US3820540A - Electrical appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

A first component of the appliance has a first section an annular wall of which surrounds a chamber within which a heating element is located. A second component includes a cupped face mask which is to be placed against the face of the user and a second section communicating with the interior of the mask via suitable passages, and having an annular fluid-storage absorbent element of porous material. The sections are telescoped together and can be axially separated, for facilitating access to the fluid-storage element and heating means.

Description

United States Patent [191 Hirtz et a1.

[ June 28, 1974 1 ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE [76] Inventors: Hans Hirtz, Bonner Str. 180,

Cologne, Bayenthal; Hanns-Joachim Hirtz, Peter-Berchem Str. 5, Cologne, Deckstein, both of Germany 22 Filed: July 6,1972

21 App1.No.:269,315

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Dec. 7, 1971 Germany 2160561 [52] US. Cl 128/212, 128/192, 219/272 [51] Int. Cl A6lm 15/00 [58] Field Of Search... 128/212, 192, 193, 195-197,

128/201, 205, 208, 209, 185, 186, 173.2; 219/272-276; 261/99, 104, 107, 142, DIG. 65

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,712,204 5/1929 Gibney 261/142 2,449,853 9/1948 Karp 2,513,919 7/1950 C0stel1o.... 3,080,624 3/1963 Weber 3,115,134 12/1963 Schmahl 128/1-92 3,139,885 7/1964 Hirtz et a1 128/212 3,695,267 10/1972 Hirtz et a1 128/192 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 278,784 2/1952 Switzerland 128/195 28,405 10/1909 Great Britain.... 128/186 960,469 4/1950 France 128/201 1,134,766 4/1957 France 219/274 Primary Examiner-Richard A. Gaudet Assistant Examiner-Lee S. Cohen Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Michae1 S. Striker [57] ABSTRACT A first component of the appliance has a first section an annular wall of which surrounds a chamber within which a heating element is located. A second component includes a cupped face mask which is to be placed against the face of the user and a second section communicating with the interior of the mask via suitable passages, and having an annular fluid-storage absorbent element of porous material. The sections are telescoped together and can be axially separated, for facilitating access to the fluid-storage element and heating means.

25 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures PATENIEB .3133 2 8 I974 SHEET 2 OF 3 El G.7

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE BACKGROUND OF THE. INVENTION The present invention relates generally to an electrically operated appliance and more particularly to an appliance of the type having a facial mask which is to be placed against the face of a user and which produces vapors which are supplied to the interior of the mask.

Appliances of this type are already known. They are basically intended for two purposes, either as so called facial-saunas in which the intention is to supply vapors into contact with the facial skin of the user, or for treating the respiratory passages of the user with warm vapors, such as warm air. In either case, the appliances comprise a facial mask which is connected via suitable passage means with a component having a chamber in which there is located an annular storage element of porous material which is capable of absorbing water and/or fluids, for instance medication, although separate means for containing the medication (if any is to be provided) can be present. A heating arrangement is provided which provides heat and means is provided for circulating a stream of air over the heating arrangement to be heated thereby and in contact with the porous element to be enriched with water vapor and the like.

Particularly where the device is intended as a medical appliance, the purpose is, of course, to supply a stream of moist warm air to the respiratory passages of a user.

The problem with the prior art constructions is that is not readily possible to gain access to the porous storage element. The difficulty which arises from this fact is that after the device has been used, it is not readily possible to ascertain whether the storage element has become completely dry, that is whether or liquid which was stored in its pores has been fully used. If the device is repeatedly used and put away with the storage element still containing moisture, there exists the decided danger that undesired odors will develop due to the presence of such residual moisture, creating a musty smell which is unpleasant. Other undesirable consequences may also follow from this.

Moreover, the fact that it is not possible to readily gain access to the interior of these prior-art devices, where the storage element is located, makes it impossible to ascertain without difficulty just how much liquid has been absorbed by the storage device. This, in turn, can result in the storage device being incompletely filled, that is having absorbed an insufficient amount of liquid, so that the period of time for which moist air can be breathed or otherwise utilized is consequently shortened.

Moreover, it is conversely possible that too much moisture might be introduced into the device, that is more moisture than the storage element is capable of absorbing. In this case, liquid may be present in free (i.e., unabsorbed) state in the device, an undesirable circumstance, because of the fact that the device is electrically heated and the means for supplying the air stream is also electrically operated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is, accordingly a general object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus of the type here under discussion.

More particularly, it is an object of the invention to provide such an improved apparatus in which the storage element employed is readily accessible.

Another object of the invention is to provide such an improved apparatus in which the storage element is not only readily accessible, but can readily be removed for repair, replacement or the like.

In pursuance of these objects and of others which will become apparent hereafter, one feature of the invention resides in an apparatus of the character outlined herein, which, briefly stated, comprises a first component including a first section provided with wall means surrounding the chamber and heating means located in the chamber. A second component is also provided including a cupped face mask adapted to be placed against the face of a user, and a second section communicating via passage means with the interior of the mask and having an annular fluid-storing element of porous material. The sections are telescoped together so that the fluid-storage element is concentric with the heating means but the sections are nevertheless separable so as to expose the fluid-storage element and the heating means when so separated.

It is particularly advantageous if the sections are separable from one another in axial direction, and the apparatus according to the present invention has the advantage that the fluid-storage element of porous material can readily be not only inspected but also removed for repair or replacement. In fact, it can be readily removed for the purpose of filling it, that is to placed it into a body of liquid which it is to absorb rather than having to place the liquid into the device itself.

We have found it to be particularly advantageous to construct the apparatus in such a manner that a separate intermediate member is provided which connects the mask and the wall means and is provided on its side facing the wall means with the advantageously hollowcylindrically configurated storage element. This means that when the sections are separated, the storage element projects beyond the intermediate member and is thus accessible almost over its entire axial length. The storage element may be connected with the intermediate member in releasable manner, for instance via a bayonet coupling so that it can be readily separated and reconnected, or a new storage element can be connected with the intermediate member when desired. The intermediate member or a projecting portion thereof can be provided with one or more recesses which cooperate with corresponding projections on the storage element which advantageously is of lime sandstone. The storage element may be provided with a ring, advantageously composed of synthetic plastic material, which carries the projections cooperating with the recesses of the intermediate member. Of course, it is not necessary that the storage element consist of lime sandstone, but it should consist of a suitably porous material, that is of a material which has the same porousity and absorbtion characteristics as lime sandstone. This includes ceramic material, suitable filter material or the like, and in such instances it may not always be possible to provide the projections on the storage element itself,

for which reason the aforementioned ring may be provided.

The intermediate member can be releasably connected with the wall means, again via a suitable bayonet coupling. The wall means advantageously is provided inthe region of that end which faces the intermediate member when the sections are connected, with at least one recess which is preferably located at its inwardly directed side, and which is associated with one or more noses provided on the intermediate member. This means that when a relative rotary displacement between the intermediate member and wall means takes place, the two may be separated or, again be reconnected. The recess or recesses may be provided as circumferentially extending recesses or grooves and to permit entry of the noses into them they may communicate with additional recesses or grooves which extend to the adjacent axial end of the wall means. The circumferentially extending grooves may have a greater depth in radial direction of the wall means than the additional recesses which latter are advantageously of approximately triangular configuration with one corner of the triangle merging with the respectively associated groove and having a dimension permitting one of the noses to pass through it into the groove.

It is also advantageous, in accordance with a further concept of the invention, if the section provided with the wall means and the heating means is further provided with an inner wall which is arranged with inwardly with spacing of the outer wall means and is of tubular configuration, being turnable relative to the outer wall means about itslongitudinal axis. The tubular inner wall may be provided on its side facing the intermediate member with outwardly projecting projections which may be carried on suitable webs which extend into the grooves, so that the extent to which the inner wall means can turn with reference to the outer wall means is limited by the length of the grooves. The

radial projection of the projections is advantageously greater then the depth of the additional grooves which connect the circumferentially extending grooves at the axial end of the outer'wall means, so that it is not readily possible to withdraw these projections from the respectively associated grooves. It will be appreciated that if the various components are made of synthetic plastic material, particularly of thermoplastic material, there is as a rule, a certain resilient deformability characteristic inherent in the material which, makes it possible to assemble and disassemble these components with one another even if in undeformed condition they are so interengaged that they cannot be readily separated.

The intermediate member is advantageously provided with edge recesses or cutouts into which the aforementioned projections or webs extend, that is which straddle the projections or webs. These cutouts may merge with or be part of those recesses which cooperate with the projections of the storage element.

The circumferentially extending groove sections may be provided with a nose or the like which is elastically deformable and under the influence of a force acting in the circumferential direction of the wall means. The purpose of this is to assure that when the device is disassembled, that is separated and the inner wall means is accessible, the latter cannot be turned out of its position in which it is when the storage element is removed. On the other hand, the nose, which acts as a blocking element is not so strong that it would be capable of preventing a turning of the inner wall means when a sufficient torque is exerted. Here again, it should be taken into consideration that appropriate material, for instance, a suitable thermoplastic material, permits the elastic or resilient deformability in the manner outlined earlier.

The tubular inner wall means may be provided with an insert carrying the heating means, and the latter may be associated atits region adjacent the intermediate member with annular sealing element of elastomeric material, advantageously silicon rubber. Such a sealing element would be in sealing relationship with the heating element and the intermediate member and the latter is advantageously provided with an annular step which engages the sealing element. It has also been found advantageous to provide the construction according to the present invention in such a manner that the sealing element, if necessary with the interposition of a spacing ring, is also in engagement with the storage element. When the sealing element is thus under pretension, it acts not only to provide a sealing effect but also to maintain the components which it contacts under a certain amount of stress. This factor can be utilized for instance to maintain the bayonet closures under some pretension to prevent undesired opening of these closures. Also, the sealing element is thus capable of providing a certain compensation for tolerance variations between the various components so that the latter cannot in normal use move from their respective positions. 7

Of course, a suitable-connector is provided for connecting the device with a source of electrical energy. This is advantageously in form of a female connector recessed in the outer side of the outer wall means and accommodating the connector pins, so that a male connector can be inserted into it. It is possible to provide an arrangement in which an electrical connection cannot be carried out or maintained when the device is opened, that is when the sections thereof are separated. This will be discussed in more detail later.

Another concept of the invention provides for a receptacle to be associated with the apparatus according to the invention and having an annular inner space which is accommodated in configuration to the shape of the storage element. The annular inner space may have in its lower portion a less radial dimension than in its upper portion, and the space may be filled with a liquid to be absorbed by the annular storage element which is thereupon inserted into the space. The lower narrower portion of the annular space is made to conform relatively closely to the exterior dimension of the storage element and serves to displace the liquid into the interior of the storage element when the latter is inserted into the space. This is particularly advantageous if theliquid is a mixture of water and medication because the forcible displacement into the interior of the storage element upon insertion of the latter into the annular space, also provides for an enforced admixing of the water and medication.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a side view of an apparatus according to the present invention, partially sectioned;

FIG. 2 is a view as seen in the direction of the arrow II in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 but with the various components in different relative positions;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view in longitudinal section of the apparatus of FIG. 1, but taken in a plane other than that of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal fragmentary section taken in an other axial plane of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a view seen in the direction of the arrows VIVI of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 5, with the components being in different relative positions;

FIG. 8 is a top-plan view of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of several components of the apparatus in separated condition;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the apparatus;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the apparatus with the components separated;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the upper portion of the apparatus with an associated receptacle for charging of the storage element with liquid; and

FIG. 13 is a side view of the upper portion of the apparatus with the storage element removed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Discussing the drawing now in detail, it will be seen that the emodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 13 is composed, insofar as the major elements are concerned, of amask 20 which is to be placed against the face of a user, anintermediate member 21 which surrounds a chamber, and asection 23 provided with aheating element 22, with thesection 23 also serving as a handle. Theheating element 22 is connectable with a source of electrical energy (not shown) via a cable orwire 24. The connection between thecable 24 and theheating element 22 is effected as a releasable connection by means of thecontacts 25 and theplug 26.

Heating element 22 is of tubular configuration and accommodates in its interior a thermostat 27 which is of any type well known to those skilled in the art. Theelement 22 is surrounded exteriorly by a porous storage element, for instance of lime sandstone or the like, which is identified withreference numeral 28, and is also of tubular configuration. Thestorage element 28 absorbs liquid. It is in turn surrounded by an innertubular wall 31 which defines with anouter wall 32 and thestorage element 28 respectiveannular chambers 33 and 34.

Apertures 35 are provided in the lower region of thesection 23 to permit entry of air first into thechamber 34 and from there throughapertures 36 provided in thewall 31 and into theannular chamber 33. The air then flows downwardly in the latter and passes theopenings 37 and 38, provided in aninsert 39 into theinterior space 40 surrounded byheating element 22. From there the air passes having been heated by contact with theheating element 22 via theintermediate member 21 into themask 20 and into engagement with the facial skin of the user, or if it is being breathed into the respiratory passages of the person whose face is placed against themask 20.

It will be understood that the air is heated to a temperature as desired and which can be selected via the thermostat 27, during its passage through thechambers 33, 34 and thespace 40. It also serves to insulate theouter wall 32 and thus to prevent undesired or excessive heating of the same. Furthermore, as the air passes in the aforementioned path, it absorbs moisture from the moistureladden storage element 28.

As previously indicated thestorage element 28 should be readily releasable. It is therefore releasably connected with theportion 45 of theintermediate member 21, and theintermediate member 21 and theportion 45 may either be of one-piece with one another or may be separate elements. From the point of view of ease of manufacture, it is preferable that theportion 45 be a separate element and then be later connected with theintermediate member 21, for instance by being adhesively or otherwise bounded thereto.

In any case, theportion 45 is provided at its free end withrecesses 47 which extend from itsedge 46 and initially extend in direction parallel with the longitudinal axis of thesection 23, whereupon they have aportion 48 which extends approximately in circumferential direction. The arrangement is such that thesection 49 of eachrecess 47 which faces theedge 46, constitutes a complete hole through the wall of theportion 45, whereas the remainder of eachrecess 47, including theportion 48, is only a groove in theinner wall surface 60.

Anannular member 51, for instance of synthetic plastic material or the like, is provided at that end of thestorage element 28 which is closer to themask 20. Themember 51 is connected with thestorage element 28 in suitable manner, for instance by being bounded thereto. The outer periphery of themember 51 is provided withradial projections 52, in the illustrated embodiment two of them which cooperate in the manner of a bayonet coupling with therecesses 47, 48. Thus, when theelement 28 is to be connected with theprojection 45, it is first moved towards the latter in axial direction so that theprojections 52 enter into therecesses 47 until, when they have reached the level of theportions 48, relative rotary displacement of themembers 28 and 45 causes theprojections 52 to become lodged in theportions 48. Theportions 48 may be axially inclined of theportion 45, or at least one of their boundary surfaces 27 may be so inclined, to provide for a certain amount of force acting upon theprojections 52 and fixing them against undesired displacement.

The position of a sealing ring of elastomeric material, advantageously of silicon rubber, further facilitates such fixing. The sealingring 53 presses via anintermediate ring 54 against thering 51 and theheating element 22, subjecting it to a certain amount of pretension aside from serving as its desired sealing function. Theportion 45 is provided with anannular projection 30 which contacts the median region of thering 53.

Recesses 55 are provided on the inner side of theouter wall 32 in the upper endregion (as seen in FIG. 1) thereof, being located opposite one another and each being composed of twoportions 56 and 57. Theportion 56 is the upper portion and delimited at one side by twoinclined surfaces 58 in such a manner that it is of approximately triangular configuration with one corner of the triangle communicating via acutout 59 with theportion 57. Theportion 57 which is the lower portion, is configurated as a circumferentially extending groove and has a greater radial depth than the respectivelyupper portion 56, as indicated in FIGS. 6 and 8. Theportion 45 of theintermediate member 21 is provided with tworadial noses 60 as well as with twoouter projections 61 provided at the upper end of theinner wall 31. These components cooperate with therecesses 55 and the drawing shows that theprojections 61 are each carried by aweb 62 which extends upwardly beyond theupper end 23 of theinner wall 21. It will be appreciated that theupper portion 56 of therespective recesses 55 serves primarily for insertion of the respectively associatednose 60 orprojection 61 into the respectivelower portion 57. When this is to be effected, theinner wall 31 is initially inserted into the space surrounded by theouter wall 32, causing theprojections 61 first to enter into therespective portions 56 and from there via thecutout 59 into theportion 57. The inclined surfaces 58 guide theprojections 51 necessarily in the direction toward thecutout 59.

Once this is accomplished, theinner wall 31 is then turned to a position in which theprojections 61 assume the location illustrated in FIG. 5, and in which theprojections 61 and thus theinner wall 31 are retained by a small stud orprojection 64 provided in the region of theportions 57. This stud is advantageously of synthetic plastic material, such as a thermoplastic, and has a certain ability to elastically yield. On the one hand it serves to prevent undesired turning of theinner wall 31 from its position, and on the other hand it is sufficiently yieldable to become elastically deformable under the influence of a torque exerted in circumferential direction to permit the turning of theinner wall 31 if and when this is specifically desired.

When the components have the position illustrated in FIGS. and 6, theportion 45 of theintermediate member 21 can be inserted from above into the upper part of the space surrounded by theouter wall 32. The arrangement ofrecesses 49 and theportions 47 on the one hand and of thenoses 60 on the other hand, with reference to one another is such, as shown in FIG. 5, that when thenoses 60 are inserted through therespective cutout 59 intothe'lower portion 57 of therecess 55, therecess 49 straddles from above at the lower free end of theportion 45 the respectively associatedweb 62 of theinner wall 31. This means that in circumferential direction there exists a mechanical connection between thewebs 62 on the one hand and therecesses 49 on the other hand.

In FIG. 7 the components have been illustrated in their connected condition, and here, as in FIGS. 5, 6 and 8, thestorage element 28 has been omitted for the sake of clarity of illustration.

Thearrow 65 in FIG. 7 indicates relative rotational movement of theportion 45 about the longitudinal axis of thesection 23, which is to be imparted in order to retain theportion 45 and thereby theintermediate member 21 and the components associated therewith, in the position in which theportion 45 is located within the upper part of the space surrounded by theouter wall 32. In FIG. 8 the extent to which such rotational movement is to be effected is designated withreference numeral 36 and it will be appreciated that when the end of the rotational movement indicated by thearrow 65 has been reached, thenoses 60 assume theposition 60a which is illustrated in'broken'lines in FIGS. 7 and 8. At

the same time, theinner wall 31 has been turned through a corresponding extent, because it is connected with theportion 45 via thewebs 62 and therecesses 49, respectively. During such movement theprojection 64 is elastically deformed in the manner already discussed, to such an extent that it does not permit the rotational movement of the associatedweb 62. The second position of theprojection 61 is not illustrated in FIG. 8 because it was thought advisable to omit this for the sake of clarity of illustration.

It is advantageous that theinner wall 31 as well as theinsert 39, which was mentioned above, be of a resiliently yieldable synthetic plastic material, advantageously a thermoplastic material. This makes it possible to insert the lower end of theinner wall 31 over theinsert 39 when the components are assembled, untilprojections 68 on the outer periphery of theinsert 39 engage incutouts 67 provided on theinner wall 31. The components have sufficient ability to resiliently yield due to the use of a thermoplastic material. Theheating element 22 is carried by theinsert 39, with a sealingring 68 being interposed and with theheating element 22 being retained by clampingmembers 69 which engage with one end in theopenings 37.

A mounting member orunit 70 is providedfor theelectrical contacts 25, portions of which which are to be inserted into the plug extend into acutout 71 in thebottom wall 72 which is connected with theouter wall 32. Because of the'previously described connection between theinner wall 31 and theinsert 39, the latter has the mountingmember 70 participate in the earlierdescribed turning movement. Thecutout 71 is so configurated in its outline that its cross section is substantially completely filled when theplug 26 is inserted into it and mates with thecontacts 25. 7

It should be understood that the various components, in particular theinner wall 31 and theouter wall 32 will in normal use assume the relative position illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 10. When thestorage element 28 is I to be charged with liquid, theelement 28 is to be removed from thesection 23 for which purpose theintermediate member 21 with itsportion 45 is turned by the distance 66 (see FIGS. 1 and 3) in the direction of thearrow 73 with the reference to theouter wall 32. For manufacturing reasons, or to obtain a particular appearance theouter wall 32 may be composed of twoparts 32a and 32b, but this is not necessary. When the turning movement is completed, the components have the position illustrated in FIGS. 5 8, and theinner wall 31 has participated in the turning movement due to the connection via thewebs 62 and therecesses 49. Similarly, thecontacts 25 have also participated in this movement because the mountingmember 70 for them turns with theinsert 49.

When the just mentioned turning movement is completed the various components assume the relative positions illustrated in FIGS. 5 8, permitting theintermediate member 21 with itsportion 45 to be withdrawn upwardly (as seen in the drawing) from thesection 23, that is from the confines of itsouter wall 32. In sodoingfthe noses 60 pass through therespective cutout 59 and theportion 45 is lifted off thewebs 62 of theinner wall 31 which latter remains in the end position shown in FIGS. 5 8, which, incidentally, corresponds also to the displaced position of the twoelectrical contacts 25 as shown in FIG. 3.

With reference to thecutout 71 into which themale plug 26 is inserted, thecontacts 25 assume at this time an inclined position so that it is impossible to insert theconnector 26 and establish a connection with a source of electrical energy, when the device is opened, or when the storage element has been removed. Conversely, it is, of course, impossible to effect relative turning movement of thesections 31 and 32 in a sense opening the apparatus, while themale connector 26 is still located in thecutout 71 and in electrically conductive connection with thecontacts 25. Thus, there is provided an interlocking arrangement which prevents the danger of electrical shock.

Appropriate abutment may be provided'for limiting the relative rotational movement of the components for instance in theregion 57 of therecess 55.Projection 76 of the mountingelement 70 may also be provided and located so as to contact an associatedabutment 77, or the electrical contacts may be so positioned that they abut a sidewall of thecutout 71 and thus limit the relative rotational displacement.

FIG. 11 illustrates thestorage element 28 which is connected with theportion 45 of theintermediate member 21, showing thestorage element 28 as it appears after it has been upwardly withdrawn out of thesection 23, or conversely after thesection 23 has been downwardly withdrawn. Thestorage element 28, which may still be connected with themember 21 and possible also with themask 20, is now sufficiently exposed so that it can be inserted into aseparate receptacle 76 having anannular space 77 whose dimensions are accommodated to those of thestorage element 28. The lower region of theannular space 77 is designated withreference numeral 78 and advantageously so narrowed that its radial dimension corresponds approximately to the wall thickness of thestorage element 28. When thespace 77, 78 is filled with liquid, insertion of thestorage element 78 into thespace 77 and entry into theportion 78 thereof, causes liquid contained in thisportion 78 to be upwardly displaced and in' effect to be squeezed into the pores of thestorage element 28. In addition, this construction assures good admixing of two or more liquids, if for instance, water and medication are in serted together into thespace 77, 78.

Thestorage element 28 can be removed from theportion 45 as shown in FIG. 13 by effecting a relative turning movement of thestorage element 28 and theportion 45 in the direction of thearrow 79, thereby separating thestorage element 28 .with its associatedannular member 51. This makes it possible to very simply and readily remove onestorage element 28 and replace it with another. 7

When thestorage element 28 has absorbed the desired amount of liquid, the apparatus is reassembled in the manner discussed with reference to FIGS. 8 whereupon the relative rotational displacement in the direction of the arrow 65 (see FIG. 7) is carried out in order to re-connect theelements 21 and 25 on the one hand, and 23 and 32 on the other hand, via the bayonet coupling described earlier.

The present invention thus achieves the objects which have been set forth above, and avoids the disadvantages of the prior art.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of constructions differing from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in an electrical appliance, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention, that others can, by applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that. from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the following claims.

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.

We claim:

1. An apparatus of the character described, comprising a first component including a first section provided with a chamber and with wall means surrounding said chamber, and heating means located in said chamber; a second component including a cupped face mask adapted to be placed against the face of a user, and a second section and having an intermediate member releasably connecting said mask with said wall means and an annular fluid-storage element of porous material mounted on an inner side of said intermediate member,

said sections being telescoped together so that said fluid-storage element is concentric with said heating means, but being separable so as to expose said fluidstorage element and heating means when separated; bayonet-coupling means removably connecting said fluid-storage element with said intermediate member; and means for admission of air to, and passage thereof through said porous element and heating means prior to exiting from said mask.

2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said fluid-storage element is of hollow cylindrical configuration.

3. An apparatus as defined in claim 1; further comprising bayonet-coupling means for releasably coupling said sections with one another.

4. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, said wall means being provided with at least one recess, and said second section having at least one projection removably received in said recess.

5. An apparatus as defined in claim 4, said wall means having an inwardly directed side, and said recess being provided at said inwardly directed side.

6. An apparatus as defined in claim 5, said wall means having an axial end, and said recess being a circumferentially extending groove provided in the region of said axial end; and further comprising at least one additional recess in said wall means and extending from said end to said recess.

7. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, said heating means including a hollow cylindrical heating element; and further comprising an annular sealing member of elastomeric material interposed and, when said sections are telescoped together, compressed between said heating element and said second section.

8. An apparatus as defined in claim 7, said elastomeric material being silicon rubber.

9. An apparatus as defined in claim 7, said second section having an annular bead in abutment with said sealing member.

10. An apparatus as defined in claim 7, wherein said sealing member also abuts said storage element.

11. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, said wall means being annular and having a cut-out; and further comprising electrical terminal means mounted within the confines of said annular wall means, one of said wall and terminal means being circumferentially displaceable with reference to the other from and to a position in which said electrical terminal means register with said cut-out, and in which position a cooperating electrical connector is insertable into said cut-out and into electrical engagement with said electrical terminal means.

12. An apparatus of the character described, comprising a first component including a first section provided with a chamber and with wall means surrounding said chamber, and heating means located in said chamber; a second component including a cupped face mask adapted to be placed against the face of a user, and a second section comprised of an intermediate member releasably connecting said mask with said wall means and an annular fluid-storage element of porous material mounted on an inner side of said intermediate member, said sections being telescoped together so that said fluid-storage element is concentric with said heating means, but being separable so as to expose said fluid-storage element and heating means when separated, one of said intermediate member and fluidstorage element having a plurality of projections, and the other having a plurality of recesses removably accommodating said projections; and means for admission of air to, and passage thereof through said porous element and heating means prior to exiting from said mask.

13. An apparatus as defined in claim 12, said storage element being provided with a ring portion, and said projections being provided on said ring portion 14. An apparatus as defined in claim 13, wherein said ring portion is of synthetic plastic material.

15. An apparatus as defined in claim 13, wherein said storage element is of lime sandstone.

16. An apparatus of the character described, comprising a first component including a first section provided with a chamber and with wall means surrounding said chamber and having an axial end and an inwardly directed side which is provided in the region of said axial end of said wall means with a circumferential groove and with a recess whose depth is less than that of said groove and which extends from said axial end to said groove, said recess having substantially the shape of a triangle one corner of which has a portion which communicates with said groove; heating means located in said chamber; a second component including a cupped face mask adapted to be placed against the face of a user, and a second section connected to said mask and having an annular fluid-storage element of porous material and at least one projection removably received in said groove, said sections being telescoped together so that said fluid-storage element is concentric with said heating means, but being separable so as to expose said fluid-storage element and heating means when separated; and means for admission of air to, and passage thereof through said porous element and heating means prior to exiting from said mask.

17. An apparatus as defined in claim 16, said portion having in circumferential direction a dimension which is slightly greater than the corresponding dimension of said projection.

18. An apparatus of the character described, comprising a first component including a first section provided with a chamber and with wall means surrounding said chamber and having an inwardly directed side provided in the region of one axial end of said wall means with a circumferential groove, and with a recess extending from said axial end to said groove, said first section further including an inner tubular wall which defines with said wall means an annular clearance and is turnable relative to said wall means about its own longitudinal axis, and heating means located in said chamber; a second component including a cupped face mask adapted to be placed against the face of a user, and a second section connected to said mask and having an annular fluid-storage element of porous material and at least one projection removably received in said groove, said sections being telescoped together so that said fluid-storage element is concentric with said heating means, but being separable so as to expose said fluid-storage element and heating means when separated; and means for admission of air to, and passage thereof through said porous element and heating means prior to exiting from said mask.

19. An apparatus as defined in claim 18, said tubular wall having at least one outwardly extending nose which projects into said recess.

20. An apparatus as defined in claim 19, said nose having a length which is greater than said depth of said recess.

21. An apparatus as defined in claim 19, said second section including at least one cut-out which straddles said nose.

22. An apparatus as defined inclaim 21, said cut-out merging with said recess.

23. An apparatus as defined in claim 19; further comprising at least one stud portion in the region of said recess, and said stud portion being resiliently deformable under the influence of a force acting upon it.

24. An apparatus as defined in claim 18, said inner tubular wall including an insert portion; and wherein said heating means is provided on said insert portion.

25. An apparatus of the character described, comprising a first component including a first section provided-with a chamber and with wall means surrounding said chamber and having an axial end and an inwardly directed side which is provided in the region of said axial end with a circumferential groove and with a recess whose depth is less than that of said groove and which extends from said axial end to said groove; a second component including a cupped face mask adapted to be placed against the face of a user, and a second section connected to said mask and having an annular fluid-storage element of porous material and at least I one projection which is removably received in said groove, said sections being telescoped together so that said fluid-storage element is concentric with said heating means, but being separable so as to expose said fluid-storage element and heating means when separated; and means for admission of air to, and passage thereof through said porous element and heating means prior to exiting from said mask.

Claims (25)

1. An apparatus of the character described, comprising a first component including a first section provided with a chamber and with wall means surrounding said chamber, and heating means located in said chamber; a second component including a cupped face mask adapted to be placed against the face of a user, and a second section and having an intermediate member releasably connecting said mask with said wall means and an annular fluidstorage element of porous material mounted on an inner side of said intermediate member, said sections being telescoped together so that said fluid-storage element is concentric with said heating means, but being separable so as to expose said fluidstorage element and heating means when separated; bayonetcoupling means removably connecting said fluid-storage element with said intermediate member; and means for admission of air to, and passage thereof through said porous element and heating means prior to exiting from said mask.

2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said fluid-storage element is of hollow cylindrical configuration.

3. An apparatus as defined in claim 1; further comprising bayonet-coupling means for releasably coupling said sections with one another.

4. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, said wall means being provided with at least one recess, and said second section having at least one projection removably received in said recess.

5. An apparatus as defined in claim 4, said wall means having an inwardly directed side, and said recess being provided at said inwardly directed side.

6. An apparatus as defined in claim 5, said wall means having an axial end, and said recess being a circumferentially extending groove provided in the region of said axial end; and further comprising at least one additional recess in said wall means and extending from said end to said recess.

7. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, said heating means including a hollow cylindrical heating element; and further comprising an annular sealing member of elastomeric material interposed and, when said sections are telescoped together, compressed between said heating element and said second section.

8. An apparatus as defined in claim 7, said elastomeric material being silicon rubber.

9. An apparatus as defined in claim 7, said second section having an annular bead in abutment with said sealing member.

10. An apparatus as defined in claim 7, wherein said sealing member also abuts said storage element.

11. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, said wall means being annular and having a cut-out; and further comprising electrical terminal means mounted within the confines of said annular wall means, one of said wall and terminal means being circumferentially displaceable with reference to the other from and to a position in which said electrical terminal means register with said cut-out, and in which position a cooperating electrical connector is insertable into said cut-out and into electrical engagement witH said electrical terminal means.

12. An apparatus of the character described, comprising a first component including a first section provided with a chamber and with wall means surrounding said chamber, and heating means located in said chamber; a second component including a cupped face mask adapted to be placed against the face of a user, and a second section comprised of an intermediate member releasably connecting said mask with said wall means and an annular fluid-storage element of porous material mounted on an inner side of said intermediate member, said sections being telescoped together so that said fluid-storage element is concentric with said heating means, but being separable so as to expose said fluid-storage element and heating means when separated, one of said intermediate member and fluid-storage element having a plurality of projections, and the other having a plurality of recesses removably accommodating said projections; and means for admission of air to, and passage thereof through said porous element and heating means prior to exiting from said mask.

13. An apparatus as defined in claim 12, said storage element being provided with a ring portion, and said projections being provided on said ring portion.

14. An apparatus as defined in claim 13, wherein said ring portion is of synthetic plastic material.

15. An apparatus as defined in claim 13, wherein said storage element is of lime sandstone.

16. An apparatus of the character described, comprising a first component including a first section provided with a chamber and with wall means surrounding said chamber and having an axial end and an inwardly directed side which is provided in the region of said axial end of said wall means with a circumferential groove and with a recess whose depth is less than that of said groove and which extends from said axial end to said groove, said recess having substantially the shape of a triangle one corner of which has a portion which communicates with said groove; heating means located in said chamber; a second component including a cupped face mask adapted to be placed against the face of a user, and a second section connected to said mask and having an annular fluid-storage element of porous material and at least one projection removably received in said groove, said sections being telescoped together so that said fluid-storage element is concentric with said heating means, but being separable so as to expose said fluid-storage element and heating means when separated; and means for admission of air to, and passage thereof through said porous element and heating means prior to exiting from said mask.

17. An apparatus as defined in claim 16, said portion having in circumferential direction a dimension which is slightly greater than the corresponding dimension of said projection.

18. An apparatus of the character described, comprising a first component including a first section provided with a chamber and with wall means surrounding said chamber and having an inwardly directed side provided in the region of one axial end of said wall means with a circumferential groove, and with a recess extending from said axial end to said groove, said first section further including an inner tubular wall which defines with said wall means an annular clearance and is turnable relative to said wall means about its own longitudinal axis, and heating means located in said chamber; a second component including a cupped face mask adapted to be placed against the face of a user, and a second section connected to said mask and having an annular fluid-storage element of porous material and at least one projection removably received in said groove, said sections being telescoped together so that said fluid-storage element is concentric with said heating means, but being separable so as to expose said fluid-storage element and heating means when separated; and means for admission of air to, and passage thereof through said porous element and heating means prior to eXiting from said mask.

19. An apparatus as defined in claim 18, said tubular wall having at least one outwardly extending nose which projects into said recess.

20. An apparatus as defined in claim 19, said nose having a length which is greater than said depth of said recess.

21. An apparatus as defined in claim 19, said second section including at least one cut-out which straddles said nose.

22. An apparatus as defined in claim 21, said cut-out merging with said recess.

23. An apparatus as defined in claim 19; further comprising at least one stud portion in the region of said recess, and said stud portion being resiliently deformable under the influence of a force acting upon it.

24. An apparatus as defined in claim 18, said inner tubular wall including an insert portion; and wherein said heating means is provided on said insert portion.

25. An apparatus of the character described, comprising a first component including a first section provided with a chamber and with wall means surrounding said chamber and having an axial end and an inwardly directed side which is provided in the region of said axial end with a circumferential groove and with a recess whose depth is less than that of said groove and which extends from said axial end to said groove; a second component including a cupped face mask adapted to be placed against the face of a user, and a second section connected to said mask and having an annular fluid-storage element of porous material and at least one projection which is removably received in said groove, said sections being telescoped together so that said fluid-storage element is concentric with said heating means, but being separable so as to expose said fluid-storage element and heating means when separated; and means for admission of air to, and passage thereof through said porous element and heating means prior to exiting from said mask.

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