Respirator

Abstract

A breathing apparatus ( 1 ), including a mask ( 2 ) and a neck component ( 3 ). The mask ( 2 ) is adapted to substantially surround at least the mouth or nostrils of a user. The neck component ( 3 ) is attached to said mask ( 2 ), and adapted to substantially surround the back of the neck of said user. The neck component ( 3 ) includes a flow generator to receive unfiltered air from a surrounding environment, filter said unfiltered air, and, provide filtered air to said mask ( 2 ). The breathing apparatus ( 1 ) has a ‘low profile’ appearance and is adapted to sit comfortably about the neck of the user.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A breathing apparatus, including:
 a mask adapted to substantially surround one or more of a mouth and nostrils of a user;   a neck component adapted to substantially surround a rear portion of a neck of the user and including a flow generator to receive unfiltered air from a surrounding environment, filter the unfiltered air, and provide filtered air to the mask;   an inlet air channel arranged to convey the filtered air from the flow generator to the mask;   an air outlet, separate from the inlet channel, arranged to convey air from the mask; and   a cooperating mating clip adapted to releasably engage the neck component with the mask and form a seal between the inlet air channel and the mask.   
     
     
         2 . The breathing apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the mask and the neck component include a portion defining part of the inlet air channel, and wherein the cooperating mating clip releasably engages the portions forming a seal therebetween. 
     
     
         3 . The breathing apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the inlet air channel is at least partly formed of an elastomeric material. 
     
     
         4 . The breathing apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the cooperating mating clip includes an adjustment mechanism for moving and retaining the mask relative to the neck component. 
     
     
         5 . The breathing apparatus as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the adjustment mechanism includes a ratchet mechanism and a release mechanism, and wherein the ratchet mechanism is decoupled upon activation of the release mechanism, thereby allowing the mask to move relative to the neck component. 
     
     
         6 . The breathing apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , further including componentry for operation of the breathing apparatus, wherein the componentry for operation of the breathing apparatus is arranged within the neck component. 
     
     
         7 . The breathing apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , further including at least one of a cover, to decorate said mask, and a visor, to protect a face of the user. 
     
     
         8 . The breathing apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , further including a strap adapted to be attached over a head of the user, to retain the mask in position. 
     
     
         9 . The breathing apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , further including at least one of a flow sensor and a pressure sensor, the flow sensor and pressure sensor configured to provide a feedback signal to the flow generator to adjust at least one of air flow and air pressure of the mask. 
     
     
         10 . The breathing apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the neck component further includes at least one padded portion arranged to abut the neck of the user. 
     
     
         11 . The breathing apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , further including an exhaled air filter arranged to filter air emitted from the air outlet. 
     
     
         12 . The breathing apparatus as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein the exhaled air filter is integrally formed with an exhaust port. 
     
     
         13 . The breathing apparatus as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein the air outlet extends between the mask and the neck component and includes an exhaust port arranged proximal to the neck component. 
     
     
         14 . The breathing apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the inlet air channel and the air outlet open to the mask at opposite sides of the mask, so that the airflow is arranged to flow across the mouth or nostrils of the user.