WO2014138058A1

WO2014138058A1 - Protective head assembly having removable impact-resistant outsert

Info

Publication number: WO2014138058A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/020304
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul D. Duncan
Original assignee: Scott Technologies, Inc.
Priority date: 2013-03-05
Filing date: 2014-03-04
Publication date: 2014-09-12
Also published as: WO2014138058A9

Abstract

A protective head assembly may include a head-mounted covering configured to be positioned over a head of an individual, a transparent face piece secured to the head-mounted covering, wherein the transparent face piece is configured to allow the individual to see therethrough, and a transparent outsert removably secured to one or both of the head-mounted covering and the transparent face piece.

Description

PROTECTIVE HEAD ASSEMBLY HAVING REMOVABLE

IMPACT-RESISTANT OUTSERT

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application relates to and claims priority benefits from United States Provisional Patent Application No. 61/772,796, entitled "Protective Lens Outsert For Loose-Fitting Hood and Half Hoods," filed March 5, 2013, which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to protective head assemblies, and, more particularly, to protective head assemblies including a hood having a protective outsert that may be secured to a transparent face piece, shield, visor, or the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] Powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) are used to provide respiratory protection in an adverse working environment. For example, PAPRs are typically worn in an industrial setting to protect individuals from industrial respiratory hazards.

[0004] A typical PAPR includes a half or full hood including a transparent face piece, a breathing tube, and a battery-operated blower. The PAPR also typically includes a particulate filter. For example, the blower may be used to move contaminated air through the particulate filter, which removes contaminants and purifies the air before the air passes to the individual.

[0005] The half or full hood may loosely fit the individual, and is typically a relatively low cost component that is semi-disposable. A typical hood may be formed from a Tychem-like material. A face piece or visor secured to the hood may be formed of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG).

[0006] The face shield of a hood is typically not designed to provide a standard protective barrier, such as specified in ANSI Z87.1 or CSA Z94.3 Eye Protection Standards, as required for protective visors. Thus, in settings in which heightened eye protection is desired, specialized hoods having permanent, integrated protective visors are used. However, such specialized hoods may are relatively expensive as compared to a typical hood and visor assembly. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0007] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a protective covered assembly including a wearable protective hood. The protective hood may include a transparent face piece, plate, shield, visor, or the like. A transparent lens outsert having characteristics that may differ from the face piece conforms to an outer surface of the face piece. The outsert is configured to be removably secured to the face piece. For example, the outsert is configured to be removably affixed to an outer surface of the face piece through one or more securing members, such as adhesives, mechanical attachment members, or the like.

[0008] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a protective head assembly that may include a head-mounted covering configured to be positioned over a head of an individual, a transparent face piece secured to the head-mounted covering, wherein the transparent face piece is configured to allow the individual to see therethrough, and a transparent outsert removably secured to one or both of the head-mounted covering and the transparent face piece.

[0009] In at least one embodiment, the transparent outsert includes a defined shape that conforms to an outer surface of the transparent face piece. Alternatively, the transparent outsert includes a flexible main body that adheres to an outer surface of the transparent face piece. The transparent outsert may include a transparent main body, and at least one attachment member secured to the transparent main body. The attachment member(s) removably secures to at least a portion of the head-mounted covering and/or the transparent face piece. The securing member(s) may include one or more of Velcro, tape, adhesive, or a mechanical fastener that removably secures to one or more features of the head-mounted covering and/or the transparent face piece.

[0010] The head-mounted covering may include a full hood or a half hood. Optionally, the head-mounted covering may include a helmet, cap, hat, or the like.

[0011] The transparent outsert may be disposable. For example, an individual may attach the outsert to the face piece, and, after use, the individual may remove and discard the outsert. In at least one embodiment, the transparent outsert is tinted or shaded. [0012] In at least one embodiment, the transparent face piece may be formed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), while the transparent outsert may be formed of polycarbonate or acetate, for example. The transparent face piece may be formed of a first material, while the transparent outsert may be formed of a second material that differs from the first material. The second material may be harder and/or less flexible than the first material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective lateral view of an individual wearing a protective head assembly that includes a removable outsert, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective lateral view of an outsert secured to a protective head assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective lateral view of an outsert secured to a protective head assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective lateral view of an outsert removed from a protective head assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 5 illustrates a front view of an outsert, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 6 illustrates a front view of an outsert, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 7 illustrates a front view of an outsert, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 8 illustrates a front view of an outsert, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 9 illustrates a perspective lateral view of an outsert removed from a protective head assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0022] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding plural of the elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Further, references to "one embodiment" are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments "comprising" or "having" an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional elements not having that property.

[0023] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective lateral view of an individual 10 wearing a protective head assembly 12 that includes a transparent, removable protective shield, such as an outsert 14, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The outsert 14 is configured to be removably secured to the protective head assembly 12, such as by adhering to a surface thereof, or mechanically securing thereto, in order to provide protection against impacts, for example. The protective head assembly 12 is configured to be worn over a head 16 of the individual 10. The protective head assembly 12 may be used in conjunction with a PAPR, for example.

[0024] The protective head assembly 12 includes a hood 18 secured over and around a portion of the head 16 of the individual 10. The hood 18 may include a full or half covering hood that generally covers the top and sides of head of the individual 10. The hood may be formed of one or more materials such as, for example, DuPoint Tychem, Kappler Zytron, coated polyester fabric, and the like. The hood 18 may be sized and shaped to conform to a shape of the head of the individual. While not shown, the hood 18 may include an internal support, such as a head band. Optionally, embodiments of the present disclosure may be used with various other head-mounted coverings, such as helmets, caps, hardhats, masks, and the like.

[0025] A transparent face piece or visor 20 may securely and sealingly connect to a perimeter edge 22 that defines a face opening 24 of the hood 18. In general, the transparent face piece 20 may be integrated with the hood 18 to form the protective head assembly 12. The transparent face piece 20 allows the individual to see through the protective head assembly 12. The transparent face piece 20 may include an arcuate outer surface 26 that inwardly curves around a portion of the face 28 of the individual 10. Alternatively, the transparent face piece 20 may be a flat, clear surface. The transparent face piece 20 may include any transparent face screen. For example, the transparent face piece 20 may be formed of acetate, PET, PETG, and/or various other components. The transparent face piece 20 may provide protection against liquid and/or gas infiltration, for example.

[0026] The outsert or protective shield 14 may include a molded or flexible material that is configured to be secured to the outer surface 26 of the face piece 20. The outsert 14 is configured to be resilient and meet desired regulatory requirements for use as eye and face protection. The outsert 14 may be a transparent overlay affixed to the outer surface 26 of the face piece. The outsert 14 may be configured to be removably secured to the face piece 20. Alternatively, the outsert 14 may be configured to be permanently secured to the face piece 20. The outsert 14 may be configured to cover an entire surface area of the outer surface 26 of the face piece 20. Alternatively, the outsert 14 may be sized and shaped to cover a lesser portion of the entire surface area of the outer surface area 26.

[0027] The outsert 14 may be configured to attach directly to the outer surface 26 of the face piece 20. Optionally, the outsert 14 may be configured to attach to the hood 18, such as to the circumferential edge 22 of the hood 18. In general, the outsert 14 may securely attach or otherwise connect to the hood 18, and/or the face piece 20

[0028] The outsert 14 includes a transparent main body 30. The main body 30 may be a planar transparent sheet that is formed having a curvature that conforms to the outer surface 26 of the face piece 20. For example, a curved inner surface 32 of the outsert 14 is configured to overlay the outer surface 26 of the face piece 20. The shape and curvature of the outsert 14 is configured to fit and conform to the outer surface 26 of the face piece 20. For example, if the outer surface 26 of the face piece 20 is flat, then the outsert 14 may also be flat. Optionally, the inner surface 32 of the outsert 14 may conform to the outer surface 26 of the face piece 20, while an outer surface 34 of the outsert 14 may have a different size, shape, or curvature that differs from the size, shape, and curvature of the outer surface 26 of the face piece 20. [0029] The main body 30 may be formed of various transparent, protective materials, such as polycarbonate, plastic (such as a plastic lens), propionate, and the like. In general, the main body 30 is formed of one or more materials that are transparent and robust enough to withstand impacts. For example, the main body 30 may be formed so as to meet or exceed the requirements of ANSI Z87.1 Personal Eye and Face Protection standard, and/or other such standards.

[0030] Additionally or alternatively, the main body 30 may be tinted, for example. In this manner, the outsert 14 may be used in bright environments to protect the eyes of the individual from the harmful effects of sunlight, ultraviolet rays, and the like.

[0031] Optionally, the outsert 14 may be formed of a flexible sheet of material that flexes and conform to the outer surface 26 of the face piece 20. For example, the outsert 14 may be formed of a flat, planar sheet that flexes and fits to the outer surface 26 of the face piece 20 when the outsert 14 is moved onto the outer surface 26 of the face piece 20. The outsert 14 may also adhere to the outer surface 26, such as through a static or attractive interaction. Accordingly, the outsert 14 may secure to the face piece 20 without the use of separate and distinct mechanical fasteners, adhesives, or the like.

[0032] The outsert 14 may have at least one characteristic that differs from that of the face piece 20. For example, the outsert 14 and the face piece 20 may be formed of different materials, such that the outsert 14 is stiffer and/or harder than the face piece 20. The outsert 14 may be formed of a stronger material than the face piece 20 and, as such, may be able to withstand greater impact force than the face piece 20. As such, the outsert 14 protects the face piece 20 from impact damage that may otherwise compromise the face piece.

[0033] Optionally, the outsert 14 may be more flexible, malleable, or the like than the face piece 20, and, as such, may provide a force dampening-layer that overlays the face piece 20. For example, force exerted into the outsert 14 may be dampened by the outsert 14 and translated through the outsert 14 into the hood 18, as opposed to the face piece 20.

[0034] The outsert 14 may have a thickness that exceeds that of the face piece 20. For example, the thickness of the outsert 14 may be double, triple, or more the thickness of the face piece 20. The increased thickness of the outsert 14 may provide a robust shock-absorbing layer that overlays the face piece 20. Alternatively, the outsert 14 may have the same thickness as the face piece 20, or a decreased thickness in relation to the face piece 20.

[0035] The outsert 14 may include one or more attachment members 40 configured to connect to the face piece 20 and/or the hood 18. As shown in Figure 1, each attachment member 40 may include a strip 42 that extends along a terminal end 44 of the main body 30 from a top edge 46 to a bottom edge 48. Alternatively, the attachment members 40 may be located at various other portions of the main body 30, such as one or both of the top or bottom edges 46 and 48. Also, alternatively, the attachment members 40 may extend between smaller areas than shown. For example, the attachment members 40 may be confined to corners of the main body 30. Optionally, the attachment member(s) may be the main body 30 itself. For example, the main body 30 may be formed of a material that adheres to the outer surface 26 of the face piece 20, as described above.

[0036] The attachment members 40 may include various connecting devices, adhesives, agents, fasteners, materials, or the like that are configured to securely connect to the outsert 14 to the protective assembly 12. For example, the attachment member(s) may include chemical bonding compositions, such as adhesive strips, peel-off tape, mechanical attachment members or fasteners, such as Velcro, clips, snaps, buttons, screws, latches, snaps, pre-installed mating components, and the like.

[0037] In operation, the individual 10 selects a disposable hood 18 with the integrated face piece 20. If the individual 10 is in an environment in which objects may potentially impact the assembly 10, the individual 10 may choose to secure the outsert 14 to the assembly 10. For example, the individual 10 may manipulate the outsert 14 and secure it to the hood 18 and/or face piece 20 in the direction of arrow 36. The attachment members 40 may secure to portions of the hood 18 and/or the face piece 20, as described above. The assembly 12 may be operatively connected to a respiratory device, such as found in PAPRs. After the individual 10 has completed a particular task, the individual 10 may remove the outsert 14 from the assembly 12. The outsert 14 may then be sanitized and re-stocked for later use. Alternatively, the outsert 14 may be disposed of after use. The hood 18 and the face piece 20 may also be sanitized and re-stocked for later use. Alternatively, the individual 10 may dispose of the hood 18 and the face piece 20.

[0038] The addition of the outsert 14 to the assembly 12 provides an increased level of eye and face protection. Instead of using a specialized hood assembly having an integrally- formed impact-resistant face shield, the individual 10 may simply use the assembly 12, and secure and remove the protective outsert 14, as needed. In this manner, assemblies 12 and outserts 14 may be stocked in quantities based on projected use. For example, a certain number of assemblies 12 may be stocked, while a lesser number of outserts 14 may be stocked.

[0039] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective lateral view of an outsert 60 secured to a protective head assembly 62, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The outsert 60 may be a flexible sheet of material that adheres to an outer surface of a face piece 64. The outsert 60 may cover more or less of the area of the face piece 64 than shown. Alternatively, the outsert 60 may be a rigid piece that is sized and shaped to conform and secure to the outer surface of the face piece 64.

[0040] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective lateral view of an outsert 70 secured to a protective head assembly 72, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The outsert 70 may include one or more attachment members 74, such as Velcro, tape, clips, or the like, that securely fasten to reciprocal features formed on a hood 76 of the assembly 62. The outsert 70 may be a rigid piece of material that conforms to the shape of a face piece 78. Optionally, the outsert may be flexible piece of material that adheres to the outer surface of the face piece 78.

[0041] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective lateral view of an outsert 80 removed from a protective head assembly 82, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the outsert 80 may include latching members 84 that are configured to removably secure to reciprocal clips 86 formed on a hood 88 of the assembly 82. For example, the latching member 84 may include eyelets that are configured to securely latch to the clips 86. More or less latching members 84 and reciprocal clips 86 than shown may be used. Further, the latching members 84 and the reciprocal clips 86 may be located at various other areas than shown. [0042] Figure 5 illustrates a front view of an outsert 90, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The outsert 90 includes attachment members 92 and 94 located at top and bottom edges 96 and 98, respectively, of a transparent main body 100. The attachment members 92 and 94 may be any of the attachment members described above, for example.

[0043] Figure 6 illustrates a front view of an outsert 110, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The outsert 110 includes attachment members 1 12 and 114 at terminal ends 116 and 118, respectively, of a main body 120, as well as attachment members 122 and 124 at top and bottom edges 126 and 128, respectively, of the main body 120. The attachment members 112, 114, 122, and 124 may be any of the attachment members described above, for example.

[0044] Figure 7 illustrates a front view of an outsert 130, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Attachment members 132, such as any of the attachment members described above, are positioned at corners 134 of a transparent main body 136.

[0045] Figure 8 illustrates a front view of an outsert 140, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Individual attachment members 142, such as any of the attachment members described above, are positioned around a periphery of a transparent main body 144. More or less attachment members 142 than shown may be used.

[0046] Figure 9 illustrates a perspective lateral view of an outsert 160 removed from a protective head assembly 162, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The outsert 160 may include attachment members in the form of male button members 164 positioned at various portions of a transparent main body 166. More or less male button members 164 at various areas of the main body 166 may be used. The male button members 164 are configured to securely mate with reciprocal female button members 166 extending from a hood 168. Alternatively, the female button members 166 may be positioned on a face piece 168. Also, alternatively, the female button members may be on the outsert 160, while the male button members may be on the face piece 168 and/or hood 168.

[0047] Figures 1-9 show examples of outserts having one or more attachment members. It is to be understood that the examples shown in Figures 1-9 are not limiting. Various other types of attachment members may be used to secure the outserts to protective head assemblies. Further, the outserts shown in Figures 1-9 may or may not be shaded, tinted, or the like.

[0048] While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front and the like may be used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, it is understood that such terms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in the drawings. The orientations may be inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed, such that an upper portion is a lower portion, and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, and the like.

[0049] It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various embodiments of the disclosure without departing from their scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various embodiments of the disclosure, the embodiments are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain- English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein." Moreover, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase "means for" followed by a statement of function void of further structure.

[0050] This written description uses examples to disclose the various embodiments of the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments of the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if the examples have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if the examples include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A protective head assembly comprising: a head-mounted covering configured to be positioned over a head of an individual; a transparent face piece secured to the head-mounted covering, wherein the transparent face piece is configured to allow the individual to see therethrough; and a transparent outsert removably secured to one or both of the head-mounted covering and the transparent face piece.

2. The protective head assembly of claim 1, wherein the transparent outsert includes a defined shape that conforms to an outer surface of the transparent face piece.

3. The protective head assembly of claim 1, wherein the transparent outsert includes a flexible main body that adheres to an outer surface of the transparent face piece.

4. The protective head assembly of claim 1, wherein the transparent outsert comprises: a transparent main body; and at least one attachment member secured to the transparent main body, wherein the at least one attachment member removably secures to at least a portion of one or both of the head- mounted covering and the transparent face piece.

5. The protective head assembly of claim 4, wherein the at least one securing member includes one or more of Velcro, tape, adhesive, or a mechanical fastener that removably secures to one or more features of the one or both of the head-mounted covering and the transparent face piece.

6. The protective head assembly of claim 1, wherein the head-mounted covering comprises one of a full hood or a half hood.

7. The protective head assembly of claim 1, wherein the transparent outsert is disposable.

8. The protective head assembly of claim 1, wherein the transparent outsert is tinted or shaded.

9. The protective head assembly of claim 1, wherein the transparent face piece is formed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), and wherein the transparent outsert is formed of polycarbonate or acetate.

10. The protective head assembly of claim 1, wherein the transparent face piece is formed of a first material, wherein the transparent outsert is formed of a second material that differs from the first material, wherein the second material is one or more of harder or more flexible than the first material.

11. A protective head assembly comprising: a hood configured to be positioned over a head of an individual; a transparent face piece secured to the hood, wherein the transparent face piece is configured to allow the individual to see therethrough; and a disposable transparent outsert removably secured to one or both of the hood and the transparent face piece, wherein the transparent outsert comprises a transparent main body, and at least one attachment member secured to the transparent main body, wherein the at least one attachment member removably secures to at least a portion of one or both of the head-mounted covering and the transparent face piece.

12. The protective head assembly of claim 11, wherein the transparent outsert includes a defined shape that conforms to an outer surface of the transparent face piece.

13. The protective head assembly of claim 11, wherein the at least one attachment member of the transparent outsert includes a flexible main body that adheres to an outer surface of the transparent face piece.

14. The protective head assembly of claim 13, wherein the at least one fastener includes one or more of Velcro, tape, adhesive, or a mechanical fastener that removably secures to one or more features of the one or both of the hood and the transparent face piece.

15. The protective head assembly of claim 11, wherein the transparent outsert is tinted or shaded.

16. The protective head assembly of claim 11, wherein the transparent face piece is formed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), and wherein the transparent outsert is formed of polycarbonate or acetate.

17. The protective head assembly of claim 11, wherein the transparent face piece is formed of a first material, wherein the transparent outsert is formed of a second material that differs from the first material, wherein the second material is one or more of harder or more flexible than the first material.

18. A protective head assembly comprising: a hood configured to be positioned over a head of an individual; a transparent face piece secured to the hood, wherein the transparent face piece is configured to allow the individual to see therethrough, wherein the transparent face piece is formed of a first material; and a disposable transparent outsert removably secured to the transparent face piece, wherein the transparent outsert comprises a transparent main body, and at least one attachment member secured to the transparent main body, wherein the at least one attachment member removably secures to at least a portion of the transparent face piece, and wherein the transparent outsert is formed of a second material that is one or more of harder or more flexible than the first material so that the disposable transparent outsert protects the transparent face piece from forces of impact.

19. The protective head assembly of claim 11, wherein the transparent outsert includes a defined shape that conforms to an outer surface of the transparent face piece.

20. The protective head assembly of claim 11, wherein the at least one attachment member of the transparent outsert includes a flexible main body that adheres to an outer surface of the transparent face piece.