Patent Description:
Respirator cartridges are used with respirators such as air purifying masks, supplied air respirators, and/or the like. Respirator cartridges often engage with the respirator to provide removable filtering elements that prevent a user from inhaling harmful substances (e.g., toxic gases, airborne fluids, suspended particulates, etc.). Applicant has identified a number of deficiencies and problems associated with conventional respirator cartridges and respirator systems. Through applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation, many of these identified problems have been solved by developing solutions that are included in embodiments of the present disclosure, many examples of which are described in detail herein. Reference may be made to <CIT> (assembly for mounting a device to a mask) and to <CIT> (clip-in connector and respiratory apparatus thus equipped).

The present invention is defined by the independent claim, to which reference should now be made. Specific embodiments are defined by the dependent claims.

In some arrangements, the adaptor top may define one or more snap elements configured to receive corresponding elements of the respirator bayonet cartridge attached thereto.

In other arrangements, the adaptor top includes a disk element extending outwardly from a junction between the top portion of the adaptor top and the bottom portion of the adaptor top, and the disk element defines the plurality of ratchet gears. In such an arrangement, the adaptor may include an adaptor gasket disposed adjacent the disc shaped element of the adaptor top.

In some arrangements, upon engagement of the adaptor top with the adaptor bottom, the adaptor may be rotatable in a clockwise direction relative to the adaptor bottom. In such an arrangement, upon engagement of the adaptor top with the adaptor bottom, the one or more pawl teeth may prevent an anti-clockwise rotation of the adaptor top with respect to the adaptor bottom via engagement with at least one of the plurality of ratchet gears.

In some example arrangements, the adaptor bottom includes a tab element communicably coupled with the one or more pawl teeth and configured to, when actuated, disengage the one or more pawl teeth from the at least one of the plurality of ratchet gears so as to allow rotation of the adaptor top with respect to the adaptor bottom in either direction.

In other arrangements, the bottom portion may include a threaded connection configured to mechanically engage with a corresponding threaded connector of the respirator.

In some arrangements, the adaptor also includes a piston unit configured to generate tactile or audible feedback in an instance in which the adaptor and respirator bayonet cartridge attached thereto are successfully coupled to the respirator.

The adaptor top and the adaptor bottom each further include corresponding openings such that, in an instance in which the bottom portion of the adaptor top couples the adaptor top to the respirator, the adaptor bottom is disposed between the adaptor top and the respirator. In such an arrangement, the adaptor top and corresponding opening may define a casing having a threaded connection on an inner surface of the casing configured to receive a corresponding threaded connector of the respirator.

In some arrangements, the adaptor may include an adaptor gasket configured to be fitted co-axially over the adaptor top. In an arrangement in which the adaptor top receives a respirator bayonet cartridge attached thereto, the adaptor gasket may be disposed between the adaptor top and the respirator bayonet cartridge.

The above summary is provided merely for purposes of providing an overview of one or more embodiments described herein so as to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above-described arrangements are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope of the disclosure in any way It will be appreciated that the scope of the disclosure encompasses many potential embodiments in addition to the arrangements here summarized, some of which are further explained within the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings.

The description of the embodiments can be read in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

Terminology used in this patent is not meant to be limiting in so far as devices described herein, or portions thereof, may be attached or utilized in other orientations.

The phrases "in one embodiment," "according to one embodiment," and the like generally mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, and may be included in more than one embodiment of the present disclosure (importantly, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment).

"Respirator bayonet cartridge" is used herein to refer to a respirator cartridge having snap fitting elements for engaging the respirator cartridge with a respirator. In contrast, "Respirator threaded cartridge" is used herein to refer to a respirator cartridge having threaded connections for engaging the respirator cartridge with the respirator.

"Threaded connector respirators" are used herein to refer to respirators having threaded based connector elements for engaging with respirator threaded cartridges. In contrast, "Bayonet connector respirators" are used herein to refer to respirators having snaps fittings for engaging with respirator bayonet cartridges.

The term "threadings" is used herein to refer to any threaded connection (e.g., threaded fitting, screw fitting, or the like). The term "anti-clockwise" is used interchangeably with counterclockwise as would be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Adaptor units (e.g., adaptors) are widely used to provide flexibility to users for connecting respirator cartridges with one type of connection to a respirator having another type of connection mechanism. For instance, some adaptor units are configured to engage the respirator bayonet cartridges with the threaded connector respirators. Similarly, another type of adaptor units are configured to engage respirator threaded cartridges with bayonet connector respirators. In some conventional systems, an adaptor unit is first engaged with the respirator, and thereafter the cartridge is engaged over an assembly of the adaptor unit engaged to the respirator. In this regard, some adaptor units are configured from one end to engage with threading based engagement means, like threaded connectors of the respirator and from an opposite end are configured to engage with bayonet based cartridge filters having snap fittings. Often in instances in which the cartridge requires replacement, attempts to disengage the respiratory bayonet cartridge also results in disengagement of the adaptor attached thereto (e.g., due to the limited tolerances of mechanical engagement of the adaptor unit over the respirator). Sudden disengagement of the adaptor unit from the respirator may result in undesired inflow of polluted or toxic air to the interior of the respirator which may impact the performance of the respirator or health of a user.

Various example embodiments described herein relate to adaptor units (e.g., adaptors) that facilitate engagement of a respirator with a respirator cartridge. According to some example embodiments, an adaptor unit that facilitates engagement of a threaded connector respirator to a respirator bayonet cartridge is described. The adaptor unit includes an adaptor top, an adaptor bottom, and a gasket. The adaptor bottom also includes one or more threadings (e.g., threaded connection elements) that are configured to engage with threaded connectors of the threaded connector respirator, thereby facilitating an engagement of the adaptor unit with the threaded connector respirator. A portion of the adaptor top also includes one or more snaps that are configured to engage with snap fittings of the respirator bayonet cartridge. Accordingly, the one or more snaps of the adaptor top facilitate engagement of the respirator bayonet cartridge with the adaptor unit. The adaptor top also includes multiple ratchet gears and the adaptor bottom also includes one or more pawl teeth.

In accordance with various example embodiments described herein, the adaptor top is configured to be engaged mechanically over the adaptor bottom. In this regard, upon engagement of the adaptor top over the adaptor bottom, the one or more ratchet gears of the adaptor top are positioned within grooves defined by the one or more pawl teeth of the adaptor bottom. When the adaptor top is engaged over the adaptor bottom, the adaptor top is operable to be rotated in a clockwise direction relative to the adaptor bottom. In this way, the structure of the one or more pawl teeth of the adaptor bottom restrict an anti-clockwise rotation of the adaptor top relative to the adaptor bottom. A tab element is also provided on the adaptor bottom of the adaptor unit that is configured to, when actuated, disengage the engagement of the one or more ratchet gears with the one or more pawl teeth so as to allow an anti-clockwise rotation of the adaptor unit (e.g., rotation in either direction). Thus, the engagement of the one or more ratchet gears of the adaptor top with the one or more pawl teeth of the adaptor bottom ensures that undesired disengagement of the adaptor unit from the respirator is prevented.

<FIG> depicts an example adaptor unit for engaging a respirator cartridge with a respirator (e.g., respirator system). In accordance with various example embodiments described herein, a respirator assembly <NUM> includes a respirator <NUM> comprising one or more threaded connectors <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> (not shown) configured for engaging one or more respirator cartridges (e.g., respirator threaded cartridges). The respirator <NUM> may correspond to a full-face piece mask air purifying respirator (APR). In another example embodiment, the respirator <NUM> may correspond to a half-face piece mask APR. An adaptor unit <NUM> of the respirator assembly <NUM> is configured to facilitate an engagement of a respirator bayonet cartridge <NUM>-<NUM> with the respirator <NUM>. The adaptor unit <NUM> includes an adaptor top <NUM>, an adaptor bottom <NUM>, and an adaptor gasket <NUM>. In this regard, the adaptor top <NUM> is configured to be engaged with the adaptor bottom <NUM> and the adaptor gasket <NUM> to form the adaptor unit <NUM>.

The adaptor top <NUM> of the adaptor unit <NUM> at a top portion includes one or more engagement elements such as snap fittings that are configured to engage with corresponding snap fit engagement elements of the respirator bayonet cartridge <NUM>-<NUM>. The adaptor top <NUM> at its bottom portion includes threadings (e.g., threaded connection elements) that are configured to engage mechanically with the threaded connector <NUM>-<NUM> of the respirator <NUM>. In some example embodiments, a gasket <NUM> may be fitted around the threadings <NUM>-<NUM> of the respirator <NUM> so as to prevent any leakage of airflow when the adaptor unit <NUM> is engaged with the respirators <NUM> via the threadings <NUM>-<NUM>. In accordance with said example embodiments, the adaptor unit <NUM> from its one end <NUM> is configured to be engaged with the threaded connector <NUM>-<NUM> and from its other end <NUM>, opposite to the end <NUM>, is configured to engage with snap fittings based bayonet engagement elements of the respirator bayonet cartridge <NUM>-<NUM>.

Further, in accordance with various example embodiments described herein, the adaptor top <NUM> also includes multiple ratchet gears, and the adaptor bottom <NUM> includes one or more pawl teeth that ensure proper fit of the adaptor unit <NUM> with the respirator <NUM>. Details related to the structure and operation of the adaptor top <NUM> including the multiple ratchet gears and the adaptor bottom <NUM> including the at least one pawl teeth are described hereafter with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of an adaptor unit in accordance with some example embodiments described herein. An adaptor unit <NUM> includes an adaptor gasket <NUM>, an adaptor top <NUM>, and an adaptor bottom <NUM>. The adaptor top <NUM> includes a first portion, for example a top portion <NUM>, and a second portion, for example a bottom portion <NUM>. Illustratively, in accordance with said example embodiments, the bottom portion <NUM> extends from the top portion <NUM> so as to define a casing <NUM> that through passes coaxially from a disc shaped element <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM>. In this regard, the disc shaped element <NUM> (e.g., disk element <NUM>) of the adaptor top <NUM> extends outwardly from a junction <NUM> of the top portion <NUM> and the bottom portion <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM>. The top portion <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM> includes at least one snap element <NUM>. The at least one snap element <NUM> of the top portion <NUM> is configured to be mechanically engaged with respective snap elements (not shown) that may be present on a respirator bayonet cartridge (e.g., the respirator bayonet cartridge <NUM>-<NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. In some embodiments, the at least one snap <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM> also includes respective stopper element <NUM> that supports the engagement of the at least one snap <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM> with the respective snap elements of the respirator bayonet cartridge <NUM>-<NUM> and also prevents any slippage of the respirator bayonet cartridge <NUM>-<NUM> when engaged to the adaptor unit <NUM>.

In accordance with some example embodiments, the top portion <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM> may also include a piston unit <NUM> that facilitates generation of a continuous click sound upon engagement of the respirator bayonet cartridge over the adaptor top <NUM>. The click sound (e.g., or equivalent audio or tactile feedback) provides to a user an indication of the amount of clockwise rotation to be performed in order to engage the respirator bayonet cartridge over the adaptor top. In this regard, as the respirator bayonet cartridge is rotated clockwise over the adaptor top <NUM>, a rib on the bottom surface of the respirator bayonet cartridge slides over a slanted surface of the piston unit <NUM> and subsequently hits to a piston element <NUM>-<NUM> of the piston unit <NUM> so as to produce the click sound indicative of proper engagement of the snap elements <NUM> on respective snap elements of the respirator bayonet cartridge. Accordingly, the user may halt rotation of the respirator bayonet cartridge over the adaptor top <NUM>.

In accordance with various example embodiments described herein, the disc shaped element <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM> includes one or more ratchet gears <NUM> defined along a periphery of a bottom surface of the disc shaped element <NUM>. The adaptor bottom <NUM> of the adaptor unit <NUM> includes at least one pawl teeth <NUM> (e.g., one or more pawl teeth <NUM>). In this regard, at least one pawl teeth <NUM> of the adaptor bottom <NUM> is configured to engage with at least one of the one or more ratchet gears <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM>. The at least one pawl teeth <NUM> of the adaptor bottom <NUM> are of a complimentary shape with the one or more ratchet gears <NUM>. As such, the at least one pawl teeth <NUM> is configured to engage with at least one of the one or more ratchet gears <NUM> such that the engagement allows a clockwise movement of the adaptor top <NUM> with respect to the adaptor bottom <NUM>, but prevents an anti-clockwise movement of the adaptor top <NUM> relative to the adaptor bottom <NUM>. Further details of the engagement of the multiple ratchet gears <NUM> with the at least one pawl teeth <NUM> are described with reference to <FIG>.

The adaptor bottom <NUM> also includes a tab element <NUM> extending from the at least one pawl teeth <NUM> of the adaptor bottom <NUM>. In some embodiments, the tab element <NUM> is configured to disengage, in response to user actuation, an engagement of the at least one pawl teeth <NUM> with at least one of the plurality of the ratchet gears <NUM>. This disengagement allows a rotation of the adaptor top <NUM> in anti-clockwise direction with respect to the adaptor bottom <NUM> (e.g., in both directions).

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the adaptor unit <NUM>, a top-to-bottom exploded view <NUM>, and a bottom-to-top exploded view <NUM>. The adaptor unit <NUM> includes the adaptor gasket <NUM>, the adaptor top <NUM>, and the adaptor bottom <NUM>, as described with reference to <FIG>. The adaptor top <NUM> includes a first face <NUM> and a second face <NUM> that extends opposite from the first face <NUM>. The first face <NUM> includes a first portion <NUM> protruding outwardly from the first face <NUM> and the second face <NUM> includes a second portion <NUM> protruding outwardly form the second face <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first face <NUM> and the second face <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM> define a disc shaped element <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM> such that, at a periphery of the disc shaped element <NUM> towards the second face <NUM> one or more ratchet gears <NUM> are defined. The first portion <NUM> of the first face <NUM> extends to the second portion <NUM> of the second face <NUM> to define a casing <NUM>. In this regard, the casing <NUM> defined by the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> is co-axial to the disc shaped element <NUM> defined by the first face <NUM> and the second face <NUM>. As shown, the casing <NUM> is defined along an axis AA' that is perpendicular to an axis BB' of the disc shaped element <NUM>.

As illustrated, the first portion <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM> extends out from the first face <NUM> and includes one or more snap elements <NUM> defined at a periphery of a first end <NUM> of the casing <NUM>. For instance, the first portion <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM> may include three snap elements <NUM> defined at the first end <NUM> of the casing <NUM>. In accordance with various example embodiments described herein, the one or more snap elements <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM> are configured to be mechanically engaged with respective snap elements (not shown) of a respirator bayonet cartridge (e.g., the respirator bayonet cartridge <NUM>-<NUM> as described in <FIG>). In this regard, the one or more snap elements <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM> facilitate an engagement of the respirator bayonet cartridge with the adaptor unit <NUM>. Further details related to the engagement of the respirator bayonet cartridge with the adaptor unit <NUM> are described with reference to <FIG>.

As the top portion <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM> protrudes outwardly along the linear axis AA' from the disc shaped element <NUM>, a part <NUM> of the first portion <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM> is defined as a complimentary shape to a shape of the adaptor gasket <NUM>. In this regard, the adaptor gasket <NUM> is configured to be engaged over the part <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM>. The adaptor gasket <NUM>, in accordance with some example embodiments, may be of a flexible material such as, but not limited to, flexible plastic or silicon, that may upon engagement over the adaptor top <NUM> be gripped over the part <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM>. In this regard, upon an engagement of the respirator bayonet cartridge with a respirator via the adaptor unit <NUM>, the adaptor gasket <NUM> prevents any leakage of air flow between the respirator bayonet cartridge and the respirator (e.g., forms a seal).

Referring to the bottom-to-top exploded view <NUM>, the second portion <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM> extends outwardly from the second face <NUM> along the linear axis AA'. The second portion <NUM> includes one or more snap fits <NUM> that are configured to facilitate an engagement of the adaptor top <NUM> with the adaptor bottom <NUM>. For the engagement of the adaptor top <NUM> with the adaptor bottom <NUM>, according to one example embodiment, the adaptor top <NUM> is press-fit over the adaptor bottom <NUM> that causes the engagement of the snap fits <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM> with corresponding snap fits (not shown) of shape complimentary to the snap fits <NUM> on the adaptor bottom <NUM>. As illustrated, an inner surface of the casing <NUM> defined by the second portion <NUM> includes one or more threadings <NUM>. In this aspect, the one or more threadings <NUM> (e.g., threaded connection elements) are configured to mechanically engage with a threaded connector of a respirator (e.g., the threaded connector <NUM>-<NUM> of the respirator <NUM> as described in <FIG>). In this regard, in accordance with various example embodiments described herein, the adaptor unit <NUM> is assembled with the threaded connector <NUM>-<NUM> of the respirator <NUM> based on a threaded engagement.

In some embodiments, the threadings <NUM> (e.g., threaded connection elements) on the adaptor unit <NUM> are configured to ensure proper fit of the adaptor unit <NUM> with a threaded connector respirator (e.g., the respirator <NUM> as described in <FIG>). In this aspect, according to various example embodiments described herein, the adaptor unit <NUM> may be rotated in a clockwise direction about the axis AA' with respect to the respirator <NUM>, to facilitate an engagement of the threadings <NUM> of the adaptor unit <NUM> with the threadings <NUM>-<NUM> of the respirator <NUM>. To this extent, in some example embodiments, upon the clockwise rotation, the engagement of the adaptor unit <NUM> with the respirator <NUM> generates a continuous click sound during the rotation. The continuous click sound, may be generated due to an engagement of the threadings <NUM> with the threaded connector <NUM>-<NUM> of the respirator, and may indicate to a user engaging the adaptor unit <NUM> with the respirator <NUM> a necessary amount of force to be used for rotating the adaptor unit <NUM> with respect to the respirator <NUM>.

In accordance with various example embodiments described herein, the adaptor bottom <NUM> includes one or more pawl teeth <NUM> and one or snap fits <NUM>. The one or more snap fits <NUM> are configured to be engaged with the snap fits <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM>, thereby facilitating an engagement of the adaptor top <NUM> with the adaptor bottom <NUM>. Upon engagement of the adaptor top <NUM> with the adaptor bottom <NUM>, the one or more ratchet gears <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM> are received within grooves defined by the one or more pawl teeth <NUM>. The one or more pawl teeth <NUM> of the adaptor bottom <NUM> mechanically engage with the one or more ratchet gears <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM> so as to allow a clockwise rotation of the adaptor top <NUM> with respect to the adaptor bottom <NUM>, but restrict an anti-clockwise rotation of the adaptor top <NUM> with respect to the adaptor bottom <NUM>. In this regard, each of the one or more pawl teeth <NUM> of the adaptor bottom may be of a form factor such that, upon engaging the adaptor top <NUM> over the adaptor bottom <NUM>, if an anti-clockwise rotation of the adaptor top <NUM> with respect to the adaptor bottom <NUM> is attempted, the one or more ratchet gears <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM> are engaged mechanically within grooves of the one or more pawl teeth <NUM> to restrict the anti-clockwise rotation. Further details of the mechanical engagement of the one or more ratchet gears <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM> with the one or more pawl teeth <NUM> are described with reference to <FIG>.

Referring to the perspective view, the adaptor unit <NUM> includes the adaptor top <NUM> engaged with the adaptor bottom <NUM> and the adaptor gasket <NUM> fitted co-axially over the adaptor top <NUM>. In this regard, the adaptor unit <NUM> is configured to be mechanically engaged over a respirator (e.g., the respirator <NUM> as described in <FIG>) by rotating the adaptor unit <NUM> clockwise with respect to the axis AA'. For engaging the adaptor unit <NUM> over a like the respirator <NUM>, the adaptor unit <NUM> is rotated in a clockwise direction about the axis AA' that causes engagement of the one or more threadings <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM> with the threaded connector <NUM>-<NUM> of the respirator <NUM>. Similarly, once the adaptor unit <NUM> is engaged with the respirator, an anti-clockwise rotation of the adapter unit <NUM> about the axis AA', causes disengagement of the one or more threadings <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM> with the threaded connector <NUM>-<NUM> of the respirator <NUM>, thereby disengaging the adaptor unit <NUM> with the respirator <NUM>. However, in accordance with various example embodiments described herein, the anti-clockwise rotation of the adaptor unit <NUM> about the axis AA' may not be performed ordinarily unless a tab element <NUM> of the adaptor bottom <NUM> is pressed down (e.g., actuated by a user). In this aspect, the anti-clockwise rotation of the adaptor top <NUM> relative to the adaptor bottom <NUM> is restricted due to the mechanical engagement of the one or more pawl teeth <NUM> of the adaptor bottom <NUM> with the one or more ratchet gears <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM>. The adaptor bottom <NUM> includes the tab element <NUM> that extends out from the one or more pawl teeth <NUM>. The tab element <NUM> is configured to disengage the engagement of the one or more pawl teeth <NUM> with the one or more ratchet gears <NUM>, thereby allowing a rotation of the adaptor top <NUM> anti-clockwise relative to the adaptor bottom <NUM> to facilitate a disengagement of the adaptor unit <NUM> from the respirator. Further details related to the engagement of the one or more pawl teeth <NUM> with the one or more ratchet gears <NUM> that restrict anti-clockwise rotation of the adaptor unit <NUM> are described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a side view <NUM> of the adaptor unit <NUM> and a perspective view <NUM> showing an engagement <NUM> of the one or more ratchet gears <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM> with the one or more pawl teeth <NUM> of the adaptor bottom <NUM>. Referring to the side view <NUM>, the adaptor unit <NUM> includes an adaptor top <NUM> engaged over the adaptor bottom <NUM>. Further, as illustrated, the adaptor gasket <NUM> is also engaged over the adaptor top <NUM>. Referring to the perspective view <NUM>, the engagement <NUM> of the one or more ratchet gears <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM> with the one or more pawl teeth <NUM> of the adaptor bottom <NUM> is illustrated. In this aspect, the engagement <NUM> may be such that a rotation of the adaptor top <NUM> in a clockwise direction with respect to the adaptor bottom <NUM> is allowed and an anticlockwise rotation of the adaptor top <NUM> with respect to the adaptor bottom <NUM> is restricted. As described with reference to <FIG>, the adaptor top <NUM> on its bottom surface (e.g., the second face <NUM>) defines the one or more ratchet gears <NUM> (e.g., a first ratchet gear <NUM>-<NUM>, a second rather gear <NUM>-<NUM>, etc.) at a periphery of the second face <NUM>. Also, the adaptor bottom <NUM> of the adaptor unit <NUM> defines the one or more pawl teeth <NUM> (e.g., a first pawl teeth <NUM>-<NUM>, a second pawl teeth <NUM>-<NUM>, and a third pawl teeth <NUM>-<NUM> collectively referred as the one or more pawl teeth <NUM> for brevity). As the adaptor top <NUM> is engaged over the adaptor bottom <NUM>, one or more of the first ratchet gear <NUM>-<NUM>, the second ratchet gear <NUM>-<NUM>, and the third ratchet gear <NUM>-<NUM> are received within grooves defined by the respective one or more pawl teeth <NUM> (i.e., the first pawl teeth <NUM>-<NUM>, the second pawl teeth <NUM>-<NUM>, and the third pawl teeth <NUM>-<NUM>, respectively). The form factor of the one or more pawl teeth <NUM> is defined such that, upon receiving the one or more ratchet gears <NUM>, the adaptor top <NUM> can be rotated clockwise relative to the adaptor bottom <NUM>, but cannot be rotated anti-clockwise relative to the adaptor bottom <NUM>. Said differently an overall anti-clockwise rotation of the adaptor unit <NUM>, in instances when the adaptor unit <NUM> is engaged to the respirator <NUM>, is restricted. In this aspect, a tab element <NUM> of the adaptor bottom <NUM> extends from the one or more pawl teeth <NUM>. The tab element <NUM>, according to various example embodiments, is configured to disengage the one or more ratchet gears <NUM> from the one or more pawl teeth <NUM> so as to allow an anticlockwise rotation of the adaptor top <NUM> relative to the adaptor bottom <NUM> (e.g., rotation in either direction). Further details of structure and form factor of the one or more ratchet gears <NUM>, the one or more pawl teeth <NUM>, and the tab element <NUM> are described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, respectively.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view <NUM> of the one or more ratchet gears <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM>, in accordance to some example embodiments described herein. As illustrated, a periphery of the disc shaped element <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM> defines the multiple ratchet gears <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>. <NUM>-n (collectively referred as one or more ratchet gears <NUM>, herein throughout the description for brevity). In this regard, each of the one or more ratchet gears <NUM> may be of a form factor that defines a tapered end <NUM> and a slanted end <NUM> (i.e., forming one teeth shape structure that defines one gear). In accordance with various example embodiments described herein, the tapered end <NUM> and the slanted end <NUM> of the one or more ratchet gears <NUM> form pre-defined angles A1 and A2, respectively, relative to a bottom surface <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM>. In this aspect, the angle A2 defined by the slanted end <NUM> of the one or more ratchet gears <NUM> is such that, upon engagement of the adaptor top <NUM> with the adaptor bottom <NUM>, in an instance when the adaptor top <NUM> rotates clockwise relative to the adaptor bottom <NUM>, the slanted end <NUM> slides over a surface of the one or more pawl teeth <NUM> of the adaptor bottom <NUM>. Further, the angle A1 defined by the tapered end <NUM> of the one or more ratchet gears <NUM> is such that, upon engagement of the adaptor top <NUM> with the adaptor bottom <NUM>, an attempt to rotate the adaptor top <NUM> anti-clockwise relative to the adaptor bottom <NUM> causes the tapered end <NUM> to engage with the one or more pawl teeth <NUM> of the adaptor bottom <NUM> so as to restrict the anti-clockwise rotation of the adaptor top <NUM> relative to the adaptor bottom <NUM>. In accordance with various example embodiments, the angle A1 defined by the tapered end <NUM> of the one or more ratchet gears <NUM> may be within a range from about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees with respect to the bottom surface <NUM>, or more preferably within a range from about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees with respect to the bottom surface <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM>. Further, in accordance with various example embodiments, the angle A2 defined by the tapered end <NUM> of the one or more ratchet gears <NUM> may be within a range from about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees with respect to the bottom surface <NUM>, or more preferably within a range from about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees with respect to the bottom surface <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view <NUM> of a portion of the adaptor bottom <NUM> representing the one or more pawl teeth <NUM>, for instance the first pawl teeth <NUM>-<NUM>, the second pawl teeth <NUM>-<NUM>, and the third pawl teeth <NUM>-<NUM>, and the tab element <NUM> that extends from the one or more pawl teeth <NUM>. In this aspect, each of the one or more pawl teeth <NUM> includes a first wall <NUM> and a second wall <NUM> that defines a form factor of the one or more pawl teeth <NUM>. In according with various example embodiments described herein, upon engaging the adaptor top <NUM> over the adaptor bottom <NUM>, the one or more ratchet gears <NUM> are received in grooves defined between the one or more pawl teeth <NUM>. For example, in one example embodiment, upon engaging the adaptor top <NUM> over the adaptor bottom <NUM>, the first ratchet gear <NUM>-<NUM> is received in a first groove <NUM>-<NUM> defined by the first pawl teeth <NUM>-<NUM> and the second pawl teeth <NUM>-<NUM>. Accordingly, the second ratchet gear <NUM>-<NUM> is received in a second groove <NUM>-<NUM> defined by the second pawl teeth <NUM>-<NUM> and the third pawl teeth <NUM>-<NUM>.

Upon clockwise rotation of the adaptor top <NUM> relative to the adaptor bottom <NUM>, the one or more ratchet gears <NUM> slide over a surface of the one or more pawl teeth <NUM>. For example, upon the clockwise rotation of the adaptor top <NUM>, the second ratchet gear <NUM>-<NUM> slides over the second groove <NUM>-<NUM> and is recessed in the first groove <NUM>-<NUM>. Similarly, upon the clockwise rotation of the adaptor top <NUM>, remaining ratchet gears <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM> slide through the one or more pawl teeth <NUM> of the adaptor bottom <NUM>. In accordance with various example embodiments described herein, upon an attempt to rotate the adaptor top <NUM> anti-clockwise relative to the adaptor bottom <NUM>, the one or more ratchet gears <NUM> are engaged with the one or more pawl teeth <NUM> so as to restrict any anti-clockwise motion of the adaptor unit <NUM>.

The tab element <NUM> in accordance with various example embodiments described herein, is pivoted about an end <NUM> and may be pushed down (e.g., actuated) relative to two extensions <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> defined by the adaptor bottom <NUM>. In this aspect, as the tab element <NUM> is pushed down, the one or more ratchet gears <NUM> are disengaged from the one or more pawl teeth <NUM>, thereby allowing the adaptor top <NUM> to rotate in any of the clockwise or the anticlockwise direction relative to the adaptor bottom <NUM>. Accordingly, referring to <FIG>, in situations where a user desires to disengage the adaptor unit <NUM> from the respirator <NUM>, the tab element <NUM> may be pushed down to allow the anticlockwise rotation of the adaptor unit <NUM> to disengage the threadings <NUM> (e.g., threaded connection elements) from the threaded connector <NUM>-<NUM> of the respirator <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a sectional view <NUM> of the adaptor unit <NUM>, in accordance with some example embodiments described herein. As illustrated, the adaptor top <NUM> is mechanically engaged over the adaptor bottom <NUM> via the snap elements <NUM> of the adaptor bottom <NUM>. As shown, the adaptor top <NUM> defines the casing <NUM> including the threadings <NUM> defined at one end of the casing <NUM>. As illustrated, the adaptor gasket <NUM> is fitted over the adaptor top <NUM> such that the adaptor gasket <NUM> thereby surrounds a cross section of the casing <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM>. Further, the adaptor top <NUM> at its one end defines the one or more snap elements <NUM> having respective stoppers <NUM> that are configured to support an engagement of a respirator bayonet cartridge on the adaptor unit <NUM>. <FIG>, schematically depicts another sectional view <NUM> depicting an engagement of the adaptor top <NUM> of the adaptor unit <NUM> to the adaptor bottom <NUM>, in accordance with an embodiment described herein. The adaptor top <NUM> is engaged over the adaptor bottom <NUM> based on the snap element <NUM> defined on an outer surface of the casing <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates depicts a side view <NUM> and a sectional view <NUM> of the adaptor unit <NUM> engaged to a respirator cartridge <NUM>, in accordance with an embodiment described herein. The respirator cartridge <NUM> is engaged to the adaptor unit <NUM> based on a snap fit arrangement <NUM>. In this regard, the snap fit arrangement <NUM> represents an engagement of the one or more snap fits <NUM> defined at a top portion of the adaptor top <NUM> with corresponding snap fits (not shown) of the respirator cartridge <NUM>. In one example embodiment, the respirator cartridge <NUM> is a respirator bayonet cartridge having snap fits that are configured to engage with the snap fits <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM>.

Referring to the sectional view <NUM>, the respirator cartridge <NUM> is engaged with the adaptor unit <NUM> such that a bottom portion <NUM> of the respirator cartridge <NUM> is co-axial to the adaptor top <NUM> of the adaptor unit <NUM>. In this regard, to engage the adaptor unit <NUM> to the respirator cartridge <NUM>, the respirator cartridge <NUM> may be positioned over the adaptor top <NUM> and rotated in a clockwise direction relative to the adaptor top <NUM>. This rotation facilitates an engagement of the one or more snap fits <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM> with corresponding snap fits on the bottom portion <NUM> of the respirator cartridge <NUM>. Accordingly, to replace or disengage the respirator cartridge <NUM> from the adaptor unit <NUM>, the respirator cartridge <NUM> may be rotated in an anticlockwise direction relative to the adaptor top <NUM>. As illustrated, the respirator cartridge <NUM> includes one or more filter elements <NUM> that may be configured to filter an inflow of air, as the air passes through a cross section <NUM> of the respirator cartridge, and to a respirator (e.g., the respirator <NUM> via the adaptor unit <NUM>). A sectional view <NUM> represents the respirator cartridge <NUM> engaged over a respirator like the respirator <NUM> via the adaptor unit <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example scenario <NUM> including the adaptor unit <NUM> for engaging the one or more respirator cartridges <NUM>-<NUM> and/or <NUM>-<NUM> with another respirator <NUM>, in accordance with some example embodiments described herein. In this regard, the respirator <NUM> is a half face piece mask air purifying respirator. While described herein with reference to a separate adaptor unit, the present disclosure also contemplates that one or more of the elements may be form integral with a respirator mark and/or as part of a respirator system.

In accordance with various example embodiments described herein, in operation to engage a threaded connector respirator with a respirator bayonet cartridge, various components of the adaptor unit may be first assembled. For instance, firstly, the adaptor top <NUM> may be assembled with the adaptor bottom <NUM> and the adaptor gasket <NUM>. Thereafter, the assembly of the adaptor unit <NUM> is engaged to the threaded connector respirator. In this aspect, the assembly of the adaptor unit <NUM> may be positioned over the threading connector respirator such that the threadings <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM> mates with the threaded connector like the threaded connector <NUM>-<NUM> of the respirator <NUM>.

Accordingly, the assembly of the adaptor unit <NUM> may be rotated clockwise relative to the respirator to facilitate an engagement of the threadings <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM> with the threaded connector like the threaded connector <NUM>-<NUM> of the respirator <NUM>, thereby engaging the adaptor unit <NUM> with the respirator <NUM>. Thirdly, a respirator bayonet cartridge is engaged over an assembly of the adaptor unit <NUM> with the respirator <NUM>. In this regard, the respirator bayonet cartridge may be positioned over the top portion <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM> such that snap elements of the respirator bayonet cartridge mate with the snap fits <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM>. Accordingly, the respirator bayonet cartridge is rotated clockwise with respect to the assembly of the adaptor unit <NUM> and the respirator which facilitates an engagement of the snap elements <NUM> of the adaptor top <NUM> with respective snap elements of the respirator bayonet cartridge, thereby engaging the respirator bayonet cartridge with the adaptor unit <NUM>. This facilitates a fluidic communication of the respirator bayonet cartridge with the respirator <NUM>.

In accordance with various example implementations of said embodiments, both respirator threaded cartridges or respirator bayonet cartridges may be used. Accordingly, a user without performing any modifications to an existing threaded connector respirator may use either a respirator threaded cartridge or respirator bayonet cartridge.

Claim 1:
An adaptor (<NUM>; <NUM>) comprising an adaptor top (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) and an adaptor bottom (<NUM>; <NUM>), wherein:
the adaptor top (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) comprises:
a top portion (<NUM>) configured to receive a respirator bayonet cartridge (<NUM>) attached thereto;
a bottom portion (<NUM>) extending from the top portion (<NUM>); and
a plurality of ratchet gears (<NUM>; <NUM>);
the adaptor bottom (<NUM>; <NUM>) is rotatably engaged with the adaptor top (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), and comprises one or more pawl teeth (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to engage at least one of the plurality of ratchet gears (<NUM>) of the adaptor top (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) so as to limit rotation of the adaptor top (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) with respect to the adaptor bottom (<NUM>; <NUM>) to a single direction; and
the adaptor top (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) and the adaptor bottom (<NUM>; <NUM>) each comprise corresponding openings such that, in an instance in which the bottom portion (<NUM>) of the adaptor top (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) couples the adaptor top (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) to a respirator (<NUM>), the adaptor bottom (<NUM>; <NUM>) is disposed between the adaptor top (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) and the respirator (<NUM>).