood to the face mask so as to secure the annular edge of the hood in the annular recess of the face mask and thereby prevent direct exposure of the individual's head to the high heat environment associated with a firefighting site.