US20210386137A1

US20210386137A1 - Face shield system

Info

Publication number: US20210386137A1
Application number: US16/897,533
Authority: US
Inventors: Filippo Martino; James Bruce Anthony Campbell; Jis Simon; Martin Kwan Yu Leung
Original assignee: Ipex Technologies Inc
Current assignee: Ipex Technologies Inc
Priority date: 2020-06-10
Filing date: 2020-06-10
Publication date: 2021-12-16

Abstract

A frame extending from a first end to a second with a curved portion therebetween has a first dual hooking member at the first end and a second dual hooking member at the second end. Each dual hooking member has a strap hook, facing away from their respective ends, and an external hook, facing toward their respective ends. The strap hooks engage selected holes in a resilient elastomeric strap to bias the first end to the second end across a gap therebetween to frictionally hold the frame to a user's forehead. While the frame is frictionally held to the user's forehead, the external hooks extend externally from the strap to engage opposed strings of a face mask on the users face, and, a visor can be releasably secured to the frame in a visor functional position with a see-through area in front of the user's eyes.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to personal protective equipment [PPE] for shielding the face, also sometimes referred to as a face shield. More particularly, the invention relates to a face shield system for use in medical or industrial environments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the past, there have been many different types of PPE proposed for protecting or shielding the user for various potential hazards. Such prior PPE have suffered from various disadvantages, such as the inability of different types of PPE to work together. For instance, in the past, use of PPE for shielding the face may not work well other types of PPE, such as face masks. This has caused potential discomfort to users particularly when the user may be required to use various types of PPE for long periods of time.
Furthermore, the inability of prior PPE to work together causes potential difficulties when putting on and taking off the various types of PPE. These difficulties could, in some cases, give rise to the inadvertent exposure to the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to at least partially overcome some of the disadvantages of the prior art. Also, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved type PPE for shielding the face which may be capable of working with other types of PPE, such as face masks, to protect the user.
Accordingly, in one of its aspects, this invention resides in a face shield system, said face shield system comprising: a frame extending from a first end to a second end and having a curved portion therebetween with the first end separated from the second end by a gap therebetween, said frame having an exterior surface which faces away from the gap; a visor having a see-through area and secured to the exterior surface of the frame; a resilient elastomeric strap extending along a longitudinal axis and having at least two holes arranged along the longitudinal axis thereof; a first dual hooking member associated with the first end of the frame, said first dual hooking member having a first strap hook and a first external hook; a second dual hooking member associated with the second end of the frame, said second dual hooking member having a second strap hook and a second external hook; wherein, when the first strap hook engages a first selected hole of the at least two holes on the elastomeric strap, and, the second strap hook engages a second selected hole of the at least two holes of the elastomeric strap, the elastomeric strap extends across the gap and resiliently biases the first end towards the second end to hold the frame to a user's forehead, and, the first external hook of the first dual hooking member and the second external hook of the second dual hooking member extend externally of the resilient elastomeric strap for engaging fastening elements of a face mask.
In a further aspect, the present invention resides in a face shield system for use with personal protective equipment, said system comprising: a frame extending from a first end to a second end and having a curved portion therebetween with the first end separated from the second end by a gap, said frame having an exterior surface which faces away from the gap; a releasable visor securing mechanism associated with the exterior surface of the frame for releasably securing individual replacement visors to the exterior surface of the frame, each of said replacement visors having a see-through area; a first dual hooking member associated with the first end of the frame, said first dual hooking member having a first strap hook and a first external hook; a second dual hooking member associated with the second end of the frame, said second dual hooking member having a second strap hook and a second external hook; wherein, when the first strap hook engages a first selected hole of at least two holes on a elastomeric strap, and, the second strap hook engages a second selected hole of at least two holes of the elastomeric strap, the elastomeric strap extends across the gap and resiliently biases the first end towards the second end to hold the frame to a user's forehead, and, the first external hook of the first dual hooking member and the second external hook of the second dual hooking member extend externally of the resilient elastomeric strap for engaging fastening elements of personal protective equipment independent of the visor.
A potential advantage of one preferred embodiment of the present invention is that it may comprise hooking members to hook the straps of a face mask, or other PPE, to the face shield system. In this way, different types of PPE, namely PPE to shield the face, and a different type of PPE, such as a face mask, may cooperate together and both be secured or fixed to the frame of the face shield system according to at least some preferred embodiments. This may improve the comfort of the user in wearing these different types of PPE together. Further, by having the second type of PPE attachable to face shield system, it is less likely the user will inadvertently remove only one of them and forget to remove the other, lessening the likelihood of an inadvertent exposure.
In a further preferred embodiment, the first and second dual hooking members have the strap hooks facing in a forward tangential direction tangential to the exterior surface of the frame and away from their respective ends, and, have the external hooks facing a rearward tangential direction opposite to the forward tangential direction. In this way, the forces on the strap hooks would be substantially opposite to, and at least partially offset, the forces from the external hooks engaging the fastening elements of the face mask. This also avoids potential rotational forces or torque being created about the first and second dual hooking members because the forces from the strap hooks and the fastening elements of the face mask are substantially opposed. Furthermore, these forces are tangential to the exterior surface of the frame further decreasing any potential rotational forces about the hooking members. This provides a more comfortable fit to the user, particularly over long periods of time. Furthermore, the elastomeric strap extending across the gap to resiliently bias the first end to the second end permits the user to adjust the position of the frame such that the first and second ends maybe more comfortably arranged behind the ears of the use to engage the strings from the face mask.
In a further preferred embodiment, the elastomeric strap comprises at least two holes, and more preferably more than 10 holes, and more preferably more than 15 holes, and still more preferably at least about 17 holes, arranged along the longitudinal axis of the elastomeric strap. This permits the frame to be more comfortably adjusted about the user's head and permits the frame to be used with users of varying head sizes and shapes. This also permits, in some embodiments, for the frame to be fitted to children with corresponding smaller head sizes. In use, the elastomeric strap would be adjusted to engage selected first and second holes of the plurality of holes extending along the longitudinal axis of the strap so the strap resiliently biases the first end of the frame to the second end to comfortably hold the frame on the users forehead at a visor functional position with the see-through area of the visor in front of the user's face. The preferred materials for the strap include natural rubber. The strap preferably has a hardness of 40 Shore A and a tensile strength of 2000 psi. In a preferred embodiment, the ultimate elongation would be 400%. While natural rubber is a preferred material for the elastomeric strap, other material that have similar characteristics could also be used.
In a further preferred embodiment, the face shield system comprises a comfort foam fixed to a portion of an interior surface of the frame coincident with an apex of the curved portion of the frame. The comfort foam rests against the user's forehead when the frame is at the visor functional position on the user. Furthermore, in this way, the interior surface of the frame, an interior surface of the comfort foam, and an interior surface of the elastomeric strap define an interior perimeter that frictionally contacts a user's head when the frame is at the visor functional position on the user. The comfort foam permits a more snug, but comfortable, fit increasing the frictional force along the interior perimeter maintaining the face shield system in place.
A further potential advantage of at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention is that the PPE for shielding the face comprises a releasable visor securing mechanism for releasably securing a transparent visor thereto. In this way, the visor may be removed and replaced with a new visor without damaging the frame. This may decrease the medical waste resulting from use in a medical environment. This may also decrease the cost of using the face shield system as only a portion, namely the visor, would need to replacement if soiling occurred.
In a further preferred embodiment, the releasable visor securing mechanism is located on an exterior surface of the face shield frame and away from the user while the frame is in the visor functional position on the user's head. This permits the visor to be replaced while the frame is being worn by a user. Moreover, in a further preferred embodiment, the releasable visor securing mechanism is located remote and independent from the external hooks of the dual hooking members which can engage the face mask, such that the visor may be replaced while a user is wearing the face mask. This improves the overall safety to the user by permitting them to continue wearing the face mask, or other type of PPE with fastening elements engaging the external hooks, while the visor is being replaced.
In a further preferred embodiment, the releasable visor securing mechanism comprises a number of protrusions extending from the exterior surface of the frame. The protrusions are designed to mate with corresponding receiving holes in the visor. Furthermore, the protrusions each preferably comprise a corresponding tab extending from the protrusion over the exterior surface which is also received by the corresponding receiving holes in the visor to releasably secure the visor to the exterior surface of the frame. The tabs preferably extend in different directions, such us upward, sideways and if desired downward, to releasably secure the visor to the exterior surface of the frame. In this way, visors can be quickly and easily replaced with replacement visors. Furthermore, visors of different shapes and sizes could be used with the same frame so long as the replacement visors have corresponding holes that can mate with the protrusions of the releasable visor securing mechanism. This also eliminates the need to use rivets, adhesives, or additional components that can become lost and/or are difficult to handle, particularly if people are wearing gloves, such as in a medical environment, to avoid touching a soiled visor during removal or replacement.
A further advantage of at least some preferred embodiments is that the components, such as the frame, can be injection-molded. This is possible, in at least some embodiments, because the dual hook members and the protrusions of the releasable visor securing mechanism do not have separate components parts but may be formed from a single mold. Furthermore, the visor, and any replacement visors, can be made by die cutting with the holes for the releasable visor securing mechanism made at the same time. This facilitates manufacturing and decreases time and cost to manufacture. The visor is also preferably made from a transparent and, if desired flexible, piece of plastic. More preferably the plastic used for the visor is about 5/1000^thto 15/1000 of an inch to permit flexibility and to decrease the cost of replacement.
In a further aspect, the present invention resides in a frame for use with personal protective equipment, said frame comprising: a first end extending to a second end and having a curved portion therebetween with the first end separated from the second end by a gap; a releasable visor securing mechanism associated with an exterior surface of the frame for releasably securing visors to the exterior surface of the frame; a first dual hooking member having a first forward facing side facing away from the first end and a first rearward facing side facing the first end, said first dual hooking member having a first strap hook on the first forward facing side and a first external hook on the first rearward facing side; a second dual hooking member having a second forward facing side facing away from the second end and a second rearward facing side facing the second end, said second dual hooking member having a second strap hook on the second forward facing side and a second external hook on the second rearward facing side; wherein, when the first strap hook engages a first selected hole of at least two holes on a elastomeric strap, and, the second strap hook engages a second selected hole of at least two holes of the elastomeric strap, the elastomeric strap extends across the gap and resiliently biases the first end towards the second end to hold the frame to a user's forehead, and, the first external hook of the first dual hooking member and the second external hook of the second dual hooking member extend externally of the resilient elastomeric strap for engaging fastening elements of a face mask.
Further aspects of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and drawings, which illustrate the invention and preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the invention:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the face shield system in an assembled configuration according to one preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the face shield system shown in FIG. 1 as worn by a user in a visor functional position according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the face shield system shown in FIG. 2 as worn by a user in a visor functional position with fastening elements of a face mask engaging the external hooks of the dual hooking members according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the face shield system shown in FIG. 3 as worn by a user in a visor functional position with fastening elements of a face mask engaging the external hooks of the dual hooking members according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the face shield system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the face shield system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary top view of the first and second dual hooking members.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the face shield system as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the first and second dual hooking members.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the invention and its advantages can be understood by referring to the present drawings. In the present drawings, like numerals are used for like and corresponding parts of the accompanying drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1, one embodiment of the present invention relates to a face shield system, shown generally by reference numeral 10. The system 10 is shown in FIG. 1 in an assembled configuration, and, is shown in FIG. 2 in an assembled configuration as worn by a user 1 in a visor functional position. FIGS. 3 and 4 show front and rear perspective views, respectively, of the system 10 in the assembled configuration as worn by the user 1 in the visor functional position with the user 1 also wearing a face mask 3.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, the face shield system 10, in at least one preferred embodiment, comprises a frame, 500, a resilient elastomeric strap, 300, and a visor 400. The system 10 further preferably further comprises a first dual hooking member 100 and a second dual hooking member 200.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the frame 500 extends from a first end 501 to a second end 502 having a curved portion 503 therebetween. The first end 501 is separated from the second end 502 by a gap 504 therebetween. The frame 500 further comprises an exterior surface, shown generally by reference numeral 510, which faces away from the gap 504. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the frame 500 is preferably shaped to easily fit over the user's head 2 with the curved portion 503 coinciding with the user's forehead 9.
The visor 400 is secured to the exterior surface of the frame 500. As indicated below, the visor 400 is preferably releasably secured to the exterior surface 510 of the frame 500. The visor 400 has a see-through area 410, which is transparent, or at least translucent, such that the user 1 may see through the see through area 410 of the visor 400 when the visor 400 is in the visor functional position 420 while the visor 400 is protecting the user 1. In one preferred embodiment, the entire visor 400 is transparent such that the see-through area 410 is the entire surface of the visor 400. More preferably, the visor 400 is made from a transparent single piece of plastic. In a preferred embodiment, the visor 400 is made by die cutting. If desired, the visor 400 may be made from a flexible piece of plastic to permit flexibility increasing ease of use and comfort. More preferably, the plastic used for the visor 400 is transparent and is about 5/1000^thto 15/1000^thof an inch to permit flexibility and to decrease the cost of manufacture and replacement.
The resilient elastomeric strap 300 extends along a longitudinal axis Ls as shown in FIG. 6. The strap 300 preferably has at least two holes, and more preferably at least 15 and still more preferably about 17 holes, (with the holes generally identified by reference numeral 302 and specifically by letters a, b) arranged along the longitudinal axis Ls thereof.
The first dual hooking member 100 is associated with the first end 501 of the frame 500. The first dual hooking member 100 has a first strap hook 103 and a first external hook 104. Similarly, the second dual hooking member 200 is associated with the second end 502 of the frame 500, and the second dual hooking member 200 has a second strap hook 203 and a second external hook 204.
As also illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, the first strap hook 103 engages a first selected hole 302 a of the at least two holes 302 on the elastomeric strap 300, and, the second strap hook 204 engages a second selected hole 302 b of the at least two holes 302 of the elastomeric strap 300, such that the elastomeric strap 300 extends across the gap 504 and resiliently biases the first end 501 of the frame 500 towards the second end 502 to hold the frame to the user's forehead 9 in the visor functional position 420. When this is occurring, the first external hook 104 of the first dual hooking member 100 and the second external hook 204 of the second dual hooking member 200 extend externally of the resilient elastomeric strap 300 for engaging fastening elements 4, generally strings or other types of fastening elements, of a face mask 3. In this way, the face shield system 10 may provide two types of PPE, namely the visor 400 and the face mask 3, to protect the user 1.
In this way, the external hooks 104, 204, extent externally from the strap 300 to permit engagement with fastening elements 4 of different types of PPE. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the external hooks 104, 204, engage the fastening elements 4 of a face mask 3 which covers the nose and mouth of the user 1, but it is understood that the invention is not limited to this type of PPE, and rather could be used with different types of PPE such as face masks 3 that cover only the nose, or only the mouth, or facial hair such as beards or moustaches, of the user 1.
In this way, in one preferred embodiment of the present invention, it may be possible for the external hooking members 104, 204 to hook the fastening elements 4 of the face mask 3, or other types of PPE, to the face shield system 10. In this way, the face shield system 10 permits both the visor 400 and the face mask 3 to cooperate together such that both may be secured or fixed to the frame 500 of the face shield system 10 according to at least some preferred embodiments. This may improve the comfort of the user 1 while wearing these different types of PPE together. Further, by having the face mask 3 releasably attachable to face shield system 10, it is less likely the user 1 will inadvertently remove only one of the face mask 3 or face shield system 10, and inadvertently forget to remove the other, thereby lessening the likelihood of an inadvertent exposure to the user 1.
In a further preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 the first dual hooking member 100 has the first strap hook 103 facing a first forward tangential direction FFtd tangential to the exterior surface 510 of the frame 500 and away from the first end 501 of the frame 500, and, the first dual hooking member 100 has the first external hook 104 facing a first rearward tangential direction FRtd opposite to the first forward tangential direction FFtd. Similarly, the second dual hooking member 200 preferably has the second strap hook 203 facing a second forward tangential direction SFtd tangential to the exterior surface 510 of the frame 500 and away from the second end 502 of the frame 500, and, the second dual hooking member 200 has the second external hook 204 facing a second rearward tangential direction SRtd opposite to the second forward tangential direction SFtd. In this way, the forces acting on the dual hooking members 100, 200 tend to be opposed, avoiding potential rotational forces or torque arising. For instance, the resilient biasing forces from the strap 300 acting on the strap hooks 103, 203, would tend to bias the first end 501 toward the second end 502 which would involve potential tangential attracting forces on the dual hooking members toward each other. Conversely, any forces arising from the fastening elements 4 engaging the external hooks 104, 204 would act in a substantially opposite direction. Thus, the user 1 may find the face shield system 10 more comfortably remains in place. Furthermore, the resilient biasing forces from the strap 300 acting on the strap hooks 103, 203 would tend to be greater than the forces arising from the fastening elements 4 engaging the external hooks 104, 204, thereby increasing the stability of the system 10.
In a further preferred embodiment, the face shield system 10 further comprises a releasable visor securing mechanism, shown generally by reference numeral 450, associated with the exterior surface 510 of the frame 500 for releasably securing the visor 400 to the frame 500. In a preferred embodiment, the releasable visor securing mechanism 450 comprises a number of protrusions, shown generally by reference numeral 452, extending from the exterior surface 510 of the frame 500 to mate with corresponding receiving holes 453 in the visor 400. In one preferred embodiment, each of the number of protrusions 452 comprise a corresponding tab 454 extending from the corresponding protrusion 452 over the exterior surface 510 of the frame 510 which tab 454 is received by the corresponding receiving hole 453 (see FIG. 6) in the visor 400 to releasably secure the visor 400 to the frame 500. In this way, the visor 400 can be quickly and easily removed such as for cleaning. In a further preferred embodiment, the visor 400 is one of many visors 400 each having corresponding receiving holes 453 for mating with the protrusions 452 such that the visor 400 can be replaced with a new replacement visor 400. Thus, the releasable visor securing mechanism 450 permits not only same visor 400 to be releasably secured to the frame 500, but also permits individual replacement visors 400 to be releasably secured to the exterior surface of the frame 500. As indicated above, the visors 400 may be made from flexible plastic by die cutting, which may be manufactured for relatively low cost. As such, visor 400 may be replaced with a replacement visor 400 at relatively low cost without affecting the remainder of the face shield system 10. This may also reduce medical waste resulting from use of the system 10 in a medical environment.
In a further preferred embodiment, the number of protrusions 452 of the releasable visor securing mechanism 450 are located remotely on the frame 500 from the dual hooking members 100, 200. This permits the visor 400 to be releasably secured to the frame 500 and removed without affecting the fastening elements 4 engaging the external hooks 104, 204. Thus, the user 1 may continue to wear the face mask 3 while the visor 400 is being replaced because the releasable visor securing mechanism 450 operates independently from the external hooks 104, 204 and is located remotely from the external hooks 104, 204 as well as the dual hooking members 100, 200. In this way, even during replacement of the visor 400, the user 1 may continue wearing the face mask 3 which provides some protection to the user 1 even when the visor 400 has been removed. This avoids the need to replace the face mask 3 each time the visor 400 is removed or replaced, thereby also decreasing cost and medical waste in a medical environment.
In a further preferred embodiment, each of the number of protrusions 452 extending from the exterior surface 510 of the frame 500 may mate with corresponding receiving holes 453 in each of individual replacement visors 400, but the remainder of the individual replacement visors 400 may be different. For instance, the replacement visors 400 may have different shapes [not shown] or different thicknesses or colour [not shown]. This increases the versatility of the face mask system 10 by permitting different sized visors 400 and visors 400 having different characteristics to be used for different applications or different end users 1, such adults and children. Therefore, in one preferred embodiment, the replacement visors 400 may all have corresponding receiving holes 453 at the same place so as to mate with corresponding protrusions 452 but may otherwise differ to increase the versality and comfort of the system 10.
In a further preferred embodiment, as illustrated best in FIG. 8, at least one 452 a of the number of protrusions 452 is located at an apex 520 of the curved portion 503 of the frame 500, with at least one protrusion 4521 of the number of protrusions 452 located between the apex 520 and the first end 501 of the frame 500, and, at least one protrusion 4522 of the number of protrusions 452 located between the apex 520 and the second end 502 of the frame 500.
The tabs 454 preferably extend in different directions. This permits the releasable visor securing mechanism 450 to better secure the visor 400 particularly in cases where the user 1 may be moving and/or the system 10 may be used in different orientations with respect to gravity. In a further preferred embodiment, the at least one of the number of protrusions 452 a located at the apex 520 of the curved portion 503 of the frame 500 has the corresponding tab 454 oriented in an upwards direction. Furthermore, in this preferred embodiment, the at least one protrusion 4521 of the number of protrusions 452 located between the apex 520 and the first end 501 of the frame 500 has the corresponding tab 454 oriented in the first rearward tangential direction FRtd, and, the at least one protrusion 4522 of the number of protrusions 452 located between the apex 520 and the second end 502 of the frame 500 has the corresponding tab 454 oriented in the second rearward tangential direction SRtd. This increases the likelihood that the releasable visor securing mechanism 450 will maintain the visor 400 secured to the frame 500 as the user 1 moves the user's head 2. This is particular the case when the visor 400 is in the user functional position 420 and gravity would generally act on the visor 400 in a substantially downward direction as the user 1 moves.
During use, when the first strap hook 103 engages the first selected hole 302 a of the at least two holes 302 on the elastomeric strap 300, and, the second strap hook 203 engages the second selected hole 302 b of the at least two holes 302 of the elastomeric strap 300, the elastomeric strap 300 resiliently biases the first end 501 towards the second end 502 to hold the frame 500 on the user's forehead 9 at the visor functional position 420. As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the visor functional position 420 includes the position where the frame 500 is held on the user's forehead 9 and the see-through area 410 of the visor 400 is in front of the face of user 1, and, more preferably in front of the eyes of the user 1. In this visor functional position 420, the releasable visor securing mechanism 450 may releasably secure the visor 400 from the exterior surface 510 of the frame 400 while the elastomeric strap 300 resiliently biases the first end 501 towards the second end 502 to hold the frame 500 to the user's forehead 9. Thus, the user 1 need not remove the frame 500 from their forehead 9 in order to remove or replace the visor 400. Furthermore, the user 1 need not use any additional components, such as rivets [not shown] or adhesive [not shown] to secure or remove the visor 400 to the frame 500. Moreover, the user 1 may be wearing gloves on their hands when using the releasable visor securing mechanism 450 to remove or replace the visor 400. In this way, the releasable visor securing mechanism 450 facilitates more efficient and safer use of the face shield system 10 according to at least some embodiments of the present invention.
As illustrated in FIG. 6 which shows an unassembled or exploded view of the face shield system 10, the at least two holes 302 arranged along the longitudinal axis Ls of the elastomeric strap 300 preferably comprise at least 15 holes, and more preferably about 17 holes 302 arranged along the longitudinal axis Ls of the strap 300. Furthermore, the first selected hole 302 a and the second selected hole 302 b of the holes 302 are selected by the user 1 to resiliently bias the first end 501 towards the second end 502 to hold the frame 500 on the user's forehead 9 at the visor functional position 420 with the see-through area 410 of the visor 400 in front of the face of the user 1, and more preferably the eyes of the user 1. The selected first and second holes 302 a, b are selected by the user 1 to provide a comfortable fit of the frame 500 on the user 1. In particular, the face shield system 10 may be worn by the user 1 for several hours, such as an entire work shift if the user 1 is working in a medical environment, or other environment where a visor 400 or face mask 3 are desirable or recommended. The strap 300 therefore preferably has at least 15 and preferably about 17 holes so that the selected first and second holes 302 a, b provide an acceptable level of tension caused by the strap 300 resiliently biasing the first end 501 to the second end 502. The relatively larger number of holes 302 also permits the system 10 to be easily adjusted for use by users 1 have various head sizes and shapes. Having at least 15 holes, and preferably about 17 holes 302 also permits the system 10 to be used by children who have a comparatively smaller head size than adults.
As illustrated in FIG. 6, the strap 300 is sized to extend along the longitudinal axis Ls at least a strap distance 304 which is comparable to the size of the gap 504. Preferably the strap distance 304 is about 6 to 10 inches [150 to 250 mm] in length and more preferably about 8 inches [200 mm], however the strap distance 304 may vary for specific applications. The holes 302 are preferably about 2 to 5 mm in diameter and more preferably about 3.3 mm in diameter, however, again, the specific dimensions may vary according to the application. In any event, the strap holes 302 are sized to receive the strap hooks 103, 203 of the dual hooking members 100, 200. The resilient elastomeric strap 300 is, in a preferred embodiment, made of rubber and more preferably natural rubber. The strap 300 preferably has a width of about ¾ inch and a specific gravity of about 1 to 1.2 and more preferably about 1.14. Preferably, the strap 300 will has tensile strength of 2000 psi, hardness of 40 shore A, and ultimate elongation of about 400%, however, these values may vary according to specific applications.
In further preferred embodiments, the system 10 further comprises a comfort foam 600 fixed to a portion 532 of an interior surface 530 of the frame 500 coincident with the apex 520 of the curved portion 503 of the frame 500. The comfort foam 600 coincides with the user's forehead 9 when the frame 500 is at the visor functional position 420 on the user 1. In this way, the comfort foam 600 rests against the user's forehead 9 when the frame 500 is in the visor functional position 420 to increase the comfort of the user 1 wearing the system 10. The comfort foam 600 also provides support for the user's forehead 9 and also assists with the system 10 being worn comfortably by users 1 with various head sizes and shapes. Thus, the comfort foam 600 will preferably have some resiliency to assist with accommodating various head sizes and shapes between the selected first and second holes 302 a, b of the strap 300. The comfort foam 600 also provides a more comfortable fit offsetting the resilient biasing forces of the strap 300 acting on the strap hooks 103, 203 to resilient bias the first end 501 to the second end 502.
As illustrated in FIG. 8, in this preferred embodiment having a comfort foam 600 fixed to a portion 532 of an interior surface 530 of the frame 500 for resting against the user's forehead 9, the interior surface 530 of the frame 500, an interior surface 630 of the comfort foam 600, and an interior surface 330 of the elastomeric strap 300 define an interior perimeter 30 of the system 10 that frictionally contacts the user's head 2 when the frame 500 is at the visor functional position 420 on the user 1. The frictional contact of the interior perimeter 30 of the system 10 to the user's head 2 is facilitated by the resiliency of the comfort foam 600 offsetting the resilient biasing forces of the strap 300 acting on the strap hooks 103, 203 to resilient bias the first end 501 to the second end 502. This facilitates a more comfortable fit of the face shield system 10 on the user's head 2, particularly for longer periods of time, such as 2 to 10 hours per day.
In a further preferred embodiment, the apex 520 of the curved portion 503 of the frame 500 is located mid-point on the frame 500 from the first end 501 and the second end 502. In this way, the gap 504 is preferably substantially opposed from the curved portion 503. This would also provide the frame 500 being substantially symmetrical about a plane extending from the apex 520 to the midpoint of the gap 504 except perhaps for the dual hooking members 100, 200 which, in some embodiments, may be different and not completely symmetrical. In embodiments where the system 10 comprises a comfort foam 600, this would also entail the comfort foam 600 being opposed from the gap 504 such that the resilient biasing forces of the strap 300 acting on the strap hooks 103, 203 to resiliently bias the first end 501 to the second end 502 would force the comfort foam 600 into the user's forehead 9.
Furthermore, and as illustrated best in FIG. 4, when the frame 500 is at the visor functional position 420 on the user 1, the gap 504 extends across a back portion 5 of the user's head 2 to permit the first end 501 and the second end 502 of the frame 500 to be located near and behind corresponding ears 6 of the user 1. Because the fastening elements 4 of the face mask 3 are designed to be fitted around the ears 6 of the user 1, by having the ends 501, 502 of the frame 500 located near and behind corresponding left and right ears 6 of the user 1, the dual hooking members 100, 200 and the external hooks 104, 204 would be substantially coincident with the fastening elements 4 such that the face masks 3 would not need to be substantially altered to cooperate with system 10. Furthermore, by having the gap 504 extend across the back portion 5 of the user's head 2 in the visor functional position 420, the first and second ends 501, 502 of the frame 500 would be located near and behind the ears 6 of the user 1 such that neither the dual hooking members 100, 200, nor the fastening elements 4, would interfere with anything the user 1 is wearing on their ears, such as the support arms of prescription glasses or safety goggles, or, decorative items such as earrings.
While the system 10 may work with any type of PPE, the system 10 is particularly well suited to work with a face mask 3 having relatively standard dimensions so that no customization may be required of the face mask 3 thereby decreasing the costs of operation of the system 10. Accordingly, if the fastening elements 4 of the face mask 3 comprise strings 4S extending from opposite sides of the face mask 3, the first external hook 103 and the second external hook 103 would engage the strings 4S. In other words, the first and second external hooks 104, 204 of the dual hooking members 100, 200 would engage the fastening elements 4 of the face mask 3 if the fastening elements 4 are strings 4S extending from opposite sides of the face mask 3, or other types of fastening elements 4, which can engage the external hooks 104, 204.
FIG. 7 illustrates an enlarged top view, and FIG. 9 illustrates an enlarged perspective view, of the first and second hooking members 100, 200 according to one preferred embodiment. As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9, in a preferred embodiment, the first strap hook 103 is formed on a first forward facing side 130 of the first dual hooking member 100 facing away from the first end 501 of the frame 500 and the first external hook 104 is formed on a first rearward facing side 140 of the first dual hooking member 140 opposed to the first forward facing side 130. Similarly, the second strap hook 203 is formed on a second forward facing side 230 of the second dual hooking member 200 facing away from the second end 502 of the frame 500 and the second external hook 204 is formed on a second rearward facing side 240 of the second dual hooking member 200 opposed to the second forward facing side 230.
In a further preferred embodiment, as also best illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9, the first dual hooking member 100 is formed on the exterior surface 510 of the frame 500 with a first perpendicular support 150 extending perpendicularly from the exterior surface 510 of the frame 500 for supporting a first lateral member 160. The first lateral member 160 has a first strap portion 161 extending from the first perpendicular support 150 over the exterior surface 510 and away from the first end 501 of the frame 500 to define a first strap cavity 173 of the first strap hook 103, and, the first lateral member 160 preferably also has a first external portion 162 extending from the first perpendicular support 150 in opposed relation to the first strap portion 161 and over the exterior surface 510 of the frame to define a first external cavity 174 of the first external hook 104. Similarly, the second dual hooking member 200 is formed on the exterior surface 510 of the frame 500 with a second perpendicular support 250 extending perpendicularly from the exterior surface 510 of the frame 500 for supporting a second lateral member 260. The second lateral member 260 has a second strap portion 261 extending from the second perpendicular support 250 over the exterior surface 510 away from the second end 502 to define a second strap cavity 273 of the second strap hook 203, and, the second lateral member 260 has a second external portion 262 opposed from the second strap portion 261 extending over the exterior surface 510 from the second perpendicular support 250 to define a second external cavity 274 of the second external hook 204. The lateral members 160, 260 are preferably substantially perpendicular to the perpendicular supports 150, 250 and substantially parallel to the exterior surface 510 of the frame 500 although other arrangements are possible for other embodiments and depending on the specific application. In this way, the strap hooks 103, 104 are formed in part by the strap cavities 173, 273 which are formed by a portion of the exterior surface 510 of the frame 500, the respective perpendicular supports 150, 250 and the strap portions 161, 171 of the lateral members 160, 260 extending over the exterior surface 510 of the frame 500 and away from the first and second ends 501, 502 respectively. The external hooks 104, 204 are formed in part by the external cavities 174, 274 which are formed by a portion of the exterior surface 510 of the frame 500, the respective perpendicular supports 150, 250, and the external portions 162, 262, of the lateral member 160, 260 extending over the exterior surface 510 of the frame 500. Thus, the strap hooks 103, 104 are formed by strap cavities 173, 273 on opposite sides for the perpendicular supports 150, 250 from the external hooks 104, 204 which are formed by the external cavities 174, 274. In this way, any forces acting on the strap cavities 173, 273 will not cause rotational forces or torque with forces acting on the external cavities 174, 274. Also, the dual hooking members 100, 200 together with the other features of the frame 500 can be injection-molded.
In a preferred embodiment, the strap cavities 173, 273 each have an opening of about 2.5 mm or 0.1 inches from the exterior surface 510 to the under surface of the respective strap portions 161, 261 to engage the selected holes 302 a, b of the at least two holes 302. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the external cavities 174, 274 also each have an opening of about 2.5 mm or 0.1 inches from the exterior surface 510 to the under surface of the respective external strap portions 162, 262 to engage the fastening elements of the face mask 3, but it is understood that these values may vary according to other embodiments and depending on the specific applications.
In a further preferred embodiment, at least one of the first dual hooking member 100 and the second dual hooking member 200 further comprise a strap retaining member [shown by reference numeral 275 on the second dual hooking member 200 in FIGS. 7 and 9] extending from at least one of the first lateral member 160 and the second lateral member 260 toward the exterior surface 510. The strap retaining member 275 forms a strap gap 284 between the strap retaining member 275 and the exterior surface 510 to frictionally retain the elastomeric strap 300 within at least one of the first strap hook 103 and the second strap hook 203. Even though the strap retaining member 275 is shown in the Figures on only one dual hooking member 200, it is understood that both dual hooking members 100, 200 may comprise a similar strap retaining member 275. Furthermore, the strap gap 284 may be any gap that retains the elastomeric strap 300 within the corresponding one of the first strap hook 103 and the second strap hook 203. For instance, in a preferred embodiment, the strap gap 284 may be about 1.3 mm and the strap 300 may have a thickness of about 1.6 mm such that the strap gap 284 is about 80% to 90% of the thickness of the strap 300 to retain the strap 300 within the second strap hook 203 when the strap 300 has been removed from the first strap hook 103. This provides for the strap 300 to be held in place in the second strap hook 203 and not to fall, for example to the ground, and potentially become contaminated, when the user 1 is removing the frame 500 from the user's head 2. Accordingly, it is recommended that the user 1 uses the strap hook 203 that has a strap retaining member 275 first when putting the frame 500 on and last when taking the frame 500 off, to engage the corresponding selected hole 302 a, b of the holes 302 of the elastomeric strap 300.
It is understood that, while the invention has been described with respect to a particular type of face mask 3, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this type of face mask 3. Rather, the invention may be used and encompass different types of face masks 3 that may have fastening elements 4 for engaging the external hooks 104, 204.
Furthermore, it is understood that, while the invention has been described with respect to a particular type of visor 400, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this type of visor 400. Rather, the invention may be used and encompass different types of visors 400. Moreover, the present invention contemplates and encompasses the same frame 500 being used with individual replacement visors 400 which may have different shapes and other characteristics. Furthermore, the releasable visor securing mechanism 450 is contemplated and intended to work with different individual visors 400 that have corresponding receiving holes 453 to mate with the protrusions 452.
It will be understood that, although various features of the invention have been described with respect to one or another of the embodiments of the invention, the various features and embodiments of the invention may be combined or used in conjunction with other features and embodiments of the invention as described and illustrated herein.
Although this disclosure has described and illustrated certain preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not restricted to these particular embodiments. Rather, the invention includes all embodiments, which are functional, electrical or mechanical equivalents of the specific embodiments and features that have been described and illustrated herein.

Claims

1. A face shield system, said face shield system comprising:

a frame extending from a first end to a second end and having a curved portion therebetween with the first end separated from the second end by a gap therebetween, said frame having an exterior surface which faces away from the gap;

a visor having a see-through area and secured to the exterior surface of the frame;

a resilient elastomeric strap extending along a longitudinal axis and having at least two holes arranged along the longitudinal axis thereof;

a first dual hooking member associated with the first end of the frame, said first dual hooking member having a first strap hook and a first external hook;

a second dual hooking member associated with the second end of the frame, said second dual hooking member having a second strap hook and a second external hook;

wherein, when the first strap hook engages a first selected hole of the at least two holes on the elastomeric strap, and, the second strap hook engages a second selected hole of the at least two holes of the elastomeric strap, the elastomeric strap extends across the gap and resiliently biases the first end towards the second end to hold the frame to a user's forehead, and, the first external hook of the first dual hooking member and the second external hook of the second dual hooking member extend externally of the resilient elastomeric strap for engaging fastening elements of a face mask.

2. The face shield system as defined in claim 1, the first strap hook is formed on a first forward facing side of the first dual hooking member facing away from the first end of the frame and the first external hook is formed on a first rearward facing side of the first dual hooking member opposed to the first forward facing side; and

wherein the second strap hook is formed on a second forward facing side of the second dual hooking member facing away from the second end of the frame and the second external hook is formed on a second rearward facing side of the second dual hooking member opposed to the second forward facing side.

3. The face shield system as defined in claim 1 wherein the first dual hooking member is formed on the exterior surface of the frame with a first perpendicular support extending perpendicularly from the exterior surface for supporting a first lateral member, said first lateral member having a first strap portion extending from the first perpendicular support over the exterior surface away from the first end to define a first strap cavity of the first strap hook, and, said first lateral member having a first external portion opposed from the first strap portion extending from the first perpendicular support over the exterior surface to define a first external cavity of the first external hook; and

wherein the second dual hooking member is formed on the exterior surface of the frame with a second perpendicular support extending perpendicularly from the exterior surface for supporting a second lateral member, said second lateral member having a second strap portion extending from the second perpendicular support over the exterior surface away from the second end to define a second strap cavity of the second strap hook, and, the second lateral member having a second external portion opposed from the second strap portion extending over the exterior surface from the second perpendicular support to define a second external cavity of the second external hook.

4. The face shield system as defined in claim 3 wherein at least one of the first dual hooking member and the second dual hooking member further comprises a strap retaining member extending from at least one of the first lateral member and the second lateral member toward the exterior surface to form a strap gap between the strap retaining member and the exterior surface to frictionally retain the elastomeric strap within the corresponding one of the first strap hook and the second strap hook.

5. The face shield system as defined in claim 1, wherein the first dual hooking member has the first strap hook facing a first forward tangential direction tangential to the exterior surface of the frame and away from the first end and, the first dual hooking member has the first external hook facing a first rearward tangential direction opposite to the first forward tangential direction; and

wherein the second dual hooking member has the second strap hook facing a second forward tangential direction tangential to the exterior surface and away from the second end, and, the second dual hooking member has the second external hook facing a second rearward tangential direction opposite to the second forward tangential direction.

6. The face shield system as defined in claim 5 further comprising a releasable visor securing mechanism associated with the exterior surface of the frame for releasably securing the visor to the frame.

7. The face shield system as defined in claim 6 wherein the releasable visor securing mechanism comprises a number of protrusions extending from the exterior surface of the frame to mate with corresponding receiving holes in the visor; wherein each of the number of protrusions comprise a corresponding tab extending from the corresponding protrusion over the exterior surface which tab is received by the corresponding receiving hole in the visor to releasably secure the visor to the frame.

8. The face shield system as defined in claim 7 wherein at least one of the number of protrusions is located at an apex of the curved portion of the frame, at least one protrusion of the number of protrusions is located between the apex and the first end of the frame, and, at least one protrusion of the number of protrusions is located between the apex and the second end of the frame.

9. The face shield system as defined in claim 8 wherein the at least one of the number of protrusions located at the apex of the curved portion of the frame has the corresponding tab oriented in an upwards direction; and

wherein the at least one protrusion of the number of protrusions located between the apex and the first end of the frame has the corresponding tab oriented in the first rearward tangential direction, and, the at least one protrusion of the number of protrusions located between the apex and the second end of the frame has the corresponding tab oriented in the second rearward tangential direction.

10. The face shield system as defined in claim 7 wherein, during use, when the first strap hook engages the first selected hole of the at least two holes on the elastomeric strap, and, the second strap hook engages the second selected hole of the at least two holes of the elastomeric strap, the elastomeric strap resiliently biases the first end towards the second end to hold the frame on the user's forehead at a visor functional position with the see-through area of the visor in front of the user's face, and, wherein in the releasable visor securing mechanism releasably secures the visor from the exterior surface of the frame while the elastomeric strap resiliently biases the first end to the second end to hold the frame to the user's forehead.

11. The face shield system as defined in claim 6 wherein the at least two holes arranged along the longitudinal axis of the elastomeric strap comprise at least 15 holes arranged along the longitudinal axis, and, the first selected hole and the second selected hole are selected by the user to resiliently bias the first end towards the second end to hold the frame on the user's forehead at a visor functional position with the see-through area of the visor in front of the user's face.

12. The face shield system as defined in claim 11 further comprising a comfort foam fixed to a portion of an interior surface of the frame coincident with an apex of the curved portion of the frame for resting against the user's forehead when the frame is at the visor functional position on the user; and wherein the interior surface of the frame, an interior surface of the comfort foam, and an interior surface of the elastomeric strap define an interior perimeter that frictionally contacts a user's head when the frame is at the visor functional position on the user.

13. The face shield system as defined in claim 12 wherein the apex of the curved portion of the frame is located mid-point on the frame from the first end and the second end.

14. The face shield system as defined in claim 13 wherein, when the frame is at the visor functional position on the user, the gap extends across a back portion of the user's head to permit the first end and the second end of the frame to be located near and behind corresponding left and right ears of the user.

15. The face shield system as defined in claim 13 wherein the fastening elements of the face mask comprise strings extending from opposite sides of the face mask and the first external hook and the second external hook can engage the strings.

16. A face shield system for use with personal protective equipment, said system comprising:

a frame extending from a first end to a second end and having a curved portion therebetween with the first end separated from the second end by a gap, said frame having an exterior surface which faces away from the gap;

a releasable visor securing mechanism associated with the exterior surface of the frame for releasably securing individual replacement visors to the exterior surface of the frame, each of said replacement visors having a see-through area;

wherein, when the first strap hook engages a first selected hole of at least two holes on a elastomeric strap, and, the second strap hook engages a second selected hole of at least two holes of the elastomeric strap, the elastomeric strap extends across the gap and resiliently biases the first end towards the second end to hold the frame to a user's forehead, and, the first external hook of the first dual hooking member and the second external hook of the second dual hooking member extend externally of the resilient elastomeric strap for engaging fastening elements of personal protective equipment independent of the visor.

17. The face shield system as defined in claim 16 wherein the releasable visor securing mechanism comprises a number of protrusions extending from the exterior surface of the frame to mate with corresponding receiving holes; wherein each of the number of protrusions comprise a corresponding tab extending from the corresponding protrusion parallel to the exterior surface of the frame which tab is received by corresponding receiving holes in each of said replacement visors to releasably secure a selected one of the replacement visors to the exterior surface of the frame.

18. The face shield system as defined in claim 16 wherein the first dual hooking member has the first strap hook facing a first forward tangential direction tangential to the exterior surface of the frame and away from the first end and, the first dual hooking member has the first external hook facing a first rearward tangential direction opposite to the first forward tangential direction; and

19. The face shield system as defined in claim 18 wherein an apex of the curved portion of the frame is located mid-point on the frame from the first end and the second end, and, the gap is opposite the apex of the curved portion of the frame with the strap extending across a back portion of the user's head when the elastomeric strap extends across the gap and resiliently biases the first end towards the second end to hold the frame to a user's forehead, and, with the first end and the second end of the frame located near and behind corresponding left and right ears of the user; and

wherein the fastening elements of personal protective equipment comprise strings extending from opposite sides of a face mask, and the first external hook and the second external hook can engage the strings.

20. A frame for use with personal protective equipment, said frame comprising:

a first end extending to a second end and having a curved portion therebetween with the first end separated from the second end by a gap;

a releasable visor securing mechanism associated with an exterior surface of the frame for releasably securing visors to the exterior surface of the frame;

a first dual hooking member having a first forward facing side facing away from the first end and a first rearward facing side facing the first end, said first dual hooking member having a first strap hook on the first forward facing side and a first external hook on the first rearward facing side;

a second dual hooking member having a second forward facing side facing away from the second end and a second rearward facing side facing the second end, said second dual hooking member having a second strap hook on the second forward facing side and a second external hook on the second rearward facing side;

wherein, when the first strap hook engages a first selected hole of at least two holes on a elastomeric strap, and, the second strap hook engages a second selected hole of at least two holes of the elastomeric strap, the elastomeric strap extends across the gap and resiliently biases the first end towards the second end to hold the frame to a user's forehead, and, the first external hook of the first dual hooking member and the second external hook of the second dual hooking member extend externally of the resilient elastomeric strap for engaging fastening elements of a face mask.