Respirator headpiece and release mechanism

摘要

A quick release mechanism and headpiece for use with a respirator. The quick release mechanism uses a cam latch pivotably attached to a yoke to control the tension in an upper tension strap. In the latched position the upper tension strap traverses the yoke and, together with a pair of lower tension straps and neck catch, support and seal the respirator mask against the face of the wearer. In the unlatched position the upper tension straps loosely support the mask below the chin of the wearer in a parked position. The upper strap is attached to a circular shaped headpiece having a crown piece fitting to the top of the head of the wearer. The lower straps are attached to a rounded neck catch secured behind the neck of the wearer. The upper and lower straps preferably and advantageously comprise a material or materials having a low maximum elongation to ensure a snug and comfortable mask fit. Filter or sorbent cartridges and caps are optimized to provide easy replacement of filter or sorbent elements and maximal exposure of filter or sorbent material surface area.