Patent Publication Number: US-2011061657-A1

Title: Face Mask With Seal Within Seal And Optional Bridging Seal

Description:
This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/577,174 filed Oct. 10, 2009 and claims the benefit thereof under 35 U.S.C. 120, which was a nonprovisional application of U.S. provisional application No. 61/241,861 filed Sep. 11, 2009 and claimed the benefit thereof under 35 U.S.C. 119(e). These applications, i.e., U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/577,174 filed Oct. 10, 2009 and U.S. provisional application No. 61/241,861 filed Sep. 11, 2009, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties into this application. This application also claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of 61/241,861 filed Sep. 11, 2009. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a face mask, particularly to a face mask having a seal about its periphery, and specifically to a face mask with an outer seal and an inner seal and an optional bridging seal connecting the outer and inner seals. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Golf courses undulate. That is, even relatively easy and relatively flat golf courses have ups and downs, peaks and valleys, sand dunes, raised tee off areas, and raised greens. Further, even if a fairway happens to be like a pancake, the fairway may dogleg to the left or dogleg to the right to provide an undulation from another perspective. 
     Each and every golf course is a unique piece of property. The unique features of a golf course are many. A few of these unique features are natural features found prior to development such as lakes, ponds and streams. Other unique features are manmade: the layout, the total yardage, the width of the fairways, and the size of the greens. 
     Faces, like golf courses, are unique and undulating. The application to a face of a face mask having a single seal is like a game of golf with no Mulligans, but infinitely more serious. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A feature of the present invention is the provision in a face mask having a covering for the nostrils and mouth, with the covering having a periphery, with the covering having an inside confronting the face, and with the covering having an exterior opposing the inside and facing away from the face, of a first endless skin adhesive seal on the inside of the covering, and of a second endless skin adhesive seal on the inside of the covering, with the second endless skin adhesive seal spaced from the first endless skin adhesive seal, and with the second endless skin adhesive seal confronting the first endless adhesive seal. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such a face mask, of at least one of said first and second endless skin adhesive seals comprising a bead, with the bead having an at least partially generally curved form such that the bead digs into the face. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such a face mask, of at least one of said first and second endless skin adhesive seals comprising a bead, with the bead having a cross-section, with the cross-section having a circumference, with a portion of the circumference engaging the inside of the covering, with another portion of the circumference extending obliquely relative to the portion of the circumference engaging the inside of the covering such that the bead digs into the face. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such a face mask, of a connection between the first and second endless skin adhesive seals, with the connection being formed of the same material of the first and second endless skin adhesive seals. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such a face mask, of a connection between the first and second endless skin adhesive seals, with the connection being integral and one-piece with at least one of the first and second endless skin adhesive seals. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such a face mask, of a third endless skin adhesive seal on the inside of the covering, with the third endless skin adhesive seal spaced from the second endless skin adhesive seal, with the third endless skin adhesive seal confronting the second endless skin adhesive seal, and with the second endless skin adhesive seal being between the first and third endless skin adhesive seals. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such a face mask, of a fourth endless skin adhesive seal on the inside of the covering, with the fourth endless skin adhesive seal spaced from the third endless skin adhesive seal, with the fourth endless skin adhesive seal confronting the third endless skin adhesive seal, and with the third endless skin adhesive seal being between the second and fourth endless skin adhesive seals. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such a face mask, of the first endless adhesive seal confronting the periphery of the covering. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such a face mask, of the face mask being disposed in generally a plane prior to the face mask being applied to the face. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such a face mask, of the multiple seal being disposed in a plane prior to application to the face mask. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a ready to apply seal apparatus having a front sheet of release paper and a rear sheet of release paper, of a first endless skin adhesive seal sandwiched between the front and rear sheets of release paper, and a second endless skin adhesive seal sandwiched between the front and rear sheets of release paper, with the second endless skin adhesive seal spaced from the first endless skin adhesive seal, with the second endless skin adhesive seal confronting the first endless adhesive seal, and with the second endless skin adhesive seal being disposed inwardly of the first endless adhesive seal. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in such a ready to apply seal apparatus, of the combination of the apparatus with a face mask, with the face mask comprising a covering for the nostrils and mouth, with the covering having a periphery, with the covering having an inside confronting the face, and with the covering having an exterior opposing the inside and facing away from the face, with the first and second endless skin adhesive seals to be applied to the inside of the covering where the first endless skin adhesive seal confronts the periphery of the covering. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a face mask or respirator, of a multiple seal arrangement disposed between the face mask and the skin of the face, where at least two of the seals are endless seals and where these at least two endless seals are independent of each other, like the independent suspension of an automobile, where the chances are minimized that a force applied to one of the endless seals is transferred or translated to the other seal, such that each of the endless seals works independently of the other endless seal. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the provision in a face mask or respirator, of a seal having a pair of endless protrusions extending from an adhesive endless base or strip, where the base or connection between the endless protrusions is engaged to the face mask and where the endless protrusions engage the skin of the face. 
     An advantage of the present invention is that the present face mask is greatly more effective than a face mask having a single seal. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that the present face mask may fit, with great effectiveness, the face of an adult or the face of a child. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that the present face mask is greatly more effective than a face mask having a single relatively wide seal. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that the present face mask is inexpensive to manufacture. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is an environmental view showing the face mask of the present invention on a face. 
         FIG. 1B  shows the mask of  FIG. 1A , where the mask includes a double seal with no bridges. 
         FIG. 1C  shows the mask of  FIG. 1B  with the double seal with no bridges and a liner over the double seal, with the liner having a pair of thumb tabs for removal. 
         FIG. 2A  shows a mask of the present invention, where the mask includes a triple seal with no bridges. 
         FIG. 2B  shows a mask of the present invention, where the mask includes a set of four seals with no bridges. 
         FIG. 2C  shows a mask of the present invention, where the mask includes a double seal with bridges. 
         FIG. 3A  shows a mask of the present invention, where the mask includes a double seal with relatively thick bridges. 
         FIG. 3B  shows a mask of the present invention, where the mask includes a triple seal with bridges. 
         FIG. 3C  shows a mask of the present invention, where the mask includes a set of four seals with bridges. 
         FIG. 4A  shows a ready to apply seal apparatus that includes a double seal standing alone between two release sheets with relatively thick bridges, where the ready to apply seal apparatus is intended for application to a face mask having no seal. 
         FIG. 4B  shows a surgical mask having a seal of the present invention, where the seal is a double seal with bridges. 
         FIG. 4C  shows a seal of the present invention, where the seal is a double seal with bridges, where the seal has been applied between a sleeve and a mitten. 
         FIG. 5A  is a diagrammatic view of the seal of  FIG. 1B  affixed to a face, showing how each of the beads of the double seal digs into the face. 
         FIG. 5B  is a front view of an outside of a face mask having a one-way valve, with a seal of the present invention being engaged to the inside of the face mask, where the seal is a double seal with bridges. 
         FIG. 5C  is a stand alone front view of the double seal with bridges that is engaged to the inside of the face mask of  FIG. 5B . 
         FIG. 6A  shows a diagrammatic view of a staple fixing an end of a band to the mask, and with the inner seal of the present invention covering the inside of the staple and sealing punctures caused by the staple. 
         FIG. 6B  shows a diagrammatic view of a metallic bridge strip malleable to the nose and being on the outside of a mask, of a cushion opposite of the malleable strip and being on the inside of a mask, and of the inner seal engaging the cushion and compressing ends of the cushion to the inside of the mask. 
         FIG. 7A  shows a front view of a rubber or plastic canister respirator mask for a one-half mask, where the mask employs a double seal with bridges. 
         FIG. 7B  shows a stand alone front view of the double seal with bridges that is engaged to the inside of the face mask of  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 8A  shows a full face rubber or plastic positive pressure respirator mask, where the mask employs a double seal with bridges. 
         FIG. 8B  shows a stand alone front view of the double seal with bridges that is engaged to the inside of the face mask of  FIG. 8A . 
         FIG. 9A  shows a double seal with bridges sandwiched between the outside of a glove and the inside of a cuff of a sleeve. 
         FIG. 9B  shows a double seal with bridges sandwiched between the outside of a piece of footwear and the inside of the bottom of a pants leg. 
         FIG. 9C  shows two double seals with bridges, where a glove is sandwiched between two sleeve ends, where one seal is disposed between the outside of the inner sleeve end and the inside of the glove, and where the other seal is disposed between the outside of the glove and the inside of the outer sleeve end. 
         FIG. 9D  shows two double seals with bridges, where a bootie or footwear covering is sandwiched between two pant ends, where one seal is disposed between the outside of the inner pant end and the inside of the bootie or foot covering, and where the other seal is disposed between the outside of the bootie or foot covering and the inside of the outer pant end. 
         FIG. 10A  shows a section view of another embodiment of the multiple seal arrangement where the bridge or connection between the multiple seals is a strip or base of adhesive, where the multiple seal is an endless double seal. 
         FIG. 10B  shows a section view of another embodiment of the multiple seal arrangement where the bridge or connection between the multiple seals is a strip or base of adhesive, where the multiple seal is an endless triple seal. 
         FIG. 10C  shows a section view of another embodiment of the multiple seal arrangement where the bridge or connection between the multiple seals is a strip or base of adhesive, where the multiple seal is an endless quadruple seal. 
         FIG. 11  is a front view of an improved version of the ready to apply seal apparatus of  FIG. 4A , where the ready to apply seal apparatus includes a front release sheet and a back release sheet and a double seal standing alone between the two release sheets, and where the face of the front release sheet includes indicia in the form of instructions, a warning, and a sketch. 
         FIG. 12  is a rear view of the ready to apply seal apparatus of  FIG. 11 , shows the rear side of the back release sheet, shows the double seal in phantom and further shows the pie shaped slits of the back release sheet. 
         FIG. 13A  is a front view of the bottom half of the front side of the rear release sheet of the ready to apply seal apparatus of  FIG. 11 , shows the front release sheet having been taken off the back release sheet, shows a partial view of a face mask having been placed upon the front side of the rear release sheet over the double seal, and shows pie shaped slits of the back release sheet. 
         FIG. 13B  is a side view of the ready to apply seal apparatus of  FIGS. 11 and 12  and shows a double seal sandwiched between the front release sheet of  FIG. 11  and the back release sheet of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 13C  is a side view of the bottom half of the rear release sheet of  FIG. 13A  having been flipped over, shows a partial view of a face mask also having been flipped over, and shows the pie shaped pieces having been pushed down into the face mask so as to push the double seal down into the face mask. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  shows a cup shaped or receptacle shaped face mask  10  on a face  12  of a person. Face mask  10  includes a covering or filter  14  for the nostrils and mouth. The covering  14  has a periphery  16 , an inside or inside face  18  (shown in  FIG. 1B ) confronting the face  12 , and an exterior or outside or exterior face  20  opposing the inside  18  and facing away from the face  12 . Exterior face  20  is convex. Inside face  18  is concave. In other words, the covering  14  includes a exterior portion  20  projecting outwardly of the mouth, with the portion  20  projecting outwardly of the mouth being within the periphery  16  and being convex relative to the exterior  20  of the covering  14 . 
     A harness or a pair of rubber or elastomeric bands  22  engages a peripheral portion of the mask  10 . One band  22  engages and draws to the face  12  an upper portion of the mask  10 . The other band  22  engages and draws to the face  12  a lower portion of the mask  10 . Each of the ends of the bands  22  is engaged to the mask  10  via a staple  24  that extends from the exterior  20  to the inside  18 . 
     Mask  10  further includes a bridge strip  26  of bendable material, preferably metal, that engages the outside  20  of the mask  10 . Bendable material is little, if at all, resilient. Once bent, material of the bridge strip  26  stays bent. The qualities of the material of bridge strip  26  for a springing back or rebounding to the shape it had prior to being bent are minimized. Bridge strip  26  is malleable. The qualities of the material of bridge strip  26  for retaining its shape after being bent are maximized. Bridge strip  26  is pliable. When bridge strip  26  is bent over the nose, bridge strip  26  stays in such uniquely bent shape. As shown in  FIG. 6B , opposing the bridge strip  26 , on the inside  18  of the mask  10  is a foam strip or resilient strip or cushion  28  of material to soften the application of the bridge strip  26  across the nose. Cushion  28  is engaged to the inside  18  of the mask  10 . 
     The periphery  16  of the covering  14  completely surrounds the nostrils and mouth. The periphery  14  is structured to extend from a first position on the bridge of the nose above the nostrils to the right side of the nose, from said right side of the nose to a position on the front of the face beyond the right side of the mouth, from said position beyond the right side of the mouth to one of a first position on the chin and a second position under the chin, from one of said first and second positions to a position on the front of the face beyond the left side of the mouth, from said position beyond the left side of the mouth to the left side of the nose, from said left side of the nose back to said first position on the bridge of the nose such that the nostrils and mouth are completely surrounded. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1B , mask  10  includes a first endless skin adhesive seal  30  on the inside  18  of the covering  14  and a second endless skin adhesive seal  32  on the inside  18  of the covering  14 . Second seal  32  is disposed inwardly of first seal  30 . Second seal  32  has a lesser diameter than first seal  30 . Second seal  32  tracks the outline or shape or contour of first seal  30 . Second seal  32  runs parallel to first seal  30 . The second endless skin adhesive seal  32  is spaced from the first endless skin adhesive seal  30 . The second endless skin adhesive seal  32  confronts the first endless adhesive seal  30 . The first endless adhesive seal  30  confronts the periphery  16  of the covering  14 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5A , at least one, and preferably both of, first and second endless skin adhesive seals  30 ,  32  is formed of a bead of adhesive, with the bead having an at least partially generally curved form so as to dig into the skin of the face. The cross section of the bead may form a circle, an ellipse, an oval shape or some other at least partially curved shape. In other words, at least one of, and preferably both of, first and second endless skin adhesive seals  30 ,  32  includes a bead, where the bead includes a cross-section, where the cross-section includes a circumference, with a portion  34  of the circumference engaging the inside  18  of the covering  14 , with another portion  36  of the circumference extending obliquely relative to the portion of the circumference engaging the inside of the covering. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2C ,  3 A,  4 A, and  4 B, an alternate embodiment of the mask  10 , designated mask  10 A, includes a connection or bridge  38  that extends between the first and second endless skin adhesive seals  30 ,  32 . The connection  38  is formed of the same adhesive material of the first and second endless skin adhesive seals  30 ,  32 . In other words, the connection or bridge  38  between the first and second endless skin adhesive seals  30 ,  32  is integral and one-piece with at least one of the first and second endless skin adhesive seals  30 ,  32  and is preferably integral and one-piece with each of the first and second seals  20 ,  32 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2A , an alternate embodiment of the mask  10 , designated mask  10 B, includes a third endless skin adhesive seal  40  on the inside  18  of the covering  14 , with the third endless skin adhesive seal  40  spaced from the second endless skin adhesive seal  32 , with the third endless skin adhesive seal  40  confronting the second endless skin adhesive seal  32 , and with the second endless skin adhesive seal  32  being between the first and third endless skin adhesive seals  30 ,  40 . The third seal  40  is inwardly of the second seal  32 . The third seal  40  has a lesser diameter than each of the first and second seals  30 ,  32 . Third seal  40  tracks the outline or shape or contour of first and second seals  30 ,  32 . Third seal  40  runs parallel to first and second seals  30 ,  32 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2B , an alternate embodiment of the mask  10 , designated mask  10 C, includes a fourth endless skin adhesive seal  42  on the inside  18  of the covering  14 , with the fourth endless skin adhesive seal  42  spaced from the third endless skin adhesive seal  40 , with the fourth endless skin adhesive seal  42  confronting the third endless skin adhesive seal  40 , and with the third endless skin adhesive seal  40  being between the second and fourth endless skin adhesive seals  32 ,  42 . The fourth seal  42  is inwardly of the third seal  40 . The fourth seal  42  has a lesser diameter than each of the first, second, and third seals  30 ,  32  and  40 . Fourth seal  42  tracks the outline or shape or contour of first, second and third seals  30 ,  32  and  40 . Fourth seal  42  runs parallel to first, second and third seals  30 ,  32  and  40 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4B , an alternate embodiment of the mask  10 , designated  10 D, is disposed in generally a plane prior to being applied to the face  12 . Mask  10 D is rectangular in shape and includes one pair of two opposing parallel edges and another pair of opposing parallel edges. Mask  10 D may be referred to as a surgical mask. Mask  10 D may include bands  22 A that are rubber or elastomeric in the nature of bands  22  of mask  10 . Bands  22 A, where such engage the rectangular periphery  16 A of mask  10 D, are parallel. Mask  10 D includes a covering  14 A having the qualities of covering  14 . Outer and inner seals  30 ,  32  are engaged to the inside  18  of mask  10 D, with three connections or bridges  38  engaged between the seals  30 ,  32 . 
     Covering or filter  14  and covering or filter  14 A are structured to permit air into and out of the coverings  14  and  14 A. Coverings  14  and  14 A are structured to minimize a flow of substances into and out of the coverings  14  and  14 A. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1C , a release paper  44  is disposed over and lightly engaged to the first and second endless skin adhesive seals  30 ,  32 . Such a release paper  44  can also be disposed over and lightly engaged to the set of seals  30 ,  32  and  40  and the set of seals  30 ,  32 ,  40  and  42 , where such sets of seals may or may not include connections or bridges  38 . Face mask  10  comprises a concave inside portion  18 . The first and second endless skin adhesive seals  30 ,  32  engage and track the concave inside portion  18 . The release paper  44  is formed in a frustoconical shape so as to include a convex portion to track and cover the first and second endless skin adhesive seals  30 ,  32 . Frustoconical release paper  44  includes an outer tab  46  extending from an outer diameter or outer edge of the circular release paper  44  and an inner tab  48  extending from an inner diameter or inner edge of the release paper  44 . The frustoconical release paper  44  may be formed in an endless configuration where one end of the release paper  44  is one-piece and integral with the other end of the release paper  44 , or the release paper  44  may have two distinct ends that may or may not overlap and tabs  46  and  48  may be located near such ends. Where overlapping ends are present, one end is designated by reference number  50  and the other end is designated by reference number  52 . 
       FIG. 4A  shows a ready to apply seal apparatus  54  that includes a front sheet  56  of release paper, a rear sheet  58  of release paper, the first endless skin adhesive seal  30  sandwiched between the front and rear sheets  56 ,  58  of release paper, and the second endless skin adhesive seal  32  sandwiched between the front and rear sheets  56 ,  58  of release paper, with the second endless skin adhesive seal  32  spaced from the first endless skin adhesive seal  30 , with the second endless skin adhesive seal  32  confronting the first endless adhesive seal  30 , and with the second endless skin adhesive seal  32  being disposed inwardly of the first endless adhesive seal  30 . The ready to apply seal apparatus  54  is intended for use in combination with a face mask such as face mask  10 ,  10 A,  10 B,  10 C,  10 D. The first and second endless skin adhesive seals  30 ,  32  are applied to and engage the inside  18  of the covering  14 . With mask  10 , the first seal  30  confronts and tracks the periphery  16 . With mask  10 D, the first seal  30  confronts at least a portion of the periphery  16 A of the mask  10 D. To apply a seal configuration sandwiched between sheets  56 ,  58 , one of the sheets  56 ,  58  is removed, then the exposed seal configuration is set into or onto the inside or inner face of a mask, then the user can run his or her fingers over the outside face of the release sheet  56 ,  58  that remains so as to press on the seal configuration through the release sheet  56 ,  58  that remains engaged to the seal configuration so as to press the seal configuration with a good amount of pressure into the covering  14 , and then the remaining release sheet  56 ,  58  is lifted off the seal configuration. 
       FIG. 2C  shows a double seal configuration where the connections or bridges  38  have a thickness that is the same as the thickness of seals  30 ,  32 .  FIG. 3A  shows a double seal configuration having connections or bridges  38  that are greater in thickness than seals  30 ,  32 .  FIG. 3B  shows a triple seal configuration where bridges  38  have a thickness that is the same as the thickness of seals  30 ,  32 , and  40 .  FIG. 3C  shows a quadruple seal configuration where bridges  38  have a thickness that is the same as the thickness of seals  30 ,  32 ,  40  and  42 . 
       FIG. 3A  shows a first X bridge  60  and a second X bridge  62 . Bridges  60 ,  62  are formed of the same type of adhesive as seals  30 ,  32 , like bridges  38 . Bridge  60  is formed by two strips of adhesive engaging each other and also engaging each of the seals  30 ,  32 . Bridge  62  shows the two strips of bridge  60  in a compressed form. 
       FIG. 3A  shows that relatively thick connections  38  having portions extending exteriorly of seal  30  and interiorly of seal  32 . Connections  38  of  FIGS. 2C ,  3 B,  3 C and  4 B have are contained between the outer and inner seals. 
     It should be noted that the set of seals chosen for apparatus  54  may have connections  38  that are contained between the outer and inner seals. In other words, each of the sealing configurations shown in  FIGS. 1B ,  2 A,  2 B,  2 C,  3 A,  3 B,  3 C,  4 A and  4 B may be engaged in the apparatus  54 . 
     As to a process for making the seal configurations of the present invention, the endless seals  30 ,  32 ,  40  and  42  and the connections  38  may be formed from a pressure sensitive hot melt adhesive and applied in a manufacturing facility. The adhesive may be applied in a fluid viscous form from an apparatus such as a tube or hot glue gun. Then the adhesive is permitted to cool and set to a rubber or rubber like state. Then the release paper or liner  44  is applied over the pressure sensitive hot melt adhesive. Then the face mask  10  is packaged for sale. 
     The skin adhesive seals may be skin friendly adhesive seals or skin unfriendly adhesive seals. As to skin friendly and skin unfriendly adhesive seals and other seals and adhesives, the Matich U.S. Pat. No. 7,017,577 B2 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     The adhesive or seal or bead used herein, such as the double, triple, or quadruple seal arrangement or configuration with or without bridges used herein, may include a styrene-olefin-styrene block copolymer. 
     One adhesive for the multiple seal arrangement of the present invention that may be used is the pressure sensitive hot melt adhesive HM-650 available from The Glue Factory, An Ellsworth Adhesives Company, of Appleton, Wis. Such adhesive may be used for the double seal with or without bridges, the triple seal with or without bridges and the quadruple seal with or without bridges. 
     As to the adhesive for the double, triple, or quadruple seal arrangements with or without bridges used herein, the following U.S. patents are incorporated by reference in their entireties: 1) the Fujisawa et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,262,330 issued Jul. 17, 2001, 2) the Kitazaki et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,297,421 issued Oct. 2, 2001, 3) the Takahashi et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,323,275 issued Nov. 27, 2001, 4) the Hechenberger et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,997,861 issued Mar. 5, 1991, 5) the Hickey et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,310,166 issued Oct. 30, 2001, 6) the Satterfield U.S. Pat. No. 6,179,804 issued Jan. 30, 2001, 7) the Poulsen et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,367,732 issued Jan. 11, 1983, and 8) the Matich U.S. Pat. No. 7,017,577 B2. 
       FIG. 4C  shows that a double, triple or quadruple seal configuration may be used between two articles of clothing, such as a shirt  64  and a mitten  66 . Other clothing article combinations includes a shirt/hood, a pants leg/shoe, a pants/leg sock, a jacket/hood, shirt/pants, and jacket/pants. Reference number  64  can designate any article of clothing having an opening through which a body part extends. Reference number  66  can designate any article of clothing having an opening through which a body part extends and which is intended to confront clothing article  64 . 
       FIG. 5A  shows that bead adhesive seals  30 ,  32  provide a greater surface area of adhesion to the skin than flat adhesive strips. The curved beads  30 ,  32  dig into the skin. 
       FIG. 6A  shows that inner seal  32  can confront and close off punctures caused by staples  24 .  FIG. 6B  shows that inner seal  32  can close off any openings caused by cushion  28  where the ends of the cushion  28  meet the inside  18  of the face mask  10 . 
     Connections or bridges  18  have the advantage of making the seal configurations easier to separate from the release paper  44 . 
     The seal configurations, i.e., one or more of the endless seals  30 ,  32 ,  40 ,  42  and connections  38 , may be applied in a hot or cold form to the mask  10  itself and in a hot or cold form to apparatus  54 . 
     The seal configurations provide a uniform fit. That is, a seal configuration with at least one inner seal maximizes the chances that such a seal configuration will fit each of an adult and child&#39;s face because, with the multiple seal arrangement, the innermost endless seal or bead has a first relatively small diameter, the subsequent endless seal or bead has a second diameter greater than the first diameter, the subsequent endless seal or bead has a third diameter greater than the second diameter, and the subsequent endless seal or bead has a fourth diameter greater than the third diameter. 
     The provision of at least one inner seal  32  provides a tortuous path for entry of toxic substances. That is, a toxic substance must confront and find its way through the outer seal  30  and then, if successful, wind its way about the space between the outer and inner seal until it finds an opening in an inner seal  32 . The provision of a connection or bridge  38  even further guards against the entry of a toxic substance by blocking such a tortuous path that the toxic substance must take. 
     The provision of an inner seal  32  provides protection for a maximum number of unique undulating faces. One portion of the outer seal  30  may not perfectly fit a portion of a face. One portion of the inner seal  32  may not perfectly fit a portion of a face. However, in combination, especially with bridges  38 , a tortuous path to a maximum degree is provided. 
     Seals  30 ,  32 ,  40  and  42  may not run parallel to each other. In fact, it may be beneficial to provide nonparallel seals  30 ,  32 ,  40  and  42 . 
     A face mask or respirator, such as face mask  10 , includes a periphery, such as periphery  16 , where the face mask filter or covering, such as filter or covering  20  terminates, and where the skin is exposed. The outermost seal of the multiple seal arrangement here, such as the double seal with or without bridges, such as the triple seal with or without bridges, such as the quadruple seal with or without bridges, is preferably placed as close to the absolute periphery as possible without going beyond the periphery. Peripheries of face mask often include flat areas and the beads of adhesive may be placed upon such flat areas. 
     The peripheral portion of a face mask or respirator may be described as the part of the filter or covering that runs from an absolute periphery to an inner portion spaced from the absolute periphery. This peripheral portion may have elevation differences, or structural differences, or uneven or undulating surfaces, or material or composition differences. These differences may be found as one runs his or her finger endlessly around the peripheral portion. These differences may be found as one runs his or finger radially or in a direction transverse to the endless direction. A multiple seal arrangement of the present invention, where at least two endless beads are independent of each other, or where at least two endless beads are independent of each other except for a few bridges or connections interconnecting the endless beads, maximizes the chances of at least one of the endless beads making a 360 degree connection with the skin of the face. The provision of bridges or connections close off areas where one of the endless seals has not made a 360 degree connection with the skin of the face. Also, it should be noted that the undulating, or the other differences pointed out above, of the peripheral portion of the face mask is compounded by the unique face of an individual, even if the face mask manufacturer has shaped its mask for the shape of a face. 
     Where connections or bridges  18  are utilized, there may number anywhere from one to about six bridges. There are competing considerations. On the one hand, it may be beneficial to block, one or more times, the tortuous path referred to above. On the other hand, it may be beneficial to keep as much of the seal configuration digging into the skin of the face  12  as possible and, where a great number of connections  38  are present, the amount of digging by distinct beads is reduced. 
     The location of the bridges  38  are preferably at about the three o&#39;clock, six o&#39;clock and nine o&#39;clock positions. The bridges  38  can be placed equidistant apart if desired. The bridges  38  are preferably placed about the lower half of the mask  10  since this portion of the mask  10  encounters a relatively great amount of movement or flexing because of the opening and closing of the mouth of the user. 
       FIG. 5B  shows a front view of the outside of a face mask  68 , and  FIG. 5C  shows a double seal  70  for the inside of face mask  68 . Double seal  70  is located on the inside of the face mask  68  between the endless circumference  72  of face mask  68  and an endless dashed line or location  74  spaced equidistance from the endless circumference  72 . Reference number  74  also designates the inner diameter of double seal  70 , which inner diameter follows dashed line  74 . Face mask  68  includes a one-way valve  76 . One-way valve  76  opens when a user exhales but closes when a user inhales, or prior to inhalation. In other words, when a positive pressure exists on the inside of the mask  68 , one-way valve  76  treats such as an exhalation and opens. When the positive pressure such as exhalation ceases to exist, such that there is a neutral pressure, one-way valve  76  closes. One-way valve  76  remains closed when a negative pressure exists, such as upon inhalation. One-way valve  76  is biased toward the closed position. One-way valve  76  is normally closed. The circumference  72 , and the double seal  70 , are generally shaped in the nature of a polygon, and are specifically shaped in the nature of a pentagon such that double seal  70  includes a first, curved, arched, bottom portion  80 , a pair of first and second, opposite, parallel, rectilinear side portions  82 ,  84 , and a pair of fourth and fifth, upper rectilinear portions  86 ,  88 . Double seal  70  includes an outer endless adhesive bead  90  and an inner endless adhesive bead  92 . Outer bead  90  is spaced from inner bead  92  and runs parallel to inner bead  92 . Outer bead  90  is joined to inner bead  92  by integral adhesive bridges or connections  38 . Face mask  68  further includes a pair of resilient bands  94  engaged via staples  96  to perimeter portions of the face mask  68 . Staples  96  may penetrate from the outer surface of the mask  68  to the inner surface of the mask  68 . Any penetration of toxins, however, is resolved by inner bead  92 , which is disposed inwardly of the staple  96 . Face mask  68  further includes a bendable metal strip  98  to bend about the bridge of the nose. Once strip  98  is bent, strip  98  stays in the bent position. 
       FIG. 7A  shows an active face mask or respirator or gas mask  100 . Mask  100  has a pair of one way valves  102  for air intake. Another valve  104  is one way for the exhalation of air. Mask  100  further includes a covering  106  having a rubber or elastomeric periphery  108  for being pressed against a face. The rubber or elastomeric periphery  108  may have the seal  110  of the present invention. The seal  110  is shown in phantom in  FIG. 7A  and is further shown in stand alone form in  FIG. 7B . A positive air pressure exists within active face mask  100  of about three to four pounds. The conventional purpose of the positive pressure is to guard against the flow of smoke or other fluid or substance into the mask, whether such an inward flow would be about the periphery  108  or through a leak somewhere in the mask. With the seal of the present invention, air (such as in a tank on the back of the user) is conserved. That is, less air is lost flowing out of the mask  100  via the periphery  108 . However, there is still a positive pressure within the mask  100  to force air through any leaks in the sealed periphery  108  or any leaks elsewhere. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7B , seal  110  is a double seal having an outer adhesive bead  112 , an inner adhesive bead  114  and bridges  116  of adhesive between the outer and inner beads  112 ,  114 . Inner bead  114  is spaced from and runs parallel to outer bead  112 . Double seal  110  is formed generally in the shape of a triangle, where the corners of the triangle are curved. Double seal  110  may be stored in a form shown in  FIG. 4A , i.e., be sandwiched between two sheets of release paper  56 ,  58 . 
       FIG. 8A  shows an active face mask or respirator or gas mask  118 . Active face mask  118  includes an air intake T-connection  120  having an air intake coupler end  122  and an air intake valve  124 . The T-connection  120  is engaged to an air exhaust piece  126  and is further engaged to a nose and mouth piece  128  that confronts the mouth and nose. The combination of the air exhaust piece  126  and nose and mouth piece  128  is a base unit that includes a valve arrangement that permits fresh air into the nose and mouth piece  128  via the T-connection  120  and permits exhaled air out of the nose and mouth piece  128  and out of the mask  118  via the air exhaust piece  126 . A face shield  132  is engaged to the base unit of the air exhaust piece  126  and nose and mouth piece  128  via a base hard plastic strip  134 . The relatively rigid base strip  134  runs about the periphery of the face shield  132 . The base strip  134  forms the shape of an inverted U between the nose and mouth piece  128  and the air exhaust piece  126 . The base strip  134  runs upwardly from the inverted U shape to be disposed along the each of the sides of the face to a position near the ears so as to form a W shape. Then the base strip  134  runs inwardly from the ears and across the forehead. A clear plastic shield  140  is engaged to the outer face of the base strip  134 . The face shield  132  further includes a rubber or elastomeric piece  136  (a resilient piece  136 ) that is engaged to the inner face of the base strip  134  except for the inverted U-shaped portion of the base strip  134 , where the resilient piece  136  is engaged to an underside of the unit having the exhaust  126  and the mouth and nose piece  128  and where the resilient piece  136  cradles the chin. The resilient piece  136  thereby extends completely about the eyes, mouth and nose as a whole. The resilient piece  136  is relatively wide at the sides of the face. The resilient piece  136  includes an eye, nose and mouth opening defined by an inner edge  138  that completely surrounds the eyes, nose and mouth. The air exhaust piece  126  is generally external to the clear plastic shield  140  and the nose and mouth piece  128  is internal to the clear plastic shield  140 . The nose and mouth piece  128  includes vents  146  from which air flows to the inner face of the clear plastic shield  140  to minimize formation of a condensate or fog on the inner face of the clear plastic shield  140 . The seal  148  of the present invention is engaged to the active face mask  118  between the face and the resilient piece  136  as shown in phantom lines in  FIG. 8A  and is shown in stand alone form in  FIG. 8B . The seal  148  is engaged at a position A (between the face and the portion of the resilient piece  136  that is engaged under a portion of the base strip  134  that runs across at least a part of the forehead), at two positions B (between the face and the inner edge  138  of each of the right side and left side portions of the resilient piece  136 ), and at a position C (between the face and the portion of the resilient piece  136  that cradles the chin). The seal  148  runs continuously from position A to position B to position C to position B to position A to run continuously about the eyes, nose and mouth as a whole. As with the active face mask of  FIG. 7A , face mask  118  of  FIG. 8A  permits air to be conserved by the user (such as a fireman or diver). Conventionally, air is slowly lost about portions of the strip  134  and resilient piece  136  because of the positive air pressure of about three or four pounds inside of the mask  118 . Conventionally, this loss of air is intended to guard against an inflow of smoke or other fluid. With the seal  148  of  FIG. 8A  and  FIG. 8B , the positive air pressure is maintained to guard against inflow yet less fresh air from a tank is required, thereby providing the fireman or firewoman more time inside a smoke filled environment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8B , seal  148  is a double seal having an outer adhesive bead  150 , an inner adhesive bead  152  and bridges  154  of adhesive between the outer and inner beads  150 ,  152 . Inner bead  152  is spaced from and runs parallel to outer bead  150 . Double seal  148  may be stored in a form shown in  FIG. 4A , i.e., be sandwiched between two sheets of release paper  56 ,  58 . Double seal  148  includes four sides, with each of the four sides having the shape of a slight outwardly extending arch, and with each of the four corners being outwardly curved. 
       FIG. 9A  shows a hand covering  156 , namely a glove, engaged to the end  158  of a sleeve  160  via a double seal  162  of the present invention. The glove  156  lays against the skin, the adhesive double seal  162  lays on top of the exterior of the glove  156  about the wrist portion of the glove  156 , and the inner surface of the end  158  of the sleeve  160  lays on top of the double seal  162 . The double seal  162  includes an outer adhesive bead  164  running parallel to and being spaced from an inner adhesive bead  166 . At least one integral bridge  168  interconnects the outer and inner beads  164 ,  166 . Hand covering  156  may alternatively be a mitten. 
       FIG. 9B  shows a foot covering  170 , namely a bootie, engaged to the end  172  of a pant&#39;s leg  174  via a double seal  176  of the present invention. The foot covering  170  lays against the skin, the adhesive double seal  176  lays on top of the exterior of the foot covering  170  about the upper ankle portion of the foot covering  170 , and the inner surface of the end  172  of the pant&#39;s leg  174  lays on top of the double seal  176 . The double seal  176  includes an outer adhesive bead  178  running parallel to and being spaced from an inner adhesive bead  180 . At least one integral bridge  182  interconnects the outer and inner beads  178 ,  180 . Hand covering  170  may alternatively be a mitten. 
       FIG. 9C  shows the end  158  of the sleeve  160  against the skin, then the double seal  162  over the end  158 , then the interior of the glove  156  on the inner double seal  162 , then a second, outer double seal  184  on the outside of the glove  156 , then the inside of a second sleeve end or cuff  186  on the seal  184 . Second cuff or sleeve end  186  is shown in  FIG. 9C  to be inside out. Second cuff or sleeve end  186  is engaged to sleeve  160  via stitching  188 . Stitching may be located so as to confront the wrist, the elbow or the shoulder. Double seal  184  includes an outer bead  190  running parallel to and being spaced from an inner bead  192 . Outer and inner beads  190 ,  192  are interconnected by at least one bridge  194 . Second cuff or sleeve end  186  is turned over (turned outside in) from the position shown in  FIG. 9C  to place the seals  162 ,  184  in operation, where sleeve end  158  lies against the skin, where seal  162  lies on sleeve end  158 , where glove  156  lies on seal  162 , where seal  184  lies on glove  156 , and where cuff  186  lies on seal  184 . Instead of being a garment with a double cuff, the ends of the sleeves in this arrangement can be from different garments, where one cuff or sleeve end is a cuff or sleeve end of a shirt and where one cuff or sleeve end is a cuff or sleeve end of a jacket. Another way to describe this arrangement is that the glove is tucked between the two cuffs or two sleeve end, with one seal being on the outer side of the inner cuff or sleeve end and with the other seal being on the inner side of the outer cuff or outer sleeve end. 
       FIG. 9D  shows a foot covering  170  tucked between two cuffs or pant ends of pant garments, with one seal being on the outer side of the inner pant cuff or pant end and with the other seal being on the inner side of the outer pant cuff or outer pant end. In other words, pant end  172  lies against the skin, first inner seal  176  lies on the pant end  172 , the inner side of foot covering  170  lies on first inner seal  176 , the second outer seal  196  lies on the outer side of foot covering  170 , and second outer pant end  198  lies on the second outer seal  196 . Second cuff or pant end  198  is shown in  FIG. 9D  to be inside out. Second cuff or pant end  198  is engaged to pant&#39;s leg  160  via stitching  202 . Stitching may be located so as to confront the ankle, knee or groin such that the second cuff or pant end  198  may be relatively short or relatively long such as in the nature of a second pant&#39;s leg. Double seal  196  includes an outer bead  204  running parallel to and being spaced from an inner bead  206 . Outer and inner beads  204 ,  206  are interconnected by at least one bridge  208 . Second cuff or pant end  198  is turned over (turned outside in) from the position shown in  FIG. 9D  to place the seals  176 ,  196  in operation. Instead of having one pant garment having a pair of inner and outer cuffs or inner and outer pant ends, the two cuffs or two pant ends here may be found on separate pant garments. For example, one pant end may be from a long underwear garment and the other pant end may be from a pair of pants. 
       FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  1 C,  2 A,  2 B,  2 C,  3 A,  3 B,  3 C,  5 B, and  5 C, show disposable masks.  FIGS. 7A and 8A  show nondisposable masks. 
       FIGS. 10A ,  10 B and  10 C show sections views of another embodiment of the endless multiple seal.  FIGS. 10A ,  10 B and  10 C show endless adhesive beads  30 ′,  32 ′,  40 ′ and  42 ′ that are interconnected by an endless adhesive bridge or endless adhesive connection  210 . Beads  30 ′,  32 ′,  40 ′ and  42 ′ track the periphery of a face mask as do beads  30 ,  32 ,  40  and  42 , except that the underface  212  of the bridge or connection  210  confronts the inside of the covering or filter  14  of the face mask. What confronts and digs into the face of the user of the face mask are the distal ends  214  of each of the beads or bead projections  30 ′,  32 ′,  40 ′, and  42 ′. Distal ends  214  are preferably curved as beads  30 ,  32 ,  40  and  42  are curved. Endless bridge or endless connection  210  is integral with beads or bead projections  30 ′,  32 ′,  40 ′ and  42 ′. It is believed that leaks are more likely to occur between the seal and the face rather than the seal and the mask, and it is believed that a digging into or a slight penetration of the relatively hard rubber or rubber like bead is more likely to offer protection than a wide flat expanse of adhesive where skin is involved. However, a wide flat expanse of adhesive may be utilized to seal the multiple seal arrangement to a face mask, such as face  212  being sealed to a face mask. 
       FIGS. 11 ,  12 ,  13 A,  13 B and  13 C show an improved version of the ready to apply seal apparatus  54  that includes a front sheet  56  of release paper, a rear sheet  58  of release paper, the first endless skin adhesive seal  30  sandwiched between the front and rear sheets  56 ,  58  of release paper, and the second endless skin adhesive seal  32  sandwiched between the front and rear sheets  56 ,  58  of release paper, with the second endless skin adhesive seal  32  spaced from the first endless skin adhesive seal  30 , with the second endless skin adhesive seal  32  confronting the first endless adhesive seal  30 , and with the second endless skin adhesive seal  32  being disposed inwardly of the first endless adhesive seal  30 . The ready to apply seal apparatus  54  is intended for use in combination with a face mask such as face mask  10 ,  10 A,  10 B,  10 C,  10 D. The first and second endless skin adhesive seals  30 ,  32  are applied to and engage the inside  18  of the covering  14 . With mask  10 , the first seal  30  confronts and tracks the periphery  16 . With mask  10 D, the first seal  30  confronts at least a portion of the periphery  16 A of the mask  10 D. 
     With the improved version of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 11 ,  12 ,  13 A,  13 B and  13 C, apparatus  54  includes a set of six pie shaped slits  214  in the rear sheet  58  of release paper. Each of the slits  214  is a cut that has penetrated through the rear sheet  58 . Each of the slits  214  runs from a location confronting a portion of the inner or second endless skin adhesive seal  32  to a diametrically opposite location confronting another portion of the inner or second endless skin adhesive seal  32 . The slits  214  intersect at a central location  216 . Adjacent converging slits  214  form pie shaped sections  218  such that six pie or pie slice shaped sections  218  are formed. If desired, one or more or each of the slits  214  may terminate at a location confronting the outer or first endless adhesive seal  30 , as shown by the further elongate slit  220  in  FIG. 12 . If desired, one or more or each of the slits  214  may terminate at a location slightly beyond the outer or first endless adhesive seal  30 , as shown by the even further elongate slit  222  in  FIG. 12 . Each of slits  222  has a pair of terminal ends  223 . Terminal end  223  terminates at a location confronting the perimeter or periphery  16  of the mask  10  that has been placed over and centrally located upon the seals  30 ,  32 . 
     In other words, slit  214  runs to and between opposite portions of inner seals  32  and includes terminal ends that confront the inner seals  32 . Slit  220  runs to and between opposite portions of outer seals  30  and includes terminal ends that confront inner seal  30 . Slit  222  runs to and between locations on which the periphery or perimeter  16  of mask  10  lays and includes terminal ends  223  that confront the periphery or perimeter  16  of a mask  10  that has been placed over and centrally located upon the seals  30 ,  32 . 
     Slits  214 ,  220  and  222  aid in pressing seals  30 ,  32  onto the inside  18  of the face mask  10 . Seals  30 ,  32  are pressed into place by finger pressure upon a pie slice section  218  or upon the base of the pie slice section  219 , where a finger presses against a rear side  224  of paper  58  opposite of a portion of the seals  30 ,  32 , where the seals  30 ,  32  are disposed on a front side  226  of paper  58 . Once the seals  30 ,  32  are pressed into place, the seals  30 ,  32  stick with greater force to the inside  18  of the face mask  10  than to the front side  226  of the release paper  58  such that the release paper  58  may be pulled off the face mask  10 , leaving the seals  30 ,  32  affixed to the inside  18  of the face mask  10 . 
     Where one or more of slits  214 ,  220  are utilized, seals  30 ,  32  can be pressed into place onto the inside  18  of the face mask  10  since the release paper  58  and the pie shaped sections  218  are flexible. Also, as the seals  30 ,  32  are pressed into place, the release paper  58  may tear somewhat in the line of direction of the slits  214 ,  220  and toward the outer seal  30  and toward a location confronting the perimeter or periphery  16  of mask  10 . 
     Where slits  222  are utilized, seals  30 ,  32  can be pressed into place onto the inside  18  of the face mask  10  since the release paper  58  and pie shaped sections  218  are flexible. In this case, as the seals  30 ,  32  are pressed into place, the release paper  58  may or may not tear in the line of direction of the slit  222 . 
     To apply a seal configuration (such as seals  30 ,  32 ) sandwiched between sheets  56 ,  58 , one of the front release sheets  56  is removed, then the exposed seal configuration is set into or onto the inside or inner face  18  of a mask, then the user can run his or her fingers over the outside or rear face  224  of the release sheet  58 , pressing down up the base of the pie shaped sections  218 , so as to press on the seal configuration through the release sheet  58  that remains engaged to the seal configuration so as to press the seal configuration with a good amount of pressure into the covering  14 , and then the release sheet  58  is lifted off the seal configuration. 
     The front side  227  of front release sheet  56  includes indicia  228 . A back side  225  of the front release sheet  56  makes contact with the seals  30 ,  32 , just as the front side  226  of the back release sheet  58  makes contact with the seals  30 ,  32 . Indicia  228  includes a set of instructions  229 . These instructions  229  read as follows:
         1. Separate instruction sheet from the clear backer sheet.   2. Place backer sheet on a flat surface with the adhesive seat facing up.   3. Place the respirator onto the face seal being careful to align the perimeters as shown on the instruction sheet.   4. Starting at the nose area, place the respirator on the face seal being careful t align the perimeters as shown on the instruction sheet.   5. Press the adhesive seal firmly against the respirator and carefully remove the backer sheet.   6. Dual sealing adhesive rings must adhere to the respirator before donning.   7. Position respirator on face per manufacturers instructions and press adhesive firmly against skin for tight seal.   The indicia  228  further includes a warning portion  230  that reads as follow: WARNING: This respirator accessory can help protect against contaminants by enhancing the face seal. The accessory will not eliminate the risk of exposure. Follow all respirator manufacturer instructions for the selection and donning of respirator.       

     The indicia  228  further includes a sketch or illustration  232  that shows the user how to position a mask or respirator over the inner and outer endless seals  30 ,  32 . The illustration  232  includes a line  234  that indicates the perimeter of the mask or respirator. The illustration  232  also includes lines  235 ,  236  for the outer endless seal  30  and the inner endless seal  32 , respectively. The illustrations  232  also includes lines  238  showing bridges  38 . Also, the illustration  232  includes lines  240  showing the bands or straps  22 . 
     Apparatus  54  includes a width and height about the width and height of a standard sheet of paper, i.e., 8.5 inches by 11 inches. Apparatus  54  includes the front sheet  56  and the rear sheet  58 , each of which sheets also measures about 8.5 inches by 11 inches. Apparatus  54  includes upper and lower sub-apparatus  242 ,  244 . Sub-apparatus  242 ,  244  are separated by a rectilinear perforation  246  formed in front release sheet  56  and a rectilinear perforation  248  formed in the rear release sheet  58 . Perforations  246 ,  248  are aligned. Perforations  246 ,  248  separate the sheets  56 ,  58  into half-sheets, where each of the half-sheets measures 8.5 inches by 5.5 inches. Each of the sub-apparatus  242 ,  244  includes a half-sheet of the front release sheet  56 , a half-sheet of the rear release sheet  58 , an outer seal  30 , and inner seal  32 , and slits  214  (and/or slits  220 ,  222 ). Each of the sub-apparatus  242 ,  244  includes its own set of indicia  228 , including its own instructions  229 , its own warning  230 , and its own illustration  232 . 
     Release sheets  56 ,  58  can be opaque (not transparent or translucent; impenetrable to light; not allowing light to pass through), translucent (permitting light to pass through but diffusing it so that persons, objects, etc., on the opposite side are not clearly visible), or transparent (having the property of transmitting rays of light through its substance so that bodies situated beyond or behind can be distinctly seen). Release sheets  56 ,  58  are preferably translucent to allow some visibility of the seal configuration, such as seals  30 ,  32 . 
     Slits  214 ,  220  and  222  can be perforated slits. In other words, portions of the slits penetrate completely through the rear release sheet  58 . Other portions of the slits are not slits at all, but remain integral with the sheet portion on the other side of the slit. Such integral portions have a length that is minimized such that these integral portions are easily torn when the rear release sheet  58  is depressed by finger pressure when the seal configuration is transferred to the face mask  10 . Such integral portions have sufficient length and sufficient strength to keep the opposite sheet portions in place and generally coplanar on each side of the slit during storage and initial handling prior to such finger pressure. 
     My invention includes a ready to apply seal apparatus  54  for a face mask such as face mask  10 ,  10 A,  10 B,  10 C or  10 D that includes a) a front release sheet  56  having a front side  227  and a rear side  225 , b) a rear release sheet  58  having a front side  226  and a rear side  224 , c) a seal configuration having seals  30 ,  32  between the rear side  225  of the front release sheet  56  and the front side  224  of the rear release sheet  58 , and d) a slit  214  in the rear release sheet  58 , with the slit being disposed between two portions of the seal configuration, e) such that the front release sheet  56  can be removed from the seal configuration, then the front side  226  of the rear release sheet  58  and seal configuration can be placed on the face mask, and then finger pressure can be brought to bear upon the rear side  224  of the rear release sheet  58  to press the seal configuration on to the face mask, with the slit improving a capability of said rear release sheet  58  to be depressed, such as shown in  FIG. 13C , to better press the seal configuration on to the face mask. The seal configuration includes at least one endless seal  30 ,  32  with generally opposing portions, and with the slit extending at least between said generally opposing portions. The seal configuration includes at least one endless seal  30 ,  32 , and may further include additional slits, wherein the slits radiate, such as shown in  FIG. 13A , from a central location defined by the endless seal  30  or  32 . The seal configuration can includes at least one endless seal  30 ,  32 , and may further include additional slits. The slits as a whole may form a star shape, such as shown in  FIG. 13A , radiating from a central location defined by one or more endless seals  30 ,  32 . The ready to apply seal apparatus  54  may in combination include a face mask such as face mask  10 ,  10 A,  10 B,  10 C and  10 D or other face masks disclosed herein. Such a face mask may include a covering  14  for the nostrils and mouth, where the covering  14  includes a periphery  16 , where the covering  14  includes an inside  18  confronting the face, where the covering  14  includes an exterior  20  opposing the inside  18  and facing away from the face, where the seal configuration having at least one endless seal is sized so as to be engageable on the inside  18  of the covering  14 , where the seal configuration is sized so as to confront the periphery  16  of the covering  14 , and where the slit  214 ,  220  or  222  is of sufficient length to extend to generally opposing portions of one or more of a) an inner endless seal, b) a medial endless seal, c) an outer endless seal, or d) the periphery  16  of the covering  14 . 
     A PortaCount® Plus mode 8020 Respirator Fit Tester is a machine manufactured by TSI Inc. of Shoreview, Minn. This PortaCount® tester quantitatively measures whether a respirator is donned properly. This PortaCount® tester performs a quantitative respirator fit test. 
     A PortaCount® Plus mode 8020 Respirator Fit Tester and N95-Companion brochure available from TSI Inc. of Shoreview, Minn., provides in part the following:
         The PORTACOUNT makes a direct measurement of respirator fit factors. There are no error-inducing assumptions made to calculate “equivalent” fit factors. The measurement is made while the person simultaneously performs dynamic moving and/or breathing exercises designed to stress the respirator seal in ways that simulate anticipated workplace motions.   The PORTACOUNT eliminates the human variables associated with qualitative methods. Variations in sensitivity to the challenge chemical or lack of cooperation can&#39;t influence the test results because the employee makes no decisions. And, unlike other methods, the PORTACOUNT results are immediate and unambiguous. The PORTACOUNT Plus performs the fit test and delivers a “pass” or “fail.” It&#39;s that easy.   The PORTACOUNT has been accepted by OSHA for compliance with all fit testing regulations since 1988. Recent standards, including the new OSHA respiratory protection standard 29 CFR 1910.134, specifically recognize the PORTACOUNT and provide specific protocols.   The PORTACOUNT can be used to fit test almost any tight-fitting respirator including elastomeric half- and full-face masks, PAPRs, SCBA, and even disposable (filtering-facepiece) respirators. Positive-pressure masks must be temporarily converted to negative-pressure mode per regulatory requirements prior to fit testing. Series-95 disposable masks require use of the N95-Companion™ accessory.   The PORTACOUNT Plus eliminates the awkward fit test hoods and chemical exposure concerns associated with other fit test methods. It uses the microscopic particles that exist in ambient air to measure the fit factor directly. The PORTACOUNT measures the concentration of these particles around the person&#39;s head and then measures the concentration of those particles that leak into the respirator. The ratio of these two numbers is the fit factor. A fit factor of 100, for example, means that the air inside the respirator is 100 times cleaner than the air outside. The PORTACOUNT measures a fit factor for each of the fit test exercises and then computes an overall fit factor for the entire test, along with a pass or fail indication.   Advanced technology from TSI makes it possible for you to use the PORTACOUNT Plus to quantitatively fit test N95 disposable respirators. You no longer have to mess with the tedious and error-prone qualitative methods like saccharin, Bitrex, and irritant smoke. The N95-Companion works with the PORTACOUNT Plus to provide you with a complete solution to all of your fit testing needs. Use the PORTACOUNT alone for masks equipped with Series-99 and Series-100 filters. Simply add the N95-Companion to fit test masks with Series-95 filters, including the popular N95 filtering-facepiece disposables. When necessary, you can disconnect the N95-Companion in a matter of moments and use the PORTACOUNT Plus alone. The N95-Companion is simply an accessory for the PORTACOUNT Plus. The fit factor measurement is made by the PORTACOUNT. When the N95-Companion is attached, the PORTACOUNT uses only a small portion of the particles in the ambient air.   The N95-Companion contains an electrostatic particle classifier. The particle classifier takes advantage of electrostatic charges that exist on ambient particles to strip out a predetermined particle size range of interest, from the broad range of sizes present in ambient air. The resulting particles leave the N95-Companion and are transported via flexible tubing to the PORTACOUNT for counting. The PORTACOUNT, seeing only the particles of interest, then compares the number outside the mask to the number inside the mask. This ratio of particles counted is the fit factor. For a detailed explanation of the theory of operation, see TSI&#39;s application bulletin ITI-053.   This is the ultimate respirator fit test software . . . and it&#39;s included with every PORTACOUNT Plus Respirator Fit Tester! FitPlus v3 Software has all the features you need to make accurate fit testing easy, automated and organized. The updated software prompts the respirator wearer through the required exercise protocol, records the results in a database, prints reports, and more.   Select the worker name, choose a respirator from the list, enter the mask size, and go! The computer takes over from that point on by controlling the PORTACOUNT fit tester and prompting the worker to perform the proper fit test exercises one by one. Since your undivided attention is no longer required, you&#39;re free to get the next person ready.   FitPlus software provides the vital documentation you need for your respirator program. You can provide management with hard-copy evidence that each employee passed a fit test, was trained to don the respirator properly and assigned a mask size that fits correctly. You can&#39;t get this from a qualitative fit test because the results are highly operator-dependent and subject to employee deception or misunderstanding.       

     Specifications 
     PORTACOUNT Plus Model 8020 Respirator Fit Tester 
     Fit Factor Range: 1 to greater than 10,000 
     Concentration Range: 0.01 to 5×105 particles/cm 3    
     Particle Size Range: 0.02 to greater than 1 micrometer 
     Typical Fit Factor Accuracy: ±10% of reading 
     Specifications 
     Model 8095 N95-Companion Accessory 
     Fit Factor Range: 1 to 200 
     Concentration Range: 0.01 to 5×105 particles/cm 3    
     Test Particle Size: 0.04 micrometer (nominal) 
     Typical Fit Factor Accuracy: ±10% of reading 
     Using the PORTACOUNT Plus Model 8020 Respirator Fit Tester, applicant utilized the following method for testing a double bead adhesive seal having no bridges, where the double bead adhesive seal had essentially the structure of the beads  30  and  32  of  FIG. 1B , which method is described below, and the results of which are shown in Table 1 below. 
     The respirator used was a 3M 1860 N95 filtering facepiece respirator which is available in two sizes; small and regular. That respirator was selected because it has a very typical design with a pliable metal nose band that must be manually formed by the wearer to conform to the shape of the face and nose bridge. The fit test operator selected the size respirator that was likely to fit each test subject based on visual evaluation of face size and shape. The identical size respirator (with and without adhesive) was used for each pair of fit tests. 
     The adhesive used for the double bead (independent beads, spaced from each other) was the pressure sensitive hot melt adhesive HM-650 available from The Glue Factory, An Ellsworth Adhesives Company, of Appleton, Wis. 
     The double bead (independent beads) of adhesive was applied from by a hot melt adhesive hand gun applicator, where the adhesive exits the hand gun applicator as a liquid and then cools to a rubber or rubbery like state. An automated process may be used to apply the adhesive to existing respirators. The adhesive application may or may not be an “after market” adhesive that may be easily applied by respirator users. 
     The adhesive is a clear non-toxic material with very high adhesion to human skin. The adhesive remains tacky after a few donnings, indicating that the respirator could be used more than once, however this study did not evaluate reusability. All fit tests done on adhesive equipped respirators were first time donnings. 
     The high adhesion was most obvious when the respirator was doffed. However, there was never any evidence of adhesive residue left on the skin after a respirator was removed. 
     There were 7 male and 4 female test subjects. Workers with beards were not allowed to participate. However, there was no attempt to eliminate those who had facial stubble, were cigarette smokers, or had previous respirator experience. Test subjects were accepted as is. 
     Test subject training was minimal, consisting of a verbal explanation of the respirator manufacturer&#39;s recommended donning method immediately prior to the fit test. Since the study was not concerned with test subject donning skills, the fit test operator assisted when necessary to make sure the respirator straps were properly positioned. Most test subjects had never worn a respirator before. 
     Test subjects were directed to perform a positive and negative user seal check in an attempt to make sure the respirator was well seated. Adjustments to the nose band were made as needed. Once the test subject indicated that face seal leakage could not be detected, the fit test began immediately. 
     The OSHA 8-exercise quantitative fit test protocol (29 CFR 1910.134) was used for all fit tests:
         NB: Normal breathing (60 sec)   DB: Deep Breathing (60 sec)   SS: Head Side to Side (60 sec)   UD: Head up &amp; down (60 sec)   T: Talking out loud (60 sec)   G: Grimace (15 sec, no measurement)   B: Bending (60 sec)   NB: Normal breathing (60 sec)       

     Measurements were taken using a PortaCount® Plus model 8020 Respirator Fit Tester (available from TSI Inc, Shoreview, Minn.) without the use of the N95-Companion™ accessory normally used with N95 respirators. The N95-Companion was not used because it limits the measurable fit factor to a value of 200, which would have biased the fit factor data. Fit factors above 200 were likely to occur; the filtration efficiency of the 3M 1860 respirator easily exceeds the 95% NIOSH minimum under the conditions present during typical fit testing with ambient aerosol. 
     Notwithstanding the 200 limit, not using the N95-Companion probably caused fit factors to be lower than they would have been if it were used, since the function of the N95 Companion is to eliminate filter penetration and isolate face seal leakage. Thus, the fit factors reported in this study should be thought of as total inward leakage (TIL) measurements. It should also be noted that this testing does not include an analysis of pass vs. fail for the OSHA minimum fit factor of 100. The use of TIL measurements instead of classic fit factors invalidates the application of that pass/fail value. However, it should be noted that since TIL measurements include filter leakage as well as face seal leakage, any TIL measurement above 100 can safely be assumed to indicate a fit factor above 100. In other words, a test subject who achieves a TIL-based fit factor value above 100 would certainly have passed the fit test with an even higher value if a classic fit factor (face seal only) measurement had been made. 
     Another change was made due to the absence of the N95-Companion which employs a device called the sampling pendant that hangs around the test subject&#39;s neck and supports the weight of the 1.5-foot twin sample tube. Unlike most elastomeric respirators, filtering facepiece respirators can be affected by the weight of the sample tube pulling down. When the N95-Companion is not used, the 5-foot PortaCount sample tube (pair of ⅛ inch ID×¼ in OD) represents a significant weight which could bias the measurements. For this study we used 5 feet of light weight tubing (pair of ⅛ inch ID× 3/16 inch OD) tubing which is less than half the weight of the factory tubing. In addition, subjects were instructed to prevent the sample tube from pulling on the respirator during the bending exercise by holding onto it with one hand. 
     The respirators with adhesive yielded overall fit factors that were an average of 271 percent higher than overall fit factors without adhesive, as shown in Table 1 below. 
     All subjects except for subject 10 experienced a higher fit factor with adhesive. Subject 10 achieved an overall fit factor of 1170 without adhesive, which was the highest non-adhesive overall fit factor recorded during the study. Keeping in mind that the measurements are technically TIL rather than true fit factors (see previous discussion), a measurement that high on an N95 filtering facepiece indicates near zero face seal leakage. A perfect fit cannot be improved, as suggested by the trivial 3 percent drop in the overall fit factor with adhesive (1170 to 1130). 
     While the adhesive respirators showed improved overall fit factors in virtually all cases, individual exercise fit factors showed significant variation. It was observed that the exercises following the grimace maneuver were sometimes very low for the non-adhesive respirator. The purpose of the grimace exercise is to intentionally attempt to break the face seal in order to see if the respirator reseats afterwards. There is no measurement made during the 15-second grimace because what is important is the fit factor for the exercise following the grimace; bending. A high fit factor during bending indicates that the face seal either never broke during the grimace or it re-seated immediately. A low fit factor after the grimace indicates that the face seal was broken and failed to re-seat. Subjects 4 and 12 are cases where the non-adhesive respirator was fitting well until after the grimace. The adhesive respirator never exhibited face seal failure due to grimacing for any test subject. It was observed that breaking the aggressive adhesive seal with facial movement is unlikely because once the adhesive area is pressed against the skin the respirator cannot slide on the face. Movement of the face stresses the respirator fabric, but the adhesive seal remains intact. 
     Subject 4 was tested despite not being clean shaven. A 3 day stubble was obvious and could be the cause of the face seal being broken and not resealed. 
     Subject 12 had a large nose bridge and commented that he considered respirators generally useless for him because they always leaked. The first respirator tried was a regular and the wearer determined the nose bridge leakage was excessive and the test was terminated. The subject requested the other size (small) and determined the leakage was much less. The test was then completed and comparison made. In this case, we used the size that the wearer said felt like it sealed the best. 
     The aggressiveness of the adhesive requires a modified donning procedure. The wearer must carefully center the respirator in the proper position on the face on the first try because the adhesive does not permit adjusting the respirator by sliding it on the face. If the respirator is not properly centered on first contact, it can be removed for another attempt, as the adhesive remains tacky for several donnings. The re-use of adhesive respirators was not part of this study and all subjects were cautioned about initial centering of the respirator. 
     As the above method and results show, face seal adhesive can significantly improve the protection provided by an N95 filtering facepiece respirator. 
     Events that can degrade the face seal of a respirator such as extreme facial movement or inadvertently shifting the respirator due to physical activity are much less likely to happen with an adhesive seal because the respirator is prevented from moving in relation to the face. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Comparison of Overall Fit Factors with and without adhesive 
               
               
                 double seal where most users had never worn a respirator 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Respirator with 
                 Respirator with 
                   
               
               
                   
                 adhesive double 
                 no adhesive seal 
                 Percent improvement 
               
               
                 Subject 
                 seal (overall fit 
                 (overall fit 
                 due to adhesive 
               
               
                 No. 
                 factor value) 
                 factor value) 
                 double seal 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 1 
                 1120 
                 676 
                 66 
               
               
                 9 
                 619 
                 181 
                 242 
               
               
                 3 
                 1200 
                 443 
                 171 
               
               
                 6 
                 212 
                 32 
                 563 
               
               
                 10 
                 1130 
                 1170 
                 −3 
               
               
                 12 
                 175 
                 46 
                 280 
               
               
                 4 
                 565 
                 79 
                 615 
               
               
                 11 
                 260 
                 30 
                 767 
               
               
                 2 
                 1000 
                 691 
                 45 
               
               
                 5 
                 1000 
                 755 
                 32 
               
               
                 7 
                 682 
                 228 
                 199 
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 Average Percent Change 
                 271 
               
               
                 Correlation Factor 
                 0.844 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The apparatus and method used to generate the data of Table 1 was also utilized to generate the data of Table 2 and Table 3 below, except that the face mask tested employed a single bead, namely, bead  30  instead of bead  32  of  FIG. 1B  was employed, and except that the identity of the subjects was different. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Comparison of Overall Fit Factors with and without 
               
               
                 adhesive single seal for experienced users 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Respirator with 
                 Respirator with 
                   
               
               
                   
                 adhesive single 
                 no adhesive seal 
                 Percent improvement 
               
               
                 Subject 
                 seal (overall fit 
                 (overall fit 
                 due to adhesive 
               
               
                 No. 
                 factor value) 
                 factor value) 
                 single seal 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 042 
                 94 
                 56 
                 68 
               
               
                 0283 
                 84 
                 173 
                 −51 
               
               
                 392 
                 129 
                 95 
                 36 
               
               
                 00734 
                 42 
                 40 
                 5 
               
               
                 1234 
                 69 
                 34 
                 103 
               
               
                 2457 
                 290 
                 154 
                 88 
               
               
                 2636 
                 349 
                 196 
                 78 
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 Average Percent Change 
                 47 
               
               
                 Correlation Factor 
                 0.75 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Comparison of Overall Fit Factors with and without 
               
               
                 adhesive single seal for inexperienced users 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Respirator with 
                 Respirator with 
                   
               
               
                   
                 adhesive single 
                 no adhesive seal 
                 Percent improvement 
               
               
                 Subject 
                 seal (overall fit 
                 (overall fit 
                 due to adhesive 
               
               
                 No. 
                 factor value) 
                 factor value) 
                 single seal 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 109 
                 77 
                 70 
                 10 
               
               
                 627 
                 127 
                 131 
                 −3 
               
               
                 889 
                 143 
                 104 
                 38 
               
               
                 2429 
                 43 
                 181 
                 −76 
               
               
                 02462 
                 149 
                 169 
                 −12 
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 Average Percent Change 
                 −9 
               
               
                 Correlation Factor 
                 −0.09 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The multiple seal arrangements shown and described in this application, i.e., the double seals with and without bridges, triple seals with and without bridges, and quadruple seals with and without bridges, may be employed on a number of face masks or respirators. These face masks or respirators include 1) face masks or respirators for occupational use, 2) face masks or respirators for use by the general public, 3) disposable face masks or respirators, 4) woven or nonwoven face masks or respirators, 5) face masks with multiple layers such as a filter layer and a supporting layer, 6) half masks, 7) full masks, 8) air supplied respirators, 9) self-contained respirators, 10) active respirators, 11) filtering face piece respirators, 12) air purifying face masks or respirators, 13) particulate filter face masks or respirators, 14) gas filtering or blocking face masks or respirators, 15) electret face masks or respirators, 16) face masks or respirators designed to protect the wearer of the face mask or respirator, 17) face masks or respirators designed to protect a person or thing other than wearer of the face mask, such as surgical face masks. 
     The multiple seal arrangements shown and described in this application, i.e., the double seals with and without bridges, triple seals with and without bridges, and quadruple seals with and without bridges, may be employed on a number of face masks or respirators having a number of features, with the features including but not limited to the type of face mask, the shape of the face mask, the valve or valves on the face mask or respirator, the filter or covering of the face mask or respirator, the layer or layers or material or materials making up the filter or covering of the face mask or respirator, the chemical composition of the filter or covering of the face mask or respirator, and, as to such face masks and respirators and such features, the following U.S. patents and U.S. patent application publications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties into this application: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 U.S. Pat. No. or 
                 Date of issue 
                   
               
               
                 First named 
                 U.S. patent application 
                 or date of 
                 Title of U.S. patent or U.S. patent 
               
               
                 inventor 
                 Publication Number 
                 publication 
                 application Publication 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Krueger et al. 
                 4,729,371 
                 Mar. 8, 1988 
                 Respirator Comprised Of Blown 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Bicomponent Fibers 
               
               
                 Dyrud et al. 
                 4,807,619 
                 Feb. 28, 1989 
                 Resilient Shape-Retaining Fibrous 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Filtration Face Mask 
               
               
                 Skov 
                 4,850,347 
                 Jul. 25, 1989 
                 Face Mask 
               
               
                 Kronzer et al. 
                 5,307,796 
                 May 3, 1994 
                 Methods of Forming Fibrous Filtration 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Face Masks 
               
               
                 Burgio 
                 5,374,458 
                 Dec. 20, 1994 
                 Molded, Multiple-Layer Face Mask 
               
               
                 Byram 
                 6,119,692 
                 Sep. 19, 2000 
                 Convenient “Drop-Down” Respirator 
               
               
                 Landgrebe et al. 
                 6,420,455 B1 
                 Jul. 16, 2002 
                 Antimicrobial Composition Containing 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Photosensitizers Articles, And Methods 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Of Use 
               
               
                 Castiglione 
                 6,705,317 B2 
                 Mar. 16, 2004 
                 Retention Assembly With Compression 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Element And Method Of Use 
               
               
                 Angadjivand et al. 
                 6,783,574 B1 
                 Aug. 31, 2004 
                 Electret Filter Media And Filtering 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Masks That Contain Electret Filter 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Media 
               
               
                 Springett et al. 
                 6,827,764 B2 
                 Dec. 7, 2004 
                 Molded Filter Element That Contains 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Thermally Bonded Staple Fibers And 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Electrically-Charged Microfibers 
               
               
                 Perez et al. 
                 6,849,329 B2 
                 Feb. 1, 2005 
                 Charged Microfibers, Microfibrillated 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Articles And Use Thereof 
               
               
                 Kronzer et al. 
                 7,131,442 B1 
                 Nov. 7, 2006 
                 Fibrous Filtration Face Mask 
               
               
                 Brey et al. 
                 7,309,513 B2 
                 Dec. 18, 2007 
                 Broad Spectrum Filter System Including 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Tungsten-Based Impregnant And Being 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Useful For Filtering Contaminants From 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Air Or Other Gases 
               
               
                 Martin 
                 7,503,326 B2 
                 Mar. 17, 2009 
                 Filtering Face Mask With A 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Unidirectional Valve Having A Stiff 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Unbiased Flexible Flap 
               
               
                 Leir et al. 
                 7,390,351 B2 
                 Jun. 24, 2008 
                 Electrets And Compounds Useful In 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Electrets 
               
               
                 Betz et al. 
                 7,594,510 B2 
                 Sep. 29, 2009 
                 Respiratory Protection Device 
               
               
                 Japuntich et al. 
                 US 2002/0023651 A1 
                 Feb. 28, 2002 
                 Face Mask That Has A Filtered 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Exhalation Valve 
               
               
                 Baumann et al. 
                 US 2002/0046754 A1 
                 Apr. 25, 2002 
                 Anti-Fog Face Mask 
               
               
                 Brostrom et al. 
                 US 2002/0088466 A1 
                 Jul. 11, 2002 
                 Drop-Down Face Mask Assembly 
               
               
                 Japuntich et al. 
                 US 2003/0005934 A1 
                 Jan. 9, 2003 
                 Face Mask That Has A Filtered 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Exhalation Valve 
               
               
                 Bostock et al. 
                 US 2003/0192546 A1 
                 Oct. 16, 2003 
                 Flat-Folded Personal Respiratory 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Protection Devices And Processes For 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Preparing Same 
               
               
                 Angadjivand et al. 
                 US 2004/0011362 A1 
                 Jan. 22, 2004 
                 Crush Resistant Filtering Face Mask 
               
               
                 Martin et al. 
                 US 2004/0255947 A1 
                 Dec. 23, 2004 
                 Filtering Face Mask That Has A Resilient 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Seal Surface In Its Exhalation Valve 
               
               
                 Mittelstadt et al. 
                 US 2005/0139216 A1 
                 Jun. 30, 2005 
                 Unidirectional Respirator Valve 
               
               
                 Bostock et al. 
                 US 2006/0180152 A1 
                 Aug. 17, 2006 
                 Flat-Folded Personal Respiratory 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Protection Devices And Processes For 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Preparing Same 
               
               
                 Japuntich et al. 
                 US 2007/0119459 A1 
                 May 31, 2007 
                 Method Of Making A Filtering Face 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Mask Having New Exhalation Valve 
               
               
                 Betz 
                 US 2007/0235031 A1 
                 Oct. 11, 2007 
                 Full Face Respiratory 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Protection Device 
               
               
                 Kalatoor 
                 US 2008/0023006 A1 
                 Jan. 31, 2008 
                 Respirator That Uses A Predefined 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Curved Nose Foam 
               
               
                 Gebrewold et al. 
                 US 2008/0099022 A1 
                 May 1, 2008 
                 Respirator That Uses A Predefined 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Nose Foam Shape 
               
               
                 Angadjivand et al. 
                 US 2008/0315454 A1 
                 Dec. 25, 2008 
                 Method Of Making Meltblown Fiber 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Web With Staple Fibers 
               
               
                 Angadjivand et al. 
                 US 2008/0318014 A1 
                 Dec. 25, 2008 
                 Molded Respirator Comprising 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Meltblown Fiber Web With Staple 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Fibers 
               
               
                 Lee et al. 
                 US 2009/0000624 A1 
                 Jan. 1, 2009 
                 Respirator Having A Harness And 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Methods Of Making And Fitting The 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Same 
               
               
                 Martin et al. 
                 US 2009/0078261 A1 
                 Mar. 26, 2009 
                 Filtering Face-Piece Respirator That 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Has Expandable Mask Body 
               
               
                 Gebrewold et al. 
                 US 2009/0078262 A1 
                 Mar. 26, 2009 
                 Filtering Face-Piece Respirator Support 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Structure That Has Living Hinges 
               
               
                 Martin et al. 
                 US 2009/0078264 A1 
                 Mar. 26, 2009 
                 Filtering Face-Piece Respirator Having 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 A Frame For Supporting The 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Exhalation Valve 
               
               
                 Gebrewold et al. 
                 US 2009/0078265 A1 
                 Mar. 26, 2009 
                 Respirator Having Dynamic Support 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Structure And Pleated Filtering 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Structure 
               
               
                 Stepan et al. 
                 US 2009/0078266 A1 
                 Mar. 26, 2009 
                 Filtering Face-Piece Respirator Having 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Buckles Integral To The Mask Body 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Support Structure 
               
               
                 Daugaard et al. 
                 US 2009/0090364 A1 
                 Apr. 9, 2009 
                 Filtering Face-Piece Respirator Having 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Nose Clip Molded Into The Mask Body 
               
               
                 Martin et al. 
                 US 2009/0133700 A1 
                 May 28, 2009 
                 Face Mask With Unidirectional Valve 
               
               
                 Martin 
                 US 2009/0235934 A1 
                 Sep. 24, 2009 
                 Filtering Face-Piece Respirator Having 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 An Integrally-Joined Exhalation Valve 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Thus since the invention disclosed herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or general characteristics thereof, some of which forms have been indicated, the embodiments described herein are to be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is to be indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalents of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.