Personal protection system including hood with transparent face shield and control buttons on face shield

Abstract

To provide a personal protection system including a helmet to which a garment is attached.SOLUTION: A helmet 32 includes an electrically-driven assembly such as a fan. At least one of buttons 120 and 134 for adjusting operation of the electrically-driven assembly is attached to a face shield 110 of a garment 102. The helmet 32 includes a detector which is connected to the buttons 120 and 134 and monitors a state of the buttons 120 and 134. When the buttons 120 and 134 are depressed, the detector transmits a signal to a control device for adjusting operation of the electrically-driven assembly. Then, the control device sets an operation state of the assembly so that the assembly operates in a state desired by a wearer of a personal protection system based on depression of the control buttons 120 and 134.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to personal protection systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a personal protection system. The system includes a helmet and a removable hood. The hood is attached to the driver's seat and is secured to the driver's seat. The device has buttons that are actuated to control the operation of the device. [Background technology]

[0002] During medical and surgical procedures, medical personnel use assemblies known as personal protective systems. This type of assembly may include a helmet. However, the helmet is placed over the head to at least cover the head of the wearer. A garment that extends only to the waist or below the waist is sometimes called a hood. The garment in use is called a gown or toga. The garment may be worn in any length. The garment is fitted with a transparent face shield and is made of fabric that is transparent to the HCW and the surrounding environment. The face shield is designed to provide a barrier between the surgical site and the patient. It is the transparent portion of this barrier that allows one to see where the material is being removed.

[0003] Barriers provide benefits to both patients and medical personnel. Barriers can occur during surgery. Virtually eliminates the possibility of healthcare personnel coming into contact with fluids or solid particles from the patient. Every healthcare professional inevitably encounters microscopic and near-microscopic necrotic skin cells, sweat droplets, and saliva. The barrier provided by the personal protection system is exposed to allow surgery to be performed. This virtually eliminates the possibility of the material being deposited on normally concealed tissues of the patient. Limiting the exposure of a patient's internal tissues to the material, thereby preventing the material from infecting the tissue. This will similarly reduce the likelihood of

[0004] If a healthcare worker simply wears a garment over his or her head, the inevitable effects of breathing on the worker's breathing will be felt. As a result, carbon dioxide and water vapor will inevitably accumulate within the garment. However, medical personnel, especially those performing surgery, are subject to the adverse effects of excessive exposure to carbon dioxide. If moisture vapor accumulates in the garment, it will then travel to the face. These droplets form and condense on the inner surface of the face shield. This may reduce visibility into the

[0005] The undesirable accumulation of carbon dioxide and water vapor within the garment of the personal protective system To avoid undesirable results, the fan is attached to the helmet of the personal protection system. The fan blows fresh air into the space within the garment, specifically around the head of the person wearing the system. This air, which contains carbon dioxide and water vapor, is sucked into the space between the The system is forced to expel air from around the head of the wearer. An example of such a system is US Pat. These are described in references 1 and 2, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. All of these personal protection systems are to be fitted with protective gear around the person wearing the system. Provides a barrier to prevent unwanted build-up of carbon dioxide and water vapor within the garment. It has become.

[0006] The personal protection system shall have at least one or more control buttons or switches. At a minimum, most personal protection systems have a control that is depressed by the person wearing the system. A button is provided that allows the wearer to control the speed of the fan. This is desirable because the wearer usually does not want the fan to ensure that the environment inside the hood is You want to set the fan to run at a high enough speed that you are comfortable with it. At the same time, the wearer notices that the noise generated by the fan significantly reduces their ability to concentrate on the ongoing operation. You don't want to set the fan to run at such a high speed that it interferes with the operation. A supplementary device may be attached to the helmet of the personal protection system. The wearer may be aware that during some procedures this light source may be directed outwards. It has been found that this light source is useful for illuminating tissue in the surgical field. One reason it is useful is to observe the color of tissue and determine the type and / or health of the tissue. The helmet of the personal protection system can assist the practitioner by Another type of auxiliary unit that may be attached to a computer is a unit equipped with a microphone. Some of these units are radio transceivers. Therefore, the person wearing the personal protective system must not expose other personnel in or outside the operating room where the surgery is being performed. This is useful because the person wearing the personal protection system When used, the presence of a hood over the wearer can make it difficult to speak louder in order to be heard. As an alternative unit with a microphone, an amplifier and a loudspeaker. The user can speak through the hood to the immediate environment. Even if a person wearing a personal protection system talks by normal voice, the sound will not spread around the head of the person wearing the system. Other means can be provided to ensure that the signal can be heard through the existing hood. Cut.

[0007] Each of these devices typically requires that the wearer of the personal protective system determine the operational status of the device. It has one or more buttons so that it can be controlled. The fan includes at least one control button for controlling the speed of the fan. If the helmet is equipped with a light source, a button for controlling the on / off state of the light source is provided. If the helmet were to transmit speech as radio waves or simply amplify and transmit the speech, the assembly would be If your computer has a built-in controller, it will typically have a button that controls the on / off state of this assembly. It will be established.

[0008] Also, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,633, some personal protection unit helmets are and a cooling module, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. These cooling means typically consist of one or more Peltier cooling modules. When this type of helmet is worn, the heat dissipation part of the cooling module The module is designed to be adjacent to, if not in contact with, the skin of the wearer. When the heat source is turned on, it takes away the heat energy from the wearer. The personal protection system can easily maintain the wearer's body temperature within a comfortable range. When a system includes one or more of these cooling modules, the system typically One or more devices that allow the wearer to customize the rate at which the device removes heat from the wearer. It has multiple buttons.

[0009] In one current implementation, one or more buttons associated with a personal protection system are Once the personal protection system is donned, the button The garment is covered by the hood portion of the garment. Patent Document 4, which is related to the US Pat. No. 5,399,433, discloses a personal protection system in which a control button is attached to the outer surface of a helmet. More specifically, these buttons are positioned above and at the ears of the helmet wearer. The helmet is attached to the helmet some distance behind the driver's seat. When the wearer wishes to press the ear, the wearer must move the hand outside the sterile field to a position above the ear. (The sterile field is generally the anterior space between the waist and neck of the person wearing the garment.) If the person If the is located near a suspended device such as a light source, when you move your hand to the button, Care must be taken to ensure that the hand does not inadvertently come into contact with the light source. If this occurs, the wearer's hands, even if gloved, cannot be considered sterile. This causes an interruption in surgery as the gloved person puts on the gloves again.

[0010] Having to position your hand in order to press the button creates additional discomfort. Because these buttons are located adjacent to the ears, This is because it puts the helmet wearer out of the line of sight. This is because the wearer needs to place their hand precisely in order to press the button. This means that the wearer cannot rely on visual cues to position themselves in the right position. When this type of system is used, some surgeons prefer to have the procedure performed by a circulating nurse outside the sterile field. Sometimes, the person in charge may be asked to press a control button to adjust the operational status of the personal protection system. This will help the surgeon who must focus on proper hand placement to perform the procedure.

[0011] The lack of these visual cues also makes it difficult for the surgeon to automatically press the desired control button. This potential confusion can make it difficult to press the button with confidence. The number of control buttons that tend to be mounted on the helmet of the protection system is limited. A limited number of buttons limits the number of control options available to the wearer of the system. Limited.

[0012] The aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,433, which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a button provided at the bottom portion of the chin bar. The present invention discloses a personal protection system that is attached to the chin bar. The chin bar extends downward from the shell. It has a U-shaped structure. The helmet typically has a chin bar that, when worn, is on either side of the face. The chin bar is designed to extend downwardly from a location spaced outwardly and forwardly of the The at least semi-rigid beam is disposed in front of the wearer's chin and somewhat The primary purpose of the chin bar is to provide structural support for the face shield. More specifically, the chin bar is adapted to prevent the face shield from being caught on the face of a user wearing the personal protective system. It is a structural element of the helmet that prevents it from slipping inwards relative to the helmet. The system is fitted with fastening elements on the face shield that temporarily hold the garment to the helmet. Many of these personal protection systems are designed to be fixed with an integral chin bar. The fastening elements are adapted to engage complementary fastening elements attached to the face shield of the garment. , has been designed.

[0013] When the control button is attached to a chin bar, the button is often located below the wearer's chin. The button is located within the web of the bar that is positioned so that the wearer who wishes to press the button can Press the button by lifting your face and pressing on the part of the garment that covers the button. The advantage of positioning the control button in this manner is that a wearer wishing to press the button The advantage of this is that the hands are not moved to positions that are obviously outside the sterile field. The hand is within the wearer's field of vision because it is substantially in front of the wearer's face during the process. Relying at least in part on vision, the hand must be positioned quickly and accurately for actuation. You can press the target button.

[0014] Considering its relative accessibility, a chin bar mounted control button is preferred. Personal protection systems that use ionizing radiation are generally easier to use alternatives than their predecessors. Nevertheless, in some surgical procedures, significant amounts of fluid are expelled from the patient toward the wearer. These fluids include irrigation fluids that are contaminated with blood and other fluids. Small tissue particles may also be expelled from the patient. When this material is expelled, If the system functions as intended, the fluid will not come into contact with the skin or clothing of the person wearing the system. Instead, it is attached to the garment. The wearer wishes to press a button attached to the chin bar. The problem is that the part of the garment with the fluid must be pressed down. Such pressure from the thumb or finger may also allow fluids or other contaminants to penetrate the garment. To ensure that no damage is caused, it is actually more durable than some traditional commercially available garments. It is necessary to make the garment from a less permeable material. They are less breathable than traditional garments. This loss of breathability can last for a long time. Over time, the personal protective system may cause discomfort to the wearer. However, this material is more expensive than the materials from which garments are made according to the prior art. Constructing the garment from this expensive material increases the cost of the garment.

[0015] In addition, some personal protection systems require the user to connect a battery pack to the helmet. The fan is adapted to be activated as soon as the garment is attached to the helmet. This occurs even if the fan is not positioned over the head and the seat. This will result in excessive noise and may cause system interference even if the operation of the fan serves no useful purpose. This will result in a depletion of the charge stored in the stem battery. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0016] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 6,481,019 / International Patent Application Publication No. 2001 / 052675 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 7,735,156 / International Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 011646 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 221,266 (U.S. Publication No. ___________) / International Patent Application No. PCT / US2016 / 052491 (International Publication No. 2017 / 053232) [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent No. 6,418,019 / International Patent Application Publication No. 2001 / 011646 Summary of the Invention

[0017] The present invention relates to a new and useful personal protection system. is used in surgical situations to provide a sterile barrier between the wearer and the environment. The personal protection system of the present invention is of a type that can control the operational state of the system. The system has one or more buttons for controlling the wearer's movement. The buttons of the system are The device is positioned so as to be easily accessible by the user and the device is activated by pressing a button. It is clear that the material on the button does not push into the barrier formed by the system. are placed in place.

[0018] The personal protection system of the present invention comprises a garment and a helmet. , adapted to cover at least the helmet and at least the head of the helmet wearer There are electrically operated components located within the helmet. Typically, these components The components are adapted to regulate the environment within at least the garment. The face shield is made of clear plastic. There are.

[0019] The present invention further comprises at least one control button attached to the face shield. One or more electrical conductors disposed on the face shield extend from each button. These conductors extend to contacts attached to the face shield. The face shield contacts are provided with complementary contacts to the face shield contacts. It is electrically connected to a control device attached to the helmet.

[0020] The user of this personal protection system first puts on the helmet to protect himself from the system. The system is then prepared for use. The garment is placed over the helmet. As a result of being worn over a helmet, the face shield contacts engage with the helmet contacts. In this way, each button is connected to a control device.

[0021] When the wearer wishes to set the operational state of an electrically operated component, he / she must Press the appropriate one of the buttons attached to the control panel. This pressing of the button is The control device then appropriately adjusts the operational state of the personal protection system. become.

[0022] The buttons are attached to a layer of plastic so that the wearer can When you press the button, the action causes the material adjacent to the button to be pushed by the face shield. You don't feel like you're being pushed into any part of the barrier.

[0023] In some aspects of the invention, the contacts hold the face shield to the helmet and / or The face shield is integrated with components that align the face shield with the helmet. In some embodiments, complementary face shield and helmet contacts are provided to connect the face shield to the helmet. The conductive component also provides an engagement to physically hold the lumet. In the present invention, the face shield contacts are face shield features that perform a fastening function and / or an alignment function. Such features may be openings or notches in the face shield. The helmet is designed to have complementary tabs that seat in openings or notches in the face shield. The helmet contacts are located adjacent to the tabs. Helmet contact points as a result of the helmet tabs seating within the openings or notches in the face shield. The face shield engages complementary contacts integral with the face shield.

[0024] In some aspects of the invention, each button is connected to two electrical conductors formed on the face shield. These geometric features are arranged close to each other. A detector is integrated into the helmet. The detector measures the signal passing through the terminal structure. A change in state can be detected by measuring the capacitance or This may be due to a change in the state of a variable such as resistance. By placing a thumb or finger in the vicinity of these geometric features, a button is created. This actuation causes a change in either capacitance or resistance, which is detected by the detector. In response to the detector determining that this change of state has occurred, the detector The terminal structure will send a signal to the controller indicating that the associated button has been pressed.

[0025] The present invention allows the fan to operate only when the garment is worn over the system helmet. It also relates to personal protection systems designed to

[0026] The invention is particularly pointed out in the claims. The above-mentioned and further features and advantages of the invention are set forth herein. The advantages will be understood from the following detailed description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a personal protection system of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view of a helmet of the personal protection system of the present invention; [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the front part of the helmet. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the electrically operated components of the helmet. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the inner surface of a face shield of a garment integrated with the system of the present invention. [Figure 5A] FIG. 13 is a close-up view of an inner portion of the face shield with a number of buttons formed on the face shield by conductive material disposed on the face shield. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a face shield and components attached to the face shield. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a face shield releasably secured to a helmet. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an alternative personal protection system of the present invention without the fabric shell shown. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a helmet of the system of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a contact point integral with the helmet of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 9 shows an inner surface of a face shield of the garment of the system of FIG. 8. [Figure 11A] FIG. 12 shows an enlarged portion of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing releasable attachment of a face shield to the hood of the system of FIG. 8. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the electrical components of an alternative personal protection system of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating diagrammatically some of the components of the personal protection system of the present invention having a garment mounted memory. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 illustrates some of the data stored in memory integral with the garment. [Figure 16]11 is a flow chart illustrating how the controller adjusts the operation of the system in response to data in the garment memory. [Figure 17] 11A-11C show alternative means of achieving connection between electrically active components of the garment and components of the helmet in the personal protection system of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating schematic features of another personal protection system of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 illustrates a helmet of an alternative personal protection system of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a block diagram of electrical components integral to the helmet of FIG. 19. [Figure 21A.21B] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an alternative sensor for detecting the presence of a face shield adjacent to a helmet. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] [I. Basic System] The personal protection system 30 of the present invention is a helmet that is placed over the head of a user who wears the system. The system 30 also includes a garment 102. 102 extends over at least the helmet 32 ​​and the head of a user wearing the system. The garment 102 has a protective layer around the area of ​​the user that is covered by the garment. As shown in FIG. 3, a fan 94 is disposed within the helmet. The fan 94 makes the environment within the garment 102 comfortable for a user wearing the system 30. The garment 102 is adapted to draw air into it to keep it comfortable. .

[0029] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the helmet 32 ​​includes a headband 34. As implied by the reference numeral 34, the headband 34 is attached to the head of a user wearing the system 30. The shell 36 is disposed over the headband 34 and is designed to be worn on the headset. The shell 36 is attached to the headband. The shell 36 is shaped to fit the user's head. The rim 38 is the bottom of the shell 36. The rim 38 is generally The rim 38 is located at or above the level of the headband 34. The shell 36 shown extends circumferentially around the user's head. The web 40 is a part of the shell and covers the helmet 32. The shell 36 has a web 40 that is in contact with the rim 38 and extends beyond the top of the user's head. The shell 36 is formed to extend between opposing front and rear portions. is further formed to have a plurality of pylons 42 projecting forwardly from the rim 38. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, three pylons 42 are provided. The pylon 42 extends forward from the center of the front face of the rim 38. The remaining two pylons 42 are located on either side of the centrally located pylon 42.

[0030] Many portions of the shell 36 are formed to define cavities. The central cavity 52 is formed in the hub 40. The central cavity 52 is the front part of the shell. The shell 36 is disposed near the rear rather than the top. The first portion of the shell 36 is further formed to have an opening 50 that opens into a cavity 52. The cavity 52 is a forward duct 54. The forward duct 54 extends from the central cavity 52 to the shell rim 3. 3. The discharge opening 56 extends into a discharge opening 56 formed in the bottom edge of the shell 36. It is located just below Ron 42.

[0031] A further void in the shell 36 is the rear duct 58. The rear duct 58 extends through the shell 36. Extending rearwardly from a central cavity 52 at the rear of the shell. One or more nozzles 62 are The nozzle 62 is mounted downward from the shell rim 38 and at the rear of the shell 36. The rear duct 58 extends below the area of ​​the headband 34 located below. It extends to route 62.

[0032] A plurality of magnets 64 are attached to the shell 35 (two magnets are shown). One magnet 64 is attached to each pylon 42. Each magnet 62 has a base 65 and The head 66 has a larger diameter than the base 65. As shown in FIG. 3A, each magnet 64 has a base for the magnet attached to an associated pylon. The head 66 is attached so that the part is embedded in the pylon 42. The magnet 64 is located at the front of the base so as to extend forward of the outer surface. In one embodiment of the invention, the magnet 64 is made of a nickel-copper metal. It is made of plated neodymium iron boron.

[0033] A fan 94 is disposed within the central cavity 52 of the shell. A motor 92 rotates a fan 94. When activated, the fan 94 opens. Air is drawn in through the port 50 and sent out through the ducts 54, 58. The air discharged through the front duct 54 is discharged through the opening 56. The air delivered through the rear duct 58 passes through one or more nozzles 62. and is released.

[0034] FIG. 4 shows in block diagram form the electrical components of the helmet 32. These components The element includes three magnets 64. A conductor 82 (one labeled with a part number) supports each magnet. Extending from the stone 64 to a detector 85. The detector 85 detects the signal applied to the detector from the electrical conductor. Specifically, the detector 85 is a detector (described below) integral with the garment 102. As a result of one of the buttons 120, 134 being pressed, the characteristics of the signal across the electrical conductor 82 may change. In one embodiment of the invention, the detector 85 determines whether a change in capacitance has occurred. Specifically, the detector 85 monitors the change in the signal between the magnets 64a and 64b. The change in capacitance as indicated by the change in the characteristic of the signal between magnets 64b and 64c In one embodiment of the present invention, the change in capacitance is indicated by a change in the capacitance of the Eindhoven University in the Netherlands. PCF8883 touch / proximity sensor available from NXP Semiconductor of hoven is used as the detector 85.

[0035] The signal output by the detector 85 is applied to a controller 88. The controller 88: The motor 92 is configured to selectively apply a power supply signal from the battery 86 to the motor 92. Specifically, in response to the signal output by the detector 85, the control device 88 This sets the characteristics of the energizing signal sent from 86 to the motor 92. 4 allows air to pass through the garment at a rate desired by a user wearing the system 30. The system will operate in such a way that a condition where the oil flows smoothly is obtained.

[0036] The battery 86 is often placed around the waist of a user wearing the personal protection system 30. Although not shown and not part of the invention, it should be understood that the cable is 3, the helmet 32 ​​is connected to the terie 86. Also, although not shown and not part of the present invention, A circuit board is disposed within the shell 36, and the detector 85 and the controller 88 are mounted on the circuit board. It is installed.

[0037] Returning to FIG. 1, it should be understood that the garment 102 comprises a shell 104. 1, the outline of shell 104 is shown so that other components of system 30 are visible. The shell 104 is formed from a flexible fabric that can function as a virus barrier. In some embodiments of the present invention, the shell 104, and even the entire garment 102, may be The body covers the helmet 32 ​​and the upper portions of the head and shoulders of the user wearing the system. In these aspects of the invention, the garment 10 2 is called the hood. In another embodiment of the invention, the shell 104 is shaped to have sleeves. In these aspects of the invention, the garment 102 is Although not shown, the garment is usually made of a shell, commonly called a toga. The filter is formed so that it is disposed at a location that covers the web 40 of the cot. are often made from a material that is non-woven polypropylene.

[0038] The portion of the shell shaped to fit the wearer's head is shaped to have an opening 106. A flexible, transparent face shield 110 is secured over the opening 106. In some embodiments of the present invention, the face shield 110 is formed from polycarbonate. One such polycarbonate is marketed by Sabic under the trademark LEXAN. The face shield has a sheet-like structure and is typically 1 mm or less thick. The face shield 110 has an outer periphery overlapping the inner surface of the shell 104 surrounding the opening 106. In FIG. 1, the opening is fixed to the bottom peripheral portion of the face shield. The face shield is represented by the dashed lines above and to the right peripheral area. The connector 110 is adapted to be fixed to the shell.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 5, 5A, and 6, the face shield 110 has a central opening 114 and two A side opening 116 is formed below the upper end of the face shield. The face shield 102 is positioned so that the face shield opening 114 is aligned with the center magnet 64b. Then, when the face shield is bent around the rim 38 of the helmet 32, each of the side openings 116 Each is formed so as to be aligned with one of the side magnets 64a, 64c.

[0040] Two hand-actuable buttons 120, 134 are formed on the face shield 110. Buttons 120 and 134 are located on one side of the face shield. consists of conductive traces formed on the inner surface of the face shield 110. The ink is formed from a graphite-based or silver-based ink and is 1 mm or less, more preferably 0.5 mm or less. The buttons 120 and 134 are provided to allow the face shield 110 to be attached to the shell 1. 04. The button 120 is located on the inside of the face shield 110. The button 120 has a conductive circular disk 122 formed on its inner surface. The disk also includes a conductive ring 126 that partially surrounds the disk. The disk 122 and the ring 12 define an arc extending at least 180° around the disk 122. 6 cooperate to allow a thumb or finger to contact the area of ​​the face shield on which the button 120 is formed. When the signal is applied to the components, a change in the signal across the components occurs. The change in is detectable by detector 85.

[0041] As described in the previous embodiment of the present invention, the detector 85 measures the change in capacitance. Thus, in this embodiment of the invention, detector 85 detects signals passing through disk 122 and ring 126. Detector 85 monitors changes in the characteristics of this signal. In this aspect of the invention, The presence of a thumb or finger changes the dielectric properties between the disk 122 and the ring 126. In these embodiments of the invention, the disk 122 has a diameter between 10 mm and 20 mm. The ring 126 is preferably spaced 1 to 5 mm from the outer periphery of the disk 122. The conductive material forming the ring should have a width in the left-right direction of 1 mm to 5 mm. It would be good to do so.

[0042] The button 134 includes a disk 136 similar to the disk 122. A ring 142, similar to that shown in FIG. Button 134 functions similarly to button 120. When a thumb or finger is pressed against button 134, When placed in the area of ​​the face shield 110, the disk 136 and the ring 142 intersect. A change in capacitance occurs.

[0043] Additionally, a plurality of conductors 124, 128, 144 are formed on the inner surface of the face shield 110. The conductors 124, 128, 144 and the rings 125, 130, 146 (described below) are , are part of the same conductive trace that forms buttons 120 and 134. The electrical conductor extends from the disk 122. The electrical conductor extends up along the side of the face shield. At the top of the face shield, the conductor 124 is oriented toward the center of the face shield. The electrical conductor 124 extends through a conductive ring 125 formed on the inside of the face shield. The ring 125 is disposed around the periphery of the portion of the face shield that defines one of the openings 116. The rings 126 and 142 are both connected to the second conductor 128. Conductor 128 runs along a path essentially parallel to the path of conductor 124. The electrical conductor 128 is connected to a ring 1 formed on the inner surface of the face shield. The ring 130 extends around the periphery of the portion of the face shield that defines the opening 114. A third conductor 144 extends from the disk 136. 44 extends along a path parallel to the paths of conductors 124 and 128. The ring 146 terminates in the same manner as the ring 130. The ring 146 is a second opening. It is disposed around the mouth 116 .

[0044] Also, three magnets 148a, 148b, and 148c are attached to the face shield 110. The magnets 148a, 148b, and 148c are made of the same material as the magnet 64. Each of the magnets 148a, 148b, 148c may have the same or similar shape. The base of magnet 48c is attached to one of openings 114 or 116. The magnet is attached to the face shield 110 so that the head of the magnet extends inward from the inner surface of the face shield. The magnet 148a is in electrical contact with one of the rings 125. Magnet 148b is in electrical contact with ring 130. Magnet 148c is in electrical contact with ring 146. are in physical contact.

[0045] A user first installs the personal protection system of the present invention by putting the helmet 32 ​​on his / her head. 2. Prepare the helmet 30 for use. If necessary, connect the battery 86 to the helmet. The garment 102 is then placed over the helmet 32 ​​and at least the user's head. Again, in the case of the toga style garment 102, the garment is placed around the arms. The process of donning the garment to the user involves covering the As part of the garment, the face shield is bent around the front of the rim 36 of the shell. 10, garment magnets 148a, 148b, and 148c are respectively complementary helmet magnets. Removably fixed to the helmet by pressing against stones 64a, 64b, 64c will be done.

[0046] Magnets 64a, 64b, 64c and 148a, 148b, 148c are arranged in contact with each other. Since the magnets are made of a magnetic material, the magnet pairs that contact each other can be easily moved. FIG. 7 shows the engagement of a pair of magnets, optionally magnets 64c and 148c. This shows the garment 102 releasably attached to the helmet. As a result, the buttons 120 and 134 are connected to the conductors 124, 128, and 144, and the magnets 148 and 64. , and through conductor 82, electrical connection to detector 85 has been achieved. .

[0047] Thus, the user can control the operation of the system 30 by pressing the buttons 120 and 134. In this aspect of the invention, the user can touch button 120. by touching button 134, the motor / fan speed is reduced. Motor / Fan Speed ​​Can Be Increased. The user can increase the speed of the fan 94. When it is desired to activate the button, the finger is moved towards one of the buttons, optionally button 120. The face shield 110 having the disk 122 and ring 126 of the button 120 formed thereon. The presence of the finger on this area changes the dielectric constant characteristics between the disk 122 and the ring 126. This causes a change in the capacitance of the button 120. Again, the detector 85 detects The change in the characteristics of the signal across the conductive disks and rings that form each of the channels 120, 134. The face shield 110 is continuously monitored for changes in the face shape and the amount of pressure applied to the face shield 110. A finger is placed on the area of ​​the face shield 110 that forms the button 120. When the capacitance changes as a result of being pressed, the disk 122 and ring forming the button A change in the characteristics of the signal crossing the loop 126 occurs. In response, detector 85 outputs a signal to controller 88 indicating that this has occurred. The controller 88 receives this signal to allow the user to control the speed of the fan 94, and in effect the speed of the motor 92. This allows the controller 88 to adjust the motor, and therefore , and a power supply signal is applied to the motor 92 to rotate the fan 94 at a higher speed. This will result in the characteristics of the system being redefined.

[0048] In this aspect of the invention, the user presses the button 134 against the area of ​​the face shield in which the button 134 is formed. Placing a finger nearby will slow down the fan speed. The change in capacitance across the disk 136 and ring 142 is detected by the detector 85. This would be interpreted as an indication that data transfer rate 92 should be slowed down.

[0049] When a user of the system 30 of the present invention wishes to set a system state, he or she presses the appropriate button. The user presses against the area of ​​the face shield that forms the girdle 120 or 134. In other words, there is no need to press the fabric part of the garment to change the system state. The user places their fingers on the non-porous components of the face shield 110. The liquid is released into the guard by pressing a finger against the button to change the system state. There is no need to worry about the material seeping into the porous parts of the ment. Eliminating this concern The user must press the button while bodily fluids are present on the part of the body that covers the area where the button is pressed. This similarly eliminates the reluctance to have to move.

[0050] In many embodiments of the present invention, the signal detector 85 applies a signal across each button. This results in less than 100mW of power dissipation across the button. The current across the button is 50 As a result, the signal across the button is relatively low power. and typically, the buttons 120, 134 or conductors 124, 136 extending toward the buttons. 28, 144. One benefit of this is that the cost of providing this layer is avoided. Another advantage of not having to provide this insulating layer is that it can be added to the face shield. The aim of the face shield is to add an additional visual discontinuity. Face shields are ideally completely transparent. It should be understood that there should be minimal visual discontinuities integral to the face shield. By doing so, these discontinuities are prevented from being Minimize the amount of distraction to other parties viewing the user wearing the protective system. can be done.

[0051] [II. First Alternative System] FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative system 178 of the present invention. The system 178 includes a helmet 1 80 and garment 236. Again, other components of system 178 are shown. As can be seen, the shell 238 of the garment 236 is shown in outline only.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 9, the helmet 180 includes a headband 182. The support 184 is supported by the headband 182 and is located above the headband 182. The subassembly consisting of the motor 92 and the fan 94 is housed within the shell 184. A forward bellows 186 extends forwardly from the shell 184. The rose 186 extends to a front nozzle 188. The front nozzle 188 is connected to a headband. The rear bellows 218 extends from the rear of the shell 184 to the front of the shell 182. The aft bellows extends to the aft nozzle 220. The headband 182 is attached to the rear of the headband 182. When the system is activated, the fan draws air through the garment and into the top of the shell 184. The air is discharged through the front bellows 186 and the rear bellows 218, respectively. The air flowing through the front bellows 186 is directed toward the face of the user wearing the system. The air flowing through the rear bellows 218 is exhausted before the rear nozzle 220. The rear nozzle 220 is positioned so as to open below the headband 182. The air discharged from the rear nozzle 220 is directed toward the neck of the user wearing the system. Discharged to the rear.

[0053] The front nozzle 188 of the helmet 180 is provided with a block 185. 5 is part of a nozzle 188 attached to the headband 182 or In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the block is an integral part of the helmet 180. 185 is attached to a strap 183 that is part of the headband 182 .

[0054] The front nozzle 188 is also formed with a tab 216. The tab 216 , which protrudes upward from the leading edge of the nozzle. As shown in FIGS. 0 protrudes outwardly from the top surface of the front nozzle 188. The block 190 includes a tab 216. In FIG. 10, the base of the tab 216 under the block is cut away. 1 is a side view of the block 190 and associated components behind the tab. The front surface of the block 190 is formed with three slots 192. A contact 198 is disposed within each of the slots 192. Each contact 198 is made of a conductive, flexible The contacts 198 are in the form of thin metal strips. The contacts 198 are curved outward. More specifically, the contacts , which is formed to extend forward of the block 190. Typically, the helmet 180 When the garment is not placed over the helmet, the contacts abut the rear surface of the tab 216. Although not shown, in some aspects of the present invention, A plate of metal and a series of webs are placed over block 190. The spring is configured to retain the contact 198 within the slot 192 .

[0055] The helmet 180 includes the detector 85 and the control device described with respect to the first embodiment of the invention. Although not shown, this embodiment of the invention includes electrical conductors similar to electrical conductors 82. It should be understood that connects each contact 198 to the detector 85.

[0056] The helmet 180 includes a chin bar 224 that extends downward from the front of the headband 182. The chin bar 224 is made up of two posts 226 extending from either side of the headband 182. A beam 228 extends between the opposing free ends of the posts 226. The chin bar 224 is configured such that the beam 228 is positioned under and around the chin of a user wearing the system 178. The beam 228 extends from the end of the post 226. Two magnets 234 (one shown) are attached to the chin bar 224. Each magnet 234 is positioned adjacent to an outer end of a beam 228 of the jaw bar 224. It is placed.

[0057] The face shield 240 is formed on the shell 238 of the garment 236 (part number 240 is attached to the shell 238). The face shield 240 is attached to the front of the face shield 240 as shown in FIG. The face shield 240 has the same general shape as the previously described shield 110. The face shield 240 is attached to an opening formed in the shell 238 of the face shield 240. A rectangular opening 242 is further formed so as to be located below the upper end of the holder. The opening 242 is shaped to receive a tab 216 integral with the helmet 180. The face shield 240 is fitted with two magnets 246 extending inwardly from the inner surface of the face shield 240. The components of this aspect of the invention are attached to the helmet tab 21. 6 seats within the face shield opening 242 and the face shield 240 bends around the chin bar 224. When lifted, each of the face shield magnets 246 abuts and engages a complementary one of the magnets 234. They are designed to work together to stop

[0058] The aforementioned buttons 120, 134 are formed on the inner surface of the face shield. Although not shown, disk 122 and ring 126 form button 120, and disk 136 and ring 142 form button 134. Similar to conductor 124, and substantially identical Extending from the disk 122 is a conductor 252 having a shape similar to conductor 128. Extending from the rings 126 and 142 are conductors 254 having substantially the same shape. A conductor 256, similar to conductor 144 and having substantially the same shape, is attached to disk 13. 6. The conductors 252, 254, and 256 are connected to each other at the following points: conductor 2 Each of 52, 254, and 256 covers a portion of the face shield that defines the perimeter of the opening 242. The conductors 124, 128, and 144 differ in that they have terminal ends located at As shown in FIG. 11A, the end of the conductor 252 defines the upper peripheral portion to the right of the opening 242. The electrical conductor 254 terminates over an area of ​​the face shield that defines the aperture 242. The electrical conductor 256 terminates over an area of ​​the face shield that defines the upper portion. It terminates over an area of ​​the face shield that defines the upper peripheral portion to the left of the opening 242 .

[0059] The components forming this aspect of the system include a helmet tab that fits over the face shield opening 242. When fully seated within the contact 198, one end of each of the conductors 252, 254, and 256 contacts the contact 198. They are constructed in a coordinated way, so that each one is lined up in a straight line.

[0060] To use the system 178, the helmet 180 is first placed on the user's head. The garment 236 is initially placed over the user's face. More specifically, the garment The helmet is fitted with a tab 216 that is integral with the helmet when the garment is turned toward the face. The face shield is positioned so that it sits within the opening 242 in the face shield. 2 and is forced into the space between block 190 and tab 216, resulting in The terminal ends of each of the conductors 252, 254, and 256 are integral with and associated with the helmet 180. 12 shows a single conductor, optionally a It shows how the current collector 254 abuts the associated contact 198 .

[0061] Once the face shield 240 is seated over the tabs 216, the garment shell 2 38 shows a helmet 180 (which the system is intended to cover) and the anatomy of the user. The face shield 240 is then stretched around the helmet portion. More specifically, the face shield 240 includes magnets 246 each integral with the face shield. is bent to releasably engage a complementary magnet 236 integral with the helmet 180. As a result of the magnets 236, 246 being so engaged, the face shield 240 is The face shield will be curved in the left and right direction around the head. This curved design increases the field of view outside the face shield for users wearing the system. The curvature of the lower portion of the face shield allows for a better fit between this area of ​​the face shield and the chin. It is limited by the abutment of the bar 224 with the integral beam 228 .

[0062] Engagement of conductors 252, 254, 256 with contacts 198 causes buttons 120, 134 It should be understood that electrical connections are established between the detector 85 and the This embodiment works the same as the first embodiment of the system. If the user changes the fan speed If control is desired, the user presses the appropriate button 120 or 134. In response to a change in capacitance caused by the actuation, the detector 85 sends an appropriate signal to the controller. The controller 88 then adjusts the motor speed based on which button was pressed. This will be the case.

[0063] A further benefit of this system 178 of the present invention is that it provides two functions: The components necessary to provide the physical and electrical connection of the face shield to the The system 178 also reduces the cost of installing the helmet 180. To simplify centering of a face shield (240).

[0064] [II. Second Alternative System] FIG. 13 shows three control buttons 120, 134, 262, and 270 mounted on the face shield. 13, the electrical components of the present invention are shown together with the buttons 120, 122, 124. 34, 262, and 264 are disposed on both sides of the face shield. Respective contacts integral with the helmet and face shield 240 connect the button to the detector 85a. In this aspect of the invention, the helmet includes a light source 26 in addition to the fan motor 92. 6, a communication unit 268, and a cooling strip 272. The light source 266 is typically The face shield 240 is attached to the helmet so as to project a beam of light out of the face shield 240. The communication unit 268 may be an RF transceiver. Alternatively, the communication unit 268 The communication unit may include an amplifier with a speaker. Typically, the microphone is a helmet-mounted microphone 267. 267 is typically attached to the chin bar. Cooling strip 272 is typically attached to the The protective system is made up of components that allow heat to be transferred away from the skin of the person wearing it. One such strip is disclosed in US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 221,266. The contents of this document are incorporated herein by reference. The control device 88a in the same manner controls these subassemblies 92, 266, 268 of the system. , 272.

[0065] In this aspect of the invention, each one of the buttons 120, 134, 262, and 264 is used to Adjust the operation state of each of the motorized subassemblies 92, 266, 268, and 272 of the stem. Optionally, the controller 88a may be configured to When a signal indicating that the fan motor 92 is at its maximum speed is received, the speed of the fan motor 92 is increased. When the button 120 is pressed while rotating at high speed, the controller 88a controls the motor 02 to Resets the energization signal applied to the motor 92 to rotate at the minimum speed. Button 134 Based on the pressing of the button 262, the control device 88a controls the light source 266 to be turned on or off. Based on whether it has been pressed, the controller will activate a transceiver or amplifier integrated with the communications unit 268. Based on the pressing of the button 264, the control device controls the cooling strip 2 The voltage level across the active components of the strip 272 is set to set the heat dissipation capability of the strip 272. Set the rule.

[0066] Thus, the buttons of the system of the present invention can be used to power personal protection systems other than fan motors. It should be understood that the present invention may also be used to control electrically active components. In some embodiments of the present invention, depending on the type of powered assembly that is integrated with the helmet, the assembly A single button on the face shield may be sufficient to control the assembly. do.

[0067] [IV. The Third Alternative System] FIG. 14 illustrates how a garment mounted memory 292 is incorporated into a personal protection system 290 of the present invention. FIG. 14 shows the electrical components of the system 290. These components are not only included in this alternative helmet and garment of the present invention, but also in the previously mentioned It is understood that the system 30, 178 may be attached to helmets and garments. The system 290 includes the face seal described above that is secured to a garment (not shown). The face shield includes a button 110. A single button 120 is formed on the face shield.

[0068] Also attached to the face shield 110 is a memory 292. The memory 292 stores system FIG. 15 shows memory 290. Table 2 shows the types of data stored. Field 302 contains data identifying the minimum fan speed. Field 304 contains data representing the minimum fan speed. Flags area 306 indicates which type of electrically active component is to be used for this particular Includes a flag that is set to indicate whether the helmet is suitable for use with For example, some helmets are equipped with a light assembly that emits ultraviolet light. On the other hand, some garments, such as face shields, do not allow adequate transmission of ultraviolet light. In this type of garment, one of the flags in the area is If the garment contained an ultraviolet light source, when this garment was placed over the helmet, It may be set to indicate that the light source should not be activated when

[0069] The memory 292 also includes a usage history area 308. It contains data indicating whether the garment has already been used. The use history field 308 may be a single bit flag field. The data in the usage history area 308 is stored in the garment is set to indicate that it is not in use.

[0070] The memory 292 is a thin film memory label adhesively secured to the inside surface of the face shield 110. In FIG. 14, memory 292 is connected to a contact, optionally contact 148a. A single electrical conductor 294 is shown connecting the memory. It will be appreciated that it may be necessary to read / write to memory 292 via multiple pins in the device. In these aspects of the invention, to ensure that each memory pin is connected to a contact, To achieve this, the face shield must provide a sufficient number of contact points.

[0071] The helmet of the system 290 includes the aforementioned magnet 64, which acts as an electrical contact, the detector 85, and a control device 88. The system 290 includes only a fan motor 92. The system 290 may include other electrically active components. It should be understood that the helmet of the system 290 also includes a memory interface 312. The memory interface 312 reads data from the memory 292 and The memory interface 312 is configured to write data to the memory 292. , connected to a control device 88. Based on an instruction from the control device 88, the memory reader 8 8 reads the data in the memory and transmits the data to the control device. Based on the instruction from the device 88, the memory reader writes the data to the memory 292. Writing this usually involves setting a flag in the usage history area 308.

[0072] The system 290 of the present invention also includes an alarm 314. The alarm 314 is typically The control device 88 is a device capable of emitting a short audible pop to indicate an alarm. An alarm is connected for selective activation.

[0073] In the system 290, a memory 292 is connected to a complementary magnet 64 integral with the helmet. The components that support this are magnets 148a and 148b.

[0074] The system 290 of the present invention is similar to other embodiments of the personal protection system of the present invention. The helmet is then placed over the user's head. The garment is placed over the helmet and head. As a result, the respective contacts integral with the helmet and face shield are sensed by the button 120. These contacts establish an electrical connection between the garment and the integral memory 292. and the memory interface 312 .

[0075] FIG. 16 shows a flow chart of the process steps performed by controller 88. These process steps are performed by the system 290 in a ready to use and controlled manner. This occurs after the device 88 is actuated (controller actuation steps not shown). Step 322 indicates the initial reading of data in memory 292 by controller 88. Although not explicitly shown, as part of step 322, memory 292 is To determine whether to If no memory is detected, the memory reader will output a message indicating this fact. The control device 88 receives this notification and generates an alarm 314. The alarm 314 is activated when the garment has no memory or has only one memory. The garment is placed on the helmet so that the memory card 92 is securely connected to the memory reader 312. This will result in a notification indicating either that the

[0076] The memory interface 322 reads the data in the memory 292 sufficiently. Once the data has been read and transmitted to the control device 88, in step 324, The data is then analyzed by the control device. The data is evaluated to determine whether it is suitable for use with a helmet. In step 324, the control device determines whether the garment is in the garment identification area 302 or not. The device 88 determines whether the garment is compatible with the helmet. Based on the data in 08, the control device 88 determines whether the garment has already been used If this evaluation test is positive, the garment is no longer sterile. and is considered unsuitable for use.

[0077] Step 326, based on the evaluation of step 324, the controller 88 determines whether the garment is in use. The reasons why a garment is unsuitable for use include: The nature of the material forming the shell or filter ensures that the fan draws sufficient air into the garment. The inability to retract the garment and the features of the garment do not match those of the helmet. or data in the usage history area indicates that the garment has already been used. Regardless of the reason, if, as part of step 326, the garment is If it is determined that the device should not be used with the controller, then in step 330, 88 activates an alarm 314 .

[0078] In most cases, the evaluation in step 326 will be to ensure that the garment is compatible for use with a helmet. In this case, the controller 88 proceeds with the process and returns to step 33. Execute 2.

[0079] In many aspects of the present invention, the controller 88 continues to perform step 330 after step 330 is performed. 332 because, in these aspects of the invention, the system The garment is configured to only provide notice that the garment is unsuitable for use and to Alternatively, the system 290 may be configured to If the system is not suitable for use, it may be configured not to allow operation of the system. In these embodiments, the controller 88 does not take any further action after the alarm is activated. I don't.

[0080] In step 332, the controller 88 and memory interface 312 Write data to the garment memory 292 indicating that the garment should be considered for use. In the described embodiment of the invention, in step 332, a memory interface 312 detects this by setting an appropriate flag in the usage history area of ​​memory 292. Run the process.

[0081] In step 334, the controller 88 determines whether the helmet is to be used with the particular garment. In the described embodiment of the invention, step 334 sets the maximum speed of the fan motor. Setting the low speed base signal to the speed specified in the minimum fan speed region 304 Therefore, if the garment is made of a relatively porous filtration material, , the data in area 304 would indicate that the minimum fan speed is relatively low. It will be shown that other garments are constructed from relatively low-porosity filtration materials. If the system is to function with this garment, the minimum fan speed is When a garment made of filtration material is placed in the helmet, it is set to a higher velocity. For this garment, area 304 contains data indicating this fact. There is.

[0082] In some aspects of the invention, as part of step 334, the controller 88 Activate 2.

[0083] One benefit of the system 290 of the present invention is that the controller 88 and alarm 314 are The stem is not suitable for use with certain garments worn over a helmet. If so, the method is configured to provide notification thereof.

[0084] A further advantage of the system 290 is that it is based on a memory integral to the garment and the controller: The control is to set up the system for use with the garment. This includes setting the minimum speed of the motor. Alternatively, if the light source emits a variable intensity light source, If possible, this control should be based on the radiated radiation based on the material properties of the face shield through which the light source penetrates. This may include setting minimum, maximum, and / or target intensity of the light.

[0085] [V.Alternative contact] The present invention relates to a face shield that is releasably held to a helmet by electrical conductors extending from the buttons. The present invention is limited to personal protection systems that are adapted to extend to one or more fastening features. Typically, but not exclusively, the conductors are located below the face shield. position, i.e., the position of the face shield when it is fixed to the helmet. It is sufficient that the contact extends at least as far as it is positioned relative to the complementary contact. The face shield is removably attached to the helmet as a result of the feature. Alternatively, electrical connections may be established between the buttons and electrical components integral to the helmet. This will ensure that:

[0086] In aspects of the invention where the face shield conductors do not terminate in a fastening feature, a complementary helmet connection may be used. The points do not have to be integral with the helmet fastening features that engage with the face shield fastening features. It should be understood that the face shield conductor may not be adjacent to or near the face. When terminating at a location spaced apart from the shield securing feature, the helmet contacts are spring-loaded contacts. or pogo pin contacts. Each of these contacts is At one time, the conductive pin of the contact is positioned to abut a suitable face shield conductor. This will be the case.

[0087] In all aspects of the present invention, the face shield fixation features do not necessarily have to be It is not necessary for the face shield to also function as a conductive contact for the electrical body. The face shield fastening features that serve as conductive contacts for the face shield conductors are often are believed to form a preferred configuration of the invention. For purposes herein, they are considered face shield fastening features. As an example, a face mask defining an opening for receiving a complementary helmet fastening feature. The area of ​​the shield is considered a face shield fastening feature. Specifically, the opening in FIG. The area of ​​face shield 240 defining 242 is, for purposes of the present invention, designated as face shield fixation area. Please understand that this is considered a symptom.

[0088] The fastening features, which are also conductive, are restricted to the openings that define the area of ​​the magnet and face shield. One alternative dual function fastening assembly is a hook-and-loop fastening assembly. In this case, both components of this assembly are Another dual function assembly is a terminal component consisting of two pairs of connectors. One connector has a magnet and a contact. The second connector is attracted to the magnetic field. These connectors have a unique conductor that is connected to a magnet and a second contact. The contacts are arranged to come into contact with each other by a pitting effect. The fastening features include conductive snaps.

[0089] In aspects of the invention where the fastening features rely on magnetic attraction, the helmet and garment face shield Both the magnetic field and the magnetic field do not necessarily have to be fixed features that are both conductive and emit a magnetic field. Therefore, in some aspects of the invention, only one of the helmet or the face shield is used. The face shield or helmet is fitted with a conductive magnet (which acts as a retainer and conductor). The other of the mets is provided with the aforementioned disk 149 which serves as a complementary fastener and conductive contact. It is possible.

[0090] The contact of the present invention, i.e., the signal is transmitted between the contact and a button and / or a button attached to the garment. The contacts that transmit signals between the memory and the memory are components that transmit signals by the physical transmission of electron flow. For purposes of this invention, the helmet contacts and garment contacts are , from the garment-mounted components and the helmet-mounted components It can also be thought of as a component that facilitates electromagnetic inductive transmission of a signal.

[0091] One such assembly is shown in FIG. 17, where the main coil 354 is The signal is a constant frequency AC current that is also part of the helmet. A voltage is applied to the main coil from a voltage source 352. Adjacent to the main coil 354 is a regenerative coil. A detector 360 monitors the characteristics of the signal across the regenerative coil. Detector 360 detects a particular change in the signal across regenerative coil 358. The control unit 88 is configured to output a signal to the control unit 88 indicating that a change in

[0092] In this embodiment of the invention, the secondary coil 370 is disposed on the face shield 110. The secondary coil 370 is arranged to be electrically connected to the helmet when the garment is secured to the helmet. The regenerative coil 358 is connected to the main coil 354 of the , positioned. Electrical conductors 372 connect both ends of the secondary coil to the button. Although not shown, one electrical conductor 372 may be connected to the disk 122 of the button 120. It should be understood that the second conductor is connected to the ring 126 of the button 120. become.

[0093] When this embodiment of the personal protection system of the present invention is operated, voltage source 352 supplies an AC signal is applied across the main coil 354. Due to the proximity of the coils 354, 358, and 370, The signal across coil 354 induces a signal across coil 370. Thus, button 1 This results in a signal traversing the disks 122 and rings 126 forming 20.

[0094] The user can activate the buttons in the same manner as in other aspects of the present invention. Activate button 120 by placing a thumb or finger on the area of ​​the face shield that is being The presence of this finger causes a movement across the disk 122 and ring 126 that form the button. The capacitance changes, which in turn changes the characteristics of the signal across the coil 370. In response to the detection of this change, the output device 360 ​​outputs a signal indicating that the button has been pressed to the control device 8. 8. The controller 88 then selects the appropriate power accessory based on the actuation of the button 120. Assembly, in this case, resets the operational state of fan 92.

[0095] In aspects of the invention where the contacts are designed to allow inductive signal transmission, the face seal The memory attached to the card may be an RFID tag. The face shield contact is an antenna with integral memory attached to the face shield. The helmet contact is a coil integrated with the helmet for inductive signal exchange by the tag antenna. It is.

[0096] [VI. On / Off Control System] As previously discussed with respect to step 334 of FIG. 16, the personal protection system of the present invention Only after the helmet is attached does the controller 88 start the motor 92 and thus the frame. The fan 94 may be configured to output a signal to activate the fan 94. Attached to a personal protection system having a fan that is activated before the garment is placed on the helmet One drawback to be eliminated in this way is that the fan 94 The problem is that the fan 84 creates noise when it serves no useful purpose. A second drawback associated with the motor 92 spinning when not in use is the drain on the battery caused by the motor. This is the loss of charge in Li86.

[0097] Thus, in the process described with respect to FIG. It should be understood that the system operates in two states due to the different currents drawn. When the power supply is activated, a relatively low current is drawn. More specifically, Included are a controller 88 and associated input / output components, namely, a detector 85 and memory The only current required is to activate the interface 312. The fan will only operate when the lume is installed over the lume. The system will transition to this operating state. It should be appreciated that higher currents will be drawn from the battery 86 when the

[0098] In another aspect of the system of the present invention, the garment is only activated when the garment is attached to the helmet. A different subassembly is provided to ensure that the motor 92 rotates to operate the actuator 94. In one such configuration of the invention, the system includes a controller. 88 is configured not to output a command signal that would cause the fan to operate when it is first activated. The controller detects a signal indicating that one of the buttons 120 or 134 has been pressed. The fan is operated only when a signal is received from the input 85.

[0099] FIG. 18 illustrates components of an alternative system 390 of the present invention. System 390 includes: A modification of the system of FIG. 4. System 390 is provided so that a single button 120 is provided. Instead of a second button, the system 390 is configured such that electrical conductors 392 are The magnet 148b is configured to be disposed on the shield 110. 148c. In these aspects of the invention, detector 85 detects these magnets. Configured to monitor magnets 64b, 64c to detect the presence of an open / closed circuit across them Thus, in these aspects of the invention, detector 85 detects the signal traversing magnet 64b. The command will output the number.

[0100] When the helmet system 390 is first placed on the user's head and activated, detection Only the detector 85 and the controller 88 are operational. If an open circuit exists across the magnets 64b and 64c, Therefore, the detector 85 will send a signal to the control device indicating that this is a state of the system 390. Therefore, the control device 88 outputs a control signal to energize the fan motor 92. It will not exist.

[0101] When the garment is placed on the helmet, the garment's face shield and integral conductor 3 92 closes the connection between magnets 64b and 64c. Detector 85 detects these two The closure of the circuit between magnets 64b and 64c is sensed. In response to detecting this change in the circuit state, The detector sends a signal to the controller 88 indicating that the system is in this state. Only when this signal is received by the controller 88 will the controller 88 transmit the signal to the fan motor 92. The actuator will output a command signal which will result in the application of an electrical signal.

[0102] In this embodiment of the invention, removal of the garment from the helmet removes magnets 64b, It should be understood that the circuit between 64c is reopened. In response to detection of the reopening of this circuit, The detector outputs a signal to the controller 88 informing it that the system is in this state. The controller 88 receives notification that the system 390 has returned to the garment detachment state. In response to this, the application of the energization signal to the fan motor 92 is terminated. A further feature of these configurations of the system is that the garment is removed from the helmet and the fan When use of the motor 92 is no longer required, the fan automatically shuts off.

[0103] Another means of detecting the presence or absence of a garment is shown in Figs. 1 shows a portion of a helmet 32a based on the helmet 32 ​​described above. Instead of having a magnet as a fixture, fixture 4 is conductive and attracted to a magnetic field. The helmet 32 ​​is partially different from the helmet 32 ​​in that it has the following parts: 402a, 402b, and 402c. A sensor 404 is disposed adjacent to the fixture 402b. The sensor 404 detects a magnetic field The sensor 404 is a Hall effect sensor and outputs a signal that changes state based on the presence or absence of the Hall effect sensor. In some embodiments of the present invention, the sensor 404 is a switch. It should be understood that the open / closed state of the switch is a function of the presence or absence of a magnetic field. , attached to the inside of the shell 36. This is why the sensor 404 is depicted in FIG. This is why it is shown by the lines.

[0104] The signal output by the sensor 404 is output to the control device 88. Alternatively, the signal may be applied directly to a controller, as shown at 20. 5. Thus, the detector of this aspect of the invention upon receipt of this signal and outputting a signal to the control device indicating that the garment has been attached to the helmet. , is composed.

[0105] In these aspects of the invention, the complementary fastening elements integral with the garment are similar to the face shields described above. It is a ring magnet 148.

[0106] This aspect of the invention follows the same basic steps as the other aspects of the invention in preparing it for use. According to this aspect of the invention, the helmet is prepared for use using the actuation step. Therefore, only the detector 85 and the control device 88 are activated. a magnet 148a, integral with the garment face shield 110 for releasably attaching to the garment face shield 110; 148b, 148c are respectively attached to the fixing members 402a, 402b, 40 2c. The magnet 148a is disposed adjacent to the sensor 404. The generated magnetic field flows around the sensor. The sensor 404 then detects the presence of this magnetic field. Here, if the sensor 404 is a switch, it will output a signal indicative of the presence of a magnetic field. Depending on this signal, the switch is closed or opened. The controller 88 transmits a signal to the motor 92 to operate the motor 92 and rotate the fan 94. Then, application of the energization signal is started.

[0107] Alternatively, a sensor that outputs a signal indicating whether the garment is worn on the helmet. The switch 404a may be the switch 404a of FIG. When the garment is put on or removed from the helmet, it is physically displaced. In this embodiment of the invention, the sensor 404a has a spring-loaded pin. The switch may be a switch that switches the garment on or off when the garment is attached to the face shield. The garment is attached to the helmet in such a position that when the garment is kicked, part of the garment displaces the pin. Typically, the switch is located at the face when the garment is worn over the helmet. Either the shield or a component attached to the face shield abuts against the pin, and the pin The pin is attached to the helmet so as to displace the switch. The state of the control device is changed. The control device is connected to this switch. Therefore, the control device 88 The state of the switch indicates whether the garment is worn over the helmet. Based on this switch state information, The control device then adjusts the application of the energization signal to the fan motor 92.

[0108] Thus, in the above-described embodiment of the invention, the portion of the garment that depresses the switch on the sensor 404a It is understood that the sensor acts as a garment mark to indicate the presence of a garment adjacent to the sensor. In FIG. 21A, this is illustrated by area 110a of face shield 110. is shown formally.

[0109] In some embodiments of the personal protection of the present invention, the garment may be attached to a helmet or not. Based on the information indicating whether the personal protection system is operating, the control device The control unit therefore regulates whether the proper garment is fitted to the helmet. Depending on whether the optical assembly 266, the communication unit 268, or the cooling strip are The operation of one or more of the taps 272 may be inhibited.

[0110] VII. ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS The above description is directed to specific aspects of the present invention. The features of the invention may be combined with one another to form alternative embodiments of the invention. I want you to understand this.

[0111] Likewise, all features of each embodiment of the present invention may not necessarily be present in each configuration of the described embodiment. It should be understood that the markings may not necessarily include marks attached to the garment. The aspect of the invention where a helmet sensor monitors for the presence of It should be understood that the present invention does not necessarily require the use of control buttons attached to the device. In this embodiment, the one or more control members that are actuated to control the electromotive assembly include It may be one or more buttons, switches, or potentiometers attached to the lumet. stomach.

[0112] The particular features of the invention may vary from those described herein.

[0113] For example, the control buttons mounted on the face shield of this system are For example, in some aspects of the invention, the buttons and the helmet may be different. The integral complementary component reduces the button resistance resulting from placing a thumb or finger on the button. In aspects of the invention where the button is sensitive to changes in resistance, Preferably, the conductive material forming the buttons is attached to the exterior surface of the face shield. In another aspect, for other reasons, the conductive features of the button as well as the face shield conductors themselves may be The body may also be placed on the exterior of the face shield.

[0114] Additionally, in some versions of the invention, the button may include a moving component. Typically, this type of button has at least one moving component that activates the button. The button is designed to be physically displaced relative to other components to allow for a desired action. One such button is a membrane button or switch. The flexibility of the membrane allows the circuitry of the associated button to be closed. You will be chained.

[0115] In all aspects of the present invention, the buttons do not necessarily have to be adjacent to one or both sides of the face shield. These buttons do not need to be located adjacent to the top and / or bottom of the face shield. may be placed near the

[0116] Regardless of their form, the buttons of the present invention should be actuated upon depression of a gloved finger. It should be understood that in a medical or surgical environment, the system of the present invention This is because clothed users typically wear gloves on their hands.

[0117] The button of the present invention can also be attached to a garment having one or more peel-off lenses. The peel-away lens may be adhesively secured to the exposed exterior surface of the face shield. This lens is covered by a material that blocks the view of the face shield. When the lens is removed, the user is able to , at least for a short period of time, the face shield is not obstructed by the material covering it. This removable shield covers or removes the buttons. will be exposed.

[0118] Further, in some embodiments of the present invention, when the garment is worn over a helmet, and positioning the component such that electrical contacts integral with the helmet contact complementary contacts integral with the button. In these aspects of the invention, it is desirable to position the electrical contacts of the face shield such that: The advantage of this aspect of the invention is that the face shield is spaced from the button. The advantage of this is that there is no need to provide electrical conductors on the face shield that extend to the wire contacts.

[0119] An alternative unit that can be attached to a personal protection system is a video and / or audio recorder. The button can activate this system.

[0120] Also, in some aspects of the invention, the face shield includes a complementary helmet fastening feature. The locking feature may not be provided to engage the locking feature.

[0121] In some aspects of the invention, the buttons and / or face shield conductors extending to the buttons It may be desirable to place an insulating layer over the

[0122] It will be appreciated that the sensor may take other forms to output a signal based on the presence or absence of the garment. It should be understood that FIG. 21B shows an alternative sensor 404b that is an optical recognition sensor. The sensor (shown in FIG. 21B as a bar 410 on a portion of the face shield 110) 410 A face shield or a visually perceptible mark attached to the face shield This mark 410 can be a bar code or a painted tile. Based on the presence or absence of the appropriate markings, the sensor determines whether the face shield is A signal is generated to indicate whether the lumet is attached or not. The control device 88 selectively activates one or more of the electrically powered assemblies integral with the personal protection system. This will result in the following:

[0123] As previously described in some embodiments of the present invention, the NOVRAM or RFID tag Such a memory device may be attached to the face shield. The memory interface that reads data from the memory is attached to the face shield. More specifically, it functions as a sensor that detects the presence or absence of As long as the memory interface does not receive data as a result of a write request issued by The control unit is designed to ensure that the personal protection system does not include a face shield attached to the helmet. In response to a write request, the memory interface reads data from the memory. When the signal is received, the control unit assumes that the face shield is attached to the helmet. Only when the system is in this state will the helmet be able to use the powered components of the system. This will cause one or more of the components to operate.

[0124] The personal protection system of the present invention also generally provides a method for providing protection to a medical practitioner during a medical or surgical procedure. Although intended to provide a barrier between the patient and the device, its use is not limited in any way. Personal protection should provide a barrier between the user and the environment. It is within the scope of the present invention that the system of the present invention may be used in other endeavors. One alternative approach that should be considered is to identify hazards within the user and the environment in which they work. Examples of use cases include those in which it is desirable to provide a barrier between the material and the device.

[0125] Additionally, the configuration of the conductive material forming the buttons and conductive traces on the face shield is conductive. In some aspects of the invention, these conductive structures are not limited to tracks. The elements may be formed from a conductive ink applied to the face shield. The conductive components may be formed from a conductive layer that is applied to the face shield. Once applied to the face shield, these conductive layers are then bonded together to form the individual conductive components. Therefore, the film is selectively etched.

[0126] Furthermore, an inventive feature of the personal protection system of the present invention is the main aspect of the system described above. Personal protection not including the complete helmet and head-covering garment illustrated in For example, the present invention may be implemented as a minimal personal protection system. and a helmet that does not include a top-mounted shell to which the motor is attached. The garment is said to consist only of a face shield that is attached to the helmet. In this aspect of the system, the assembly described above includes a face shield attached to the headband. Prohibits the use of motorized assemblies attached to the headband, depending on whether The motorized assembly attached to the headband may be used to stop or allow the Examples of the bridge include the light source 266, the communication unit 268, and / or the cooling strip 272. In these aspects of the invention, the operation of one or more electrically powered assemblies is coordinated. The button for turning on the face shield may or may not be attached to the face shield. When the buttons are attached to the face shield, they provide the necessary electrical connections. To provide a disconnectable connection to the headband through one or more of the aforementioned assemblies. Thus, for the purposes of the present invention, the helmet is an object (designed to be worn on the user's head) to which a powered assembly is attached. Therefore, as one of the smallest helmets of the present invention, the cooling strip is A helmet having a headband with a cap attached thereto.

[0127] Therefore, it is the object of the appended claims to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention. and including within its scope.

Claims

1. a helmet (32, 180) configured to be worn on the head of a user; A motorized assembly (92, 266, 268, 272) attached to the helmet; 、 At least one button (120, 134, 262, 264) A method for adjusting the configuration of operation of the motorized assembly, comprising: At least one button (120, 134, 262, 264) connected to the A garment (102, 23) comprising at least a transparent face shield (110, 240). 6) wherein the face shield is secured to the garment when the garment is attached to the helmet. is releasably attached to the helmet positioned to be positioned in front of the user's face. A garment (110, 236) attached to the garment; A personal protection system (20, 178, 290) comprising: The at least one button (120, 134, 262, 264) is (102, 236) attached to said face shield (110, 240); A conductive contact (148, 252, 254, 256, 370) is attached to the face shield. and electrically connected to the at least one button; A conductive contact (64,192,358) is attached to the helmet, and the motorized assembly (92, 266, 268, 272), and the face shield conductor is electrically connected to the The electrical contacts (148, 252, 254, 256, 370) and the helmet electrical contacts are The garments engage with each other when attached to the helmet, and the at least one and establishing an electrical connection between said button and said electrically-operated assembly (92, 266, 268, 272).

16. A personal protection system comprising:

2. The helmet and the face shield have complementary fastening features (64, 148, 216 , 234, 242, 246), the complementary locking features being engaged with each other, The face shield (110, 240) is releasably held to the helmet (32, 180).

10. The personal protection system of claim 1,

3. At least one of said face shield fixation features (148a, 148b, 146c) comprises: The at least one button is electrically conductive and is connected to the fastening feature (148a, 148b, 148c) to electrically connect the at least one face shield to the at least one face shield fastening.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein a feature is adapted to function as the face shield conductive contact. Personal protection system.

4. At least one of the helmet fastening features (64) is electrically conductive and the face shield the at least one conductive fastening feature (148) of the and connected to the electromotive assembly (92, 266, 268, 272), Engagement of the locking feature (64, 148) provides a forward lock to the powered assembly. The electrical connection of the at least one button (120, 134) is generated.

4. The personal protection system of claim 3.

5. The at least one face shield fixation feature (148) that is electrically conductive may be a conductive magnet or is a conductive component attracted to the magnetic field, The at least one helmet fastening feature (64), which is electrically conductive, is attracted to a magnetic field.

5. The personal protection system of claim 4, wherein the conductive component is a magnet.

6. The at least one face shield fastening feature that is electrically conductive is attached to the helmet (18 1. An opening in said face shield (240) for receiving a complementary fastening feature (216) of a region of the face shield defining a mouth (242), The area is configured to fit the helmet when the helmet fastening feature is disposed within the opening. 80)。 Conductive member (252, 252) positioned to engage the conductive contact (192) of 54, 256).

7. The complementary fastening features of the helmet (32) and the face shield (110) include: A magnet (64) attached to the helmet or a component (149) that is attracted to a magnetic field and a magnetically attracted component (149) or magnet ( 148). The personal protection system of claim 2, comprising:

8. The complementary fastening features of the helmet (180) and the face shield (240) , a tab (216) attached to the helmet and an opening (242) in the face shield. and wherein the opening is sized to receive the helmet tab.

3. The personal protection system of claim 2 .

9. The helmet has at least one button (120, 262, 264) connected thereto. a detector (85, 85a, 360) for detecting the at least one button; Any one of claims 1 to 8 is configured to output a signal when the switch is activated.

2. A personal protection system according to claim 1 .

10. The at least one button (120) is on the face shield (110, 240). a conductive trace formed on said substrate and spaced apart from each other, said conductive traces being spaced apart from each other; The bases are spaced apart to form a capacitance, The detector (85, 85a) is connected to the conductive trace ( 124, 126), monitoring the signal across the button, and In response to a change in capacitance of the button, a signal indicating that the button has been activated is output.

10. The personal protection system of claim 9, configured as follows:

11. The at least one button (120, 130) on the face shield (110, 240) 4, 262, 264) and the conductive contacts (148, 252, 254, 256) are They are far apart. Electrical conductors (124, 128, 144, 252, 254, 256) are provided on the face shield.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

11. The personal protection system of claim 10.

12. A section of the conductors (252, 254, 256) spaced from the at least one button The area is adapted to function as the conductive contact of the face shield (240).

12. The personal protection system of claim 11.

13. The at least one button (120, 134, 262, 264) is disposed on the face seal.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the blade (110, 240) is located on the inner surface of the blade (110, 240).

2. A personal protection system as described in claim 1.

14. A plurality of buttons (120, 134, 262, 264) are attached to the face shield (110, 24 0) attached to the personal protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 13. system.

15. The motorized assembly attached to the helmet includes a fan motor (92), a light source, (216), a communication unit (268), a cooling strip (272), or a video and / or 15. The personal computer according to claim 1, wherein the personal computer is an audio recorder. Protection system.

16. The conductive contacts (370) attached to the face shield (110) and the helmet The conductive contacts (358) attached to the garment (180) When the helmet is fitted with the sensor, an inductive signal exchange occurs between the contacts. The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, and 16. A personal protection system according to any one of claims 3, 14 and 15.

17. A memory (292) is attached to the garment (102, 236), the memory comprising , connected to a contact (148c) attached to said face shield (110); The helmet is adapted to receive the memory when the garment is placed over the helmet. The face shield contacts (148a) are arranged to exchange signals with the face shield contacts (148b) to which the face shield contacts (148a) are connected. and at least read data from said garment memory (292). a memory interface connected to said contacts (64) to enable 17. The personal protection system of claim 1, comprising:

18. The garment covers a portion of the helmet (32, 180) and the user's head. a shell (104, 238) forming a barrier between the user and the surrounding environment; A shell (104, 238) formed of a flexible material and a 18. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:

13. The personal protection system of claim 12.

19. A method for use as part of a personal protection system according to any one of claims 1 to 18. A helmet (32,180) that can be used.

20. A method for use as part of a personal protection system according to any one of claims 1 to 18. The garment (102, 236) is

21. A garment (102, 23) for use as part of a personal protection system (30, 178) 6) wherein A helmet (32, 180) of the personal protection system and a user wearing the system a shell (104, 238) configured to be placed over at least the head of a user. and formed from a flexible material that forms a barrier between the user and the environment. Shell (104,238), A transparent face shield (110, 240) attached to the shell, The helmet is positioned over the user's face when the component is placed over the helmet. a transparent face shield (110, 240) positioned on the In a garment (102, 236) comprising: The at least one button (120, 134, 262, 264) is disposed on the face seal. The sensor is attached to the sensor (110, 240), The conductive contacts (148, 252, 254, 256, 370) are attached to the face shield (110). and electrically connected to the at least one button; When the garment is placed over the helmet, the at least one button a complementary metal plate integral with said helmet for establishing an electrical connection between said helmet and said motor; Positioned and configured to releasably engage an electrical contact. , garment (102, 236).

22. The face shield (110) has complementary fastening features (64, 20) integral with the helmet. 16, 234)。 [0033] The locking feature (148, 242, 246) configured to engage the locking feature (148, 242, 246) The fastening features (148, 242, 246) when engaged, fasten the face shield (11 0,240) to said helmet (32,180) in a releasable manner.

22. The garment (102, 236) of claim 21.

23. At least one of the face shield fastening features (148) is electrically conductive and At least one button (120, 134) is electrically connected to the fixed feature (148). whereby the at least one face shield fastening feature is attached to the face shield.

23. The garment of claim 22, adapted to function as a cold conductive contact. ２，２３６）。

24. The at least one face shield fixation feature that is electrically conductive may be a conductive magnet (148) or The garment (102) of claim 23, wherein the conductive component is attracted to a magnetic field.

25. The at least one face shield fastening feature that is electrically conductive is attached to the helmet (21 8) an opening in said face shield (240) to receive a complementary fastening feature (216) a region of the face shield defining a mouth (242), The area is configured to fit the helmet when the helmet fastening feature is disposed within the opening. 80)。 Conductive member (252, 252) positioned to engage the conductive contact (192) of 23. The garment (236) of claim 22, comprising a lining (240, 242).

26. The face shield fastening feature may be a magnet (148, 246) or a component that is attracted to a magnetic field.

23. The garment (102, 236) of claim 22, which is fabric (149).

27. The face shield fixation feature is an opening (242) in the face shield, is sized to receive a tab (216) integral with said helmet (180).

23. The garment (236) of claim 22.

28. The at least one button (120) is on the face shield (110, 240). a conductive trace formed on said substrate and spaced apart from each other, said conductive traces being spaced apart from each other; The bases are spaced apart to form a capacitance.

7. A garment (102, 236) as described in any one of claims 7.

29. The at least one button (120, 130) on the face shield (110, 240) 4, 262, 264) and the conductive contacts (148, 252, 254, 256) are They are far apart. Electrical conductors (124, 128, 144, 252, 254, 256) are provided on the face shield. and extending from the at least one button to the conductive contacts.

29. A garment (102, 236) as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 28.

30. The conductor (252, 254) is spaced apart from the at least one button (120, 134). The areas of the face shield (240) are adapted to function as the conductive contacts of the face shield (240).

30. The garment (236) of claim 29,

31. The at least one button (120, 134, 262, 264) is disposed on the face seal.

31. The method according to claim 21, wherein the inner surface of the blade (110, 240) is located A garment (102, 236) as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

32. A plurality of buttons (120, 134, 262, 264) are attached to the face shield (110, 2 40) attached to the gar according to any one of claims 21 to 31. ment (102,236).

33. The electrical contacts (370) are inductively coupled to the complementary electrical contacts integral with the helmet. 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30, each of which is adapted to exchange signals in a mutually .... A garment (102, 236) described in any one of claims 30, 31, or 32.

34. The at least one button (120, 134, 262, 264) is disposed on the face seal. a first conductive trace formed on the face shield; a second conductive trace (12) at least partially surrounding the first conductive trace 6,142) according to any one of claims 21 to 33. Garment (102, 236).

35. a memory (192) attached to said face shield (110); The memory is connected to a memory interface (312) mounted in the helmet. and an electrical contact (149) connected to the harpoon.

2. The garment (102, 236) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

36. The garment is a hood that does not extend below the shoulders of a wearer of the system.

36. The garment (102, 236) of any one of claims 21 to 35.

37. a helmet (32, 180) configured to be worn on the head of a user; A powered assembly (92, 266, 268, 272) attached to the helmet; 、 At least one control member (120, 134, 262) connected to the conductive assembly 264), wherein the motorized assembly is adapted to adjust the mode of operation of the motorized assembly. At least one control member (120, 134, 262, 264) connected to the bridge; A garment (102, 23) comprising at least a transparent face shield (110, 240). 6) wherein the face shield is secured to the garment when the garment is attached to the helmet. is releasably attached to the helmet positioned to be positioned in front of the user's face. A garment (102, 236) attached to the garment; A personal protection system (290) comprising: the garment comprises a mark (110a, 148a, 292, 410); Sensors (312, 404, 404a, 404b) are attached to the helmet. and the sensor monitors whether the garment mark is adjacent to the sensor. and outputting a sensor signal indicative of the presence or absence of said garment mark adjacent said sensor. , which is composed of A control device (88) controls the operation of the electromotive assemblies (92, 266, 268, 272). a sensor connected to the motorized assembly for selectively enabling the sensor to receive the sensor signal; a controller connected to the sensor for receiving the signal from the sensor; The motorized assembly is operated only when the motorized assembly indicates that a maintenance mark is adjacent to the sensor.

1. A personal protection system configured to enable movement of a

38. The garment mark (110a, 148a, 292, 410) is 40. The personal protection system of claim 37 attached to (110, 240).

39. 38. The method of claim 37, wherein the sensor (404) is configured to monitor the presence of a magnetic field.

38. The personal protection system according to claim 38.

40. The sensor is a mechanically displaceable switch (404a); The helmet and the garment are attached to the helmet. When activated, a section (110a) of the face shield changes the state of the switch (404a). abutting the switch (404a) so as to cause the front of the face shield The marking areas are cooperatively configured to function as the mark.

39. The personal protection system of claim 37 or 38.

41. the garment mark is a memory (292); The sensor can read data stored in the memory. an interface (312) connected to the device; 39. The personal protection system of claim 37 or 38.

42. the mark being an optically detectable mark (410) on the garment; The sensor (404b) reads the optically detectable mark (410). It is an optical reading device that can 39. The personal protection system of claim 37 or 38.

43. The motorized assembly attached to the helmet includes a fan motor (92), a light source, (216), a communication unit (268), a cooling strip (272), or a video and / or The individual device according to any one of claims 37 to 42, wherein the individual device is an audio recorder. Personnel protection systems.

44. The control members connected to the electromotive assembly include buttons (120, 134, 262, 264)。 Personal protection system according to any one of claims 37 to 43. 。

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