Patent Description:
Respirator masks are used in environments where individuals are exposed to hazardous materials, such as gases, vapors, aerosols (such as dusts, mists, and/or biological agents), and/or the like. Respirator masks come in a large variety of types and sizes, ranging from cheaper, disposable masks to higher cost, reusable masks that include replaceable filtration cartridges. Some respirator masks, such as half mask respirators, cover the mouth and nose of the user but do not cover the user's eyes, while other respirator masks, such as full face mask respirators, cover the user's eyes in addition to the user's mouth and nose.

Known respirator masks tend to render the speech of the wearer unintelligible, thereby making communication between users difficult. For example, because the respirator mask covers the user's mouth, the body of the respirator mask obstructs the free travel of sound waves from the user's mouth and thereby impairs speech intelligibility. Such speech intelligibility may occur when a user wearing the respirator mask speaks to another person who is not wearing a mask, and/or may occur when two users wearing respirator masks speak with each other. In some circumstances, a user may choose not to wear a respirator mask because of speech intelligibility, which may result in injury to the user's respiratory system.

Documents <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> describe respirator masks having a voice transmitting device in the form of a membrane.

The invention advantageously provides a respirator mask that includes a passive voice transmittal feature as defined in claim <NUM>.

The respirator mask provides respiratory protection while also allowing for the transmission of intelligible speech from a user. According to the invention, the respiratory mask includes a body defining an interior space of the mask and including a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the first surface defining the interior space, and a passive voice transmittal feature contiguous with the body.

According to the invention, the passive voice transmittal feature is a membrane. In one embodiment, the membrane has a first surface, a second surface, and a first thickness extending between the membrane first surface and the membrane second surface, the body having a second thickness at at least one location proximate the membrane, the second thickness extending between the body first surface and the body second surface, the first thickness being less than the second thickness.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the membrane first surface is contiguous with the body first surface and the membrane second surface is contiguous with the body second surface.

According to an example not part of the invention, the membrane has a perimeter, the body further including at least one portion that is adjacent at least a portion of the membrane perimeter, the at least one portion of the body having the second thickness.

According to an example not part of the invention, the passive voice transmittal feature is integrally formed with a single, unitary construction with the body.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the body further includes an upper segment and a lower segment, the lower segment including the passive voice transmittal feature. In one aspect of the embodiment, the upper segment is configured to receive a nose of a user and the lower segment is configured to receive a mouth of the user.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the passive voice transmittal feature is located proximate a user's mouth when the user is wearing the mask.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the voice transmittal membrane is and the body are composed of substantially the same material.

According to the invention, the passive voice transmittal feature includes a membrane and a frame coupled to the membrane, the frame being coupled to the body.

According to the invention, the frame is removably coupled to the body. According to the invention, the body further includes an opening extending between the body first surface and the body second surface, the opening being configured to receive and retain the frame. According to an example not part of the invention, the frame is fixedly coupled to the body.

According to an example not part of the invention, the membrane has a perimeter, the frame being coupled to the perimeter of the membrane.

According to an example not part of the invention, the passive voice transmittal feature includes a membrane and a frame that is integrally formed with a single, unitary construction with the body, the frame being coupled to the membrane perimeter.

Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments that are in accordance with the disclosure, it is noted that components have been represented where appropriate by convention symbols in drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

As used herein, relational terms, such as "first," "second," "top" and "bottom," and the like, may be used solely to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship or order between such entities or elements.

Referring now to the drawing figures in which like reference designations refer to like elements, an embodiment of a respirator mask for providing respiratory protection while also allowing for the transmission of voice constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention is shown in the figures and is generally designated as "<NUM>. " <FIG> is a front view of an embodiment of the respirator mask <NUM>, which is configured to be worn by a user in environments where the user is exposed to hazardous materials, such as, but not limited to, gases, vapors, aerosols (for example, dusts, mists, and/or biological agents), and/or the like. The mask <NUM> includes a body <NUM> that is sized and configured to cover the nose and mouth of the user. As shown herein, the mask <NUM> does not cover the user's eyes. Accordingly, the illustrated embodiment of the mask described herein is an oronasal half mask <NUM>. However, it will be understood that the mask <NUM> is not limited to the body <NUM> shown in the figures. Rather, the mask <NUM> may be any other type of respiratory mask, such as, but not limited to, a full face respiratory mask and/or the like. In some embodiments, the mask <NUM> is a disposable respirator mask.

The body <NUM> of the mask <NUM> includes an interior surface <NUM> and an exterior surface <NUM> opposite the interior surface <NUM>. The body <NUM> includes a nose area <NUM> (sometimes referred to as an "upper portion" of the mask body <NUM>) and a mouth area <NUM> (sometimes referred to as a "lower portion" of the mask body <NUM>). The nose area <NUM> is sized and configured to receive the nose of the user therein such that the nose area <NUM> covers at least a portion of the user's nose. For example, the nose area <NUM> covers the nose and portions of the upper cheeks of the user. Similarly, the mouth area <NUM> of the mask <NUM> is sized and configured to cover the user's mouth. For example, the mouth area <NUM> covers the mouth, at least a portion of the chin, and portions of the lower cheeks of the user.

The body <NUM> of the mask <NUM> includes a sealing area <NUM> that is configured to seal against the user's face to thereby seal the mask <NUM> to the user's face. As a non-limiting example, the sealing area <NUM> of the body <NUM> is defined by one or more flexible lips <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>). However, it will be understood that the sealing area <NUM> additionally or alternatively may include any other structure, such as, but not limited to, a gasket, a cushion, and/or the like. In the sealing area <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the one or more lips <NUM> are integrally formed with a single, unitary construction with the remainder of the body <NUM>. However, the lip(s) <NUM> and/or other structure of the sealing area <NUM> may be a discrete component that is attached, either removably or fixedly, to the mask body <NUM>. Optionally, the sealing area <NUM> is defined by a portion of a filtering structure (not shown) of the mask body <NUM>, as is common in many disposable respirator masks wherein the body of the mask is fabricated from a filter material. In some embodiments, the structure of the sealing area <NUM> includes a reusable discrete molded member that is attached to the mask body <NUM> (not shown).

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the body <NUM> of the mask <NUM> includes one or more openings <NUM>. Each opening <NUM> is configured to receive one or more an attachable components (not shown), such as a replaceable filter cartridge, a valve, a breathing gas hose, and/or a speech module. The body <NUM> may include any number of the openings <NUM> depending on the particular application of the mask <NUM> and the number of attachable components that are used.

As shown in <FIG>, the interior surface <NUM> of the body <NUM> has a concave shape such that the interior surface <NUM> defines an interior space <NUM> of the body <NUM> that is sized and configured to receive therein at least a portion of a user's face, such as the user's nose and mouth. While the mask <NUM> is worn by the user, the user's nose and mouth are received into the interior space <NUM> such that a plenum is defined between the interior surface <NUM> of the body <NUM> and the portion of the user's face received by the mask <NUM>. So, the interior space <NUM> may be referred to herein as the plenum when the user is wearing the mask <NUM>. During operation of the mask <NUM>, the plenum holds breathable gas, such as atmospheric air and/or containerized air, that has been, for example, filtered by the mask <NUM> (such as by using one or more filter cartridges, using the body <NUM> of the mask <NUM>, and/or the like) and/or supplied by a hose connected to the mask <NUM> (not shown).

Although not shown, the mask <NUM> optionally includes a harness that is configured to hold the mask body <NUM> on the user's face and thereby hold the mask <NUM> in position over the user's nose and mouth. In some embodiments, the harness includes a plurality of straps (not shown) that are attached to the mask body <NUM> and are configured to secure the mask <NUM> to the user's head. For example, the mask body <NUM> may include one or more attachment elements <NUM> to which the harness may be coupled. However, it will be understood that the harness additionally or alternatively may include any other structure. The harness may be reusable. Optionally, the harness is disposable. The harness is optionally composed of materials that are relatively easy to sterilize with relatively common sterilization methods.

The mask body <NUM> may be composed of any suitable material(s). For example, the mask body <NUM> may be composed of one or more materials that provide the body <NUM> with at least some flexibility. Examples of suitable materials, but are not limited to, thermosets, thermoplastics, elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers, filtering structures and/or filter materials, cushioning and/or dampening materials, shape memory materials, and/or the like. In some embodiments, some or an approximate entirety of the mask body <NUM> is fabricated from one or more filter materials such that at least a portion of the body <NUM> has a filtering structure.

Referring now to <FIG>, a first example not part of the invention of a respirator mask having a voice transmittal feature is shown. As will be described in more detail below, the voice transmittal feature <NUM> is configured to passively enhance the intelligibility of the speech of a user wearing the mask <NUM>. In other words, the voice transmittal feature <NUM> is configured to increase the ability of a listener to understand the speech of a user wearing the mask <NUM>. The passive voice transmittal feature <NUM> thereby enhances communication between a user wearing the mask <NUM> and a listener.

As shown in <FIG>, the passive voice transmittal feature <NUM> includes a voice transmittal membrane <NUM> that is configured to vibrate in response to sound waves generated by the user wearing the mask <NUM>. The vibration of the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> transmits the sound waves from the mask interior space <NUM>, that is, from the plenum defined between the user's face and the interior surface <NUM>, to outside the mask body <NUM>, that is, to the ambient or external environment of the user wearing the mask <NUM>.

Specifically, as the user speaks while wearing the mask <NUM>, the sound waves generated by the user's speech within the plenum of the mask body <NUM> impact the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> along the interior surface <NUM> of the mask body <NUM> and, in particular, the interior surface <NUM> of the voice transmittal membrane <NUM>. The impact of the sound waves with the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> vibrates the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> such that the sound waves are reproduced by the vibrating membrane <NUM> along the exterior surface <NUM> of the mask body <NUM> and, in particular, the exterior surface <NUM> of the voice transmittal membrane <NUM>. <FIG> shows an enlarged view of the bounded portion A of <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the interior surface <NUM> of the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> is continuous (i.e., contiguous) with the interior surface <NUM> of the mask body <NUM> and the exterior surface <NUM> is continuous (i.e., contiguous) with the exterior surface <NUM> of the mask body <NUM>, even though thicknesses T and T<NUM> are different. The voice transmittal membrane <NUM> thereby passively transmits a user's speech from inside the plenum of the mask body <NUM> to the ambient environment of the user wearing the mask <NUM>.

The voice transmittal membrane <NUM> may be thinner than one or more other segments of the mask body <NUM> that are adjacent or proximal to the voice transmittal membrane <NUM>. As a non-limiting example, the one or more segments <NUM> may be immediately adjacent to the voice transmittal membrane <NUM>. Further, the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> is thinner as compared to the segments <NUM> of the mask body <NUM> that surround the voice transmittal membrane <NUM>. Specifically, as shown in <FIG>, the surrounding segments <NUM> border the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> along substantially the entirety of the perimeter of the voice transmittal membrane <NUM>. Put another way, the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> has a thickness T that is less than a thickness T<NUM> of the surrounding segments <NUM> of the mask body <NUM>, as is shown in <FIG>. Additionally, the body <NUM> may include a transition area between the membrane <NUM> and the segments <NUM>, in which the thickness of the body <NUM> increases from the thickness T of the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> and the thickness T<NUM> of the segments <NUM>.

The thicker surrounding segments <NUM> add strength and structural integrity to the mask body <NUM>. Moreover, the rigidity provided by the thicker surrounding segments <NUM> may enable and/or facilitate transmission of speech from the plenum of the mask body <NUM> through the voice transmittal membrane <NUM>. For example, the rigidity provided by the thicker surrounding segments <NUM> may enable and/or facilitate vibration of the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> in response to sound waves generated by the user wearing the mask <NUM>.

The voice transmittal membrane <NUM> may have any thickness T and may have a uniform thickness T or a non-uniform thickness. The surrounding segments <NUM> may have any thickness T<NUM>, provided that thickness T<NUM> is greater than thickness T. In the illustrated example not part of the invention, substantially the entirety of the perimeter of the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> is surrounded by surrounding segments <NUM> that are thicker than the voice transmittal membrane <NUM>. However, it will be understood that any amount of the perimeter of the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> (for example, any number of the segments <NUM> or any length thereof) may be surrounded by thicker segments of the mask body <NUM>. Put another way, at least a portion of the surrounding segments <NUM> may have a thickness T<NUM> that is greater than a thickness T of at least a portion of the voice transmittal membrane <NUM>. In some examples, the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> is thinner than a majority and/or a remainder of the mask body <NUM>. Accordingly, the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> is more flexible than the mask body <NUM>, even if the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> and the mask body <NUM> are composed of the same material.

In the illustrated example not part of the invention, the passive voice transmittal feature <NUM> is located along the nose area <NUM> of the mask body <NUM>, as is shown in <FIG>. Specifically, the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> extends along the nose area <NUM> of the body <NUM>. However, the passive voice transmittal feature <NUM> is not limited to this location. For example, the passive voice transmittal feature <NUM> additionally or alternatively may be located at any other location along the mask body <NUM>, such as, but not limited to, the mouth area <NUM>.

The voice transmittal membrane <NUM> may be composed of any suitable material(s) that enable the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> to function as described and/or illustrated herein. Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to, thermosets, thermoplastics, elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers, filtering structures and/or filter materials, cushioning and/or dampening materials, shape memory materials, and/or the like. In the illustrated example, the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> is composed of substantially the same material(s) as the mask body <NUM>. However, it will be understood that in other examples the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> may be composed of one or more materials that are different than the material(s) from which the mask body <NUM> is composed. In some examples, the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> is fabricated from one or more filter materials (such as in embodiments wherein the mask body <NUM> is fabricated from a filter material).

The various design parameters of the mask <NUM>, such as, but not limited to, the material(s) of the mask body <NUM>, the material(s) of the voice transmittal membrane <NUM>, the thickness T, the thickness(es) T<NUM>, the thickness T of the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> relative to the value of the thickness T<NUM> of each surrounding segment <NUM>, the number of surrounding segments <NUM> that are provided as thicker than the voice transmittal membrane <NUM>, the amount of the perimeter of the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> that is surrounded by thicker segments of the body <NUM>, the geometry of the voice transmittal membrane <NUM>, the dimensions of the voice transmittal membrane <NUM>, the location of the voice transmittal membrane <NUM>, the orientation of the voice transmittal membrane <NUM>, and/or the like, may be selected to enable the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> to function as described and/or illustrated herein, that is, to transmit a user's speech from inside the plenum of the mask body <NUM> to the ambient environment of the user wearing the mask <NUM> with less distortion such that a listener can better understand the speech of a user wearing the mask <NUM>.

The passive voice transmittal feature <NUM> may transmit a user's speech from inside the plenum of the mask body <NUM> to the ambient environment of the user wearing the mask <NUM> with less distortion than known respirator masks <NUM>. The passive voice transmittal feature <NUM> thus is configured to increase the ability of a listener to understand the speech of a user wearing the mask <NUM> and thereby enhance communication between the user and a listener.

Further, it should be understood that in the illustrated example, the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> is a passive device and therefore the amplitude of the user's speech is not enhanced or increased by the passive voice transmittal feature <NUM>. In other examples, the voice transmittal feature <NUM> is an active voice transmittal feature <NUM> that includes an active audio capture and/or transmission device that includes or is connected to a power source to increase the amplitude of the user's speech. In other words, as a non-limiting example, the mask <NUM> is not precluded from also including a microphone or other amplifier.

The voice transmittal membrane <NUM> shown in <FIG> is integrally formed with a single, unitary construction with the mask body <NUM>, regardless of whether the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> is composed of the same material(s) as the mask body <NUM>. The single, unitary construction of the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> with the mask body <NUM> may allow the passive voice transmittal feature <NUM> and/or the mask <NUM> to be less expensive, less prone to failure, and/or the like than respirator masks that include discrete mechanical voice-transmission devices that are mounted or to the mask.

According to the invention, the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> is a discrete component that is attached to the mask body <NUM>. For example, <FIG> is a front view of a preferred embodiment of a respirator mask <NUM>. In general, the components disclosed in the example shown in <FIG> are at least substantially the same as the corresponding components shown in <FIG> that are designated with the same numbers in the one hundred series. For example, the mask body <NUM> shown in <FIG> is at least substantially the same as the mask body <NUM> shown in <FIG>, except for any distinguishing features disclosed herein (such as an opening in the mask body to receive a removably attached voice transmittal element, as described in more detail below). Further, it will be understood that features disclosed for one embodiment are not precluded from being included in the other embodiment.

The mask body <NUM> includes an interior surface <NUM> and an exterior surface <NUM> opposite the interior surface <NUM>. The body <NUM> includes a nose area <NUM> (sometimes referred to as an "upper portion" of the mask body <NUM>) and a mouth area <NUM> (sometimes referred to as a "lower portion" of the mask body <NUM>). The nose area <NUM> is sized and configured to receive the nose of the user therein such that the nose area <NUM> covers at least a portion of the user's nose. For example, the nose area <NUM> covers the nose and portions of the upper cheeks of the user. Similarly, the mouth area <NUM> of the mask <NUM> is sized and configured to cover the user's mouth. For example, the mouth area <NUM> covers the mouth, at least a portion of the chin, and portions of the lower cheeks of the user.

Although not shown in <FIG>, the mask body includes a sealing area that is similar to the sealing area <NUM> of the example shown in <FIG> in that it is configured to seal against the user's face to thereby seal the mask <NUM> to the user's face.

The interior surface <NUM> of the mask body <NUM> has a concave shape such that the interior surface <NUM> defines an interior space <NUM> of the body <NUM> that is sized and configured to receive therein at least a portion of the user's face, such as the user's nose and mouth. While the mask <NUM> is worn by the user, the user's nose and mouth are received into the interior space <NUM> such that a plenum is defined between the interior surface <NUM> of the body <NUM> and the portion of the user's face received by the mask <NUM>. So, the interior space <NUM> may be referred to herein as the plenum when the user is wearing the mask <NUM>.

Although not shown, the mask <NUM> optionally includes a harness that is configured to hold the mask body <NUM> on the user's face and thereby hold the mask <NUM> in position over the user's nose and mouth. In some embodiments, the harness includes a plurality of straps (not shown) that are attached to the mask body <NUM> and are configured to secure the mask <NUM> to the user's head. For example, the mask body01 <NUM> may include one or more attachment elements <NUM> to which the harness may be coupled. However, it will be understood that the harness additionally or alternatively may include any other structure. The harness may be reusable. Optionally, the harness is disposable. The harness is optionally composed of materials that are relatively easy to sterilize with relatively common sterilization methods.

The respiratory mask <NUM> includes a passive voice transmittal feature <NUM> that is configured to enhance the intelligibility of the speech of a user wearing the mask <NUM>. In other words, like the passive voice transmittal feature <NUM> of the example shown in <FIG>, the passive voice transmittal feature <NUM> of the embodiment shown in <FIG> is configured to increase the ability of a listener to understand the speech of a user wearing the mask <NUM>. The passive voice transmittal feature <NUM> thereby enhances communication between a user wearing the mask <NUM> and a listener.

Unlike the passive voice transmittal feature <NUM> of the example shown in <FIG>, the passive voice transmittal feature <NUM> shown in <FIG> is not integrally formed with a single, unitary construction with the mask body <NUM>, and instead includes a frame <NUM> and a voice transmittal membrane <NUM>. The voice transmittal membrane <NUM> is configured to vibrate in response to sound waves generated by the user wearing the mask <NUM>. The vibration of the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> transmits the sound waves from the mask interior space <NUM>, that is, from the plenum defined between the user's face and the interior surface <NUM>, to outside the mask body <NUM>, that is, to the ambient or external environment of the user wearing the mask <NUM>.

Specifically, as the user speaks while wearing the mask <NUM>, the sound waves generated by the user's speech within the plenum of the mask body <NUM> impact the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> along the interior surface <NUM> of the mask body <NUM> and, in particular, the interior surface <NUM> of the voice transmittal membrane <NUM>. The impact of the sound waves with the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> vibrates the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> such that the sound waves are reproduced by the vibrating membrane <NUM> along an exterior surface <NUM> of the mask body <NUM> and, in particular, the exterior surface <NUM> of the voice transmittal membrane <NUM>. The interior surface <NUM> of the passive voice transmittal membrane <NUM> and the frame <NUM> are continuous (i.e., contiguous) with the interior surface <NUM> of the mask body <NUM> and the exterior surface <NUM> and the frame <NUM> are continuous (i.e., contiguous) with the exterior surface <NUM> of the mask body <NUM>, even though the thicknesses of the voice transmittal membrane <NUM>, frame <NUM>, and mask body <NUM> are different. The voice transmittal membrane <NUM> thereby transmits a user's speech from inside the plenum of the mask body <NUM> to the ambient environment of the user wearing the mask <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, as described above, the passive voice transmittal feature <NUM> includes the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> and a frame <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame <NUM> is coupled to the mask body <NUM> such that the frame <NUM> is secured by the mask body <NUM>, while the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> is coupled to and secured by the frame <NUM>, as is shown in <FIG>. In an example not part of the invention, the frame <NUM> may be clamped or crimped around the outer edges of the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> to secure the membrane <NUM>. In other examples not part of the invention the frame <NUM> is integrally formed with a single, unitary construction with the mask body <NUM> and the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> is removably or fixedly coupled to the frame <NUM>.

According to the invention, the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> is integrally formed with a single, unitary construction with the frame <NUM>.

According to the invention, in which the frame <NUM> is removably coupled to the mask body <NUM>, the frame <NUM> includes a perimeter <NUM> that extends around the outer edge of the frame <NUM>. According to the invention, the perimeter <NUM> has a convex shape in cross section. Further, the portion of the mask body <NUM> that engages with the frame <NUM> has a perimeter <NUM> having a corresponding concave shape in cross section. For example, the mask body <NUM> includes an opening <NUM> that is sized and configured to accept the frame <NUM> and retain the frame <NUM> within the mask body <NUM>. In this way, the convex perimeter <NUM> of the frame <NUM> may be snapped into or otherwise coupled to the concave perimeter <NUM> of the opening <NUM> in the mask body <NUM>. Further, when the frame <NUM> is coupled to the mask body <NUM>, the coupling may fluid tight so a gas within the plenum of the mask does not escape through the opening <NUM> when the user is wearing the mask <NUM>.

According to an example not part of the invention, the frame perimeter <NUM> may have a concave shape in cross section and the perimeter <NUM> of the opening <NUM> may have a corresponding convex shape in cross section that, when the frame <NUM> is in the opening <NUM>, is capable of retaining the frame within the mask body <NUM>.

The rigidity of the frame <NUM> and/or the thickness of the mask body <NUM> relative to the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> may enable and/or facilitate operation of the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> to transmit speech from the plenum of the mask body <NUM> to the ambient or external environment. For example, the rigidity of the frame <NUM> and/or the thickness of the mask body <NUM> relative to the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> may enable and/or facilitate vibration of the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> in response to sound waves generated by the user wearing the mask <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the passive voice transmittal feature <NUM> is located along a nose area <NUM> of the mask body <NUM>, as is shown in <FIG>. However, the passive voice transmittal feature <NUM> is not limited to this location. For example, the passive voice transmittal feature <NUM> additionally or alternatively may be located at any other location along the mask body <NUM>, such as, but not limited to, a mouth area <NUM>.

The voice transmittal membrane <NUM> and the frame <NUM> may each be composed of any suitable material(s) that enable the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> to function as described and/or illustrated herein. Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to, thermosets, thermoplastics, elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers, filtering structures and/or filter materials, cushioning and/or dampening materials, shape memory materials, and/or the like. As a non-limiting example, the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> is composed of substantially the same material(s) as the mask body <NUM>, whereas the frame <NUM> is composed of a different, more rigid material. For example, the mask body <NUM> and the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> may each be composed of a first material having a first durometer and the frame may be composed of a second material having a second durometer that is greater than the first durometer. Alternatively, the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> may be composed of a material that is different than the material from which the mask body <NUM> is composed, provided that the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> is composed of a material having a durometer that is less than that of the material from which the frame <NUM> is composed.

The various design parameters of the mask <NUM>, such as, but not limited to, the material(s) of the mask body <NUM>, the rigidity of the frame <NUM>, the material(s) of the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> and/or the frame <NUM>, the thickness of the voice transmittal membrane <NUM>, the thickness(es) of the mask body <NUM>, the thickness of the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> relative to the thickness(es) of the mask body <NUM>, the geometry of the voice transmittal membrane <NUM>, the dimensions of the voice transmittal membrane <NUM>, the location of the voice transmittal membrane <NUM>, the orientation of the voice transmittal membrane <NUM>, and/or the like, may be selected to enable the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> to function as described and/or illustrated herein, that is, to transmit a user's speech from inside the plenum of the mask body <NUM> to the ambient environment of the user wearing the mask <NUM> with less distortion such that a listener can better understand the speech of a user wearing the mask <NUM>.

The voice passive transmittal feature <NUM> may transmit a user's speech from inside the plenum of the mask body <NUM> to the ambient environment of the user wearing the mask <NUM> with less distortion than known respirator masks <NUM>. The passive voice transmittal feature <NUM> thus is configured to increase the ability of a listener to understand the speech of a user wearing the mask <NUM> and thereby enhance communication between the user and a listener.

Further, it should be understood that in the illustrated embodiment, the voice transmittal membrane <NUM> is a passive device and therefore the amplitude of the user's speech is not enhanced or increased by the passive voice transmittal feature <NUM>. In other embodiments, the passive voice transmittal feature <NUM> may include an active device that includes or is connected to a power source to increase the amplitude of the user's speech. As a non-limiting example, the mask <NUM> may also include a microphone or other amplifier.

In some embodiments, a respirator mask that includes a passive voice transmittal feature is provided. The respirator mask provides respiratory protection while also allowing for the transmission of intelligible speech from a user. In one embodiment, the respiratory mask includes a body (<NUM>)(<NUM>) defining an interior space (<NUM>)(<NUM>) of the mask (<NUM>)(<NUM>) and including a first surface (<NUM>)(<NUM>) and a second surface (<NUM>)(<NUM>) opposite the first surface (<NUM>)(<NUM>), the first surface (<NUM>)(<NUM>) defining the interior space (<NUM>)(<NUM>), and a passive voice transmittal feature (<NUM>)(<NUM>) contiguous with the body (<NUM>)(<NUM>).

In one aspect of the embodiment, the passive voice transmittal feature (<NUM>)(<NUM>) is a membrane (<NUM>)(<NUM>), the membrane (<NUM>)(<NUM>) having a first surface (<NUM>)(<NUM>), a second surface (<NUM>)(<NUM>), and a first thickness (T) extending between the membrane first surface (<NUM>)(<NUM>) and the membrane second surface (<NUM>)(<NUM>), the body (<NUM>)(<NUM>) having a second thickness (T<NUM>) at at least one location proximate the membrane (<NUM>)(<NUM>), the second thickness (T<NUM>) extending between the body first surface (<NUM>)(<NUM>) and the body second surface (<NUM>)(<NUM>), the first thickness (T) being less than the second thickness (T<NUM>).

In one aspect of the embodiment, the membrane first surface (<NUM>)(<NUM>) is contiguous with the body first surface (<NUM>)(<NUM>) and the membrane second surface (<NUM>)(<NUM>) is contiguous with the body second surface (<NUM>)(<NUM>).

In one aspect not part of the invention, the membrane (<NUM>)(<NUM>) has a perimeter, the body (<NUM>)(<NUM>) further including at least one portion (<NUM>) that is adjacent at least a portion of the membrane perimeter, the at least one portion of the body (<NUM>)(<NUM>) having the second thickness (T<NUM>).

In one aspect not part of the invention, the passive voice transmittal feature (<NUM>) is integrally formed with a single, unitary construction with the body (<NUM>)(<NUM>).

In one aspect of the embodiment, the body (<NUM>)(<NUM>) further includes an upper segment (<NUM>)(<NUM>) and a lower segment (<NUM>)(<NUM>), the lower segment (<NUM>)(<NUM>) including the passive voice transmittal feature (<NUM>)(<NUM>). In one aspect of the embodiment, the upper segment (<NUM>)(<NUM>) is configured to receive a nose of a user and the lower segment (<NUM>)(<NUM>) is configured to receive a mouth of the user.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the passive voice transmittal feature (<NUM>)(<NUM>) is located proximate a user's mouth when the user is wearing the mask (<NUM>)(<NUM>).

In one aspect of the embodiment, the voice transmittal membrane (<NUM>)(<NUM>) is and the body (<NUM>)(<NUM>) are composed of substantially the same material.

According to the invention, the passive voice transmittal feature (<NUM>) includes a membrane (<NUM>) and a frame (<NUM>) coupled to the membrane (<NUM>), the frame (<NUM>) being coupled to the body (<NUM>).

According to the invention, the frame (<NUM>) is removably coupled to the body (<NUM>).

According to the invention, the body (<NUM>) further includes an opening (<NUM>) extending between the body first surface (<NUM>) and the body second surface (<NUM>), the opening (<NUM>) being configured to receive and retain the frame (<NUM>). According an example not part of the invention, the frame (<NUM>) is fixedly coupled to the body (<NUM>).

According an example not part of the invention, the membrane (<NUM>) has a perimeter, the frame (<NUM>) being coupled to the perimeter of the membrane (<NUM>).

According an example not part of the invention, the passive voice transmittal feature (<NUM>) includes a membrane (<NUM>) and a frame (<NUM>) that is integrally formed with a single, unitary construction with the body (<NUM>), the frame (<NUM>) being coupled to the membrane perimeter.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Dimensions, types of materials, orientations of the various components, and the number and positions of the various components described herein are intended to define parameters of certain embodiments, and are by no means limiting and are merely exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments and modifications within the scope of the claims will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.

The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims.

Claim 1:
A respirator mask (<NUM>), comprising:
a body (<NUM>) defining an interior space (<NUM>) of the mask (<NUM>) and including a first surface (<NUM>) and a second surface (<NUM>) opposite the first surface (<NUM>), the first surface (<NUM>) defining the interior space (<NUM>); and
a passive voice transmittal feature (<NUM>) contiguous with the body (<NUM>), the voice transmittal feature (<NUM>) including a membrane (<NUM>) and a frame (<NUM>), the membrane (<NUM>) being integrally formed with a single unitary construction with the frame (<NUM>), the frame (<NUM>) and the membrane (<NUM>) being removably coupled to the body (<NUM>) , wherein the frame (<NUM>) includes a perimeter (<NUM>) that extends around the outer edge of the frame and that has a convex shape in cross section,
and wherein the body (<NUM>) comprises an opening (<NUM>) that is sized and configured to accept the frame (<NUM>) with the opening (<NUM>) comprising a perimeter (<NUM>) having a concave shape in cross section.