PROTECTION DEVICE WITH INTEGRATED FILTER MASK AND EYE SHIELD

BACKGROUND
Field

The present disclosure relates to protecting a user from airborne material, and specifically to devices for preventing inhalation of, and expose to undesired airborne material including dust, pollen, and virus-laden aerosol. The protective device disclosed includes a transparent panel that allows people communicating with the user to see the user's facial movement.

Description of the Related Art

In many situations, a user desires to limit the amount and types of materials or particles that are inhaled and limit the exposure of their eyes to such material. These situations can include for example, cleaning, construction, or medical environments. Current dust masks and the like can be difficult to put on and take off. Masks often require both hands to put on or take off. Typical masks do not form an airtight seal around a user's mouth and nose, and do not form an airtight seal around a user's eyes. When a mask is worn, a person the mask wearer is speaking to cannot see the mask wearer's mouth which may make communication more difficult and less personal. In addition, it can be difficult to use a telephone while wearing a mask or a face shield. Due to these challenges, people may decide not to wear protective devices in environments where they ought to wear a mask for protection of their own health and safety, and the health and safety of others. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to address these and other disadvantages in new devices that protect a user from airborne material.

SUMMARY

Several innovations are disclosed herein, each having multiple aspects that can be included in various embodiments of the innovations. Some of the innovations are protection devices that have features for protecting a user from inhalation of undesired airborne material and can have features for protecting a user's eyes from exposure to undesired airborne material. Other innovations relate to devices for easily attaching a filter, or filter assembly, to the head of a user. In some embodiments, the devices and/or components of the devices are disposable.

For example, one innovation is a protective device, the protective device having a filter assembly, the filter assembly including a transparent panel positioned in a middle (or center) portion of the protection device such that a least a portion of a user's (i.e., wearer's) mouth is visible through the transparent panel the user is wearing the protection device, a first filter and a second filter positioned on opposite sides of the transparent panel, a right temple bar configured to be coupled to a right-side portion of the filter assembly, and a left temple arm configured to be coupled to a left-side portion of the filter assembly. In an example, the portion of the user's mouth that is visible is the upper lip and lower lip of the user such that when user speaks when wearing the protection device, a viewer can see the user's lips move which helps the viewer understand the user despite the user wearing the protection device. In an example, the portion of the user's mouth that is visible is the upper lip and/or the lower lip of the user such that when user speaks when wearing the protection device a viewer can see the user's upper lip and/or the lower lip move which helps the viewer understand the user despite the user wearing the protection device.

Various embodiments of such devices can include one or more other aspects. In some embodiments, For example, the protective device can have a filter assembly including a transparent panel, a first filter positioned on a first side of the transparent panel and a second filter on a second side of the transparent panel the That is, in some embodiments, the lateral dimension of the transparent panel relative to the user's face is 10 mm. In some embodiments, the transparent panel of the protection device has a width of between 10 mm and 75 mm. In some embodiments the filter assembly of the protection device has an upper portion wherein an eye shield is coupled to the upper portion of the filter assembly. In some embodiments the filter assembly of the protection device has an upper portion wherein an eye shield is coupled to the upper portion of the filter assembly, and wherein a bridge couples at least a portion of the upper portion of the filter assembly and the eye shield. In some embodiments the eye shield of the protection device includes an anti-fog material. For example, a material that is resilient to, prevents or minimizes the accumulation of moisture (e.g., fogging) or a material that is in or on the surface of the eye shield (or other component) that is resilient to, prevents, or minimizes fogging (generally referred to herein as an anti-fog material). In some embodiments, the filter assembly of the protection device includes a skirt between the eye shield and the upper portion of the filter assembly. In some embodiments the protection device comprises a magnifying lens couplable to the eye shield. In some embodiments the magnifying lens of the protection device includes an anti-fog material. In some embodiments, the transparent panel of the protection devices includes an anti-fog material. In some embodiments, the transparent panel of the protection device includes at least one vent. In some embodiments the transparent panel of the protection devices includes at least one valve. In some embodiments the right temple bar of the protection device comprises a right first fastener and a right second fastener, wherein the right first fastener is coupled to one portion of the filter assembly, and wherein the right second fastener is coupled to a different portion of the filter assembly than the right first fastener. In some embodiments at least one of the fastener of the right temple bar or the left temple bar includes hook and loop fastener. In some embodiments at least one fastener of the right temple bar or the left temple bar includes an adhesive. In some embodiments at least one fastener of the right temple bar or the left temple bar includes a snap. In some embodiments at least one fastener of the right temple bar or the left temple bar includes magnetic clasp. In some embodiments, the left temple bar has a distal end and a proximal end, and wherein the left temple bar has a right car support on the distal end configured to have a curved structure where at least a portion of the curved structure is adjacent and contacts at least a portion of the user's ear when the protection device is worn by a user. In some embodiments the right temple arm and the left temple arm are releasably attachable to the filter assembly. In some embodiments the right temple arm has a proximal end and a distal end and wherein a knob is coupled to the distal end of the right temple arm. In some embodiments the left temple arm has a proximal end and a distal end and wherein a knob is coupled to the distal end of the left temple arm. In some embodiments the filter assembly comprises hard plastic. In some embodiments, a portion or all of the protection device is disposable. For example, the filter assembly, or a portion of the filter assembly, can be disposable.

Another innovation includes a protection device, having a filter assembly for holding a filter, and a frame including a transparent panel configured to be placed in the middle of the filter such that a user's mouth is visible through the transparent panel when the user is wearing the protection device. The device also includes a right temple arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the right temple arm including a first fastener and a second fastener positioned on the proximal end for coupling the right temple arm to a filter, the distal end structured to be positioned alongside a temple of a user wearing the device. The device also includes a left temple arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the second temple arm including a first fastener and a second fastener positioned on the proximal end for coupling the second temple arm to a filter, the distal end structured to be positioned alongside a temple of a user wearing the device. In some embodiments the fasteners of the protection device are releasably attachable to the filter. In some embodiments the frame assembly of the protection device comprises at least one filter positioned to one side of the transparent panel. In some embodiments, a portion or all of the protection device is disposable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the embodiments described herein will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. These drawings depict only certain embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are not to be considered limiting of its scope. In the drawings, similar reference numbers or symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. In some instances, the drawings may not be drawn to scale.

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of an embodiment of temple bars coupled to a filter and shown on a user.

FIG. 1B is a front view of the embodiment of the temple bars coupled to a filter illustrated in FIG. 1A shown on a user.

FIG. 1C is a front perspective view illustrating an example of an embodiment of the temple bars illustrated in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D is a right-side view of the embodiment of the temple bars illustrated in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1E is a left-side view of the embodiment of the temple bars illustrated in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1F is a front view of the embodiment of the temple bars illustrated in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1G is a back view of the embodiment of the temple bars illustrated in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1H is a top view of the embodiment of the temple bars illustrated in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1I is a bottom view of the embodiment of the temple bars illustrated in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of an example of a first embodiment of a protection device structured to cover a user's nose and mouth and to form a sealed compartment that encloses the user's nose and mouth, where there is a transparent panel in the middle of the protective device that allows visibility of the user's mouth.

FIG. 2B is a front view of the embodiment of the protective device illustrated in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of the embodiment of the protection device illustrated in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3B is a top view of the embodiment of the protection device illustrated in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3C is a bottom view of the embodiment of the protection device illustrated in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3D is a front view of the embodiment of the protection device illustrated in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3E is a back perspective view of the embodiment of the protection device illustrated in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3F is a right-side view of the embodiment of the protection device illustrated in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3G is a left-side view of the embodiment of the protection device illustrated in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of an example of a second embodiment of a protection device having temple bars structured to cover a user's nose and mouth and to form a sealed compartment that encloses the user's nose and mouth, and having an upper portion that includes a skirt that extends to an eye shield, the upper portion structured to form a second sealed compartment around the user's eyes, where the protective device includes a transparent panel in the middle of the protective device that allows visibility of the user's mouth and eye shield attached to the protective device.

FIG. 4B is a front view of the embodiment of the protective device illustrated in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 5A is a front perspective view of the embodiment of the protection device illustrated in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5B is a top view of the embodiment of the protection device illustrated in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5C is a bottom view of the embodiment of the protection device illustrated in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5D is a front view of the embodiment of the protection device illustrated in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5E is a back perspective view of the embodiment of the protection device illustrated in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5F is a right-side view of the embodiment of the protection device illustrated in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5G is a left-side view of the embodiment of the protection device illustrated in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 6A is a front perspective view of an example of a third embodiment of a protection device having a filter assembly that is structured to cover a user's nose and mouth and to form a first sealed compartment that encloses the user's nose and mouth, where in various examples the protective device includes a transparent panel in the middle of the protective device that allows visibility of the user's mouth.

FIG. 6B is a front view of the embodiment of the protective device illustrated in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A is a front perspective view of the embodiment of the protection device illustrated in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7B is a top view of the embodiment of the protection device illustrated in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7C is a bottom view of the embodiment of the protection device illustrated in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7D is a back perspective view of the embodiment of the protection device illustrated in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7E is a front view of the embodiment of the protection device illustrated in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7F is a right-side view of the embodiment of the protection device illustrated in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7G is a left-side view of the embodiment of the protection device illustrated in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 8A a front perspective view of an example of a fourth embodiment of a protection device having a filter assembly that is structured to cover a user's nose and mouth and to form a first sealed compartment that encloses the user's nose and mouth, and having an upper portion that includes a skirt that extends to an eye shield, the upper portion structured to form a second sealed compartment around the user's eyes, where in various examples the protective device includes a transparent panel in the middle of the protective device that allows visibility of the user's mouth.

FIG. 8B is a front view of the embodiment of the protective device illustrated in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A is a front perspective view of the embodiment of the protection device illustrated in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9B is a top view of the embodiment of the protection device illustrated in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9C is a bottom view of the embodiment of the protection device illustrated in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9D is a front view of the embodiment of the protection device illustrated in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9E is a back perspective view of the embodiment of the protection device illustrated in FIG. 8A with the temple bars in a folded position.

FIG. 9F is a right-side view of the embodiment of the protection device illustrated in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9G is a left-side view of the embodiment of the protection device illustrated in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 10A is a front perspective view of an example of a fifth embodiment of a protection device having temple bars structured to cover a user's nose and mouth and to form a sealed compartment that encloses the user's nose and mouth, and having an upper portion that includes a skirt that extends to an eye shield, the upper portion structured to form a second sealed compartment around the user's eyes, where the protective device includes a transparent panel in the middle of the protective device that allows visibility of the user's mouth and eye shield attached to the protective device, and further where the protective device can include a lens positioned on the eye shield.

FIG. 10B is a front perspective view of the protective device illustrated in FIG. 10A depicting the lens positioned on the eye shield.

FIG. 11A front perspective view of the protective device illustrated in FIG. 10A depicting the lens positioned on the eye shield.

FIG. 11B front perspective view of the protective device illustrated in FIG. 10A depicting the lens positioned on the eye shield.

FIG. 12A a front perspective view of an example of a sixth embodiment of a protection device having a filter assembly that is structured to cover a user's nose and mouth and to form a first sealed compartment that encloses the user's nose and mouth, and having an upper portion that includes a skirt that extends to an eye shield, the upper portion structured to form a second sealed compartment around the user's eyes, where in various examples the protective device includes a transparent panel in the middle of the protective device that allows visibility of the user's mouth and where the protective device can include a lens positioned on the eye shield.

FIG. 12B is a front perspective view of the protective device illustrated in FIG. 12A depicting the lens positioned on the eye shield.

FIG. 13A is a front perspective view of the protective device illustrated in FIG. 12A depicting the lens positioned on the eye shield.

FIG. 13B is a front perspective view of the protective device illustrated in FIG. 12A depicting the lens positioned on the eye shield.

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of an example of an embodiment of a filter of a protection device.

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of an example of a first embodiment of a gasket of a protective device

FIG. 15B is a front perspective, cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the gasket.

FIG. 16A is a perspective view of an example of a second embodiment of a gasket of a protective device

FIG. 16B is a front perspective, cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the gasket.

FIG. 17A is a perspective view of an example of a third embodiment of a gasket of a protective device

FIG. 17B is a front perspective, cross-sectional view of the third embodiment of the gasket.

FIG. 18 is an exploded view of another example of a protective device. FIG. 19 is an exploded view of another example of a protective device.

FIG. 20A-20E are various views of an example of an embodiment of another protective device.

FIG. 21 is an exploded view of the protective device illustrated in FIGS. 20A-20E.

FIG. 22A-22E are various views of an example of an embodiment of another protective device.

FIG. 23 is an exploded view of the protective device illustrated in FIGS. 20A-20E.

FIG. 24 is a view of an example of an embodiment of a strap for a protection device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Several illustrative embodiments of protective devices are described herein. Any aspect illustrated in the figures, whether or not called out separately herein, can form a portion of various embodiments and may provide basis for claim limitation relating to such aspects, with or without additional description.

FIGS. 1A-1I illustrate a protective device 100. As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the protective device 100 includes a protective surface 7 which can cover a user's mouth and nose. The protective surface 7 is held in place by a left temple bar 102 and a right temple bar 103 which can rest on a user's ears and rest against a user's temples, similarly to the temples of a pair of glasses.

FIGS. 1C-1I illustrate the temple bars 102 and 103 of the protective device 100, where FIG. 1C is a front perspective view, FIG. 1D is a right-side view, FIG. 1E is a left-side view, Figure IF is a front view, FIG. 1G is a back view, FIG. 1H is a top view, and FIG. 1I is a bottom view.

As illustrated in FIG. 1C, the protective device 100 includes a left temple bar 102. The left temple bar 102 includes an elongate member having a proximal surface 160, a distal surface 162, a left mounting bar 120 and a left ear support 105. The left mounting bar 120 is positioned near a first end of the left temple bar 102 and the left ear support is positioned near a second end of the left temple bar 102. The proximal surface 160 is positioned near or touching a user's head when in the protective device 100 is worn. The distal surface 162 is positioned away from the user's hear when worn. The proximal surface 160 is contoured to fit around a user's temple. The contour of the proximal surface 160 can best be seen in FIGS. 1F and 1G. The left ear support 105 is curved to hook around the top of a user's ear and securely rest against the user's head and the user's ear. The curvature of the left ear support 105 is best illustrated in FIG. 1D. The left mounting bar 120 extends from the left temple bar 102 at an angle and can be contoured to fit over a user's cheek bone.

The left mounting bar 120 includes a left first fastener 108 and a left second faster 110. The left first fastener 108 is positioned at a first end of the left mounting bar 120 and the left second fastener 110 is positioned at a second end of the left mounting bar 120 in the extended portion of the left mounting bar 120.

As illustrated in FIG. 1C, the protective device 100 also includes a right temple bar 103. The right temple bar 103 can be substantially symmetrical to the left temple bar 102. The right temple bar 103 includes an elongate member having a proximal surface 161, a distal surface 163, a right mounting bar 122 and a right car support 106. The right mounting bar 122 is positioned near a first end of the right temple bar 103 and the right car support 106 is positioned near a second end of the right temple bar 103. The proximal surface 161 is positioned near or touching a user's head when the protective device 100 is worn and the distal surface 163 is positioned away from the user's head when worn. The proximal surface 161 is contoured to fit around a user's temple. The contour of the proximal surface 161 can best be seen in FIGS. 1F and 1G. The right car support 106 is curved to hook around the top of a user's ear and securely rest against the user's head and the user's ear. The curvature of the right car support 106 is best illustrated in FIG. 1D. The right mounting bar 122 extends from the right temple bar 103 at an angle and can be contoured to fit over a user's cheek bone.

The right mounting bar 122 includes a right first fastener 109 and a right second faster 111. The right first fastener 109 is positioned at a first end of the right mounting bar 122 and the right second fastener 111 is positioned at a second end of the right mounting bar 122 in the extended portion of the right mounting bar.

As best illustrated in FIG. 1B, the left first fastener 108 and the left second fastener 110 can be attached to a first side of a protective surface 7 and the right first fastener 109 and the left second fastener 111 can be attached to a second side of a protective surface 7 to cover a user's mouth and nose. The left first fastener 108 and the right first fastener 109 can connect to the protective surface 7 parallel with, or near parallel with the user's nose. The left second fastener 110 and the right second fastener 112 can connect to the protective surface 7 parallel with, or near parallel with the user's mouth. The positioning of the fasteners can advantageously assure that the protective surface 7 is securely positioned over the user's nose and mouth.

The protective surface 7 can be a mask, eyewear, a piece of cloth, or other protective material. The fasteners 108, 109, 110, and 111 can be spring actuated fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, hook and bar fasteners, tape, magnetic connections, or other attachment methods. If a spring actuated fastener is used, the spring may be integral to the fastener.

FIG. 2A-2B and 3A-3G illustrate a protective device 1. Protective device 1 is described in reference to FIGS. 2A-3G, where FIGS. 2A-2B are a front perspective view and a front view respectively. FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of the device 1, FIG. 3B is a top view, FIG. 3C is a bottom view, FIG. 3D is a front view, FIG. 3E is a back perspective view, FIG. 3F is a right-side view, and FIG. 3G is a left-side view.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the protective device 1 includes a protective surface 7 which can cover a user's mouth and nose. The protective surface 7 is held in place by a left temple bar 202 and a right temple bar 203 which can rest on a user's ears and rest against a user's temples, similarly to the temples of a pair of glasses.

The protective surface 7 can include one or more filters 8, a frame 12 and a transparent portion 10. As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the protective surface 7 can include a transparent panel 10 positioned in the middle of the protective surface 7 and a filter 8 on either side of the transparent panel 10. The transparent panel 10 can be integral to the frame 12. The transparent panel 10 can span the height of the frame 12, connecting an upper portion 64 of the frame 12 to a lower portion of the frame 12 and advantageously adding strength and support to the frame 12. The frame 12 provides structure for the protective surface 7 by connecting the filters 8 to the transparent portion 10 and forming the curved surface of the protective surface 7. The filters 8 can be removable or replaceable and the frame 12 can incorporate attachment ports for each filter.

The left temple arm 202 includes a left first fastener 208 and a left second fastener 210, each positioned at or near a connection end 260. The left first fastener 208 and the left second fastener 210 are coupled to the upper portion 64 of the protective surface 7. The left fasteners 208 and 210 can be integral to the frame 12. The left fasteners 208 and 210 can removably connect to the frame 12. The left fasteners 208 and 210 can be spring actuated fasteners, hinges, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, hook and bar fasteners, hook and eye fasteners, magnetic connections, or other attachment methods. The left temple arm 202 and the right temple arm 203 can be coupled to the upper portion 64 of the protective surface 7 via a hinge, advantageously allowing the left arm 202 and right arm 203 to fold inward when not in use.

In this example, the left temple arm 202 is an elongate member spanning from the connection end 260 to an car end 262. The left temple arm 202 is contoured to fit around a user's temple. The contour of the left temple arm 202 can best be seen in FIGS. 3B and 3C. The left temple arm 202 has a left ear support 205 near the car end 262. The left car support 205 is curved to hook around the top of a user's ear and securely rest against the user's head and car. The curvature of the left ear support 205 is best illustrated in FIGS. 3F and 3G. The left temple arm 202 also has a knob 214 near the car end 262. The knob 214 on the left temple arm 202 can connect to a strap 16 that wraps behind the user's head to better support the protective device 1 on the user's face.

In this example the right temple arm 203 can have the same features as the left temple arm above. The right temple arm 203 is an elongate member spanning from the connection end 261 to an car end 263. The right temple arm 203 is contoured to fit around a user's temple. The contour of the right temple arm 203 can best be seen in FIGS. 3B and 3C. The right temple arm 203 has a right car support 206 near the car end 263. The right car support 206 is curved to hook around the top of a user's ear and securely rest against the user's head and car. The curvature of the right car support 206 is best illustrated in FIGS. 3F and 3G. The right temple arm 203 also has a knob 215 near the car end 263. The knob 215 on the right temple arm 203 can connect to a strap 16 that wraps behind the user's head to better support the protective device 1 on the user's face.

The right temple arm 203 includes a right first fastener 209 and a right second fastener 211, each positioned at or near a connection end 261. The right first fastener 209 and the right second fastener 211 are coupled to the upper portion 64 of the protective surface 7. The right fasteners 209 and 211 can be integral to the frame 12. The right fasteners 209 and 211 can removably connect to the frame 12. The right fasteners 209 and 211 can be spring actuated fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, hook and bar fasteners, hook and eye fasteners, magnetic connections, or other attachment methods.

The transparent panel 10 may be an elongate rectangular panel allowing the user's mouth and nose to be visible, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B. In various examples, the transparent panel 10 can be shaped to be rectangular, circular, square, or other shapes such that at least a portion of a user's mouth can be seen through the transparent panel 10.

The transparent panel 10 can have a width dimension w. In various embodiments, the width w of the transparent panel is at least 10 mm wide. In various examples, the width w of the transparent panel 10 can be 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, 16 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, 19 mm, 20 mm, 21 mm, 22 mm, 23 mm, 24 mm, 25 mm, 26 mm, 27 mm, 28 mm, 29 mm, 30 mm, 31 mm, 32 mm, 33 mm, 34 mm, 35 mm, 36 mm, 37 mm, 38 mm, 39 mm, 40 mm, 41 mm, 42 mm, 43 mm, 44 mm, 45 mm, 46 mm, 47 mm, 48 mm, 49 mm, 50 mm, 51 mm, 52 mm, 53 mm, 54 mm, 55 mm, 56 mm, 57 mm, 58 mm, 59 mm, 60 mm, 61 mm, 62 mm, 63 mm, 64 mm, 65 mm, 66 mm, 67 mm, 68 mm, 69 mm, 70 mm, 71 mm, 72 mm, 73 mm, 74 mm, 75 mm, 76 mm, 77 mm, 78 mm, 79 mm, 80 mm, 81 mm, 82 mm, 83 mm, 84 mm, 85 mm, 86 mm, 87 mm, 88 mm, 89 mm, 90 mm, 91 mm, 92 mm, 93 mm, 94 mm, 95 mm, 96 mm, 97 mm, 98 mm, 99 mm, or 100 mm, plus or minus 0.5 mm.

The transparent panel 10 can be translucent or transparent advantageously making at least a portion of the user's mouth visible through the transparent panel 10. The transparent panel 10 can be made of an anti-fog material. The transparent panel 10 advantageously allows an observer to see the protective device user's mouth which can help the observer better understand what the user is saying. In addition, the observer may feel a closer connection to the user because the observer can see the majority of the user's face.

In some embodiments, the filter 8 is translucent. In some embodiments, the filter 8 is transparent, translucent, or opaque. In some embodiments, the filter 8 is a transparent (or translucent) and colored (e.g., blue, yellow, orange, green, etc.). The filter 8 is configured to prevent airborne material of a certain size from passing through the filter. In some embodiments, the filter prevents 90% of airborne solid particles from passing through the filter. In some embodiments, the filter prevents about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or more than 99% (+/−0.5%), of airborne solid particles from passing through the filter. In some embodiments, the filter 8 is classified as an N95 filter. In some embodiments, the filter is classified as a N99 filter.

In some embodiments, both the filter 8 and the transparent panel 10 are transparent and the transparent panel 10 is more transparent than the transparency of the filter 8.

The filter 8 may be designed and structured to filter certain types of particles, bacteria, fungi, viruses, spores, gases, or other materials. The filter 8 can be exchanged for a different filter type based on the use condition. For example, when used in a medical environment under “normal” user exertion conditions (i.e., limited mobility, indoor, standing, sitting, walking, or talking), the filter 8 can be designed and constructed to filter viruses and other microscopic material. Such filters may restrict airflow while providing a higher degree of filtering. In another example, a filter 8 for use in a construction environment, under moderate or heavy exertion conditions (i.e., high mobility, outdoor, heavy lifting, manual labor, or limited rest) may be designed and constructed to filter out larger materials without restricting airflow. Thus, the removable/replaceable filter advantageously allows the selection of a filter based on the use conditions.

FIGS. 4A-5G illustrate a protective device 2 including a protective surface 7, a pair of temple bars 202 and 203, and an eye shield 42. As illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the protective device 2 is structured so that the temple bars 202, 203 fit over a user's ears and the protective surface 7 can cover the user's nose and mouth and the eye shield 42 can protect the user's eyes. The protective surface 7 can form a sealed compartment that encloses the user's nose and mouth and the eye shield can form a second sealed compartment around the user's eyes.

Protective device 2 is described in reference to FIGS. 4A-5G, where FIG. 4A is a front perspective view, FIG. 4B is a front view, FIG. 5A is a front perspective view, FIG. 5B is a top view of the embodiment, FIG. 5C is a bottom view, FIG. 5D is a front view, FIG. 5E is a back perspective view, FIG. 5F is a right-side view, and FIG. 5G is a left-side view. Personal protection device 2 may have many structural features that are the same or similar to features of protective device 1 as illustrated in FIGS. 2A-3G and described above in reference to protective device 1. For example, the protective surface 7, the temple arms 202, 203, the car supports 205, 206, first and second fasteners 208, 209, 210, and 211, and other features. The description of any similar features of protective device 1 apply to protective device 2.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4A-5G, protective device 2 includes a skirt 40 that extends from the upper portion 64 of the protective surface 7 to an eye shield 42. In various embodiments, the skirt 40 can be a rigid, semi-rigid or a pliable material. An upper portion of the skirt 40 is coupled to a bottom portion of the eye shield 42 forming a protective barrier that covers the portion of a user's face between the protective surface 7 and the eye shield 42, assuring that the user's cheeks are protected. The skirt 40 can include a bridge 41 which can be contoured to provide clearance for a user's nose. In various embodiments, the bridge 41 can be a rigid, semi-rigid, or pliable material. Any of the eye shield 42, frame 12, skirt 40, and bridge 41 can be integrated into the one body. Any of the eye shield 42, frame 12, skirt 20, and bridge 41 can also be separate elements which can be attached to one another with adhesive, fasteners, or other methods of attachment.

FIGS. 6A-7G illustrate an example of a protective device 3. FIG. 6A is a front perspective view, FIG. 6B is a front view, FIG. 7A is a front perspective view, FIG. 7B is a top view, FIG. 7C is a bottom view, FIG. 7D is a back perspective view, FIG. 7E is a front view, FIG. 7F is a right-side view, and FIG. 7G is a left-side view.

Protective device 3 may have many structural features that are the same or similar to features of protective device 1 as illustrated in FIGS. 2A-3G and described above in reference to protective device 1. For example, the protective surface 7, the temple arms 202, 203, the car supports 205, 206, first and second fasteners 208, 209, 210, and 211, and other features. The description of any similar features of device 1 can apply to device 3.

As described herein, the inside of the protective device is the side which will face the user while the protective device is in use and the outside of the protective device is the side which faces away from the user while the protective device is in use. This applies to each embodiment of the protective device described herein.

As best illustrated in FIG. 7D, the protective device 3 may include an opening 11 in the transparent portion 10. The opening 11 is shaped and sized to fit closely around a one-way valve 38, as illustrated in FIG. 7A. In this example, the opening 11 is rectangular shaped. However, the opening 11 can be any shape or size that corresponds with the valve 38. The valve 38 can be integral to the transparent panel 10. The valve 38 allows for air exhaled from a user to flow through the valve 38 from inside the protective surface 7 and prevents air from flowing through the valve 38 from outside the protective surface 7 to the inside of the protective surface 7 when a user inhales. Therefore, the valve 38 inhibits air from flowing in through the valve and instead the air can flow in through the filter 8. In this example, a single valve 38 is positioned in a center portion of the protective surface 7 and the valve 38 can be positioned in the transparent panel 10. As illustrated in FIG. 6A and 6B, the valve 38 may be positioned over the user's mouth. Other embodiments may include one or more valves positioned on other portions of the protective surface 7, for example, on one or both sides of the center of the protective surface 7.

Various designs of valves can be employed. In this example, the valve includes one or more vents 39 that direct an air flow, passing through the valve, in a downward direction.

In some embodiments, the valve 38 is translucent or transparent. The valve 38 can advantageously eliminate, partially eliminate, or reduce, humidity buildup in the protective device 3 by allowing exhaled air, which often has a higher relative humidity than inhaled air, to pass out of the valve. The reduction of humidity buildup in the protective device 3 can improve visibility through the transparent panel 10. The reduction of humidity buildup can also increase the comfort of the protective device 3 by eliminating or reducing the hot, moist feeling associated with the humid environment.

FIGS. 8A-9G illustrate a protective device 4. The protective device 4 includes a protective surface 7 that is structured to cover a user's nose and mouth and to form a first sealed compartment that encloses the user's nose and mouth, and an eye shield 42, which protects the user's eyes.

FIG. 8A a front perspective view of the protective device 4, FIG. 8B is a front view, FIG. 9B is a top view, FIG. 9C is a bottom view, FIG. 9D is a front view, FIG. 9E is a back perspective view, FIG. 9F is a right-side view, and FIG. 9G is a left-side view. Protective device 4 may have many structural features that are the same or similar to features of protective device 2 as illustrated in FIGS. 4A-5G and protective device 3 as illustrated in FIGS. 6A-7G. For example, the protective surface 7, the valve 38, the temple arms 202, 203, the car supports 205, 206, first and second fasteners 208, 209, 210, and 211, and other features.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8A-9G, protective device 4 includes both the eye shield 42 illustrated in protective device 2 and the vent illustrated in protective device 3. Advantageously, the vent 38 can eliminate, partially eliminate, or reduce fogging of the eye shield 42.

FIGS. 10A-11B illustrate a protective device 5. The protective device 5 includes a protective surface 7 that is structured to cover a user's nose and mouth and to form a first sealed compartment that encloses the user's nose and mouth, and an eye shield 42, which protects the user's eyes.

Protective device 5 may have many structural features that are the same or similar to features of protective device 2 as illustrated in FIGS. 4A-5G and described above. For example, the protective surface 7, eye shied 42, the temple arms 202, 203, the car supports 205, 206, first and second fasteners 208, 209, 210, and 211, and other features.

FIG. 10A is a front perspective view of the protective device 5. The protective device 5 can include temple bars 202, 203 attached to a protective surface 7, and an eye shield 42 which connects to the protective surface 7 with an upper portion 64 that includes a skirt 40. The upper portion 64 can be structured to form a second sealed compartment around the user's eyes. The protective device 5 can include a transparent panel 10 in the middle of the protective surface 7 that allows visibility of the user's mouth.

As best illustrated in FIG. 10A, the protective device 5 can include a lens 43 positioned on the eye shield 42. As best illustrated in FIG. 10B, the lens 43 can be removably positioned over the eye shield 42. The lens 43 can be coupled to the eye shield 42 via a magnetic connection, a snap fit, hook and loop fasteners, clasps or other forms of attachment.

The lens 43 can incorporate safety elements, for example, the lens 43 can be made from shatterproof, heat resistant, anti-fog or scratch resistant materials. In some embodiments, the lens 43 can be a magnification lens. The lens 43 can be other types of lenses. For example, the lens 43 can be a corrective lens, a tented lens, a bifocal lens, a trifocal lens, a red-light lens, a UV protection lens, a welding lens or another type of lens.

FIG. 12A-13B illustrate a protective device 6. The protective device 6 can include a protective surface 7 that is structured to cover a user's nose and mouth and to form a first sealed compartment that encloses the user's nose and mouth, and an eye shield 42, which protects the user's eyes and a lens 43 which can be positioned over the eye shield 42. The protective device 6 can also include a vent 38. Protective device 6 includes both the eye shield 42 and vent 38 illustrated in protective device 4 and the lens 43 illustrated in protective device 5.

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of a filter 8. The filter 8 can be fitted into the frame 12 of any of protective devices 1-6 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 2A-13B, 18, and 19. The filter 8 can include a right portion 302 and a left portion 304 separated by a gap. The right portion 302 and the left portion 304 can be symmetrical. The filter 8 can include an opening between the right portion 302 and the left portion 304. The gap between the right portion 302 and the left portion 304 of the filter 8 can be sized to fit around with the transparent panel 10 of the protective device. For example, the gap can be rectangular and can have a width greater than 10 mm and less than 100 mm. The right portion 302 and the left portion 304 can be attached to each other. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the right portion 302 can be integrally attached to the left portion 304 with a connection portion 308 made of filter material. The right portion 302 and left portion 304 are coupled at the bottom of the filter 8.

The right portion 302 can connect to the left portion 304 with a connection portion 308 which is separate from the right portion 302 and the left portion 304. The connection portion 308 can be sewn, glued, stappled, riveted or connected by other means to the filter portions 302 and 304. The filter 8 can be disposable. The right portion 302 and left portion 304 can be coupled at the top of the filter 8.

Connecting the right portion 302 to the left portion 304 can advantageously assure that the same filter type, with the same wear time, is installed in both sides of the protective device. Thereby assuring that an improper filter is not mistakenly installed in one side of the protective device or the other. Additionally, the connected right portion 302 and left portion 204 can advantageously assure that the filter 9 is installed in the correct orientation.

In some embodiments, the filter 8 including the right portion 302 and left portion 304 can replace separate first and second filters.

The filter 8 may be an N-Series filter for filtering solid or liquid airborne particulates that do not contain oil, an R-Series filter for filtering solid or liquid airborne particulates including oil-based aerosols, a P-Series filter for filtering solid or liquid airborne particulates including oil-based aerosols or another type of filter. The filter 8 may be a 95-level filter having >95% filtration efficiency per the NIOSH 42 CFR 84 test method, a 100-level filter with >99.97% filtration efficiency per the NIOSH 42 CFR 84 test method, or another type of filter.

FIGS. 15A-17B illustrate gaskets 306A-C. The gasket 306A-C can be included in any of the protective devices 1-6 described above or can be used with other protective devices.

Each of the gaskets 306A-C include a snap fit 310A-C. The snap fits 310A-C can attach to a lip 314A-C on the perimeter of the frame 12 of the protective surface 7. As illustrated in FIGS. 15A, 16A, and 17A, the gaskets 306A-C can circumscribe the perimeter of the frame 12. The gaskets 306A-C also have a sealing surface 312A-C which sits between the user's face and the frame 12 and a lip 314A-C which sits external to the snap fit 310A-C. The lips 314A-C provide structure for the snap fits 310A-C. The sealing surfaces 312A-C and the lips 314A-C create a seal between the user's face and the sealing surface 7.

The snap fit 310A-C can advantageously allow the gaskets 306A-C to be easily removable and replaceable. The gaskets 306A-C can be replaced with a different gasket 306A-C having a different sealing surface 312A-C and lip 314A-C with a contour better suited to the user's face shape. The gaskets 306A-C can also be replaced when the gasket 306A-C wears out.

The gasket 306A-C can allow the protective surface 7 to create an fitted seal to the face of a user. The seal can advantageously eliminate or reduce the particulates which can enter the protective surface 7.

FIG. 15A and 15B illustrate a gasket 306A of a protective device. As illustrated in FIG. 15B, The lip 314A can have a substantially circular profile on the portion of the lip 314A adjacent to the sealing surface 312A. The lip 314A can be non-tangential to the sealing surface 312A. The non-tangential interface between the sealing surface 312A and the lip 314A can allow either the sealing surface 312A or the lip 314A to flex against a user's face and conform to the shape of the face forming a seal.

FIG. 16B is a front perspective, cross-sectional view of an example of a second embodiment of a gasket 306B of a protective device. As illustrated in FIG. 16B, the lip 314B can have a sharply angular profile with a small radial curve at the apex of two acutely angled surfaces. The lip 314B can be non-tangential to the sealing surface 312B. The non-tangential interface between the sealing surface 312B and the lip 314B can allow either the sealing surface 312B or the lip 314B to flex against a user's face and conform to the shape of the face forming a seal.

FIG. 17B is a front perspective, cross-sectional view of an example of a second embodiment of a gasket 306C of a protective device. As illustrated in FIG. 17B, the lip 314C can have a profile with a substantially flat portion at the apex of two obtusely angled surfaces. The lip 314C can be non-tangential to the sealing surface 312C. The non-tangential interface between the sealing surface 312C and the lip 314C can allow either the sealing surface 312C or the lip 314C to flex against a user's face and conform to the shape of the face forming a scal.

The gaskets 306A-C illustrated in FIGS. 15A-17B may each be shaped for a different user's face.

FIG. 18 illustrates an exploded view of a protective device 400. Protective device 400 may be substantially similar to personal protective device 3 described herein. As illustrated, the protective device 400 includes a frame 412, a left temple bar 402, a right temple bar 403, a strap 416, a valve flap 420, a valve housing 422, a filter 408, and a gasket 406. The protective device 400 can also be a kit where the user is supplied with a filter 408 and can install it in the protective device 400. The protective device 400 can be disposable or reuseable.

FIG. 19 illustrates an exploded view of a protective device 500. As illustrated, the protective device includes a frame 512, a left temple bar 502, a right temple bar 503, a strap 516, a valve flap 520, a valve housing 522, a filter 508, and a gasket 506. The frame 512 includes an integrated eye covering 542. The protective device 500 can also be a kit where the user is supplied with a filter 508 and can install it in the protective device 500. The protective device 500 can be disposable or reusable.

FIGS. 20A-20E illustrate a protective device 600. As illustrated, the protective device 600 includes a frame 612, a gasket 606, a left temple bar 602, a right temple bar 603, a filter 608, a filter cover 650, and a valve 624. The gasket 606 is positioned around the perimeter of the of the frame 612. The filter 608 is fitted to the frame 612 and is held in place by the filter cover 650. The filter cover 650 can snap into the frame 612 around the filter 608. The filter cover 650 can include a plurality of holes to allow air to pass freely through the filter cover 650. The frame 612 can also include a plurality of holes to allow air to pass freely through the filter 608 and inside the protective device 600. The filter cover 650 can include an opening for the valve 624. The valve 624 is attached inside the frame 612 under a vent 639 built into the frame 612. The valve 624 includes a valve housing 622 which attaches to the frame 612 and a valve flap 620. The valve flap 620 attaches to the valve housing 622 with a hinge. The valve 624 allows air to pass out of the protective device 600 but not into the protective device 600.

FIG. 21 illustrates an exploded view of the protective device 600. As illustrated the protective device 600 includes a frame 612, a left temple bar 602, a right temple bar 603, a strap 616, a valve 624, a valve flap 620, a valve housing 622, a filter 608, a filter cover 650, and a gasket 606.

FIGS. 22A-22E illustrate a protective device 700. As illustrated, the protective device 700 includes a frame 712, a left temple bar 702, a right temple bar 703, a filter 708, a filter cover 750, and a valve 724. The frame 712 includes an upper portion with an eye covering 742, and a lower portion with a respirator. The gasket 706 is positioned around the perimeter of the lower portion of the frame 712. The filter is fitted to the lower portion of the frame 712 and is held in place by the filter cover 750. The filter cover 750 can snap into lower portion of the frame 712 around the filter 708. The filter cover 750 can include a plurality of holes to allow air to pass freely through the filter cover 750. The lower portion of the frame 712 can also include a plurality of holes to allow air to pass freely through the filter 708 and inside the protective device 700. The filter cover 750 can include an opening for the valve 724. The valve 724 is attached inside the lower portion of the frame 712 under a vent 739 built into the lower portion of the frame 712. The valve 724 includes a valve housing 722 which attaches to the frame 712 and a valve flap 720. The valve flap 720 attaches to the valve housing 722 with a hinge. The valve 724 allows air to pass out of the protective device but not inward.

FIG. 23 illustrates an exploded view of the protective device 700. As illustrated the protective device 700 includes a frame 712, a left temple bar 702, a right temple bar 703, a strap 716, a valve 724, a valve flap 720, a valve housing 722, a filter 708, and a gasket 706. The frame 712 includes an integrated eye covering 742 and a removable lens 743.

FIG. 24 illustrates a strap 816 which can attach to any of the protective devices described herein to secure the device to a user's head. The strap 816 can include a flex strap 870 which can be made of a flexible, clastic, or resilient material. The flex strap 870 is an elongate member. At a first end of the flex strap 872 is a first hard end 880, and at a second end of the flex strap 874 is a second hard end 890. The hard ends 880, 890 can be co-molded onto the flex strap 870, attached to the flex strap 870 with adhesive, riveted to the flex strap 870, or otherwise connected to the flex strap 870. The first hard end 880 can include a first hole 882 which can attach the first end of the strap 816 to a protective device. The second hard end 890 can include a second hole 892 which can attach the second end of the strap 816 to the protective device. The flex strap 870 can pass into the first hard end 880 and the flex strap 870 can include a first flex hole 876 which can line the first hole 882. The flex strap 870 can pass into the second hard end 890 and the flex strap 870 can include a second flex hole 878 which can line the first hole 892. This arrangement can advantageously increase the strength of the attachment between the strap 816 than the protective device. The first hole 882 and the second hole 892 can also be lined by separate flexible material.

Embodiments

In some embodiments, the protective device includes a filter assembly, a first temple arm coupled to the filter assembly, and a second temple arm coupled to the filter assembly, the filter assembly having a transparent panel, a first filter positioned on a first side of the transparent panel, and a second filter positioned on a second side of the transparent panel.

In some embodiments, the protective device described above includes the first filter attached to the second filter.

In some embodiments, in either of the protective devices described above the filter assembly further includes a gasket position around the perimeter of the filter assembly.

In some embodiments, in any of the protective devices described above the transparent panel has a width of at least 10 mm.

In some embodiments, in any of the protective devices described above the transparent panel has a width of between 10 mm and 72 mm.

In some embodiments, in any of the protective devices described above the protective device includes an eye shield positioned above the filter assembly.

In some embodiments, in any of the protective devices described above the protective device includes an eye shield and a bridge positioned above the filter assembly, wherein the bridge couples the filter assembly to the eye shield.

In some embodiments, in any of the protective devices described above the protective device includes an eye shield having an anti-fog material positioned above the filter assembly.

In some embodiments, in any of the protective devices described above the filter assembly has an upper portion and an eye shield is coupled to the upper portion of the filter assembly.

In some embodiments, in any of the protective devices described above the filter assembly has an upper portion and an eye shield is coupled to the upper portion of the filter assembly, and a bridge couples at least a portion of the upper portion of the filter assembly to the eye shield.

In some embodiments, in any of the protective devices described above the filter assembly has an upper portion and an eye shield is coupled to the upper portion of the filter assembly, wherein the eye shield is made of anti-fog material.

In some embodiments, in any of the protective devices described above the filter assembly has an upper portion and a skirt and an eye shield is coupled to the upper portion of the filter assembly and the skirt is between the eye shield and the upper portion of the filter assembly.

In some embodiments, in any of the protective devices described above the filter assembly has an upper portion and an eye shield is coupled to the upper portion of the filter assembly and a magnifying lens is coupled to the eye shield.

In some embodiments, in any of the protective devices described above the filter assembly has an upper portion and an eye shield is coupled to the upper portion of the filter assembly and a magnifying lens is coupled to the eye shield, wherein the eye shield is made of anti-fog material.

In some embodiments, in any of the protective devices described above the transparent panel is made of an anti-fog material.

In some embodiments, in any of the protective devices described above the transparent panel includes at least one vent.

In some embodiments, in any of the protective devices described above the transparent panel includes at least one valve.

In some embodiments, in any of the protective devices described above the right temple bar includes a right first fastener and a right second fastener, wherein the right first fastener is coupled to one portion of the filter assembly, and wherein the right second fastener is coupled to a different portion of the filter assembly than the right first fastener.

In some embodiments, in any of the protective devices described above the left temple bar includes a left first fastener and a left second fastener, wherein the left first fastener is coupled to one portion of the filter assembly, and wherein the left second fastener is coupled to a different portion of the filter assembly than the left first fastener.

In some embodiments, in any of the protective devices described above the right temple bar has a distal end and a proximal end, and the right temple bar has a right ear support on the distal end with a curved structure where at least a portion of the curved structure is adjacent and contacts at least a portion of the user's ear when the protective device is worn by a user.

In some embodiments, in any of the protective devices described above the left temple bar has a distal end and a proximal end, and the left temple bar has a left ear support on the distal end configured to have a curved structure where at least a portion of the curved structure is adjacent and contacts at least a portion of the user's ear when the protective device is worn by a user.

In some embodiments, in any of the protective devices described above the right temple arm and the left temple arm are releasably attachable to the filter assembly.

In some embodiments, in any of the protective devices described above the right temple arm has a proximal end and a distal end and a knob is coupled to the distal end of the right temple arm.

In some embodiments, in any of the protective devices described above the left temple arm has a proximal end and a distal end and a knob is coupled to the distal end of the left temple arm.

In some embodiments, in any of the protective devices described above the filter assembly is made of hard plastic.

In some embodiments, the protective device includes a frame assembly for holding a filter, the frame including a transparent panel configured to be placed in the middle of the filter such that the user's mouth is visible when the user is wearing the protective device, wherein the filter comprises a first portion and a second portion coupled together, a right temple arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the right temple arm including a first fastener and a second fastener positioned on the proximal end for coupling the right temple arm to a filter, the distal end structured to be positioned alongside a temple of a user wearing the device, and a left temple arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the second temple arm including a first fastener and a second fastener positioned on the proximal end for coupling the second temple arm to a filter, the distal end structured to be positioned alongside a temple of a user wearing the device.

In some embodiments, in any of the protective devices described above the fasteners are releasably attachable to the filter.

In some embodiments, in any of the protective devices described above the frame assembly includes at least one filter positioned to one side of the transparent panel.

In some embodiments, the protective device includes a frame having a transparent panel, wherein the transparent panel is positioned centrally within the frame, and the transparent panel has a width of greater than 10 mm and spans the height of the frame, the protective device also includes a first temple arm attached to a first side of the frame and a second temple arm attached to a second side of the frame, and a filter removably attached to the frame, the filter including a left portion, a right portion integral to the left portion, and a gap between the left portion and the right portion configured to fit around the transparent panel.

In some embodiments, in the protective device described above the first temple arm and the second temple arm each attach to the frame via a hinge.

In some embodiments, in any of the protective devices described above further includes a valve positioned in the transparent panel.

In some embodiments, in any of the protective devices described above further includes a valve positioned in the transparent panel, wherein the valve is configured to allow air to flow out of the valve, but air must flow in through the filter. That is, the valve is configured to allow air to flow out of the valve in a direction away from a wearer of the protection device and to prevent air from flowing in through the valve in a direction towards a wearer of the protection device.

In some embodiments, the filter includes a left portion, a right portion integral to the left portion, and a gap between the left portion and the right portion having a width greater than 10 mm.

In some embodiments, the filter described above is removably attached to a frame, the frame having a perimeter and a transparent panel spanning a height of the perimeter.

In some embodiments, in any of the filters described above the left portion and the right portion are symmetrical.

In some embodiments, in any of the filters described above the left portion is connected to the right portion via a connection portion, wherein the connection portion is integral to both the left portion and the right portion.

In some embodiments, in any of the filters described above the filter is removably attached to a protective device.

In some embodiments, in any of the filters described above the gap has a height greater than half of a height of each of the left portion and the right portion.

In some embodiments, in any of the filters described above the gap is rectangular.

The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the systems, devices, and methods can be practiced in many ways. As is also stated above, it should be noted that the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the technology with which that terminology is associated.

Conditional language such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, are otherwise understood within the context as used in general to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

Headings are included herein for reference and to aid in locating various sections. These headings are not intended to limit the scope of the concepts described with respect thereto. Such concepts may have applicability throughout the entire specification.

Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, the elements of which are to be understood as being among other acceptable examples. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure. The foregoing description details certain embodiments. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the systems and methods can be practiced in many ways. As is also stated above, it should be noted that the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the systems and methods should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the systems and methods with which that terminology is associated.

It will also be understood that, when a feature or element (for example, a structural feature or element) is referred to as being “connected”, “attached” or “coupled” to another feature or element, it may 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 may be no intervening features or elements present. Although described or shown with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so described or shown may 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 and implementations only and is not intended to be limiting. For example, as used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be 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, processes, functions, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, processes, functions, 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 “/”.

In the descriptions above and in the claims, phrases such as “at least one of” or “one or more of” may occur followed by a conjunctive list of elements or features. The term “and/or” may also occur in a list of two or more elements or features. Unless otherwise implicitly or explicitly contradicted by the context in which it used, such a phrase is intended to mean any of the listed elements or features individually or any of the recited elements or features in combination with any of the other recited elements or features. For example, the phrases “at least one of A and B;” “one or more of A and B;” and “A and/or B” are each intended to mean “A alone, B alone, or A and B together.” A similar interpretation is also intended for lists including three or more items. For example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C;” “one or more of A, B, and C;” and “A, B, and/or C” are each intended to mean “A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A and B and C together.” Use of the term “based on,” above and in the claims is intended to mean, “based at least in part on,” such that an unrecited feature or element is also permissible.

Spatially relative terms, such as “forward”, “rearward”, “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for case 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 due to the inverted state. Thus, the term “under” may encompass both an orientation of over and under, depending on the point of reference or orientation. 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 may be used herein for the purpose of explanation only unless specifically indicated otherwise.

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 described as “about” or “approximately” may have a value that is +/−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, may represent endpoints or 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” may be 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 may be considered disclosed as well as between 10 and 15. It is also understood that each unit between two particular units may be also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 may be disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 may be also disclosed.

Although various illustrative embodiments have been disclosed, any of a number of changes may be made to various embodiments without departing from the teachings herein. For example, the order in which various described method steps are performed may be changed or reconfigured in different or alternative embodiments, and in other embodiments one or more method steps may be skipped altogether. Optional or desirable 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 the purpose of example and should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the claims and specific embodiments or particular details or features disclosed.

The examples and illustrations included herein show, by way of illustration and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which the disclosed subject matter may be practiced. As mentioned, other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Such embodiments of the disclosed 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 an intended, practical or disclosed purpose, whether explicitly stated or implied, 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.

The disclosed subject matter has been provided here with reference to one or more features or embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize and appreciate that, despite of the detailed nature of the example embodiments provided here, changes and modifications may be applied to said embodiments without limiting or departing from the generally intended scope. These and various other adaptations and combinations of the embodiments provided here are within the scope of the disclosed subject matter as defined by the disclosed elements and features and their full set of equivalents.

	Number	Date	Country
	63516427	Jul 2023	US
	63510602	Jun 2023	US

PROTECTION DEVICE WITH INTEGRATED FILTER MASK AND EYE SHIELD

Information

Publication Number

Date Filed

Date Published

Inventors

CPC

International Classifications

Abstract

Description

Claims

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

Provisional Applications (2)