Personal protection system and method

Abstract

To provide a protective headgear system which provides filtered air to a user.SOLUTION: A protective headgear system includes: a support body configured to be engaged with the head of a user; a face shield including an upper portion coupled to the support body and a lower portion having a lower extremity; a flexible sheet coupled to the face shield; a base carried by the support body; a first loudspeaker which is carried below the lower extremity of the face shield and is preferentially oriented away from the user; a second loudspeaker which is carried by the base and preferentially orients the user; a first voice generator which can be sensed by at least one ear of the user; and a second voice generator including a loudspeaker, in which the loudspeaker is placed below the lower extremity of the face shield and which is carried by the base so as to be generally oriented away from the user for preferential sound energy delivery.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 41

Description

Background Art

[0001] [Field of the Invention]

[0002]

[0001] The field of the present invention generally relates to personal protection systems including, but not limited to, personal environmental protection systems. Personal protection systems often include a headgear structure worn by an individual to protect from particulate matter. The personal protection system can provide filtered air to the user.

Summary of the Invention

[0003]

[0002] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the protective headgear system comprises a support configured to engage with the user's head; a face shield having an upper portion and a lower portion having a lower end portion coupled to the support; a flexible sheet coupled to at least the lower portion of the face shield, configured to cover at least a portion of the user's upper torso; a base supported by the support and extending downward to at least the position of the lower end of the face shield or an adjacent position; a first loudspeaker including a first sound energy sensor and configured to generate a first signal, the first loudspeaker being supported by the base such that the first sound energy sensor is positioned below the lower end of the face shield and preferentially oriented away from the user; and a second sound energy The second sound generator includes a second loudspeaker configured to generate a second signal, the second loudspeaker being supported by a base such that the second sound energy sensor is preferentially oriented toward the user; the first sound generator being configured to generate a first vibration perceptible by at least one ear of the user, the first vibration being at least partially generated from the first signal; and the second sound generator being a loudspeaker configured to generate a second vibration being at least partially generated from the second signal, the loudspeaker being supported by a base such that the loudspeaker is positioned below the lower end of the face shield and is generally oriented toward preferential sound energy delivery away from the user.

[0004]

[0003] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the protective headgear system is a face shield comprising a polymer sheet having a support configured to engage with the head of a user and a lower portion having an upper portion and a lower end portion configured to be coupled to the support, wherein the upper portion includes a first hole, a second hole, and a third hole, each of which is substantially spaced apart from the other two holes, the first hole and the second hole are substantially extended, and a first hook is supported on the support A face shield comprising: a first hole configured to engage with a first hook; a second hook supported on a support, a second hole configured to engage with a second hook; a third hook supported on a support, a third hole configured to engage with a third hook; the first hook includes a hook portion having a maximum hook width; the first hook is positioned around the support between the second and third hooks; and the first hole has a first hole gap and a first hole width, the first hole width of the first hole being at least about 25% greater than the maximum hook width of the hook portion of the first hook.

[0005]

[0004] In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the protective headgear system includes a face shield comprising a polymer sheet having an upper portion and a lower portion having a lower end portion configured to be coupled to the support, wherein the upper portion comprises a first hole, a second hole, and a third hole, each of which is laterally spaced from the other two holes, a first hook is supported on the support and the first hole is configured to engage with the first hook, a second hook is supported on the support and the second hole is configured to engage with the second hook, a third hook is supported on the support and the third hole is configured to engage with the third hook The face shield is configured to engage with a hook, the first hook being positioned around a support between the second and third hooks, the first hook including a hook portion having a maximum hook width, the first hole having a width greater than the maximum hook width of the hook portion of the first hook, the face shield having a first position relative to the support such that the first hole can be positioned on the hook portion of the first hook and the second hole is not oriented to engage with the second hook, the first hole being slidable laterally relative to the first hook such that the face shield is locked to the first hook via the first hole and the face shield has a second position relative to the support, and the second hole being oriented to engage with the second hook.

[0006]

[0005] In yet another embodiment of this embodiment, a face shield for a protective headgear system, comprising a support configured to engage with the head of a user, a first hook, a second hook and a third hook supported on the support, wherein the first hook is positioned around the support between the second hook and the third hook, and the first hook comprises a hook portion having a maximum vertical dimension and a base coupled to the support and having a vertical base thickness, the face shield having an upper portion configured to be coupled to the support and a lower portion having a lower end portion The sheet includes a top portion which includes a first hole, a second hole, and a third hole, each of which is laterally spaced from the other two holes, and the first hole includes a first area having a first hole gap and a second area laterally adjacent to the first area which has a second hole gap, the first hole gap of the first hole being greater than or equal to the maximum vertical dimension of the first hook, and the second hole gap of the first hole being greater than the vertical base thickness of the base of the first hook and less than the maximum vertical dimension of the first hook.

[0007]

[0006] In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for attaching a protective headgear system comprising a support configured to engage with the head of a user, and a first hook, a second hook, and a third hook supported on the support, wherein the first hook is positioned around the support between the second hook and the third hook, and the first hook comprises a hook portion having a maximum vertical dimension and a base having a vertical base thickness bonded to the support, the method comprising the step of preparing a polymer sheet having an upper portion configured to be bonded to the support and a lower portion having a lower end portion, wherein the upper portion comprises a first hole, a second hole, and a third hole, and each of the first hole, the second hole, and the third hole is The first hole, the second hole, and the third hole are positioned laterally apart from the other two holes, and the first hole includes a first area having a first hole gap and a second area laterally adjacent to the first area having a second hole gap, the first hole gap of the first hole being greater than or equal to the maximum vertical dimension of the first hook, and the second hole gap of the first hole being greater than the vertical base thickness of the base of the first hook and less than the maximum vertical dimension of the first hook, and the steps include: positioning the first hole on the first hook; sliding the polymer sheet against the support to lock the first hole on the first hook; attaching the second hook to the second hole; and attaching the third hook to the third hole. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a personal protection system deployed to a user according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the personal protection system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a front view of the personal protection system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a side view of the central clip of the personal protection system shown in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the side clip of the personal protection system shown in Figure 3. [Figure 6]Figure 6 shows a face shield configured to engage with a personal protection system diagram of clip 3, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a face shield in a first position relative to the central clip, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows the face shield from Figure 7, in the second position with respect to the central clip in the second locking position. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart of a method for attaching a face shield to a head support according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a face shield assembled on a central clip according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a face shield in a configuration assembled on a central clip according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a face shield assembled on a side clip according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a face shield further assembled on a side clip according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the face shield in the configuration assembled on the side clips. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a face shield attached to a central clip according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a detailed perspective view of a face shield locked to a central clip according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a perspective view of a face shield adjusted prior to assembly to the first side clip according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a perspective view of a face shield attached to a first side clip according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a perspective view of a face shield locked to a first side clip according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a perspective view of a face shield adjusted prior to assembly to a second side clip according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a perspective view of a face shield attached to a second side clip according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a perspective view of a face shield locked to a second side clip according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is a front view of the personal protection system of FIG. 3 with the face shield coupled to the head support. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is a front view of a personal protection system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a perspective view of the side clip of the personal protection system of FIG. 24. [Figure 26] Figure 26 is a perspective view of the center clip of the personal protection system of FIG. 24. [Figure 27] Figure 27 is a face shield configured to engage the clip of the personal protection system of FIG. 24 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 28] Figure 28 is a perspective view of a personal protection system incorporating the face shield and cuffs of FIG. 27 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 29] Figure 29 is a bottom view of the personal protection system of FIG. 28. [Figure 30] Figure 30 is a perspective view of an alternative personal protection system positioned on a user according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 31] Figure 31 is the hook strap assembly of the personal protection system of FIG. 30. [Figure 32] Figure 32 is a perspective view of a personal protection system assembled to a user according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 33]FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the personal protection system of FIG. 32 disposed on a user, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 34] FIG. 34 is a detailed view of the central hook of the personal protection system of FIG. 33. [Figure 35] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the extender for the personal protection system of FIG. 33. [Figure 36] FIG. 36 is a front view of the personal protection system, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the central hook of the personal protection system of FIG. 36. [Figure 38] FIG. 38 is a side view of the central hook of the personal protection system of FIG. 36. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 is a face shield configured to engage with the clip of the personal protection system of FIG. 36, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 40] FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the personal protection system disposed on a user, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 41] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the personal protection system disposed on a user, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 42] FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the personal protection system of FIG. 40 disposed on a user. [Figure 43] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the personal protection system of FIG. 40. [Figure 44] FIG. 44 is a perspective view of an alternative personal protection system disposed on a user, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 45] FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the personal protection system of FIG. 44. [Figure 46] FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the personal protection system of FIGS. 42 and 43. [Figure 47] FIG. 47 is a bottom view of the helmet of the personal protection system, according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 48] FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the personal protection system disposed on a user, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 49] Figure 49 is a side view of a personal protection system deployed to a user according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 50] Figure 50 is a front perspective view of the personal protection system shown in Figure 49. [Figure 51] Figure 51 is a detailed view of the upper front portion of the personal protection system shown in Figure 49. [Figure 52] Figure 52 is a detailed view of the upper front portion of the personal protection system shown in Figure 49. [Figure 53] Figure 53 is a front view of a protective hood according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 54] Figure 54 is a front view of the protective hood of Figure 53, located at a predetermined position for the user, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the gown is positioned within the protective hood. [Figure 55] Figure 55 is a front view of the protective hood and gown from Figure 54 with the user fully seated. [Figure 56] Figure 56 is a perspective view of a personal protection system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 57] Figure 57 is a front view of the personal protection system in Figure 56 during the first gown-wearing step. [Figure 58] Figure 58 is a front view of the personal protection system shown in Figure 56 after the first gown-wearing step. [Figure 59] Figure 59 is a perspective view of a personal protection system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 60] Figure 60 is a front view of the personal protection system shown in Figure 59 during the first gown-wearing step. [Figure 61] Figure 61 is a front view of the personal protection system shown in Figure 59 after the first gown-wearing step. [Figure 62] Figure 62 is a perspective view of a personal protection system deployed to a user according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 63] Figure 63 is a partial cross-sectional view of the personal protective hood of Figure 63, with a stethoscope in place. [Figure 64]Figure 64 is a cross-sectional view of a helmet according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 65] Figure 65 is a cross-sectional view of a helmet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 66] Figure 66 is a perspective view of a personal protection system deployed to a user according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 67] Figure 67 is a partially exploded view of the personal protection system shown in Figure 66. [Figure 68] Figure 68 is a perspective view of a personal protection system deployed to a user according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 69] Figure 69 is a perspective view of a personal protection system deployed to a user according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed description of the illustrated embodiments

[0009]

[0076] There are several types of airflow, filtration, and protection systems known in this technical field. Several types of such systems are now available on the market for use in surgical arenas, "cleanroom" environments, or hazardous / contaminated environments.

[0010]

[0077] Some existing systems include clothing hoods, gowns, filters, etc. In some cases, air filters are integrated into the helmet structure. Known units often include external air sources such as gas cylinders, vents, etc., connected to the helmet structure by tubes, hoses, etc. Currently available lens / face seal combinations, sometimes known as loose-fit clothing hoods, are expensive to manufacture because the geometric shape required for the face seal to be attached to the lens is curved in a plane perpendicular to the seal relative to the wearer's face / head. Improvements described herein relating to the interface between the face shield and headgear (such as a helmet) are adapted to clean or sterile fitting techniques and improve the overall ease of fitting protective equipment and clothing. In sterilization procedures, the possibility of achieving and maintaining sterility can be significantly improved by reducing or minimizing contact or improving the simple fitting step. These improvements can also minimize unnecessary contamination of other areas. The systems described herein can also be used for general healthcare use or general laboratory use, as well as for surgical, medical, or dental use. The system may include a PAPR (powered air-purifying respirator) system with a motorized blower, or it may include a non-powered system that includes physical or acoustic protection systems, such as those used in construction work or airport or orbital communications and / or protection. The systems described herein can also be used in general PPE (personal protective equipment).

[0011]

[0078] Figure 1 illustrates a user 12 wearing a personal environmental protection system 14. User 12 may be a surgeon, physician, or other healthcare professional participating in a surgical practice with a patient or other medical procedure involving a disease that is otherwise contagious in a standard, unprotected environment. This includes, but does not include, the environment of a hospital or medical facility during an epidemic or pandemic, which may or may not include a patient as a source of infection, as in the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. The personal environmental protection system 14 comprises a head support 16 having an upper portion 18 and a concave lower surface 20 configured to engage with the head 22 of user 12. The head support 16 may include a helmet or other type of headgear, which is securely and comfortably maintained on the head 22 of user 12 throughout the entire medical procedure to avoid the need for certain removal, adjustment, or replacement. A face shield 518 (or lens) containing a substantially optically transparent material includes a lower end portion 26 configured to extend below the face 30 of user 12 and an upper portion 28 configured to connect with the head support 16. The user 12 can see clearly through the face shield 518 while the head support 16 is engaged with the user 12's head 22. Therefore, as the user 12's head 22 moves, the head support 16 maintains the face shield 518 in front of the user 12's face 30. In some embodiments, a gown 32 or toga can be used by the user 12 to protect part, most, or all of the user 12's body below the head and neck, or to cover at least the user 12's upper torso. In some embodiments, the gown 32 can be directly attached to the face shield 518, the head support 16, or both the face shield 518 and the head support 16. The personal environmental protection system 14 can be configured to substantially control the breathing environment of use 12 through air filtration, inflow, and / or outflow, and can utilize working elements for air filtration, inflow, and / or outflow in any of the embodiments described in U.S. Patent No. 8302599 to Mr. Green, entitled “Protective Headgear System with Filter Protector,” issued November 6, 2012.The personal environmental protection system 14 may utilize additional or alternative working elements for air filtration, inflow, and / or outflow in any of the embodiments described in U.S. Patent No. 8,453,262 to Mr. Green, entitled “Personal Environmental Protection Device,” issued on June 4, 2013, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

[0012]

[0079] The face shield 518 may comprise a sheet containing polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), polyethylene terephthalate 12 (PET), or other polyester or polyester copolymers, or a highly transparent polymer such as acrylic or polycarbonate, thereby providing a relatively thin but robust barrier that does not significantly obstruct the user's vision 12. In some embodiments, the face shield 518 may be configured to substantially control the user's breathing environment through air filtration, inflow, and / or outflow, and in any embodiment, actuation elements for air filtration, inflow, and / or outflow may be utilized, having an invariant concave shape toward the user 12 and an invariant convex shape away from the user 12. However, in Figure 1, the face shield 518 comprises a flat, flexible sheet that can be produced by die cutting or other high-speed processes. The face shield 518 is flexible and can conform to various curves, such as the curve required to match the head support 16. In some embodiments, the face shield 518 may comprise polycarbonate having a thickness of approximately 0.010 inches to approximately 0.020 inches, or approximately 0.012 inches to approximately 0.018 inches, or approximately 0.014 inches to approximately 0.016 inches. In some embodiments, the face shield 518 may comprise PET having a thickness of approximately 0.004 inches to approximately 0.012 inches, or approximately 0.006 inches to approximately 0.010 inches, or approximately 0.007 inches to approximately 0.009 inches.

[0013]

[0080] The gown 32 can comprise a number of different materials and configurations. Materials for the gown 32 may include a triple-layer laminate comprising a film held between two layers of nonwoven plastic fabric. Double-layer laminate materials are also possible, such as materials comprising a film layer and a nonwoven plastic fabric. In some embodiments, the nonwoven layer may comprise cellulose. In some embodiments, the nonwoven layer may comprise a spun material such as spunbond high-density polyethylene (e.g., Tyvek®, a trademark of DuPont de Nemours, Inc.). In one embodiment, spunbond meltblown spunbond, commonly known as SMS, may be used, comprising a triple-layer nonwoven fabric with an upper layer of spunbond polypropylene, an intermediate layer of meltblown polypropylene, and a lower layer of spunbond polypropylene. In other embodiments, one or more nonwoven layers may be replaced by woven layers.

[0014]

[0081] The chin bar 42 has a first end 44 connected to a first portion 48 of the head support 16 and a second end 46 connected to a second portion 50 of the head support 16. The chin bar 42 may be made of a rigid polymer material such as polyamide (e.g., nylon 6, or polycarbonate). Due to its substantial rigidity, one of the dimensions of the chin bar 42 can be made relatively thin, and thus the chin bar 42 has a substantially rectangular cross-section. Alternatively, the chin bar 42 may be made of high-density polyethylene or polypropylene, but the thin dimension is likely to be made somewhat thicker to maintain sufficient rigidity and resistance to extreme bending. Between the first end 44 and the second end 46, the chin bar 42 extends in a substantially U-shape 52 having a lower apex 54. The lower apex 54 is located in the center of the lower portion 56 of the chin bar 42, which has an outward-facing surface 58 and an inward-facing surface 60.

[0015]

[0082] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the personal environmental protection system 14. The filter frame 760 is supported on a head support 16 and includes a series of ribs 762 that define spaces 764 between the ribs 762 configured to allow circulation of filtered air. A fan (see blower 903 in Figure 66) is configured to create airflow within the system 14. A filter cartridge / hood assembly (see filter cartridge 907 in Figure 67) contains a filter cartridge inside the hood and is configured to seat resealably on the filter frame 760.

[0016]

[0083] Referring to Figure 3, the head support 16 carries a central hook 508 and two side hooks 510a and 510b. The hooks 508, 510a and 510b are configured to engage with holes 512, 514 and 516 of a face shield 518 illustrated in Figure 6. The face shield 518 may comprise a transparent sheet of the material described herein. The central hook 508 (Figure 4) has a base 520 configured to bond to the outer surface 522 of the head support 16, and a hook portion 524 having an upper hook portion 524a and a lower hook portion 524b, with a height h1 and a maximum width W1. Each of the side hooks 510a and 510b (side hooks 510, Figure 5) has a base 526 configured to bond to the outer surface 522 of the head support 16, and a hook portion 528 having a maximum width W2. Holes 514 and 516 each have a width W3 that is greater than the maximum width W2. Holes 514 and 516 each have a gap g2 that is greater than the base height b2.

[0017]

[0084] The upper hook portion 524a and the lower hook portion 508b of the central hook 524 each have a maximum thickness t1. The hook portion 528 of the side hook 510 comprises an upper hook portion 540 and a lower hook portion 542. The upper hook portion 540 of the side hook 510 has a maximum thickness t2. The hole 512 includes a first area 501 and a second area 503 adjacent to the first area 501. Any of the holes 512, 514, and 516 described herein may be formed as part of a die cutting process or added by the use of a punch tool.

[0018]

[0085] Referring to Figure 7, the first area 501 of the hole 512 has a circular shape with a maximum gap g1 that is at least slightly larger than the height h1 of the central hook 508. Thus, as shown in Figure 7, the first area 501 of the hole 512 of the face shield 518 may be positioned entirely on the central hook 508. Next, by sliding the face shield 518 against the central hook 508 (arrow, Figure 8), the upper boundary 505 and the lower boundary 507 are slid below the upper hook portion 524a and the lower hook portion 524b, respectively, thereby locking the central hook 508 into the face shield 518 through the hole 512. Each of the holes 514, 516 has a gap g2 that is at least slightly larger than the maximum thickness t2 of the upper hook portion 540 of the side hook 510, thereby allowing each hole 514, 516 to fit perfectly on each side hook 510a, 510b. The central hook 508 has an upper recess 530 and a lower recess 532 (Figure 4) between the base 520 and the upper hook portion 524a and the lower hook portion 524b, respectively.

[0019]

[0086] To attach the face shield 518 to the head support 16, the hole 512 is first inserted onto the central hook 508, as in Figure 7, and then moved in the direction of the arrow in Figure 8 so that the hole 512 slides onto and locks onto the central hook 508. The second area 503 of the hole 512 has a gap g3 that is larger than the diameter of the base 520. In some embodiments, the base 520 may be non-circular, and therefore the gap g3 is larger than the vertical height of the base 520. Here, the second area 503 of the hole 512 spans the base 526. As shown, when the first area 501 of the hole 512 is around the central hook 508 as in Figure 7, and the face shield 518 is wrapped around the outer surface 522 (periphery) of the head support 16, the hole 514 does not align with the side hook 510a, and the hole 516 does not align with the side hook 510b. However, after the face shield 518 is locked in the position shown in Figure 8, the second area 503 of hole 512 straddles the base 526, so that hole 514 aligns with the side hook 510a and hole 516 aligns with the side hook 510b. Thus, the user 12 or support staff can first lock the face shield 518 to the central hook 508, and then, with the face shield 518 firmly coupled and balanced around the central hook 508, the user 12 or support staff can fully attach the face shield 518 to the side hooks 510a and 510b.

[0020]

[0087] To attach the hole 514 to the side hook 510a, insert the hole 514 into the end 538 (Figure 5) of the upper hook portion 540 of the hook portion 528 of the hook 510a, and pull the right side 511 of the face shield 518 downward toward the base 526 toward the upper hook portion 540. The upper edge 544 of the hole 514 is pressed against the upper edge 546 of the base 526, and the right side 511 of the face shield 518 is pushed further downward, slightly opening the gap g2 so that the lower edge 548 of the hole 514 clears the bottom surface 550 of the lower hook portion 542 of the hook portion 528. Once the hole 514 is released and loses its slight deformation, the lower edge 548 of the hole 514 snaps into place in its locked position above the bottom surface 550 and below the lower ledge 552 of the base 526. In this way, the hole 514 locks against both the upper hook portion 540 and the lower hook portion 542. Thus, the face shield 518 extends substantially vertically downward, not just in its center. If necessary or desired, the face shield 518 can now be moved slightly to the left or right (for example, by pulling on the left side portion 513 or the right side portion 511 of the face shield 518), causing the hole 514 to slide along the side hook 510a (still in the locked position) and the second section 503 of the hole 512 to slide along the base 520 of the central hook 508 (still in the locked position). The combined width of the holes 512, 514, and 516 relative to the hooks 508, 510a, and 510b determines the amount of lateral play in the locked state. The snapping action of the hole 514 and the side hook 510a can be repeated with the hole 516 and side hook 510b on the left side portion 513 of the face shield 518. Once all holes 512, 514, and 516 are connected to hooks 508, 510a, and 510b, the face shield 518 is securely fastened to the head support 16 by a series of quick and simple snapping and sliding actions, as shown in Figure 23. Furthermore, the face shield 518 is attached to the head support 16 without the user or support staff (whoever assembles the device) having to touch the head support 16 in any way. This significantly increases the possibility of effective sterilization.In many cases, the head support 16 is a reusable item, and the face shield 518 is supplied in a sterile condition. The head support 16 may be washable and even sterilizable, but avoiding contact increases the likelihood of sterilization. In emergency rooms and operating rooms that are overburdened and overwhelmed, either during a pandemic or an uncontrollable war or disaster, simplicity of setup is crucial. Otherwise, failure is easily possible, and loss of sterility is one of the possible consequences.

[0021]

[0088] Figure 9 shows a method 100 for attaching the face shield 518 to the head support 16. In step 102, the assembler 104 (Figure 15), which may be the user or support staff, aligns the first section 501 of the hole 512 of the face shield 518 onto the central hook 508. Note that the first section 501 and the second section 503 are oriented from right to left in Figure 15 and from left to right in Figure 6. The face shield 518 may be reversible so that it can be oriented towards the head support 16 in either way. In other embodiments, the face shield 518 may have an anti-reflective coating on only one side and may be reversible or irreversible. In other embodiments, the face shield 518 may have one or more transparent, peelable, adhesively attached coverings on its outer surface, which can be removed, for example, by splashing or scratching, if soiled or contaminated. Referring to Figure 10, the diameter of the first area 501 of the hole 512 (gap g1) is shown to be just clear of the height h1 of the central hook 508 during step 102. This position is also seen in Figure 7. In some embodiments, the gap g1 is at least slightly larger than the height h1 so that the first area 501 can move away from the central hook 508 when the face shield 518 is placed on it. In some embodiments, the gap g1 (Figure 6) is the same dimension as the height h1 or slightly smaller than the height h1 so that the face shield 518 can be pressed over the central hook 508 with little effort from the assembler 104.

[0022]

[0089] In step 106, the assembler 104 locks the face shield 518 onto the head support 16 by sliding the head support to the left (arrow) in the position shown in Figure 8, as shown in Figure 16. Here, the second portion 503 of the hole 512 is oriented around the base 520 of the central hook 508. Thus, the central hook 508 locks the face shield 518 onto the head support 16 because the gap g3 (Figure 6) is smaller than the height h1. This can be seen in more detail in Figure 11. The assembler 104 in Figures 15-22 is shown facing outwards from the head support 16, but a user with the head support 16 on their head can perform the same steps, for example, by looking at themselves in a mirror or video monitor. If the face shield 518 is wrapped around the outer surface 522 of the head support 16 in the position shown in Figures 15 and 7, the hole 516 cannot be positioned above the side hook 510a (see dashed line in Figure 15). The centers of the side hooks 510a and the hole 516 (dashed line) are offset by a distance L1, and the entire hole 516 is offset by a distance L2 from the entire side hook 510a. However, when the face shield 518 is slid into the position shown in Figures 16-18, the hole 516 can be positioned above the side hook 510a. Therefore, it is impossible to assemble the hole 512 onto the side hook 508a before assembling and locking the hole 516 onto the central hook 510. The hole 512 must be attached to and locked onto the central hook 509. Thus, while the face shield 518 is first locked and secured to the head support 16, it is ensured that the face shield 518 is significantly centered and balanced so that there are no parts that can hang significantly low where they may be damaged, soiled, or contaminated. This will be further explained in the following steps.

[0023]

[0090] In one particular embodiment, the distance D1 is between approximately 12.5 inches and approximately 18.5 inches, or between approximately 14 inches and approximately 17 inches, or between approximately 14.5 inches and approximately 16.5 inches, or approximately 15.5 inches, the distance D2 between the horizontal center of hole 514 and the horizontal center of hole 516 is between approximately 11 inches and approximately 15 inches, or between approximately 12 inches and approximately 14 inches, or between approximately 12.5 inches and approximately 13.5 inches, or between approximately 12.75 inches and approximately 13.25 inches, or approximately 13 inches, and the gap g1 is between approximately 0.60 inches and approximately 0. The gap g2 is between 0.225 inches and 0.680 inches, or between 0.300 inches and 0.450 inches, or between 0.325 inches and 0.425 inches, or between 0.375 inches, and the gap g3 is between 0.325 inches and 0.425 inches, or between 0.375 inches, and the width W1 is between 0.30 inches and 0.40 inches. The width W2 is between 0.35 inches and 0.45 inches, or 0.40 inches, the width W3 is between 0.70 inches and 0.80 inches, or 0.75 inches, the height h1 is between 0.61 inches and 0.74 inches, or between 0.65 inches and 0.71 inches, or 0.68 inches, the thickness t1 is between 0.10 inches and 0.18 inches, or between 0.12 inches and 0.16 inches, or 0.14 inches, and the thickness t2 is, The gap g1 is between approximately 0.06 inches and approximately 0.14 inches, or between approximately 0.08 inches and approximately 0.12 inches, or approximately 0.10 inches; the base height b2 is between approximately 0.225 inches and approximately 0.325 inches, or between approximately 0.250 inches and approximately 0.300 inches, or approximately 0.275 inches; and the distance D3 between the horizontal center of hole 512 and the horizontal center of hole 514 where area 501 transitions to area 503 is between approximately 6.0 inches and approximately 7.0 inches, or between approximately 6.25 inches and approximately 6.75 inches, or approximately 6.50 inches. In other embodiments, the gap g1 is 0.68 inches or more.

[0024]

[0091] In step 108, as shown in Figure 17, the assembler 104 wraps the face shield 518 around the outer surface 522 of the head support 16, positioning the hole 516 over the upper hook portion 540 of the side hook 510a. As shown in detail in Figure 12, the assembler 104 passes the hole 516 over the end 538 and onto the upper hook portion 540 of the hook portion 528 of the hook 510a. In step 110, the assembler 104 pulls the face shield 518 downward (arrow, Figure 18), pressing the lower margin 517 of the material surrounding the hole 516 on the bottom surface 550 of the lower hook portion 542 of the hook portion 528, as shown in Figures 13 and 19. The upper edge 544 of the hole 516 is pressed against the upper edge 546 of the base 526, and the right side of the face shield 518 is pushed further downward, slightly opening the gap g2 (Figure 6), so that the lower edge 548 of the hole 516 clears the bottom surface 550 of the lower hook portion 542 of the hook portion 528. Referring to Figure 14, once the hole 516 is released and its slight deformation is lost, the lower edge 548 of the hole 516 snaps into place in its locked, stationary position above the bottom surface 550 and below the lower ledge 552 of the base 526. In this way, the hole 516 is locked against both the upper hook portion 540 and the lower hook portion 542.

[0025]

[0092] In step 112, as shown in Figure 20, the assembler 104 wraps the opposite side of the face shield 518 around the outer surface 522 of the head support 16, positioning the hole 514 on the upper hook portion 540 of the side hook 510b. As shown in detail in Figure 12, the assembler 104 passes the hole 514 over the end 538 and onto the upper hook portion 540 of the hook portion 528 of the hook 510b. In step 114, the assembler 104 pulls the face shield 518 downward (arrow, Figure 21), pressing the lower margin 517 of the material surrounding the hole 514 on the bottom surface 550 of the lower hook portion 542 of the hook portion 528, as shown in Figures 13 and 22. The upper edge 544 of the hole 514 is pressed against the upper edge 546 of the base 526, and the right side of the face shield 518 is pushed further downward, slightly opening the gap g2 (Figure 6), so that the lower edge 548 of the hole 514 clears the bottom surface 550 of the lower hook portion 542 of the hook portion 528. Referring to Figure 14, once the hole 514 is released and its slight deformation is lost, the lower edge 548 of the hole 514 snaps into place in its locked, stationary position above the bottom surface 550 and below the lower ledge 552 of the base 526. In this way, the hole 514 is locked against both the upper hook portion 540 and the lower hook portion 542. Figure 23 illustrates the face shield 518 fully assembled on the head support 16. As shown in Figures 15-22, the face shield 518 can be easily and securely attached to the head support 16 without touching the head support 16 at all.

[0026]

[0093] Figure 9 further illustrates a method 116 for removing the face shield 518 from the head support 16. In step 118, the user 104 snaps open hole 514 and removes the face shield 518 from the side hook 510b. In step 120, the user 104 snaps open hole 516 and removes the face shield 518 from the side hook 510a. In step 122, the user slides the face shield 518 against the head support 16 to unlock hole 512 from the central hook 508, thereby positioning the face shield 518 in the position shown in Figures 7, 10, and 15. In step 124, the user 104 completely removes the face shield 518 from the head support 16. In step 126, the user 14 discards the face shield 126. In some cases, the user 104 may also choose to discard the head support 16.

[0027]

[0094] In other embodiments, one or more of the holes 512, 514, and 516 may extend vertically rather than horizontally. One or more of the holes 512, 514, and 516 may extend diagonally. The face shield 518 can be produced from standard sheet material and can be mass-produced by die cutting, thus significantly reducing costs compared to conventional curved, single-shape face shields. Locking and unlocking using the hooks 508, 510, and holes 512, 514, and 516 provides quick and secure assembly and rapid removal and cleaning or disposal.

[0028]

[0095] As shown in Figures 36-39, an alternative hook 509 may be used instead of hook 508. Hook 509 includes a proximal hole 559 configured to attach it to the head support 16. Hook 508 may be configured to snap onto a fastener on the head support 16, screw onto a fastener on the head support 16, slide onto a fastener on the head support 16, or be glued or epoxy bonded to the head support 16. Hook 509 has a circular shape with a circular first section 555 having a diameter smaller than the maximum gap g1 of the first section 501 of hole 512. Hook 509 further includes a circular second section 557 having a diameter smaller than the gap g3 of the second section 503 of hole 512. The diameter of the circular first section 555 is larger than the gap g3 of the second section 503 of hole 512. Thus, hook 509 maintains the same lock / unlock function as hole 512 of face shield 518.

[0029]

[0096] The personal environmental protection system 602, illustrated in Figures 24–27, comprises a support portion 604 (e.g., a head support) and a chin bar 606. The support portion 604 carries a central hook 608 and two lateral hooks 610a, 610b. The hooks 608, 610a, 610b are configured to engage with holes 612, 614, 616 extending through the upper end portion 627 of the face shield 618 illustrated in Figure 27. The face shield 618 may comprise a transparent sheet of the material described herein. However, the face shield 618 may further comprise a cuff 629, which may comprise a woven protective barrier. The cuff 629 is attached to the face shield 618 by a seam 631 extending substantially vertically along the right side 611, substantially horizontally along the lower end portion 625, and substantially vertically along the left side 613. The cuff 629 includes an elastic inner circumference 633 configured to fit snugly around the user's neck or lower head to create a protected internal space 643 (Figure 28). Referring to Figure 25, the central hook 608 has a base 620 configured to bond to the outer surface 622 of the support portion 604 and a hook portion 624 having a maximum width W4. The hook portion 624 may have a J-shape, an L-shape, or any other shape that can produce some degree of hooking. Each of the side hooks 610a, 610b has a base 626 configured to bond to the outer surface 622 of the support portion 604 and a hook portion 628 having a maximum width W5. Each hole 614, 616 has a width W6 greater than the maximum width W5, and hole 612 has a width W7 greater than the maximum width W4, so that each hole 612, 614, 616 can fit perfectly into each hook 608, 610a, 610b. In some embodiments, the width W6 can be configured to be at least 10% larger than the width W5, or at least 25% larger than the width W5. In some embodiments, the width W7 can be configured to be at least 25% larger than the width W4, or at least 50% larger than the width W4, or at least 75% larger than the width W4, or at least 100% larger than the width W4.In some embodiments, the width W6 can be configured to be approximately 25% to 100% larger than the width W5. In some embodiments, the width W7 can be configured to be approximately 25% to 100% larger than the width W4. In some embodiments, the hole 616 has a first side edge 617 and a second side edge 619. The hole 614 can be described similarly. In some embodiments, the first side edge 617 and the second side edge 619 can be simultaneously positioned outside the maximum width (width W5) of the upper hook portion 640 of the side hook 610b (or side hook 610a) while the hole 612 remains engaged with the central hook 608, but this is only possible when the face shield 618 is in a specific lateral position relative to the central hook 608. This relationship can be adjusted by sliding adjustment.

[0030]

[0097] The hook portion 624 of the central hook 608 has a maximum thickness t3, and the hook portion 628 of the side hooks 610 has a maximum thickness t4. The hole 612 has a gap g3 that is at least slightly larger than the maximum thickness t3, which allows the hole 612 to fit perfectly onto the central hook 608. The holes 614 and 616 each have a gap g4 that is at least slightly larger than the maximum thickness t4, which allows each hole 614 and 616 to fit perfectly onto each side hook 610a and 610b. The central hook 608 has a protruding portion 630 and a recess 632 between the protruding portion 630 and the base 626. To attach the face shield 618 to the support portion 604, first, the hole 612 is inserted onto the end portion 634 of the overhang 630, and the face shield 618 is pulled down onto the hook portion 624 toward the base 620, so that the boundary portion 636 of the face shield 618, i.e., the periphery of the hole 612, fits perfectly into the recess 632, and the face shield 618 extends substantially vertically downward. Here, the hole 612 is locked onto the base 620 of the central hook 608 in a manner that is not the same as, but somewhat similar to, how the second section 503 of the hole 512 is locked onto the central hook 508 in Figure 11. However, the lock occurs only by tension, and sliding is not required. In some embodiments, the bottom portion 641 of the hole 612 can be configured to deform or bend and snap onto the lower edge 649 of the central hook 608, similar to the snap fastening of the lower edge 548 on the bottom surface 550 in Figures 13-14.

[0031]

[0098] Next, move the face shield 618 to the left, sliding the hole 612 onto the left end of the hook portion 624 of the central hook 608. The hole 612 remains locked to the central hook 608 as it slides. Next, insert the hole 614 into the end 638 of the upper hook portion 640 of the hook portion 628 of the side hook 610a, pulling the right side 611 of the face shield 618 down towards the base 626 via the upper hook portion 640. The upper edge 644 of the hole 614 is pressed against the upper ledge 646 of the base 626, pushing the right side 611 of the face shield 618 further down, slightly opening the gap g4 so that the lower edge 648 of the hole 614 clears the bottom surface 650 of the lower hook portion 642 of the hook portion 628 of the side hook 610a. When hole 614 is released and loses its slight deformation, the lower edge 648 of hole 614 snaps into place in its locked position above the bottom surface 650 and below the lower ledge 652 of the base 626. In this way, hole 614 is locked to both the upper hook portion 640 and the lower hook portion 642. Thus, the face shield 618 extends substantially vertically downward not only in its center but also on its right side 611. If necessary, the face shield 618 can now be moved slightly to the left, with hole 614 sliding along the side hook 610a (in the locked position) and hole 612 sliding along the center hook 608 (in the locked position). The snapping process of hole 614 and side hook 610a can now be repeated for hole 616 and side hook 610b. The face shield 618 is then firmly secured in place on the support portion 604 by a series of quick and simple snapping and sliding actions, as shown in Figure 28. The face shield 618 can be removed by substantially reversing the action and steps. In other embodiments, one or more of the holes 612, 614, and 616 may extend vertically rather than horizontally. One or more of the holes 612, 614, and 616 may extend diagonally.

[0032]

[0099] The personal protection system 240 is illustrated in assembled configurations in Figures 28 and 29. The cuff 629 extends from a seam 631 and terminates at an elastic inner circumference 633, forming an arc-shaped elastic window. The elastic band 637 has a central snap 635 configured to be attached to the cuff 629 (e.g., by sewing) and to secure the cuff 629 to the support portion 604 via a cooperating snap (adjacent but not shown) held in the support portion 604. The elastic inner circumference 633 is configured to fit snugly around the user's neck or lower head to create a protected internal space 643. In some cases, the elastic inner circumference 633 can be worn over the user's ears. In other cases, the elastic outer circumference can be worn below the user's ears. In other cases, the elastic inner circumference 633 can be pulled completely above the user's ears or substantially above the user's ears. This particular positioning above the ears is useful, for example, when the user needs to use a stethoscope, which requires access to both ears and extends below them. The positioning is also useful when the user is using one or more earphones (e.g., over-ear or in-ear earphones), so that an assistant can remove one of the earphones at a specific point in the procedure. Alternatively, if the user is using only one earphone, the user can choose to pull the elastic inner circumference 633 above one ear and below the other. In some embodiments, the woven fabric cover 639 can be carried on the support portion 604. In other embodiments, the cuff 629 may be integrated with the woven fabric cover 639 so that the window formed by the elastic inner circumference 633 is first positioned over the user's head, and then the woven fabric cover 639 is attached to the top of the support portion 604 (e.g., extended above it), and the face shield 618 is attached to the support portion 604. An adjustable strap 645 can be used to create a proper fit around the user's head.By combining the cuff 629 with the face shield 618, it is possible to dispose of parts of the personal environmental protection system 602 (face shield 618, cuff 629, woven fabric covering 639) that are more difficult to clean or maintain, while maintaining the reusability of the support portion 604, which is easier to clean and reuse. Either the face shield or the cuff described herein may be made of a biodegradable material. Any material described herein may be made of a reusable material. In other embodiments, the cuff 629 may be integrated with the face shield 518 of Figure 6. In alternative embodiments, any of the holes 512, 514, 516, 612, 614, or 616 may be replaced with holes, notches, or grooves in separate standoffs or brackets attached to the face shields 518, 618, or in thickened portions of the face shields 518, 618 that act like standoffs or brackets. In other alternative embodiments, one or more hole / hook relationships may be replaced or enhanced by magnet / iron material relationships or magnet / magnetic relationships. For example, face shields 518, 618 carry one or more steel or 400 series stainless steel buttons or plates configured to be detachably attached to one or more magnets supported by the outer surfaces 522, 622.

[0033]

[0100] Figure 30 shows a user 12 wearing a personal environmental protection system 414 similar to the personal environmental protection system 14 of Figure 1. However, as illustrated in Figure 31, the central hook 408 and the two side hooks 410a, 410b are carried as a hook assembly 424. The central hook 408 and the two side hooks 410a, 410b are attached to and carried on a flexible strip 420. The rear surface of the flexible strip 420 is attached to the outer surface 422 of the head support 416. By first configuring the hook assembly 424, precise spacing between each hook 408, 410a, 410b can be achieved. The manufacture of the head support 416 can also be simplified as it does not need to have contours (slits and / or protrusions) to accommodate each hook 408, 410a, 410b. The flexible strip 420 may have an adhesive strip carried on its rear surface. The user can remove the protective cover from the adhesive strip and then attach the flexible strip to the outer surface 422 of the head support 416 via the adhesive strip. The hook assembly is centered and oriented on the head support 416 via a mark in the center of the head support 416 corresponding to the position of the central hook 408. The head support 416 is easier to clean and, where appropriate, sterilizable, as it does not need to have additional features to accommodate each hook. The hook assembly 424 may be disposable or reusable, but may be configured to be less reusable than the head support 416. In an alternative embodiment, the backing of the flexible strip 420 may have a hook and loop structure corresponding to the hook and loop structure carried on the outer surface 422 of the head support 416.

[0034]

[0101] Figures 32-35 illustrate alternative embodiments of the personal protection system 800 positioned on the head 22 of the user 12. The personal protection system 800 is similar to other embodiments of the personal protection system described herein, as it includes a head support 802 and a face shield 804. The system 800 may also include a chin bar 42. The extender 806 is configured to be directly coupled to the head support 802, as shown in Figures 32 and 33. The extender 806 includes an inner 808 having a recess 810 and an outer 812 having a first protrusion 814. The recess 810 is configured to closely coincide with a second protrusion 816 on the ventral surface 818 of the head support 802. The central hook 822 is supported on the central portion 820 (Figure 34) on the outer 812 of the extender 806 and extends outward from the outer 816. The extender 806 has a thickness TH (Figure 35) in its central portion 820. The thickness TH helps to position the central hook 822 further away from the head support 802, thus creating more space 824 behind the face shield 804 (if attached). The increased space can include an increased distance from the user 12's face 30 and / or an increased volume surrounding the user 12's face 30 (behind the face shield 804). Thus, an additional room / space is created for other components such as a communication system or a lighting system, as further described herein. This additional space can also accommodate larger facial features (nose, mustache, beard, etc.) or accessories (glasses, magnifying glasses, etc.). Furthermore, the additional space acts in a capacitive sense, allowing for better control or flow of air or oxygen supplied to the interior, which can prevent fogging of the face shield 804 (e.g., due to the increased distance from the nose and mouth to the face shield 804) or an undesirable increase in internal carbon dioxide levels.

[0035]

[0102] The extender 806 includes a hole 826 on its inner side 808, adjacent to the notched space 828. The notched space 828 helps to lighten the weight of the extension member and can help with manufacturing or cost reduction, such as injection molding. On the other side of the space 828, the hole 826 penetrates the inner wall 830 opposite the outer wall 832. The hole 826 is configured to engage with a hook 834 (Figure 32) on the ventral surface 818 of the head support 802. The lateral holes 836, 838 are configured to engage with a lateral hook 840 carried on the head support 802. The lateral hook 840 may be configured not only to allow the extender 806 to be attached to the head support (via the lateral holes 836, 838) but also to allow engagement with the end hole 842 of the face shield 804. Any of the hook configurations and / or mechanisms described herein can be used for the central hook 822, hook 834, or side hook 840. In some embodiments, the central hook 822 may be rotatable so as to lock into the central hole 844 of the face shield 804. For example, the hook 834 may be rotated 90° after the face shield 804 is placed in order to lock the face shield 804 in place. After use, the extender 806 may be reusable (washable, re-sterilizable) or removable and disposable with the face shield 804. The extender 806 works to make the head support 802 adaptable to a variety of different setups. The extender 806 may be configured to carry light (e.g., LEDs) and / or a camera, as disclosed in more detail in the embodiments of Figures 49–52.

[0036]

[0103] Specific embodiments are described in the following sections.

[0037]

[0104] Section 1 - A protective headgear system comprising a polymer sheet having a support configured to engage with the user's head, an upper portion configured to be coupled to the support, and a lower portion having a lower end, wherein the upper portion includes a first hole, a second hole, and a third hole, each of which is substantially spaced apart from the other two of the first, second, and third holes, and the first and second holes are substantially elongated, the face shield and a first hook supported on the support, the first hole engaging with the first hook A system comprising: a first hook; a second hook supported on a support, the second hook having a second hole configured to engage with the second hook; and a third hook supported on a support, the third hook having a third hole configured to engage with the third hook, wherein the first hook includes a hook portion having a maximum hook width, the first hook is positioned around the support between the second hook and the third hook, and the first hole has a first hole gap and a first hole width, the first hole width of the first hole being at least about 25% greater than the maximum hook width of the hook portion of the first hook.

[0038]

[0105] Section 2 - The system described in Section 1, wherein the first hole extends substantially horizontally.

[0039]

[0106] Section 3 - The system described in Section 2, wherein the second hole extends substantially horizontally.

[0040]

[0107] Section 4 - The system described in Section 3, wherein the third hole is substantially long and extends substantially horizontally.

[0041]

[0108] Section 5 - The system according to Section 1, wherein the second hook includes a base coupled to a support, an upper hook portion extending substantially vertically upward from the base, and a lower hook portion extending substantially vertically downward from the base.

[0042]

[0109] Section 6 - The third hook system according to Section 5, comprising a base coupled to a support, an upper hook portion extending substantially upward from the base, and a lower hook portion extending substantially downward from the base.

[0043]

[0110] The system according to paragraph 7, wherein the upper hook portion of the second hook has the maximum thickness and the maximum width of the upper hook portion, and the second hole has the second hole gap and the second hole width, the second hole width of the second hole is at least about 25% greater than the maximum width of the upper hook portion of the second hook.

[0044]

[0111] Item 8 - The system of Item 7, wherein the width of the second hole of the second hole is approximately 25% to approximately 100% greater than the maximum width of the upper hook portion of the second hook.

[0045]

[0112] Section 9 - The system described in Section 7, wherein the maximum thickness of the upper hook portion of the second hook is smaller than the gap of the second hole.

[0046]

[0113] The system according to paragraph 10, wherein the second hole has a first side edge and a second side edge, and the first and second side edges of the second hole may be simultaneously positioned outside the maximum width of the upper hook portion of the second hook.

[0047]

[0114] The system according to paragraph 11, wherein the base of the second hook includes a hole-supporting portion adjacent to one or both of the upper hook portion and the lower hook portion, the hole-supporting portion having a vertical thickness smaller than the second hole gap of the second hole, and the hole-supporting portion further having a horizontal thickness smaller than the second hole width of the second hole.

[0048]

[0115] Article 12 - The system according to paragraph 11, wherein the lower hook portion of the second hook has a vertical extension length from the lower portion of the base of the second hook, and the sum of (a) the vertical extension length of the lower hook portion of the second hook and (b) the vertical thickness of the hole-bearing portion of the base of the second hook is greater than (c) the gap of the second hole.

[0049]

[0116] Section 13 - The system described in Section 1, wherein the first hook includes a J-shape.

[0050]

[0117] Section 14 - The system according to Section 1, wherein the first hook includes an L-shape.

[0051]

[0118] Section 15 - The system described in Section 1, wherein the width of the first hole of the first hole is approximately 25% to approximately 100% greater than the maximum width of the hook portion of the first hook.

[0052]

[0119] Section 16 - The system according to Section 1, wherein the hook portion of the first hook has a maximum thickness smaller than the first hole gap of the first hole.

[0053]

[0120] Section 17 - The system according to Section 1, wherein the second hook and the third hook are each placed around the support.

[0054]

[0121] Section 18 - The system described in Section 1, wherein the face shield comprises polyester.

[0055]

[0122] Section 19 - A face shield comprising PETG, as described in Section 18.

[0056]

[0123] Section 20 - The face shield system described in Section 18, comprising PET.

[0057]

[0124] Section 21 - The system described in Section 1, which does not include a hole in the lower part of the face shield.

[0058]

[0125] Section 22 - The system according to Section 1, wherein the face shield comprises a highly transparent polymer.

[0059]

[0126] Section 23 - The system described in Section 1, wherein the face shield includes a die-cut sheet.

[0060]

[0127] Section 24 - The system described in Section 23, wherein the first hole, the second hole, and the third hole are die-cut.

[0061]

[0128] Item 25 - The system according to item 23, wherein the first hole, the second hole and the third hole are punch-formed.

[0062]

[0129] Section 26 - The system described in Section 1, wherein the thickness of the face shield is between approximately 0.010 inches and approximately 0.020 inches.

[0063]

[0130] Section 27 - The system according to Section 1, further comprising a filter supported by a support and capable of filtering air.

[0064]

[0131] Section 28 - The system according to Section 27, further comprising a fan configured to introduce more air into the space between the user and the face shield through a filter when the support is engaged with the user's head.

[0065]

[0132] Section 29 - The system described in Section 1, wherein the face shield is biodegradable.

[0066]

[0133] Section 30 - The system described in Section 1, wherein the face shield is reusable.

[0067]

[0134] Section 31 - The system described in Section 1, further comprising a cuff attached to the lower portion of the face shield.

[0068]

[0135] Section 32 - The system according to Section 31, wherein the cuff includes a first portion coupled to the lower portion of the face shield and a second portion opposed to the first portion and configured to engage with the user's neck.

[0069]

[0136] Section 33 - A protective headgear system comprising a support configured to engage with the head of a user; a face shield comprising a polymer sheet having an upper portion and a lower portion having a lower end portion configured to be coupled to the support, wherein the upper portion comprises a first hole, a second hole, and a third hole, each of which is laterally spaced from the other two holes; a first hook supported on the support, wherein the first hole is configured to engage with the first hook; a second hook supported on the support, wherein the second hole is configured to engage with the second hook; and a third hook supported on the support, wherein the third hole is A system comprising: a first hook configured to engage with a third hook, the first hook being positioned on the outer circumference of a support between the second hook and the third hook, the first hook comprising a hook portion having a maximum hook width, the first hole having a width greater than the maximum hook width of the hook portion of the first hook, the face shield having a first position with respect to the support such that the first hole is positioned on the hook portion of the first hook and the second hole is not oriented to engage with the second hook, the first hole being laterally slidable with respect to the first hook such that the face shield is locked to the first hook through the first hole, and the face shield having a second position with respect to the support, the second hole being oriented to engage with the second hook.

[0070]

[0137] Section 34 - The system according to Section 33, wherein a third hole can be positioned to be coupled to a third hook when the face shield is in a second position relative to the support.

[0071]

[0138] Item 35 - The system according to item 33, wherein the second hook includes a base coupled to a support, an upper hook portion extending substantially vertically upward from the base, and a lower hook portion extending substantially vertically downward from the base.

[0072]

[0139] Item 36 - The third hook system according to item 35, comprising a base coupled to a support, an upper hook portion extending substantially upward from the base, and a lower hook portion extending substantially downward from the base.

[0073]

[0140] The system according to paragraph 35, wherein the second hole has a second hole gap and a second hole width, and the base of the second hook includes a hole-carrying portion adjacent to one or both of the upper hook portion and the lower hook portion, the vertical thickness of which is less than the second hole gap of the second hole and the horizontal thickness of which is less than the second hole width of the second hole.

[0074]

[0141] The system according to paragraph 37, wherein the lower hook portion of the second hook has a vertical extension length from the lower portion of the base of the second hook, and the sum of (a) the vertical extension length of the lower hook portion of the second hook and (b) the vertical thickness of the hole-bearing portion of the base of the second hook is greater than (c) the gap of the second hole.

[0075]

[0142] Section 39 - The system as described in Section 35, wherein the second hole is configured to slide over the upper hook portion of the second hook and to snap into place on the lower hook portion of the second hook, thereby locking the face shield to the second hook through the two holes.

[0076]

[0143] Section 40 - The system as described in Section 36, wherein the third hole is configured to slide over the upper hook portion of the third hook and to snap into place on the lower hook portion of the third hook, thereby locking the face shield to the third hook through the third hole.

[0077]

[0144] Section 41 - The system according to Section 33, wherein the first hook includes a base coupled to a support, an upper hook portion extending substantially upward from the base, and a lower hook portion extending substantially downward from the base.

[0078]

[0145] The system according to paragraph 41, wherein the first hook has a maximum vertical dimension and a vertical base thickness, and the first hole has a first area having a first hole gap and a second area laterally adjacent to the first area having a second hole gap, the first hole gap of the first hole being greater than or equal to the maximum vertical dimension of the first hook, and the second hole gap of the first hole being greater than the vertical base thickness and less than the maximum vertical dimension.

[0079]

[0146] Section 43 - The system described in Section 33, wherein the circumferential distance between the second hook and the third hook is between approximately 12 inches and approximately 14 inches.

[0080]

[0147] Section 44 - The system described in Section 33, wherein the distance between the horizontal center of the second hole and the horizontal center of the third hole is approximately 12 to 14 inches.

[0081]

[0148] Section 45 - The face shield described in Section 33, further comprising a cuff attached to the lower portion of the face shield.

[0082]

[0149] Section 46 - The face shield according to Section 45, the cuff comprising a first portion attached to the lower part of the face shield and a second portion configured to engage with the user's neck opposite the first portion.

[0083]

[0150] Section 47 - A face shield for a protective headgear system comprising a support configured to engage with the head of a user, and a first hook, a second hook, and a third hook supported on the support, wherein the first hook is positioned around the support between the second hook and the third hook, and the first hook comprises a hook portion having a maximum vertical dimension and a base portion having a vertical base thickness bonded to the support, and the face shield is a polymer sheet having an upper portion configured to be bonded to the support and a lower portion having a lower end portion, wherein the upper portion is A polymer sheet comprising a first hole, a second hole, and a third hole, each of which is laterally spaced from the other two holes; and a face shield comprising a first hole comprising a first area having a first hole gap and a second area laterally adjacent to the first area having a second hole gap, wherein the first hole gap of the first hole is greater than or equal to the maximum vertical dimension of the first hook, and the second hole gap of the first hole is greater than the vertical base thickness of the base of the first hook and less than the maximum vertical dimension of the first hook.

[0084]

[0151] Section 48 - A face shield as described in Section 47, wherein the second hole gap is between approximately 0.225 inches and approximately 0.68 inches.

[0085]

[0152] Section 49 - A face shield as described in Section 48, wherein the second hole gap is between approximately 0.30 inches and approximately 0.45 inches.

[0086]

[0153] Section 50 - A face shield as described in Section 47, wherein the first hole gap is 0.68 inches or larger.

[0087]

[0154] Section 51 - A face shield as described in Section 47, with a second hole extending horizontally.

[0088]

[0155] The face shield described in paragraph 51, wherein the hole in paragraph 52-3 extends horizontally.

[0089]

[0156] Section 53 - The face shield described in Section 47, further comprising a cuff attached to the lower portion of a polymer sheet.

[0090]

[0157] Section 54 - The face shield according to Section 53, the cuff comprising a first portion bonded to the lower portion of a polymer sheet and a second portion opposite to the first portion and configured to engage with the neck of the user.

[0091]

[0158] Section 55 - The face shield described in Section 47, wherein a second hole is snap-engaged with a second hook.

[0092]

[0159] Section 56 - The face shield as described in Section 55, wherein a third hole is snap-engaged with a third hook.

[0093]

[0160] Section 57 - The face shield according to Section 47, wherein the face shield has a first position relative to a support such that a first hole can be positioned on the hook portion of a first hook and a second hole is not oriented to engage with a second hook, the first hole is slidable laterally relative to the first hook such that the face shield is locked to the first hook through the first hole and the face shield has a second position relative to the support, and the second hole is oriented to engage with a second hook.

[0094]

[0161] Section 58 - The system according to Section 47, wherein the polymer sheet has a thickness between approximately 0.010 inches and approximately 0.020 inches.

[0095]

[0162] Section 59 - The system described in Section 47, wherein the face shield is configured to be attached to a support without requiring the user or an assistant to the user to touch the support with their hands.

[0096]

[0163] Section 60 - The system according to Section 47, wherein the face shield is configured to be attached to a support without requiring gloves or hands to come into contact with the support.

[0097]

[0164] Section 61 - A method for putting on a protective headgear system, the protective headgear system comprising a support configured to engage with the head of a user, and a first hook, a second hook, and a third hook carried on the support, wherein the first hook is positioned around the support between the second hook and the third hook, and the first hook comprises a hook portion having a maximum vertical dimension and a base portion having a vertical base thickness coupled to the support, the method comprising the step of preparing a polymer sheet having an upper portion configured to be coupled to the support and a lower portion having a lower end portion, wherein the upper portion comprises a first hole, a second hole, and a third hole, and each of the first hole, the second hole, and the third hole is a first hole A method comprising the steps of: positioning the first hole on the first hook; sliding a polymer sheet against a support to lock the first hole onto the first hook; attaching the second hook to the second hole; and attaching the third hook to the third hole.

[0098]

[0165] Paragraph 62 - The method according to Paragraph 61, wherein the step of attaching the second hook to the second hole includes the step of snapping the second hole to the second hook.

[0099]

[0166] Paragraph 63 - The method according to Paragraph 62, wherein the step of attaching the third hook to the third hole includes the step of snapping the third hole to the third hook.

[0100]

[0167] Figure 40 illustrates a user 12 wearing a personal environmental protection system 14. User 12 may be a surgeon, physician, or other healthcare professional participating in a surgical practice or other medical procedure involving a patient with a disease that is otherwise contagious in an unprotected environment. The personal environmental protection system 14 comprises a head support 16 having an upper portion 18 and a concave lower portion 20 configured to engage with the user's head 22. The head support 16 may include a helmet or other type of headgear, which is securely and comfortably maintained on the user's head 22 throughout the medical procedure to avoid the need for constant removal, adjustment, or replacement. A face shield 24 (or lens) made of substantially optically transparent material includes a lower end portion 26 configured to extend below the user's face 30 and an upper portion 28 configured to connect with the head support 16. While the head support 16 is engaged with the user's head 22, the user 12 can be clearly seen through the face shield 24. Therefore, as the user's 12 head 22 moves, the head support 16 maintains the face shield 24 in front of the user's 12 face 30. In some embodiments, a gown 32 or toga may be used by the user 12 to protect part, most, or all of the user's 12 body below the head and neck, or to cover at least the user's upper torso. In some embodiments, the gown 32 may be directly coupled to the face shield 24, the head support 16, or both the face shield 24 and the head support 16. The personal environmental protection system 14 may be configured to substantially control the user's 12 respiratory environment through air filtration, inflow, and / or outflow, and may include some or all features of any embodiment described in U.S. Patent No. 8,302,599 to Mr. Green, entitled “Protective Headgear System with Filter Protector,” issued November 6, 2012.The personal environmental protection system 14 may include some or all of the features of any of the embodiments described in U.S. Patent No. 8,453,262 to Mr. Green, entitled “Personal Environmental Protection Apparatus,” issued on June 4, 2013.

[0101]

[0168] Figure 41 illustrates a user 12 wearing an alternative personal environmental protection system 34, including a hood 350. The hood 350 includes a support portion 36 configured to engage with the user 12's head 22. The support portion 36 is a direct extension of the hood 350 and includes an upper portion 38 and a concave lower portion 40 for reversibly coupling with the user 12's head 22. The hood 350 includes a face shield 200 made of a substantially optically transparent material. The user 12 can be clearly seen through the face shield 200 while the support portion 36 is engaged with the user 12's head 22. The face shield 200 has an outer periphery 37 that is fixed so as to be sealed into a window 39 in the hood 350 to provide a protected and isolated internal space 41. The face shield 200 includes a lower end portion 46 configured to extend at least below the user 12's eyes 15. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 41, the lower end portion 46 of the face shield 200 extends substantially below the user's eyes 15 and into an area close to the user's chin (not shown). The face shield 200 further includes an upper portion 48 configured to be bonded to a support portion 36 (by a sealed fastening such as adhesive, epoxy, or heat seal). Thus, as the user's head 22 moves, the support portion 36 maintains the face shield 200 in front of the user's face 30. The hood 350 also includes a left cutout 352 and a right cutout (not shown) configured to form and fit over the gown 50 at the user's shoulders 19. In some embodiments, the hood 350 can extend like a shroud to substantially cover most or all of the user's body.

[0102]

[0169] Face shields 24, 200 generally contain substantially rigid, highly transparent polymers such as polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or other polyesters or polyester copolymers, or polycarbonate, and can provide a relatively thin but robust barrier that does not significantly obstruct the user's vision. In some embodiments, face shields 24, 200 have a concave shape toward the user 12 and a convex shape away from the user 12. Figure 40 shows the concave portion 31 and the convex portion 33. The material, thickness, and shape of the face shields 24, 200, either independently or in any combination as cooperative factors, can make the face shields 24, 200 acoustic reflectors, reflecting a significant portion of the sound they produce. In some cases, a large portion of the user's sound is reflected back into the internal space 41, allowing the user 12 to give commands that would not be understood by other medical personnel or an awake patient. In other cases, due to the same reflective properties of the face shields 24, 200, which reflect a lot of sound away from the user 12, the voice of the user 12 or other medical personnel may not be clearly heard. Other factors may exacerbate the user 12's inability to hear others. Awake patients may be ill or have been administered sedatives or other medications, which may cause their speech to be slow or unclear. In other cases, patients may be in a specific position for the purpose of a procedure that does not contribute to the normal mechanism of speech. All of these reasons, as well as clarity of pronunciation, make it difficult for patients to produce sufficient sound energy when spoken language is transmitted (carried) to the user 12's ears through the face shields 24, 200. As a result, doctors may often have difficulty understanding patients. Other medical personnel in the room may move around or face away from the user 12 while speaking. Therefore, this may also make it difficult for these personnel to produce sufficient sound energy when spoken language is transmitted (carried) to the user 12's ears through the face shields 24, 200.

[0103]

[0170] The gowns 32, 50 can include a number of different materials and configurations. The material for the gowns 32, 50 can include a triple laminate with a film held between two layers of nonwoven plastic fabric. Double laminate materials are also possible, such as a material with a film layer and a nonwoven plastic fabric. In some embodiments, the nonwoven fabric layer may comprise cellulose. In some embodiments, the nonwoven fabric layer may comprise a spun material such as spunbond high-density polyethylene (e.g., Tyvek®, a trademark of DuPont de Nemours, Inc.). In one embodiment, spunbond meltblown spunbond, commonly known as SMS, can be used, comprising a triple laminate nonwoven fabric with an upper layer of spunbond polypropylene, an intermediate layer of meltblown polypropylene, and a lower layer of spunbond polypropylene. In other embodiments, one or more nonwoven fabric layers may be replaced with woven fabric layers.

[0104]

[0171] Figures 42 and 43 illustrate the personal environmental protection system 14 of Figure 40 positioned on the user 12 with the face shield 24 and gown 32 removed from view, in order to better visualize the internal details. The lower end portion 26 of the face shield 24 generally extends to line 25. The chin bar 42 has a first end portion 44 connected to a first portion 48 of the head support 16 and a second end portion 46 connected to a second portion 50 of the head support 16. The chin bar 42 may comprise a rigid polymer material such as polyamide (e.g., nylon 6, or polycarbonate), and one of the dimensions of the chin bar 42 may be relatively thin, resulting in the chin bar 42 having a substantially rectangular cross-section. Alternatively, the chin bar 42 may comprise high-density polyethylene or polypropylene, but the thin dimension is likely to be somewhat thicker to maintain sufficient rigidity and resistance to extreme bending. The chin bar 42 extends in a substantially U-shape 52 between a first end 44 and a second end 46, having a lower uppermost part 54. The lower upper part 54 is located in the center of the lower portion 56 of the chin bar 42, which has an outward-facing surface 58 and an inward-facing surface 60. The lower portion 56 generally extends laterally with respect to the head 22 of the user 12.

[0105]

[0172] The personal environmental protection system 14 is configured to provide a two-way communication system to solve the sound problem caused by the face shield 24. The chin bar 42 acts as a controlled mounting structure for loudspeakers 62, 64 and loudspeakers 66, 68 configured to provide controlled two-way verbal communication. The first loudspeaker 62 is carried on the outward-facing surface 58 of the chin bar 42 in the lower portion 56 and is configured to sense sounds coming from the operating room or treatment room environment outside the personal environmental protection system 14. The first loudspeaker 62 includes a sound energy diaphragm 70, or a pickup, or other sensor, which is preferentially oriented away from the user 12, thereby receiving sound waves in the surrounding area. The first loudspeaker 62 is configured to output a first signal based on the measured sound. The first loudspeaker 66 is carried on the inward-facing surface 60 of the chin bar 42 in the lower portion 56 and is configured to convert the first signal into speech that can be heard by the user 12 within the internal environment of the personal environmental protection system 14. In some embodiments, the first loudspeaker 66 can be replaced with either an internal or plug-in earphone configured to be inserted into the ear canal of the user 12, or an external earphone configured to be carried on the outer ear of the user 12. In some embodiments, both the loudspeaker and the earphone can be used. The first loudspeaker 62 (or multiple array loudspeakers) and the first loudspeaker 66, or alternatively, a combination of one or more loudspeakers 62 and one or more earphones, helps to provide information about sound initially generated outside the face shield 24 to the user 12 whose ears are inside the face shield 24.

[0106]

[0173] A second loudspeaker 64 is mounted on the inward-facing surface 60 of the jaw bar 42 and is configured to sense sound coming from the user's voice 12. The second loudspeaker 64 includes a sound energy diaphragm 72, or a pickup, or other sensor, which is preferentially directed towards the user's mouth or throat to receive localized sound waves generated by the user's speech 12. The second loudspeaker 64 is configured to output a second signal based on the measured sound. A second loudspeaker 68 is mounted on the outward-facing surface 58 of the jaw bar 42 in its lower portion 56 and is configured to convert the second signal into speech that can be heard by a healthcare worker or patient outside the internal environment of the personal environmental protection system 14. In some embodiments, one or more healthcare workers or even a patient may use either an earphone, an internal or plug-in earphone configured to be inserted into the ear canal, or an external earphone configured to be mounted in the outer ear. In some embodiments, both a loudspeaker and an earphone can be used. The second loudspeaker 64 (or multiple array loudspeakers) and the second loudspeaker 68, or alternatively, a combination of one or more loudspeakers 64 and one or more earphones, serve to provide information about the sound generated by the user 12 inside the face shield 24 to a person outside the face shield 24. In other embodiments, one or more of the loudspeakers 62, 64 and loudspeakers 66, 68 may be attached to other parts of the chin bar 42 or fully attached to other items, while maintaining the same general orientation required for the functions described herein.

[0107]

[0174] The flexible circuit 74 is supported on the jaw bar 42 on either the inward-facing surface 60 (as shown) or the outward-facing surface 58. The flexible circuit 74, the first loudspeaker 62, the second loudspeaker 64, and the first and second loudspeakers 66 and 68 may each be directly bonded to the jaw bar 42 (e.g., by epoxy, fasteners, adhesive, or mechanical snaps), or each may be suspended from another part of the personal environmental protection system 14 so as to be adjacent to the jaw bar 42 in substantially the same positions as shown in Figures 42 and 43. When fixed to the jaw bar 42 with epoxy or adhesive, the acoustic components such as the loudspeakers 62, 64 or loudspeakers 66, 68 are fixed with epoxy or adhesive having a specific acoustic impedance so as not to impart significant sonic interference to the acoustic components (when set or cured). In some embodiments, acoustic impedance matching is used. In other embodiments, acoustic impedance mismatch is used. The flexible circuit 74 may include one or more amplifiers 76 configured to amplify a first signal and / or a second signal. The flexible circuit 74 may also include a processor 78 and memory 80 configured to digitally record any measured, amplified, or generated audio information. The recording can be used as a procedure dictation, saving the physician time and allowing them to retrieve important information while it is still fresh in their memory. The user can give voice commands to increase the recording dB of the sound or increase the volume of the loudspeaker or earphone.

[0108]

[0175] An alternative personal environmental protection system 14 is illustrated in Figures 44 and 45 and has similar elements to the personal environmental protection system 14 in Figures 40, 42, and 43. However, the pair of loudspeakers 62a, 62b are supported at two different locations on the outward-facing surface 58, and the pair of loudspeakers 68a, 68b are supported at two different locations on the outward-facing surface 58. Also, the loudspeaker 66 is replaced by a left earphone 69 and a right earphone 71. The earphones 69, 71 are shown to have conductive wires 77, 79 for transmitting signals, respectively, but in the alternative embodiment, the earphones 69, 71 may receive signals wirelessly, for example, by Bluetooth® (Bluetooth SIG, Inc.). The pair of loudspeakers 62a, 62b and the pair of loudspeakers 68a, 68b are oriented along two non-parallel axes. In other words, the loudspeaker 62a is oriented nonparallel to the loudspeaker 62b, and the loudspeaker 68a is oriented nonparallel to the loudspeaker 68b. Thus, the loudspeaker 62a can preferentially sense sound from a first part of the room, and the loudspeaker 62b can preferentially sense sound from a second, different part of the room. In some embodiments, a unidirectional loudspeaker can be used. Similarly, the loudspeaker 68a preferentially directs sound to the first part of the room, and the loudspeaker 68b preferentially directs sound to the second part of the room. In some embodiments, each of the loudspeakers 62a, 62b, 68a, and 62b can be oriented along different, inherent central axes, thus creating four nonparallel axes. However, in some cases, for example, there may be parallelism between the axes of a single loudspeaker and the axes of a single loudspeaker. The creation of multiple axes is facilitated by the convex curve 73 of the lower portion 56 of the jaw bar 42. Therefore, by mounting each of the loudspeakers 62 and 68 at different locations along the jaw bar 42, each of the preferred axes can be easily achieved. In some embodiments, each of the loudspeakers 62 and 68 may be swivelable on three axes, thereby achieving a preferred orientation for each. In the personal environmental protection system 14, the battery 67 is supported at a central location 75 on the jaw bar 42 adjacent to the outward-facing surface 58.The central location 75 distributes the weight of the battery 67, creating a good balance of the personal environmental protection system 14 on the user 12. This improves the comfort and ergonomics of the user 12. The loudspeakers 62 and 68 both have a mass of less than approximately 500 grams, less than approximately 200 grams, less than approximately 100 grams, or less than approximately 50 grams. In some embodiments, the earphones 69, 71 may incorporate a noise cancellation system for further clarity. In other embodiments, the earphones 69, 71, or alternatively the internal loudspeaker, may be assisted by additional baffles or channels to move the circulating air of the system away from the user 12's ears or simply block that area from the circulating air.

[0109]

[0176] Figure 46 is a cross-sectional view of the chin bar 42 along the anterior-posterior plane adjacent to or including the central plane, showing specific mounting locations that allow the first loudspeaker 62 and the second loudspeaker 68 to avoid problems associated with acoustic reflection by the face shield 24. The first loudspeaker 62 and the second loudspeaker 68 are each positioned directly below the lower end 26 of the face shield 24. The upper end 82 of the gown 32 is secured between the face shield 24 and the chin bar 42. The material described for fabricating the gown 32 transmits significantly more sound energy than the material used for the face shield 24, and therefore, the placement of the first loudspeaker 62 and the second loudspeaker 68 inside the gown 32 allows the first loudspeaker 62 and the second loudspeaker 68 to be physically protected (from splashes of blood or bodily fluids or physical damage) without significantly affecting their function.

[0110]

[0177] The personal protection system 660 is illustrated in the assembled configuration shown in Figure 47. The cuff 662 extends to terminate at an elastic inner circumference 664 that forms an arc-shaped elastic window. An elastic band 666 is attached to the cuff 662 (e.g., by sewing) and has a central snap 668, which is configured to secure the cuff 662 to the support portion 670 via an adjacent, but not illustrated, cooperating snap held in the support portion 670. The elastic inner circumference 664 is configured to fit snugly around the user's neck or lower head to form a protected internal space 672. In some cases, the elastic inner circumference 664 can be worn over the user's ears. In other cases, the elastic outer circumference can be worn below the user's ears. In other cases, the elastic inner circumference 664 can be pulled over the user's ears or substantially above the user's ears. This particular positioning above the ear is useful, for example, when the user needs to use a stethoscope, which requires access to both ears and extends below them. In some cases, a stethoscope with plug-in earphones and Bluetooth® for wireless use may be used. The positioning is also useful when the user is using one or more earphones (e.g., over-ear or plug-in earphones), so that an assistant can remove one of the earphones at some point during the procedure. Alternatively, if the user is using only one earphone, the user can choose to pull the elastic inner circumference 664 above one ear and below the other. In some embodiments, a woven fabric covering 674 can be supported on the support portion 670. In other embodiments, the cuff 662 may be integrated with the woven fabric covering 674 such that a window formed by the elastic inner circumference 664 is first positioned over the user's head, and then the woven fabric covering 674 is attached to the top of the support portion 670 (for example, stretched over it), and a face shield (not shown) is attached to the support portion 670. An adjustable strap 676 can be used to create a proper fit around the user's head.By combining the cuff 662 with the face shield, the disposability of parts of the personal environmental protection system 660 (face shield, cuff 662, woven fabric covering 674), which may be more difficult to clean or maintain, is made possible, while the reusability of the support portion 670, which is easier to clean and reuse, is maintained. As an alternative to the battery 67 being supported on the chin bar 42 in the embodiments of Figures 44-45, the battery 667 is supported in a recess 678 or pocket inside the support portion 670. The support portion 670 can be molded with one or more recesses 678 to minimize the overall weight and increase ease of molding (such as a certain wall thickness). Therefore, placing the battery 667 inside the recess 678 utilizes this hidden space to conceal and protect the battery.

[0111]

[0178] Figure 48 illustrates a personal protection system 900 comprising a head support 902 and a face shield 904. A video projector 906 is supported by the head support 902 such that the projection lens 908 of the projector 906 faces the inner surface 910 of the face shield 904. Thus, the face shield 904 functions as a projection screen for the user 12. In an alternative embodiment, the personal projection system 900 may incorporate an extender 806, as shown in Figures 32-35, to create a greater distance between the inner surface 910 of the face shield 904 and the eyes 15 of the user 12. The projector 906 may include any standard palm-sized or micro-projector and may be powered by batteries 67, 667 or by an external power source via a power cable. In an alternative embodiment, the projector 906 (or additional projector) may extend outside the face shield 904 and be configured to project onto the outer surface 912 of the face shield 904, for example, to provide visualizations of information or procedural videos to other people in the room. In certain embodiments, an audio communication system 914, such as one of those described in the embodiments of Figures 42–46, is provided together with the visual communication system 916 (internal surface 910 and projector 906), thereby giving the user 12 complete self-contained communication capabilities. In some embodiments, the NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) PAPR100 communication performance standard is included.

[0112]

[0179] The voice communication system 914 and / or the visual communication system 916 may be configured to provide the user 12 with messages such as voice messages or text messages. The voice communication system 914 may be configured to record and / or transmit voice messages or commands spoken by the user 12. The voice communication system 914 may also communicate with the user 12's smartphone or any mobile communication system, for example, via Bluetooth®. The user 12's location and other information such as the user 12's biometric characteristics, such as pulse (heart rate), respiratory rate and body temperature (for example, via GPS tracking), may be collected, stored, and updated on the processor 918, or carried on the head support 902. Thus, a heart rate monitor, loudspeaker, or thermometer may be utilized. The communication system may be configured to operate on an iOS device, an Android device, or an internal network. Figure 68 shows an alternative embodiment of the personal protection system 900, similar to the personal protection system 935 but further comprising a colored face shield 939, which may include colored or dyed plastic. This coloring is useful in situations where additional eye protection is needed, for example, to protect against damage from laser light exposure. This may include healthcare or general industrial applications. Figure 69 shows an alternative embodiment of personal protection system 900, which is similar to personal protection system 937 but further includes a face shield 941 formed from a transparent sheet 943, but having a colored or dyed covering sheet 945. The covering sheet 945 is fixed to the transparent sheet 943 by an adhesive backing 949 and is peelable from the transparent sheet 943, but can be peeled off using a peel tab 947. In some embodiments, two or more covering sheets 945 can be used, with the first covering sheet 945 bonded to the transparent sheet 943, and each subsequent covering sheet 945 mounted on top of the previous covering sheet 945.

[0113]

[0180] Figure 49 illustrates a personal protection system 920 comprising a head support 922 and a face shield 924. The face shield 924 is coupled to the head support 922 via an extender 926 similar to the extender 806 in Figures 32-35. A cuff 928 is coupled to the face shield 924, similar to the cuffs 629, 662 in the embodiments of Figures 28-29 and Figure 47. The user 12 is wearing an in-lens magnifier 930 connected to eyeglasses 931 which may have prescription or non-prescription lenses. The extender 926 increases the space between the user 12 and the face shield 924, allowing the magnifier 930 to be easily accommodated and adjusted. The user 12 can adjust the magnifier 930 without touching it by holding the cuff 928 between the user's hand and the magnifier 930. In other words, the user 12 grasps the magnifier 930 using the cuff 928 as a hand cover. The magnifying glass 930 may also utilize the light 932. Although the light 932 is shown separately from the magnifying glass 930 in Figure 49, the magnifying glass 930 itself may, alternatively or additionally, carry the light. The head support 922 may also carry the camera 933 (see Figure 52).

[0114]

[0181] Alternate lights 932a, 932b, shown in Figure 50, are supported on the extender 926 and provide beams 934a, 934b that converge into the field of view. Thus, the pair of lights 932a, 932b maximize intensity and optimize the ability to focus into the field of view. In some embodiments, the lights 932a, 932b are each adjustable so that the beams 934a, 934b are oriented to different areas with some overlap or no overlap. Figure 51 shows details of the front portion of the extender 926. The extender 926 provides several control units 936 that are easily accessible to the user 12 for operation. The control units 936 may include diaphragm switches, which may be set to on / off toggles or hold-down on / release off. A telephone dialer button 938 allows a call to be started, paused, or ended. A first connection button 940 may be configured to connect to a first individual or office (e.g., administration) for two-way communication. The second connection button 942 may be configured to connect to a second individual or office (e.g., a report), or it may be configured to automatically start recording to prompt a case report. The on / off of either of these control units 936 may instead be activated by voice.

[0115]

[0182] The light on / off button 944 is configured to turn the light 932 on or off. In other embodiments, the button 944 may, alternatively or additionally, operate other lighting, including the ability to dim or turn on or off the lighting in the treatment room. The camera button 946 is configured to start, pause, or stop the camera 933. The record button 948 is configured to start, pause, or stop recording video and / or audio. Referring to Figure 52, the camera 933 is mounted on top of the extender 926 to enable recording as the procedure is performed. Training material can be developed by turning on the camera at key points in the procedure and recording only the most important elements. Corresponding audio commentary can also be recorded simultaneously (e.g., via the voice communication system 914). The extender 926 works to make the head support 922 adaptable to various different setups. The first setup may be incorporated using a face shield 924 mounted directly to the head support 922 without having the extender 926. For example, if more space is needed to accommodate a magnifying glass 930 or other equipment or facewear / glasses, an extender 926 may be incorporated between the face shield 924 and the head support 922. The user 12 can give voice commands to turn the camera 933 on or off, the light 932 on or off, or otherwise change how they are used (darkness, brightness). In some embodiments, voice commands can be used to change the magnification of the magnifying glass, for example, "zoom to 3x" or "zoom to 5x".

[0116]

[0183] Figures 53–55 illustrate a hood 350 having one or more adhesive strips 84 supported on the lower portion 86 of the hood 350. The adhesive strips 84 include a peelable covering strip 88, which is shown in Figure 53 to be removed by a peeling section 90. The user (or assistant) places the hood 350 over the user's head and then peels off (or has something else peel off) the covering strip 88. As shown in Figure 54, the user or assistant places the gown 50 on top of the hood 350 so that the first opening portion 91 slides over the top of the hood 350, and then the opening upper portion 351 of the gown 50, which has the opening 92 and inner surface 94, slides over the hood 350. Next, as shown in Figure 55, the inner surface 94 is bonded to the adhesive strip 84, forming a substantially continuous covering 93 from the top portion 38 of the hood 350 to the lower portion 96 of the gown 50. There are no bonds that need to be joined, and the gown fitting process is significantly shortened by bonding the inner surface 94 to the adhesive strip 84. One or more adhesive strips 84 may consist of a single substantially circumferential outer strip on the lower portion 86 of the hood 350, or a series of smaller strips arranged around the lower portion 86 of the hood 350. Once the use of the hood 350 and gown 50 is complete, the user or assistant simply removes the substantially continuous covering 93 with the hood 350 and gown 50. In the event of contamination, the hood 350 and gown 50 can be removed without the possibility of contact with the contaminated area, thus eliminating many standard attachment and removal steps. Furthermore, the significant reduction in the number of steps saves considerable time.

[0117]

[0184] Figure 56 illustrates a personal environmental protection system 752 with a support portion 754 and a jaw bar 756. A light 758 is supported by the support portion 754 and configured to provide additional lighting for procedures performed by the user. A filter frame 760 is supported on the support portion 754 and includes a series of ribs 762, the ribs 762 defining spaces 764 between the ribs 762 configured to allow circulation of filtered air. A fan (not shown) is configured to cause airflow inside the system 752. A filter cartridge / hood assembly 766 (Figure 57) contains a filter cartridge 768 inside a hood 770 and is configured to seat sealably on top of the filter frame 760. In Figure 57, the filter cartridge / hood assembly 766 is positioned on the support portion 754, and in Figure 58, the filter cartridge / hood assembly 766 is sealably coupled to the filter frame 760. Returning to Figure 56, the circumferential groove or seat 772 extends continuously around the lip 774 of the filter frame 760. As seen in Figure 57, the inner circumferential projection 776 is configured to seat within the groove 772. In some cases, the projection 776 is configured to snap into the groove 772. In an alternative embodiment, the lip 774 of the filter frame 760 may have the projection 776, and the filter cartridge / hood assembly 766 may have the groove 772. A circular retainer 778 (an O-ring, or alternatively a continuous circular spring or elastic / rubber band) is configured to forcibly snap around the outer portion 765 of the filter cartridge / hood assembly 766, pushing the circumferential projection 776 into the circumferential groove 772 and holding the filter cartridge / hood assembly 766 and the filter frame 760 together in a sealed state. Furthermore, the retainer 778 ensures that the filter cartridge 768 does not displace even when force is applied to it. As shown in Figure 58, the hood 770 extends vertically and is configured to cover at least the user's shoulder area.The filter cartridge / hood assembly 766 can be removed by removing the retainer 778 and then pulling the filter cartridge / hood assembly 766 away from the filter frame 760.

[0118]

[0185] LEDs 780 are arranged on the jaw bar 756 and are configured to illuminate to notify the user or other healthcare personnel of specific events. For example, one or more yellow LEDs may illuminate if sufficient airflow cannot be maintained. The battery charge level may be indicated by the number of illuminated green LEDs (e.g., 3 if fully charged, 2 or 1 if not charged). A red LED may illuminate if there is no charge or the charge is very low (e.g., approximately 15 minutes remaining). The LEDs may be combined with voice control to indicate the status of the procedure as determined and explained by the user / attending physician. If the light 758 contains one or more LEDs themselves, the airflow within the personal environmental protection system 752 may further be configured (molded, oriented) to cool the LEDs within the light 758 using forced convection.

[0119]

[0186] Figures 59–61 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the personal environmental protection system 752, similar to the personal environmental protection system 952 but with an inverted sealing surface. The O-ring seal 978 is supported on a circumferential groove or sheet 772. In some embodiments, the inner diameter 955 of the O-ring seal 978 may be permanently fixed to the sheet 772, for example, using a flexible silicone or urethane adhesive. The inner circumferential surface 959 of the filter cartridge / hood assembly 966 is configured to coincide with the outer diameter 957 of the O-ring seal 978. As shown in Figure 61, when the O-ring seal 978 is sealed by coordinating with the inner circumferential surface 959, the outer portion 961 of the filter cartridge / hood assembly 966 expands. In some embodiments, the O-ring seal 978 may instead be by an elastic circular ridge that is molded or fixed directly onto the support portion 754.

[0120]

[0187] In the embodiments shown in Figures 53-61, the adhesive strip 84, circular retainer 778, or O-ring seal 978 not only allow for easier setup, cleaning, and removal, but also provide a more secure seal, allowing air to circulate only within the desired area.

[0121]

[0188] Figure 62 illustrates a user 12 wearing an alternative personal environmental protection system 960, which is similar to the system 34 and hood 350 of Figure 41 but includes a hood 962 configured to improve acoustic properties. The hood 962 is secured to a silicone circle 968 having a slit 970 along a circular seam 967. In other embodiments, the seam 967 and the silicone circle 968 may be non-circular in shape (square, rectangle, etc.). The silicone circle 968 may comprise a silicone sheet having a thickness of about 0.25 cm to about 2 cm, or about 0.50 cm to about 1 cm. Silicone can be used instead of another elastomer or flexible material such as polyurethane or latex. The seam 967 is sealed and fixed to the silicone, and the slit 970 is normally closed. As shown in Figure 63, the shaft 971 (ear tube) of the stethoscope 972 is positioned through a slit 970, which allows the earpiece 974 to pass through and then slide into the ear 976 of the user 12. The silicone expands or stretches, and the slit 970 substantially seals or at least closes the area around the shaft 971 to a degree sufficient to maintain the interior of the hood 962 substantially isolated from ambient air. Not shown, there are two silicone rings 968 with slits 970, one on each side of the hood 962, to accommodate both shafts 971 of the bi-ear stethoscope 972. When the use of the stethoscope 972 is no longer required, the shaft 971 and earpiece 974 may be removed, and the slit 970 returns substantially to their original closed configuration. The silicone ring 968 is shown attached to the outside of the material of the hood 962 in Figure 63, but it may instead be attached to the inside, to both sides, or even in a flush manner.

[0122]

[0189] Figure 64 illustrates an embodiment of a support portion 36 (e.g., a helmet) for a personal environmental protection system 960 having curved air channels 975 within a space 977 between ribs 979. The channels 975 may be pre-formed by molding or, in some embodiments, may comprise a slipped tube or baffle surface in a certain portion within the space 977. The channels 975 work to reduce the intensity of sound generated by the airflow by minimizing eddy or turbulent areas and increasing laminar flow. Thus, communication is improved by the user 12 having less interfering internal sound. Furthermore, when used with the voice communication system disclosed herein, less interfering internal sound is picked up by the internal loudspeaker that will be heard by others. Each channel 975 may have an inlet 985 and an outlet 987. Figure 65 illustrates alternative feature portions available with the support portion 36 with or without channels 975. An external acoustic silencer 981 is incorporated within the upper part 38 of the support portion 36. The silencer 981 may comprise acoustic foam and / or acoustic adhesive. A second silencer 983 located inside the support portion 36 may be utilized (or alternatively utilized). The second silencer 983 may include acoustic foam formed to also tightly grip the head 22 of the user 12. The channel 975 or silencers 981, 983 may be configured to reduce the intensity of sound heard by the ears 976 of the user 12 by only 3 dB, or by only 6 dB, or between approximately 3 dB and approximately 6 dB. In some embodiments, the channel 975 may comprise a silencer comprising a thin, rigid tube having soundproofing material inside.

[0123]

[0190] Figure 66 shows a personal protection system 901 having a head support 16 and a face shield 518. The blower 903, equipped with a motor 905, is configured to circulate air through a filter cartridge 907 (Figure 67). As described herein, communication in a personal protection setting can be important. Furthermore, the user 12 may need to hear smooth (soft) or precise sounds, such as those obtained by listening with a stethoscope. Therefore, at times it may be desirable to quiet the noise produced by the force-air system, including the blower 903, to allow for better listening by the user 12 for auditory accuracy. The noise may include airflow and / or motor operation. A button 909 supported on the chin bar 42 provides a switch electrically coupled to the motor 905 of the blower 903. To maintain positive pressure across a wide range of activity levels and associated varying respiratory rates, the PAPR system may sometimes require an airflow of more than approximately 200 liters per minute. Button 909 may be pressed by user 12 (or support staff) to reduce the level of fan operation, and therefore reduce the amount of noise generated. In some embodiments, pressing button 909 reduces the output of fan 903 to less than 125 liters / minute, significantly reducing the intensity of the sound caused by the forced air. In some embodiments, button 909 may be a three-position switch with the following settings: Off, Low, High. In other embodiments, there may be four or more positions: Off, Low, Medium, High.

[0124]

[0191] In other embodiments, the microprocessor 911 is coupled to the button 909 and the blower 903 and configured to execute a subroutine that automatically reduces the operation of the blower (e.g., to a low speed) for a specific period of time (e.g., 5 minutes, 3 minutes, 1 minute, 30 seconds, or 15 seconds). An increase to a high level is then automatically triggered. In some embodiments, a sound intensity meter (dB meter) 913 coupled to the microprocessor 911 measures the sound intensity inside the inner region of the head support 16 and face shield 518 and proportionally adjusts the power supplied to the blower 903 to lower the internal sound intensity below a target level. In some embodiments, the microprocessor 911 includes a logic controller. Thus, the feedback loop enables automatic adjustment of the sound level. The button 909 can be configured so that a first position (or toggle) operates the feedback loop, and a second position (or toggle) turns the feedback loop off. In some embodiments, the button 909 may be coupled to the blower 903 and / or microprocessor 911 via Bluetooth® communication or other wireless means. In some embodiments, operation may be controlled via voice control, such as "operate the feedback loop" or "operate the blower at a low level."

[0125]

[0192] While the foregoing is directed toward embodiments of the present disclosure, other embodiments and further embodiments can be devised without departing from their basic scope. For example, embodiments having a communication system (voice, visual, etc.) may incorporate any style of face shield (snap-on, seal, dyed, etc.).

[0126]

[0193] Furthermore, the scope disclosed herein includes any and all overlaps, sub-scopes, and combinations thereof. Language such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” and “between” includes the enumerated numbers. Numbers preceded by terms such as “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” as used herein include the enumerated numbers (e.g., about 10% = 10%) and represent amounts close to the stated amount that still perform the desired function or achieve the desired result. For example, the terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” may refer to amounts that are less than 10%, less than 5%, less than 1%, less than 0.1%, and less than 0.01% of the stated amount.

[0127]

[0194] For the purposes of this disclosure and the attached claims, the conjunction “or” should be interpreted inclusively (for example, “apple or orange” should be interpreted as “apple, or orange, or both”). For example, “apple, orange, or avocado” should be interpreted as “apple, orange, or avocado, or any two, or all three,” unless: (i) expressly specify otherwise; for example, use “...or,” “one of the two,” or similar terms; or (ii) two or more of the enumerated options are mutually exclusive in a particular context, in which case “or” should encompass only combinations that include non-mutually exclusive options. For the purposes of this disclosure and the attached claims, the words “equip,” “include,” “have,” and variations thereof should be interpreted as unrestricted terms wherever they appear, in the same sense as if the phrase “at least” were attached after each example.

Claims

1. In personal protection systems, a support configured to engage a user's head, the support having a ventral surface; a face shield coupled to the support; a projector carried by the support and configured to project onto an interior surface of the face shield; an extender configured to couple the face shield to the support, the extender having an inner side configured to closely conform to the ventral surface of the support and including a thickness configured to increase a distance between the inner surface of the face shield and the user's eyes; A personal protection system comprising:

2. 10. The personal protection system of claim 1, wherein the interior of the extender comprises a recess.

3. 3. The personal protection system of claim 2, wherein the ventral surface of the support comprises a convex portion.

4. 4. The personal protection system of claim 1, further comprising one or more hooks carried on the extender, the face shield comprising one or more holes configured to connect to the one or more hooks.

5. 5. The personal protection system of claim 4, wherein the one or more hooks comprise a center hook.

6. 6. The personal protection system of claim 5, wherein the one or more holes comprises a central hole, and the central hook is configured to lock into the central hole.

7. 7. The personal protection system of claim 6, wherein the central hook is configured to be rotated to lock into the central hole.

8. 8. The personal protection system of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the extender is configured to increase the distance between the inner surface of the face shield and the user's nose.

9. 9. The personal protection system of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the extender is configured to increase the distance between the inner surface of the face shield and the user's mouth.

10. 10. The personal protection system of claim 1, further comprising a user operable control carried by the extender.

11. In personal protection systems, a support configured to engage a user's head, the support having a ventral surface; a face shield coupled to the support; a projector carried by the support and configured to project onto an interior surface of the face shield; an extender configured to couple the face shield to the support, the extender having an interior configured to closely conform to the ventral surface of the support and including a thickness configured to increase a volume between the interior surface of the face shield and the face of the user; A personal protection system comprising:

12. 12. The personal protection system of claim 11, wherein the interior of the extender comprises a recess.

13. 13. The personal protection system of claim 12, wherein the ventral surface of the support comprises a convex portion.

14. 14. The personal protection system of any one of claims 11 to 13, further comprising one or more hooks carried on the extender, the face shield comprising one or more holes configured to connect to the one or more hooks.

15. 15. The personal protection system of claim 14, wherein the one or more hooks comprise a center hook.

16. 16. The personal protection system of claim 15, wherein the one or more holes comprise a central hole, and the central hook is configured to lock into the central hole.

17. 17. The personal protection system of claim 16, wherein the central hook is configured to be rotated to lock into the central hole.

18. 18. The personal protection system of any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the thickness of the extender is configured to increase the distance between the inner surface of the face shield and the user's nose.

19. 19. The personal protection system of any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the increased volume is configured to promote air flow to reduce fogging of the face shield.

20. 20. A personal protection system according to any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein the increased volume is configured to promote air flow to reduce increases in internal carbon dioxide levels.

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