ACTIVE RESPIRATORY OPEN FACE SHIELD SYSTEM

Abstract

The present invention relates to active respiratory protective face shield systems. More specifically, the present invention is directed to face shield systems comprising a substantially transparent lens having an upper visual chamber and a lower breathing chamber. The protective face shield systems have a generally open design so to not substantially contact the user's face. The lens configured to cover at least the user's nose and mouth. An input filter system module provides a positive pressure environment to a breathing chamber by the delivery of filtered air. The positive pressure is of sufficient magnitude so to produce an air barrier for substantially preventing environmental contamination, e.g., particulate matter, microorganisms, and the like, from entering the breathing chamber. Alternate embodiments further include an output filter system module for the evacuation and substantial filtration of the user's exhalation air to surrounding environment.

Claims

1. A face shield system, said face shield system comprising a harness adapted to engage with a user's head, said harness comprising: (a) a rear portion comprising an input filtration system module attached thereon, said input filtration system module further comprising: (i) an air pump for moving ambient unfiltered air through an input filter so to produce a delivery of filtered air; (ii) a control system functionally connected to said air pump for controlling said delivery of filtered air, said control system further comprising a power source for motivating said air pump; and (iii) an air transport enclosure system configured for directing flow of said delivery of filtered air exiting said input filtration system module; and (b) a front portion comprising a lens system supported thereon configured to cover the user's nose, mouth, and eyes, said lens system comprising: (i) a lens having an inner surface, an upper lens portion for covering the user's eyes, a lower lens portion for covering the user's nose and mouth, and a sealing member disposed between said lower lens portion and said upper lens portion configured to form a lower breathing chamber and a visual chamber, wherein at least a portion of said lens is configured from a transparent material; and (ii) at least one air input member fluidly coupled into said lower breathing chamber for said delivery of filtered air, wherein said at least one air input member is fluidly connected to said air transport enclosure system.

2. The face shield system of claim 1, wherein said lower breathing chamber receives said delivery of filtered air of sufficient magnitude so to produce a positive pressure environment within said breathing chamber, thereby producing an active air barrier configured to substantially block ambient environmental contaminants from entering said lower breathing chamber.

3. The face shield system of claim 1, wherein said input filter is fabricated from a material selected from the group consisting of a pathogenic filtering material, a particulate contaminant filtering material, a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) certified material and any combination thereof.

4. The face shield system of claim 1, wherein said sealing member is substantially permanently attached to said inner surface of said lens.

5. The face shield system of claim 1, wherein said air transport enclosure system is selected from the group consisting of a hose, a tube, a rectangular duct, and any combination thereof.

6. The face shield system of claim 1, further comprising at least one output filtration system module for the evacuation and filtration of the user's exhalation air from said lower breathing chamber, said output filtration system module is functionally disposed onto said lower lens portion of said lens, said output filtration system module comprising: (a) an air pump for moving unfiltered exhalation air from said breathing chamber through an output filter, so to produce a delivery of filtered exhalation air into the ambient environment; (b) a control system functionally connected to said air pump for controlling said delivery of filtered exhalation air, said control system further comprising a power source for motivating said air pump; and (c) an exhalation air input port configured for receiving the user's exhalation air from said lower breathing chamber.

7. The face shield system of claim 6, further comprising said at least one output filtration system module that is functionally attached onto said lower lens portion of said lens such that said exhalation air input port substantially aligns with the user's exhalation air trajectory so to diametrically engage with the user's exhalation air, thereby streamlining the evacuation and filtration of the user's exhalation air into the user's ambient environment.

8. The face shield system of claim 1, wherein said harness comprises at least one hinge, enabling the user to hingedly move said lens away from the user's face.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The ensuing detailed description section makes reference to the annexed drawings. An enhanced understanding of the present invention will become evident when consideration is given to the detailed description thereof and objects other than the aforementioned become apparent. The invention will be described by reference to the specification and the annexed drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements, and wherein:

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a general system view of an active respiratory open face shield filtration system (AROFSS) including an input filter system module (IFSM), which provides filtered air to the user.

[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates a graphical view of the breathing chamber pressure during a breathing cycle, given the positive pressure environment produced by the input filter system module (IFSM).

[0027] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary input filter system module (IFSM).

[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary face shield system having an input filter system module (IFSM) affixed to a user. The embodiment further depicts a streamlined air transport enclosure system comprising rectangular ducts.

[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the face shield system shown in FIG. 4

[0030] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary face shield system including an input filter system module (IFSM) having an air transport enclosure system utilizing an air hose.

[0031] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary face shield system including an input filter system module (IFSM) integrated into the frame.

[0032] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary face shield system including an input filter system module (IFSM) integrated into the upper portion of the lens.

[0033] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary face shield system including an input filter system module (IFSM) integrated into the lower center portion of the lens.

[0034] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary face shield system including an input filter system module (IFSM) integrated into the lower, right-side portion of the lens.

[0035] FIG. 11 illustrates a general system view of an active respiratory open face shield filtration system (AROFSS) including an output filter system module (OFSM), which filters the user's exhalation air prior to release into the ambient environment.

[0036] FIG. 12 illustrates a graphical view of the breathing chamber pressure during a breathing cycle, given the positive pressure environment produced by the input filter system module (IFSM) in addition to the evacuation contribution (negative pressure) produced by the output filter system module (OFSM).

[0037] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary face shield system having an input filter system module (IFSM) affixed to a user and an output filter system module (OFSM) attached to the lens.

[0038] FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective front view of an exemplary face shield system affixed to a user. The face shield system includes an output filter system module (OFSM) attached to the lens and an air input member configured to direct the delivery and adjust the flow patterns of filtered air (produced by the IFSM) presented to the user's nose and mouth.

[0039] FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective side view of an exemplary face shield system having a headband type of attachment assembly affixed to a user. The face shield system includes an output filter system module (OFSM) attached to the lens, and input filter system module (IFSM) is attached into the headband attachment assembly.

[0040] FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of a respiratory face shield assembly comprising an input filter system module (IFSM) and an output filter system module (OFSM), both units affixed behind the user's head. The embodiment further depicts a streamlined air transport enclosure system comprising rectangular ducts.

[0041] FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective front view of an exemplary face shield system affixed to a user. The system includes a sealing member disposed in a horizontal manner between the user's eyes and oronasal facial features to ensure that the delivery of filtered air avoids the eyes and is solely directed to the user's oronasal facial features.

[0042] FIG. 18 illustrates a general system view of an active respiratory open face shield filtration system, as viewed from the side, during the user's inhalation phase.

DEFINITIONS OF TERMS USED IN THIS SPECIFICATION

[0043] The active respiratory open face shield filtration system (AROFSS) discussed throughout this disclosure shall have equivalent nomenclature, including, but not limited to: the device, the system, the assembly, the face shield, the unit, the present invention, or the invention. Additionally, the term exemplary shall possess a single meaning throughout this disclosure; wherein the sole focus is directed to serving as an example, instance, or illustration. The term others or bystanders shall be defined as individuals within the immediate environment of the user, having a reasonable probability of receiving an airborne pathogen from the user. The term upper torso shall be understood to include the shoulders, neck, and any member of the head capable of providing support for the respiratory face shield systems.

[0044] The term “about” is used herein to mean approximately, roughly, around, or in the region of. When the term “about” is used in conjunction with a numerical range, it modifies that range by extending the boundaries above and below the numerical values set forth. In general, the term “about” is used herein to modify a numerical value above and below the stated value by a variance of 20 percent up or down (higher or lower).

[0045] Note that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As well, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising”, “including”, “characterized by”, “possessing” and “having” are all to be interpreted as open-ended terms, are all considered equivalent terms, and are used interchangeably.

PARTS/FEATURES LIST

[0046] 1—input filter [0047] 2—unfiltered air (ambient environment surrounding user) [0048] 3—input filter system module (IFSM), flowchart view [0049] 4—downstream (indication of filtered air flow) [0050] 6—air pump, e.g., one or more fans [0051] 8—air transport enclosure system, input (general embodiment) [0052] 10—filtered air [0053] 11—inner surface of lens 16 [0054] 12—internal volume (between user 18 and inner surface 15) [0055] 13—nose and mouth of user 18 [0056] 14—breathing chamber (positive pressure environment) [0057] 15—control system [0058] 16—lens (optically transparent material) [0059] 17—lens system [0060] 18—user [0061] 19—air input member (introduces filtered air 10 into breathing chamber 14) [0062] 20—unfiltered breathing chamber air or exhalation air (provides an active air barrier) [0063] 22—breathing cycle [0064] 24—exhalation pressure [0065] 26—inhalation pressure [0066] 28—minimum pressure [0067] 30—peak pressure [0068] 32—ambient pressure [0069] 34—negative pressure [0070] 36—steady state or average pressure [0071] (breathing chamber pressure when breathing is paused) [0072] 40—input filter system module (IFSM) [0073] 42—control board [0074] 44—battery (power source) [0075] 46—upper ear supports (example of an upper torso apparatus support member) [0076] 47—air transport enclosure, (rectangular embodiment) [0077] 48—respiratory face shield assembly (exemplary embodiment where only input air to the user is filtered [0078] 49—lens perimeter [0079] 50—upper torso [0080] 51—respiratory face shield system (alternate embodiment) [0081] 52—head harness [0082] 54—rear portion [0083] 56—front portion [0084] 58—lens connector (type of air input member) [0085] 60—back strap [0086] 62—air hose (type of air transport system) [0087] 64—respiratory face shield assembly (alternate embodiment) [0088] 66—frame [0089] 67—lens system [0090] 68—hinge [0091] 70—neck support member [0092] 72—output filter [0093] 74—filtered air [0094] 76—downstream [0095] 78—air pump (output) [0096] 79—output filter system module (OFSM) [0097] 80—control system [0098] 82—air transport enclosure system output (general embodiment) [0099] 84—exhalation air (unfiltered air from breathing chamber) [0100] 85—exhalation air input port (receives unfiltered air from breathing chamber) [0101] 86—excess breathing chamber air (a combination of exhalation air 84 and filtered air 19 produced by IFSM) [0102] 88—breathing chamber air (inner shield air) [0103] 90—positive pressure (produced by IFSM) [0104] 92—negative pressure (produced by OFSM) [0105] 94—steady state pressure (pressure when user breathing is paused) [0106] 96—respiratory face shield assembly (exemplary embodiment using both an IFSM and an OFSM, so that both input air to the user and user exhalation air are both filtered) [0107] 98—respiratory face shield assembly (includes both an IFSM and an OFSM, and an air input member configured to direct the delivery and adjust the flow patterns of filtered air to the user's nose and mouth) [0108] 99—attachment assembly (engages neck portion of upper torso 50) [0109] 100—exhalation air trajectory [0110] 102—air input member [0111] 104—filtered air (controlled by the air input member 102) [0112] 106—respiratory face shield assembly (includes both an IFSM and an OFSM, where the input filter system module (IFSM) is attached into the headband attachment assembly) [0113] 108—headband attachment assembly [0114] 110—forehead (exemplary upper torso 50 member) [0115] 112—breathing chamber [0116] 114—breathing chamber air [0117] 116—respiratory face shield assembly (exemplary embodiment where IFSM and an OFSM systems are located behind the user's head) [0118] 117—respiratory face shield assembly (includes sealing member 118) [0119] 118—sealing member (substantially seals lower breathing chamber 128 comprising the user's nose and mouth from visual chamber 130). [0120] 120—user engagement surface [0121] 122—lens engagement surface [0122] 124—upper lens [0123] 126—lower lens [0124] 128—lower breathing chamber [0125] 130—visual chamber

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0126] With reference to the drawings of the present invention, several embodiments pertaining to the faucet system of the present invention thereof will be described. In describing the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be used for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. Terminology of similar import other than the words specifically mentioned above likewise is to be considered as being used for purposes of convenience rather than in any limiting sense.

[0127] FIG. 1 illustrates a general system view of an active respiratory open face shield filtration system (AROFSS) including a flowchart view of an input filter system module (IFSM) 3, which provides filtered air 10 to user 18. Unfiltered air 2, acquired from the ambient environment surrounding user 18, is drawn through input filter 1 by air pump 6, producing filtered air 10. Air pump 6 is managed by control system 15. Filtered air 10 is directed in a downstream 4 direction through air transport enclosure system 8, exiting air input member 19 located in breathing chamber 14. Breathing chamber 14 is the approximate volume delineated by internal volume 12 formed between user's 18 face and inner surface 11 of lens 16. Control system 15 manages at least air pump 6, wherein certain embodiments are configured to regulate and monitor a variety of parameters, including: power delivery to air pump 15, velocity of air at predetermined locations throughout the system, and the like.

[0128] IFSM 3 provides filtered air 10 into breathing chamber 14 such that a positive pressure environment is created. The positive pressure environment generated within breathing chamber 14 is of sufficient magnitude so to produce a protective air barrier capable of preventing environmental contamination, e.g., particulate matter, microorganisms, and the like, from entering the breathing chamber 14. The protective air barrier is produced by unfiltered breathing chamber air 20 exiting internal volume 12 about the generally open perimeter of lens 16, flowing into the ambient surrounding environment.

[0129] The present embodiment also includes lens system 17 having a lens 16 having a least a transparent portion to enable user 18 vision. Lens 16 covers or hovers, over at least nose and mouth 13 of user's 18, and is configured so to not substantially contact user's 18 face, thereby increasing user comfort.

[0130] FIG. 2 illustrates a graphical view of the air pressure present within breathing chamber 14 during breathing cycle 22 of a typical user 18. The graph represents breathing chamber 14 pressure verses time. The ordinate axis depicts the ambient environmental pressure at the origin shown as ambient pressure 32; pressure values below ambient pressure 32 are represented by the area denoted as negative pressure 34. Steady state pressure 36 is produced by the delivery of filtered air 10 generated by input filter system module (IFSM) 3 superimposed over ambient pressure 32 and is understood to be the breathing chamber pressure when user 18 refrains from breathing or user's breathing is paused. Breathing cycle 22 is comprised of two primary components, the positive peak denoted as exhalation pressure 24 and the negative peak denoted as inhalation pressure 26. To ensure that unfiltered air 2 from the surrounding environment does not enter breathing chamber 14, minimum pressure 28 must be greater or equal to ambient pressure 32. As shown in FIG. 2, the value of peak pressure 30 is the summation of steady state pressure 36 and the peak pressure of exhalation pressure 24. Minimum pressure 28 point results from subtracting negative peak inhalation pressure 26 from steady state pressure 36.

[0131] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary input filter system module (IFSM) 40. IFSM 40 provides filtered air 10 to breathing chamber 14 and can be affixed to a variety of locations, for example: to back strap 60, as shown in FIG. 6; or onto lens 16, as shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10. IFSM 40 is comprised of a plurality of subsystems or components which are strategically selected and configured to be lightweight and functionally interconnect in a compact manner. IFSM 40 is comprised of at least one input filter 1, selected to perform at a predetermined level of filtration performance. Located below input filter 1 are right and left air pumps 6, which draws unfiltered air 2, taken from the user's 18 immediate environment, through input filter 1. The resulting filtered air 10 is directed to air transport enclosure system 8, or feeds directly into breathing chamber 14, or the like, depending on the specific embodiment. IFSM 40 further comprises a power source battery 44 of sufficient capacity to power the filtration system for a reasonable amount of time. Exemplary power systems include compact, high capacity, rechargeable battery systems, including supporting battery health indicators, chargers, corresponding connectors, and the like.

[0132] Exemplary IFSM 40 includes control board 42, which manages at least one air pump 6 managed by control board 42. Other exemplary control board 42 features include, but not limited to, a power management subsystem to control power delivery to air pump 6 for controlling the velocity of filtered air 10 directed into breathing chamber 14. In preferred embodiments, IFSM 40 type systems will include redundant components for safety purposes, e.g., in the event of component or system failures. Redundant components include but are not limited to the following: air pump, rear filter, control system, and battery.

[0133] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of exemplary respiratory face shield assembly 48 affixed to user 18 by a pair of upper ear supports 46. The upper ear supports 46 supportingly engage user's 18 right and left ears, the ears are just one of many support locations possible on upper torso 50. Accordingly, the term upper torso shall be understood to include the shoulders, neck, and any member or portion of the head capable of providing support for the respiratory face shield systems.

[0134] The embodiment further depicts an input filter system module (IFSM) 40 and streamlined air transport enclosure system comprising rectangular ducts 47. Rectangular ducts 47 are configured to yield a more compact and user-friendly system. In one aspect, the dimensions of rectangular ducts 47 are selected to maximize airflow, while reducing the width; the rectangular ducts 47 are elongated in the vertical direction, thereby reducing the overall width of respiratory face shield assembly 48.

[0135] FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the respiratory face shield assembly 48 shown in FIG. 4. This embodiment only provides filtered air 10 to user 18; exhalation air 20 from user 18 is not filtered, but freely exhausted about the open areas associated with lens perimeter 49. Exemplary right and left air input members 19 function to direct filtered air 10 into breathing chamber 14. There are several design options with respect to air input members 19. In certain embodiments, filtered air 10 can be directed through an air input member 19 having an array of smaller apertures; moreover, filtered air 10 can be steered in predetermined patterns within breathing chamber 14. Filtered air 10 predetermined patterns can be configured to accomplish one or more objectives, including: facial cooling, ease inhalation effort, minimize interference with exhalation air trajectory 100, expedite the removal of breathing chamber air 20, and the like.

[0136] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary face shield system 51 including an input filter system module (IFSM) 40 having an air transport enclosure system utilizing an air hose 62 type system. The face shield components are organized and supported on head harness 52, which is configured to securely attach to user's 18 head. Head harness 52 further comprises back strap 60, which optionally includes a means for separating the strap into two sections to expedite attaching and/or removal of face shield system 51 to user 18; as well as expediting disassembly of face shield system 51 components for service, repair, cleaning, and the like.

[0137] Head harness 52 is comprised of two contiguous key sections, front portion 56, and rear portion 54. Rear portion 54 includes back strap 60, which provides support for IFSM 40. Front portion 56 comprises lens system 17, containing lens 16 and lens connector 58. IFSM 40 is connected to lens connector 58 via air hose 62. In exemplary embodiment face shield system 51, system support is provided by a pair of right and left upper ear supports 46, configured to correspondingly engage the right and left ears of user 18. FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of respiratory face shield assembly 64. Face shield assembly 64 is yet another embodiment of an active respiratory open face shield filtration system including an input filter system module (IFSM) 40, which provides filtered air 10 to the user. Respiratory face shield assembly 64 includes an IFSM 40 integrated into front portion of frame 66. The front portion of frame 66, which includes hinge 68 for supporting lens system 67; lens system 67 includes lens 16, which covers user's 18 face, e.g., nose, mouth, and eyes. The rear portion of frame 66 provides upper torso 50 support, in the form of neck support member 70.

[0138] Hinge 68 enables user 18 to hingedly move lens 16 away from user's 18 face, while neck support member 70 continues to provide substantial support for shield assembly 64 system as a whole. In the present embodiment, since IFSM 40 is integrated into front portion of frame 66, filtered air 10 is immediately directed into the breathing chamber, sans an air transport enclosure system.

[0139] FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 illustrate various embodiments based on the respiratory face shield assembly 64 shown in FIG. 7. All the embodiments shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 have an input filter system module (IFSM) 40 mounted into lens 16, but at different locations. Again, since IFSM 40 is integrated directly into lens 16, filtered air 10 is immediately directed into the breathing chamber, and therefore does not require any type of air transport enclosure system 8 to guide filtered air 10. FIG. 8 illustrates a face shield system where IFSM 40 is integrated into the upper portion of lens 16. FIG. 9 illustrates a face shield system where IFSM 40 is integrated into the lower, center portion of lens 16. FIG. 10 illustrates a face shield system where IFSM 40 is integrated into the lower, right-side portion of lens 16.

[0140] FIG. 11 illustrates a general system view of primarily the output filter system module (OFSM) 79 portion of an exemplary active respiratory open face shield filtration system (AROFSS). OFSM 79, in addition to the aforementioned input filter system module (IFSM) 3 system; provides a means for filtering user's 18 exhalation air 84 prior to release into the ambient environment, thereby protecting bystanders, materials, and the like. It is understood breathing chamber air 88 is comprised of at least exhalation air 84 and filtered air 10. Given the proper configuration/calibrations, there's little to no excess breathing chamber air 86 escaping about the open perimeter of lens 16.

[0141] OFSM 79 portion of FIG. 11 delineates the apparatus and process for filtering user's 18 exhalation air 84 prior to release into the ambient environment. OFSM 79 exhausts filtered air 74 into the ambient environment; accordingly, unfiltered breathing chamber air 88 is motivated in a downstream 76 direction by air pump 78. Starting from user 18, breathing chamber air 88 is pulled through exhalation air input port 85 and channeled through air transport enclosure system 82 where breathing chamber air 88 is forced through the receiving or input portion of output filter 72 by air pump 78, resulting in filtered air 74 exiting output filter 72 into the ambient environment. In certain embodiments, determined by the specific mounting location of OFSM 79, an air transport enclosure system 82 may not be necessary. Control system 80 manages at least air pump 78, wherein certain embodiments are configured to regulate and monitor a variety of parameters, including: power delivery to air pump 78, velocity of air throughout the system, and the like.

[0142] In preferred embodiments, the OFSM 79 will include redundant components for safety, in case of component failures. Redundant components include, but are not limited to the: air pump, output filter, control system, and battery. As delineated in the in the previous discussions associated with FIG. 1, embodiments including OFSM 79 also comprises a lens 16 for covering or hovering over at least nose and mouth 13 of user's 18 and is also configured so to not substantially contact user's 18 face, promoting increased user comfort.

[0143] FIG. 12 illustrates a graphical view of the air pressure within breathing chamber 88 during breathing cycle 22 of a typical user 18, given an embodiment of the present invention that includes both input filter system module (IFSM) 40—for filtering inhalation air, and an output filter system module (OFSM) 79—for filtering exhalation air. The graph represents breathing chamber 88 pressure verses time. The ordinate axis, at its origin, depicts the ambient environmental pressure as ambient pressure 32. The area of negative pressure is located in the area below ambient pressure 32.

[0144] Steady state, positive pressure 90 is produced by the generation of filtered air 10 by IFSM 40. Steady state, negative pressure 92 is produced by the evacuation of exhalation air 84 processed by OFSM 79.

[0145] Steady state pressure 94 is the difference resulting from subtracting negative pressure 92 from positive pressure 90 and is understood to be the breathing chamber 88 pressure when user 18 refrains from breathing or breathing is paused (e.g., the pause between inhalation and exhalation cycles 22). Breathing cycle 22 is comprised of two primary components, the positive peak denoted as exhalation pressure 24 and the negative peak denoted as inhalation pressure 26. To ensure that unfiltered air from the surrounding environment does not enter breathing chamber 88, minimum pressure 28 must be greater or equal to ambient pressure 32. As depicted in FIG. 2, the value of peak pressure 30 is the summation of steady state pressure 94 and the peak value of exhalation pressure 24. Minimum pressure 28 is the difference resulting from subtracting the negative peak value of inhalation pressure 26 from steady state pressure 94. The overall pressure created in breathing chamber 88 is configured to be positive. The positive pressure environment generated is of sufficient magnitude so to produce a protective air barrier, capable of preventing environmental contamination, e.g., particulate matter, microorganisms, and the like, from entering the breathing chamber 88. The protective air barrier is produced by filtered air 10 continuously flowing into breathing chamber air 20 and exiting internal volume 12 about the generally open perimeter of lens 16.

[0146] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective rear-side view of an exemplary respiratory face shield assembly 96, which follows the teachings associated with FIGS. 11 and 12. Assembly 96, shown affixed to user 18, includes an input filter system module (IFSM) 40 engaging the back portion of user's 18 head, and an output filter system module (OFSM) 79 attached to lens 16. Again, the present embodiment includes both IFSM 40—for filtering inhalation air; in addition to OFSM 79—for filtering exhalation air 74, to protect bystanders and the like in the user's environment. The present embodiment also includes lens 16 having a least a transparent portion to enable user 18 vision. Lens 16 covers or hovers, over at least nose and mouth 13 of user's 18, and is configured so to not substantially contact user's 18 face, thereby providing enhanced user comfort.

[0147] FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective front view of an exemplary respiratory face shield assembly 98 affixed to user 18 via a generally circular attachment assembly 99 configured to engage the neck portion of upper torso 50. The respiratory face shield assembly 98 includes an output filter system module (OFSM) 79 attached to frame 66. Input filter system module (IFSM) 40 is coupled to air transport enclosure system 8, further attached to air input member 102, which is configured to direct the delivery and associated air flow patterns so to present filtered air 104 to the user's nose and mouth 13 in a predetermined manner. Predetermined patterns include air flows that enhance facial cooling, expedite the removal of exhalation air, and the like.

[0148] Assembly 98 further depicts OFSM 79 functionally attached onto frame 66 to provide an exhalation air input port 85 for user 18; in other embodiments, OFSM 79 can be attached directly onto lens 16, frame 66, or like surfaces. In this and other preferred embodiments, exhalation air input port 85 substantially aligns with the user 18 exhalation air trajectory 100 so to efficiently engage with the user's exhalation air, thereby streamlining the evacuation and filtration of the user's 18 exhalation air into the user's ambient environment. In preferred embodiments, there is a diametric or linear (shortest path option) exhaust path from user's nose and mouth 13 to exhalation air input port 85.

[0149] FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective side view of respiratory face shield assembly 106, having headband attachment assembly 108 configured to engage forehead 110 portion of user's 18 head. The exhalation air input port 85 portion of output filter system module (OFSM) 79 is directly attached onto lens 16, such that the exhalation air input port 85 substantially aligns with the user 18 exhalation air trajectory 100, so to efficiently engage with the user's exhalation air for streamlining the evacuation and filtration of user's 18 exhalation air into the user's ambient environment. In preferred embodiments there's a diametric or linear (shortest path option) exhaust path from user's nose and mouth 13 area to exhalation air input port located on OFSM 79. Input filter system module (IFSM) 40 is fastened onto the headband attachment assembly 108. IFSM 40 delivers filtered air 10 into breathing chamber 112 from above nose and mouth 13 areas, thereby providing cooling airflow to a substantial portion of user's 18 face.

[0150] FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of respiratory face shield assembly 116 comprising both an input filter system module (IFSM) 40 and an output filter system module (OFSM) 79, where both units affixed behind the user's head. The functions of IFSM 40 and OFSM 79 are best delineated in FIGS. 1 and 11, respectively. It is understood that both IFSM 40 and OFSM 79 do not have to exist as separate systems; The components and corresponding functions provided by the two separate systems can be combined into a more streamlined system. Moreover, in some embodiments, the IFSM 40 and OFSM 79 systems/functions or can share one or more components.

[0151] Depicted is a streamlined air transport enclosure 47 type system, utilizing rectangular ducts. Air input member 19 located on the right side of user 18 is attached to an IFSM 40 via air transport enclosure 47 and serves to direct filtered air 10 into the right portion of breathing chamber 112. Exhalation air input port 85 located on the left side of user 18 is attached to OFSM 79 via opposing air transport enclosure 47 and serves to extract breathing chamber air 114 from breathing chamber 112, filter the extracted air, and dissipate the filtered air into the surrounding environment.

[0152] Face shield assembly 116 is configured having two opposing members for the creation of a predetermined air curtain drawn across the nose and mouth 13 of user 18. The two opposing members include air input member 19, and exhalation air input port 85. Air input member 19—powered by IFSM 40, and exhalation air input port 85—powered by OFSM 79 are systems configured to cooperate with each other so to create a self-contained breathing chamber 112, as depicted in FIG. 12. In preferred embodiments, self-contained breathing chamber 112, IFSM 40, OFSM 79, and supporting components are configured such that the predetermined air curtain produced, engages with user 18 such that the ambient unfiltered air surrounding user 18 will not be drawn into breathing chamber 112, and neither will user's 18 exhalation air be exhausted directly into the ambient environment without proper filtration.

[0153] FIG. 17 illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary respiratory face shield assembly 117 affixed to user 18 via a generally circular support or attachment assembly 99 configured to engage the neck portion of upper torso 50. Respiratory face shield assembly 117 embodiment includes an output filter system module (OFSM) 79 attached to frame 66. Input filter system module (IFSM) 40 is coupled to air transport enclosure system 8, further attached to air input member 102, which is configured to direct the delivery of filtered air 104 to lower breathing chamber 128, providing the user's nose and mouth 13 with filtered air 104.

[0154] Exemplary respiratory face shield assembly 117 comprises sealing member 118, which is configured to create two chambers, a lower breathing chamber 128 disposed on lower lens 126, and visual chamber 130 comprising upper lens 124. Sealing member 118 is positioned in a substantially horizontal manner between the user's eyes and oronasal facial features 13 to ensure that delivery of filtered air 10 is solely directed to the user's oronasal facial features. One function provided by sealing member 118 is to substantially prevent any substantial airflow from the lower breathing chamber 128, such as filtered air and/or user exhalation air, from flowing directly upward into visual chamber 130 comprising inner surface 11 of upper lens 124 and reaching the user's eyes. Sealing member 118 is ideally fabricated from a pliable, conforming type of material, such as a foam, rubber, elastomer, or the like. Sealing member 118 possesses at least one user engagement surface or edge 120, and at least one lens engagement surface 122. Lens engagement surface 122 is sealingly attached to inner surface 11 of lens 16. The means for attachment can vary from a removably attachable means to a permanent means of attachment. User engagement surface or edge 120 functions to sealingly conform to the user's face such that two chambers are formed, a lower breathing chamber 128 and a visual chamber 130.

[0155] Assembly 117 further depicts OFSM 79 functionally attached onto frame 66 which provides an exhalation air input port 85 for user 18; in other embodiments, OFSM 79 can be attached directly onto lens 16, frame 66, lower lens 126 to fluidly engage the volume within lower breathing chamber 128, and the like. In preferred embodiments, exhalation air input port 85 substantially aligns with the user 18 exhalation air trajectory 100 so to efficiently engage with the user's exhalation air, thereby streamlining the evacuation and filtration of the user's 18 exhalation air into the user's ambient environment. In preferred embodiments, there is a diametric or linear (shortest path option) exhaust path from user's nose and mouth 13 to exhalation air input port 85.

[0156] There are several benefits associated with shielding the user's eyes from oronasal airflows provided by sealing member 118. One benefit is the elimination/reduction of lens fogging, especially the inner surface 11 of visual chamber 130. Another benefit is the prevention of dry eyes, resulting from the movement of filtered air being drawn across the user's eyes.

[0157] FIG. 18 illustrates a general system, side view of exemplary respiratory face shield assembly 117 affixed to user 18, essentially depicted in FIG. 17. Filtered air 10 enters lower breathing 128 chamber via air input member 19. In certain embodiments, a positive pressure environment of sufficient magnitude is generated within lower breathing 128 so to produce a protective air barrier capable of preventing environmental contamination, e.g., particulate matter, microorganisms, and the like, from entering lower breathing 128. As previously discussed, sealing member 118 is configured to create two chambers when worn by a user, a lower breathing chamber 128 and visual chamber 130. Sealing member 118 is positioned in a substantially horizontal manner between the user's eyes and oronasal facial features 13 to ensure that the delivery of filtered air 10 is primarily received by user's oronasal facial features 13 located within lower breathing chamber 128.