Headgear

Abstract

This invention relates to headgear for protecting the wearer against facial injury, especially eye injury, and in particular eye injury caused by flying particulate matter, such as may be ejected or expelled from a work-piece, the headgear comprising a first, transparent and substantially non-porous eye-protecting membrane and a fabric wall which substantially surrounds the first membrane. The wall is preferably flexible and porous and is attached to the first membrane at its periphery so as to support the first membrane in a vision-facilitating position adjacent the eyes of a wearer in use, wherein the first membrane provides eye protection against particulate projectiles while allowing the wearer to see through it, and the wall provides protection to the wearer against ingress of particulate projectiles from around the transparent first membrane.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims priority to Australian application no. AU 2013900066, filed on Jan. 9, 2013, and to Australian application no AU 2013220865, filed on Aug. 26, 2013, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to headgear for protecting the wearer against facial injury, especially eye injury, and in particular eye injury caused by flying particulate matter, such as may be ejected or expelled from a work-piece.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Many forms of eye protection exist Apart from spectacles and glasses such as industrial safety glasses and sunglasses, there are helmets such as welding helmets, biking helmets, skier helmets, goggles and fire-proof hoods. These have in common a hard protective lens and means for locating and holding in position the lens in effective viewing orientation opposite the eye of the wearer. Not all of these have eye protection as a priority, but more as a by-product, for example helmets worn in sporting activities such as cricket, biking and skiing. Often separate goggles or sunglasses are worn in addition to the helmet. An example of headgear providing head and eye protection in combination is found in patent number U.S. Pat. No. 5,184,354. This is primarily directed to providing goggles and headgear for basketball players.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,880,176 to Timms et al. discloses headgear suitable for equestrian activities, but does not provide for eye protection, concentrating instead on preventing head injuries.

In the workplace, safety glasses (having lightweight plastic lenses) are used for general-purpose protection in many activities for which specialised protection is not available, such as in welding helmets or welding goggles. One weakness of safety glasses is that they can tend to lack protection means for particulate matter ricocheting toward the wearer's eyes from above, below and the sides. Additional side mouldings or shields have been known to be provided with some models, but these add to the cost of these glasses, discouraging purchase, especially by budget-conscious operations.

Another drawback of the above types of safety glasses is that the added side protection means tend to reduce the all-round ability of the glasses to fit all users; one size does not easily fit all.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to address the shortcomings of the prior art and, in doing so, to provide an eye-protecting apparel that is suitable for use in do-it-yourself workshops, in gardening, in the field and in factories, wherever the risk of eye-injuring particulate matter being expelled at high speed is significant.

A further object of the invention is to provide means for reducing the incidence of eye injuries in the course of performing work with abrasive materials and which may eject particulate matter toward the worker.

Another object is to provide protective headgear that is low-cost and low-tech, making it suitable for mass production and availability.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to the invention, there is provided protective headgear suitable for use in a workplace, the headgear comprising a first, transparent and substantially non-porous membrane having a periphery, means for supporting the first membrane in a vision-facilitating position adjacent the eyes of a wearer in use, a fabric wall comprising a second, flexible and porous membrane, and attachment means attaching the first membrane at the periphery to the wall, wherein the first membrane provides eye protection against particulate projectiles while allowing the wearer to see through it, and the wall provides protection to the wearer against ingress of particulate matter to the wearer's eyes around the periphery of the first membrane.

In an embodiment of the invention, the wall at least partially surrounds the head of the wearer in use.

In a preferred form of the invention, the wall extends to cover the wearer's ears.

In a preferred embodiment, the wall extends to cover the wearer's mouth.

Further according to the invention, the wall preferably comprises a textile. An example is a woven cloth.

In an alternative embodiment, the wall comprises paper. The paper is preferably of high multi-directional flexibility akin to that of a performance mesh textile. Further preferably it is less than 80 g/m2 in weight.

In another embodiment, the wall is a composite structure comprising both paper and textile.

In a further preferred form of the invention, the attachment means for attaching the first membrane to the wall comprises bonding means. The bonding means may comprise an adhesive. Alternatively, or in addition, the attachment means comprises stitching.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the transparent first membrane comprises a plurality of stacked peelable transparent layers.

In a still further preferred form of the invention, the headgear further comprises a breathing aperture located in the wall below the first membrane.

Preferably, the headgear further comprises a third membrane selected to facilitate breathing through it by the user, and connection means connecting said third membrane to the wall so as to substantially cover said aperture.

Preferably, the connection means connects an upper peripheral portion of the third membrane to the wall at a location above the aperture only, so that the third membrane depends downwardly to cover the aperture when in use. Said upper peripheral portion, in an embodiment, is a strip of the third membrane located adjacent the wall.

The third membrane preferably defines a displaceable flap, which can be lowered or raised according to wearer preference. Releasable secural means may be provided for securing a lower peripheral edge of the flap to an adjacent portion of the wall when in operative depending position.

The invention extends optionally to the headgear having connection means connecting a side peripheral portion of the third membrane to the wall proximate to a side of the aperture. In an embodiment, the connection means comprises stitching.

In a further preferred embodiment, the third membrane comprises fabric meshing.

Still further, according to the invention, the supporting means for the transparent membrane is adapted for encirclement of the wearer's head at a position above the wearer's eyes in first membrane-supporting orientation. It thus extends generally around the head of the wearer in use to be supported thereby, and supports the wall.

The wall may extend partially or completely around the wearer's head. Preferably it comprises a ventilation slit. The ventilation slit is preferably generally vertically disposed and may extend partly or fully the length of the wall.

Preferably, said supporting means is tensioned against the wearer's head in use, to resist displacement therefrom. It may comprise elongate band means.

In this form of the invention, the wall preferably further comprises a sleeve formed above a line defined by an upper peripheral portion of the transparent membrane when in operative orientation. Into this sleeve, the band means is inserted to at least be partly received and contained.

In an embodiment, the headgear comprises a plurality of hoops connected to the wall to define a guideline through which the band means is passed in operative supporting orientation.

Preferably, the band means has an adjustable functional length. In an embodiment, the band means comprises adjustable belt means. Preferably it comprises an elongate strip with mutually engageable opposed ends.

In another embodiment, the band means comprises drawstring means. Alternatively, the band means is at least in part elastic. In an embodiment, the band means is connected to the wall.

The headgear in an alternative form of the invention further comprises an element having opposed first and second ends respectively attached to the wall at generally diametrically-opposed locations proximate corresponding ends of the sleeve, so that when worn, the headgear is additionally supported by said element resting against the wearer's head.

Optionally further, according to the invention, the supporting means comprises a hood portion extending from the wall over the head of the wearer in use. The hood portion may be a part of, or be connected to, the wall, and so positioned and arranged to extend over the head of the wearer.

Further preferably, the hood portion comprises a crown panel that is integrally formed with the wall. The hood portion in use is at least partly supported by the head of the wearer with a remainder portion of the wall depending therefrom.

In an embodiment, the crown panel comprises meshing. The meshing may be of the same material as the third membrane. In another form of the invention, the crown panel is integrally formed with a brim portion that extends generally radially from the wearers head.

In a still further preferred form of the invention, the headgear has orientation-assisting means proximate a lower end of the wall when in use said orientation-assisting means being arranged to urge said lower end to a position of proximity to the wearer's neckline. In such arrangement, the headgear is adapted for inhibiting ingress of particulate projectiles to internal space defined by the headgear.

In an embodiment, the orientation-assisting means comprises second band means. Preferably, a lower periphery of the wall comprises a hem within which the band extends and is retained.

In an alternative embodiment, the orientation-assisting means comprises weighting means contained in the hem. When the ventilation slit extends fully to the lower extremity of the wall, dividing the hem, the opposed lower portions of the wall adjacent the slit define flaps.

In a yet further preferred form of the invention, the wall additionally comprises a pocket. Preferably, the pocket is located at a lower, side portion of the wall. Further preferably, it is located above and proximate to the hem.

In an embodiment, the pocket is dimensionally adapted to contain a sachet, preferably charged with a functional substance. Preferably, the sachet contemplated will hold lens-cleaning means suitable for application to the first membrane for cleaning away vision-inhibiting soiling. Alternatively or additionally, the sachet contains a pharmaceutical.

The pharmaceutical may comprise a cosmetic. The cosmetic in an example comprises a sunscreen preparation (for use when the wearer chooses not to wear the headgear). In another example, the cosmetic is a skin moisturizer. In a further example the sachet contains an eye-care preparation.

In an alternative embodiment, the sachet contains a dietary supplement. Preferably the supplement comprises a formulation adapted to provide replenishment to the headgear wearer according to an expected activity of the wearer when using the headgear. For example, if the wearer is expected to engage in an activity under conditions likely to result in profuse perspiration, the sachet will contain a formulation comprising tissue salts in a rehydrating carrier gel. Known formulations of this nature are available from specialist nutrition providers.

Preferably, the headgear further comprises a hanging-eye attached to the wall. The hanging-eye in an embodiment is attached to an apical region of the wall. In an alternative embodiment it is attached proximate a lower end of the wall, preferably at its rear when worn in use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be readily understood, and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying figures. Thus:

FIG. 1 shows in front view a sketch of a first embodiment of the headgear of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the headgear of FIG. 1, seen from the left side in that figure.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the headgear of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is top view of the headgear of the invention depicted in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.

FIG. 5 is a front view of an alternative, but now preferred, embodiment of the headgear of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the headgear embodiment of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a rear view of the headgear of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the headgear of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an item of protective headgear, according to a preferred embodiment of this invention, is generally denoted by the number 10. It has a transparent membrane of clear polyvinyl-chloride (PVC) 12 surrounded by a fabric wall, defined by a second membrane 14. The wall is adapted to the form of a hood and comprises a single panel of cloth. Membrane 12 is sewn into a correspondingly shaped and sized aperture in the wall as shown by seam 16 (denoted by a broken line), which surrounds it Seam 32 extends over the apex 28 of the headgear and down the rear side at 30, to provide closure for wall 14 to form a hood. In other embodiments, the hood structure may be fabricated from two or more panels of flexible material.

An eye 34 of a looped strip of textile tape material is attached at the apical region to facilitate hanging of the hood on a suitable peg or nail when not in use In further embodiments, the attachment means for attaching transparent membrane 12 to wall membrane 14 is a bonding means, such as thermal bonding or by an adhesive.

Fabric wall 14 extends downwardly to cover the face and, optionally, the neck of the wearer. To minimise gaps between the fabric wall and the body of the wearer at its lower periphery, a hem 18 is formed there and an elastic strip 20 is fitted into it This arrangement inhibits ingress of substantial dust or fumes from below. The length and strength of the elastic strip are selected to achieve a relatively loose, but gap-closing fit on the shoulders and neckline of the wearer. The elasticised hem helps prevent the hem or other parts of the wall membrane from snagging. In this embodiment, the wall membrane is a performance mesh available from Australian Fabric Wholesales of Mount Waverley, Victoria. This particular mesh is 100% polyester of quality ST06. It has a gram weight of 170 gsm and yield of 3.6 mkg. It is designed for rapid moisture evaporation and to promote passage of air through it and to the skin of the wearer. This material is rated UPF:40, which means it falls into the UPF “excellent protection” category of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency.

The transparent membrane is supported in vision-enabling position by an elastic strip 22 that is sewn into wall 14 to extend around the wearer's head from one edge 24 of the transparent membrane to the opposing edge 26. Unlike elastic strip 20, elastic strip 22 is selected to be of sufficient tightness and length to retain vision membrane 12 in vision-enabling position, despite all but the most violent of head movements by the wearer.

The pull exerted by the respective opposite ends of elastic strip 22 on edges 24 and 26 of transparent membrane 12, to which they are attached by stitching, keeps it laterally stretched and disinclined to fold or crease to any degree that would render substantially clear vision impossible.

When the headgear is worn correctly, elastic strip 22 is positioned above the eyes and preferably around the lower part of the forehead or brow of the wearer. This positioning helps to avoid wearer discomfort resulting from undue pressure being exerted against any additional eye-wear worn by the wearer—for example prescription eyeglasses.

The vision membrane 12 is not only transparent, but also flexible. However, it is selected to have sufficient rigidity to be substantially self-supporting. This means that although required to be flexible, it should not be subject to flexion during normal use to a degree that would disrupt vision unacceptably, by allowing significant convexities to form. It should preferably extend downwards without its plane being interrupted.

The thickness of membrane 12 is about 1.2 mm in this embodiment. For less flexibility, a thicker PVC sheet may be selected for the membrane to be cut from. It is envisaged that clear PVC membranes of thickness in the range from 0.7 mm to 5 mm may be utilised in this invention. A more preferred range is from 1 mm to 3 mm. The thickness will be a function of the work that is envisaged to be performed by the wearer and the attendant risks, such as presented by fast moving particulate projectiles in the size range 5 mm and less, and particularly of 1 mm and less.

Preferably, the dimensions of the transparent membrane are selected so that the ratio width height exceeds 0.33 but is less than about 5.0. This is found to assist in inhibiting lateral distortion by discouraging laterally extending concavities/ convexities from developing in the membrane. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the ratio is approximately 2.4.

It is found that by keeping the lateral dimension (width) of membrane 12 in the range from 120 mm to 200 mm, unacceptable distortion is largely avoided. In fact it is desirable that the width exceed the distance from eye to eye of the wearer, enabling a degree of wrap-around to ensue. This effect helps to prevent lateral creasing or folding of the transparent membrane.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, rear and top views of the same embodiment are depicted. These show how wall membrane 14 encloses the entire head and neck of the wearer. This prevents many kinds of potentially harmful particles produced in workshop-type environments, or even in garden work, from striking the bare flesh of the wearer, whether by direct trajectory from a work-piece or by a ricochet. The headgear in this embodiment therefore provides protection when the user is engaged particularly in operating power tools, such as circular saws, grinders, lathes, sanders and the like. It also provides protection in outdoor activities such as lawn mowing, hedge trimming, line trimming with the wall because of its looseness and flexibility serving to catch or deflect many particles or reduce their momentum, while the transparent membrane prevents many small particles from penetrating it to reach the eye. Because of the thermoplastic nature of the material of the transparent membrane, it also assists in arresting hot particles, by allowing them to melt the membrane where they strike, losing both their heat and momentum.

In another embodiment, transparent vision membrane 12 is tinted to provide protection in different environments or for different kinds of work envisaged. For example, ultraviolet radiation-inhibiting tinting is envisaged for headgear intended for outdoor use especially in harsh climates.

Further preferably, but optionally, the transparent membrane is treated with a mist-inhibitor.

The material of the wall membrane attached around the transparent membrane is selected for “breathability”, that is the capacity for air to permeate to the wearer within. Desirably, it should also absorb moisture readily and promote its evaporation for cooling and comfort. Preferably, the material is suitably porous and permeable to enable the user to breathe in comfort while wearing the headgear in complete hood configuration.

The wall membrane is also desirably treated to be at least fire-retardant, if not completely fire-proof.

It will be appreciated that instead of having an elastic strip 22 to maintain and support the position of the transparent membrane in operative orientation, as contemplated in this invention, one may alternatively have an adjustable strap that the wearer can adjust to his (or her) preference. An example of such a strap is a plastic strip in two parts, each being attached at one end to the edges 24 and 26 of the transparent membrane, and at their opposite ends having adjustable fastening means, such as a set of projecting studs on the part attached at edge 24 and a set of correspondingly positioned mating apertures or depressions in the second part attached to edge 26. Depending on the size of the wearer's head circumference, the appropriate stud can be mated with the aperture whose position corresponds with the optimum level of comfort for the wearer.

A second embodiment of the headgear of this invention, illustrated in FIG. 5, provides specific ventilation to facilitate the wearer's breathing under appropriate conditions. Like numbering is applied to like parts already encountered in FIGS. 1-4, discussed previously. In this embodiment of a headgear 40, below transparent vision membrane 12 is a breathing aperture 42, positioned to be located adjacent the wearer's mouth when in use The aperture is shown as being generally rectangular, but may of course be of any other suitable shape, such as oval or spherical. Irregular or more exotic or decorative forms are also within the scope of this invention. Exemplary, non-limiting dimensions of the rectangular aperture in the illustration are width 50 mm by 20 mm vertical length.

Covering the aperture, whose outline is depicted by dashed line 48, is a sheet of breathable fabric meshing, in this embodiment mosquito polyester gauze 44. The meshing overlaps aperture 42 so that it is glued at a peripheral strip 46 to the outside of surrounding wall 14. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 5, the meshing is secured to the wall along substantially the entire extent of the periphery of aperture 42 defined by dashed line 48. However, it is to be understood that it is advantageous in certain environments to have a portion of the periphery unsecured, to allow for completely unobstructed access to the wearer's mouth and nose. For example, in very hot environments or confined spaces, the wearer may wish to take a replenishing swig from a water bottle without having to remove the headgear. For this situation, the meshing sheet is secured by stitching it to wall 14 in only that part of peripheral strip 46 that lies adjacent the upper periphery of aperture 42, as denoted by the numeral 50. Optionally, the meshing sheet is disengageably secured adjacent its lower, opposite peripheral edge by way of a coupling such as a button, hook-and-loop (Velcro) or press-stud, so that the meshing then functions as a flap, but does not flap upwards to obscure vision through visor membrane 12 when operative.

In certain severely dusty environments, or where copious quantities of very small particulate projectiles (smaller than the mesh rating covering aperture 42) are being ejected from a work-piece, it may not be desirable to provide an aperture of the kind shown in FIG. 5, and the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 may be more desirable. Thus it will be appropriate when activities are expected to be performed under certain types of conditions, for the headgear to be provided with a wall material selected for greater or less ease of “breathabilty” (the ease with which a wearer is able to breathe through the wall itself). For some conditions, a denser wall material may be paired with a breathable meshing covering a breathing aperture, while in others, a very light wall material of low density and greater breathability may be selected. In a further enhancement of this embodiment, there is provided a press-stud on the outer lower portion of the depending flap membrane and a complemental stud-receiving female base formation located above and between the breathing aperture and the transparent membrane (not shown in the figures), enabling the flap to be raised and releaseably secured in a raised position at the wearer's discretion. When so raised, the wearer may be better able to speak or to eat or receive a beverage than when the flap is lowered. Instead of a press-stud pair, temporary secural may be achieved by other fastening means well known in the art, for example hook-an-loop connectors and buttons.

Illustrated in FIG. 6 is a side view of the headgear in FIG. 5, indicated generally by reference numeral 52, where can be seen a pocket 54, accessible from the outside. The pocket is shown located at a lower, side portion of the wall toward the rear of the headgear, so as to be visible in back view, as depicted in FIG. 7. However, its position may be changed in other embodiments, according to decorative or styling requirements, as well as or in addition to function.

In FIGS. 6 and 7 pocket 54 is located above and proximate to hem 18. The pocket is shown as comprising a fabric overlay 56 sewn on three sides to the wall and being open at a hem 58 at its upper edge. The overlay is made of the same fabric as wall 14, but need not be so.

In another embodiment, the pocket is in the form of a pouch located on the inside of the headgear and accessible from the outside via a suitable slit in wall 14 where hem 58 is located. In this case the internal pocket is not of the same fabric, but is for example nylon, or a nylon/cotton blend.

The pocket is suitably sized to hold a sachet containing a functional product useful to the wearer and the task being carried out using the headgear. In the example of FIGS. 6 and 7, the sachet contains a lens-cleaning tissue impregnated with a lens-cleaning solvent of known formulation and adapted for application to the first membrane for cleaning away vision-inhibiting soiling.

The pocket may be sized to hold two or more sachets of functional substances. For example, alternatively or additionally, the pocket may contains a sachet having in it a pharmaceutical. The pharmaceutical may comprise a cosmetic. The cosmetic in an example comprises a sunscreen preparation (for use when the wearer chooses not to wear the headgear while engaged in an outdoor activity). In another example, the cosmetic is a skin moisturizer for application in dry and/or cold environments. In a further example the sachet contains an eye-care preparation.

FIG. 8 shows in perspective view a further embodiment of the invention. Here a headgear 110 comprises a wall 114 depending from and attached to a supporting strip 120 of a plastics material. The plastics material is relatively inextensible, when compared with elastic strips 122 and 126, to which it is attached by stitching at respective interfaces 124 and 128 at its opposed ends. Elastic strips 122 and 126 are adjustably connected by means of a buckle 130.

Attached to the front-facing portion of supporting strip 120 is a rigid but flexible peak 134 of sell-supporting plastics material. Below the peak and located in fabric wall 114 are a transparent vision membrane 112 of clear PVC and breathing aperture 142 covered by a mosquito gauze meshing 144.

At the lower extremity of wall 114 is a hem 118 into which are sewn elongate strips of high density polyethylene (HDPE) to serve as weights for weighing down the wall into a suitably protective orientation. A pocket 156 is provided for storing one or more sachets of functional substances, as previously described, to be readily accessible by the wearer of the headgear.

The headgear is held in operative orientation for the user with the aid of a transverse supporting element 132, in this example a strip of flexible plastics material of the kind used in strip 120. It is positioned over the wearer's head and is useful for preventing the headgear slipping down over the eyes.

In a variation on this embodiment, the peak is detachably connected to the supporting circumferential strip. In a further variant, instead of a peak, the headgear has a brim that encircles the entire head. In this configuration, the headgear provides shade, and serves as a means for protection against the effects of prolonged exposure to the sun. The brim may in an embodiment be integrally formed with a head cover, effectively defining a hat within which the depending wall is secured via the circumferential strip.

It will be apparent to the reader that this embodiment of the headgear is open at the back of the wearer's head as well as above. The wall here is shown to extend about 180° around the entire periphery of the head—that is to say about 90° to either side of the wearer's nose. In other embodiments, it may extend the full 360° around the head. In such an embodiment, the wall may optionally include one or more ventilation slits, preferably being generally vertically orientated when the headgear is worn. In a preferred embodiment, a pair of vertical slits in the wall are respectively located a little behind each ear of the wearer. This location assists in ventilation as well as facilitating general hearing, while not presenting a gap through which a projectile may reach the eyes of the wearer. In another embodiment, a slit is located centrally and vertically at the rear.

The slit or slits may extend partially, or completely along the vertical length of the wall, even to divide the hem at the lower edge. In such a configuration, the lower wall portions adjacent on either side of the slit are permitted to flap freely. This feature is advantageous in warm environments.

The transparent vision membrane in another embodiment comprises a laminate of separable layers of transparent sheets that can be peeled away one by one as the outermost becomes damaged, marked, dirty or otherwise unserviceable. From 5 to 25 such sheets, preferably ranging in thickness from 1 mm to 0.1 mm are stacked to provide each such composite membrane. Each separable sheet has a small tab extending from an outer edge so as to facilitate the user peeling the outermost away while wearing the headgear. In a preferred embodiment, the peelable sheets are supported on a transparent base substrate having sufficient relative rigidity to inhibit creasing or folding such as would render the vision-enabling membrane unserviceable.

The vision membrane, or lens potion—while being clear—need not be colourless. In highly reflective environments such as in proximity to water or snow, the vision membrane is preferably polarised. In the case of snow, the headgear is further adapted for wearing by skiers—even under a ski helmet—by providing the vision membrane in colours such as pink or rose, for white-out conditions, and lemon for normal atmospheres.

Apart from those seeking protection from projectiles such as metal cutting sparks and wood drilling splinters, others who would find applications for the headgear are bee keepers, commercial lawn-mowing operators, fishermen, merchant seamen and navy personnel—not least too because of the added benefit of protection against skin cancers during daylight hours. In addition, the headgear of this invention generally affords insect protection, for example against mosquitoes and midges, as well as bees and wasps.

In an example of another embodiment of the invention, the length of the depending wall below the transparent membrane is open to variation, as is the extent to which the wall extends around the wearer's head. It need not form a complete hood, but may extend rearwards only as far as to cover the ears for example, leaving the back of the head exposed. Similarly, the wall need not extend downwardly to cover the entire face of the wearer: It may be preferred in some applications to have the wall covering not further than the nose or the upper lip of the typical wearer. The essential requirement is that the vision membrane provide protection to the eyes against direct impingement by particulate projectiles while the surrounding wall provides further protection by inhibiting ingress of ricochets.

In a further embodiment, a part of the top portion of the hood shown in the preferred embodiment is omitted, leaving a corresponding part of the top of the wearer's head exposed. Again, provision is made in a variation on this embodiment for there to be a sachet-holding pocket of the kind described in relation to the embodiment discussed with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6.

These embodiments merely illustrate particular examples of the headgear product of the invention. With the insight gained from this disclosure, the person skilled in the art is well placed to discern further embodiments by means of which to put the claimed invention into practice.

Claims

1. Protective headgear, suitable for a workplace, comprising: a first, transparent and substantially non-porous membrane having a periphery; means for supporting the first membrane in a vision-facilitating position adjacent the eyes of a wearer in use; a fabric wall comprising a second, flexible and porous membrane; and attachment means attaching the first membrane at the periphery to the wall; wherein the first membrane provides eye protection against particulate projectiles while allowing the wearer to see through it and wherein the wall provides protection to the wearer against ingress of particulate matter to the wearer's eyes around the periphery of the first membrane.

2. The headgear of claim 1 wherein the wall at least partially surrounds the head of the wearer in use.

3. The headgear of claim 2 wherein the wall depends to cover the wearer's mouth.

4. The headgear of claim 1 wherein the wall substantially surrounds the transparent membrane.

5. The headgear of claim 1 wherein the transparent membrane comprises a flexible plastics sheet.

6. The headgear of claim 5 wherein the sheet comprises a plurality of stacked peelable layers.

7. The headgear of claim 1 comprising a breathing aperture located in the wall below the first membrane.

8. The headgear of claim 7 comprising a third membrane substantially covering said breathing aperture, wherein the third membrane is selected to facilitate breathing through it by the user and is connected to the wall by connecting means.

9. The headgear of claim 8 wherein the third membrane defines a displaceable flap.

10. The headgear of claim 8 wherein the third membrane comprises fabric meshing.

11. The headgear of claim 1 wherein the supporting means for the first membrane extends generally around the head of the wearer in use, to be supported thereby, and supports the wall.

12. The headgear of claim 11 wherein said supporting means comprises elongate band means tensioned against the wearer's head in use to resist displacement therefrom.

13. The headgear of claim 1 wherein the supporting means comprises a hood portion extending from the wall over the head of the wearer in use.

14. The headgear of claim 13 wherein the hood portion comprises a crown panel integrally formed with the wall, the hood portion in use being at least partly supported by the head of the wearer.

15. The headgear of claim 1 having a brim portion arranged to extends generally radially from the wearer's head in sun-shielding orientation.

16. The headgear of claim 1 having orientation-assisting means proximate a lower end of the wall when in use, said orientation-assisting means being weighted and arranged to urge said lower end to a position in proximity with the wearer's neckline.

17. The headgear of claim 1 wherein the wall additionally comprises a pocket.

18. The headgear of claim 17 wherein the pocket is dimensionally adapted to contain a sachet charged with a functional substance.

19. The headgear of claim 18 wherein the functional substance comprises lens-cleaning means.

20. The headgear of claim 1 wherein the wall comprises hanging-eye means.