Face shield and method of use

Abstract

An apparatus and method for use of an improved face shield assembly which prevents foreign materials or contaminants from vertically migrating from the above a wearer's head to the area around a wearer's face, eyes, nose and mouth.

Claims

1. An improved halo brim comprising: a frame having a first arc, a cap having a second arc, and a bridge; wherein said frame and said cap are fixedly joined by said bridge, wherein said bridge is formed at a centerline bisecting said first arc and said second arc; said frame further comprising a lip that extends substantially around an outer edge of the frame; said cap further comprising one or more cap slots and one or more knobs; wherein each of said cap slots is for receiving and engaging a side edge of a face shield and wherein each of said knobs matingly engage with a hole formed on a surface of said face shield; wherein gaps around the bridge are reduced when the lip contacts the cap, creating a seal to prevent the downward mitigation of contaminants and/or particles from entering through substantially most of the gap by the frame flexing outwardly, when the improved halo brim is worn.

2. The improved halo brim of claim 1 further comprising: said frame is flexible.

3. The improved halo brim of claim 1 further comprising: said frame and said cap consist of a single piece of material.

4. The improved halo brim of claim 1 further comprising: said frame comprises two or more pieces material joined with a mechanical connection, glue or weld.

5. The improved halo brim of claim 1 further comprising: said frame comprises a material made of: plastic, metal, rubber, or fibrous material.

6. The improved halo brim of claim 1 further comprising: said frame comprises material infused with zinc and/or copper to enhance its antimicrobial/antifungal properties.

7. The improved halo brim of claim 1 further comprising: said cap has a width between 0.5 inches and 1.5 inches.

8. An improved face shield assembly comprising: an improved halo brim, and a face shield; said improved halo brim further comprising a frame, a cap, and a bridge, wherein said bridge fixedly joins said frame to said cap at a centerline, wherein said centerline bisects a first arc formed by said frame and a second arc formed by said cap; said frame further comprising a lip that extends substantially around an outer edge of the frame; said cap further comprising a plurality of cap slots and one or more knobs; said face shield comprises a first and second side edge; said face shield further comprises one or more detents or holes formed on a surface of said face shield; wherein said face shield is attached to the cap of the improved halo brim by inserting the first and second side edges of the face shield into the cap slots and matingly engaging the knobs of the cap with the detents or holes formed on the surface of the face shield; wherein said face shield is held by the cap at a distance away from a wearer's face; wherein gaps around the bridge are reduced when the lip contacts the cap, creating a seal to prevent the downward mitigation of contaminants and/or particles from entering through substantially most of the gap by the frame flexing outwardly, when the improved halo brim is worn.

9. The face shield assembly of claim 8 further comprising: said cap has a width between 0.5 inches and 1.5 inches.

10. The improved halo brim of claim 8 further comprising: said frame is flexible.

11. The improved halo brim of claim 8 further comprising: said frame and said cap consist of a single piece of material.

12. The improved halo brim of claim 8 further comprising: said frame comprises two or more pieces of material joined with a mechanical connection, glue or weld.

13. The improved halo brim of claim 8 further comprising: said frame comprises material infused with zinc and/or copper to enhance its anti-viral properties.

14. A method of preventing contaminants and/or particulates from migrating vertically downward into the face of a wearer of a face shield assembly comprising: obtaining an improved halo brim comprising; a frame having a first arc, a cap having a second arc, and a bridge; wherein said frame and said cap are fixedly joined by said bridge, wherein said bridge is formed at a centerline bisecting said first arc and said second arc; said frame further comprising a lip that extends substantially around an outer edge of the frame; said cap further comprising one or more cap slots and one or more knobs; assembling the face shield assembly by attaching the face shield to the improved halo brim by inserting the side edges of the face shield into the to the one or more cap slots of the improved halo brim and inserting the one or more knobs of the cap into the detents or holes of the face shield; placing the face shield assembly on the head of a wearer, thereby outwardly flexing the frame of the improved halo brim such that the lip of the frame extends outwardly to engage an edge of the cap of the improved halo brim; and wherein gaps around the bridge are reduced when the lip contacts the cap, creating a seal to prevent the downward mitigation of contaminants and/or particles from entering through substantially most of the gap by the frame flexing outwardly, when the improved halo brim is worn.

15. The method of claim 14 further comprising; said frame is flexible.

16. The method of claim 14 further comprising; said frame is manufactured as a single piece.

17. The method of claim 14 further comprising; said frame is manufactured in two or more pieces assembled by mechanical connection, glued or welded.

18. The method of claim 14 further comprising; said halo frame is manufactured from plastic, metal, rubber or fibrous material.

19. The method of claim 14 further comprising; said halo frame is manufactured from molding or printing material infused with zinc and/or copper to enhance its antimicrobial/antifungal properties.

20. The method of claim 15 further comprising: said halo cap has a width between 0.5 inches and 1.5 inches.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions to be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings describing specific embodiments of the disclosure, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the improved face shield assembly, shown from a three-quarter side view.

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of the improved face shield assembly, shown from a top view with the frame in a relaxed or unflexed position.

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of the improved face shield assembly, shown from a top view with the frame in the flexed position as if on a wearer of the assembly.

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the improved face shield assembly, shown from a front view with the frame in the flexed position.

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of the halo brim in a side view in section.

(7) FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of the halo brim from a side view.

(8) FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of the halo brim with a flared lip shown from a top view in a relaxed or unflexed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(9) One or more illustrative embodiments incorporating the invention disclosed herein are presented below. Applicant has created a revolutionary and improved face shield assembly and method of use.

(10) In the following description, certain details are set forth such as specific quantities, sizes, etc. to provide a thorough understanding of the present embodiments disclosed herein. However, it will be evident to those of ordinary skill in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without such specific details. In many cases, details concerning such considerations and the like have been omitted inasmuch as such details are not necessary to obtain a complete understanding of the present disclosure and are within the skills of persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art.

(11) Referring to the drawings in general, it will be understood that the illustrations are for the purpose of describing embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to be limiting thereto. Drawings are not necessarily to scale, and arrangements of specific units in the drawings can vary.

(12) While most of the terms used herein will be recognizable to those of ordinary skill in the art, it should be understood, however, that when not explicitly defined, terms should be interpreted as adopting a meaning presently accepted by those of ordinary skill in the art. In cases where the construction of a term would render it meaningless, or essentially meaningless, the definition should be taken from Webster's Dictionary 2020, 11.sup.th Edition. Definitions and/or interpretations should not be incorporated from other patent applications, patents, or publications, related or not, unless specifically stated in this specification, or if the incorporation is necessary for maintaining validity. As utilized herein, the following terms have the following definitions.

(13) In several embodiments;

(14) “knobs” means “any industry standard size and shape of material which would extend outward radially from the cap of the halo brim for the purpose of engaging with or attaching a face shield to the improved halo brim. This includes specifically the shape of a mushroom with a flattened head”.

(15) “Hooks” means any material shaped and sized at the ends of the improved halo brim and designed to allow attachment of an elastic band, tie or string to secure the improved halo brim to the head of a wearer.

(16) “Engage” when used in reference to the lip engaging the cap means the extension of the edge of the lip over, under or into the edge of the cap such that the gap between the frame and the cap is closed off or sealed. This may include a variety of interacting shapes or angles which would mate together to provide the seal. This may also include the use of multiple edges on either the lip, the cap or on both.

(17) While preferred embodiments have been shown, and described, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or teaching herein. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only and are not limiting. Many variations and modifications of the system and apparatus are possible and will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. For example, the relative dimensions of various parts, the materials from which the various parts are made, and other parameters can be varied.

(18) FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in an assembled view from the three-quarter side view. With reference to FIG. 1, the face shield assembly 100 comprises a face shield 10 mounted to the modified halo brim 20. In one embodiment of the present invention, the modified halo brim 20 comprises the frame 23, the lip 24, the cap 21, the cap slots 22, the knobs 25, the bridge 27, and optionally, hooks 32. In some embodiments, the cap 21 is manufactured from nontransparent material to block light. In some embodiments, the cap 21 is manufactured from a transparent material with a coating or tinting to block light. As illustrated, in some embodiments, the face shield 10 is mounted to the halo cap 21 by inserting the two sides of the shield into the cap slots 22 provided on the cap 21 of the halo brim 20, and then mating the detents/holes 11 of the face shield 10 to the knobs 25 on the edge of the cap 21 of the halo brim 20. In some embodiments of the invention, the knobs 25 are of an industry standard and in other embodiments are shaped like a mushroom with a flattened head. In some embodiments of the present invention, the face shield 10 has multiple sets of detents/holes 11 to allow a wearer to adjust the angle between the face shield 10 and the cap 21. In some embodiments of the present invention, the face shield 10 is optically clear; in other embodiments the face shield 10 may be coated or tinted. In some embodiments of the present invention, the frame 23 of the improved halo brim 20 is flexible. In some embodiments of the present invention, the improved halo brim 20 is manufactured as a single piece. In some embodiments of the present invention, the improved halo brim 20 is manufactured in an injection molding process; in other embodiments, the improved halo brim 20 is manufactured with a 3D Printing process; and in other embodiments, the improved halo brim 20 and/or its parts may be manufactured in a machining or stamping process. In some embodiments of the present invention, the improved halo brim 20 is manufactured from two or more pieces and assembled by mechanical connectors, glued or welded. In some embodiments of the present invention, the improved halo brim 20 is manufactured from polystyrene, other plastic, metal, rubber or fibrous material. In some embodiments of the present invention, the improved halo brim 20 is manufactured from material infused with zinc and/or copper to enhance its antimicrobial/antifungal properties. In some embodiments of the present invention, the cap 21 has a width of between 0.5 inches and 1.5 inches to provide a minimal space between the face shield 10 and the face of a wearer to provide more comfort and to decrease fogging of the face shield 10. In some embodiments of the current invention, the top of the cap 21 is used to display the imprints of names and/or logos.

(19) FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of the halo brim 20 from a top view. As illustrated, the halo brim 20 is in its relaxed (not being worn) position, the frame 23 is relaxed, and the lip 24 does not engage the edge of the cap 21. This relaxed position leaves a gap 26 between the lip 24 and the cap 21. In some embodiments of the present invention, the lip 24 may be of varying shapes and widths to encourage engagement with the cap 21. In some embodiments of the present invention, the lip 24 may be manufactured as one piece with the cap 21 leaving no gap 26.

(20) In some embodiments of the present invention, the halo brim 20 is manufactured such that the frame 23 and the cap 21 are one piece with the attachment at the bridge 27 being a small section of shared material on the centerline of the arc of both pieces. In some embodiments of the present invention, the halo brim 20 may be manufactured in two or more separate pieces which may be joined in an assembly process by mechanical means, such as by rivets, by glue, by welding or by some combination of the above. In some embodiments of the present invention, the halo brim 20 may be manufactured by a molding or 3D printing process using polystyrene, other plastic, metal, rubber, or fibrous material; or of any combination thereof.

(21) In some embodiments of the present invention, the halo brim 20 may be manufactured from material infused with zinc and/or copper to enhance its antimicrobial/antifungal properties.

(22) FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of the halo brim 20 from a top view. In this view, the assembly 100 is illustrated in the flexed (being worn) position, the frame 23 is shown flexed outward as if around a wearer's head. In this illustration, the lip 24 of the frame 23 has extended radially beyond the edge of the cap 21. In this position, the gap 26 is closed off or sealed. In some embodiments of the present invention, the lip 24 may be of varying sizes and shapes to better engage the cap 21.

(23) FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of the halo brim 20 in a front view, expanded as on a wearer. As illustrated, the lip 24 of the frame 23 has engaged, by extending radially beyond the edge of the cap 21. In this position, the gap 26 is closed off or sealed.

(24) FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of the halo brim 20 in a side section view. This view illustrates that the cap 21 is designed to be at least 0.5 to 1.5 inches in width so that the shield 10 is held away from the face of a wearer by the cap 21 of the halo brim 20.

(25) FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of the halo brim 20 from a side view. As illustrated in FIG. 6, in some embodiments of the present invention, the relationship between the lip 24 and the cap 21 is shown. In this illustration, the lip 24 is situated such that it sits over the cap 21 of the halo brim 20, so that upon expansion as illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 the lip 24 extends radially over the top of the cap 21 of the halo brim 20. In some embodiments of the present invention, the lip 24 may engage the cap 21 by extending beyond and below the edge of the cap 21. In some embodiments of the present invention, the lip 24 may engage a groove or matching angle(s) provided in the edge of the cap 21.

(26) FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of the halo brim 20 from a top view. In some embodiments of the present invention, the lip 124 may be of varying shapes and widths to encourage engagement with the cap. As shown in FIG. 7, in some embodiments of the present invention, the lip 124 may flair outward from a point near the bridge 27 of the frame 23. In some embodiments of the present invention, the lip 124 may flair outward distal from the frame 23 as needed to provide for better engagement.

(27) While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or teaching herein. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only and are not limiting. Many variations and modifications of the system and apparatus are possible and will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. For example, the relative dimensions of various parts, the materials from which the various parts are made, and other parameters can be varied. Accordingly, it is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such variations and modifications.