NZ546714A - Respiratory assembly for warming the garment of a user with exhaled air - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for heating the garment 126 of a user 112 by directing the air they exhale are disclosed. A respiratory assembly 100 is provided that has a face piece 110 with inlet 104 and outlet 106 check valves for preventing inhaled air to be exhaled back into the atmosphere. An outlet conduit 116 receives the exhalation from the outlet check valve and directs it into a garment that at least partially surrounds the user through a dispersing device 120 having a number of vent apertures. A dehumidifying device 118 is coupled with the outlet conduit to lower the moisture content of the exhaled air.

Description

54 6 7 i U Patents Form # 5 *10051229100* NEW ZEALAND Patents Act 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION TITLE : Respiratory Assembly and Method 1, KRELL, Brian David Address: 196C Lake Road, Takapuna, North Shore City, New Zealand Nationality: A citizen of the United States of America do hereby declare the invention for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: 191107NZ_Cap_20060419_1422_TDT.doc FEE CODE 1050 1PONZ 2 1 APR 2006 RESPIRATORY ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FIELD OF THE INVENTION The illustrated embodiment of the present invention relates generally to respiratory assemblies and methods, and more specifically, to respiratory assemblies and methods for warming a garment donned by a user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION When the human body is subject to temperatures below a specific temperature, the loss of heat can cause the person to feel cold and uncomfortable. Generally this can be remedied by adding additional layers of protective insulation, such as by donning additional layers of clothes. However, these additional layers of clothing can make movement more 15 cumbersome as they add weight and restrict movement. Thus, there exists a need for providing a heating system for heating a user in a cold environment that is less restrictive to movement, light weight, inexpensive, and/or more reliable than previously developed systems for heating a user.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide a respiratory assembly and method that ameliorates some of the disadvantages and limitations of the known art or at least provides the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A respiratory assembly and method for selectively regulating a user's inhalation of a respirable gas and exhalation of an exhaust gas to provide heated air for warming a garment 30 at least partially surrounding the user is described. The user has a facial area having a respiratory organ for receiving the respirable gas and for expelling the exhaust gas. The exhaust gas has a moisture content that may be reduced by the respiratory assembly. 19I107NZ COMPLETKSPBC BDK.doc One embodiment of a respiratory assembly formed in accordance with the present invention includes a face piece receivable against the facial area for substantially sealing in gas flow communication with the respiratory organ and an inlet check valve. The inlet check valve may be coupled in fluid flow communication with the face piece. The inlet check valve may 5 be adapted to permit the respirable gas to flow through the inlet check valve and into the face piece when the user inhales while impeding flow out of the face piece through the inlet check valve when the user exhales. The respiratory assembly may also include an outlet check valve coupled in fluid flow communication with the face piece. The outlet check valve may be adapted to permit the exhaust gas exhaled from the respiratory organ to flow out of the 10 face piece and through the outlet check valve when the user exhales while impeding gas flow into the face piece through the outlet check valve when the user inhales. The respiratory assembly may further include an elongate outlet conduit coupled in communication with the outlet check valve. The elongate outlet conduit may be adapted for receiving the exhaust gas discharged from the outlet check valve and directing the exhaust gas into the garment for 15 warming the user.

Another embodiment of a respiratory assembly formed in accordance with the present invention includes a face piece receivable against the facial area for substantially sealing in gas flow communication with the respiratory organ. The respiratory assembly may also 20 include a valve assembly coupled in gas flow communication with the face piece. The valve assembly may be adapted to permit the respirable gas to flow into the face piece when the user inhales and adapted to permit exhaust gas exhaled from the user to exit out of the face piece through a port in the face piece when the user exhales. The respiratory assembly may further include a dehumidifying device coupled in gas flow communication with the port. 25 The dehumidifying device may be adapted to receive the exhaust gas exhaled from the user through the port and lower the moisture content of the exhaust gas before the exhaust gas is discharged into the garment for wanning the user.

A method of warming a user performed in accordance with one method of the present 30 invention is disclosed. The method includes inhaling a respirable gas through an inlet check valve of a respiratory assembly and exhaling an exhaust gas through an outlet check valve of the respiratory assembly. The method further includes removing moisture from the exhaust 191107NZ COMPLETKSPKC BDK.doc gas with a dehumidifying device and directing the exhaust gas after moisture removal into a garment at least partially surrounding the user to warm the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described, by way of example only, by reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is an elevation view of a user using one embodiment of a respiratory assembly 10 formed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a cross sectional view of a portion of the respiratory assembly shown in Figure 1 showing the respiratory assembly during inhalation of a respirable gas; Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of a portion of the respiratory assembly shown in Figure 1 showing the respiratory assembly during exhalation of an exhaust gas; 15 and Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of a portion of the respiratory assembly shown in Figure 1 showing in greater detail a dehumidifying device and a gas dispersing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The following description will describe the invention in relation to preferred embodiments of the invention, namely a respiratory assembly. The invention is in no way limited to these preferred embodiments as they are used purely to exemplify the invention only and 25 variations and modifications are readily apparent without departing from the scope of the invention.

Referring to Figure 1, one embodiment of a respiratory assembly 100 formed in accordance with the present invention is shown. Generally described, the respiratory assembly 100 30 includes a valve assembly 102 having an inlet check valve 104 and an outlet check valve 106. The inlet check valve 104 permits cold respirable air 108 from the atmosphere to enter a face piece 110 worn by a user 112 during inhalation while impeding flow of an exhaled exhaust gas 114 from the face piece 110 when the user exhales. The outlet check 191107NZ COMPI .ETESPEC BDK.doc valve 106 permits the hot exhaust gas exhaled from the user's 112 lungs to be discharged from the face piece 110 when the user exhales while impeding flow of cold respirable air into the face piece 110 when the user inhales. The heated exhaust gas 114 is directed through an elongate exhaust conduit 116 to a dehumidifying device 118 which removes 5 moisture from the exhaust gas 114. The heated and dried exhaust gas 114 is then directed to a dispersing device 120 which directs the heated and dried exhaust gas 114 into a garment 126 donned by the user 112 to warm the user 112. For the purposes of this detailed description and below claims, the term "garment" means any form of protective layer that may at least partially enclose a user to protect them from the elements, a few suitable 10 examples being a jacket, a pair of pants, shirt, tent, sleeping bag, foul weather gear, one-piece suit, rain coat, ski clothes, etc.

In light of the above general description of the respiratory assembly 100, the structure of the respiratory assembly 100 will be described in greater detail. Referring to Figure 2, the 15 respiratory assembly includes a face piece 110 receivable against the facial area of the user for substantially enclosing a respiratory organ, such as a nose and/or mouth of the user 112, thereby sealing the face piece in air flow communication with the respiratory organ. In the illustrated embodiment, the face piece 110 is a mask used to enclose both the nose and mouth of the user, however it should be noted that the face piece may alternatively enclose 20 only a single respiratory organ, a few suitable examples being a nose tube assembly having tubes for insertion into each of the user's nasal passages or a cup shaped portion that encloses only the mouth of the user. In the illustrated embodiment, the face piece is formed from a translucent or semi-opaque material that is flexible to assist in the formation of a seal against the facial area of the user 112.

Coupled to the face piece 110 may be an inlet conduit 122. The inlet conduit 122 may be an elongate tube having a proximal end coupled to the face piece 110 so as to be in fluid flow communication with an inlet port 124 in the face piece 110. The inlet conduit 122 is of suitable length such that a distal end of the inlet conduit extends outward of the garment 126 30 (See Figure 1). With the distal end of the inlet conduit 122 placed outward of the garment, the user can inhale fresh air 108 disposed outward of the garment. The inlet conduit 122 is of particular value when the garment donned by the user covers the face of the user 112, a few suitable examples being a sleeping bag as shown in Figure 1 or a tent. When garments 191107NZ COMPLKTKSPHC BDK.doc are being used that do not cover the face, such as a jacket, then the inlet conduit 122 is preferably not used. The inlet conduit 122, when used, may be 10 cm or more in length, and preferably is 20 cm or more length, and most preferably, 30 cm or more in length. If the garment is a tent, the inlet conduit 122 may be quite long, such 2 meters or more in length.

Referring to Figure 3, the face piece 110 may also include an outlet port 128. The outlet port 128 permits exhaled exhaust gas 114 once heated by passage through the user's lungs to exit the face piece 110. An outlet conduit 116 may be coupled to the outlet port 128. The outlet conduit 116 is adapted to direct the exhaust gas 114 discharged from the outlet 10 port 128 into the garment 126 (see Figure 1) to heat an interior cavity defined by the garment and thus the user 112 donning the garment. Accordingly, the outlet conduit 116 is of a length suitable to extend from the face piece 110 to a point inside of the garment. If the garment covers the face piece 110, such as the sleeping bag as shown or a tent, the outlet conduit 116 may be removed or eliminated. The outlet conduit 116 may be 10 cm or more in 15 length, and preferably is 20 cm or more length, and most preferably, 30 cm or more in length.

Referring to Figure 2, the valve assembly 102 will be described in further detail. The valve assembly 102 may include the inlet check valve 104 and the outlet check valve 106 20 mentioned above. The inlet check valve 104 regulates flow of gas through the inlet port 124. The inlet check valve 104 is coupled in gas flow communication with the face piece 110. The inlet check valve 104 is adapted to permit the respirable gas to flow through the inlet check valve 104 and into the face piece while impeding flow of exhaust gas out of the face piece through the inlet check valve 104. The inlet check valve 104 may include a flexible 25 reed element 150 positionable between a closed position as shown in Figure 3 impeding flow out of the respiratory assembly when the user exhales and an open position as shown in Figure 2 permitting flow into the respiratory assembly when the user inhales. The flexible reed element 150 is automatically toggled from the open position to the closed by the pressure of the exhaust gas acting upon the flexible reed element 150 and is automatically 30 toggled from the closed position to the open position by a suction pressure of the respirable gas acting upon the flexible reed element 150 when the user inhales. When in the closed position, the flexible reed element 150 seats against a valve seat 152, which may be a lip which defines the inlet port 124. 191I07NZ COMP1 .ETESPEC BDK..doc Turning to Figure 3, the outlet check valve 106 regulates flow of gas through the outlet port 128. The outlet check valve 106 is coupled in gas flow communication with the face piece 110. The outlet check valve 106 is adapted to permit the exhaust gas to flow through 5 the outlet check valve 106 and out of the face piece 110 when a user exhales while impeding flow of respirable gas into the face piece through the outlet check valve 106 when a user inhales. The outlet check valve 106 may include a flexible reed element 154 positionable between a closed position as shown in Figure 2 impeding flow into the respiratory assembly and an open position as shown in Figure 3 permitting the exhaust gas to flow out of the 10 respiratory assembly. The flexible reed element 154 is automatically toggled from the open position to the closed by the suction pressure of the respirable gas acting upon the flexible reed element 154 and is automatically toggled from the closed position to the open position by the positive pressure of the exhaust gas acting upon the flexible reed element 154 when the user exhales. When in the closed position, the flexible reed element 154 seats against a 15 valve seat 156, which may be a lip defining the outlet port 128.

Although separate inlet and outlet ports are illustrated described, it should be apparent that a single port may be used, with the valve assembly selectively controlling flow through the single port in a similar manner as described above but with the inlet and outlet check valves 20 located remotely of the single port. Further still, although the inlet outlet check valves are illustrated as being coupled directly to the face piece 110, they may alternatively be disposed remotely of the face piece 110.

Turning now to Figure 4, the respiratory assembly may include a dehumidifying device 118. 25 The dehumidifying device 118 is adapted to reduce a moisture content of the exhaust gas. Any suitable dehumidifying device 118 capable of reducing the moisture content of the exhaust gas may be used, including mechanical moisture removal devices such as traps or centrifugal devices, and/or chemical based moisture removal devices.

In the illustrated embodiment, the dehumidifying device 118 shown is of a chemical type and employs a desiccant 130 to reduce the moisture content of the exhaust gas, which has an elevated level of moisture from passage through the lungs of the user. In one embodiment, a silica gel desiccant 130 is used. Preferably, the desiccant 130 is stored within a 191107NX COMPLKTKSPKC RDKdoc cartridge 132. The cartridge 132 may include filters or barriers 134 at each end. The filters or barriers 134 may be adapted to impede the desiccant 130 from falling out of the cartridge 132 and may include one or more apertures 136 to permit the exhaust gas 114 to pass therethrough while keeping the desiccant 130 in the cartridge. The desiccant 130 may 5 be stored as loose beads in the cartridge 132 or may be stored in a bag within the cartridge 132.

The cartridge 132 is preferably removably coupled to the outlet conduit 116 through a suitable fastening assembly, one suitable example being through a threaded fastening 10 assembly 138 as shown. The cartridge 132 may also be removably coupled to the dispersing device 120 by a suitable fastening assembly, one suitable example being through a threaded fastening assembly 140 as shown. The threaded fastening assemblies 138 and 140 permit the cartridge 132 to be removed from the respiratory assembly 100 and replaced with a new cartridge having fresh desiccant. Further, the cartridge 132 may be removed and the 15 desiccant 130 regenerated, such as through heating the desiccant 130 at or above a predetermined temperature and for a preselected duration.

Alternatively, the fastening assemblies 138 and 140 may be eliminated. The cartridge 132 is thus permanently part of the respiratory assembly 100. The cartridge 132 may then have an 20 aperture 142 adapted to permit the desiccant 130 to be selectively removed or inserted into the internal volume of the cartridge 132. A panel 144 may be coupled to the cartridge, the panel 144 adapted to be positioned into a closed position (shown in solid lines) substantially closing off the aperture 142 and an open position (shown in phantom lines) permitting removal of the desiccant 130 through the aperture 142 for regeneration and/or replacement.

The distal end of the exhaust conduit 116 or cartridge 132 may be coupled to the dispersing device 120. The dispersing device 120 may be used to help disperse the heated and dehumidified exhaust gas 114 through the garment. The dispersing device 120 includes an internal volume 146. A plurality of vent apertures 148 permit the exhaust gas 114 to exit the 30 dispersing device 120 for entrance into the garment. The plurality of vent apertures 148 help to ensure the even dispersement of the exhaust gas 114 within the garment and also provide multiple exit paths for the exhaust gas from the dispersing device 120 such that if one of the vent apertures is blocked by the garment, at least one other vent aperture 148 will be 191107NZ COMP1.ETESPI5C BDK doc unobstructed to permit the exhaust gas 114 to exit the dispersing device 120 with little restriction. Preferably, the dispersing device 120 defines a volume greater than 100 cm'. Preferably, the dispersing device 120 is a substantially planar structure having a top surface facing away from the body of the user and a bottom surface facing the body of the user, and 5 a sidewall oriented substantially perpendicular to and extending between the top and bottom surfaces. Preferably, one or more of the vent apertures 148 are located along the sidewall such that if any of the vent apertures 148 on the top and bottom surfaces are blocked by the garment or body of the user, the vent apertures 148 located on the sidewall will most likely still be unobstructed. Preferably, the dispersing device 120 is constructed of flexible 10 materials to enhance user comfort, one suitable example being formed by constructing the dispersing device 120 with a porous or perforated fabric overlain a flexible frame.

Although use of the dispersing device 120 is preferred, the dispersing device 120 may be removed and the exhaust gas 114 simply expelled from the distal end of the cartridge 132. 15 Alternatively, if dehumidification of the exhaust gas 114 is not desired and the cartridge 132 is not used, then the exhaust gas 114 may be simply discharged from the distal end of the exhaust conduit 116 or from the dispersing device 112.

Referring to Figure 1, in light of the above description of the structure of the respiratory 20 assembly 100, the operation of the respiratory assembly 100 will now be described. The user 112 is shown sleeping in a sleeping bag 126. The user 112 inhales cold respirable air 108 located externally of the sleeping bag 126 through the elongate inlet conduit 122. Referring to Figure 2, the act of inhalation by the user causes the formation of a low pressure in the face piece 110, thereby causing the flexible reed element 150 to bow inwards 25 permitting the cold respirable air 108 to enter the face piece 110 and enter the lungs of the user, which causes the respirable air 108 to be heated and increase in moisture content (humidity). Turning to Figure 3, as the user exhales, the flexible reed element 154 of the outlet check valve bows outward permitting the hot and humid exhaust gas 114 to exit the face piece 110 and enter the elongate outlet conduit 116.

Turning to Figure 4, the hot and humid exhaust gas 114 continues down the elongate outlet conduit 116 and enters the dehumidifying device 118 wherein a desiccant 130 absorbs moisture present in the exhaust gas 114, thereby lowering the moisture content of the exhaust 191107NZ COMPLKTESPFiC BDK.doc gas 114. The hot and dehumidified exhaust gas 114 then exits the dehumidifying device 118 and enters the dispersing device 120. The dispersing device 120 disperses the hot and dehumidified exhaust gas 114 within the garment to warm the user without resulting in the garment becoming wet.

ADVANTAGES The illustrated embodiment of the respiratory assembly formed in accordance with the present invention provides a respiratory assembly and method for heating a user in a cold 10 environment that is less restrictive to movement, light weight, inexpensive, and/or more reliable than those previously developed.

VARIATIONS In very cold environments, it may be beneficial to heat the respirable air before entering the lungs of the user to increase user comfort and decrease the cooling of the user via the incoming air. This may be done in any number of ways, a few suitable examples being running the inlet conduit close to the body and inside of the garment to preheat the respirable air prior to inhalation, or by drawing the respirable air from inside of the garment.

Throughout the description of this specification, the words "comprise," "include," "have," and variations of these words are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is hereinbefore described. 191107NZ COMPLETIiSPEC BDK.doc

Claims (18)

1. CLAIMS: 1. 5 10 25 30
2. 2. A respiratory assembly for selectively regulating a respirable gas inhaled by a user and an exhaust gas exhaled by the user to provide heated air for warming the user, the user having a facial area having a respiratory organ for receiving the respirable gas and for expelling the exhaust gas, the exhaust gas having a moisture content, the respiratory assembly comprising: (a) a face piece receivable against the facial area for substantially sealing in gas flow communication with the respiratory organ; (b) an inlet check valve coupled in fluid flow communication with the face piece, the inlet check valve adapted to permit the respirable gas to flow through the inlet check valve and into the face piece when the user inhales while impeding flow out of the face piece through the inlet check valve when the user exhales; (c) an outlet check valve coupled in fluid flow communication with the face piece, the outlet check valve adapted to permit the exhaust gas exhaled from the respiratory organ to flow out of the face piece and through the outlet check valve when the user exhales while impeding gas flow into the face piece through the outlet check valve when the user inhales; (d) an elongate outlet conduit coupled in communication with the outlet check valve, the elongate outlet conduit adapted for receiving the exhaust gas discharged from the outlet check valve and directing the exhaust gas into a garment at least partially surrounding the user for warming the user; aad (e) a dehumidifying device coupled in communication with the elongate outlet conduit, the dehumidifying device adapted to lower the moisture content of the exhaust gas; and (f) a dispersing device coupled in communication with the elongate outlet conduit and having a plurality of vent apertures, the dispersing device adapted to be inserted within the garment and disperse the exhaust gas into the garment through the plurality of vent apertures. The respiratory assembly of Claim 1, wherein the elong iut 191107NZ COMPLETESPEC BDK.doc 10 cm or greater in length. - 12-
3. 3. The respiratory assembly of Claim 1, wherein the dehumidifying device includes a desiccant for lowering the moisture content of the exhaust gas.
4. 4. The respiratory assembly of Claim 3, wherein the dehumidifying device includes a 5 removable cartridge having an internal volume for holding the desiccant, wherein the removable cartridge is removably attached to the respiratory assembly.
5. 5. The respiratory assembly of Claim 3, wherein the dehumidifying device includes a cartridge having an internal volume for holding the desiccant, wherein the cartridge 10 has an aperture and a panel coupled to the cartridge, the panel adapted to be positioned into a closed position substantially closing off the aperture and an open position permitting removal of the desiccant through the aperture.
6. 6. The respiratory assembly of Claim 1, wherein the dispersing device defines a volume 15 of at least 100 cm3.
7. 7. The respiratory assembly of Claim 1, further including an elongate inlet conduit coupled in communication with the inlet check valve, the elongate inlet conduit adapted for receiving the respirable gas from a predetermined distance from the facial 20 area and externally of the garment.
8. 8. The respiratory assembly of Claim 1, wherein the inlet check valve includes a flexible reed element positionable between a closed position impeding flow out of the respiratory assembly and an open position permitting flow into the respiratory 25 assembly, wherein the flexible reed element is automatically toggled from the open position to the closed by a pressure of the exhaust gas and is automatically toggled from the closed position to the open position by a pressure of the respirable gas when inhaled by the user. 30
9. 9. The respiratory assembly of Claim 8, wherein the outlet check valve includes a flexible reed element positionable between a closed position impeding flow into the respiratory assembly and an open position permitting flow out of th assembly, wherein the flexible reed element is automatically toggled^om the closecr ' -o' <- ■ :\ b 0 7 im% Jj 191l07NZCOMPLETESPCCBDK.doc \ _ / - 13- position to the open by the pressure of the exhaust gas and is automatically toggled from the open position to the closed position by the pressure of the respirable gas when inhaled by the user. 5
10. 10. A respiratory assembly for selectively regulating a respirable gas inhaled by a user and an exhaust gas exhaled by the user to provide heated air for warming the user, the user having a facial area having a respiratory organ for receiving the respirable gas and for expelling the exhaust gas, the exhaust gas having a moisture content, the respiratory assembly comprising: 10 (a) a face piece receivable against the facial area for substantially sealing in gas flow communication with the respiratory organ; (b) a valve assembly coupled in gas flow communication with the face piece, the valve assembly adapted to permit the respirable gas to flow into the face piece when the user inhales and adapted to permit exhaust gas exhaled from the user 15 to exit out of the face piece through a port in the face piece when the user exhales; (c) a dehumidifying device coupled in gas flow communication with the port, the dehumidifying device adapted to receive the exhaust gas exhaled from the user through the port and lower the moisture content of the exhaust gas before 20 the exhaust gas is discharged into a garment at least partially surrounding the user for warming the user; and (d) a dispersing device coupled in gas flow communication with the valve assembly and having a plurality of vent apertures, the dispersing device adapted to be inserted within the garment and disperse the exhaust gas into the 25 garment through the plurality of vent apertures. 30
11. 11. The respiratory assembly of Claim 10, further including an elongate inlet conduit coupled in gas flow communication with the valve assembly, the elongate inlet conduit adapted for receiving the respirable gas from a predetermined distance from the facial area and externally of the garment and directing same in^lheJ^e piece through the valve assembly. 191107NZ COMPLETESPEC BDK.doc - 14-
12. 12. The respiratory assembly of Claim 10, further comprising an elongate outlet conduit coupled in gas flow communication with the port, the elongate outlet conduit adapted for receiving the exhaust gas discharged from the port and directing the exhaust gas to the garment for warming the user.
13. 13. The respiratory assembly of Claim 10, wherein the dehumidifying device includes a desiccant for lowering the moisture content of the exhaust gas.
14. 14. The respiratory assembly of Claim 13, wherein the dehumidifying device includes a removable cartridge having an internal volume for holding the desiccant, wherein the removable cartridge is removably attached to the respiratory assembly.
15. 15. The respiratory assembly of Claim 13, wherein the dehumidifying device includes a cartridge having an internal volume for holding the desiccant, wherein the cartridge has an aperture and a panel coupled to the cartridge, the panel adapted to be positioned into a closed position substantially closing off the aperture and an open position permitting removal of the desiccant through the aperture.
16. 16. The respiratory assembly of Claim 10, wherein the dispersing device includes a porous or perforated fabric having the plurality of vent apertures.
17. 17. A method of warming a user comprising: (a) inhaling a respirable gas through an inlet check valve of a respiratory assembly; (b) exhaling an exhaust gas through an outlet check valve of the respiratory assembly; (c) removing moisture from the exhaust gas with a dehumidifying device; and (d) directing the exhaust gas after moisture removal into a dispersing device disposed in a garment at least partially surrounding the user to disperse the
18. 18. A respiratory assembly as herein illustrated and described. exhaust gas within the garment to warm the user. 191107NZ COMPLETESPEC BDK.doc - 15 - 20. 5 10 25 21. 30 A method of wanning an interior of a garment using a respiratory assembly as herein illustrated and described. A respiratory assembly for selectively regulating a respirable gas inhaled by a user and an exhaust gas exhaled by the user to provide heated air for warming the user, the user having a facial area having a respiratory organ for receiving the respirable gas and for expelling the exhaust gas, the exhaust gas having a moisture content, the respiratory assembly comprising: (a) a face piece receivable against the facial area for substantially sealing in gas flow communication with the respiratory organ; (b) an inlet check valve coupled in fluid flow communication with the face piece, the inlet check valve adapted to permit the respirable gas to flow through the inlet check valve and into the face piece when the user inhales while impeding flow out of the face piece through the inlet check valve when the user exhales; (c) an outlet check valve coupled in fluid flow communication with the face piece, the outlet check valve adapted to pennit the exhaust gas exhaled from the respiratory organ to flow out of the face piece and through the outlet check valve when the user exhales while impeding gas flow into the face piece through the outlet check valve when the user inhales; (d) an elongate outlet conduit coupled in communication with the outlet check valve, the elongate outlet conduit adapted for receiving the exhaust gas discharged from the outlet check valve and directing the exhaust gas into a garment at least partially sunounding the user for warming the user; and (e) a dispersing device coupled in communication with the elongate outlet conduit and having a plurality of vent apertures, the dispersing device adapted to be inserted within the garment and disperse the exhaust gas into the garment through the plurality of vent apertures. (Cunently amended) A respiratory assembly for selectively regulating a respirable gas inhaled by a user and an exhaust gas exhaled by the user to provide heated air for warming the user, the user having a facial area having a respiratory organ for 191107NZ COMPLETESPEC BDK.doc receiving the respirable gas and for expelling the exhaust gas, the a moisture content, the respiratory assembly comprising: - 16- (a) (b) 5 (c) 10 (d) a face piece receivable against the facial area for substantially sealing in gas flow communication with the respiratory organ; a valve assembly coupled in gas flow communication with the face piece, the valve assembly adapted to permit the respirable gas to flow into the face piece when the user inhales and adapted to permit exhaust gas exhaled from the user to exit out of the face piece through a port in the face piece when the user exhales; a dehumidifying device coupled in gas flow communication with the port, the dehumidifying device adapted to receive the exhaust gas exhaled from the user through the port and lower the moisture content of the exhaust gas before the exhaust gas is discharged into a garment at least partially surrounding the user for warming the user; and a dispersing device coupled in communication with the port, the dispersing device adapted to be inserted within the garment and disperse the exhaust gas within the garment. 20 PIPERS Attorneys for the Applicant KRELL, Brian David 191107NZ COMPLtTKSPF.C BDK.doc