Method and Device for Protection Against Infectious Agents

Abstract

The present invention protects users from infectious agents, such as viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. The present invention discloses a device that provides superior protection and comfort for use over prolonged periods of time. This invention is particularly suited for health care workers, individuals who interact with many people, or individuals who are at a high risk of infection. In one embodiment of the present invention, a face shield is disclosed that creates a full seal around the user's face, thereby protecting the user's otherwise exposed mucus membranes from droplets that may contain infectious agents.

Claims

1. A face shield comprising: a visor, a pillow, and a band-less head strap.

2. The face shield disclosed in claim 1, further comprising a frame.

3. The face shield disclosed in claim 1, further comprising at least one filter holder.

4. The face shield disclosed in claim 1, further comprising at least one filter.

5. The shield disclosed in claim 1, further comprising at least one removeable filter.

6. The face shield disclosed in claim 1, further comprising a filter monitor.

7. The face shield disclosed in claim 1, further comprising at least one exhaust port.

8. A face shield comprising: a top half, a bottom half, each half removably attaching to each other.

9. The face shield disclosed in claim 8, further comprising a frame.

10. The face shield disclosed in claim 8, further comprising at least one filter holder.

11. The face shield disclosed in claim 8, further comprising at least one filter.

12. The face shield disclosed in claim 8, further comprising at least one removeable filter.

13. The face shield disclosed in claim 8, further comprising a filter monitor.

14. The face shield disclosed in claim 8, further comprising at least one exhaust port.

15. A method of preventing transmission of infectious agents in a human, the method comprising: obtaining the face shield disclosed in claim 1, and wearing the face shield disclosed in claim 1.

16. A method of preventing transmission of infectious agents in a human, the method comprising: obtaining the face shield disclosed in claim 8, and wearing the face shield disclosed in claim 8.

17. A method of preventing bacterial infection in a human, the method comprising: obtaining the face shield disclosed in claim 1, and wearing the face shield disclosed in claim 1.

18. A method of preventing viral infection in a human, the method comprising: obtaining the face shield disclosed in claim 1, and wearing the face shield disclosed in claim 1.

19. The face shield disclosed in claim 1, further comprising a mobile application for monitoring efficiency of use.

20. The face shield disclosed in claim 8, further comprising a mobile application for monitoring efficiency of use.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 discloses the side view of one embodiment of the full face shield.

[0018] FIG. 2 discloses the top view of one embodiment of the full face shield.

[0019] FIG. 3 discloses the front view of one embodiment of the full face shield.

[0020] FIG. 4 discloses the bottom view of one embodiment of the full face shield.

[0021] FIG. 5 discloses an exploded view of one embodiment of the full face shield, 101 is one embodiment of a head clip, 102 is one embodiment of a visor, 103 is one embodiment of a frame, 104 is one embodiment of a pillow, and 105 is one embodiment of head gear.

[0022] FIG. 6 discloses the side view of one embodiment of the half face shield.

[0023] FIG. 7 discloses the front view of one embodiment of the half face shield.

[0024] FIG. 8 discloses the top view of one embodiment of the half face shield.

[0025] FIG. 9 discloses an exploded view of one embodiment of the full face shield, 201 is one embodiment of a lower filter piece, 202 is one embodiment of a transparent mouth piece, 203 is one embodiment of upper filter pieces, 204 is one embodiment of a clear eye visor, 205 is one embodiment of a mouth piece holder, and 206 is one embodiment of a head clip.

[0026] FIG. 10 discloses the cross T frame in a detached position.

[0027] FIG. 11 discloses the cross T frame in an attached position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] The words or terms used herein have the following definitions:

[0029] A face shield is an item of personal protective equipment designed to cover a user's entire face.

[0030] A face mask is an item of personal protective equipment designed to cover the user's nose, mouth and chin.

[0031] A visor is the portion of a face shield that covers the front of the user's face. The visor may or may not be removably attached to a face shield frame. In some embodiments, the visor and face shield frame are a single piece. In other embodiments of the present invention, the visor may be detachably coupled to the face shield frame.

[0032] The visor may be composed of anti-glare, anti-fog, shatterproof, scratch resistant, and/or anti-UV fading material.

[0033] A pillow is the portion of the face shield that comes in contact with the user's skin and creates a seal around the perimeter of the user's face.

[0034] A band-less head strap is the portion of the face shield that wraps around the user's head to secure the face shield in place. The strap may be comprised of one single piece or more than one piece.

[0035] A filter is a removable cartridge that is placed in a filter holder for additional air filtration requirements. The filter may be composed of N95, P100, carbon filter, or other filter material. Multiple filters may be stacked on top of each other.

[0036] A filter holder is the portion of the face shield that secures a removeable filter.

[0037] NFC technology is near field communication technology, which is a set of protocols for communication between two electronic devices over a short distance.

[0038] QR code application is quick response code, is a type of matrix barcode, which is a machine readable optical label that may be scanned to obtain information about the item which it is attached to. QR codes may contain data for a locator, identifier or tracker. It is well known to a person of ordinary skill in the art how these technologies function.

[0039] An infectious agent is a pathogen that may cause disease in humans.

[0040] In one embodiment of the present invention, the visor component of the face shield may be a solid surface or may contain ports for filter cartridge holders. The visor may be separated from the face shield frame or the visor and face shield frame may constitute a single piece. The visor may be composed of polycarbonate or any other clear, solid, anti-fog material. The visor may be colorless or colored, depending on its intended use. As a safety feature, the face shield, or portions thereof, may glow in the dark.

[0041] The pillow component may allow air to pass through, but prevents infectious agents from entering the user's mucus membranes. By preventing pathogenic agents from entering the user's eyes, nose or mouth, the present invention guards against illness and disease cause by pathogens.

[0042] The pillow component may be composed of an N95 filter that absorbs moisture to create a comfortable user experience. It is also contemplated that the pillow may be composed of memory foam or a P100 filter, which would allow a user to breathe comfortably from air coming through the pillow. Foam may be pressed into the breathing port and, by mechanical expansion, the foam will expand to take the shape of the breathing port, thereby creating a complete seal around the user's face, protecting the user's mucus membranes from droplets that may contain infectious agents. Thus, the pillow itself may be a breathing port.

[0043] The pillow may be covered by a comfortable, non-irritating and breathable material, such as chiffon, cotton, silk, a synthetic material, a natural material, or a combination of more than one material.

[0044] The pillow moves with the user's jaw to allow the user to speak and make facial expressions without compromising the protective seal created by the face mask. This unique feature allows the user to communicate more effectively with others by eliminating the restrictions of traditional face coverings. The pillow also allows a user to wear glasses comfortably by allowing the pillow to conform around the arms of a user's glasses frame.

[0045] The pillow's breathability allows for the user to have an airtight seal between the pillow and the skin, while allowing only filtered air to pass through the pillow. In addition, the pillow creates a cool and dry environment inside the face shield. Pillows may be stacked, creating a larger and more efficient exchange medium for exhaled gases and filtered air, thereby increasing breathability.

[0046] In some embodiments, a seal attaches the visor to the pillow to provide additional shock resistance and durability. The seal may be composed of silicon, rubber, or any other flexible material.

[0047] In one embodiment of the present invention, additional breathing ports may be located on the front of the visor, on the sides of the visor, or at the chin region of the visor. Filter ports may also be embedded in the pillow so that the user's vision is not obstructed by filter ports. Filters may be deodorizing filters, HEPA filters, carbon filters, or other types of filters, as appropriate. Filters may comprise exposed tags that allow for efficient removal and replacement from filter ports.

[0048] Filters may be monitored by NFC technology and paired with an embedded system to perform read outs of filter performance. Count down timers, temperature and air flow sensors placed in the filters determine when the filter should be changed. Filter monitors track filter performance to alert a user when a filter is not functioning optimally.

[0049] Filter monitors may employ more than one type of technology, so that, in the event that an error occurs, the backup technology will function in its place. For example, if an error occurs with the NFC technology, the QR technology will take over and notify the user of a disruption in filter performance.

[0050] Filter monitors and face shields may also be paired with a mobile application that tracks mask usage, monitors filter performance, notifies a user that a filter should be changed, and performs other analytics based on face shield use. In addition, the mobile application may inform the user of the nearest vendor that can supply a compatible filter, replacement face shield or parts.

[0051] The present invention may also comprise exhaust ports. The exhaust ports allow efficient exchange of exhaled gases for filtered air, as necessary. The exhaust ports may be located on the lower portion of the visor to prevent obstructing the user's view and mitigate the build-up of heat, humidity, sweat and/or moisture within the face shield, particularly for extended periods of use.

[0052] The band-less head strap is attached to the face shield frame or the visor and wraps around the user's head at the user's back hairline, for example, at about the C-5 cervical vertebrae. The strap forces the visor against the face, creating a seal between the pillow and the user's skin. The head strap may be adjusted for size by turning a knob, adjusting a buckle, attaching clips of various sizes, or attachment by Cross-T frame. The Cross-T frame may be a semi-rigid structure that attaches the two ends of the band-less head strap together.

[0053] The band-less strap may be made of polyisoprene, polypropylene, silicon, or any other natural or man-made solid composition. The clip may be a rubber seal, silicon or any other material that allows for shock resistance.

[0054] The band-less head strap is a very comfortable design that allows a user to wear the face shield for long periods of time without experiencing pain or irritation around the back of the head. When the band is clipped, it is seated comfortably on the user's back hairline.

[0055] In another embodiment of the present invention, the face shield comprises two halves that may be used independently or together. The bottom half may be worn by the user alone, or if the user wished to protect the eye region, the top half may be attached to the bottom half to create fun face protection. The two halves may attach to each other by snapping together or by other detachable coupling means.

[0056] The lower half comprises a filter piece holder, a mouth piece holder, and visor. The lower half also comprises a band-less head strap for securing around a user's head. The top half comprises a visor that detachably couples to the lower half.