U.S. patent application number 17/334471 was filed with the patent office on 2021-12-02 for face shield with adjustable tensioning.
The applicant listed for this patent is Elizabeth S. Rome, Patrick Rome. Invention is credited to Elizabeth S. Rome, Patrick Rome.
Application Number | 20210368888 17/334471 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005626377 |
Filed Date | 2021-12-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210368888 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rome; Patrick ; et
al. |
December 2, 2021 |
FACE SHIELD WITH ADJUSTABLE TENSIONING
Abstract
A face shield system and associated method are disclosed, the
face shield system comprising a face shield sheet, at least one
reinforcement tab affixed to the face shield sheet, a head mount
and a cinch strap inserted through at least one mounting hole in
the face shield sheet.
Inventors: |
Rome; Patrick; (El Paso,
TX) ; Rome; Elizabeth S.; (El Paso, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rome; Patrick
Rome; Elizabeth S. |
El Paso
El Paso |
TX
TX |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005626377 |
Appl. No.: |
17/334471 |
Filed: |
May 28, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
63032898 |
Jun 1, 2020 |
|
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|
63110278 |
Nov 5, 2020 |
|
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63166921 |
Mar 26, 2021 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 13/1161 20130101;
A41D 13/1107 20130101; A41D 13/1184 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/11 20060101
A41D013/11 |
Claims
1. A face shield comprising: a face shield sheet; at least one
reinforcement tab affixed to the face shield sheet; a head mount;
and a cinch strap inserted through at least one mounting hole in
the face shield sheet.
2. The face shield of claim 1 wherein the at least one mounting
hole comprises: two mounting holes formed on the face shield
sheet.
3. The face shield of claim 2 further comprising: a chad configured
in each of the at least one mounting hole.
4. The face shield of claim 1 further comprising: an adhesive
disposed on the at least one reinforcement tab.
5. The face shield of claim 1 further comprising: at least one hold
point on the face shield sheet.
6. The face shield of claim 1 wherein the head mount further
comprises: a cuboid cushion; and an adhesive disposed on one side
of the cuboid cushion.
7. The face shield of claim 6 further comprising: a protective
cover overlaying the adhesive disposed on one side of the cuboid
cushion.
8. The face shield of claim 1 wherein the cinch strap further
comprises: a planar, flat strap,
9. The face shield of claim 1 wherein the cinch strap further
comprises: a plurality of teeth formed on a first edge of the cinch
strap; and a second plurality of teeth formed on a second edge of
the cinch strap.
10. The face shield of claim 1 wherein the cinch strap further
comprises: smooth distal ends.
11. The face shield of claim 1 wherein the at least one
reinforcement tab comprises; a plurality of reinforcement tabs
configured to be disposed one on top of the other on the face
shield sheet.
12. The face shield of claim 1 wherein the at least one
reinforcement tab is further configured to be concave.
13. A face shield system comprising: a face shield sheet; at least
one reinforcement tab affixed to the face shield sheet; a head
mount; two mounting holes configured on the face shield sheet; at
least one hold point on the face shield sheet; and a cinch strap
inserted through at least one mounting hole in the face shield
sheet.
14. The face shield system of claim 13 wherein the head mount
further comprises: a cuboid cushion; an adhesive disposed on one
side of the cuboid cushion; and a protective cover overlaying the
adhesive disposed on one side of the cuboid cushion.
15. The face shield system of claim 13 wherein the cinch strap
further comprises: a planar, flat strap; a plurality of teeth
formed on a first edge of the cinch strap; and a plurality of teeth
formed on a second edge of the cinch strap.
16. A face shield comprising: a head covering; a face shield sheet;
at least one reinforcement tab affixed to the face shield sheet; a
head mount; and a cinch strap inserted through at least one
mounting hole in the face shield sheet and configured to be bound
around the head covering.
17. The face shield of claim 16 wherein the head covering comprises
a helmet.
18. The face shield of claim 16 wherein the cinch strap comprises:
two cinch straps, the two cinch straps being configured to attach
to the face shield sheet and to be bound together at their
respective tag ends.
19. The face shield of claim 18 wherein the two cinch straps each
further comprise: a planar, flat strap; a plurality of teeth formed
on a first edge of the cinch strap; and a second plurality of teeth
formed on a second edge of the cinch strap.
20. The face shield of claim 16 wherein the head mount further
comprises: a cuboid cushion; and an adhesive disposed on one side
of the cuboid cushion.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims the priority and benefit
under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 63/032,898 filed Jun. 1, 2020, entitled "FACE
SHIELD WITH ADJUSTABLE TENSIONING." U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 63/032,898 is herein incorporated by reference
in its entirety.
[0002] This patent application claims the priority and benefit
under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 63/110,278 filed Nov. 5, 2020, entitled "ZIP
STRAP TETHER." U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
63/110,278 is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0003] This patent application claims the priority and benefit
under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 63/166,921 filed Mar. 26, 2021, entitled "ZIP
STRAP TETHER." U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
63/166,921 is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0004] Embodiments are generally related to the field of personal
protective equipment. Embodiments are also related to cinch straps.
Embodiments are further related to face shield with adjustable
straps that allow the tension in the strap to be adjusted.
BACKGROUND
[0005] Recent developments have created an urgent need for personal
protective equipment to help prevent the transmission of
communicable diseases. One such device is a face shield. Some very
expensive shields offer excellent protection and fit. However,
their cost makes them impractical for widespread distribution.
[0006] Other, less expensive face shields have a suspect means of
holding the shield in place over the user's face. Either the straps
are insufficiently weak, or not adjustable, or both. As such, there
is a need in the art for advanced face shield systems that are
inexpensive but still provide excellent fit and adjustability, as
disclosed herein.
SUMMARY
[0007] The following summary is provided to facilitate an
understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the
embodiments disclosed and is not intended to be a full description.
A full appreciation of the various aspects of the embodiments can
be gained by taking the entire specification, claims, drawings, and
abstract as a whole.
[0008] The present embodiments relate to personal protective
equipment.
[0009] It is an aspect of the disclosed embodiments to provide face
shields.
[0010] It is an aspect of the disclosed embodiments to provide
medical face shields and facemasks.
[0011] It is an aspect of the disclosed embodiments to provide
straps for face shields.
[0012] It is an aspect of the disclosed embodiments to provide
adjustable cinching straps for face shields.
[0013] It is an aspect of the disclosed embodiments to provide
adjustable, reusable face shield systems.
[0014] Aspects and other advantages of the disclosed embodiments
can now be achieved as further disclosed herein. In an embodiment,
a face shield comprises a face shield sheet, at least one
reinforcement tab affixed to the face shield sheet, a head mount,
and a cinch strap inserted through at least one mounting hole in
the face shield sheet. In an embodiment, the at least one mounting
hole comprises two mounting holes formed on the face shield sheet.
In an embodiment, the face shield system further comprises a chad
configured in each of the at least one mounting hole. In an
embodiment, the face shield system further comprises an adhesive
disposed on the reinforcement tab. In an embodiment, the face
shield system further comprises at least one hold point on the face
shield sheet. In an embodiment, the head mount further comprises a
cuboid cushion and an adhesive disposed on one side of the cuboid
cushion. In an embodiment, the face shield system further comprises
a protective cover overlaying the adhesive disposed on one side of
the cuboid cushion. In an embodiment, the cinch strap further
comprises a planar, flat strap, In an embodiment, the cinch strap
further comprises a plurality of teeth formed on a first edge of
the cinch strap and a plurality of teeth formed on a second edge of
the cinch strap. In an embodiment, the cinch strap further
comprises smooth distal ends. In an embodiment, the at least one
reinforcement tab comprises a plurality of reinforcement tabs
configured to be disposed one on top of the other on the face
shield sheet. In an embodiment, the at least one reinforcement tab
is further configured to be concave.
[0015] In another embodiment, a face shield system comprises a face
shield sheet, at least one reinforcement tab affixed to the face
shield sheet, a head mount, two mounting holes configured on the
face shield sheet, at least one hold point on the face shield
sheet, and a cinch strap inserted through at least one mounting
hole in the face shield sheet. In an embodiment, the head mount
further comprises a cuboid cushion, an adhesive disposed on one
side of the cuboid cushion and a protective cover overlaying the
adhesive disposed on one side of the cuboid cushion. In an
embodiment, the cinch strap further comprises a planar, flat strap,
a plurality of teeth formed on a first edge of the cinch strap, and
a plurality of teeth formed on a second edge of the cinch
strap.
[0016] In another embodiment, A face shield comprises a head
covering, a face shield sheet, at least one reinforcement tab
affixed to the face shield sheet, a head mount, and a cinch strap
inserted through at least one mounting hole in the face shield
sheet and configured to be bound around the head covering. In an
embodiment, the head covering comprises a helmet. In an embodiment,
the cinch strap comprises two cinch straps, the two cinch straps
being configured to attach to the face shield sheet and to be bound
together at their respective tag ends. In an embodiment, the two
cinch straps each further comprise a planar, flat strap, a
plurality of teeth formed on a first edge of the cinch strap, and a
plurality of teeth formed on a second edge of the cinch strap. In
an embodiment, the head mount further comprises a cuboid cushion
and an adhesive disposed on one side of the cuboid cushion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0017] The accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals
refer to identical or functionally-similar elements throughout the
separate views and which are incorporated in and form a part of the
specification, further illustrate the embodiments and, together
with the detailed description, serve to explain the embodiments
disclosed herein.
[0018] FIG. 1A depicts a face shield system, in accordance with the
disclosed embodiments;
[0019] FIG. 1B depicts a face shield system, in accordance with the
disclosed embodiments;
[0020] FIG. 1C depicts a face shield system with a cinch strap, in
accordance with the disclosed embodiments;
[0021] FIG. 1D depicts a face shield system with a cinch strap, in
accordance with the disclosed embodiments;
[0022] FIG. 2 depicts a section of cinch strap, in accordance with
the disclosed embodiments;
[0023] FIG. 3 depicts an exploded view of a cinch strap, in
accordance with the disclosed embodiments;
[0024] FIG. 4 depicts steps associated with a method for engaging a
face shield, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments; and
[0025] FIG. 5 depicts a face shield system, in accordance with the
disclosed embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The particular values and configurations discussed in the
following non-limiting examples can be varied, and are cited merely
to illustrate one or more embodiments, and are not intended to
limit the scope thereof.
[0027] Example embodiments will now be described more fully
hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
illustrative embodiments are shown. The embodiments disclosed
herein can be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather,
these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the
embodiments to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like
elements throughout.
[0028] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As
used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended
to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly
indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms
"comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification,
specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps,
operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the
presence or addition of one or more other features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
[0029] Throughout the specification and claims, terms may have
nuanced meanings suggested or implied in context beyond an
explicitly stated meaning. Likewise, the phrase "in one embodiment"
as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment
and the phrase "in another embodiment" as used herein does not
necessarily refer to a different embodiment. It is intended, for
example, that claimed subject matter include combinations of
example embodiments in whole or in part.
[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and
scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. It will be further
understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used
dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is
consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art
and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense
unless expressly so defined herein.
[0031] It is contemplated that any embodiment discussed in this
specification can be implemented with respect to any method, kit,
reagent, or composition of the invention, and vice versa.
Furthermore, compositions of the invention can be used to achieve
methods of the invention.
[0032] It will be understood that particular embodiments described
herein are shown by way of illustration and not as limitations of
the invention. The principal features of this invention can be
employed in various embodiments without departing from the scope of
the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able
to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerous
equivalents to the specific procedures described herein. Such
equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention
and are covered by the claims.
[0033] The use of the word "a" or "an" when used in conjunction
with the term "comprising" in the claims and/or the specification
may mean "one," but it is also consistent with the meaning of "one
or more," "at least one," and "one or more than one." The use of
the term "or" in the claims is used to mean "and/or" unless
explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the
alternatives are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure
supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and
"and/or." Throughout this application, the term "about" is used to
indicate that a value includes the inherent variation of error for
the device, the method being employed to determine the value, or
the variation that exists among the study subjects.
[0034] As used in this specification and claim(s), the words
"comprising" (and any form of comprising, such as "comprise" and
"comprises"), "having" (and any form of having, such as "have" and
"has"), "including" (and any form of including, such as "includes"
and "include") or "containing" (and any form of containing, such as
"contains" and "contain") are inclusive or open-ended and do not
exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.
[0035] The term "or combinations thereof" as used herein refers to
all permutations and combinations of the listed items preceding the
term. For example, "A, B, C, or combinations thereof" is intended
to include at least one of: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if
order is important in a particular context, also BA, CA, CB, CBA,
BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB. Continuing with this example, expressly
included are combinations that contain repeats of one or more item
or term, such as BB, AAA, AB, BBC, AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, and so
forth. The skilled artisan will understand that typically there is
no limit on the number of items or terms in any combination, unless
otherwise apparent from the context.
[0036] All of the compositions and/or methods disclosed and claimed
herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in
light of the present disclosure. While the compositions and methods
of this invention have been described in terms of preferred
embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that
variations may be applied to the compositions and/or methods and in
the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method described
herein without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the
invention. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent
to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit,
scope and concept of the invention as defined by the appended
claims.
[0037] U.S. Pat. No. 8,176,599, titled "CINCHING AND BUNDLING TIE"
filed Mar. 1, 2010, describes a cinching and bundling tie. U.S.
Pat. No. 8,176,599 is herein incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
[0038] FIG. 1A illustrates a face shield system 100 with adjustable
tensioning straps in accordance with the embodiments disclosed
herein. The face shield system 100 can generally comprise a face
shield sheet 105. The face shield sheet 105 can comprise a
generally transparent material. The top edge 110 of the shield
sheet 105 can have a substantially straight top edge. The lower
perimeter of the face shield sheet 115 can be curved, concave, or
U-shaped. The face shield sheet 105 can be selected to be
sufficiently wide and flexible to partially wrap around a human
head. The face shield sheet 105 should be selected to be a material
that is flexible, such as plastic. It is preferable for the face
shield sheet 105 to be relatively thin to reduce cost and weight of
the system 100. In certain embodiments, the thickness of the face
shield sheet 105 can be selected to meet safety standards for a
given application.
[0039] A reinforcement tab 120 can be installed along a top portion
110 of the face shield sheet 105. In certain embodiments, multiple
reinforcement tabs 120 can be overlaid or distributed on the face
shield sheet 105 to improve the structural integrity of the system
100. The reinforcement tab 120, can be (but need not be)
transparent. The reinforcement tab 120 can be configured of a stiff
rubber or plastic material. In certain embodiments, the
reinforcement tab 120 can be integrated in the face shield sheet
105, and can comprise a generally thickened section of material. In
other embodiments, the reinforcement tab 120 can comprise an
independent stiffened strip, such as a plastic strip, with adhesive
125 on one side. In such embodiments, the reinforcement tab 120 can
be adhered to the upper area of the face shield sheet 105. The
reinforcement tab 120 can be installed on the inner facing surface
or the outer facing surface of the face shield sheet 105.
[0040] The reinforcement tab 120 or band stiffens and thickens the
face shield sheet 105 at the forehead mounting point, which has
multiple benefits. The reinforcement tab 120 keeps the entire face
shield sheet 105 more stable on the forehead, decreasing deflection
of the shield system 100. The reinforcement tab 120 can also
stiffen the mounting holes 130 to allow for reusability of the
shield and to avoid tearing of the face shield sheet 1-5. The
reinforcement tab 120 allows for the use of thinner films for the
face shield sheet while maintaining the face shield integrity.
[0041] The reinforcement tab 120 can generally be formed of a stiff
but pliable material (such a plastic) and can extend from one of
the lateral sides 135 of the face shield sheet 105 to the other. In
certain embodiments, the reinforcement tab 120 can be biased with a
curvature so as to be concave and match the contour of a human
head.
[0042] Mounting holes 130 can be formed in the face shield sheet
105 and/or the reinforcement tab 120. The mounting holes 130 can
include hole chads 140, that can be removed to reveal the mounting
holes 130. The hole chads 140 can be "punched" into the face shield
and/or reinforcement tab.
[0043] As illustrated in FIG. 1B, the face shield system 100 can
further include a head mount 150. The head mount 150 can comprise a
cube or cuboid, formed of a generally soft or malleable material
such as foam or rubber. The head mount 150 can generally match the
2 dimensional profile of the reinforcement tab 120 but can be
configured to be slightly shorter than the distance between the
respective strap mounting holes 130, so that the head mount 150
does not cover the strap mounting holes 130. One surface of the
head mount 150 can be coated with an adhesive 155. The adhesive 155
can be covered again, by a cover 180 (e.g. a removable paper
cover). The head mount 150 can be installed on the inner surface of
the face shield sheet 105, for example, along the two dimensional
outline of the reinforcement tab 120, by removing the paper cover
180 over the adhesive 155 and adhering the head mount 150 in place.
The outward extending shape of the head mount 150 allows the face
shield system 100 to be comfortably worn in front of a human's face
and can generally be fitted along the forehead region of the
wearer. The shape also holds the top edge of the face shield sheet
105 away from the user.
[0044] The adhesive 155 on the head mount 150 can be configured so
that the head mount 150 can be removed and reinstalled on the face
shield sheet 105. The removal of the head mount 150 allows the
components of the system 100 to be cleaned and sterilized
individually before being reassembled for use.
[0045] The face shield system 100 further comprises a cinch strap
160, as illustrated in FIG. 1C and FIG. 1D. The cinch strap 160 can
comprise a head band used to hold the face shield system 100 in
place. To that end, the cinch strap 160 can be configured to fit
around a user's head, and interface with the face shield sheet 105
at its two edges. In certain embodiments, multiple cinch straps 160
can be used to engage with multiple sets of mounting holes 130 on
the face shield sheet 105 to hold the face shield sheet 105 in
place.
[0046] The cinch strap 160 is illustrated in FIG. 2. The cinch
strap 160 can comprise a planar, flat strap 205 having a length (l)
and generally uniform width (w) made from any pliable semi-rigid
material, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. The strap 205 also
includes a first edge 210 and a second edge 215. The thickness of
the strap 205 will vary depending on the material used for
manufacture, though a thickness of less than some fraction of the
width of the strap. Along most or the entire length of the two
opposing edges 210 and 215 of the strap 205 are teeth 220 in a
repeating and uniform pattern having a width (w') and a length
(l'). The teeth 220 are generally formed during creation of the
strap 205 and therefore, are continuous with the strap 205. In one
embodiment, the teeth 220 are separated troughs 225 being inverse
in shape to the teeth 220. An alternate embodiment the cinch strap
is smooth and lacks teeth at the distal ends 170 of the strap 205
in order to allow a more ergonomic and comfortable handle.
[0047] The teeth 220 in the cinch strap 160 are specifically
designed to engage in the mounting holes 130. In particular, the
teeth 220 on either side of the strap 205 are configured to pass
through the mounting hole 130 but not easily pull back out. The
mounting holes 130 can thus be generally circular in design with a
widest diameter that is wider than the body 230 of the cinch strap
205 but narrower than the width of the cinch strap 160 measured
between opposing teeth 220. As such, the cinch strap 160 can be
locked into place by grabbing the face shield sheet 105 at hold
points 165 at the top of the face shield sheet 105, inserting the
cinch strap 160 through the mounting hole 130, and then pulling the
cinch strap 160 through the hole. In certain embodiments, the strap
205 can be used to pull the face shield 100 tight into place on a
user's head.
[0048] The cinch strap 160 geometry is such that it can be threaded
into the mounting holes 130 on the face shield sheet 105. The cinch
strap 160 allows the system 100 to be fully adjustable with
tightening by pulling on the cinch strap 160 while holding the
shield edge hold points 165 and pulling on cinch strap 160. The
cinch strap is loosened by slightly bending the edge of the shield
to disengage the teeth on the cinch strap from the mounting hole
edges.
[0049] FIG. 3 also shows an enlargement of a single tooth 220 and
an angle of taper from the top of the tooth 220 to the strap 205 of
75 degrees which results in the most secure locking of teeth 14
when the tie 10 is engaged. The degree of taper can range from 70
degrees to 85 degrees. It has been determined that the tightest and
most secure lock can be achieved if the width (w') of a tooth 220,
at its widest point, is one fourth the width (w) of the strap 205,
It has further been found that a tooth length (l') of one half the
width (w) of the strap body 230 achieves the most secure cinch.
These attributes create a cinch strap 160 that allows the strap to
hold firmly through the mounting hole 1130 in one configuration and
easily release from the mounting hole 130 as necessary when the
length of the cinch strap 160 needs to be adjusted so the face
shield system 100 can be removed.
[0050] FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 for securing a face shield
system 100 in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The method
400 begins at 405. The first step 410 is to install a reinforcement
tab along the top edge of the face shield. The reinforcement tab is
critically important as the face shield sheet may be insufficiently
stiff without the reinforcement tab. In certain, embodiments, the
reinforcement tab may be pre-installed on the face shield
sheet.
[0051] Next, at step 415 the protective film on the head mount can
be removed to expose the underlying adhesive on the outer surface
of the head mount. The head mount can then be installed on the face
shield, at step 420 by joining the head mount to an upper portion
of the face shield sheet (approximately aligned with the
reinforcement tab). This is accomplished by pressing the adhesive
covered side of the head mount onto the face shield sheet.
[0052] Next, at step 425, the hole chads can be removed to expose
the mounting holes on the edges of the face shield sheet and/or
reinforcement tab. In certain embodiments, this can be accomplished
by using a poking device, like a pencil or other such device to
poke the hole chads out.
[0053] With the hole chads open, the ends of the cinching straps
can be inserted into the mounting holes on the two sides of the
face shield as shown at step 430 and step 435. In certain
embodiments, the cinch straps ends can be inserted such that the
perimeter of the strap and face shield is larger than the
circumference of the user's head. This allows the assembly to be
brought into position, as shown at step 440, with the head mount
roughly resting on the user's forehead. At this point, the cinch
strap ends can be pulled further through the mounting holes to
create a snug fit around the user's head as shown at step 445, and
the method ends at 450.
[0054] In other embodiments, a face shield system 100 can be
configured to interface with a helmet as illustrated in FIG. 5. It
should be appreciated that many of the aspects of the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 5 are also illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. In certain
embodiments, the cinch straps 160 can be inserted from the outward
facing side of the face shield sheet 105, inward. The cinch strap
160 can be secured to a helmet 505. The cinch strap 160 can then be
tightened to hold the face shield sheet 105 in place below the
helmet 505 as illustrated in FIG. 5.
[0055] In still other embodiments the face shield system can
include the use of two cinch straps 160. The first cinch strap 160
can be inserted through one of the mounting holes 130 and the other
cinch strap 160 can be inserted through the other mounting hole
130. The cinch straps 160 can then be tied together forming a loop
with an overhand knot, or other such knot. The cinch strap ends can
be pulled to tighten the assembly in place on a user. This
embodiment is useful in situations where the user is wearing a head
cover, as in FIG. 5, and a single strap is insufficient to fit
around the head covering. The use of two cinch straps is therefore
particularly useful for users who may need a face covering while
wearing a helmet 505 or other such head covering.
[0056] Based on the foregoing, it can be appreciated that a number
of embodiments, preferred and alternative, are disclosed herein. In
an embodiment, a face shield comprises a face shield sheet, at
least one reinforcement tab affixed to the face shield sheet, a
head mount, and a cinch strap inserted through at least one
mounting hole in the face shield sheet. In an embodiment, the at
least one mounting hole comprises two mounting holes formed on the
face shield sheet. In an embodiment, the face shield system further
comprises a chad configured in each of the at least one mounting
hole. In an embodiment, the face shield system further comprises an
adhesive disposed on the reinforcement tab. In an embodiment, the
face shield system further comprises at least one hold point on the
face shield sheet. In an embodiment, the head mount further
comprises a cuboid cushion and an adhesive disposed on one side of
the cuboid cushion. In an embodiment, the face shield system
further comprises a protective cover overlaying the adhesive
disposed on one side of the cuboid cushion. In an embodiment, the
cinch strap further comprises a planar, flat strap, In an
embodiment, the cinch strap further comprises a plurality of teeth
formed on a first edge of the cinch strap and a plurality of teeth
formed on a second edge of the cinch strap. In an embodiment, the
cinch strap further comprises smooth distal ends. In an embodiment,
the at least one reinforcement tab comprises a plurality of
reinforcement tabs configured to be disposed one on top of the
other on the face shield sheet. In an embodiment, the at least one
reinforcement tab is further configured to be concave.
[0057] In another embodiment, a face shield system comprises a face
shield sheet, at least one reinforcement tab affixed to the face
shield sheet, a head mount, two mounting holes configured on the
face shield sheet, at least one hold point on the face shield
sheet, and a cinch strap inserted through at least one mounting
hole in the face shield sheet. In an embodiment, the head mount
further comprises a cuboid cushion, an adhesive disposed on one
side of the cuboid cushion and a protective cover overlaying the
adhesive disposed on one side of the cuboid cushion. In an
embodiment, the cinch strap further comprises a planar, flat strap,
a plurality of teeth formed on a first edge of the cinch strap, and
a plurality of teeth formed on a second edge of the cinch
strap.
[0058] In another embodiment, A face shield comprises a head
covering, a face shield sheet, at least one reinforcement tab
affixed to the face shield sheet, a head mount, and a cinch strap
inserted through at least one mounting hole in the face shield
sheet and configured to be bound around the head covering. In an
embodiment, the head covering comprises a helmet. In an embodiment,
the cinch strap comprises two cinch straps, the two cinch straps
being configured to attach to the face shield sheet and to be bound
together at their respective tag ends. In an embodiment, the two
cinch straps each further comprise a planar, flat strap, a
plurality of teeth formed on a first edge of the cinch strap, and a
plurality of teeth formed on a second edge of the cinch strap. In
an embodiment, the head mount further comprises a cuboid cushion
and an adhesive disposed on one side of the cuboid cushion.
[0059] It will be appreciated that variations of the
above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives
thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different
systems or applications. Also, it should be appreciated that
various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives,
modifications, variations or improvements therein may be
subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also
intended to be encompassed by the following claims.
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