US4488546A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Release mechanism for retention means for oxygen masks
Assignee: Bernhardt Apparatebau GmbH and Co
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Filing: 1983-06-23
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Granted: 1984-12-18
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Expires: 2003-06-23
Abstract
Abstract A device which, under the effect of water, separates the cartridge-like receiving means and the connector of a retainer for an oxygen mask, preferably for pilots. The receiving means is connected with a support, for example a helmut on the head of a person, and the connector, to which the oxygen mask is attached, is safely held in the receiving means with securing elements which are under tension and which can be released by a bracket mounted on the connector. The device includes a housing which is held directly on the connector. A spring bolt, which can be moved against the force of a compression spring, is guided in the housing. A lever arm which can shift the bracket is mounted on the spring bolt. A self-acting element, which loses its rigidity in water, and which holds the compression spring in the tensioned position, acts on the spring bolt.
Inventors
- 👤 Jost Bernhardt
- 👤 Georg Hase
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 07:23
CPC Classifications
A; A62; A62B; A62B18/00; A62B18/08; A62B18/084; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T74/00; Y10T74/11
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
125 words
In combination with a retention means adapted to be connected between an oxygen mask and head supporting means, which retention means includes a cartridge-like receiving means adapted to be supported to said head supporting means and a connector adapted to be connected to said oxygen mask; said retention means further including tensioned securing elements which removably hold said connector in said receiving means; bracket means being attached to said connector for releasing said securing elements, and hence said connector, from said receiving means; a release mechanism which is operatively connected to said connector; said release mechanism including self-acting means responsive upon immersion in water, to shift said bracket means to effect said release of said securing elements, and hence said connector, from said receiving means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
125 words
In combination with a retention means adapted to be connected between an oxygen mask and head supporting means, which retention means includes a cartridge-like receiving means adapted to be supported to said head supporting means and a connector adapted to be connected to said oxygen mask; said retention means further including tensioned securing elements which removably hold said connector in said receiving means; bracket means being attached to said connector for releasing said securing elements, and hence said connector, from said receiving means; a release mechanism which is operatively connected to said connector; said release mechanism including self-acting means responsive upon immersion in water, to shift said bracket means to effect said release of said securing elements, and hence said connector, from said receiving means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
106 words
A combination according to claim 1, in which said release mechanism includes: a housing mounted on said connector; a spring bolt, which is guided in said housing; a compression spring associated with said housing and with said spring bolt; said spring bolt being movable against the force of said compression spring; a lever arm connected to said spring bolt and positioned with respect to said bracket to effect said shifting of said bracket; and said self-acting means being operatively associated with said spring bolt to hold said compression spring in a tensioned position, said self-acting means being rigid when dry, and losing its rigidity in water.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
53 words
A combination according to claim 2, which includes a pin which is guided in said housing parallel to said spring bolt; a crossbar operatively connecting said pin with said spring bolt; said self-acting means engaging said pin for effecting said operative association thereof with said spring bolt, and for tensioning said compression spring.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
58 words
A combination according to claim 3, in which said housing is provided with a first bore for guiding a portion of said pin therein; and in which said pin is provided with a longitudinal groove which extends over more than the length of that portion of said pin which is guided in said first bore of said housing.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
A combination according to claim 4, in which said housing is provided with slots; and in which said spring bolt is provided with a transverse pin having ends which are guided in said slots when said compression spring is tensioned.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
A combination according to claim 3, which includes a bushing which is screwed into said housing in alignment with said pin and is adapted to effect said engagement of said self-acting element against said pin.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
38 words
A combination according to claim 2, which includes a bushing which is screwed into said housing in alignment with said spring bolt and is adapted to effect said operative association of said self-acting means against said spring bolt.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
A combination according to claim 2, in which said spring bolt is provided with a cylindrical chamber; and in which said compression spring is disposed in said cylindrical chamber.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
47 words
A combination according to claim 8, in which said housing is provided with a right-angled slot, one leg of which extends parallel to the axis of said housing; and in which said lever arm, which is connected to said spring bolt, is guided in said right-angled slot.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
A combination according to claim 1, which includes a coil spring which is disposed on said connector and is supported against said receiving means of said retention means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-12-18 | 1988-06-18 | 1988-12-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-12-18 | 1992-06-18 | 1992-12-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-12-18 | 1996-06-18 | 1996-12-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |