Patent Application
20230346056
All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
The invention relates to disposable body substance isolation equipment, and in particular, to medical masks with eye shields that are compatible with loupe lights
Over the last several decades, both medical professionals and the general public have become far more aware of the dangers of pathogens in bodily fluids. Some of the pathogens themselves have become increasingly virulent, and drug resistance has become an issue with strains of bacteria that were once easily eradicated using standard antibiotics.
Products that are intended to prevent a medical practitioner from coming into contact with potentially infectious bodily fluids are referred to generally as body substance isolation (BSI) equipment. One of the most common types of BSI equipment is the face mask.
Face masks exist in several forms, perhaps the most common of which is the filter mask. A filter mask is essentially a piece of material that is worn over the nose and mouth to filter the incoming and outgoing breath, thus preventing the wearer from being infected by others and others from being infected by the wearer. The filter mask is typically tied around the back of the head and neck, or includes elastic straps that are looped over the ears. Surgeons typically wear this kind of face mask during most surgical procedures, and some patients with chronic conditions, like tuberculosis, may routinely wear filter masks to prevent others from becoming infected.
Filter masks may be adequate for some applications where small droplets in the breath are the primary concern. However, for applications in which blood and other bodily fluids may splash or splatter, full-face protection may be more desirable. For example, full-face protection is becoming increasingly common in dental offices, where the dentist or hygienist has close contact with the patient.
Full-face protection is also becoming increasingly prevalent as a means for protection during a pandemic. As recently seen, pathogens, such as the SARS-CoV-2, have become increasingly virulent, which can and has resulted in a global pandemic. Full-face protection is a recommended preventative measure in light of such a pathogen, and can be even more important in the setting of a dental office.
There are several common options for full-face protection. The first, and perhaps most complete, is a helmet-style shield that fits over the head and covers the face entirely. In some versions, the face shield portion may rotate up and out of the way when not needed. Although effective and able to offer full wrap-around protection of the head and face, this equipment is cumbersome, and can be hot and uncomfortable to wear.
A second, lighter option is a filter mask with an integrated plastic face shield. In masks of this sort, a clear piece of plastic is attached to and around the filter mask and extends upwardly to cover the face. While useful, and often more comfortable than a helmet-style shield, these disposable integrated face shields often do not have good wrap-around coverage of the face, i.e., they may offer poor protection for the side of the face and are not contoured to fit the face well.
Another problem with the standard disposable integrated face shield is that medical providers often wear glasses or other equipment on their faces. For example, it is extremely common for a medical provider to wear a set of loupes. Loupes bear a general resemblance to glasses, and typically include magnifiers (2.5× and 3.5× are common magnifications) as well as a light. When worn, a loupe light is typically centered on the brow, just above the bridge of the nose. Unfortunately, standard disposable face shields cannot accommodate this kind of equipment, which projects out from the face. Use of such face shields with loupes can also cause glare distortion and excessive heat if the loupe light is positioned behind the shield.
In some embodiments a protective shield and frame is provided. The protective shield and frame comprise a shield frame having a central portion, a left side portion, a left end, a right side portion and a right end; at least two shield posts extending from the shield frame; and a protective shield having at least two post openings formed in the shield positioned so that the shield may be releasably attached to the shield frame, the post openings comprising fully formed or partially formed openings or perforations defining the openings, wherein the at least two shield posts are configured to be inserted into the at least two post openings.
In some embodiments, the protective shield comprises an opening sized to accommodate a loupe light. The opening can be frangible. The opening can be a circle or an oval. The opening can be a U-shaped slot. The opening can comprise a flap in which at least a portion of the opening is continuously connected to the shield. A top edge of the opening can be positioned below a top portion of the protective shield.
The post opening can comprise one or more slits. The protective shield and frame can comprise about 3-7 shield posts. The protective shield and frame can comprise about 307 post openings.
In some embodiments, the shield frame comprises a standoff configured to space the protective shield away from a user's face. The standoff can be configured to space the protective shield about 1-2″ from the user's face. The standoff can comprise plastic or foam. The standoff can comprise a length of foam extending along the shield frame. The standoff can comprise one or more plastic components that extend from the shield frame to a forehead rest portion of the standoff. The forehead rest portion of the can comprise an edge of the standoff. In some embodiments, the forehead rest portion comprises a foam or other conformable material. A front edge of the standoff and shield frame can be discontinuous along at least a portion of the front edge of the standoff.
When worn by a user, the left end and the right end may extend the user's ears, be adjacent to the user's ears or be along the user's temples. The let end and the right end may be spaced apart by 0.5 inches, 1 inch, 1.5 inches, 2.5 inches or 3 inches. An angle formed by the left side portion, the central portion and the left end may be between 0 degrees and 90 degrees.
In some embodiments, an angle formed by the right side portion, the central portion, and the right end is between 0 degrees and 90 degrees.
The post shape may be circular, square, rectangular, oval, polygon or a hybrid and the one or more post openings are adapted for securing the shield to the shield frame using the post shape. In some embodiments, the post cross section shape has a flared tip, a ball tip, a platform tip, a hollow portion for use with a T-post, a post for use with a cap or a post with a recess and the one or more post openings are adapted for securing the shield to the shield frame using the post shape. The post can comprise a base and a head portion comprising a greater width or diameter than the base. The shield posts can be positioned along a front portion of the shield frame. The shield posts can be spaced along a front portion of the shield frame from a position at or near the right end to a position at or near the left end.
In some embodiments, the protective shield comprises a greater width at a top portion of the shield than a bottom portion of the shield.
The shield frame can comprise a hook or aperture at or near its right end or left end.
In some embodiments, the protective shield and frame comprise a strap connecting the right end of the frame to the left end of the frame.
In another aspect, a method of providing protection to a user is provided. The method comprises donning the protective shield and frame as described herein.
The method can comprise donning a pair of loupes; adapting the face shield to accommodate the loupes light if needed; and wearing the shield frame and shield with the loupes light protruding through the shield and the shield frame worn spaced above the temples of the loupes.
In some embodiments, a protective shield is provided. The protective shield comprises a protective shield comprising a thin sheet of clear material, the protective shield comprising a strap connector and a first end and a second end of a top portion of the protective shield; and a spacer attached to the top portion of the protective shield and comprising a thickness of about 0.5″-2.5″.
The strap connector can comprise a fully or partially formed opening. The protective shield can comprise a strap comprising a strap first end inserted through the strap connector on the first end of the protective shield and a strap second end inserted through the strap connector on the second end of the protective shield. The strap first end and/or the strap second end can comprise one or more notches. The strap connector can comprise one or more slits.
A strap can extend from the strap connector on the first end to the strap connector on the second end.
The spacer can comprise foam.
The protective shield can further comprise an opening to accommodate a loupe light. The opening can be frangible. The opening can be a circle or an oval. The opening can be a U-shaped slot. The opening can comprise a flap in which at least a portion of the opening is continuously connected to the shield. A top edge of the opening can be positioned below a top portion of the protective shield.
In another aspect, a method of providing protection to a user is provided. The method comprises donning the protective shield and frame as described herein.
The method can comprise donning a pair of loupes; adapting the face shield to accommodate the loupes light if needed; and wearing the shield frame and shield with the loupes light protruding through the shield and the shield frame worn spaced above the temples of the loupes.
A further aspect of the invention relates to a face shield. The face shield comprises a thin, transparent sheet of material with a central portion connected to two side portions. The central portion includes an opening essentially horizontally centered on the central portion and positioned vertically some distance down from a top edge of the central portion. The opening is sized to admit a loupe light. While some embodiments include side portions with attachment structure, such as a clip, that is adapted to attach the face shield to one of the temples of a pair of loupes, there is a need for additional shield frames which require no attachment to but maintain compatibility with the use of loupes.
These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will be described below.
The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the claims that follow. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:
The invention will be described with respect to the following drawing figures, in which like numerals represent like features throughout the drawings, and in which:
The filter mask portion 12 is a pleated sheet of natural or polymer fibers that is extended over the nose and the mouth, down to and beyond the level of the chin. The construction of filter masks is well known in the art, and any known materials may be used for the filter mask portion 12. The material of which the filter mask portion 12 is made may depend on any number of factors, including the size of particulate or aerosol matter that the filter mask portion 12 is intended to filter. In the illustrated embodiment, the medical mask 10 and filter mask portion 12 are secured by a pair of elastic straps 16, each of which is secured to the filter mask portion 12 at two locations 18, 20. Depending on the embodiment, the straps 16 may be sewn or fused to the filter mask portion 12, or simply passed through it and knotted. Of course, inextensible tied straps or other methods of securement may be used instead of elastic straps 16.
Provided above the filter mask portion 12 and covering the eyes, brow, and sides of the face in
The face shield portion 14 itself is made from a thin, transparent sheet of material, and includes a central portion 24 and two side portions 26. The side portions 26 are connected to the central portion 24 by respective hinges 28, which may, for example, be living hinges or scores that allow the two side portions 26 to fold and bend relative to the central portion 24. This, in turn, may allow better coverage of the sides of the face as compared with conventional face masks, in which there are no hinges and the plastic simply wraps around the face as best it can. The hinges 28 may also reduce the tendency for the face shield portion 14 to warp, crimp, or distort, which may interfere with the provider's view or be uncomfortable.
Additionally, the central portion 24 of the face shield portion 14 defines a cut out 30. The cut out 30 is essentially horizontally centered on the face shield portion 14, and extends downwardly from a top edge of the face shield portion 14. As shown in
A cut out in the face shield portion can also advantageously allow access to a UV filter attachment on the loupe light. For example, when placing UV sensitive filling material or cements, a user needs access to the loupe light to place the UV filter on the light to slow down the curing process. The user also needs to access the light to remove to the UV filter attachment to finish the procedure. Allowing the user access to the loupe light without having to remove the face shield can greatly increase convenience, hygiene, and/or safety of the procedure.
The cut out 30 of the illustrated embodiment is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, and the bottom may be rounded (i.e., to match or approximate the curvature of a typical loupe light 34). The shape of the cut out 30 may be different in other embodiments—for example, the bottom may be squared, and the top may have a different taper or no taper at all. In one embodiment, for example, the cut out 30 may be about 2.5 inches at its top, about 2 inches at its bottom, and with a height of about 2.5 inches, which provides enough room to accommodate a typical loupe light 34. However, other embodiments may use different dimensions, and as was noted above, the cut out 30 need not taper in all embodiments. In other words, the cut out 30 may have straight sides and a rounded bottom or straight sides and a squared-off bottom.
While the sidewalls of the cut out 30 are completely straight in the illustrated embodiment, that need not be the case in all embodiments. The sidewalls may instead have curvature of various types, either continuous or discontinuous. In other words, the sidewalls may be only substantially—but not completely—straight, or they may not be straight at all. However, a straight-sided cut out 30 may be easier to manufacture.
As a general matter, it is advantageous if the cut out 30 has the minimum dimensions necessary to admit the loupe light 34. Put another way, it is advantageous if the cut out 30 admits the loupe light 34 but otherwise compromises the protective function of the face shield portion 14 as little as possible. As can be appreciated from the figures, the cut out 30 is more vertical than horizontal. Put another way, the width is typically at most equal to the depth, and in many cases, the cut out 30 may be deeper than it is wide.
In some embodiments, masks 10 may be made with no cut out 30. In other embodiments, masks may be made with a perforated frangible portion that can be torn off to create a cut out like the cut out 30 illustrated in
In embodiments of the invention, the straps 16 or ties that secure the mask 10 to its wearer may cooperate with the side portions 26 to secure them around the sides of the face or otherwise maintain their position, creating a wrap-around effect.
As shown in
Each hole 36 may be reinforced, for example, by an additional layer or layers of plastic fused or sintered around each hole 36. However, the holes 36 need not be reinforced. In fact, the side portion 26 need not have a hole 36 per se; instead, any kind of opening of sufficient size to allow the strap 16 to pass may be used. As one example,
While the mask 10 provides comprehensive protection, with integrated filter mask and face shield portions 12, 14, there are cases in which it may be advantageous for the two components to be separate. For example, this would allow the wearer to use a different style or type of mask, like a dome-shaped mask, and to tie off that mask in a different way than an integrated mask 10 would allow.
While much of this description may assume that the face shield 100, like the face shield portion 14, is transparent and clear, in some cases, shields 14, 100 may be made in other colors or with particular light-blocking properties. For example, dentists often use UV-curing adhesives in procedures, and a face shield 100 could be a UV filter, in which case, it would typically appear orange. In some cases, only the portion of the face shield 100 that lies over the eyes need have UV-filtering capabilities. In that case, a UV-filtering strip could be applied to the face shield with adhesives or by fusing the two layers together at manufacture.
As shown in
The face shield 100 is constructed and adapted to protect a user wearing loupes 32 with a loupe light 34, and to allow the loupe light 34 to pass through. As with the face shield portion 14, the face shield 100 has a cut out 102. The cut out 102 has the same general features as the cut out 30 described above, although if the face shield 100 extends farther up along the forehead, the cut out 102 may be deeper than the cut out 30 of the face shield portion 14. The dimensions of the cut out 102 will be described in greater detail below.
Compared with the integrated mask 10 described above, the face shield 100 is held in place in an entirely different way: it attaches releasably to the temples 104 of the loupes 32. In the illustrated embodiment, two small clips 106 are fastened to the inner side of the face shield 100 near its left and right edges. The clips 106 are alligator clips—they are spring-loaded with serrated jaws. However, other forms of clips and attachment hardware may be used. Because of the clips 106, the face shield 100 does not need to be attached around the ears or around the circumference of the head, which may make for more comfortable wear by the user. As can be seen in the figures, no straps are provided.
Although one clip 106 is used on each side of the face shield 100 in the illustrated embodiment, more than one clip 106 may be used on each side if necessary or desirable for stability. Alternatively, the clip 106 or other method of securement may make contact over a wider area of each temple 104. For example, instead of clips 106, hook-and-loop fastener or adhesive tape may be used, and those methods would typically involve coverage over a wider area. Small elastic bands may also be used to attach the face shield 100 to the temples 104.
As can be seen in
As was noted above, in the embodiment of
Although
Additionally, while
The cut outs 30, 102 described above are essentially U-shaped and extend from the center of the top edge downward. This shape may be advantageous in that the top opening makes it easier to seat the loupe light 34. However, as those of skill in the art will appreciate, any opening sufficient to admit a loupe light 34 will suffice in other embodiments of the invention.
The face shield 300 may provide better protection for the forehead and upper areas of the face than the other face shields 100, 200 and face shield portions 14; however, seating the loupe light 34 in the opening 302 may require slightly more effort than with a cut out 30, 102.
In one embodiment, a face shield is provided with a shield frame. The use of the shield frame permits the use of the shield without the requirement for the user to be wearing loupes or any other eyewear to which the face shield is attached. As a result, the shields for use with the shield frame may have any or all of the features as to those of the shields described in
When a user is wearing loupes with a loupe light, the cut out allows the loupe light to pass through the face shield, thus making it easier to wear loupes, a loupe light, and the mask at the same time.
The cut out 102 can be connected at its top edge. For example, the cut out 102 can be scored or prebent to allowed for easy bending when pushed out by the loupe light 34. In some embodiments, it is not scored or prebent, but can still be pushed out upon application of force (e.g., by the loupe light).
The cut out 102 of the illustrated embodiment is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, and the bottom may be rounded (i.e., to match or approximate the curvature of a typical loupe light). The shape of the cut out 102 may be different in other embodiments—for example, the bottom may be squared, and the top may have a different taper or no taper at all. In one embodiment, for example, the cut out 102 may be about 2.5 inches at its top, about 2 inches at its bottom, and with a height of about 2.5 inches, which provides enough room to accommodate a typical loupe light. However, other embodiments may use different dimensions, and as was noted above, the cut out 102 need not taper in all embodiments. In other words, the cut out 102 may have straight sides and a rounded bottom or straight sides and a squared-off bottom.
While the sidewalls of the cut out 102 are completely straight in the illustrated embodiment, that need not be the case in all embodiments. The sidewalls may instead have curvature of various types, either continuous or discontinuous. In other words, the sidewalls may be only substantially—but not completely—straight, or they may not be straight at all. However, a straight-sided cut out 102 may be easier to manufacture.
As a general matter, it is advantageous if the cut out 102 has the minimum dimensions necessary to admit the loupe light. Put another way, it is advantageous if the cut out 102 admits the loupe light but otherwise compromises the protective function of the face shield portion as little as possible. As can be appreciated from the figures, the cut out 102 is more vertical than horizontal. Put another way, the width is typically at most equal to the depth, and in many cases, the cut out 102 may be deeper than it is wide.
In some embodiments, the shield may be made with no cut out 102. In some embodiments, masks may be made with a perforated frangible portion that can be completely or partially torn off to create a cut out like the cut out 102. Of course, the user is under no obligation to remove a frangible portion if one is present, and may use a face mask without removing a frangible portion if, for example, he or she does not wish to wear a loupe light 34.
While some embodiments may be shown or described as having a cut out starting at the top edge of the face shield (e.g.,
The views of the post 90 embodiments described herein may also include any of a variety of different shapes when viewed from the front of the frame. A number of exemplary shapes are envisioned in the following non-limiting examples.
In some embodiments, the post openings (e.g., like those shown in
In other additional and alternative embodiments, the shield frame and shield may engage in a complementary tab and slot arrangement. As with other embodiments, the engagement mechanism of action between the shield and shield frame may be of any suitable configuration which will maintain engagement of the shield to the frame under the circumstances of the procedure or activity being performed by the user while wearing the shield frame and attached shield. As with the embodiments and variations above, the slot and tabs may be adapted for use on shield or frame so long as the shield remains in place during use and that the shield may be removed after use without damaging the shield frame engagement mechanism or technique.
Referring now to
In the embodiment shown in
In some embodiments, the edges of the mid portion comprise a taper 2012 towards the bottom edge 2014 of the shield.
In some embodiments, the top portion 2006 of the protective shield comprise a first width. The mid portion 2010 of the shield comprises a second width, less than the first width. A bottom portion of the shield 2000 comprises a third width, less than the second width.
This shape can advantageously maximize protection all the way to a user's ear without covering the user's ear. Leaving the user's ears uncovered can help prevent interference with hearing and echoing.
The face shield can be configured to lay flat when not connected to the frame. Connection between the frame and the shield can cause the shield to curve around the frame. In some embodiments, sufficient connection between the shield and frame comprises connecting the shield to the frame at a minimum of two connection points (e.g., two post opening/post connections).
As described above with respect to face shields 100, 200, a central portion of the face shield defines a cut out 2016. The cut out 2016 is essentially horizontally centered on the face shield, and is positioned beneath the top portion of the face shield, beneath where the post openings are positioned. Other positions may also be possible.
As shown in
As described above, a cut out in the face shield portion can also advantageously allow access to a UV filter attachment on the loupe light. For example, when placing UV sensitive filling material or cements, a user needs access to the loupe light to place the UV filter on the light to slow down the curing process. The user also needs to access the light to remove to the UV filter attachment to finish the procedure. Allowing the user access to the loupe light without having to remove the face shield can greatly increase convenience, hygiene, and/or safety of the procedure.
The cut out 2016 can be connected at its top edge 2018, forming a flap. For example, the cut out 2016 can be scored or prebent to allowed for easy bending when pushed out by the loupe light 34 (e.g., as shown in
The cut out 2016 of the illustrated embodiment is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, and the bottom may be rounded (i.e., to match or approximate the curvature of a typical loupe light 34). The shape of the cut out 2016 may be different in other embodiments—for example, the bottom may be squared, and the top may have a different taper or no taper at all. In one embodiment, for example, the cut out 2016 may be about 2.5 inches at its top, about 2 inches at its bottom, and with a height of about 2.5 inches, which provides enough room to accommodate a typical loupe light 34. However, other embodiments may use different dimensions, and as was noted above, the cut out 2016 need not taper in all embodiments. In other words, the cut out 2016 may have straight sides and a rounded bottom or straight sides and a squared-off bottom.
While the sidewalls of the cut out 2016 are completely straight in the illustrated embodiment, that need not be the case in all embodiments. The sidewalls may instead have curvature of various types, either continuous or discontinuous. In other words, the sidewalls may be only substantially—but not completely—straight, or they may not be straight at all. However, a straight-sided cut out 2016 may be easier to manufacture.
As a general matter, it is advantageous if the cut out 2016 has the minimum dimensions necessary to admit the loupe light 34. Put another way, it is advantageous if the cut out 2016 admits the loupe light 34 but otherwise compromises the protective function of the face shield portion 14 as little as possible. As can be appreciated from the figures, the cut out 2016 is more vertical than horizontal. Put another way, the width is typically at most equal to the depth, and in many cases, the cut out 2016 may be deeper than it is wide.
In some embodiments, the shield may be made with no cut out 2016. In some embodiments, masks may be made with a perforated frangible portion that can be completely or partially torn off to create a cut out like the cut out 2016. Of course, the user is under no obligation to remove a frangible portion if one is present, and may use a face mask without removing a frangible portion if, for example, he or she does not wish to wear a loupe light 34.
The shield frame 2002 comprises a plurality of support posts 2026. The frame 2002 comprises five support posts spaced along the frame, but more or fewer support posts are also contemplated. The frame may comprises a number of support posts sufficient to securely hold the shield to the frame. The support posts 2026 may be positioned along the central portion and the right and left side pieces. In some embodiments, the number of posts and post openings correspond. In some embodiments, there may be a greater number of posts on the frame than post openings on the shield, or vice versa.
The support posts 2026 may comprise a shape as shown in
The frame comprises a left end 2032 and a right end 2034. Each end comprises a strap connector 2036. The strap connector 2036 may comprise a hook portion of the frame. For example, the right and/or left side pieces may fold back onto itself at or near the right and/or left end. The strap can be connected in the hook portion formed by the fold. Other strap connectors are also possible (e.g., an aperture in the frame, a clip on the frame, post on the frame, etc.). In some embodiments, the strap can comprise loops at each end, the loops configured to be slide onto each end of the shield frame, similar to an eyeglasses chain.
The strap 2040 can comprise a loop of material, as shown in
In some embodiments, the frame 2002 comprises a spacer 2042 positioned on an inner part of the central portion 2020. In some embodiments, the spacer 2042 is connected to the frame in one region 2044 in the central portion 2020 of the frame 2002. The portions of the spacer 2042 on the right and left side of the region 2044 are not connected to the frame 2002. A notch or space 2043 on either side of the region 2044 can further enhance the flexibility of the spacer and frame. This limited connection can allow some flexibility of the position of the spacer against the forehead of the user, increasing comfort. Other configurations for the spacer are also possible. For example, it can comprise more than one connection region. For another example it can be connected along its entire length.
In some embodiments, the spacer comprises a sheet or piece of material generally matching a shape (e.g., the curve) of the inner edge 2046 of the central portion 2020 of the frame. The spacer extends back (e.g., towards the strap, left and right ends) by a depth 2048 sufficient to allow for magnifiers of a loupe, in some embodiments. This depth may be about 1-2″ (or about 0.3-3″, or about 0.3-5″, etc).
The spacer may have a rounded edge 2050. The rounded edge may be configured to conform to a forehead of a user. In some embodiments, the edge is not rounded.
The edge 2050 may comprise a conforming portion 2052 along some or all of the edge. The conforming portion 2052 may be configured to more comfortably conform to the user's forehead, creating a comfortable yet stable fit for the shield. In some embodiments, the conforming portion 2052 comprises foam (e.g., a foam strip). Other materials are also possible (e.g., silicone, gel, rubber, etc.). In some embodiments, the conforming portion comprises multiple separate pieces.
It will be appreciated that other configurations for the spacer are also possible. For example, in some embodiments, the spacer may comprise multiple parts extending back from the frame to an edge configured to rest on the forehead. A spacer can both create space for loupes and magnifiers as well as create good airflow within the shield. In some embodiments, the increased space can help prevent fogging of the face shield, improving the user's field of view.
In some embodiments, a depth of the spacer can be selected to provide extra space, for example, for higher power magnifiers or longer loupes.
Referring now to
A top portion 2102 comprises a strap aperture 2104 on either side of the shield 2100. The strap aperture 2104 can comprise one or more slits (e.g., H shape slits, cross shaped slits, I shaped slit, etc.). An end of the strap 2106 can be placed through each aperture 2014 from the back of the shield 2100, such that the end 2108 of the strap 2106 sticks out through the aperture 2014 over the front side of the shield 2000. An end portion of the strap can comprise a plurality of notches. A width of the strap on either side of the notch can be greater than the width of the strap at the notch and greater than a width of the strap aperture (e.g., a slit of the strap aperture). These relative dimensions allow the wider portion of the strap to be pulled through the strap aperture until the aperture rests within a thinner notch, securing the position of the strap. A user can select a desired notch to tighten or loosen the strap to the desired fit.
The shield 2100 comprises a spacer 2118 positioned along a back side of the top portion 2102. The spacer can comprise a depth 2120 sufficient to space the shield 2100 away from a user's face and/or create space for loupe magnifiers behind the shield 2100. In some embodiments, the spacer 2118 comprises a conformable material, such as foam. Other materials (e.g., plastic, silicone, gel, rubber) are also contemplated.
The shield 2100 comprises a cut out 2120. Unless otherwise described, cut out 2120 comprises those same features described with respect to cut out 2016. For example, the cut out 2120 can comprise a full cut out, as shown in
When a feature or element is herein referred to as being “on” another feature or element, it can be directly on the other feature or element or intervening features and/or elements may also be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly on” another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. It will also be understood that, when a feature or element is referred to as being “connected”, “attached” or “coupled” to another feature or element, it can be directly connected, attached or coupled to the other feature or element or intervening features or elements may be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly connected”, “directly attached” or “directly coupled” to another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. Although described or shown with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so described or shown can apply to other embodiments. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.
Terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. For example, as used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items and may be abbreviated as “/”.
Spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “under” can encompass both an orientation of over and under. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and the like are used herein for the purpose of explanation only unless specifically indicated otherwise.
Although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various features/elements (including steps), these features/elements should not be limited by these terms, unless the context indicates otherwise. These terms may be used to distinguish one feature/element from another feature/element. Thus, a first feature/element discussed below could be termed a second feature/element, and similarly, a second feature/element discussed below could be termed a first feature/element without departing from the teachings of the present invention.
Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising” means various components can be co-jointly employed in the methods and articles (e.g., compositions and apparatuses including device and methods). For example, the term “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of any stated elements or steps but not the exclusion of any other elements or steps.
As used herein in the specification and claims, including as used in the examples and unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers may be read as if prefaced by the word “about” or “approximately,” even if the term does not expressly appear. The phrase “about” or “approximately” may be used when describing magnitude and/or position to indicate that the value and/or position described is within a reasonable expected range of values and/or positions. For example, a numeric value may have a value that is +/−0.1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−2% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−5% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−10% of the stated value (or range of values), etc. Any numerical values given herein should also be understood to include about or approximately that value, unless the context indicates otherwise. For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein. It is also understood that when a value is disclosed that “less than or equal to” the value, “greater than or equal to the value” and possible ranges between values are also disclosed, as appropriately understood by the skilled artisan. For example, if the value “X” is disclosed the “less than or equal to X” as well as “greater than or equal to X” (e.g., where X is a numerical value) is also disclosed. It is also understood that the throughout the application, data is provided in a number of different formats, and that this data, represents endpoints and starting points, and ranges for any combination of the data points. For example, if a particular data point “10” and a particular data point “15” are disclosed, it is understood that greater than, greater than or equal to, less than, less than or equal to, and equal to 10 and 15 are considered disclosed as well as between 10 and 15. It is also understood that each unit between two particular units are also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.
Although various illustrative embodiments are described above, any of a number of changes may be made to various embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as described by the claims. For example, the order in which various described method steps are performed may often be changed in alternative embodiments, and in other alternative embodiments one or more method steps may be skipped altogether. Optional features of various device and system embodiments may be included in some embodiments and not in others. Therefore, the foregoing description is provided primarily for exemplary purposes and should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention as it is set forth in the claims.
The examples and illustrations included herein show, by way of illustration and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which the subject matter may be practiced. As mentioned, other embodiments may be utilized and derived there from, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein individually or collectively by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept, if more than one is, in fact, disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.
This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/211,652 filed Mar. 24, 2021, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/994,249 filed Mar. 24, 2020. This application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/234,931 filed Aug. 11, 2016. The content of each of the applications listed above is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62994249 | Mar 2020 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17211652 | Mar 2021 | US |
| Child | 18212039 | US |
