APPARATUSES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING PROTECTION AGAINST HAZARDS

Abstract

An apparatus for protecting the face, head, and neck of a user against hazards including an eye protector with a lower area and an upper area for protecting the eye area of a user from hazards and a face protector having at least one fastener for removably attaching the upper edge area of the face protector to the lower edge area of an eye protector. The fastener sealably fastens the area between the face protector and the eye protector so that the face area and the eye area are protected from hazards. Other configurations may be used to protect other areas of the user's body and the fasteners may be magnetic, hook and look or any other suitable type of fastener. The eye protector may also be configured with a removeably attachable lens and the one or more removably attachable light emitters positioned on the outwardly facing surface of said face protector may also be used. Systems and methods of using the apparatus are also disclosed.

Description

BACKGROUND

The inventive subject matter relates generally to the field of wearable protection apparatuses and, more specifically, to apparatuses and systems that protect a wearer's face against dust, particles and other hazards. The subject matter also relates to devices that provide visual alerts in addition to the aforementioned protection. The embodiments can be used with recreational as well as non-recreational situations in which a protective layer with or without a visual alerting feature is desirable. Prior art protective devices and apparatuses make it difficult for users to place these types of devices on the user's faces or on other areas where protection is needed.

Embodiments are also designed so that they may be used with removable lenses. U.S. Pat. No. 8,092,007 to DiChiara, which is incorporated by reference herein, describes a magnetic coupling system for eyeglass lenses that includes an interchangeable magnetic lens system which provides magnetic material attached to an eyeglass frame for releasably coupling lenses to the frame. The lenses may be tinted, prescription, protective eyewear, or coated.

Other objects, advantages, and salient features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses preferred embodiments of the invention.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the claimed subject matter, there is provided an apparatus for covering a user's face area using a protective fabric fastened to one or more safety devices. The safety devices can include eye protection devices, for example goggles, eyeglasses, or any other similar protective device or article.

According to another aspect of the claimed subject matter, a method for diverting dust, particles and other potentially hazardous debris from a user's face is disclosed.

Other embodiments also include one or more microphones and earphones or one or more light emitting sources for allowing a user to communicate and/or signal others. Embodiments may also be used with other users, such as children or the elderly, each of whom may find it difficult to protect themselves from harmful elements in the environment.

In one embodiment, the apparatus for protecting a user's face area from hazards includes an eye protector with a lower area and an upper area for protecting the eye area of a user from hazards and a face protector having at least one fastener for removably attaching the upper edge area of the face protector to the lower edge area of the eye protector. The fastener is able to sealably fasten the area between the face protector and the eye protector so that the face area and the eye area are protected from hazards. In many of the embodiments, the fastener is one or more magnetized elements positioned at the lower edge of the eye protector and one or more metal elements positioned at the upper edge area of the face protector. Also in many embodiments, the eye protector's lens is also removably attachable to the eye protector with one or more magnetized elements.

In other embodiments, the fastener is made up of hook and loop fasteners or any suitable fastener known to those skilled in the art.

In some embodiments, the apparatus also includes one or more removably attachable light emitters positioned on the outwardly facing surface of the face protector, one or more power sources for providing power to the one or more light emitters, and one or more controllers for controlling the light emitters.

In other embodiments, the apparatus includes one or more signal transmitters positioned along a portion of the face protector so that the user can send one or more signal transmissions without removing his or her face protector.

In other embodiments, the apparatus also includes one or more signal receivers positioned along a portion of the face protector so that the user can receive one or more transmissions without removing the face protector.

In yet other embodiments, the apparatus also includes a radio transmitter having a radio controller for controlling the radio transmitter and a power source for powering the radio transmitter. In these embodiments, the radio controller provides power from the power source to the radio transmitter so that the user is able to send and receive radio transmissions with said radio transmitter without removing his or her face protector.

In many of the embodiments, the apparatus further includes at least one light emitter with one or more light emitter controllers for controlling the at least one light emitter and one or more power sources for powering the one or more light emitters. The one or more light emitter controllers provides power from the power source to the one or more light emitters and the one or more light emitter controllers controls the one or more light emitters so that light is emitted in order to send one or more signals. For example, this embodiment could be used to signal others of an important event or condition. In some of these embodiments, the light is emitted with a predetermined repetition rate and/or intensity for signaling others.

Many of the embodiments are systems and methods which use the disclosed apparatus embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of the claimed subject matter used to protect the face and eyes of the wearer;

FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of the claimed subject matter used for protection of the face showing the wearer about to remove the embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment with the face protecting portion removed;

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment with the face protecting portion removed;

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the face protector component; and

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the face protector component.

FIG. 7 illustrates a face protector apparatus according to embodiments of the claimed subject matter;

FIG. 8 is an image of a face protector apparatus positioned nn a user's face according to embodiments of the claimed subject matter;

FIG. 9 illustrates a face protector apparatus according to embodiments of the claimed subject matter; and

FIG. 10 illustrates another face protector apparatus according to embodiments of the claimed subject matter;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

According to embodiments of the claimed subject matter, various apparatuses, systems and methods systems for protecting a wearer's face against dust, particles and other debris are provided.

The apparatuses and systems of the claimed subject matter may be generally described with the reference to FIGS. 1-10 which illustrate various non-limiting and certain exemplary embodiments of the inventive subject matter.

More specifically, an apparatus is provided for preventing or diverting hazards such as dust, debris and other particles and/or chemicals from a wearer's face, neck and ear areas. Similarly, in other embodiments, the apparatus can protect other areas of the wearer's body such as a the torso or back areas in a similar manner.

According to embodiments of the claimed subject matter, various apparatuses, systems and methods systems for diverting hazards from a wearer's face area are provided. The apparatuses and systems of the claimed subject matter may be generally described with the reference to FIGS. 1-10 showing, but not limited to, certain exemplary embodiments of the inventive subject matter.

More specifically, an apparatus is provided for diverting hazards such as dust, debris and particles from the face, head and neck area of the wearer of the apparatus. One element of the embodiments is the eye protector which, in many embodiments, can be used as the frame for protective eyewear, specifically goggles. These embodiments use magnets or similar fasteners to removably fasten a face protector element or component. This face protector element can be any number of items such as a cold weather face mask, a hard composite face mask, a head wear such as beanies, and/or an interchangeable lens or lenses.

The embodiments having magnetic frames and/or other magnetic elements may also be used for magnetic-therapy, for example a magnetic face mask that allows for increased blood flow to the face, head and neck areas of the wearer aiding in quicker response times both visually and mentally.

In several of the embodiments, the face protector component can be attached and removal at will using the magnetic fasteners. In many of the embodiments, magnetic frames are used for the eye protector component so that the user wearer or another person can easily attach or detach the face protector from the eye protector element. Additionally, in some embodiments, the face protector and the eye protector may be made up of additional components and/or the face protector and the eye protector may themselves be made up of more than one component.

Another feature of many of the embodiments is that a magnetic frame may be used for fastening the goggles or lenses themselves to the eye protector element. This allows for easily interchanging lenses. Additionally, the use of multiple attachment points such as with the use of multiple individual magnets allows for greater control of the placement of the face protection with the eye protection component so that the seal between the two elements can be made tighter. In some embodiments, the magnets can be directional so that the face protector can only be attached to the eye protector in one configuration, for example as an outwardly facing face protection element.

The embodiments can be used with anti-fogging methods know to those skilled n However this completely contradicts the current technology used in goggles to diminish any fogging of the lenses leading to less visual impairment of the wearer user when placed on the user/wearer's face.

In many of the embodiments, the lens of the eye protector may also be removably attached to the frame of the eye protector so that a user can apply protective face layering as desired. For example, when used with in conjunction with a snow based sport such as snowboarding or skiing, a user may not want a protective face mask with lenses attached to the eye protector frame while traveling up the lift, but the user may want to attach the lens after leaving the lift and before taking off on a run down the snow covered mountains. These embodiments allow the user to attach or detach a variety of different lenses using magnets and/or metal substrate positioned on the edges of the lenses and/or the frames. For example a user could have several sets of lenses to always have a clear lens available or the user may have a choice of lenses available such as a tinted lens and/or a prescription lens and these lenses can be magnetically applied and removed without having to remove his or her gloves.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment with an eye protector having a non-removable lens positioned above the face protector component. In this embodiment, the eye component is attached to the face component with several magnets positioned along the lower edge of the eye protector frame. The face component has a several steel balls sewn into the upper edge so that it sealably attaches to the magnets positioned on the eye protector frame. This embodiment can also be configured a variety of different ways including using strips of flatten shaped magnets instead or in addition to steel balls.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment as worn by the user/wearer with an eye protector having a non-removable lens positioned within the frame and a face protector component. As in FIG. 1, the eye protector is positioned above a face protector component. The illustrated eye component is attached to the face component with several magnets positioned along the lower edge of the eye protector frame. The face component has a several steel balls sewn into the upper edge so that it sealably attaches to the magnets positioned on the eye protector frame. The illustrated embodiment can also be configured in a variety of different ways, for example over the top of the head and/or around the front or rear portion of the wearer's neck.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the eye protector component with a non-removable lens positioned within the frame of the eye protector component. This illustration also shows several rare earth magnets positioned along the lower edge of the frame of the eye protector. These magnets may be positioned as shown on the external surface of the frame or they may be embedded during the molding process along the lower/bottom portion of the frame or along any other surface of the frame which is to be used with additional protector components. Similarly, magnets or metals is sewn or positioned within the seaming of the face protector component. These magnets and/or metals allow the two or more protector components to seal tightly to keep the hazards from entering through those seals while at the same time allowing the user to quickly remove any of the protector elements.

In other embodiments, one or more alternative fasteners may be used in conjunction with magnets or instead of magnets. For example, other fastener which can be used are hook and look also known as Velcro™, plastic buttons, metal buttons, plastic zipper, metal zippers, plastic snaps, and metal snaps. These can be used alone or in addition to magnet to metal fastener assemblies and magnet to magnet fastener assemblies.

Other embodiments may include an insert for the face protector in which the eye protector frame can be inserted. In many of the embodiments, the face protector can be detached from the lower portion of the eye frame with the user pulling on the face mask as show in FIG. 2. The components can easily be reattached by positioning the middle of the face protector with the middle of the lower portion of the eye protector and guiding the remaining edges of the top portion of the face protector so that it aligns outwardly with the lower edges of the eye protector frame. In this way, a user can attach the face protector to the in use eye protector merely by holding the two components close together.

FIGS. 4-6 illustrate various views of embodiments of the claimed subject matter. FIG. 5 shows the face protector component having individual magnets and FIG. 6 shows the face protector component having magnetic balls sewn into the upper edge of the component.

The described embodiments and variations thereof can also be used with any other portions of the face, neck and head areas to protect against air born hazards such as dust, particles, objects, chemicals and any other hazardous material from contacting the protected area or areas. Many of the embodiments can also be used to protect users from the negative effects of sound with additional insulation.

Several of the embodiments can include one or more monitoring components for monitoring the state of the user and/or the state of the environment. These monitors include but are not limited to dust particle monitors, air quality monitors, user temperature monitors, user glucose monitors, atmospheric condition monitors and proximity monitors to sense objects as they come into proximity with the user.

In many of these monitoring enabled embodiments, a user can monitor with a mobile device, a website or a plugin/app to an existing website or mobile device platform. The use may also be optionally notified of a change or no change to any one of the conditions being monitored by the embodiments such as the operational status of the lights, the radio transmitter and/or the power source battery level via the described monitoring interfaces and the internet which can be accessed through one or more wired connections, wireless connection or internet over power line connections known to those skilled in the art. Additionally, various interactivity elements can be optionally provided using these embodiments so that users can be engaged with the data as it becomes available and report status of features the embodiments as well as external items sensed by the devices such as wild fires.

In these embodiments, a user can tie the face protection component around her or his neck and tuck the front part in between the goggle and face for a tight connection to keep hazards from entering inside the eye or face protector components. Additionally, the joining of the two components creates a lack of pressure points typically found with prior art devices. These pressure points can cause the user discomfort and can lead to failures in the ventilation technology. In these embodiments, the lack of any pressure points between the user and the two components gives the user the ability to circular air between the face protector and the eye protector components.

Many of the described embodiments include the use of LED or any similar low power lighting apparatus connected to one or more switches or triggers so the lights can be activated and/or deactivated by the user. Typically lighting systems known to those skilled in the art include a power source such as a battery, a controller and the one or more light emitter components. FIG. 6 shows multiple LED emitters 30 positioned on the outer rear surface of the strap used for holding the face protector embodiment in position. These components as well as the battery and controller may also be attached to the apparatus via magnetic components in the same way the magnets are used in the present embodiments with other components of the apparatus. These lights can be activated as a signal to others of a state condition such as when the user is riding a motorcycle and he or she is running low on fuel, he or she can activate one or more light emitters to let others riding nearby know that the user is running low on fuel. In other examples, the one or more light emitters positioned on the external portion of the protection component may be used to signal other events, statuses or requests. Triggers or activator components could be voice control or noise control triggers used alone or in conjunction with smart devices such as smart phones and electrodes used to measure brain waves for activating the one or more light emitters.

In several embodiments, the colors of the one or more light emitters can be changed to indicate or signal a particular state to others, such as a hazard warning state, when a dangerous condition exists. In some applications, the lights can be visible by specific lenses so that they can be used to covertly alert others of a condition such as a danger. In one military application, the protector apparatus 100 could be used over an entire head and neck area with a material to prevent projectiles and small objects such as pebbles and rocks from reaching the user. The protector apparatus 100 could also be integrated into a helmet or used in conjunction with an existing helmet. Lights can also be used in the non-visible spectrum so that others with viewing lenses could be alerted to enemy combatants in the area. The lights with or without lenses may be attached magnetically or with any other suitable fastener known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, the lenses for the glasses 22 may also be interchangeable with removable lenses that attach to the frame 18 at attachment points 32 attached with magnets or any other suitable one or more fasteners known to those skilled in the art. Just as the LED lenses may be changed, for example with different colors, various lenses 22 may be used such as lenses with filters integrated within the material of the lenses.

In other embodiments, a user can tie other embodiments of the face protection component which can be shaped in size and configuration to fit around other areas of the user's head, neck or upper torso areas using the tight connection between the goggles and the protection component to keep hazards from entering into those protected areas. In many of those embodiments, the one or more lights may be positioned in one or more fixed positions and/or one or more removably detachable positions so that light can be emitted in any desired direction and angle.

Many of the embodiments can also be used with other components which may also be attached and detached using magnetic components. For example, voice microphones and camera recording devices can be attached on the external areas of the face protector in order to have a more stable platform for the device while at the same time preventing dust and other hazards from entering the protected areas. FIGS. 1-5 and 7 show elements 24 and 26 as exemplary components which can be removably mounted to the frame 18. Elements 24 and 26 can be any component or element such as a camera, sensor, transmitter or receiver as desired by the user.

Although the foregoing embodiments have been described in detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the teaching of this specification that certain changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the appended claims. For example, the apparatuses, systems and methods may be used within different environments and in different configurations in those environments.

Claims

1. An apparatus for protecting a user's face area from hazards, the apparatus comprising:

an eye protector with a lower area and an upper area for protecting the eye area of a user from hazards; and

a face protector having at least one fastener for removably attaching the upper edge area of said face protector to the lower edge area of said eye protector;

wherein said fastener is able to sealably fasten the area between said face protector and said eye protector so that the face area and the eye area are protected from hazards.

2. The apparatus for protecting a user's face area from hazards of claim 1, wherein said fastener is one or more magnetized elements positioned at the lower edge of said eye protector and one or more metal elements positioned at the upper edge area of said face protector.

3. The apparatus for protecting a user's face area from hazards of claim 1, wherein said eye protector's lens is removeably attachable to said eye protector with one or more magnetized elements.

4. The apparatus for protecting a user's face area from hazards of claim 1, wherein said magnetized elements are hook and loop fasteners.

5. The apparatus for protecting a user's face area from hazards of claim 1, further comprising one or more removably attachable light emitters positioned on the outwardly facing surface of said face protector, one or more power sources for providing power to said light emitters, and one or more controllers for controlling said light emitters.

6. The apparatus for protecting a user's face area from hazards of claim 1, further comprising one or more signal transmitters positioned along a portion of said face protector so that the user can send one or more signal transmissions without removing said face protector.

7. The apparatus for protecting a user's face area from hazards of claim 1, further comprising one or more signal receivers positioned along a portion of said face protector so that the user can receive one or more transmissions without removing said face protector.

8. The apparatus for protecting a user's face area from hazards of claim 1, further comprising a radio transmitter with a radio controller for controlling said radio transmitter and a power source for powering said radio transmitter wherein said radio controller provides power from the power source to said radio transmitter so that the user can send and receive radio transmissions with said radio transmitter without removing his or her face protector.

9. The apparatus for protecting a user's face area from hazards of claim 1, further comprising at least one light emitter with one or more light emitter controllers for controlling said at least one light emitter and one or more power sources for powering said at least one light emitters wherein said one or more light emitter controller provides power from the power source to said at least one light emitter and wherein said one or more light emitter controller controls the at least one light emitter so that light is emitted in order to send one or more signals.

10. The apparatus for protecting a user's face area from hazards of claim 9, wherein said light is emitted at a predetermined intensity and/or a predetermined intensity.

11. A personal protection system for protecting a user's face area against hazardous materials utilizing a face protection apparatus, the face protection apparatus comprising:

(a) an eye protector with a lower area and an upper area for protecting the eye area of a user from hazards; and

(b) a face protector having at least one fastener for removably attaching the upper edge area of said face protector to the lower edge area of said eye protector;

wherein said fastener is able to sealably fasten the area between said face protector and said eye protector so that the face area and the eye area are protected from hazards.

12. The personal protection system for protecting a user's face area against hazardous materials utilizing a face protection apparatus of claim 11, wherein said fastener is one or more magnetized elements positioned at the lower edge of said eye protector and one or more metal elements positioned at the upper edge area of said face protector.

13. The personal protection system for protecting a user's face area against hazardous materials utilizing a face protection apparatus of claim 11, wherein said eye protector's lens is removeably attachable to said eye protector with one or more magnetized elements.

14. The personal protection system for protecting a user's face area against hazardous materials utilizing a face protection apparatus of claim 11, wherein said magnetized elements are hook and loop fasteners.

15. The personal protection system for protecting a user's face area against hazardous materials utilizing a face protection apparatus of claim 11, wherein said apparatus further comprises one or more removably attachable light emitters positioned on the outwardly facing surface of said face protector, one or more power sources for said light emitters, and one or more controllers for controlling said light emitters.

16. A method of providing protection against hazards for the face of a user, the method comprising:

positioning an apparatus on a user's face area so that said apparatus protects the face area from hazards wherein said apparatus is comprised of: (a) an eye protector with a lower area and an upper area for protecting the eye area of a user from hazards; and (b) a face protector having at least one fastener for removably attaching the upper edge area of said face protector to the lower edge area of said eye protector;

wherein said fastener is sealably attachable to the area between said face protector and said eye protector so that the face area and the eye area are protected from hazards.

17. The method of providing protection against hazards for the face of a user of claim 16, wherein said fastener is one or more magnetized elements positioned at the lower edge of said eye protector and one or more metal elements positioned at the upper edge area of said face protector.

18. The method of providing protection against hazards for the face of a user of claim 16, wherein said eye protector's lens is removeably attachable to said eye protector with one or more magnetized elements.

19. The method of providing protection against hazards for the face of a user of claim 16, wherein said magnetized elements are hook and loop fasteners.

20. The method of providing protection against hazards for the face of a user of claim 16, wherein said apparatus further comprises one or more removably attachable light emitters positioned on the outwardly facing surface of said face protector, one or more power sources for said light emitters, and one or more controllers for controlling said light emitters.