FLAT FOLDING INDIVIDUAL PROTECTIVE RESPIRATORY APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME

FIELD: respirators of face masks capable of folding for storage and forming bowl-shaped air chamber embracing user's nose and mouth during employment. ^ SUBSTANCE: respiratory apparatus has flat, substantially elliptical central part equipped with first and second edges, flat first member connected to first edge of central part along fold line, seam, or connected by welding or other type of attachment, said fold line, seam, welded line or attachment line of second member being substantially of the same extension as second edge of central part. At least one of central part, first or second member is made from filtering medium. For storage, apparatus may be folded into flat state, said first and second members at least partly contacting with one and the same surface of central part. During employment, apparatus is unfolded into bowl-shaped air chamber embracing user's nose and mouth and having peripheral portion contacting with user's face. Method for manufacturing such an apparatus is also described. ^ EFFECT: improved sealing and compact structure of apparatus in its folded state. ^ 28 cl, 21 dwg