EP1486233B1 - Protective headgear equipment with respirator and protection screen - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to head protection equipment with a breathing mask and an optical screen. These include equipment for personnel flying aircraft.

• un masque respiratoire raccordable à une source de gaz respiratoire et adapté pour être appliqué, dans une position d'utilisation, sur le bas du visage d'un utilisateur, autour de son nez et de sa bouche, et l'alimenter en gaz respiratoire,
• un écran de protection des yeux adapté pour être appliqué sur le haut du visage de l'utilisateur, autour de ses yeux, et
• des premier et deuxième éléments de verrou, respectivement situés sur le masque et sur l'écran et adaptés pour coopérer l'un avec l'autre pour assujettir l'écran au masque, lorsque le masque est dans sa position d'utilisation sur le visage de l'utilisateur.

More particularly, the invention relates to head protection equipment comprising:

• a respirator mask connectable to a respiratory gas source and adapted to be applied, in a position of use, to the lower face of a user, around his nose and mouth, and supply it with respiratory gas,
• an eye shield adapted to be applied to the user's upper face, around his eyes, and
• first and second latch members, respectively located on the mask and on the screen and adapted to cooperate with each other to secure the screen to the mask, when the mask is in its use position on the face of the user.

The invention finds a particularly important application, although not exclusive, in aeronautics.

The document US 5,630,412 describes an example of such protective equipment that gives complete satisfaction. In this equipment, the screen is adapted to be mounted quickly and releasably on the mask, especially when the latter is already in place on the face of a user. In aeronautics, for example, regulations may require that pilots and co-pilots of transport aircraft wear protective equipment. against hypoxia, permanently under certain flight conditions, especially at very high altitude or when only one pilot is present in the cabin. To protect against fumes and / or toxic or irritating gases in contact with the eyes, the user may be required to wear a screen, in addition to the mask already in place. In this type of mask, there is provided a seal intended to be applied around the window of the screen, on the face of the user. For the seal to be well plated on the face of the users despite the morphologies of the faces, it is generally expected an extension of the seal that can be inserted under straps of the harness that keeps the mask in place, position of use, on the user's head.

This last provision is however not completely satisfactory, insofar as it requires special handling on the part of the user, to slide the extension of the seal under the harness straps. However, in an emergency situation, it is desirable to avoid any loss of time during which the user does not devote himself fully to the operations of piloting and managing the emergency itself.

The present invention is intended to further improve the junction between the face of the user and the screen. Another goal is to help save time for the installation of protective equipment.

For this purpose, according to the invention, protective equipment as defined in claim 1 is provided.

Thanks to these provisions, the equipment according to the invention adapts more easily to different face morphologies of users by allowing the screen to switch back and forth, to get closer to the front of the user and apply the screen around his eyes.

• les premier et deuxième éléments de verrous sont mobiles l'un par rapport à l'autre, autour d'un axe horizontal, grâce à deux biellettes ;
• le masque comporte une rampe de verrouillage adaptée pour guider l'écran vers une position de verrouillage de l'écran sur le masque, lors de l'approche de l'écran vers le masque ;
• la rampe verrouillage est orientée avec une composante dirigée de haut en bas et vers l'intérieur du masque, afin de positionner l'écran sur le masque par un geste simple et naturel ;
• il comporte des moyens de ressort adaptés pour ramener l'écran vers le visage de l'utilisateur, lorsque l'écran est assujetti au masque et que le masque est porté par l'utilisateur ;
• il comporte un harnais muni de sangles adaptées pour maintenir le masque en position d'utilisation, sur la tête de l'utilisateur et dans lequel l'écran comporte deux pattes de guidage adaptées pour s'insérer respectivement chacune sous une sangle du harnais lors de la mise en place de l'écran sur le masque ; ainsi l'écran peut être appliqué sur le visage de l'utilisateur, grâce aux sangles, mais sans manipulation de la part de l'utilisateur autre que celle d'approche et de verrouillage de l'écran sur le masque ; cette disposition permet d'avoir une meilleure étanchéité entre l'écran et le visage sans pour autant demander du temps de mise en place de l'écran supplémentaire ;
• les pattes de guidage sont adaptées pour faire remonter, sur les côtés de l'écran, les sangles sous lesquelles elles sont insérées lors de la mise en place de l'écran sur le masque ; ainsi, les sangles appliquent encore plus efficacement l'écran sur le visage de l'utilisateur ; et
• les sangles du harnais sont munies d'un collier, au niveau des lieux d'insertion des pattes de guidage sous ces sangles, afin de faciliter la mise en place de l'écran et l'insertion des pattes de guidage sous les sangles.

In embodiments of the invention, one or more of the following provisions may also be used:

• the first and second lock members are movable relative to one another, about a horizontal axis, with two links;
• the mask comprises a locking ramp adapted to guide the screen to a locking position of the screen on the mask, when approaching the screen towards the mask;
• the locking ramp is oriented with a component directed from top to bottom and towards the inside of the mask, in order to position the screen on the mask by a simple and natural gesture;
• it comprises spring means adapted to bring the screen to the face of the user, when the screen is subject to the mask and the mask is worn by the user;
• it comprises a harness provided with straps adapted to maintain the mask in the use position, on the user's head and in which the screen comprises two guide tabs adapted to fit each respectively under a strap of the harness when setting up the screen on the mask; so the screen can be applied on the face of the user, thanks to the straps, but without manipulation by the user other than approaching and locking the screen on the mask; this arrangement makes it possible to have a better seal between the screen and the face without requiring the time of setting up the additional screen;
• the guide tabs are adapted to raise, on the sides of the screen, the straps under which they are inserted during the establishment of the screen on the mask; thus, the straps apply the screen even more effectively on the face of the user; and
• the straps of the harness are provided with a collar, at the places of insertion of the guide tabs under these straps, to facilitate the introduction of the screen and the insertion of the guide tabs under the straps.

According to yet another aspect, the invention relates to a protective screen according to claim 9, for protective equipment as indicated above; it may comprise guide tabs adapted to fit respectively each under a strap of a harness when setting up the screen on the mask.

Other aspects, objects and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description of an embodiment.

• la figure 1 représente schématiquement en perspective un équipement de protection conforme à la présente invention ;
• la figure 2 représente schématiquement en perspective, le masque et l'écran de l'équipement de protection de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3 représente schématiquement en coupe, un détail de la soupape d'admission de gaz respiratoire dans l'écran, de l'équipement de protection représenté sur la figure 1 ;
• la figure 4 représente schématiquement en perspective et vu de dessus, au niveau de la rampe de verrouillage, le couvre face oronasal de l'équipement représenté en figure 1 ;
• la figure 5 représente schématiquement en perspective et en vue éclatée, le nez d'accrochage de l'écran représenté sur les figures 1 et 2 ;
• la figure 6 représente schématiquement en perspective l'écran représenté sur les figures 1 et 2 ;
• la figure 7 représente schématiquement en coupe, les éléments de verrouillage de l'écran et du masque représentés sur les figures 1 et 2 ;
• la figure 8 représente schématiquement en perspective une partie de la rampe de verrouillage du masque représenté sur les figures 1 et 2 ; et
• la figure 9 représente schématiquement en coupe, dans un plan de coupe inférieur à celui de la figure 7, les éléments de verrouillage de l'écran et du masque représentés sur les figures 1 et 2.

The invention will also be better understood using references to drawings in which:

• the figure 1 schematically shows in perspective a protective equipment according to the present invention;
• the figure 2 schematically represents in perspective, the mask and the screen of the protective equipment of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 3 schematically shows in section, a detail of the respiratory gas admission valve in the screen, of the protective equipment represented on the figure 1 ;
• the figure 4 schematically represents in perspective and seen from above, at the level of the locking ramp, the oronasal face cover of the equipment represented in figure 1 ;
• the figure 5 schematically represents in perspective and in exploded view, the nose of attachment of the screen represented on the Figures 1 and 2 ;
• the figure 6 schematically represents in perspective the screen represented on the Figures 1 and 2 ;
• the figure 7 represents schematically in section, the locking elements of the screen and the mask represented on the Figures 1 and 2 ;
• the figure 8 schematically represents in perspective a part of the locking ramp of the mask represented on the Figures 1 and 2 ; and
• the figure 9 represents schematically in section, in a section plane smaller than that of the figure 7 , the locking elements of the screen and the mask represented on the Figures 1 and 2 .

In the different figures, the same references designate identical or similar elements.

An exemplary embodiment of the equipment according to the invention is represented on the figure 1 . This protective equipment 1 comprises a mask 2, a harness 4 and a screen 6.

The mask 2 and the harness 4 are of a known type. They are for example of the type already described in the documents EP-A-0 288 391 or US 5,630,412 .

The mask 2 comprises an oronasal face cover 8, an on-demand regulator 10, a connection block 12 and a shell 14. The demand regulator 10 is connected to a source of pressurized respiratory gas by a flexible tube 16. Connection block 12 connects the demand regulator 10 to the inflatable harness 4. The shell 14 covers the front of the oronasal face cover 8.

The oronasal face cover 8 is adapted to be applied to the lower face of a user. As shown on the figure 2 the oronasal face cover 8 has a cavity intended to cover the nose and the mouth of this user. This cavity is lined with a flexible membrane also extending all around thereof, to form a seal 18 intended to be applied in contact with the face of the user.

The shell 14 has an edge surface 20 located substantially in coincidence with that of the nose of the user, when the latter is wearing the mask 2.

At the edge surface 20, the oronasal face cover 8 has a valve 26. The valve 26 is upwardly at the edge surface 20.

The shell 14 has a locking ramp 24. The locking ramp 24 is located at the bottom of the edge surface 20, between the valve 26 and the connection block 12.

When the equipment 1 is on the head of a user and that this one has the head right, one can define a plane P which corresponds to the plane of the sheet on which is the figure 2 . This plane P corresponds to the plane of symmetry of the face of the user. It passes through the top of the ridge surface 20. A vertical Z direction is also defined, which extends from bottom to top with reference to the top and bottom of a user's face.

The locking ramp 24 has a hook shape open downwards, with a first branch 23 oriented with a Z-component directed from top to bottom and towards the inside of the mask and a second branch 25 substantially perpendicular to the first branch 23 and with a free end located below this first branch 23. Thus, if the user approaches the screen 6 too low, on the mask 2, the screen 6 slides on the second branch which goes back to the first branch 23 , by which it is guided to its locking position. The user thus approaches the screen 6 of the face cover 8 in a simple and natural gesture and brings the screen 6 in the locking position in a movement having a component directed from top to bottom. In this way, the user can, when setting up the screen 6 on the face cover 8, that contribute to the proper positioning of the mask 2 on his face. This provision is particularly important in an emergency situation such as that which usually requires the use of the screen 6.

As illustrated by figures 2 and 4 , the first branch 23 comprises two slides 28, disposed on either side of the plane P, symmetrically with respect thereto, and extend in the direction Z-. Each slide 28 is surmounted by a locking blade 29.

Each locking blade 29 has a free end shaped in lug 30 extending in opposite directions, substantially horizontally and perpendicularly to the locking blades 29. These locking blades 29 are sufficiently flexible to deform elastically on a displacement corresponding substantially to the length of the lugs 30. Each lug 30 has a straight edge 31, substantially perpendicular to the locking blades 29 and a skewed edge 32. Each straight edge 31 makes it possible to retain the locking blades 29 in the locking element in which they are intended to be introduced. Each biased edge 32 facilitates their deformation and their insertion in this locking element.

At the base of the locking blades 29, there are two protuberances 33 forming a hard point as will be explained later.

The screen 6 comprises a rigid window 36 of optical quality surrounded by a frame 38 of relatively rigid plastic material. The frame 38 is provided with a seal 40 adapted to apply a relatively large surface in contact with the face of the user. The screen 6 and the mask 2 are advantageously provided so as to organize a flow of breathing gas in the screen 6 when the latter is in place on the face of the user. In particular, when setting up the screen 6 on the mask 2, the valve 26, closed when the screen 6 is not in place, opens to admit respiratory gas from inside the mask 2 towards the inside of the screen 6.

Respiratory gas can escape by leakage between the seal 40 and the skin. Slots can also be provided in the upper part of the seal 40 so as to guide the breathing gas sweeping the volume between the face and the screen 6. The opening of the valve 26, during the establishment of the screen 6 on the mask 2, is achieved by the insertion of a tongue 42 under a rim 44 overhanging the valve 26. When the tongue 42 is inserted under the flange 44, it presses a piston 45 (see figure 3 ), thus opening a breathing gas admission channel communicating the connection block 12 to the volume located between the screen 6 and the face of the user. When the screen 6 is disengaged from the mask 2, a spring pushes the piston to a seat 46 to close the intake channel.

As shown on the figure 2 , the screen 6 has a hooking nose 50 provided to allow a quick and easy installation of the screen 6 on the shell 14 of the mask 2. The locking means of the screen 6 on the mask 2 may have Constitutions very diverse and the embodiment given below is just one example.

In the embodiment shown on the figure 5 , the locking nose comprises a gripping member 52, a carriage 54 and a protective casing 56.

The gripping member 52 cooperates, in the approach of the screen 6 on the mask 2, with the first 23 and second 25 branches of the locking ramp 24, to guide the user in the positioning of the screen 6 on the mask 2.

The gripping member 52 is slidably mounted on the carriage 54. A spring 49 is interposed between the carriage 54 and a key 63, an axis 64 connected to the gripping member 52, passing through the middle of the spring 49. The spring 49 is located on the other side of the gripping member 52, relative to the key 63. The spring 49 is in compression. It therefore tends to bring the gripping member 52 and the carriage 54 closer to each other.

The carriage 54 comprises slides 55 intended to cooperate with the locking blades 29. When the screen 6 is locked on the mask 2, the carriage 54 is thus fixed with respect to the mask 2.

The carriage 54 is mounted on the frame 38 via a first 57 and a second link 58. As shown in FIG. figure 6 , the first 57 and second 58 links allow the frame 38, and therefore the screen 6, to pivot about an axis of rotation C so as to catch a game at the upper edge 61 of the seal 40, by a substantially horizontal displacement of up to about 10mm.

Returning to figure 1 , the frame 38 comprises guide tabs 39 intended to be inserted without further manipulation by the user, under the harness straps 5, when the user positions the screen on the mask 2. More specifically, the straps are provided with collars 7, at the places of insertion of the guide lugs 39. These collars 7 facilitate the insertion of the guide lugs 39 under the straps 5. In addition, the guide lugs 39 are shaped to raise the straps 5 on the sides of the frame 38, in order to apply more effectively the seal 40 on the face of the user.

Returning to figure 5 , a ventilation finger 59 is rigidly connected to the carriage 54. The ventilation finger 59 is surmounted by the tongue 42, which is fixed with respect to the mask 2, when the screen 6 is attached to the mask 2. A spring of screen 60 is interposed between the finger of ventilation 59 and the frame 38. Thus, this screen spring 60 biases the screen 6 rearward, that is to say towards the face of the user when the equipment 1 is in position of use on the head of this user.

The protective casing 56 covers the carriage 54, in the variable space left between the frame 38 and the gripping member 52, while allowing the movement of the moving parts, carriage 54 and gripping member 52.

When the user, already wearing the mask 2 on the face, wishes to equip the screen 6, he seizes the screen 6 by the gripping member 52 and brings it to the mask 2. A near the mask 2, the positioning of the screen 6 is facilitated by the locking ramp 24. When the screen 6 is substantially correctly positioned on the mask 2, the user continues to press the gripping member 52 towards the mask 2. As illustrated by figure 7 , the gripping member 52 is provided with two flexible blades 53 which, passing the hard point constituted by the protuberances 33, strike the shell 14 and thus produce a sound indicator of the locking of the screen 6 on the mask 2. By thus pressing the gripping member 52 towards the mask 2, the user has driven the carriage 54, which is movable relative to the gripping member 52 and which in this case abuts against it. Thus, the locking blades 29 have deformed to penetrate into the carriage 54, then have elastically straightened to a rest position in which their straight edges 31 cooperate with the carriage 54 to retain the locking nose 50 on the mask 2.

As illustrated by figure 8 each lug 30 is provided in its lower part with an unlocking slope 34.

The figure 9 corresponds to a section passing through the unlocking slopes 34. At this level, the gripping member comprises claws 35.

To remove the screen 6, from the position of use illustrated by the figure 9 , the user pulls on the gripping member 52. The latter slides along the carriage 54. Thus, the claws 35 cooperate with the unlocking slopes 34, biasing the locking blades 29 towards one another. The carriage 54 is driven by the gripping member 52, on the one hand by the spring 49 and on the other hand by the stops 62 (see figure 7 ). The lugs then retract and the straight edges 31 emerge from the carriage 54. The flexible blades are released simultaneously protrusions 33. The screen 6 is removed from the mask 2 without requiring the user operation combined. A single simple gesture is sufficient to separate the screen 6 of the mask 2.

When the user removes the screen, the guide tabs 39 pass under the collars 7 to clear the screen of the straps 5.

Claims (9)

1. Protective equipment for protecting the head, the equipment comprising:

   • a breathing mask (2) connectable to a source of breathing gas and adapted, in an in-use position, to be pressed against the bottom of a user's face, around the nose and the mouth, and to supply the user with breathing gas;

   • a screen (6) for protecting the eyes and adapted to be pressed against the top of the user's face around the user's eyes; and

   • first latch element (29) on the mask and a second latch element (50) on the screen, the latch elements adapted to cooperate with each other to hold the screen to the mask when the mask is in its in-use position on the face of the user;

   characterized in that the screen (6) and the second latch element (50) are adapted to move relative to each other around an axis (C) perpendicular to the plane of symmetry of the user's head to encourage the screen (6) to press against the face of the user once the first and second latch elements have secured the screen and mask together.
2. Protective equipment according to claim 1, in which the screen and the second latch elements (29, 50) are movable relative to each other about a horizontal axis (C), by means of two links (57, 58).
3. Protective equipment according to any preceding claims, in which the mask (2) includes a locking ramp (24) adapted to guide the screen (6) towards a position in which the screen (6) is locked on the mask (2) as the screen (6) moves towards the mask (2).
4. Protective equipment according to claim 3, in which the locking ramp (24) is oriented with a component (Z-) that is directed downwards and towards the inside of the mask (2).
5. Protective equipment according to any preceding claims, including spring means (60) adapted to return the screen (6) towards the face of the user while the screen (6) is secured to the mask (2) and the mask (2) is being worn by the user.
6. Protective equipment according to any preceding claims, including a harness (4) provided with straps (5) adapted to hold the mask (2) in its in-use position against the head of the user, and in which the screen (6) includes two guide tabs (39), each adapted to be inserted under a respective strap (5) of the harness (4) while the screen (6) is being put into place on the mask (2).
7. Protective equipment according to claim 6, in which the guide tabs (39) are adapted to cause the straps (5) under which they have been inserted while the screen (6) is being put into place on the mask (2) to rise onto the sides of the screen (6).
8. Protective equipment according to claim 6 or 7, in which the straps (5) of the harness (4) are provided with respective collars (7) at the locations where the guide tabs (39) are inserted under the straps (5).
9. An eye protective screen for protective equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 8, said screen (6) being adapted to be pressed against the top of the user's face of said protective equipment, said protective equipment further including a breathing mask (2) adapted to be pressed against the bottom of the user's face, the protective screen (6) including a latch element (50) adapted to cooperate with the latch element (29) of said mask (2) to hold said screen to the mask when the mask (2) is in its in-use position on the face of the user,
   characterized in that the screen (6) and the latch element (50) are adapted to move relative to each other around an axis (C) perpendicular to symmetry plane of the user's s face, and encourage the screen (6) to press against the face of the user.

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