Manner of attaching component elements to filtration material such as may be utilized in respiratory masks

摘要

A component (10) is attached to filtration material (12) by providing the component with a deformable extension member that is preferably integral with the component and that extends from a base portion (18) of the component. The extension member is inserted through an opening provided through the filtration material and is then deformed back toward the base portion so as to engage the filtration material on the other side (24) of the filtration material than the side (22) contacted by the base portion. The deformed extension member (30,32,34) and the base portion thus provide a mechanical clamp that is utilized in attaching the component in position. In certain embodiments, the component is an attachment such as an exhalation valve of a respiratory mask.