Abstract:
A component in a mask in a closed-circuit breathing apparatus includes a lever that actuates a wiper in the mask as well as mount for a communication amplifier. The combined amplifier mount and actuating lever can reduce the profile of the means of actuating the wiper and provide an alternative to using chemical means for preventing the deposition of condensation on the inside of a viewing lens of the mask.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The subject matter described herein relates generally to the field of breathing apparatus masks with a voice amplifier attached to each mask, and more particularly to closed-circuit breathing apparatus masks that are worn for extended periods of time. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Some tasks require self-contained breathing systems in which air is recycled. Such systems include masks through which a wearer observes his or her surroundings, as well as communicates with those in the vicinity, such as co-workers. Closed-circuit breathing apparatus masks can be worn for long periods of time, during which moisture can build up in the recycled air due to perspiration and the moisture present exhaled air and result in condensation on the inside of such masks. 
         [0003]    Conventional methods of mitigating condensation that collects on the inside of a mask used in a closed-circuit breathing apparatus include the application of an anti-fogging compound. Using this type of compound can be unwieldy in a system that has to be cleaned and sterilized after each use. A means that allows for removing the condensation on the inside of such masks is needed that is convenient, unobtrusive, and if possible, light weight and robust. 
         [0004]    Desirable is a means for mounting a sound amplifier on a mask used in a closed-circuit breathing apparatus that is robust, well-placed, and does not add extra weight to the mask. Ideal would be a combination of a means for removing condensation on the inside of a mask with such a means for mounting a sound amplifier in a closed-circuit breathing apparatus that makes the mask easier to use and wear by providing the needed functionality while adding a minimum amount of weight. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    [[To be completed once the claims are finalized]] 
         [0006]    The details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  is a schematic showing an implementation of a mask for a closed-circuit breathing apparatus; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  illustrates another implementation of a mask for a closed-circuit breathing apparatus that includes a component for mounting a sound amplifier to the mask as well as a lever for actuating a lens wiper within the mask; 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  shows an alternate view of a component for mounting a sound amplifier to the mask as well as a lever for actuating a lens wiper within the mask; 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a view of a mask for a closed-circuit breathing apparatus that shows the mask without the sound amplifier attached; 
           [0011]      FIG. 5A  is an exploded view of a component for mounting a sound amplifier to the mask as well as a lever for actuating a lens wiper within the mask; 
           [0012]      FIG. 5B  is a side view of the component for mounting a sound amplifier to the mask; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5C  is view of an assembled component for mounting a sound amplifier to the mask; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a view showing a portion of an amplifier mount attached to a portion of a mask for a closed-circuit breathing apparatus showing the portion that is nearest the wearer of the mask; and 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a view showing a portion of an amplifier mount attached to a portion of a mask for a closed-circuit breathing apparatus from a view opposed to the view in  FIG. 6 . 
       
    
    
       [0016]    Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0017]    Disclosed herein is a connective component of a mask that is part of a closed-circuit breathing apparatus. The connective component allows for the attachment of a sound amplifier to the front of the mask, as well as enabling the wearer of the mask to actuate a wiper within mask, behind a lens, to ensure that moisture build-up within the mask does not occlude the wearer&#39;s view, especially during periods of extended wear. This connective component thus allows for effective communication via the sound amplifier and clear vision for the wearer. 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  is a schematic showing an implementation of a mask for a closed-circuit breathing apparatus  100 . The mask shown in  FIG. 1  has a knob  105  that is attached to the lower front portion, or cowling,  120  of the mask. Above the cowling  120  is a lens  110 , and behind the lens  110  is a wiper  150 . The mask  100  has tabs  180  for attaching the mask  100  to the wearer&#39;s head. Also above the knob  105  is a release button  175  which enables a user, such as the wearer, to remove a hose connector. The mask  100  can also have a strap  185  which allows mask  100  to be carried around the user&#39;s neck before donning. 
         [0019]    The mask shown in  FIG. 1  is representative of masks in use in current closed-circuit breathing apparatus systems. A user, such as the person who will wear the mask  100 , can attach a hose connector to mask, and in turn, connect a hose that leads to the rest of the closed-circuit breathing apparatus. The user can then place the mask  100  with the lens  110  in front of his or her eyes. The tabs  180  are attachment points for straps which hold the mask  100  in place on the wearer&#39;s head, and the wearer can tighten or loosen the straps as needed. If the mask  100  of the closed-circuit breathing apparatus is worn for an extended period of time, such as more than an hour, condensation can form on the inside of the lens  110 . 
         [0020]    The condensation can be removed with the wiper  150 . The wearer, or another user, can actuate the wiper  150 , moving it from one side of the lens  110  to the other, by turning the knob  105 . The knob  105  can be turned as often as needed to maintain a clear view through the lens  110  or as often as the wearer is able while performing his or her other tasks. 
         [0021]    When the wearer needs to communicate with others, he or she can speak or make sounds that are transmitted through a sound diaphragm. The sounds that travel through the sound diaphragm can be picked up by a sound amplifier (not shown) and transmitted to the area surrounding the mask wearer. In this manner, the person wearing the mask  100  can share information, such as his or her condition, the location of important items, and the like. When the wearer has completed his or her tasks, he or she can disconnect a hose connector from the mask  100  by depressing a release button  175 . 
         [0022]      FIG. 2  illustrates another implementation of a mask  100  for a closed-circuit breathing apparatus that includes a component  130  for mounting a sound amplifier  160  to the mask  100  as well as a lever  140  for actuating a lens wiper  150  within the mask  100 . The mask  100  has a lens  110 ; a wiper  150  behind the lens  110 ; attachment tabs  180 ; a lower portion, or cowling,  120 ; an amplifier mount, or attachment component,  130 ; and amplifier  160 ; a hose connection piece  170 ; and a hose release button  175 . 
         [0023]    The amplifier mount  130  includes the lever  140  for actuating the wiper  150 . The amplifier  160  attaches to the amplifier mount  130  via spring loaded clips  165  located on either side of the amplifier  160 . The clips  165  are biased by springs into a position that holds the amplifier  160  onto the amplifier mount  130 . When the amplifier  160  needs to be removed from the mask  100 , depressing the spring loaded clips  165  releases the amplifier  160  from the mount  130 . The amplifier mount  130  can be made of any suitable material that is light-weight and sufficiently robust for the environment into which the wearer is working. Such suitable material could include a polymer, such as a thermoset polymer, or a fiber reinforced polymer. The amplifier mount  130  can be injected molded, machined, extruded, pressed, stamped, or the like. 
         [0024]    Beneath the amplifier mount  130  is the hose connection piece  170 . The hose connection piece  170  is removably attached to the mask  100 . This connection piece  170  allows for various lengths and/or types of hose to connect the mask  100  to other portions of the closed-circuit breathing apparatus. When time comes to disconnect the mask  100  from other parts of the closed-circuit breathing apparatus, depressing the breathing hose release button  175  allows the hose connection piece  170  to be removed. 
         [0025]    As in the mask shown in  FIG. 1 , a wearer can attach a hose connection piece  170  to the mask  100 , and in turn the mask onto his or her head. When condensation builds up behind the lens  110 , the wearer can actuate the lever  140  that is part of the amplifier mount  130 . The location of the lever  140  and the amplifier  160  make the configuration for the mask  100  shown in  FIG. 2  simple to operate for a wearer without having an occluded view of his or her surroundings. The combination of the lever  140  with the amplifier mount  130  can not only provide a low-profile for the mask  100 , but can also serve to lessen the weight of the mask by requiring less components. 
         [0026]      FIG. 3  shows an alternate view of a component  130  for mounting a sound amplifier  160  to the mask  100  of  FIG. 2 . The amplifier mount  130  includes the lever  140  for actuating the lens wiper ( 150  in  FIG. 2 ) within the mask  100 . In  FIG. 3 , the cowling  120  is seen with the hose release button  175  located adjacent to the amplifier mount  130 . The amplifier mount  130  includes the actuating lever  140  and an amplifier mounting plate  138 . The amplifier mounting plate  138  has a lower portion  138 A and forward portion  138 B that contacts the amplifier  160 . 
         [0027]    Because  FIG. 3  allows for a view of the amplifier  160  from above, the spring loaded clips  165  that hold the amplifier  160  to the amplifier mount  130 , flush against the forward portion  138 B. As mentioned above, the springs within the spring loaded clips  165  bias the clips in a position that keeps the amplifier  160  affixed to the mask  100 . When the amplifier  160  needs to be removed, the spring loaded clips  165  can be depressed inwards. 
         [0028]    When condensation builds up on the inside of the mask  100 , the wiper ( 150  in  FIG. 2 ), can be actuated by moving the lever  140 . The lower portion  138 A prevents the lever  140  from moving freely and is flush with the cowling  120 . The path of travel of the lever  140  corresponds to a path of travel of the wiper. 
         [0029]      FIG. 4  is a view of the mask  100  of  FIGS. 2 and 3  that shows the mask  100  without the sound amplifier ( 160  in  FIG. 3 ) attached. The view in  FIG. 4  shows the mask  100  with its lens  110  with the wiper  150  behind it and the cowling  120  situated beneath the lens  110 . Attachment straps  180  can be seen attached to the mask  100  at the top, above the lens  110 , on either side, and at cowling  120 . The amplifier mount  130  is located on the cowling  120 , below the lens  110 . The actuating lever  140  is shown at one extreme of its range of travel, and correspondingly, the wiper  150  is to one side of the interior of the lens  110 . Beneath the amplifier mount  130  is an opening  172  to which the hose connection ( 170  in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ) attaches. 
         [0030]    The amplifier mount  130  is shown with the amplifier mounting plate  138  exposed. In this configuration, attaching screws  134  are seen in multiple locations on the amplifier mount  130 , connecting the amplifier mount to the cowling  120 . The exposed face of the amplifier mount  130  also shows a center piece  132 , as well as a sound transmitting opening  136 . The center piece  132  has a central opening that goes through the length of the amplifier mount  130 . The central opening can be configured to be rotationally asymmetric, and the center piece  132  can be configured to connect the lever  140  to the wiper  150 . 
         [0031]    The sound transmitting opening  136  connects the interior of the mask to the amplifier ( 160  in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). The sound transmitting opening  136  can be any suitable shape to allow sound to travel towards the amplifier. The position of the sound transmitting opening  136  does not appreciably change with use of the mask  100  and is selected to overlap at least a portion of the sound transmitting diaphragm. 
         [0032]      FIG. 5A  is an exploded view of the amplifier mount  130 . The relative position of the amplifier mounting plate  138 , the lever  140 , the attaching screws  134 , holes  135  for receiving the attaching screws  134 , the sound transmitting opening  136 , and an opening  131  in the amplifier mounting plate  138  and an opening  133  in the lever  140  through which the centerpiece  132  fits, can be seen. 
         [0033]      FIG. 5B  is a side view of the amplifier mount  130  shown in  FIG. 5A . The amplifier mounting plate  138  is shown with the lever  140  connected, above the lower portion  138 A. The lower portion  138 A is shown with attaching screws  134  inserted, and some of the attaching screws  134  also could pass through the forward portion  138 B of the mounting plate  138 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 5C  is an assembled view of the amplifier mount  130  shown in  FIG. 5A . This view of the mounting plate  138  is from the side of the plate that is towards the wearer of the mask. The mounting plate  138  can be seen with the lower portion  138 A, the forward portion  138 B, and the lever  140 . At the base of the lever  140  is an opening  133  that also passes through the mounting plate  138 . The sound transmitting opening  136  is seen in the lower portion  138 A, and around the sound transmitting opening  136  are attaching screws  134 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 6  is a view showing a portion of the amplifier mount  130  attached to a portion of the mask  100 . The portion that is nearest the wearer of the mask  100  is shown in  FIG. 6 . The cowling  120  is shown from the perspective of the wearer. In the center of the cowling  120 , are gratings  127  permit sound transmission. The attaching screws  134 , are visible, as is the opening to which the hose connection piece attaches  172 . Behind the cowling  120  is the amplifier mount  130 , with the actuating lever  140  and amplifier mounting plate  138  visible. The attaching screws  134  pass through the amplifier mount  130 , and the cowling  120 . Similarly, the opening  133  through which the center piece  132  passes creates a passageway from the amplifier mount  130  that passes through the cowling  120 , as well. 
         [0036]    When a wearer makes a sound, such as while speaking, the diaphragm within the mask vibrates. The vibration is in turn picked up by the amplifier ( 160  in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ) which makes the sound audible by other persons or devices in the vicinity of the wearer. The diaphragm can be of any suitable material, such as a thin polymer film or a thin plate of metal, ceramic, or a suitable composite. The amplifier may include a microphone, a speaker, a transmitter, a transceiver, and the like, to allow any sounds made by the wearer to be heard or transmitted. In some embodiments, the amplifier may be capable of transmitting sound made by the wearer to a receiving device that is capable of recording the sound, broadcasting the sound, or both. 
         [0037]      FIG. 7  is a view showing a portion of the amplifier mount  130  attached to a portion of a mask  100  from a view opposed to the view in  FIG. 6 . Closest towards the viewer is the amplifier mount  130  with its amplifier mounting plate  138 , an opening  131 , the lever  140  behind the amplifier mount plate, the transmitting opening  136 , attaching screws  134 , and the opening to which the hose connection piece attaches  172 . Behind the amplifier mount  130  is the mask cowling  120 . Through the transmitting opening  136 , the gratings  127  from the sounding plate  125  can be seen. 
         [0038]    The implementations set forth in the foregoing description do not represent all implementations consistent with the subject matter described herein. Instead, they are merely some examples consistent with aspects related to the described subject matter. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. 
         [0039]    Although a few variations have been described in detail above, other modifications or additions are possible. In particular, further features and/or variations can be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, the implementations described above can be directed to various combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed features and/or combinations and sub-combinations of several further features disclosed above. In addition, the logic flows and steps for use described herein do not require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. Similarly, elements located on the front, back, side, top, or bottom of an embodiment or implementation are to be understood as relatively positioned. Other embodiments can be within the scope of the claims.