Connector

Abstract: Straps (6,8) having a rigid buckle (10,12) are removably attached to a unitary flexible mounting lug (14) comprising a substrate (18), a web (16) extending vertically from the substrate (18), an elongate flange (20) extending from one side of the web (16) and a lip (22) extending from the opposite side of the web (16), whereby the lug (14) can be deformed to receive the buckle (10,12) and secure it between the substrate (18) and the flange (20) and lip (22).

Description: Field of the invention This invention relates to connectors and more particularly to connectors for securing straps to a flexible breathing mask according to the preamble of claim 1. Background of the invention Breathing masks conventionally comprise a facepiece made of rubber, synthetic rubber or flexible resin and a head harness. The head harness straps are sometimes permanently secured to the mask but it is preferred to have them removable. A variety of connectors have been used to removably connect harness straps to masks but they are complex and may require special tools for assembly and disassembly. A connector with the above-mentioned features is known from DE-B-1.049.706. In one embodiment the connector comprises a band-like lug consisting of a first web portion and a second flange portion, whereby a lip protrudes from the lug for engaging with a crosspiece of an adapted buckle and retaining the lug in this buckle. Summary of the invention It is an object of the invention to provide a simple and inexpensive connection between a facepiece and a harness strap that can be easily assembled and disassembled by hand. This object is achieved by a connector with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are defined by the subclaims. Description of the Drawings FIG. 1 is a side view of a breathing mask having connectors of this invention. FIG. 2 is a section through line 2-2 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a section through line 3-3 of FIG. 1. Description of the Preferred Embodiment With reference to FIGS. 1 - 3, a breathing mask comprises a rubber-like facepiece 2 and a harness 4 comprising elastic straps 6 and adjustable straps 8. The straps are attached to slotted buckles 10 or 12 which are in turn removably secured to flexible mounting lugs 14 integrally molded with the mask. As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the mounting lug web 16 extends vertically from the facepiece substrate 18. An elongate flange 20 extends from one side of the web 16 substantially horizontal to the substrate 18. The flange 20 is tapered, and thus more flexible, toward its free end. A lip 22 extends from the other side of the web 16 and is preferably spaced the same distance as flange 20 from substrate 18. The free end of the web 16 is curved on a radius, taken from point 24, equal to the thickness of the web 16. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a stiff buckle 10 for attachment to adjustable strap 8 has parallel side members 28 and 29 and cross members 30 and 32 forming a slot 34 that fits over mounting lug 14. To secure the buckle 10 to the facepiece, the flange 20 is inserted through the slot 34 in the buckle 10 and the buckle 10 is manually worked over lip 22 and web 16. The buckle 10 is thus secured between the substrate 18 and flange 20 and lip 22; it is very resistant against separation from forces applied through the strap 8. The buckle 10 is easily removed by twisting it around the axis of the strap 8 to release it over lip 22. The adjustable straps 8 are threaded through crosspieces 35 and 36. The thickness of the buckle 10 at crosspiece 35 is greater than the space between substrate 18 and flange 20, so the buckle 10 tilts the mounting lug 14 more tightly engaging lip 22 against the buckle. The elastic straps 6, best seen in FIG. 3, are permanently secured to buckle 12. Buckle 12 has a slot formed by the buckle body 38 and crosspiece 40 that fits over the mounting lug 14 as previously described. Although this invention has been described particularly in relation to breathing masks, it will be recognized that the invention can be used for other purposes, within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims: A connector comprising a unitary, flexible mounting lug (14) and a rigid slotted buckle (10; 12), said mounting lug (14) comprising a web (16), an elongate flange (20) extending from one side of said web (16) and an opposing lip (22) extending from the opposite side of said web (16), said buckle (10; 12) comprising a plate having a slot (34) that passes said flange (20), lip (22) and web (16) on elastic deformation of the mounting lug (14), characterized in that said mounting lug (14) comprises a substrate (18), that said web (16) extends vertically from said substrate (18), that said flange (20) extends substantially horizontal to and spaced from said substrate (18), so that the buckle (10; 12) is secured between the substrate (18) and the flange (20) and lip (22). A connector of claim 1 in which the flange (20) is thicker at the web (16) than at its free edge. A connector of claim 1 or 2 in which the flange (20) and lip (22) are spaced the same distance from the substrate (18). A connector of claim 3 in which thickness of the buckle (10; 12) at a point along the flange (20) and spaced from the web (16) is greater than the distance between the substrate (18) and the flange (20).

Inventors: KUNZE HARRY ARTHUR, KUNZE, HARRY ARTHUR
Applicants: MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES CO, MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY
Application year: 1991
Main classification: A62B18
IPC codes: A62B18, A44B11