The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 15, 2005
Filed:
May. 11, 1994
Daniel A. Japuntich, St. Paul, MN (US);
Vaughn B. Grannis, Inver Grove Heights, MN (US);
Harold J. Seppala, St. Paul, MN (US);
Anthony B. Ferguson, Woodbury, MN (US);
Daniel A. Japuntich, St. Paul, MN (US);
Vaughn B. Grannis, Inver Grove Heights, MN (US);
Harold J. Seppala, St. Paul, MN (US);
Anthony B. Ferguson, Woodbury, MN (US);
3M Innovative Properties Company, St. Paul, MN (US);
Abstract
Filtering face maskhas a mask bodyand an exhalation valveThe mask bodyis adapted to fit over the nose and mouth of a person, and the exhalation valveis attached to the mask bodyThe exhalation valvehas a valve seatand a single flexible flapThe valve seatincludes a seal surfaceand an orificeThe orificeis circumscribed by the seal surfaceThe single flexible flaphas a fixed portionand one free portionThe one free portionhas a free end, and the fixed portionis located off-center of the flexible flapaway from the free end and is secured to the valve seatoutside the orificeThe one free portionis pressed toward the seal surfacewhen the wearer is neither inhaling or exhaling. The free portioncan be lifted from the seal surfaceduring an exhalation. Because the flexible flapis mounted to the valve seat off-center and outside the orificeand yet is pressed towards the valve seatwhen the wearer is not inhaling or exhaling, the face maskcan demonstrate a lower air flow resistance force during an exhalation which enables the exhalation valveto open easier, and it can remain closed under any static orientation of the valveto prevent contaminants from entering the mask interior.