Abstract: A weight compensating bracket to releasably and pivotably mount a protective face shield to a helmet. The bracket has an adapter, which places the pivot of the cap bracket to which the face shield is mounted, rearwardly from the releasable connector to the helmet, enabling the face shield to be well balanced when in the stowed position above the helmet.

Abstract: An arc flash protective hood device. The protective hood is fitted with a passive blackbody radiation shield device formed with facing plates, each plate having a plurality of slots therethrough, the slots in one plate being in offset registration with the slots in the other plate, thereby creating a semi-tortuous path for fluid flow through the device. The semi-tortuous path for air flow is so formed to prevent arc-flash energy from passing through the shield device. Alternatively, the shield device may be a single, integral element, or each plate may be made in two or more segments. The blackbody radiation shield device may be mounted in an opening in a hood, and several such shield devices may be mounted in several openings in the hood.

Abstract: An arc-flash protective hood device. The protective hood is fitted with a passive ventilation device formed with facing plates, each plate having a plurality of slots therethrough, the slots in one plate being in offset registration with the slots in the other plate, thereby creating a semi-tortuous path for air flow through the ventilation device. The semi-tortuous path for air flow is so formed to prevent arc-flash energy from passing through the ventilation device. Alternatively, the ventilation device may be a single, integral element, or each plate may be made in two or more segments. The ventilation device may be mounted in an opening in a hood, and several ventilation devices may be mounted in several openings in the hood.

Abstract: A ventilation device for use in protective hoods. The ventilation device is formed with facing plates, each plate having a plurality of slots therethrough, the slots in one plate being in offset registration with the slots in the other plate, thereby creating a semi-tortuous path for air flow through the ventilation device. Alternatively, the ventilation device may be a single, integral element, or each plate may be made in two or more segments. The ventilation device may be mounted in an opening in a hood, and several ventilation devices may be mounted in several openings in the hood.

Abstract: A face shield assembly for use with a hard hat to protect a user from injury caused by an arc-flash event. Ventilation slots are provided at the sides of the assembly below an apparatus used for connecting the face shield assembly to a hard hat. Alternatively, lower front ventilation slots are provided, which also improve voice communication by the user. The face shield assembly can have either side or front ventilation slots, or both.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for the rapid and reliable replacement of protective windows of the shields and electric-arc shields. A locking device releasably connects the face shield window with the helmet or cap bracket.

Abstract: Goggles for protecting the eyes of a wearer in ultra-hazardous conditions. The goggles comprise a frame that seals to the face of the wearer so that the wearer's eyes are enveloped. An adjustable strap is attached to the goggles and goes around the head of the wearer in order to secure the goggles over the wearer's face. Indirect ventilation is utilized to eliminate fogging, and drains are used in the frame to evacuate trapped moisture, A curvilinear lens with multiple optical zones is secured within the frame of the goggles and angled for increased lower peripheral vision. The materials with which the goggles are constructed are capable of withstanding a temperature of at least about 550° F. for a minimum of five minutes without oozing or dripping or otherwise deforming.

Abstract: Substantially transparent compositions that block electric-arc energy. A process of making the compositions comprise blending an IR/optical dye with a substrate material and subjecting the blend to curing conditions. Products manufactured from the composition ablate upon impact of electric-arc energy.

Abstract: A pivoting clip for joining a strap to a pair of goggles. The pivoting clip has a clip receiver mounted on the goggles, and a pivotable mount attached to the clip receiver, with a hinge pin for pivotally attaching the pivotable mount to the clip receiver. A pivot pin and pivot pin retainer pivotally mount a strap hanger and a ratchet pawl to the pivotable mount.

Abstract: A dielectric face shield bracket that can be used to adjustably couple the face shield to a hard hat or cap. The invention is constructed solely of dielectric materials and, in one embodiment, comprises a two piece arcuately shaped frame where one piece of the frame hooks over the front brim portion of a full-brimmed hard hat and the other piece is coupled to a face shield. A flexible securing strap is coupled to the frame and extends over the crown of the hard hat, and the strap is used for securely holding the frame piece over the front of the brim portion. A pivot assembly is used in conjunction with the frame pieces to pivot one frame piece with respect to the other using a variable resistance pivot, thereby allowing the face shield to be easily locked at any position. In another embodiment, the flexible securing strap, amongst other elements, is eliminated and mounting brackets are substituted to allow the bracket to be adapted to a hard cap.