U.S. patent application number 13/652216 was filed with the patent office on 2014-04-17 for facial accessory system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Roger D. Wilson. Invention is credited to Roger D. Wilson.
Application Number | 20140102442 13/652216 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50474233 |
Filed Date | 2014-04-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140102442 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wilson; Roger D. |
April 17, 2014 |
FACIAL ACCESSORY SYSTEM
Abstract
A facial accessory system for prophylactic face protection. The
system includes a facial accessory configured to be worn about the
face of a user. The facial accessory include a channel disposed
therethrough in fluid communication with an array of apertures
orientated and positioned to generate a substantially continuous
curtain of airflow about a face of a user when air is forced
therethrough. The system includes an airflow distribution device in
fluid communication with the channel of the facial accessory. The
airflow distribution device is configured to selectively force air
to flow therethrough.
Inventors: |
Wilson; Roger D.; (Boise,
ID) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Wilson; Roger D. |
Boise |
ID |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50474233 |
Appl. No.: |
13/652216 |
Filed: |
October 15, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
128/200.28 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 2221/12 20130101;
F24F 2003/1642 20130101; F24F 9/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
128/200.28 |
International
Class: |
F24F 13/00 20060101
F24F013/00 |
Claims
1. A facial accessory system for prophylactic face protection,
comprising: a) a facial accessory configured to be worn about the
face of a user and including a channel therethrough in fluid
communication with an array of apertures orientated and positioned
to generate a substantially continuous curtain of airflow about a
face of a user when air is forced therethrough; and b) an airflow
distribution device in fluid communication with the channel of the
facial accessory and configured to selectively force air to flow
therethrough.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the facial accessory includes a
pair of eyeglasses having the channel disposed throughout a frame
of the pair of eyeglasses.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the airflow distribution device
further comprises an air filter module in fluid communication with
the channel and configured to filter air forced through the airflow
distribution device.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the airflow distribution device
further comprises an air additive module in fluid communication
with the channel and configured to provide a fluid additive to the
air forced through the airflow distribution device.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the airflow distribution device
comprises a) a fan module configured to selectively force air to
flow through the facial accessory; and b) a power module in
communication with the fan module and configured to provide a power
source to the modules and components of the air distribution
device.
6. The system of claim 1, further comprising an air return device
in fluid communication with the airflow distribution device,
including a plurality of apertures configured to intake air forced
therethrough by the airflow distribution device.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the facial accessory is coupled
to a bottom portion of a frame and about a temple and earpiece
portion of a pair of eyeglasses.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the airflow distribution device
is disposed within an earpiece portion of a pair of eyeglasses.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the substantially continuous
curtain of airflow includes a wedge shaped cross-section of airflow
about a face of a user.
10. The system of claim 6, wherein the air return device and the
facial accessory include a laser barrier system configured to
direct a beam of coherent light between the air return device and
the facial accessory.
11. A facial accessory device for prophylactic face protection,
comprising: a) a facial accessory configured to be worn about the
face of a user and including a channel therethrough in fluid
communication with an array of apertures orientated and positioned
to generate a substantially continuous curtain of airflow about a
face of a user when air is forced therethrough; and b) an airflow
distribution device in fluid communication with the channel of the
facial accessory and configured to selectively force air to flow
therethrough.
12. The device of claim 11, wherein the facial accessory includes a
pair of eyeglasses having the channel disposed throughout a frame
of the pair of eyeglasses.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein the airflow distribution device
further comprises: a) an air filter module in fluid communication
with the channel and configured to filter air forced through the
airflow distribution device; and b) an air additive module in fluid
communication with the channel and configured to provide a fluid
additive to the air forced through the airflow distribution
device.
14. The device of claim 13, wherein the airflow distribution device
comprises a) a fan module configured to selectively force air to
flow through the facial accessory; and b) a power module in
communication with the fan module and configured to provide a power
source to the modules and components of the air distribution
device.
15. The device of claim 14, further comprising an air return device
in fluid communication with the airflow distribution device,
including a plurality of apertures configured to intake air forced
therethrough by the airflow distribution device.
16. The device of claim 15, wherein the facial accessory is coupled
to a bottom portion of a frame and about a temple and earpiece
portion of a pair of eyeglasses.
17. The device of claim 16, wherein the airflow distribution device
is disposed within an earpiece portion of a pair of eyeglasses.
18. The device of claim 17, wherein the substantially continuous
curtain of airflow includes a wedge shaped cross-section of airflow
about a face of a user.
19. The device of claim 18, wherein the air return device and the
facial accessory include a laser barrier system configured to
direct a beam of coherent light between the air return device and
the facial accessory.
20. A facial accessory system for prophylactic face protection,
comprising: a) a facial accessory configured to be worn about the
face of a user and including a channel therethrough in fluid
communication with an array of apertures orientated and positioned
to generate a substantially continuous curtain of airflow about a
face of a user when air is forced therethrough; b) an airflow
distribution device in fluid communication with the channel of the
facial accessory and configured to selectively force air to flow
therethrough; wherein the airflow distribution device comprises b1)
a fan module configured to selectively force air to flow through
the facial accessory; and b2) a power module in communication with
the fan module and configured to provide a power source to the
modules and components of the air distribution device; c) an air
filter module in fluid communication with the channel and
configured to filter air forced through the airflow distribution
device; d) an air additive module in fluid communication with the
channel and configured to provide a fluid additive to the air
forced through the airflow distribution device; and e) an air
return device in fluid communication with the airflow distribution
device, including a plurality of apertures configured to intake air
forced therethrough by the airflow distribution device; wherein the
air return device and the facial accessory include a laser barrier
system configured to direct a beam of coherent light between the
air return device and the facial accessory.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to air dispensing devices,
specifically to a facial accessory system.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] A respirator is a device designed to protect the wearer from
inhaling harmful dusts, fumes, vapors, or gases. Respirators come
in a wide range of types and sizes used by the military, private
industry, and the public. Respirators range from cheaper,
single-use, disposable masks to reusable models with replaceable
cartridges. There are two main categories: the air-purifying
respirator, which forces contaminated air through a filtering
element, and the air-supplied respirator, in which an alternate
supply of fresh air is delivered. Within each category, different
techniques are employed to reduce or eliminate noxious airborne
contents.
[0005] All respirators have some type of facepiece held to the
wearer's head with straps, a cloth harness, or some other method.
The facepiece of the respirator covers either the entire face or
the bottom half of the face including the nose and mouth. Half-face
respirators can only be worn in environments where the contaminants
are not toxic to the eyes or facial area. For example, someone who
is painting an object with spray paint could wear a half-face
respirator, but someone who works with chlorine gas would have to
wear a full-face respirator. Facepieces come in many different
styles and sizes, to accommodate all types of face shapes, and
there are many books and references available for determining which
kind of hazard requires what type of respirator. Air-purifying
respirators are used against particulates (such as smoke or fumes),
gases, and vapors that are at atmospheric concentrations less than
immediately dangerous to life and health.
[0006] Some improvements have been made in the field. Examples of
references related to the present invention are described below in
their own words, and the supporting teachings of each reference are
incorporated by reference herein:
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 7,823,586, issued to Glazman, discloses a
respiratory protection system which is worn by a passenger during a
flight in air plane, by a patient visiting hospital or doctors
office, a nurse working with a patient during hospital stay, or the
like. The system includes a relatively light weight, substantially
rigid, headgear structure, containing an air disinfection chamber,
a fan means, a filter means, an ultraviolet air disinfection means,
an air blanket origination means and an energizing means.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 7,464,705, issued to Tanizawa et al.,
discloses a powered respiration comprising, an air supplying unit
and a filter equipped to a face piece part of said powered
respiration, wherein an electric fan, a motor and a battery are
installed in said air supplying unit.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 7,037,188, issued to Scmid et al., discloses a
system to significantly improve the air quality in a personal
breathing environment. The system includes a blower unit that
produces a conditioned air flow, a delivery system that delivers
air provided by the blower unit to a person's breathing zone, and a
conduit that interconnects the blower unit and the delivery system
for directing conditioned air from the blower unit to the delivery
system. The delivery system is positioned so that it sends
conditioned air around an individual's head and into the
individual's personal breathing zone, thereby creating a zone of
conditioned air around the individual's head.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 7,036,502, issued to Manne, discloses a device
for creating a curtain of air across the face is a headset with a
fan mounted thereon. The outlet of the fan has flexible tubing or
cowling which allows for control of both direction and cross
section of a curtain of air that crosses the face. The curtain of
air prevents airborne particles and chemicals from making contact
with the face.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 6,409,338, issued to Jewell, discloses a
headphone and fan device is provided having a sunglasses unit for
receiving electronic audio signals from a modified portable audio
device and transmitting the signals to detachable earphones mounted
on the sunglasses unit. The sunglasses unit is further modified to
couple with an airflow unit having one or more visor-mounted
electric fans positioned to discharge air upon the user's upper
facial area. Such air exits the airflow unit through a vent, that
is a compressible pad that is circumferentially attached to the
outer edge of a visor, the pad having channels about the same
circumference, through which the air exits. A typical portable
audio device is modified to store and transmit electric power to
the sunglasses unit in a cord that simultaneously transmits
electronic audio signals. This electric power is routed through the
sunglasses unit to the airflow unit and on to the fan. Alternately,
the cord can deliver either or both electric power and electronic
audio signals directly to the airflow unit, for powering the fan,
and transmitting the signals to the earphones, the earphones being
mountable on the airflow unit, as well as, the sunglasses unit. The
airflow unit can strap to the user's head, and either the
sunglasses unit or the airflow unit can be independently
utilized.
[0012] The inventions heretofore known suffer from a number of
disadvantages which include being limited in use, being unable to
filter air, being unable to provide a substantially continuous
airflow, being ineffective, being inefficient, being expensive,
being limited in compatibility, being bulky to wear, being
difficult to use, failing to provide fresh air, failing to shield
from undesired material in the air, failing to prevent the spread
of disease, being uncomfortable, looking awkward, placing undue
strain on the neck of the user, and etc.
[0013] What is needed is a facial accessory system that solves one
or more of the problems described herein and/or one or more
problems that may come to the attention of one skilled in the art
upon becoming familiar with this specification.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention has been developed in response to the
present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the
problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved
by currently available air dispensing systems. Accordingly, the
present invention has been developed to provide an effective and
efficient facial accessory system configured to provide a
substantially continuous flow of air about a face of a user.
[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, there is a
facial accessory system/device for prophylactic face protection.
The system may include a facial accessory that may be configured to
be worn about the face of a user. The facial accessory may include
a channel disposed therethrough in fluid communication with an
array of apertures that may be orientated and positioned to
generate a substantially continuous curtain of airflow about a face
of a user when air is forced therethrough. The system may include
an airflow distribution device in fluid communication with the
channel of the facial accessory. The airflow distribution device
may be configured to selectively force air to flow
therethrough.
[0016] The facial accessory may include a pair of eyeglasses that
may have the channel disposed throughout a frame of the pair of
eyeglasses. The airflow distribution device may include an air
filter module in fluid communication with the channel and may be
configured to filter air forced through the airflow distribution
device. The airflow distribution device may further include an air
additive module in fluid communication with the channel and may be
configured to provide a fluid additive to the air forced through
the airflow distribution device.
[0017] The airflow distribution device may include a fan module
that may be configured to selectively force air to flow through the
facial accessory. The airflow distribution device may include a
power module in communication with the fan module and may be
configured to provide a power source to the modules and components
of the air distribution device.
[0018] The system may further include an air return device in fluid
communication with the airflow distribution device. The air return
device may include a plurality of apertures that may be configured
to intake air forced therethrough by the airflow distribution
device. The facial accessory may be coupled to a bottom portion of
a frame and about a temple and earpiece portion of a pair of
eyeglasses. The airflow distribution device may be disposed within
an earpiece portion of a pair of eyeglasses. The substantially
continuous curtain of airflow may include a wedge shaped
cross-section of airflow about a face of a user. The air return
device and the facial accessory may include a laser barrier system
that may be configured to direct a beam of coherent light between
the air return device and the facial accessory.
[0019] Reference throughout this specification to features,
advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the
features and advantages that may be realized with the present
invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the
invention. Rather, language referring to the features and
advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature,
advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an
embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present
invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and
similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not
necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.
[0020] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and
characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable
manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art
will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or
more of the specific features or advantages of a particular
embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages
may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in
all embodiments of the invention.
[0021] These features and advantages of the present invention will
become more fully apparent from the following description and
appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention
as set forth hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] In order for the advantages of the invention to be readily
understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly
described above will be rendered by reference to specific
embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawing(s). It is
noted that the drawings of the invention are not to scale. The
drawings are mere schematics representations, not intended to
portray specific parameters of the invention. Understanding that
these drawing(s) depict only typical embodiments of the invention
and are not, therefore, to be considered to be limiting its scope,
the invention will be described and explained with additional
specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying
drawing(s), in which:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a facial accessory
system disposed on a user, according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a facial accessory system
disposed on a user, according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0025] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a blower portion of a
facial accessory system, according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a channel portion of a
facial accessory of a facial accessory system, according to one
embodiment of the invention;
[0027] FIG. 5 is a module diagram of a facial accessory system,
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0028] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a facial accessory system,
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0029] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of an airflow distribution device
of a facial accessory system, according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0030] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a facial accessory system
coupled to a pair of eyeglasses, according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0031] FIG. 9 illustrates a pair of perspective views of a facial
accessory system, according to one embodiment of the invention;
and
[0032] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a facial accessory system
coupled to a hat, according to one embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the
principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the
exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing(s), and specific
language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be
understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is
thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the
inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional
applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated
herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and
having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within
the scope of the invention.
[0034] Many of the functional units described in this specification
have been labeled as modules, in order to more particularly
emphasize their implementation independence. For example, a module
may be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising custom VLSI
circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic
chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A module may also
be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field
programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable
logic devices or the like.
[0035] Modules may also be implemented in software for execution by
various types of processors. An identified module of programmable
or executable code may, for instance, comprise one or more physical
or logical blocks of computer instructions which may, for instance,
be organized as an object, procedure, or function. Nevertheless,
the executables of an identified module need not be physically
located together, but may comprise disparate instructions stored in
different locations which, when joined logically together, comprise
the module and achieve the stated purpose for the module.
[0036] Indeed, a module and/or a program of executable code may be
a single instruction, or many instructions, and may even be
distributed over several different code segments, among different
programs, and across several memory devices. Similarly, operational
data may be identified and illustrated herein within modules, and
may be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any
suitable type of data structure. The operational data may be
collected as a single data set, or may be distributed over
different locations including over different storage devices, and
may exist, at least partially, merely as electronic signals on a
system or network.
[0037] The various system components and/or modules discussed
herein may include one or more of the following: a host server or
other computing systems including a processor for processing
digital data; a memory coupled to said processor for storing
digital data; an input digitizer coupled to the processor for
inputting digital data; an application program stored in said
memory and accessible by said processor for directing processing of
digital data by said processor; a display device coupled to the
processor and memory for displaying information derived from
digital data processed by said processor; and a plurality of
databases. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, any
computers discussed herein may include an operating system (e.g.,
Windows Vista, NT, 95/98/2000, OS2; UNIX; Linux; Solaris; MacOS;
and etc.) as well as various conventional support software and
drivers typically associated with computers. The computers may be
in a home or business environment with access to a network. In an
exemplary embodiment, access is through the Internet through a
commercially-available web-browser software package.
[0038] The present invention may be described herein in terms of
functional block components, screen shots, user interaction,
optional selections, various processing steps, and the like. Each
of such described herein may be one or more modules in exemplary
embodiments of the invention. It should be appreciated that such
functional blocks may be realized by any number of hardware and/or
software components configured to perform the specified functions.
For example, the present invention may employ various integrated
circuit components, e.g., memory elements, processing elements,
logic elements, look-up tables, and the like, which may carry out a
variety of functions under the control of one or more
microprocessors or other control devices. Similarly, the software
elements of the present invention may be implemented with any
programming or scripting language such as C, C++, Java, COBOL,
assembler, PERL, Visual Basic, SQL Stored Procedures, AJAX,
extensible markup language (XML), with the various algorithms being
implemented with any combination of data structures, objects,
processes, routines or other programming elements. Further, it
should be noted that the present invention may employ any number of
conventional techniques for data transmission, signaling, data
processing, network control, and the like. Still further, the
invention may detect or prevent security issues with a client-side
scripting language, such as JavaScript, VBScript or the like.
[0039] Additionally, many of the functional units and/or modules
herein are described as being "in communication" with other
functional units and/or modules. Being "in communication" refers to
any manner and/or way in which functional units and/or modules,
such as, but not limited to, computers, laptop computers, PDAs,
modules, and other types of hardware and/or software, may be in
communication with each other. Some non-limiting examples include
communicating, sending, and/or receiving data and metadata via: a
network, a wireless network, software, instructions, circuitry,
phone lines, internet lines, satellite signals, electric signals,
electrical and magnetic fields and/or pulses, and/or so forth.
[0040] As used herein, the term "network" may include any
electronic communications means which incorporates both hardware
and software components of such. Communication among the parties in
accordance with the present invention may be accomplished through
any suitable communication channels, such as, for example, a
telephone network, an extranet, an intranet, Internet, point of
interaction device (point of sale device, personal digital
assistant, cellular phone, kiosk, etc.), online communications,
off-line communications, wireless communications, transponder
communications, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN),
networked or linked devices and/or the like. Moreover, although the
invention may be implemented with TCP/IP communications protocols,
the invention may also be implemented using IPX, Appletalk, IP-6,
NetBIOS, OSI or any number of existing or future protocols. If the
network is in the nature of a public network, such as the Internet,
it may be advantageous to presume the network to be insecure and
open to eavesdroppers. Specific information related to the
protocols, standards, and application software utilized in
connection with the Internet is generally known to those skilled in
the art and, as such, need not be detailed herein. See, for
example, DILIP NAIK, INTERNET STANDARDS AND PROTOCOLS (1998); JAVA
2 COMPLETE, various authors, (Sybex 1999); DEBORAH RAY AND ERIC
RAY, MASTERING HTML 4.0 (1997); and LOSHIN, TCP/IP CLEARLY
EXPLAINED (1997), the contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
[0041] Reference throughout this specification to an "embodiment,"
an "example" or similar language means that a particular feature,
structure, characteristic, or combinations thereof described in
connection with the embodiment is included in at least one
embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the
phrases an "embodiment," an "example," and similar language
throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all
refer to the same embodiment, to different embodiments, or to one
or more of the figures. Additionally, reference to the wording
"embodiment," "example" or the like, for two or more features,
elements, etc. does not mean that the features are necessarily
related, dissimilar, the same, etc.
[0042] Each statement of an embodiment, or example, is to be
considered independent of any other statement of an embodiment
despite any use of similar or identical language characterizing
each embodiment. Therefore, where one embodiment is identified as
"another embodiment," the identified embodiment is independent of
any other embodiments characterized by the language "another
embodiment." The features, functions, and the like described herein
are considered to be able to be combined in whole or in part one
with another as the claims and/or art may direct, either directly
or indirectly, implicitly or explicitly.
[0043] As used herein, "comprising," "including," "containing,"
"is," "are," "characterized by," and grammatical equivalents
thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude
additional unrecited elements or method steps. "Comprising" is to
be interpreted as including the more restrictive terms "consisting
of" and "consisting essentially of."
[0044] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a facial accessory
system disposed on a user, according to one embodiment of the
invention. There is shown a facial accessory system 10 worn about
the face of a user 14 including an array of apertures 18 generating
a substantially continuous curtain of airflow 20. The system
combines the benefits of the facial accessory with the benefits of
enhanced air quality for the user in a single device without
substantially increasing the bulkiness or burden associated with
air quality enhancement products. Further, the system does not
generate the same stigma or social reaction typically associated
with air quality devices.
[0045] The illustrated facial accessory system 10 is configured to
provide prophylactic face protection. The system 10 includes a
facial accessory 12 configured to be worn about a face of a user
14. The illustrated facial accessory 12 is a pair of eyeglasses 24
configured to be worn about a face of the user 14. The facial
accessory 12 includes an array of apertures 18 orientated and
positioned to generate a substantially continuous curtain of
airflow 20 about a face of the user 14. The system 10 includes an
airflow distribution device 22 in fluid communication with the
facial accessory 12. The airflow distribution device 22 is
configured to selectively force air through the facial accessory 12
and out the array of apertures 18.
[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, there is shown
a facial accessory equipped on a person and in operation including
an airflow distribution device coupled to the facial accessory.
Each portion is fluid coupled to the next whereby fluid (air) may
be channeled from the airflow distribution device through a channel
system and into (and out of) the facial accessory. Such coupling is
generally by fluid-tight systems of channels such as but not
limited to tubes, hoses, elongated cavities, and the like that
permit fluid flow therethrough and substantially prevent fluid from
escaping the predetermined and intended path, except through
predetermined apertures.
[0047] The illustrated facial accessory is configured to provide a
substantially continuous curtain of airflow in front of a user's
face. The facial accessory includes an airflow distribution device
configured to draw air through an aperture and filter the air
flowing therethrough. The airflow distribution device is coupled to
a channel system configured to facilitate movement of the filtered
air from the airflow distribution device to the facial accessory.
The illustrated channel system is disposed within the facial
accessory, extending through the frame of a pair of eyeglasses.
[0048] The illustrated facial accessory is a pair of eyeglasses.
The channel system is disposed through the pair of support arms and
through a rim/frame of the pair of eyeglasses. The facial accessory
includes an array of apertures disposed about the front portion of
the facial accessory, the rim, and the pair of support arms
configured to force/dispense air therethrough. The facial accessory
is configured to direct air flow downwards from the facial
accessory, thereby creating a substantially continuous curtain of
airflow directly in front of a user's face. Accordingly,
contaminants on the side of the air curtain that is opposite the
side of the user's face, will be restricted from flowing towards
the user's face.
[0049] In one embodiment, there is a facial accessory system that
moves air in front of user's face to effectively create a
continuous curtain of airflow or a wall of air for the purposes of
shielding a user's face from bacteria, airborne pathogens,
dangerous fluids (including gasses), viruses, pollution, dust,
pollen, allergens, fumes, mold, flying or floating particles and
the like and combinations thereof, including but not limited to
materials in the air generated by working materials, chemicals,
investigating locations, cleaning, machining, interacting with
people, performing medical duties, and the like and combinations
thereof.
[0050] Such may include a facial accessory that may service other
purposes, such as but not limited to glasses, sunglasses, visors,
hats, head bands, scarves, belt, shirt collar, clothes, safety
devices, badges, ornamental devices, and the like and combinations
thereof. There may be a set of channels through a body of the
facial accessory that permit air to flow through the body to
dispersal apertures strategically located about the body of the
facial accessory such that when air is pressurized inside the
facial accessory, air will project through the apertures and form
an effective curtain of airflow.
[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, there may be
an airflow distribution device, such as but not limited to a pump
or connection to a body of pressurized air. Such an air pressurizer
is disposed to a facial accessory at a rear location, such as but
not limited to near the ears of the wearer and may draw air from a
location substantially remote from the front of a person's face and
then project that same air over the front of the user's face. An
air pump may be a variable speed air pump and the particular speed
may be manually and/or automatically selectable and such may be
triggered by actuation of a switch/button/etc., sound levels,
particular sounds, light motion, position, location, and the like
and combinations thereof. Accordingly, the system may be set at a
low speed for general use but then may be triggered to heavy duty
use (higher speed of air flow) upon a trigger condition. In one
non-limiting example, a system may include one or more modules
configured to trigger activation of an airflow distribution device
upon a sensor module detecting a particular sound (such as but not
limited to the whine of a motor associated with the generation of
undesired airborne material like a power tool, a sneeze, or etc.),
detecting activation of another device that may be remote,
detecting a change in light levels or light characteristics,
detecting a period of time generally associated with decreased air
quality (pollen based allergens tend to be worse in the morning),
and the like and combinations thereof. Triggering may be
accomplished by a signal transmitted over a network to which the
system may be connected, through a network module configured to
communicate over a network.
[0052] Such a system may be disguised and/or be fully contained
internal to a facial accessory and/or may include a remote device
coupled to the facial accessory such that on casual inspection the
user does not appear to be wearing any protective gear other than
that represented by the obvious other function of the facial
accessory (sight correction, shielding from the sun, etc.).
[0053] A facial accessory may be structured and/or configured to
include apertures that are positioned and/or oriented such that a
substantially continuous curtain of airflow is generated having a
v-shaped, u-shaped, w-shaped, L-shaped, s-shaped, straight line,
curved, polygonal, or combination thereof cross section when viewed
from above. Such an air wall may contact the surface of the user's
face completely, partially, or not at all. Advantageously, systems
such as those described herein may generate a zone or field of air
that is substantially free from contaminants, and/or may include
one or more additives that are desired or otherwise beneficial.
[0054] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a facial accessory system
disposed on a user, according to one embodiment of the invention.
There is shown a facial accessory system 10 worn about the face of
a user 14 including an array of apertures 18 generating a
substantially continuous curtain of airflow 20 across a front
region of the face of the user in a general v-shaped cross
section.
[0055] The illustrated facial accessory system 10 is configured to
provide prophylactic face protection. The system 10 includes a
facial accessory 12 configured to be worn about a face of a user
14. The facial accessory 12 includes a channel 16 disposed
therethrough in fluid communication with an array of apertures 18
orientated and positioned to generate a substantially continuous
curtain of airflow 20 about a face of the user 14 when air is
forced therethrough. The illustrated circles 18 of this figure
represent the locations of the channels on a bottom surface of the
facial accessory and are not to be confused with upward oriented
channels. However, it is contemplated that one or more variations
of the invention may include upwardly oriented channels that may be
positioned on a top, bottom, or side surface of a facial
accessory.
[0056] The illustrated system 10 includes an airflow distribution
device 22 in fluid communication with the channel 16 of the facial
accessory 12. Such an airflow distribution device may include one
or more fans or air pumps that may cause air to flow through the
channel. Generally, such an airflow distribution device will be
powered electrically, generally by battery, such that the device
may provide continuous airflow for a period of time. The airflow
distribution device 22 is configured to selectively force air to
flow therethrough.
[0057] The illustrated facial accessory 12 includes a pair of
eyeglasses 24 having a channel 16 disposed throughout a frame of
the pair of eyeglasses 24. The airflow distribution device 22 is
configured to selectively force air to flow through the facial
accessory 12. The airflow distribution device 22 is disposed within
an earpiece portion of the pair of eyeglasses 24. The illustrated
substantially continuous curtain of airflow 20 includes a wedge
shaped cross-section of airflow 46 about a face of the user 14. It
is believed that a wedge-shaped or v-shaped cross-sectional air
curtain provides enhanced protection for forward moving users, as
such will tend to redirect airflow going towards the face to the
sides of the face of the user. Such a wedge or v-shaped
cross-sectional curtain of air may be a thin-walled cross-section
using apertures that are shaped to direct air in a generally
straight line or may be a block pattern wherein apertures towards
the middle, thicker portion of the wedge may either be more
numerous and oriented at different angles and/or may be shaped to
project a more diffuse air flow that results in a wider air
distribution down the face.
[0058] The substantially continuous curtain of airflow is
configured to shield a user's face from bacteria, airborne
pathogens, dangerous fluids (including gasses), viruses, pollution,
dust, pollen, allergens, fumes, mold, flying or floating particles
and the like and combinations thereof, including but not limited to
materials in the air generated by working materials, chemicals,
investigating locations, cleaning, machining, interacting with
people, performing medical duties, and the like and combinations
thereof.
[0059] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a facial accessory
system, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is
shown a portion of a facial accessory 12 (such as but not limited
to an earpiece portion of a pair of eyeglasses) including a channel
16 in communication with an airflow distribution device 22 having a
fan module 32 and a power module 34 along with an air filter module
26 and an air additive module 28.
[0060] The illustrated facial accessory system 10 includes a facial
accessory 12, such as but not limited to a pair of eyeglasses,
configured to be worn about a face of a user. The facial accessory
12 includes a channel 16 disposed therethrough in fluid
communication with an array of apertures. The system 10 includes an
airflow distribution device 22 in fluid communication with the
channel 16 of the facial accessory 12. The airflow distribution
device 22 is configured to selectively force air to flow
therethrough.
[0061] The airflow distribution device 22 includes an air filter
module 26 in fluid communication with the channel 16 and configured
to filter air forced through the airflow distribution device 22.
The airflow distribution device 22 further includes an air additive
module 28 in fluid communication with the channel 16 and configured
to provide a fluid additive to the air forced through the airflow
distribution device 22. The air additive module 28 may be a pad
configured to absorb a fluid additive thereon, and when air is
forced therethrough by the airflow distribution device 22, the
fluid additive is dispersed therein. Non-limiting examples of a
fluid additive may be: essential oils, medicines, disinfectants,
materials reactive to pollutants, and the like and combinations
thereof.
[0062] The illustrated airflow distribution device 22 includes a
fan module 32 configured to selectively force air to flow through
the channel 16 of the facial accessory 12. Non-limiting examples of
a fan module may be a fan module as described in U.S. Patent
Publication No.: 2002/0094283, by Salmen et al., or a fan module as
described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,271,561, issued to Chen et al., which
are incorporated for their supporting teachings herein. The airflow
distribution device 22 includes a power module 34 in communication
with the fan module 32 and configured to provide a power source to
the modules and components of the air distribution device 22.
Non-limiting examples of a power module may be a power module as
described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,262,213, issued to Eichelberger et
al., or a power module as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,392,009,
issued to Napoli, which are incorporated for their supporting
teachings herein. The illustrated airflow distribution device 22 is
disposed within an earpiece portion of a pair of eyeglasses.
[0063] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a facial accessory of a
facial accessory system, according to one embodiment of the
invention. There is shown a facial accessory 12 including a channel
16 in fluid communication with an array of apertures 18.
[0064] The illustrated facial accessory 12 is configured for
prophylactic face protection. The facial accessory 12 is configured
to be worn about a face of a user. The facial accessory 12 includes
a channel 16 disposed therethrough in fluid communication with an
array of apertures 18 orientated and positioned to generate a
substantially continuous curtain of airflow about a face of a user
when air is forced therethrough. The array of apertures 18 may
include variations in aperture size, length, height, design, shape,
width, configuration, diameter, circumference, etc. in order to
create a substantially continuous curtain of airflow having a
v-shaped, u-shaped, w-shaped, L-shaped, s-shaped, straight line,
curved, polygonal, or combination thereof cross section.
[0065] In one non-limiting example, apertures are cylindrical holes
that are symmetrical about their axis and of a similar shape and
size throughout the device.
[0066] In another non-limiting example, apertures are of an
increasing cross-sectional area as a function of distance from an
airflow distribution device as measured through the channel(s) such
that apertures closer to the airflow distribution device are more
resistant to airflow than those further away.
[0067] In still another non-limiting example, apertures include
pressure compensating emitters such that airflow is not permitted
except at a minimum threshold pressure. Such a system helps to
equally (or as a function of minimum thresholds of each emitter)
distribute airflow among apertures.
[0068] In still yet another non-limiting example, apertures may be
frustoconical (or otherwise varying in cross-sectional area from
one end to another) and such may cause airflow therefrom to be
either focused or diffuse according to the orientation of the
frustoconical aperture (e.g. whether the narrow end is in the
direction of the airflow or opposite).
[0069] FIG. 5 is a module diagram of a facial accessory system,
according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a
facial accessory system 10 including an operative module 50 having
a power module 34, a fan module 32, a filter module 26, a control
module 52, a laser module 48, and an additive module 28, in
communication with a channel system and a distribution device
22.
[0070] The illustrated facial accessory system 10 is configured to
provide prophylactic face protection. The system 10 includes an
operative module 50 configured to be worn about a face of a user.
The operative module 50 is in fluid communication with a channel
system 16 configured to distribute air forced therethrough. The
system 10 includes a distribution device 22 in fluid communication
with the operative module 50 through the channel system 16, having
an array of apertures orientated and positioned to generate a
substantially continuous curtain of airflow about a face of a user
when air is forced therethrough.
[0071] The illustrated operative module 50 includes a fan module 32
configured to selectively force air to flow through the channel 16
of the facial accessory 12. Non-limiting examples of a fan module
may be a fan module as described in U.S. Patent Publication No.:
2002/0094283, by Salmen et al., or a fan module as described in
U.S. Pat. No. 7,271,561, issued to Chen et al., which are
incorporated for their supporting teachings herein.
[0072] The operative module 50 includes a power module 34 in
communication with the fan module 32 and configured to provide a
power source to the modules and components of the operative module
50. Non-limiting examples of a power module may be a power module
as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,262,213, issued to Eichelberger et
al., or a power module as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,392,009,
issued to Napoli, which are incorporated for their supporting
teachings herein.
[0073] The operative module 50 includes a filter module 26 in fluid
communication with the channel system 16 and configured to filter
air forced through the operative module 50. Non-limiting examples
of a filter module may be an air filter module as described in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,321,637, issued to Shanks et al., or an air filter
module as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,727, issued to Skarsten,
which are incorporated for their supporting teachings herein.
[0074] The operative module 50 includes an additive module 28 in
fluid communication with the channel system 16 and configured to
provide a fluid additive to the air forced through the operative
module 50. Non-limiting examples of an additive module may be an
absorbent pad as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,425,664, issued to
Maass Jr. et al.; or an absorbent pad as described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,203,806, issued to Broida, which are incorporated for their
supporting teachings herein.
[0075] The operative module includes a control module 52 in
communication with the modules and components of the operative
module and configured to provide operational instructions thereto.
Non-limiting examples of a control module may be a control module
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,430,836, issued to Wolf et al.; or a
control module described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,243,635, issued to Swan
et al. which are incorporated for their supported teachings herein.
A control module may include but is not limited to a processor, a
state machine, a script, a decision tree, and the like.
[0076] The operative module 50 includes a laser module 48 in
communication with the distribution device 22 and configured to
direct a beam of coherent light in front of the user. In one
non-limiting example, there is a laser barrier system included in
the facial accessory, such that one or more beams of laser light is
oriented to form a barrier in front of a face of a user of the
facial accessory. Such may include one or more laser devices,
reflecting devices, structural supports, and the like such that any
air moving towards the face of the user is likely to traverse the
laser barrier. The laser may be of varying strengths and
frequencies and such may be sufficient to incinerate particles,
such as but not limited to allergens, may be of sufficient strength
to damage or destroy bacteria and other biological and/or may
otherwise transform and/or purify the air. In another non-limiting
embodiment the laser and/or other light may be used to project a
heads-up-display in front of the face of the user, such as but not
limited to projecting the same onto lenses, a visor, and/or another
region in front of the user such that information from one or more
other modules described herein may be there displayed. Non-limiting
examples of a laser module may be a laser module as described in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,336,223, issued to Hillman, or a laser module as
described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,482,809, issued to Maarschalkerweerd,
which are incorporated for their supporting teachings herein.
[0077] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a facial accessory system,
according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a
facial accessory system 10 including a facial accessory 12, an
airflow distribution device 22, and an air return device 36.
[0078] The illustrated facial accessory system is configured to
provide prophylactic face protection for a user. The system 10
includes a facial accessory 12 configured to be worn about a face
of a user, such as, but not limited to a pair of eyeglasses. The
facial accessory 12 includes a channel disposed therethrough in
fluid communication with an array of apertures orientated and
positioned to generate a substantially continuous curtain of
airflow about a face of a user when air is forced therethrough.
[0079] The system 10 includes an airflow distribution device 22 in
fluid communication with the channel of the facial accessory 12.
The airflow distribution device 22 is configured to selectively
force air to flow therethrough. The illustrated airflow
distribution device 22 configured to couple to a user's neck or
chest region (or otherwise) by a lanyard or other elongated member.
The airflow distribution device 22 is configured to draw air
through an aperture and filter the air therethrough. The airflow
distribution device 22 is in communication with a channel
configured to facilitate movement of the filtered air from the
airflow distribution device 22 to a facial accessory 12.
[0080] The illustrated channel system 16 includes a pair of tubes
configured to couple the airflow distribution device 22 to the
facial accessory 12. The airflow distribution device 22 may be
coupled to an elongated member, such as but not limited to a
lanyard, clip, snap, hook, hook-and-loop, and the like, configured
to secure the airflow distribution device 22 about the neck or
chest region of a user, similar to a necklace.
[0081] The illustrated airflow distribution device is configured to
couple to a facial accessory, such as a pair of support arms of a
pair of glasses. The pair of tubes are each configured to couple to
an end of the pair of support arms. Each of the support arms of the
illustrated facial accessory 12 includes a channel configured to
facilitate movement of air from the channel system 16 to a front
portion of the facial accessory. In one embodiment, only a single
support arm includes a channel. The channel is disposed through the
pair of support arms and through a frame/rim of the pair of
glasses. The facial accessory includes an array of apertures
disposed about the front portion of the facial accessory, the
frame/rim, and the pair of support arms configured to dispense air
therethrough. The facial accessory 12 is configured to direct air
flow downwards from the facial accessory 12, thereby creating a
substantially continuous curtain of airflow directly in front of a
user's face.
[0082] The illustrated system 10 further includes an air return
device 36 in fluid communication with the airflow distribution
device 22. The air return device 36 includes a plurality of
apertures 38 configured to intake air forced therethrough by the
airflow distribution device. The illustrated air return device 36
includes a laser barrier system 48 configured to direct a beam of
coherent light between the air return device 36 and the facial
accessory 12.
[0083] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of an airflow distribution device
of a facial accessory system, according to one embodiment of the
invention. There is shown an airflow distribution device 22
including a fan module 32 and a power module 34.
[0084] The illustrated airflow distribution device 22 is configured
to be in fluid communication with a channel of a facial accessory.
The airflow distribution device 22 is configured to selectively
force air to flow through a facial accessory. The airflow
distribution device 22 includes a fan module 32 configured to
selectively force air to flow through a facial accessory. The
airflow distribution device 22 includes a power module 34 in
communication with the fan module and configured to provide a power
source to the modules and components of the air distribution device
22.
[0085] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a facial accessory system
coupled to a pair of eyeglasses, according to one embodiment of the
invention. There is shown a facial accessory system 10 coupled to a
pair of eyeglasses 24.
[0086] The illustrated facial accessory system 10 is configured to
provide prophylactic face protection. The system 10 includes a
facial accessory 12 coupled to a pair of eyeglasses 24 and
configured to be worn about a face of a user. The facial accessory
12 includes a channel disposed therethrough in fluid communication
with an array of apertures 18 orientated and positioned to generate
a substantially continuous curtain of airflow about a face of a
user when air is forced therethrough. The system 10 includes an
airflow distribution device 22 in fluid communication with the
channel of the facial accessory 12 and configured to selectively
force air to flow therethrough.
[0087] The illustrated facial accessory 12 is configured to couple
to a bottom portion 40 of a frame and about a temple and earpiece
portion 42 of a pair of eyeglasses 24. The illustrated facial
accessory 12 includes pliable material configured to be shaped and
positioned about the pair of eyeglasses to generate a substantially
continuous curtain of airflow in front a user's face.
[0088] In one non-limiting example, there is a clip-on (or other
way for attachment) device that couples to a facial accessory and
that includes a channeled and apertured structure that follows the
structure of the facial accessory such that the apertures thereof
may be distributed across the structure of the facial accessory.
Such a device may be coupled to a top, bottom, and/or side, or
combinations thereof of the facial accessory and may direct air
distribution to a top, bottom, and/or side and/or combinations
thereof. There may be a lanyard that may be coupled to the clip-on
device and may include one or more modules described herein that
may be disposed at an end region thereof and such may hang down
therefrom and may be worn by a user in various manners, including
but not limited to pending down the front of the user as a
necklace, being worn on a shoulder, pending down a back of a user,
and/or being coupled to a head of the user and/or to another facial
accessory or other accessory.
[0089] FIG. 9 illustrates a pair of perspective views of a facial
accessory system, according to one embodiment of the invention.
There is shown a facial accessory system 10 including a facial
accessory 12 having a channel 16 and an array of apertures 18 in
communication with an airflow distribution device 22 and an air
return device 36.
[0090] The illustrated facial accessory system 10 is configured to
provide prophylactic face protection. The system 10 includes a
facial accessory 12 coupled to a construction helmet configured to
be worn on a user's head. The facial accessory 12 is in fluid
communication with a channel 16, which is in fluid communication
with an array of apertures 18 orientated and positioned to generate
a substantially continuous curtain of airflow about a face of a
user when air is forced therethrough.
[0091] The system 10 includes an airflow distribution device 22
coupled to a rear portion of a construction helmet, in fluid
communication with the channel 16 of the facial accessory 12,
wherein the airflow distribution device is configured to
selectively force air to flow therethrough. The system 10 further
includes an air return device 36 in fluid communication with the
airflow distribution device 22. The air return device 36 includes a
plurality of apertures 38 configured to intake air forced
therethrough by the airflow distribution device 22.
[0092] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a facial accessory system
coupled to a hat, according to one embodiment of the invention.
There is shown a facial accessory system 10 including an airflow
distribution device 22 disposed about an earpiece region 44.
[0093] The illustrated facial accessory system 10 is configured to
provide prophylactic face protection. The system 10 is coupled to a
brim of a hat, wherein the system 10 includes a facial accessory 12
coupled thereto and configured to be worn about a head of a user.
The facial accessory 12 includes a channel disposed therethrough in
fluid communication with an array of apertures 18 orientated and
positioned to generate a substantially continuous curtain of
airflow about a face of a user when air is forced therethrough. The
system 10 includes an airflow distribution device 22 in fluid
communication with the channel of the facial accessory 12 and
configured to selectively force air to flow therethrough. The
illustrated facial accessory 12 includes pliable material
configured to be shaped and positioned to couple to a bottom
portion of a brim of a hat to generate a substantially continuous
curtain of airflow in front a user's face.
[0094] It is understood that the above-described embodiments are
only illustrative of the application of the principles of the
present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other
specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiment is to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
[0095] For example, although the figures illustrate specific facial
accessories of specific styles, the number of accessories and
styles thereof are plethoric.
[0096] Additionally, although the figures illustrate substantially
consistent arrays of apertures, it is understood that variant
embodiments may include inconsistent arrays of apertures that may
be inconsistent in aperture size, spacing, orientation, number of
ranks of apertures and the like and combinations thereof.
[0097] It is expected that there could be numerous variations of
the design of this invention. An example is that the tube
illustrated in FIG. 8 that couples to the facial accessory could
loop about the earpieces of the illustrated glasses a plurality of
times.
[0098] Finally, it is envisioned that the components of the device
may be constructed of a variety of materials, including but not
limited to plastics, rubbers, ceramics, metals, woven fibers,
composites, laminates, and the like and combinations thereof.
[0099] Thus, while the present invention has been fully described
above with particularity and detail in connection with what is
presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment
of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to,
variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of
operation, assembly and use may be made, without departing from the
principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the
claims. Further, it is contemplated that an embodiment may be
limited to consist of or to consist essentially of one or more of
the features, functions, structures, methods described herein.
* * * * *