MXPA97001534A - Process and emergency system for the protection of inhalation of h - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for storing and preparing a personal air filtering device for the protection of smoke inhalation for firefighters in imminently life-threatening situations, and to encourage their limited use in the imminently life-threatening situations, this method comprising the steps of: configuring a smoke filter in a manner of evidence of use, in such a way as to permanently indicate the use of the smoke filter for breathing, equip the fireman with an integrated breathing apparatus including a connected mask through a conduit to a breathable air tank, interconnect the smoke filter with the mask of the firefighter, to filter the air breathed by the firefighter when the air tank is exhausted.

Description

PROCESS AND EMERGENCY SYSTEM FOR THE PROTECTION OF SMOKE INHALATION Background of the Invention The present invention relates to fire safety methods, and more particularly to techniques to protect firefighters against smoke inhalation in imminent hazardous situations of their life. Often, those who work in dangerous environments, wear masks to breathe. One type of this mask extends only over the user's nose and mouth, and contains a carbon filter, through which the air that is breathed passes. The filter removes particles and toxic gases from the air. However, the use of this type of breathing apparatus is typically prohibited by most fire departments as inadequate, unreliable or unsafe in many environments where fire and smoke are present. Instead, it is commonly approved that firefighters use safer integrated breathing equipment when entering buildings that are burning. This equipment includes a compressed air tank and a pressure regulator to supply air at a constant pressure, which can be tolerated by the fire fighter. A hose connects the air regulator to a full-face mask, which is worn over the firefighter's face. The mask includes an outlet for the exhaled air by the fireman, and a transparent visor. When worn by the user, the mask not only provides a sealed volume of breathable air on the user's face, but also protects the firefighter's eyes from smoke. The integrated breathing apparatus with a full mask is typically the only type of smoke inhalation prevention equipment that is authorized by the fire department. The fireman's breathing equipment tank has a finite air supply. Although warning mechanisms are provided to alert the firefighter when the air supply is low, there is always the possibility that the firefighter can not leave the structure that is burning before the air supply is exhausted. There is also a possibility that a firefighter may become trapped inside a structure that is burning, due to the collapse of the structure, for example. The firefighter may get lost in a large area filled with smoke, such as a shopping center. The firefighter could also be injured or incapacitated in some way, and be immobile. In these cases, the firefighter can exhaust the breathing air, and remains in imminent danger of death. As a result, it is desirable to provide an alternative breathing apparatus that protects against smoke inhalation, to be used in those imminent risky emergencies of your life. Although a charcoal filter type mouth filter could be provided to firefighters for emergency backup for an authorized integrated breathing apparatus, fire department officials often worry that those masks will be routinely used in the course normal fire fighting, and not reserved for situations of imminent death and, therefore, prohibit their total use. In accordance with the foregoing, it is advisable to provide a way to issue backup breathing devices for firefighters in a manner that restricts their use to true situations of imminent death. It is also desirable to provide a mechanism by which firefighters can quickly identify the previous use, and fire department officials can detect the unauthorized use of these emergency breathing devices. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A general object of the present invention is to provide a reliable emergency breathing system, and a process to protect firefighters from smoke inhalation in situations of imminent death, of last resort, in a manner that inhibits the use of that equipment in the ordinary course of firefighting. Another object is to provide a container with evidence of use, for use in an emergency breathing method, which provides a clear indication that the device has been used. A further object of the invention is to provide a method for storing the emergency device in a durable and moisture resistant manner so that it has a long-term latency. A still further object of the invention is to provide a method of emergency air filtration, which can be quickly applied by a firefighter in distress. These objects are achieved by an emergency air filtration method to protect a firefighter from the inhalation of smoke and hazardous chemicals in imminent hazardous situations of his life. It is recognized that all fire fighting experiences threaten life to different degrees. As used throughout this description and in the associated claims, the terms "imminently life threatening" or "situations of imminent death" are used to describe those cases during firefighting in which a firefighter realizes that circumstances have placed him in imminent danger of death. These terms are intended to be distinguished from the ordinary course of the fight against normal fire, where a firefighter is aware of the options and opportunities to remain secure against death, while performing his firefighting duties. The invention provides a method for using a compact emergency air filtration device that can be connected to the mask of a conventional integral breathing apparatus. The air filtration device comprises a can that has at least one opening through which air can enter, and a coupling to connect to the mask, to supply air to the user. There is a filter contained inside the can, through which the air passes between the opening and the coupling. In an imminently risky life situation, such as when the tank air of the standard integrated breathing apparatus is exhausted, the firefighter disengages the air tank from the mask. Then the emergency air filtration device is connected, either directly to the mask, or to the remote end of the air supply hose instead of the tank. When the firefighter inhales, air is directed into the mask through the can, where the filter cleans the air. The compact and small nature of the emergency air filter system allows for convenient long-term storage of the firefighter's mechanism, and rapid application in an imminently risky life situation. A mechanism of evidence of use is associated with the can, to indicate a possible previous use of the air filtering device. This mechanism is constructed or configured to visually reveal that the can has been configured for the operation, and to prevent reconfiguration to the condition and appearance not used previously. This mechanism can take any of several forms. In one embodiment, the evidence of use mechanism may comprise a package that closes with a non-reusable closure, or that is sealed under vacuum to provide evidence, upon opening, that the air filter device stored therein has been used. . The vacuum sealed package can also provide resistance against moisture, which otherwise undermines the effectiveness of the filter. In another embodiment, self-adhesive covers can be applied over the opening and the coupling of the can. The adhesive used will not allow the covers to be reapplied on the opening and the coupling once the covers have been removed. In an alternative way, you can use evidence of use tape, which leaves a residue that carries a message or similar, such as covers. The present invention allows the prior use of the breathing device to be visually detected and supervised by the fire brigade supervising personnel, thus discouraging unauthorized use for another situation that is not a situation of imminent death.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is an exploded isometric view in parts of an emergency breathing apparatus in accordance with the present invention. Figure 2 illustrates the use of that emergency breathing apparatus by an individual. Figure 3A is an isometric view of an assembled breathing apparatus, with covers of evidence of use over the air inlet and outlet. Figure 3B illustrates the nozzle of the breathing apparatus, with a removable cover of evidence of use. Figure 4 shows the emergency breathing apparatus enclosed in another container mode with evidence of use. Figure 5 is a pictorial view of a firefighter using a mask of a conventional integrated breathing apparatus. Figure 6 is a pictorial view of a firefighter using the mask of Figure 5, which is connected to an emergency air filtration system in accordance with the present invention. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view through the emergency air filtration system. Figure 8 illustrates the emergency air filtration system connected to a hose of a mask for a standard breathing apparatus. Detailed Description of the Invention The invention relates to a method for providing firefighters with an emergency device for providing breathable air when a standard breathing source, such as an integrated breathing apparatus, is depleted. This method is intended to provide the firefighter with a few extra minutes of breathing to escape the imminently threatening situations of life. The invention also resides in the step of configuring the breathing device to give evidence of use, in order to provide an account of use by the firefighter. With initial reference to Figure 1, the method can be performed, for example, by a personal emergency air filtering device 10 which includes a housing 12, a filter cartridge 14, and a nose clip 16. The assembly of These components provide a relatively small and bell-free device that can be easily carried by a fire fighter to be used in imminent hazardous situations of life, such as an unexpected failure of standard integrated breathing equipment. As described above, it is recognized that all fire fighting experiences put life-threatening to different degrees. As they are used throughout this description and in the associated claims, the terms "imminently risky of life" or "situations of imminent death", are used to describe those cases during the fight against fires, where the firefighter he realizes that circumstances have placed him in imminent danger of death. These terms are intended to be distinguished from the ordinary course of the fight against normal fire, where the firefighter is aware of the options and opportunities to remain secure against death, while performing his firefighting duties. The compact nature of the air filtering device 10 also makes it easy to insert it in the mouth, since the application of a large hood or mask on the user's head is not required. This convenient and quick use compensates for any delay created by a cover of evidence of use, described later. The housing 12 is formed of moldable plastic or rubber, and has a nozzle 18 that includes an oval-shaped tube 20, with a radial flange 22 extending around one end of the tube. A pair of tooth clips 24 project from the side of the flange 22 which is remote from the tube 20. In practice, the mouthpiece 18 is inserted into the mouth of the fireman, in such a way that the flange 22 lies between the lips, and the teeth, with the lips sealed tight around the tube 20.

An air duct 26 extends from the tube 20 of the nozzle 18, and has accordion walls that allow the air duct to assume the shape of an easily flexible 90 ° elbow. One end of the air duct 26, which is remote from the nozzle 18, is connected to an opening in the upper part of a chamber 28 of the housing 12. The chamber 28 has a hollow cylindrical shape defining an internal chamber 30 with one end open front 32 and a closed rear end 34. The air duct 26 and the tube 20 provide an air passage between the chamber 30 and the outlet of the nozzle 18, through which the user can breathe. The chamber 30 has a circular cross section adapted to receive a cylindrical filter cartridge 14. When the filter cartridge 14 is placed in the chamber 30, the outer circumferential surface 36 engages tightly with a pair of ribs 38 inside the camera. The elasticity of the chamber 28, and specifically of the ribs 38, provides an air-tight seal around the exterior of the filter cartridge 14. Securing the filter cartridge in the chamber 30 effectively closes the open end 32 of the chamber. The filter cartridge 14 is of a conventional design having an inlet 40 in a front surface 42, and an outlet (not shown) in a back surface 44. A carbon filter element 46 is contained within the filter cartridge 14, through which the air flows between the entrance and the exit. The carbon filter element 46 removes particles, such as smoke, and hazardous vapors, from the air, which passes through the filter cartridge. The filter element also includes hopcalite to convert the harmful carbon monoxide into a harmless gas. The filter can be any of a variety of types, but it is preferred that the filter be designed to filter and breathe air filled with large amounts of carbon monoxide. The nozzle 18, the air duct 26, and the chamber 30, when closed by the filter cartridge 14, form an enclosure, through which the air that is breathed by a user flows. When the user inhales, the air is directed through the filter cartridge 14 and into a chamber at the rear of the chamber 28, between the filter cartridge and the rear end 34. Then the air travels upwards to the air duct 26 and the tube 20 of the nozzle. Finally, air leaves the air filter device 10 and towards the user's mouth through the opening 76 at the remote end of the nozzle tube 20, which is surrounded by the flange 22, as illustrated in Figure 3B. When the user exhales, the air flows through the air filter device 10 in the reverse direction. By using the nose clip 16 shown in Figures 1 and 2, ambient air is prevented from flowing through the user's nostrils when using the air filtering device 10. The nose clip 16 has a spring clip 50 with a pair of legs 52 and 53 connected by a cross member 54, which includes a torsion spring 56. The ends of the legs 52 and 53 that are remote from the cross member 54, are connected to the nose depressors in mushroom shape 58 and 59. The force provided by the torsion spring 56 on the legs 52 and 53, causes the nose depressors 58 and 59 to abut one another when the device is not used. Each nose depressant 58 and 59 has a rod 60 and 61, respectively, which can be held by the user for installation and removal of the nose clip 16. A belt 55 has a turn at one end that passes through the spring of the nose. twist 56, and a turn at the other end passing through a fastener 48 in the upper outer portion of the chamber 28. The strap 55 connects the nose holder 16 to the housing 12. The nose holder 16 and the belt 55 also they serve to maintain the connection between the filter and the user. If the mouthpiece falls inadvertently from the mouth, the nose clip 16 can retain the filter in proximity to the face for rapid reinsertion. This feature can save life, since the user may not be able to relocate a dropped filter to the ground in a smoky area. Referring to Figure 2, the firefighter 66 inserts the nozzle 18 into its mouth, such that the flange 22 is located between the lips and the teeth, with the tooth clips 24 between the teeth of the upper and lower jaws. The firefighter closes the teeth on the fasteners 24 to stop the nozzle in place, and the thickness of the fasteners provides a space between the teeth, through which the air that is being breathed passes. The nose depressants 58 and 59 are pulled apart by holding the rods 60 and 61, and placed on the nose. The fireman 66 then gently releases the nose depressors 58 and 59. The force provided by the torsion spring 56 presses the depressors 58 and 59 against the sides of the nose, closing the nostrils. To reserve the smoke filter for imminent life hazards, the apparatus of the invention includes a evidence of use mechanism operatively connected to the filter. The evidence of use mechanism is constructed or configured to visually reveal that the nozzle and filter have been configured for operation, and to prevent reconfiguration to the condition and appearance not used before. In Figure 3A, the air filter device 10 is assembled for use with the filter cartridge 14 inserted in the housing chamber 12. The evidence of use mechanism may include a first sheet cover 70 with adhesive applied to a surface, which can be adhered to the front of the filter cartridge 4 over the inlet opening 40, thereby sealing the opening. The cover 70 has a large tab 72, which can be held by the fire fighter, to pull the cover 70 of the filter cartridge, in order to use the air filtering device 10. As shown in Figure 3B, the nozzle 18 has a second similar cover 74, which extends over the opening 76 in the flange 22 which is coupled with the tube 20. The second cover 42 is made of a sheet material with a self-adhesive backing which adheres the cover to the surface of the cover. the flange 22, providing an air-tight seal over the opening 76. The second cover 74 also has a large tab 78 that can be held by the fire fighter to pull the second cover 74 from the nozzle. The covers 70 and 74 seal the openings of the air filter device 10 before use, thereby preventing moisture from entering the filter cartridge 14, and degrading the carbon filter element 46 thereof. A firefighter wearing gloves can easily remove covers 70 and 74 in an emergency situation. The adhesive used to apply the two covers to the air filtering device must be of a type that loses its characteristic adhesion when removed. In other words, the adhesive does not allow covers 70 and 74 to be reattached to the nozzle, thereby providing an indication that the nozzle has been used. Alternatively, covers 70 and 74 can be made of evidence of use tape, to show that the container has been opened. As mentioned above, most fire departments generally prohibit the aforementioned smokeless smoke filtering devices. To restrict the use of this apparatus to only imminently risky life situations, the air filtering device 10 can be enclosed in an evidence packet of use 80 illustrated in Figure 4. A firefighter can quickly assess whether a filter has been used previously, and possibly has been depleted or decreased. This quick inspection can avoid the damage of using a possibly ineffective filter in a noxious atmosphere. As well, periodically, supervisory officers of the fire department can inspect packets of filter devices that have been issued to firefighters, to determine if the devices have already been used. If such use is detected, the respective firefighter may be questioned about the circumstances of such use, to ensure that the device has been used only in an emergency situation, such as after exhaustion or failure of the authorized integrated breathing equipment. The fire department may impose sanctions against firefighters who use the present breathing device 10 in other situations than authorized situations. The package 80 may include an inner sheet pack 42, where the air filter device 10 is placed. The sheet pack 82 is then evacuated and sealed along a closure 84. A tab of tabs 86 extends from each side of the enclosure 84, which provide mechanisms by which the firefighter can easily separate the closure and have access to the air filter device contained in the sheet pack 82. Because the sheet pack 82 is vacuum sealed, it conforms to to the external contours of the air filter device 10. Upon opening the foil pack 82, the vacuum seal is lost, and the package no longer conforms closely to the contours of the air filter device. This provides an additional mechanism to the non-resealable closure 84, whereby a user and a supervisor of the fire department can detect that the package 80 was opened. Because the foil pack 82 is subject to an accidental perforation if left exposed, the pack can be enclosed in a heavier-gauge perforation-resistant transparent plastic bag 88. This bag can include mechanisms (not shown) for attaching the package 80 to the fire fighting mechanism, such as a belt 87, a conventional integrated breathing apparatus, or a fire jacket. In other cases, the package 80 can simply be placed inside a bag 89 of the jacket against the fire. An opening of the pouch 88 is thermally sealed along the seam 90, in a manner that leaves an open section 92, which can be held by the fire fighter, to set and separate the sealed seam 90, thereby having access to the foil pack 82. The foil pack and bag packings 88 are designed to be easily released, so that access to the breathing device in imminently life-threatening situations is not significantly impeded. Other forms of use evidence containers can be used to store the air filtering device. Another version of the air filtering device for use in the method for saving firefighters in imminent life-threatening situations, can be used with the conventional firefighter breathing equipment, such as that shown in Figure 5. This mode is preferred , because it makes it possible for the firefighter to leave the face protection mask on and put on, and quickly apply a filter instead of the hose and regulator for an integrated breathing tank. Firefighters commonly use integrated breathing apparatus that comprises a tank of compressed air (not shown) that is used on the person's back. A hose 100 extends from the tank to a regulator (not shown) on the mask 102 used on the face 105 of the firefighter 104. The mask 102 has a ring 106 of elastic material, such as rubber, which conforms to the contours of the head of the user, to provide a relatively air-tight seal when stopped in place by a set of elastic straps 110 that go around the head. A transparent plastic window 108 projects as a bubble from the ring 106 opposite the face 105 of the firefighter 104. The hose 100 (and the regulator) is connected to a connector 112 or interface similar to the bottom of the mask 102, thereby supplying air to the envelope formed by the mask and face of the firefighter 105. It should be understood that the description of the mask and air supply assembly is intended to be illustrative of a typical configuration. The method of the invention can be applied to a wide variety of integrated firefighter breathing systems to allow a firefighter to get minutes of extra breathing to save his life. With reference to Figure 6, in the event that the firefighter can not leave a structure that is burning before exhausting the supply of air in the tank, the hose 100 and the regulator can be disconnected from the mask 102, and an emergency air filter device 120 is connected with the interconnection of the mask 102. The emergency air filter device 120 is normally kept by the firefighter, subjecting himself to the fire fighting mechanism, such as the standard breathing apparatus, or a jacket against fire, from where you can easily access the device in an emergency. Also, the filter can be stored in a bag of a jacket against fire. As shown in Figure 7, the emergency air filter device 120 may comprise a canister 122 having a cylindrical container 126, and a lid 125 sealed to an open end of the container. The other end of the container 126 can be closed by a contiguous bottom wall 124, which has a plurality of openings 128 therethrough. An evidence of use tape 130 can be adhered to the outer surface of the bottom wall 124, which closes the openings 128. The tape 130 prevents air from entering the can 122 when it is not being used, thus preserving an element. of filter 134 contained in it. The tape 130 has a tongue 132 which is held by a fireman to remove the tape, in order to use the air filter device 120. The reliberable adhesive used to attach the tape 130 to the boat is of the type that can not be returned to be used once the tape has been removed, thus providing evidence that the boat has been opened. Alternatively, the can 122 can be enclosed in a container of evidence of use as described above in relation to the nozzle embodiment. The filter element 134 inside the can 122 can have a separate cloth filter 136 and 138 against the bottom wall 124 and the lid 125, respectively. Between the two fabric filters 136 and 138, there is an activated carbon filter 140. Alternatively, a multi-stage filter may be placed between the fabric filters. For example, in addition to an activated carbon filter, a desiccant can be provided to remove moisture, and a material that converts carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide can be included by catalysis. Although the filter can be constructed in a variety of ways, it is preferred that the filter be equipped to clean air filled with high levels of carbon monoxide, for example, through the use of hopcalite and silica gel. The filter cartridge could also be constructed in a more compact disc-shaped container. The lid 125 is tightly attached to the container 126 by crimping or adhesive, so that air can not leak between them. An opening extends centrally through the lid 125, and a tubular coupling 142 is sealed to the lid in communication with the opening. Coupling 142 has an outer lip 144 at the remote end. A cover 146, of soft plastic, for example, is placed on the remote end of the coupling 142, to seal that end of the can when it is not being used. A tab 148 allows the lid 146 to be separated for the purpose of using the air filter device 120. The lid 146 is destroyed by the removal process, thus preventing the use of the lid to re-seal the coupling. Therefore, the lid 146 can also serve as a mechanism that provides evidence of the use of the filter device 120. The disposable covers formed by the tape 130 and the lid 146 not only prevent inadvertent use of a contaminated air filter device. 120, but also provide a mechanism by which officials of the fire department can detect the unauthorized use of the emergency air filter device. When the emergency air filter device 120 is to be used, the fireman removes the tape 130 and the cover 146 from the ends of the can 122. Then the coupling 142 is connected to the connection 112 of the mask 102, instead of the hose 100 and the regulator, as shown in Figure 6. The coupling is preferably constructed to couple with the connection in a sealed manner, to prevent smoke from entering the interior of the mask. The firefighter can then breathe the filtered air through the canister of the device 120. Alternatively, the filter lid 146 can be formed of a brittle tape that is permanently punctured by crimping the coupling 142 over the interconnect 112. In a way Alternatively, the hose 100 could remain connected to the mask 102, and the emergency air filter device 120 could be connected via the coupling 142 to the remote end of the hose, as shown in Figure 8. However, this method It is not the preferred one, due to the difficulty that can be encountered when trying to disconnect the remote end of the hose from the tank. The emergency air filtering device 120 can also be enclosed in a pack of evidence of use, such as the pack 80 illustrated in Figure 4 and described above. The use of that type of package may be in addition to, or instead of, the can closures provided by the ribbon 130 and the lid 146. Although the specific embodiments of the invention have been described with a relatively high degree of particularity, it is intended that the scope of the invention is not limited in this way. Instead, the appropriate scope of the invention may include alternatives that are now within the scope of an expert in this field. Accordingly, the scope should be asserted by reading the following claims.

Claims (30)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the foregoing invention, it is considered as a novelty and, therefore, property is claimed as contained in the following: CLAIMS 1. A method for storing and preparing a personal air filtering device for protection of smoke inhalation for firefighters in imminently life-threatening situations, and to encourage their limited use to imminently life-threatening situations, this method comprising the steps of: setting up a smoke filter in a manner of evidence of use, of such that the use of the smoke filter for breathing is permanently indicated; equip the fire fighter with an integrated breathing apparatus that includes a mask connected via a duct to a breathable air tank; interconnect the smoke filter with a mask, to filter the air breathed by the firefighter when the breathable air tank is exhausted.
2. 2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises the step of: before the step of interconnecting, storing the smoke filter in the jacket of the fireman.
3. 3. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises the step of: before the step of interconnecting, storing the smoke filter in a belt of the fireman.
4. 4. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises the step of: before the step of interconnecting, remove a regulator and the hose from the fireman's mask, where the smoke filter is sealedly interconnected with the mask during the interconnection step, to prevent smoke from entering the interior of the mask.
5. 5. A method for storing and preparing a personal air filtering device for the protection of smoke inhalation for a firefighter in imminent hazardous situations of his life, and to encourage his limited use by the firefighter to imminent hazardous situations of his life, comprising this method the steps of: configuring a smoke filter with a mechanism of evidence of use, in such a way that it is permanently indicated the use of the smoke filter to breathe; provide the smoke filter to a firefighter to be used in an imminently risky situation of his life; providing the firefighter with an integrated breathing apparatus including a mask connected via a duct to a breathing air tank, for primary use during exposure to a non-respirable environment; using the firefighter primarily the breathing apparatus integrated in a non-respirable environment, and transporting the smoke filter to said non-respirable environment; the fireman exhausting a supply of air in the integrated breathing apparatus; disconnecting the firefighter's breathable air tank mask; violating the fireman's mechanism of evidence of use to access the smoke filter, by which, evidence of the use of the smoke filter is given, - the firefighter interconnecting the smoke filter with the mask, to filter the air breathed by the firefighter through the smoke filter; after leaving the environment not breathable, inspect a third person the evidence mechanism of use; and account the firefighter for the use of said smoke filter.
6. 6. A method for storing and preparing a personal air filtering device for the protection of smoke inhalation for a firefighter in imminent hazardous situations of his life, and to encourage his limited use by the firefighter to imminent hazardous situations of his life, comprising this method the steps of: configuring a smoke filter with a mechanism of evidence of use, in such a way that it is permanently indicated the use of the smoke filter to breathe; provide the smoke filter to a firefighter to be used in an imminently risky life situation; provide the firefighter with an integrated breathing apparatus including a mask connected via a conduit to a breathing air tank, for primary use during exposure to a non-respirable environment; using this firefighter primarily the breathing apparatus integrated in a non-respirable environment, and transporting the smoke filter to said non-respirable environment; the breathing apparatus can not provide breathable air to the fire fighter; disconnecting the firefighter's breathable air tank mask; violating the fireman's mechanism of evidence of use to access the smoke filter, whereby, evidence of the use of said smoke filter is given; the firefighter interconnecting the smoke filter with the firefighter's mask, to filter the air breathed by the firefighter through the smoke filter; after leaving the non-respirable environment, inspecting a third person the mechanism of evidence of use; and account the firefighter for the use of said smoke filter.
7. 7. A method for storing and preparing a personal air filtering device for the protection of smoke inhalation for a firefighter in imminent hazardous situations of his life, and to encourage his limited use by the firefighter to imminent hazardous situations of his life, comprising this method the steps of: placing a compact nozzle without hood and a smoke filter in a container of evidence of use; provide the compact nozzle without hood and the smoke filter in a container of evidence of use to a firefighter, to be used in an imminently risky situation of his life; provide the firefighter with an integrated breathing apparatus for primary use during exposure to a non-respirable environment; using the firefighter primarily the breathing apparatus integrated in a non-respirable environment, and transporting the compact nozzle without bell and the smoke filter in a container of evidence of use to the non-respirable environment; the breathing apparatus can not provide breathable air to the fire fighter; violating the fireman's container of evidence of use to have access to the compact nozzle without bell and the smoke filter, whereby, evidence is given of the use of the compact nozzle without hood and the smoke filter; using the firefighter the compact nozzle without bell and the smoke filter to breathe inside said non-respirable environment; after leaving the environment not breathable, inspected by a third person the container of evidence of use; and account the firefighter for the use of the compact nozzle without bell and smoke filter.
8. 8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the container of evidence of use is a vacuum film casing.
9. 9. A method for storing and preparing a personal air filtering device for the protection of smoke inhalation for a firefighter in imminent hazardous situations of his life, and to encourage his limited use by the firefighter to the imminent hazards of his life, this method comprising the steps of: covering an entrance of a smoke filter without hood and an outlet of a nozzle associated with removable covers that give evidence of use; provide the compact nozzle without hood and the smoke filter with covers of evidence of use to a firefighter, to be used in an imminently risky situation of his life; provide the firefighter with an integrated breathing apparatus for primary use during exposure to a non-respirable environment; using primarily the firefighter the breathing apparatus integrated in a non-respirable environment, and transporting the compact nozzle without bell and the smoke filter with covers of evidence of use to said non-respirable environment; the breathing apparatus can not provide breathable air to the fire fighter; violating the fireman's use evidence container to access the compact nozzle without hood and the smoke filter, whereby, evidence is given of the use of said compact nozzle without hood and smoke filter; using the firefighter the compact nozzle without bell and the smoke filter to breathe inside said non-breathable environment; after leaving the non-respirable environment, inspect a third party for evidence of use covers; and to account for the firefighter's use of the compact nozzle without hood and the smoke filter.
10. 10. The method according to claim as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that covers of evidence of use are attached to the entrance and exit by adhesives that can not be re-adhered.
11. 11. A method for storing and preparing a personal air filtering device for smoke inhalation protection for a firefighter in imminent hazardous situations of his life, and to encourage his limited use by the firefighter to the imminent hazardous situations of his life, comprising this method the steps of: equipping a compact nozzle without hood and a smoke filter with a mechanism of evidence of use, where you can visually and irrevocably detect the use of the compact nozzle without hood and the smoke filter once used, - provide the compact nozzle without hood and the smoke filter with evidence of use mechanism to a firefighter, for possible use in an imminently risky situation of his life; provide the firefighter with an integrated breathing apparatus for primary use during exposure to a non-respirable environment; using the firefighter primarily the breathing apparatus integrated in a non-respirable environment, and transporting the compact nozzle without bell and the smoke filter with a mechanism of evidence of use to said non-respirable environment; the breathing apparatus can not provide breathable air to the fire fighter; violating the fireman's mechanism of evidence of use to have access to the compact nozzle without hood and the smoke filter, whereby, evidence is given of the use of the compact nozzle without hood and the smoke filter; using the firefighter the compact nozzle without bell and the smoke filter to breathe inside said non-respirable environment; after leaving the non-respirable environment, inspect the mechanism of evidence of use by a third person; and account the firefighter for the use of the compact nozzle without bell and smoke filter.
12. 12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that it also comprises the step of: after accounting for the use of the smoke filter, documenting said use.
13. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the mechanism of evidence of use comprises a first cover adhesively applied on the opening of the nozzle, and a second cover adhesively applied on the opening of the filter, wherein the adhesive used to stop the first and second covers in place, can not be used to reapply said first and second covers after being removed.
14. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the mechanism of evidence of use comprises a first cover adhesively applied on the opening of the nozzle, and a second cover adhesively applied on the filter opening, each having of the first and second covers a tongue to be held by a user, to help remove that respective cover, and having an indicator denoting the removal of either the nozzle and the filter.
15. 15. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the mechanism of evidence of use comprises a container that houses the nozzle and filter, and has a closure that inhibits reclosing, to thereby provide a indication that the container has been opened.
16. 16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that the container comprises a bag.
17. 17. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that the container comprises a vacuum enclosure.
18. 18. The method of conformity with the claims of claim 17, characterized in that the container further comprises a bag having a seam defining a first sealed portion containing the enclosure, and a second open portion having fins that can be held by a user to help open the seam to access the enclosure .
19. 19. A personal emergency air filtering system for the protection of smoke inhalation in imminent hazardous situations of its life, comprising this air filtering device: a nozzle without bell with an opening, through which a user breathes; a filter having an opening, through which air enters, is connected to the nozzle, where the air directed from the nozzle flows through the filter; and an evidence of use mechanism operatively connected with the nozzle and the filter, to indicate the use of said air filtering device.
20. 20. The personal air filtering system according to claim 19, characterized in that the mechanism of evidence of use comprises a first cover adhesively applied on the opening of the nozzle; and a second cover adhesively applied over the filter opening; wherein the adhesive used to stop the first and second covers in place can not be used to reapply the first and second covers after removing them.
21. 21. The personal air filtering system according to claim 19, characterized in that the mechanism of evidence of use comprises a first cover adhesively applied on the opening of the nozzle; and a second cover adhesively applied over the filter opening; each of the first and second covers having a tongue to be held by a user, to help him remove that respective cover, and having an indicator denoting the removal of either the nozzle or the filter.
22. 22. The personal air filtering system according to claim 19, characterized in that the mechanism of evidence of use comprises a container that houses the nozzle and the filter, and that has a closure that inhibits reclosure, to provide in this way an indication that the container has been opened.
23. 23. The personal air filtering system according to claim 22, characterized in that the container comprises a bag.
24. 24. The personal air filtering system according to claim 22, characterized in that the container comprises a vacuum enclosure.
25. 25. The personal air filtering system according to claim 24, characterized in that the container further comprises a bag having a second seam defining a first sealed portion containing the enclosure, and a second "open portion having fins that can be held by a user to help him open the second seam to gain access to the enclosure 26.
26. A personal air filtering system for the protection of smoke inhalation in imminent hazardous situations of his life, including this air filtering device personal: a nozzle without bell, a filter connected to the nozzle without bell, where the air drawn from the nozzle flows through the filter, and a package that contains the nozzle and filter, and has a mechanism that provides a Evidence that the package has been opened, to indicate in this way a possible previous use of said nozzle and said filter.
27. Personal air cleaner according to claim 26, characterized in that the package comprises a bag having a closure that inhibits reclosing once opened, to indicate in this way that the container has already been opened.
28. 28. The personal air filtering system according to claim 27, characterized in that the package comprises a first vacuum bag having a first seam with tabs extending outwardly therefrom, to be held by a user , to help you open the first seam, to have access to the nozzle and filter.
29. 29. The personal air filtering system according to claim 28, characterized in that the package further comprises a second bag having a second seam defining a first sealed portion containing the first bag, and a second open portion. that has fins that can be held by a user, to help him open the second seam, to have access to the first bag.
30. 30. The personal air filtering system according to claim 24, characterized in that the vacuum enclosure has a first seam with at least one tongue that extends outwardly therefrom, to be held by a user, for help you open the first seam, and to have access to the nozzle and filter.