Abstract: A mechanism for dispensing earplugs is provided, including a container for storing the earplugs, the container having at least one container opening through which the earplugs are dispensed, a shutter assembly located at the container opening, the shutter assembly having at least one shutter opening formed therein, and a funnel member attached to the shutter assembly for guiding dispensed earplugs to an operator. The shutter assembly of the present invention moves to bring the shutter opening into alignment with the container opening thus allowing the earplugs to pass from the earplug container, through the shutter assembly, into the dispensing flange, and to the operator.

Abstract: A multi-flanged earplug is provided, comprising a stem, a rounded flange positioned at a first end of the stem, and at least a second flange positioned between the first end portion of the stem and an opposing second end portion of the stem. In one embodiment, the first flange is generally hemispherical in shape and has a curvature that is generally is generally convex with respect to the tip of the first end portion of the stem, while the second flange has a shape that is generally concave with respect to the tip of the first end portion of the stem. In another embodiment, an outer circumference portion of the second flange has an increased thickness relative to an inner, annular portion of the second flange. In another embodiment, an outer circumference portion of the second flange is provided with a protruding ridge.

Abstract: A quick release mechanism and headpiece for use with a respirator. The quick release mechanism uses a cam latch pivotably attached to a yoke to control the tension in an upper tension strap. In the latched position the upper tension strap traverses the yoke and, together with a pair of lower tension straps and neck catch, support and seal the respirator mask against the face of the wearer. In the unlatched position the upper tension straps loosely support the mask below the chin of the wearer in a parked position. The upper strap is attached to a circular shaped headpiece having a crown piece fitting to the top of the head of the wearer. The lower straps are attached to a rounded neck catch secured behind the neck of the wearer. The upper and lower straps preferably and advantageously comprise a material or materials having a low maximum elongation to ensure a snug and comfortable mask fit.

Abstract: Safety eyewear is presented which is provided with particulate sealing around the inside periphery of the lens/lenses and having temples that provide adjustment of the eyewear to a pantoscopic angle. The eyewear is provided with an adjustable strap assembly for better fit to the wearer's head. The eyewear lens/frame includes a plurality of projections that define various pantoscopic angles. The temple end piece includes a set of recesses that engage the projections formed on the lens/frame which temple end piece is rotated relative to the lens/frame to set the pantoscopic angle. The adjustable strap assembly further adjust the fit of the eyewear and can be unbuckled for snaplocked attachment of the eyewear directly to other safety equipment such as noise suppression ear muffs, communication head phones, breathing masks and the like.

Abstract: A quick release mechanism and headpiece for use with a respirator. The quick release mechanism uses a cam latch pivotally attached to a yoke to control the tension in an upper tension strap. In the latched position the upper tension strap traverses the yoke to support and seal the respirator mask against the face of the wearer. In the unlatched position the upper tension straps loosely support the mask below the chin of the wearer in a parked position. In one embodiment, a guide is provided on the yoke to ensure that the mask may be consistently donned and doffed with minimal effort (e.g., potential one-handed donning and doffing). An opening may also be provided in the face mask and optionally in the yoke, and a filter may be disposed within the opening to provide the desired filtration of inhaled gases.

Abstract: A quick release mechanism and headpiece for use with a respirator. The quick release mechanism uses an over center latch pivotly attached to a yoke to control the tension in a pair of upper tension cords. In the latched position the upper tension cords traverse the yoke and together with a pair of lower tension cords support and seal the respirator mask against the face of the wearer. In the unlatched position the upper tension cords loosely support the mask below the chin of the wearer in a parked position. The upper and lower tension cords are attached to a circular shaped headpiece having a crown piece fitting to the top of the head of the wearer and a base portion fitting to the back of the head of the wearer. The headpiece is advantageously comprised of multiple layers wherein the outer layer is comprised of a rigid material and the inner layer is comprised of a compliant material.

Abstract: Eyewear having a temple body that provides for adjustment of the temple length. The temple adjustment housing has an interior cavity. Formed within the interior cavity is a longitudinal groove. The temple adjustment housing has at least one relief cut for receiving at least one projection located on the cylindrical temple tip. The temple tip is inserted into the circular opening and moved horizontally to adjust to the desired length. The temple tip is then rotated to lock into place the projections into the relief cuts.

Abstract: Piano lenses and associated eyewear incorporating parabolic and hyperbolic arcs are provided which are particularly useful in safety and recreational applications.

Abstract: An acoustical hearing device is presented, comprising a foam and at least one component which is mechanically bonded to the foam. The mechanical bonding of the component arises during manufacture, wherein the component is placed into a mold cavity as an insert and a foam is formed within the mold so as to allow controlled penetration of the component during foaming. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one component comprises a stem having a tip at one end, wherein the tip includes at least one opening at least partially extending therethrough. The mechanical bond resulting when the foam extends through the at least one opening.

Abstract: In general terms, the lens overlays of the present invention comprise thin, formed plastic overlays that can easily be attached to the inside or outside of the primary protective lenses by the user. In one embodiment, the lens overlay comprises a first overlay to be disposed on the left side lens and a second overlay to be disposed on the right side lens. In another embodiment, the lens overlay comprises a one piece conforming overlay lens that is attached to the front face of the primary lens by removing the frame bridge, slipping the frame temples through a left and right hole in the endpieces of the overlay and snapping the bridge back onto the frame to secure the overlay to the front face of the primary lens. In yet another embodiment directed to lens overlays for eyewear having a frame browbar with the primary lens, the formed overlay of this embodiment is secured primarily to the browbar itself.

Abstract: The filter medium of the present invention includes a pleated filter layer and a flat filter layer adjacent to the pleated filter layer. Both the pleated filter layer and the flat filter layer may contain a thermoplastic material allowing the filter layers to be joined using ultrasonic welding or heat sealing and facilitating manufacturing. The filter medium has a small height which makes it appropriate for use in flat fold respirators and flat filters.