Abstract: A neck protector for use with headgear in protecting the user's back or dorsal region of the neck from injury. An envelope is formed with a plurality of first chambers that are arranged sequentially to form a layer of a series of lengthwise pockets. A second layer of chambers are arranged and attached to the first layer of chambers to overlap the partitions of the first layer of chambers. A substantially rigid, curved member is contained in each of the chambers in both layers. A padded material is preferably permanently attached to each of the rigid, curved members on the side facing the neck of the individual when in use. The envelope also has means for attachment to existing protective headgear.

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: 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: 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.degree. F. for a minimum of five minutes without oozing or dripping or otherwise deforming.

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.

Abstract: A surgical smoke evacuator comprising a housing, an airflow channel through the housing, at least one filter placed in an operative position along the air flow channel, filter alignment means between the filter and housing for guiding the filter relative to the housing along a predetermined circuitous path extending between the inlet of the housing and the filter cavity within the housing during loading and unloading of the filter in the smoke evacuator, said circuitous path including at least one axial portion wherein the filter is movable axially relative to the the housing and at least one angular portion wherein the filter is movable angularly about the longitudinal axis of the filter relative to the housing.

Abstract: A surgical smoke evacuator includes a housing and means defining an air flow channel through the housing. At least one filter having a longitudinal axis is disposed in the air flow channel with portions of the housing defining an inlet for receiving the filter and a filter cavity for receiving the filter in the air flow channel. Tabs on the filter and associated guide slots on the housing, guide the filter along a circuitous path between the inlet and filter cavity during loading and unloading of the filter. This path includes axial portions which facilitate axial filter movement and angular portions which facilitate angular filter movement relative to the housing.

Abstract: A suction delivery system for removing surgical smoke from an operative site includes a hose having the configuration of a first tube and adapted to extend generally between a suction source and the operative site. A wand coupled to the distal end of the hose has the configuration of a second tube with first portions of the wand define a major suction inlet while second portions of the wand define a lateral opening which relieves suction pressure when the major inlet is blocked by tissue. A tip section of the wand includes a vane extending at least partially across the major opening and a strut extending to support the vane outwardly of the major opening. The tip section also includes means providing a laterally visible indication of the degree of contamination of the system.

Abstract: A helmet retention system for a forwardly facing helmet includes:(a) a clip having first, second and third attachment structures which are integrally interconnected,(b) the first attachment structure including generally forwardly extending parallel slots in which a left or right retention strap section is threadable for strap length adjustment,(c) the second attachment structure including a generally upwardly extending additional slot to receive one of two rear strap sections, and(d) the third attachment structure including a hook below the level of said first attachment structure to removably support a connector operatively connected to the other of the left and right retention strap sections, and a cantilevered retainer adapted to be deflected when the connection is applied to the hook or removed therefrom, and which otherwise retains the connector against removal from the hook.