Touchless Customizable Face Shield And Face Mask Holder

Abstract

A headgear, for use with a mask and or shield, which includes a strong but flexible headband to engage back of wearer's head and extend on either side behind ears and assuming a semi-circular shape. Headband splits into two parts on both sides of the head, where the inner parts rest on both ears and applies compression to the head to help hold headgear in place, and the outer parts function to attach to and support the shield and mask assemblies, which attaches to and manipulates a shield, and or a mask, positioning them in a fully protective configuration covering the nose, mouth and or face, or relaxed configuration exposing the nose mouth and or face, where positioning of the shield and mask is controlled by the rotation of circular knobs and so allows the shield and mask to be manipulated without physically touching them.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a headgear apparatus that holds, supports and enables the putting on, or removing of a surgical type respiratory face mask, including cloth type masks, with the incremental displacement of the face mask from snug on the face to completely clear of the nose and mouth area; and putting on, removing and manipulation of a face shield, on a person's head, without the need for touching the face mask or face shield with one's hands, allows for customizability of the device to facilitate different sized wearer's heads, and facilitates the apparatus to be used in multiple configurations including as a Face Mask only, a Face Shield only, or a Face Mask and Face Shield combined.

Description of Prior Art

Methods and devices of attaching and securing surgical type respiratory face masks, including cloth type masks, and shields, as used in the medical area and general public, are well known. Although these fulfill their tasks effectively, they do not provide and efficient method for manipulating, putting on, or removing the masks and shields, especially soft type masks, without having to physically touch them, or bringing hands into close contact with nose or mouth. Considering that pathogens like germs and viruses are spread primarily by a person coming into direct contact with the pathogen, this shortcoming results in a high probability of users passing these pathogens to their own face masks and shields by touching them during the process of putting them on, taking them off, or just maneuvering them, and hence increasing the risk of getting self-infected, shortening the useful life span of these protective equipment, and so having to replace them on a more regular basis. In addition, surgical type face masks cover both the nose and mouth, which means hot or warm air is constantly being exhaled and trapped in them, which can dampen the mask and encourage sweating of the face area, especially in warmer conditions, and can lead to deterioration of these masks and skin irritation which again encourages physical removal or handling of the masks and so deterioration and shortened useful life span of the mask. Face Shields also exist to protect the face from spray or droplets, but they exist as a separate entity and so require the manipulation of two devices should a Mask and Shield be needed. Multiple devices introduces additional complexity to the user and the probability of manipulating one, may affect the other.

With the increased demand for protective equipment, increase of infections in people, and limited supply of these protective equipment, many solutions have been introduced to help alleviate these issues. Increase in manufacturing, facilitates the increase in demand but also facilitates waste increase as these protective equipment still have a very short use life and does nothing to help reduce infection. Multiple methods of securing the masks have been introduced but few that removes the need for touching them especially the soft type surgical masks or cloth masks, when fixing in place or most of the times when they are manipulated. Increase in infections continue in the medical arena and general public as most people, have to handle the face shields and face masks to maneuver them, whether it's putting them on, taking them off permanently or temporarily, or just adjusting them.

U.S. Pat. No. 10,369,319 B2 provides similar functionality but is geared towards patients and, unlike current invention, does not facilitate quick adjustments of face mask and does not facilitate a face shield.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,132,270 provides similar functionality but does not allow for connecting to or manipulating surgical type face masks. In addition two headbands are utilized and both wrap completely around the head, whereas current invention utilizes only one headband that does not wrap completely around wearers head.

US 2011/0253143 A1 is a headgear which supports a respiratory interface device, but unlike current invention, is not suited or tailored for soft type surgical type masks.

US 2011/0072553 A1 is a headgear which supports an object to a user's head, but unlike current invention, is not suited or tailored for soft type surgical type masks.

U.S. Pat. No. 60/622,221 provides similar functionality of supporting a face mask but is controlled by straps and strap type retainers which may be difficult to manipulate especially with gloves on; whereas the current invention is controlled by rotating circular Mask Knobs that can be done easily regardless of whether the user is wearing gloves or not. In addition, here the mask drops to the body completely whereas the current invention provides incremental separation of the mask to the wearers face without necessarily dropping to the body.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,269,814 B1 provides similar functionality to support breathing apparatus but unlike current invention is not suited for surgical type masks.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,494,207 provides similar functionality to face masks, but is mostly focused on the secure fit of the mask to the persons face, and is target more to patients. It does not facilitate incremental displacement of mask and does not have support for a face shield, whereas the current invention targets active persons, provides incremental adjustments and support a face shield also.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,878,118 provides a device for securing a mask to a persons face, but by design, it is not intended to be used with existing surgical masks or cloth type masks without much modification to the mask's design, does not allow incremental displacement of mask and does not support a face shield, whereas the current design easily facilitates the existing surgical and cloth based masks as they are, with incremental adjustments and support for a face shield.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,429,126 provides similar functionality to secure a face mask to ones face, but does not cater for touch-less maneuverability of the mask and is mostly focused on fixing the mask to the face in one position, unlike the current invention which provides touch-less maneuverability and allows incremental changes to the mask and shield from the face.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,013,556 provides similar functionality to secure a face mask to ones face but does not cater for touch-less maneuverability of the mask and is mostly focused on fixing the mask to the face. In addition it seems its design is more geared towards a stationary patient rather than an active user whereas the current invention is geared towards active personnel and allows for touch-less maneuverability.

CA Pat. No. 2253800 relates to the design and securing a face mask to a persons head, but doesn't not facilitate easy maneuverability of the mask itself without having to touch the mask, whereas the current invention facilitates touch-less maneuverability of the face mask at any point in time during wearing.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a single headgear apparatus for the purpose of supporting a Face Shield and Face Mask either simultaneously or individually. Another aspect of the current invention is a headband that circumvents the back of the head projecting forward on both sides of the head, sits behind the ear and has the ability to hold securely to the head whilst supporting a Face Shield and or a Face Mask. Another aspect of the current invention is to provide a full range of motion in manipulating the Face Shield and the Face Mask independent of each other. One aspect of the current invention is to be completely reusable and washable in the shortest period of time so as to make it readily available for use. One aspect of the current invention is to be able to use existing surgical type respiratory masks without sacrificing functionality or performance and to make it useful not only to medical practitioners, but also the general public. The current invention also seeks to simplify the using of a Face Mask and Face Shield, whilst limiting any chances of self-infection, by providing control knobs, positioned away from the Mask and Shield, which manipulate both the Face Shield and Face Mask incrementally. The present invention overcomes 7 problems associated with prior art, more specifically

• 1. It has the ability to combine both Face Mask and Face Shield into one device so only one band goes around users' head. This facilitates easy handling without any mix-ups of which strap is which or any overlapping of straps.
• 2. It is customizable and can be used independently in three different configurations, as a Face Shield, Face Mask or Face Shield and Mask, giving the user the flexibility to modify and use the device appropriately based on his needs, hence removing the need for multiple separate devices.
• 3. With multiple straps for multiple devices, overlapping straps may require that both Mask and Shield have to be removed even if only one is required to be removed or maneuvered. Current invention alleviates this problem but using just one headband for both devices.
• 4. Face masks when used continuously over extended periods of time, trap body heat from exhaled air from mouth and nose and causes sweating, which dampens mask, and deteriorates mask life, and may cause itching and discomfort. The ability to displace the mask from face when not in use, helps prevents this and the current invention facilitates this by providing increments of displacement of the device to the face from a few millimeters to complete clearance, whilst still enabling the user to re-position the devices back in place, with minimal effort, without having to touch the Face Mask or Face Shield.
• 5. In current invention, the Face Mask and Face Shield can be manipulated or maneuvered independently of each other without any impact on the other.
• 6. The current invention is completely reusable, washable, and can be sterilized, and can be used with surgical type respiratory masks as well as cloth type masks without comprising the integrity or functionality of the mask or shield. Also because it is made from plastic or similar material, it can be used right after cleaning and drying with no or little down time.
• 7. Displacement of masks for tasks such as eating or drinking, requires the mask to be removed completely from the face and stored away, disposed of or hangs from wearer's head, whereas the current invention enables the mask to be displaced forward away from the face and down, providing clear access to nose and mouth, without having to remove the mask, an so enables replacing the mask over the nose and mouth, when desired, without having to touch it, by simply turning a knob.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 Is a conceptual view of the Face Shield and Face Mask Holder headgear 1 showing its main components including the Headband 10, the Face Shield 20, and the Face Mask 30, and their main sub assembly components.

FIG. 2 Is a rear conceptual view of the Face Shield and Face Mask Holder headgear 1, in a closed or protective position, with both a Shield 2.1 and a Mask 2.2 attached.

FIG. 3 Is a conceptual view of the Face Shield and Face Mask Holder headgear, in an open, relaxed or unprotected position, with both a Shield 2.1 and a Mask 2.2 attached.

FIG. 4 Illustrates a front perspective view of the Headband 10 which acts as the main support structure for the Face Shield 20 and Face Mask 30, and attaches and secures the entire structure to the wearer's head.

FIG. 5A Shows the Ear Adapter 11, that allows the wearer to adjust the height of the Face Shield and Face Mask Holder headgear 1 on his head.

FIG. 5B Is a blown-up perspective illustration of the Inner Hand 10.2 and the Outer Hand 10.5 and their attached devices, including the Ear Adapter 11, positioned in the Ear Adapter Channel 10.3 and attached to the Inner Hand 10.2 of the Headband 10, the Mask Arm 31 attached to the inside face of the Outer Hand 10.5, and the Shield Knob 21 attached to the outside face of the Outer Hand 10.5.

FIG. 6A Illustrates a perspective view of the left side Shield Knob 21, highlighting its features. The right side Shield Knob is an identical mirror image of the left side Shield Knob 21

FIG. 6B Is a cross sectional view of the Shield Knob 21, attached to the Outer Hand 10.5 of the Headband 10, and the Mask Arm 31, showing the mating features in the parts and showing how they are secured using a Nut 23 and Bolt 22.

FIG. 6C Is a blown-up detailed view of the Face Shield Knob 21 connected to the Outer Hand 10.5, illustrating the functionality of the Shield Guide 10.4 and the Shield Knob Channel 21.2 in controlling the rotation of the Face Shield 20

FIG. 6D Is an overlay view illustrating how the Face Shield 20 rotates into its different positions from most protective to least protective and vice versa, about the Headband 10, by rotating the Face Shield Knobs 21.

FIG. 7A Shows how the Shield Frame 24 connects to the Headband 10 via the Shield Arms 24.1 inserting into the Shield Knob Hands 21.3 and the Shield Knob Base 21.1 attaching to the Outer Hand 10.5 of the Headband 10

FIG. 7B Is an overhead view of the Shield Frame 24 highlighting its features including the two Shield Arm Latch 24.2, the two Shield Arms 24.1, the two Shield Terminators 24.3 and the Shield Curve 24.7.

FIG. 8A Is a bottom perspective view of the Shield Frame 24 showing the Face Shield Channel 24.6 into which the Shield 2.1 is inserted, and the three Shield Buttons 24.4, which secure the Shield 2.1 in place, positioned inside the three Shield Button Gaps 24.5, and the two Shield Arm Latch 24.2 used in securing the Shield Frame 24 to the pair of Shield Knobs 21.

FIG. 8B Shows a typical Shield 2.1, with three mounting holes 2.1.1, usually made from pliable plastic such as acetate or polycarbonate.

FIG. 9A Is an exploded view of the Face Mask 30 and shows, how the Face Mask Arm 31 and its mating parts, are connected.

FIG. 9B Shows a top perspective views of the Mask Arm 31 showing the Upper Cord Guide 31.1 and the Mask Arm Hole 31.3 at its base.

FIG. 9C Shows a bottom perspective view of the Mask Arm 31 highlighting the rectangular open ended Mask Arm Cavity 31.4 with the circular protrusion 31.5, both of which are used in securing the Mask Arms 31 to the Outer Arm 10.5, and the Mask Hand Guide Knob 31.2 situated just to the rear of the Mask Arm Hole 31.3, used in stabilizing the Mask Hand 32 when it is moving.

FIG. 10A Is a perspective view of the Mask Knob 33 showing the Mask Knob Socket 33.2 surrounded by the circular Mask Knob Teeth 33.1

FIG. 10B Is an overlay view illustrating the motion of the Face Mask 30 when the Mask Knobs 33 are rotated forward as shown by arrow B where the Mask 2.2 is moved forward and away from the face and then down, as shown by directional arrow A.

FIG. 10C Is an overlay view illustrating the motion of the Face Mask 30 when the Mask Knobs 33 are rotated backward as shown by arrow D which raises the Mask 2.2 upward and then back towards the face, as shown by directional arrow C.

FIG. 10D Is a front perspective view of the Mask Hand 32 showing the outward facing surface and highlighting its features including the Mask Hand Ports 32.3 used in securing the Mask Frame 35, and the Mask Knob Teeth 32.2, along the top edge of the Mask Hand Hollowed Cavity 32.5, used in moving the Mask Hand 32.

FIG. 10E Is a rear perspective view of the Mask Hand 32 showing its inward facing surface and highlighting its features including the Lower Cord Guide 32.4 used in securing the Mask Cord 2.2.1, and the Mask Hand Channel 32.1 which keeps the Mask Hand 32 moving in one direction when in motion.

FIG. 11 Illustrates a bottom perspective view of the Mask Frame 35 seated in the two Mask Hand Sockets 32.3 with the Mask 2.2 secured, and its Cords 2.2.1 positioned in the Face Mask 30 Upper Cord Guide 31.1 and the Lower Cord Guide 32.4.

FIG. 12A Is an image of the Mask Frame 35 showing the Mask Frame Prod 35.1 and the Mask Sealer 35.2 used in securing the Mask 2.2 to the Mask Frame 35.

FIG. 12B Is an illustration of the positioning of Mask Frame 35, the Mask 2.2 and the Mask Incision Plug 36 in relation to each other in the Face Mask 30.

FIG. 12C Shows how the Mask 2.2 is secured to the Mask Frame 35 by the Mask Incision Plug 36, securing it to the Face Mask 30.

FIG. 13 Is an illustration showing that the Face Shield and Mask Holder headgear 1 being used with just the Face Mask 30 and without the Face Shield 20

FIG. 14 Is an illustration showing that the Face Shield and Mask Holder headgear 1 being used with just the Face Shield 20 and without the Face Mask 30.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a sketch of the entire Face Shield and Face Mask Holder headgear 1, hereinafter referred to as the Headgear Assembly, showing it's three main components, the Headband 10, the Face Shield 20 and the Mask 30 and their subassembly components.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective sketch of the Headgear Assembly 1, as it would look in a closed, restrictive or protective position, showing both attached peripheral devices including a Shield 2.1 and a Mask 2.2. As can be seen, both peripheral devices are connected together within the Headgear Assembly 1. The entire Headgear Assembly 1 is constructed from, but not limited to, plastic such as ABS.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of the Headgear Assembly 1, as it would look in a neutral, relaxed, open or non-protective position, showing both attached peripheral devices including a Shield 2.1 and a Mask 2.2. This shows the outer most limit that the Shield 2.1 travels completely revealing the face, and the furthest the Mask 2.2 will travel completely exposing the nose and mouth. As can be seen, both peripheral devices are connected together within the Headgear Assembly 1.

The Headband 10, displayed in FIG. 4, is the main backbone of the Headgear Assembly 1, is semi-circular in overall structure and has numerous features which facilitate the functionality of the Headgear Assembly 1, including a curved rear portion which conforms to the circular structure of the human head and allows the headband to sit comfortably against the back of the head. The curved rear portion continues forward on both sides of the head where each side further divides in the horizontal plane, just prior to the back of the ears, into 2 hands; the Outer Hands 10.5 are parallel to each other and continue projecting forward, to complete the overall semi-circular structure of the Headband 10, and two Inner Hands 10.2 which are thinner and semi-flexible and project, slightly inward towards each other and away from the Outer Hands 10.5, and up to the perimeter of the formed semi-circular structure.

Referring back to FIG. 4, the Inner Hands 10.2 functions to hold the Headband 10 in place by, applying sufficient pressure to the both sides of the head and seating itself on top of both ears. In addition the Inner Hands 10.2 each have Ear Adapter Channels 10.3 which allow for the insertion of Ear Adapters 11 as shown in FIG. 5A-B that sit on the ears and further allows the Headband 10 to be raised if necessary, and moved forward or backward by the Ear Adapters 11 positioning within the Ear Channels 10.3.

Referring to FIG. 4, both Outer Hands 10.5 are positioned on the outside of the Inner Hands 10.2, are parallel to each other, and are thicker and rectangular in shape as compared to the Inner Hands 10.2, making them sturdier, as they support both the Face Shield 20 and the Face Mask 30. Both Outer Hands 10.5 project outward past the ears to complete the semi-circular structure of the Headband 10, and as shown in FIG. 6B, and allow the Shield Knob 21 and the Mask Arm 31 to connect to it and be secured by a Bolt 22 and Nut 23.

Referring back to FIG. 4, the Outer Hands 10.5 each have a circular Socket Port 10.6, into which the Shield Knob Axle 21.7 inserts and is attached to the Outer Hand 10.5 as illustrated in FIG. 6B, and a Shield Guide Rod 21.6 which inserts into the Shield Knob Channel 21.2 as shown in FIG. 6C and functions to restrict the range of rotation of the Face Shield as illustrated in FIG. 6D.

Referring back to FIG. 4, at both points where the Headband 10 divides into the Outer Hands 10.5 and the Inner Hands 10.2, there exists on the outward facing surface, a pair of Mask Hangers 10.1 which facilitate an option to attach the Mask Cords 2.2.1 in the configuration where the Headgear Assembly 1 is configured with the Face Shield 20 only as shown in FIG. 14. This relieves the ears from having to hold the Mask Cords 2.2.1 and provides extended comfort in wearing the Mask 2.2.1.

FIG. 5A is a sketch of one of the two identical Ear Adapter 11 which can be used, if necessary, to vary the position of Headgear Assembly 1 on the wearer's head. Its features include the Ear Seat 11.1 which rests behind the ear, the two Ear Guides 11.2 which allows the Ear Adapter 11 to slide along the Inner Hand 10.2 as shown in the exploded view FIG. 5B, and the Channel Knob 11.3 which keeps the Ear Adapter 11 in place in the Ear Adapter Channel 10.3. FIG. 5B shows that the Ear Adapter 11 can be positioned anywhere along the Ear Adapter Channel 10.3 in the Headgear Assembly 1 providing vertical and horizontal adjustments for different sized heads. Each Head Assembly 1 utilizes 2 identical Ear Adapters 11 for the said purpose, one on each Inner Hand 10.2.

Referring back to FIG. 1 the Face Shield 20 is attached to the Headband 10 via the Shield Knob 21 and comprises of a pair of Shield Knobs 21 and the Shield Frame 24.

Both Shield Knobs 21 are mirror images of each other, and as shown in FIG. 6A, comprises two main sections namely the Shield Knob Hand 21.3 whose function is to connect the Shield Frame 24 to the Shield Knob 21, and the Shield Knob Base 21.1 which functions to attach the Face Shield 21 to the Headband 10.

Referring to FIG. 6A the Shield Knob Hand 21.3 has a hollow rectangular structure with an open entrance on one end, the Shield Arm Port 21.5, into which the Shield Arms 24.1 insert, and multiple Shield Knob Position Ports 21.4 along its inward facing surface which receive the Shield Arm Latch 24.2 and so facilitates multiple distancing of the shield Frame 24 from the wearer's face.

Referring back to FIG. 6A, the Shield Knobs 21 also possess a circular base, the Shield Knob Base 21.1, at the other end of the Shield Knob Hand 21.3. The Shield Knob Base 21.1 has at its center the Shield Knob Axle 21.7 which has a hole going straight through to its outer surface for receiving the Bolt 22 as shown in FIG. 6B, and a Shield Knob Channel 21.2 which receives the Shield Guide Rod 10.4 as shown in FIG. 6C.

FIG. 6C illustrates the positioning of the Shield Guide Rod 10.4 in the Shield Knob Channel 21.2 which limits the range of rotation of the Face Shield 20 to about 120 degrees from vertical and allows the Face Shield 20 to remain stationary in 5 different positions, as shown in FIG. 6D, by utilizing the multiple Position Tabs 21.6 which reduces the width of the Shield Knob Channel 21.2 and keeps the Shield Arms 24.1 in place.

In FIG. 7A, the Shield Frame 24 is attached to the Shield Knobs 21 by inserting the Shield Arms 24.1 into the Shield Arm Port 21.5 until the Shield Latch 24.2 is positioned in one of the available Shield Knob Position Ports 21.4, as shown in FIG. 6C, which positions the Shield 2.1 further from or closer to the wearer's face, and shown in FIG. 7B is a top view of the Shield Frame 24 highlighting its features including its two Shield Latch 24.2, two Shield Terminators 24.3 which secures the Shield 2.1 extending beyond the Shield Channel 24.6 and wraps the Shield 2.1 around the Shield Frame 24, and the two Shield Arms 24.1 which are joined by the Shield Curve 24.7.

FIG. 8A is a bottom perspective view of Shield Frame 24 illustrating the features of the Shield Frame 24 which allows the Shield 2.1 to be easily inserted and secured in the Shield Channel 24.6. This is accomplished by the three Shield Buttons 24.4 which are proportionally spaced along the Shield Curve 24.7 and possessing a tapered top surface that allows the Shield 2.2 to easily slide into the Shield Channel 24.6.

Referring again to FIG. 8A, accompanying the Shield Buttons 24.4 are the three Shield Button Gaps 24.5 perfectly aligned with the Shield Buttons 24.4 which project inward across the Shield Channel 24.6 and terminating within the Shield Button Gaps 24.5; Once the Shield 2.1 is fully inserted into the Shield Channel 24.6, the Shield Buttons 24.4 pass through the respective Shield Holes 2.1.1, shown in FIG. 8B, and secure the Shield 2.1 in place as previously shown in FIG. 2.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the Face Mask 30 is attached to the Headband 10 via the Mask Arm 31. As shown in FIG. 5B, it can be seen how the Mask Arm Cavity 31.4 is securely positioned over the headband's Outer Arm 10.5. The cross sectional view, shown in FIG. 6B further illustrates how the Mask Arm 31 is positioned on the headband's Outer Arm 10.5 and secured with a Bolt 22 and Nut 23.

FIG. 9A is an exploded view of the Face Mask 30 and illustrates the two Mask Arms 31 position and relationship to the other face mask parts. Both Mask Arms 31 are identical mirror images of each other where the upper part of the Mask Arm 31 is the open ended Mask Arm Cavity 31.4, illustrated in FIG. 9B-C, whose purpose is for securing the Mask Hand 31 to the Outer Hand 10.5. Also visible within the Mask Arm Cavity 31.4, and residing on the inside center of its vertical surface is a Circular Protrusion 31.5 that fits snugly into the headband's Socket Port 10.6, and has a through hole for facilitating a Nut 22.

Referring back to FIG. 6B, the upper part of the Mask Arms 31 also have on its inner facing surface the Upper Cord Guide 31.1. The Upper Cord Guide 31.1 functions to hold the Mask Cord 2.2.1, mimicking the Mask Cord 2.2.1 going over the ear, and with the Lower Cord Guide 32.4, always maintains the shape of the Mask 2.2 as it appears when attached to a person's face.

As shown in FIG. 9B and FIG. 9C each Mask Arm 31 extends down and has at its base the Mask Arm Hole 31.3 and the Mask Hand Guide Knob 31.2. Illustrated in FIG. 9A, the Mask Arm Hole 31.3 receives the Mask Plug 34 which secures the Mask Hand 32 and the Mask Control Knob 33 to the Mask Arm 31.

FIG. 10A illustrates the Mask Control Knob 33 whose primary function is to control the displacement of the Mask 2.2 from the wearer's face. At its center is the recessed Mask Knob Socket 33.2 into which the Mask Plug 34 inserts to hold the Mask Hands 32 to the Mask Arms 31 as shown previously in FIG. 9A. In addition the Mask Control Knob 33 has a teethed interface, the Mask Knob Teeth 33.1, surrounding the Mask Knob Socket 33.2, which is used in moving the Mask Hand 32

FIG. 10C and FIG. 10D illustrates the Mask Hand 32 which connects the Mask Arm 31 to the Mask Frame 35 and enables the Mask 2.2 to move with and when the Mask Hand 32 moves; as shown in, the top front perspective view of the Mask Hand 32, FIG. 10D, is the Mask Hand Teeth 32.2, which runs along the inside top of the hollowed outer surface 32.5, and the Mask Hand Channel 32.1, which runs alongside and below the Mask Hand Teeth 32.2, and completely perforates the Mask Hand 32. In addition it should be noted the unique shape of the Mask Hand 32, whose rear vertical design, facilitates a downward motion of the attached Mask Frame 35 after the moving it forward, FIG. 10B, and the upward motion of the Mask Frame 35 prior to moving the Mask Hand 32 backward, FIG. 10C.

Referring back to FIG. 10B-C, the forward and down motion of the Mask Hand 32, is initiated by rotating the Mask Control Knobs 33 forward as illustrated by direction arrow B, and the upward and back movement of the Mask Hand 32 is initiated by rotating the Mask Control Knobs 33 backward as illustrated by directional arrow D. This respectively moves the Mask 2.2 away from the face and then down to clear the nose and mouth, and then reverses the process to place the Mask 2.2 back over the nose and mouth. It should be noted that the Mask Hand Guide Knob 31.2, sits within the Mask Hand Channel 32.1 as shown in FIG. 11, and forces the Mask Hand 32 to only move in a singular direction.

Referring to FIG. 10E, the Lower Cord Guide 32.4 is situated at the rear base of the inward facing surface of the Mask Hand 32. Further illustrated in FIG. 11, it functions to hold the Mask Cord 2.2.1, mimicking the Mask Cord 2.2.1 being seated on the lower curve of the wearer's ear. Once the Mask Cords 2.2.1 wrap around the Lower Cord Guide 32.4 and the Upper Cord Guide 31.1 on each side of the Face Mask 30, the Mask 2.2 will be in the position as it would normally be when on a wearer's face with the Mask Cords 2.2.1 around both ears; and because the two cord guides moves synchronously with each other, the arrangement holds and maintains the tension of the Mask Cord 2.2.1 consistently, regardless of the displacement of the Mask 2.2 to the face.

Each Mask Hand 32 has an additional feature, the Mask Hand Ports 32.3, as shown in FIG. 10D-E, whose function is to receive and securely hold the Mask Frame 35 in position as shown in FIG. 11. The Mask Hand Ports 32.3 are equally spaced vertically along the front face of the Mask Hand 32 and allows for multiple vertical height placement of the Mask Frame 35.

FIG. 12A illustrates the curved Mask Frame 35 which is positioned on the outside of the Mask 2.2, and fitted on each side into one of the Mask Hand Ports 32.3 of the Upper Hand 32 as shown in FIG. 11.

Illustrated in FIG. 12A-C, the Mask Frame 35 is wider at its center forming the Mask Sealer 35.2 from which extends a protrusion, positioned at its center on its inward facing surface, the Mask Frame Prod 35.1. The Mask Frame Prod 35.1 is inserted through an incision, about 4 mm in diameter, made in the center of the Mask 2.2. The Mask Incision Plug 36 is then place on the inside of the Mask 2.2, and over the Mask Frame Prod 35.1, in order to secure the Mask 2.2 to the Mask Frame 35, and to seal the incision made in the Mask 2.2.

MODE OF OPERATION

As mentioned previously the Headgear Assembly 1 can be used in either of three configurations, as a complete unit containing the Headband 10 and both the Face Shield 20 and Face Mask 30 as shown in FIG. 2-3, with only the Headband 10 and Face Shield 20 as shown in FIG. 14, and as the Headband 10 and Face Mask 30 only as shown in FIG. 13.

The Shield 2.1 is first inserted into the Shield Channel 24.6 by aligning its three holes 2.1.1 with the three Shield Buttons 24.4 and pushing the Shield 2.1 down into the Shield Channel 24.6 until the Shield Buttons 24.4 are positioned in the Shield Holes 2.1.1 as shown in FIG. 2.

A small horizontal incision is made in the center of the Mask 2.2. Fit the Mask 2.2 inside the Mask Frame 35 by inserting the Mask Frame Prod 35.1 from the outward surface of the Mask 2.2, through the incision made in the Mask 2.2; now slide the Mask Incision Plug 36 over the Mask Frame Prod 35.1, on the inside of the Mask 2.2 to seal and hold the Mask 2.2 in place against the Mask Frame 35 as shown in FIG. 12B-C.

Place each Mask Cord 2.2.1 securely around the respective Lower Cord Guide 32.4 and the Upper Cord Guide 31.1 as shown in FIG. 12B-C. Because the Mask Cords 2.2.1 reside on the Face Mask 30, the tension of Mask Cords 2.2.1 remains consistent throughout any movement of the Mask 2.2 so its positioning and shape is never compromised or accidently modified.

Rotate both Mask Knobs 33 forward until the Mask 2.2 is furthest from the Headband 10. Open the Face Shield 20 by rotating both Shield Knobs 21 backward to its outermost limit. Place the Headband 10 over the head and rest the Ear Adapters 11 on the ears. Adjust the Ear Adapters 11 horizontally in the Ear Chanels 10.3 if necessary. If the Headgear Assembly 1 is positioned to high, remove the Ear Adapters 11 and use the Headband 10 without them in which case, place the Inner Arm 10.2 on the respective ear.

After seating the Headgear Assembly 1 on the head. Close the Face Shield 20 by rotating both Shield Knobs 21 forward to the desired position. Next rotate both Mask Knobs 33 backward, direction D in FIG. 10C, until the Mask 2.2 is secured to the face.

To remove the Headgear Assembly 1, open the Face Shield 20 by rotating the Shield Knobs 21 backward completely as shown in FIG. 6D, and the Face Mask 30 by rotating the Mask Knobs 33 forward completely as shown in FIG. 10B, and then simply lift the Headgear Assembly 1 off the head.

Claims

1. A surgical type respiratory face mask and face shield holder headgear comprising:

a headband, semi-circular in shape, and having a rear middle curved portion that circumvents the back of the wearer's head, extending to the front on each side of the wearer's head, where both sides of the curved portion further split, in the horizontal plane, just before the ear position from the rear, thus creating two hands on each side of the head wherein the inner hands extends slightly inwards towards each other and sits on the wearer's ears, and wherein the outer hands are thicker with each having an outer facing shield guide rod and a socket port for connecting to the other components of the said headgear assembly;

a face shield assembly connected to the outer facing side of both outer hands of said headband, via the insertion of the face shield axle s into the headband socket ports, for the purpose of supporting a shield for providing frontal protection of the face;

a face mask assembly connected to the inner facing sides of both outer hands of said headband, by the attachment of a face mask arm on each of the headband outer hands secured to the headband and the face shield axles, the purpose of supporting a mask for providing covering and protection of the nose and mouth area.

2. A surgical type respiratory face mask and face shield holder headgear of claim 2, wherein said headband further comprising a pair of identical inner hands one on each side of said headband, with an ear channel on each of the two identical inner hands for seating adjustable ear adapters which sit on wearer's ears, seating the headband on the wearer's ears in the absence of ear adapters, and providing compression against both sides of the head for securing said headband in place.

3. A surgical type respiratory face mask and face shield holder headgear of claim 2, wherein said headband further comprising a pair of identical outer hands one on each side of said headband and positioned on the outermost sides of the inner hands, in the same horizontal plane, which are rectangular in shape and contains an outward facing shield guide rod and a circular socket port.

4. A surgical type respiratory face mask and face shield holder headgear of claim 1, comprising:

a shield frame curve ending in a pair of shield arms, one on each side of the shield frame curve and parallel to each other;

a pair of shield knobs which receives the said shield arms and attaches the shield frame to the said headband and enables the wearer to rotate the said face shield about the said headband.

5. A surgical type respiratory face mask and face shield holder headgear of claim 4, wherein pair of said shield knobs are identical mirror images of each other with each comprising a rectangular hollow shield knob hand with an open entrance, the shield arm port, on one end, multiple shield knob positioning ports along its inner facing surface, and a circular knob base on the other end.

6. A surgical type respiratory face mask and face shield holder headgear of claim 5, wherein said shield knob base further comprising a shield knob axle on one side with a hole that spans the shield knob base, through the shield knob axle, and exits on the other end of the said shield knob base, though which a bolt passes to secure the said shield knob to the said headband.

7. A surgical type respiratory face mask and face shield holder headgear of claim 5, wherein each said shield knob base further comprising a recessed shield knob channel, on same side as the shield knob axle, spanning about 120 degrees around the said shield knob axle, and possessing multiple equally spaced shield position tabs.

8. A surgical type respiratory face mask and face shield holder headgear of claim 4, wherein said shield frame further comprising a pair of shield arms, one on each end of the shield frame curve and parallel to each other, extending out equally and each possessing on their outer facing surface a shield terminator, and at the at the end of each on their inner facing surface a flexible shield arm latch.

9. A surgical type respiratory face mask and face shield holder headgear of claim 8, wherein said shield frame further comprises a shield channel spanning the full length along the shield frame curve, and about 95% the depth, on the lower side of said shield frame curve, and exiting on both ends of the shield frame curve.

10. A surgical type respiratory face mask and face shield holder headgear of claim 8, further comprising three shield button gaps, equally positioned along the inner surface of the said shield frame curve and exposing the shield channel, and three shield buttons with a tapered top surface, and positioned at the base of the shield channel, aligned with the said shield button gaps, and protruding across the shield channel and into the three shield button gaps.

11. A surgical type respiratory face mask and face shield holder headgear of claim 1, comprising:

a pair of mask arms, each attached to said headband outer hands, extending vertically down from the headband outer hands to just about the chin level, and fitted with a positioning cavity for fitting over the said upper hand, an upper cord guide, a mask hand guide knob and a mask arm hole through which the other face mask components connect; a pair of identical mask control knobs each fitted with teethed interfaces, and a socket used to secure the mask control knobs to the mask arms; a pair of L shaped mask hands, identical mirror images of each other and each configured with a hollowed outer surface within which is contained a teethed interface positioned at the top of and running the full length of the hollowed outer surface; a mask hand channel running alongside and below said mask hand teethed interface and projecting straight through the mask hand, and a lower cord guide positioned on the inner surface of the mask hand at its base to its rear; a pair of mask plugs used in securing the mask control knobs to the mask hands and the mask arms; a curved mask frame which has both ends slightly bent inward and parallel to each other and having a mask frame prod at the center of the curve on its inward facing surface; and a mask incision plug used in securing the mask to the mask frame.

12. A surgical type respiratory face mask and face shield holder headgear of claim 11, wherein the said pair of mask arms is identical mirror images of each other with each mask arm comprising an upper cord guide over which the mask cord is positioned and slides freely.

13. A surgical type respiratory face mask and face shield holder headgear of claim 11, wherein the said pair of mask arms each comprising a rectangular three sided, open ended cavity, with a centered circular protrusion on the inner vertical face, and having a hole at the center of the circular protrusion which fully spans the mask arm and is used in securing said mask arm to the headband's upper arm with a nut and bolt.

14. A surgical type respiratory face mask and face shield holder headgear of claim 11, wherein the said pair of mask arms each comprising a circular mask arm hole through its base and a mask hand guide knob positioned to the rear of the hole on the same horizontal plane when looking from the frontal position of wearers face and on the said mask arms outer facing surface.

15. A surgical type respiratory face mask and face shield holder headgear of claim 11, wherein said pair of identical circular mask control knobs each comprising a recessed mask knob socket fully surrounded by a circular teethed interface.

16. A surgical type respiratory face mask and face shield holder headgear of claim 11, wherein the pair of L shaped face mask hands each begins with a longer horizontal rectangular shaped part which runs into a downward curved area of equal width and depth, that then extends into a shorter straight vertical rectangular part of equal width and depth, and having a longitudinal teethed interface positioned at the top of and running the full length of the hollowed outer surface, with

a mask hand channel running alongside and below said mask hand teethed interface and projecting straight through the mask hand, and a lower cord guide positioned on the inner surface of the mask hand towards its base for securing the mask cord.

17. A surgical type respiratory face mask and face shield holder headgear of claim 11, wherein said mask hand further comprises of a set of mask hand ports positioned on the front surface of the said mask hand and equally spaced vertically in relation to each other.

18. A surgical type respiratory face mask and face shield holder headgear of claim 11, wherein said mask frame further comprises a centrally positioned mask sealer with the mask frame prod which helps to seal the hole in the mask and fit the mask to the mask frame after the mask frame prod is inserted through the mask.

19. A surgical type respiratory face mask and face shield holder headgear of claim 11, wherein said mask incision plug has a hole at its center, and has a rectangular channel extending from the hole to the perimeter of the mask incision plug.