Protective headgear system with filter protector

Abstract

This invention is directed to a protective headgear system which includes a relatively light weight, substantially rigid, headgear structure which may include an internal, adjustable headband. The system includes filter means which is attachable to the headgear structure to cover the structure. A fan mechanism is mounted on the headgear structure to draw air into the headgear structure through the filter means. A power supply selectively powers the fan. A facial shield is attachable to the headgear structure to cover the face of the wearer to maintain non-contaminating conditions relative to the wearer. A flexible cuff or hood is attachable to the facial shield to enclose the lower opening of the lens and provides protection for the wearer through which air can be exhausted.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention is directed to personal environmental protection systems, in general, and, more particularly, to a headgear structure which is worn by an individual in an environment wherein control of filtered air and protection from particulate material is required.[0003]2. Prior Art[0004]There are several types of air flow, filtration and protective systems which are known in the art. Several types of such systems are currently available on the market for use in surgical arenas, in “clean room” environments, or in hazardous / contaminated environments.[0005]Some of the existing systems include hoods, gowns, filters, and the like. In some instances, the air filters are built into the helmet structure and produce a rather clumsy, cumbersome headgear unit. Known units frequently include external sources of air such as gas cylinders, air lines or the like which are connected to the helmet structure by tubes, hoses or the like. The hose-conn...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]The system also includes one or more removable and disposable filters which are adapted to be easily and snugly attached to and supported by the headgear structure to significantly cover the outer surface of the headgear structure.

[0017]An outer, relatively lightweight, substantially rigid filter protector is provided for mounting to the lens in at least a partially spaced apart relationship to provide an air gap between the lens and the filter protector.

Problems solved by technology

In some instances, the air filters are built into the helmet structure and produce a rather clumsy, cumbersome headgear unit.

The hose-connected systems, and the long gowns or hoods tend to become extremely cumbersome as well as restrictive of the movements and flexibility of the wearer during a procedure.

This structure tends, therefore, to become costly inasmuch as the disposable filtration devices are quite expensive.

Moreover, these systems tend to be fairly expensive, especially regarding the disposable portions of the system.

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