EP1925222B1 - Kittel - Helm Verbund - Google Patents

Kittel - Helm Verbund Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1925222B1
EP1925222B1 EP08001739A EP08001739A EP1925222B1 EP 1925222 B1 EP1925222 B1 EP 1925222B1 EP 08001739 A EP08001739 A EP 08001739A EP 08001739 A EP08001739 A EP 08001739A EP 1925222 B1 EP1925222 B1 EP 1925222B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
air
user
helmet assembly
face shield
section
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP08001739A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1925222A2 (de
EP1925222A3 (de
Inventor
Luis A. Diaz
Bruce D. Henniges
Mark A. Wasserman
Karen L. Staley
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Stryker Corp
Original Assignee
Stryker Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Stryker Corp filed Critical Stryker Corp
Priority to EP10012567.3A priority Critical patent/EP2316289B1/de
Priority claimed from EP01908633A external-priority patent/EP1286604B1/de
Publication of EP1925222A2 publication Critical patent/EP1925222A2/de
Publication of EP1925222A3 publication Critical patent/EP1925222A3/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1925222B1 publication Critical patent/EP1925222B1/de
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A41—WEARING APPAREL
    • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
    • A41D13/00—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches
    • A41D13/05—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches protecting only a particular body part
    • A41D13/11—Protective face masks, e.g. for surgical use, or for use in foul atmospheres
    • A41D13/1107—Protective face masks, e.g. for surgical use, or for use in foul atmospheres characterised by their shape
    • A41D13/1153—Protective face masks, e.g. for surgical use, or for use in foul atmospheres characterised by their shape with a hood
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A42—HEADWEAR
    • A42B—HATS; HEAD COVERINGS
    • A42B3/00—Helmets; Helmet covers ; Other protective head coverings
    • A42B3/04—Parts, details or accessories of helmets
    • A42B3/28—Ventilating arrangements
    • A42B3/286—Ventilating arrangements with forced flow, e.g. by a fan
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B18/00—Breathing masks or helmets, e.g. affording protection against chemical agents or for use at high altitudes or incorporating a pump or compressor for reducing the inhalation effort
    • A62B18/04—Gas helmets
    • A62B18/045—Gas helmets with fans for delivering air for breathing mounted in or on the helmet

Definitions

  • the subject invention generally relates to an air filtration system for filtering air between a head and body of a user and an environment external to the user.
  • the air filtration system is utilized in the medical profession during surgical procedures.
  • the subject invention more specifically relates to a helmet assembly and gown for use in the air filtration system.
  • Air filtration systems and helmet assemblies utilized in the air filtration systems are known in the art. As indicated above, air filtration systems and helmet assemblies are worn by users throughout the medical profession, such as surgeons, during surgical procedures for filtering air between a head and body of the surgeon and an external environment, such as a clean room.
  • United States Patent No. 5, 592, 936 to Thomas, Jr. et al. discloses an air filtration system and helmet assembly that draws air through a filter medium into the helmet assembly and through an intake grid where the air is then channeled through an air flow channel over a face of the user.
  • the air filtration system and helmet assembly of this patent are deficient in that air is not distributed completely about the head of the user. That is, air is not distributed to a back of the head, toward a neck, of the user.
  • the intake grid is deficient in that the grid does not extend between a front and rear section of the helmet assembly to maximize an effective intake area for the filter medium.
  • a further example of a conventional air filtration system and helmet assembly is disclosed in United States Patent No. 5, 054, 480 to Bare et al.
  • This patent discloses an air filtration system and helmet assembly that draws air into the helmet assembly via an intake fan, and exhausts air from the air filtration system and helmet assembly via an exhaust fan disposed at the rear section of the helmet assembly spaced away from the neck of the user.
  • the air filtration system and helmet assembly of this patent is deficient in that they are overly heavy due to the additional fan required to exhaust air.
  • the exhaust fan creates excessive strain, and therefore fatigue, in the neck of the user because the exhaust fan is spaced away from the neck of the user.
  • the conventional air filtration system and helmet assembly disclosed in United States Patent No. 5,711,033 to Green et al. is also deficient.
  • This patent discloses an air filtration system and helmet assembly that draws air into the helmet assembly through an intake fan and scroll housing disposed at a rear section of the helmet assembly.
  • the air filtration and helmet assembly of this patent is deficient because the intake fan and scroll housing are spaced away from the neck of the user.
  • the scroll housing in this patent includes only one air outlet to distribute air about the head of the user resulting in less balanced air flow throughout the helmet assembly. Additional drawbacks of such an air filtration system and helmet assembly including only one air outlet from the scroll housing are excessive fog build-up and poorer heat dissipation in the helmet assembly.
  • the conventional air filtration systems and helmet assemblies merely utilize hook-and-loop fasteners randomly places around the helmet assembly to connect the face shield to the helmet assembly in any orientation. Furthermore, randomly-placed hook-and-loop fasteners do not automatically center the face shield and do not support the entire weight of the gown and the face shield as the surgeon self-gowns. Instead, as the user self-gowns, he or she must repeatedly adjust the face shield in order to center the face shield. This is time consuming and burdensome.
  • the amount of air flowing into the helmet assembly is critical for anti-fogging and heat control purposes.
  • the air filtration systems and helmet assemblies of the prior art do not assist the surgeon in recognizing the amount, or volume, of air flowing into the helmet assembly. That is, these air filtration systems and helmet assemblies do not provide audible indication to the surgeon of the volume of air flowing into the helmet assembly during any particular surgical procedure.
  • the prior art air filtration systems and helmet assemblies do not incorporate a strap flexibly connected to the front section of the helmet assembly such that the strap is pulled from the front section of the helmet assembly and the weight of any fans is maintained over the user's neck when the helmet assembly is adjusted to fit various sized heads.
  • an air filtration system and helmet assembly that includes a positioning and supporting system to assist the user in self-gowning.
  • US 4,901,716 describes a portable and mobile clean room helmet system including a helmet having a removable face shield connected to a battery-powered filtering system for pulling air from within the helmet and exhausting filtered air to the outside environment.
  • the helmet includes an upper horizontal section and a lower horizontal section.
  • a hook and pile engaging and holding means is located on the external portion of said upper horizontal section and on the external portion of said lower horizontal section.
  • the face shield has an upper peripheral portion conformable generally to the upper horizontal section on said helmet and a lower peripheral portion conformable generally to the lower horizontal section on said helmet and adapted to protect the face of the user.
  • a hook and pile engaging and holding means is located on the internal upper peripheral portion of said face shield and on the internal lower peripheral portion of said face shield for engaging in a mating and holding relationship with said hook and pile engaging and holding means located on said upper and lower horizontal sections of said helmet respectively.
  • a positioning and supporting system for assisting a single user in self-gowning as the user maintains sterility comprises a helmet assembly adapted to be mounted on a head of the user and including an inner structural shell, an outer structural shell extending from said inner structural shell to define at least one air flow channel between said inner and outer structural shells for channelling air about the head of the user, and a fan module mounted to at least one of said inner and outer shells, said fan module adapted to distribute air into said air flow channel for distributing air about the head of the user.
  • the helmet assembly includes a base section and a facial section extending from said base section to define a facial opening.
  • the system further comprises a gown including a hood for covering said base section of said helmet assembly and a face shield mounted to said hood to cover said facial opening thereby permitting the user to view through said hood.
  • the face shield includes a mounting mechanism to support said face shield on said helmet assembly and the base section of the helmet assembly includes a mounting device interlocking with said mounting mechanism on the face shield to automatically center the face shield over the facial opening and to support the hood and the face shield, thereby assisting the single user in self-gowning while maintaining a relative position between the face shield and the helmet assembly as the user maintains sterility.
  • the mounting mechanism is centered on the face shield.
  • the mounting device may be centered relative to said facial opening.
  • the mounting mechanism of the face shield is further defined as an aperture
  • the mounting device of the helmet assembly may be further defined as a mounting clip that interlocks with the aperture to automatically center the face shield over the facial opening and to support the hood.
  • the mounting clip may extend upwardly from said base section away from the facial opening to support the face shield.
  • Said mounting clip may include a distal edge extending outwardly from the base section such that a portion of the face shield rests between the distal edge and the base section after the face shield is mounted to the mounting clip to support the hood.
  • the facial section of the helmet assembly may comprise a hook-to-loop fastener to further facilitate attachment of the face shield to the facial section for covering the facial opening.
  • an air filtration system and helmet assembly are generally disclosed at 10 and 12, respectively.
  • the air filtration system 10 filters air between a head 14 and body 16 of a user and an environment external to the user and includes the helmet assembly 12 mounted to the head 14 of a user.
  • the helmet assembly 12 distributes air about the head 14 of the user as will be described below. More specifically, the helmet assembly 12 distributes air toward both a front of the head 14, i.e., the face, of the user, and a back of the head 14, i.e., the neck, of the user.
  • the helmet assembly 12 includes an inner structural shell 18 and an outer structural shell 20.
  • the inner shell 18 includes a cover surface 22 and a rear facing 24 which extend to the outer shell 20.
  • the cover surface 22 and rear facing 24 will be discussed further below.
  • the outer shell 20 is spaced apart from the inner shell 18 and extends from the inner shell 18 to define at least one air flow channel 26 between the inner and outer shells 18, 20. It is to be understood that there may be more than one discrete air flow channel 26. However, the preferred embodiment includes a single unitary air flow channel 26.
  • the air flow channel 26 channels air about the head 14 of the user.
  • the inner and outer shells 18, 20 form the air flow channel 26 from a two-sheet thermoforming process which improves the structural strength of the inner and outer shells 18, 20. More specifically, each of the inner and outer shells 18, 20 include an outer periphery 28, and in the two-sheet thermoforming process, the inner and outer shells 18, 20 are pinched together at their outer peripheries 28. The air flow channel 26 is subsequently thermoformed between the pinched outer peripheries 28. As shown best in Figure 7 , dissipation cavities 30 are disposed at opposite lateral sides of the inner and outer shells 18, 20 to provide for increased air release from the air flow channel 26 and from the user out through the helmet assembly 12.
  • the helmet assembly 12 further includes a base section 32 having a front section 34 and a rear section 36.
  • the inner and outer shells 18, 20 extend between the front and rear sections 34, 36 to define the air flow channel 26.
  • the cover surface 22 and the rear facing 24 of the inner shell 18 extend to the outer shell 20 at the rear section 36 of the base section 32.
  • a mounting cavity 38 is formed between the cover surface 22 of the inner shell 18 and the outer shell 20.
  • the mounting cavity 38 will be discussed further below.
  • the inner and outer shells 18, 20 form the base section 32. It is understood that the base section 32 is the portion of the helmet assembly 12 that is mounted over the head 14 of the user. As such, it is also understood that the front section 34 of the base section 32 is at the face of the user as the user wears the helmet assembly 12, and the rear section 36 of the base section 32 is at the neck of the user as the user wears the helmet assembly 12.
  • the helmet assembly 12 also includes a facial section 40 extending from the base section 32 to define a facial opening 42.
  • the facial section 40 of the helmet assembly 12 is a chin bar 44.
  • the chin bar 44 is flexible and is formed of plastic.
  • the chin bar may also be formed of a polypropylene component. The flexibility of the chin bar 44 protects the user's face and also absorbs impact when the user contacts an external object with the helmet assembly 12.
  • the air filtration system 10 and helmet assembly 12 further include a fan module 46 mounted to at least one of the inner and outer shells 18, 20 and a scroll housing 48 mounted in the helmet assembly 12 adjacent the fan module 46. More specifically, both the fan module 46 and the scroll housing 48 are disposed within the mounting cavity 38 at the rear section 36 of the helmet assembly 12. Disposing the fan module 46 and the scroll housing 48 in the mounting cavity 38 is space-saving, reduces the overall weight of the helmet assembly 12 because additional mounting connections are not required, and minimizes strain and fatigue on the head 14 and the neck of the user.
  • the fan module 46 includes a fan 50 and a motor 52 and is disposed at the rear section 36 of the base section 32.
  • the fan 50 includes a plurality of curved blades 54 and a hub portion 56.
  • the curved blades 54 of the fan 50 encourage air into the scroll housing 48.
  • the motor 52 includes an output 58, or drive shaft, that is operatively connected to the fan 50 to drive the fan 50 at a plurality of rotational speeds correlating to an amount, or a volume, of air flowing into the air flow channel26.
  • the rotational speeds of the fan 50 can be measured in revolutions per minute (RPMs).
  • the scroll housing 48 includes a base portion 60 and an outer wall 62 circumferentially extending around the base portion 60.
  • the scroll housing 48 further includes at least one air inlet 64 and at least one air outlet 66.
  • the scroll housing includes a plurality of air outlets 66. That is, in this embodiment the scroll housing includes at least two air outlets 66.
  • Other specific embodiments may also only include the fan module 46 without the scroll housing 48.
  • the at least one air inlet and the at least one air outlet can be described as components of the fan module 46.
  • the motor 52 rotates the fan 50 to draw air into the air inlet 64 of the scroll housing 48 and distributes air out of the scroll housing 48 through the air outlet 66 or outlets 66 and into the air flow channel 26 where the air is distributed about the head 14 of the user.
  • the scroll housing 48 also includes at least one air flow cutoff 68 which cuts the air as the fan 50 moves the air within the scroll housing 48. More specifically, as shown in the Figures, the embodiment incorporates several air flow cutoffs 68 in the scroll housing 48 to cut the air.
  • a power supply 70 is incorporated to power the motor 52 to rotate the fan 50 via the motor output 58.
  • the power supply 70 is a rechargeable DC battery.
  • the power supply 70 is disposed within, i.e., integrated into, the helmet assembly 12.
  • the power supply 70 is referred to as an integral power supply 71 as shown in Figure 3 .
  • the power supply 70 can be mounted to the body 16 of the user as shown in Figure 8 .
  • the power supply 70 powers the motor 52 through pulse width modulation (PWM) which will be discussed further below.
  • PWM pulse width modulation
  • the design of the scroll housing 48 provides more efficient movement of air with less power being required from the power supply 70 overall. Furthermore, in addition to such reduced power requirements, the scroll housing 48 provides that sufficient air flow can be maintained with overall less air velocity. This results in a more quiet helmet assembly 12.
  • the fan 50 of the fan module 46 is rotatably mounted to the base portion 60 of the scroll housing 48 within the outer wall 62 of the scroll housing 48 to draw air into the air inlet 64.
  • the air inlet 64 of the scroll housing 48 is integrally formed within the outer shell 20 of the helmet assembly 12 for drawing air into the scroll housing 48.
  • the air inlet 64 is not required to be integrally formed within the outer shell 20 of the helmet assembly 12. That is, an external structure, not shown in the Figures, can be mounted external to the helmet assembly 12 to establish the air inlet 64 of the scroll housing 48 for drawing air into the scroll housing 48.
  • the scroll housing 48 further includes a support pedestal 72 protruding from the base portion 60.
  • the support pedestal 72 is integrally formed as a part of the scroll housing 48 to protrude from the base portion 60.
  • the support pedestal 72 can be a separate part. That is, the support pedestal 72 can be a separate part that is mounted or connected to the base portion 60 of the scroll housing 48 via connecting screws, snap fit, and the like.
  • the hub portion 56 of the fan 50 is rotatably mounted in the scroll housing 48 on the support pedestal 72 by screws or other fasteners.
  • the motor 52 of the fan module 46 is mounted within an underside 74 of the support pedestal 72 between the support pedestal 72 and the cover surface 22 of the inner shell 18 for space-saving purposes in the helmet assembly 12.
  • the underside 74 of the support pedestal 72 is essentially hollow.
  • the cover surface 22 of the inner shell 18 operates as a motor cover to close the fan module 46 at the inner shell 18.
  • the outer wall 62 of the scroll housing 48 is partitioned to define the air outlets 66.
  • This particular embodiment has the at least two air outlets 66.
  • another embodiment may include, for example, three or four air outlets 66.
  • the air outlets 66 provide a complete balance of air as the air is distributed from the scroll housing 48 about the head 14 of the user.
  • the helmet assembly 12 includes at least two helmet air exits 76, 78.
  • the air outlets 66 are in fluid communication with the at least two helmet air exits 76, 78 to distribute the air from the outlets 66, which is in the air flow channel, toward the head of the user.
  • the scroll housing 48 may only have at least one air outlet 66.
  • the first 76 and second 78 air exits are respectively front and rear air exits in that they are disposed at the front and rear sections 34, 36 of the helmet assembly 12, respectively, to effectively distribute air toward both the face and neck of the user.
  • the first and second air exits 76, 78 can be customized to distribute air toward any portion of the user's head.
  • the first and second air exits 76, 78 can be side air exits such that air is distributed toward the side of the user's head.
  • the front air exit 76 is disposed at the front section 34 of the base section 32 for distributing air from the air flow channel 26 toward the front of the head 14 of the user
  • the rear air exit 78 is disposed at the rear section 36 of the base section 32 for distributing air from the air flow channel 26 toward the back of the head 14 of the user.
  • the rear air exit 78 is formed within the rear facing 24 for distributing air from the air flow channel 26 toward the back of the head 14 of the user.
  • the air flow channel 26 defined between the inner and outer shells 18, 20 terminates at the front section 34 with the front air exit 76 and at the rear section 36 with the rear air exit 78. More specifically, the inner and outer shells 18, 20 converge toward the front section 34 of the base section 32 to define the front air exit 76.
  • the front air exit 76 has an air deflection angle 80.
  • the air deflection angle 80 is defined between the outer shell 20 and the inner shell 18 wherein the outer shell 20 angles toward the inner shell 18 at the front air exit 76 for proper deflection of air toward the front of the head 14 of the user.
  • the air deflection angle 80 between the outer 20 and inner 18 shell is greater than zero, preferably between 25-35 degrees.
  • the air flow channel 26 diverges outwardly upon approaching the front air exit 76. The convergence and divergence of the air flow channel 26 maintains a balanced flow of air about the user's head 14. Ultimately, this also has the effect of minimizing or even completely eliminating noise within the helmet assembly 12 due to the air flow.
  • the embodiment incorporates at least one air bleed valve 82 in the scroll housing 48 to influence the amount, or the volume, of air flowing into the air flow channel 26 from each of the air outlets 66.
  • the air bleed valve 82 influences the volume of air flowing to the rear air exit 78 thereby affecting the volume of air flowing to the rear air exit78 that is distributed primarily toward the back of the head 14 of the user.
  • the air bleed valve 82 includes a blade 84 that can be rotated to cover, i.e., close, the air outlet 66 of the scroll housing 48 nearest the rear air exit 78.
  • the air bleed valve 82 is mechanically controlled by a mechanical lever or knob 86 in order to manipulate the volume of air flowing into the air flow channel 26 from each of the air outlets 66.
  • the air bleed valve 82 may alternatively be electronically controlled to manipulate the volume of air. Also, it is to be understood that the air bleed valve 82 is not required.
  • the air filtration system 10 includes a gown 88 having a body portion 90 for covering at least a portion of the body 16 of the user and a head portion, or hood, 92 for covering the base section 32 of the helmet assembly 12, which houses the head 14 of the user. More specifically, the body portion 90 can extend downward to cover any portion of the body 16 of the user. For instance, the body portion 90 can extend downward to the shoulders of the user, or to the waist of the user, or to the ankles of the user.
  • the head portion 92 of the gown 88 operates as a filter medium 94 to filter air between the user and the external environment.
  • a skirt 93 is attached to the body portion 90 of the gown 88 exclusively at a front, not numbered, of the gown 88.
  • skirt 93 which is typically sterile in the industry, is only attached at the front, i.e., does not encircle around a back of the gown 88, cost can be saved. Also, the skirt 93 is removably attached at the front of the body portion 90 of the gown 88 such that a particular user can decide whether to use the skirt 93 or not.
  • the skirt 93 is attached to the gown 88 in any known manner in the industry including, but not limited to, adhesive tape.
  • the facial section 40 of the helmet assembly 12, introduced above, also operates to maintain the gown 88 away from the head 14 of the user.
  • the embodiment also includes a face shield 96 that permits the user to view through the head portion 92 of the gown 88 and the facial opening 42 of the helmet assembly 12.
  • the face shield 96 is mounted to the head portion 92 of the gown 88 such that the face shield 96 covers the facial section 40 and the facial opening 42 of the helmet assembly 12 once the user dresses into the air filtration system 10. More specifically, the face shield 96 is sewn into the head portion 92 of the gown 88 to maintain a complete barrier between the user and the external environment.
  • the facial opening 42 of the helmet assembly 12 essentially receives the face shield 96.
  • the facial section 40 of the helmet assembly 12 includes a hook-and-loop fastener 98 to further facilitate attachment of the face shield 96 to the facial section 40 for covering the facial opening 42.
  • the helmet assembly 12 further includes an intake grid 100 mounted to the outer shell 20.
  • the intake grid 100 includes a top surface 102 spaced from the outer shell 20 of the helmet assembly 12 to retain the filter medium 94 away from the outer shell 20 and the fan 50. Furthermore, the intake grid 100 is contoured to the outer shell 20 between the front section 34 and the rear section 36 of the base section 32. This improves the effective seal between the gown 88 and the helmet assembly 12, and maximizes an effective intake area 104 for the filter medium 94 to filter air drawn into the scroll housing 48 by the fan 50.
  • the subject invention includes a positioning and supporting system 106 for assisting a single user in self-gowning as the user maintains sterility.
  • users dress into the air filtration system 10 and helmet assembly 12 first by mounting the helmet assembly 12 on their head 14.
  • the gown 88 which includes an interior and an exterior, is classified as not sterile on the interior, and sterile on the exterior.
  • the user places their arms partially into sleeves of the gown 88 and then, with their arms partially in the sleeves, uses the sleeves of the gown 88 to grasp the head portion 92, including the face shield 96, and bring the head portion 92 over the helmet assembly 12 and the head 14 of the user.
  • the user attempts to center the face shield 96 relative to the facial section 40 and facial opening 42 of the helmet assembly 12.
  • the user must repeatedly adjust the face shield 96 in order to center the face shield 96. It is understood that this is burdensome because the user has their hands partially in the sleeves of the gown 88.
  • sterility of the user is sometimes compromised. Once centered, the user extends their arms entirely through the sleeves of the gown 88, and an assistant, such as a nurse, places sterile gloves on hands of the user.
  • the subject invention to assist the user in gowning without a need for outside assistance while maintaining sterility, utilizes a mounting mechanism 108.
  • the mounting mechanism 108 is preferably centered on the face shield 96.
  • the mounting mechanism 108 supports the face shield 96 on the helmet assembly 12.
  • the mounting mechanism 108 is an aperture 110 formed within the face shield 96. The function of the mounting mechanism 108, the aperture 110, will be described further below.
  • the subject invention also utilizes a mounting device 112 included on the base section 32 of the helmet assembly 12. More specifically, the mounting device 112 is positioned on the helmet assembly 12 relative to the facial opening 42. Although not required, which will be discussed below, the mounting device 112 is preferably centered on the helmet assembly 12 relative to the facial opening 42. Preferably, the mounting device 112 is a single mounting clip 114 connected to the helmet assembly 12 and that is positioned, preferably centered, relative to the facial opening 42. Of course, it is to be understood that the mounting device 112 can alternatively include more than one mounting clip 114. For example, the mounting device 112 can be defined to include two, three, four, etc. mounting clips 114.
  • the helmet assembly 12 will include a corresponding number of mounting mechanisms 108, preferably apertures 110.
  • the mounting device 112 is defined to include two mounting clips 114, then the mounting device 112, including the two mounting clips 114, is still considered centered relative to the facial opening 42 even though one of the two mounting clips 114 is disposed on the right-center, and the other of the two mounting clips 114 is disposed on the left-center.
  • the mounting mechanism 108 and the mounting device 112 it is not necessary that the mounting mechanism 108 and the mounting device 112 be centered. Instead, all that is required is that the mounting mechanism 108 and the mounting device 112 'function' to automatically center the face shield 96 over the facial opening 42 as the user is self-gowning.
  • both the mounting mechanism 108 and the mounting device 112 can be 'off-center' and so long as the two 108, 112 align with one another during self-gowning, then the face shield 96 and the attached gown 88 will be automatically centered over the facial opening 42 of the helmet assembly 12.
  • the mounting clip 114 extends upwardly from the base section 32 away from the facial opening 42 of the helmet assembly 12 to support the face shield 96.
  • the mounting clip 114 includes a distal edge 116 extending outwardly from the base section 32 such that a portion 118 of the face shield 96 rests between the distal edge 116 and the base section 32 after the face shield 96 is mounted to the mounting clip 114 to support the gown 88.
  • the mounting clip supports an entire weight of the gown 88.
  • the mounting clip 114 interlocks with the aperture 110 that is, in the preferred embodiment, centered on the face shield 96 to automatically center the face shield 96 over the facial opening 42. More specifically, the mounting clip 114 protrudes through the aperture 110. As discussed above, the mounting clip 114 preferably also supports an entire weight of the gown 88 and the face shield 96 to assist the single user is self-gowning while maintaining a relative position between the gown 88 and face shield 96 and the helmet assembly 12. Therefore, after the user places his or her arms partially into the sleeves of the gown 88, the user can self-gown by simply hanging the face shield 96, including the aperture 110, and the head 14 portion on the mounting clip 114.
  • the face shield 96 is automatically centered relative to the facial section 40 and the facial opening 42 of the helmet assembly 12, and there is no need for the user to repeatedly adjust the face shield 96. Instead, the user simply brings or 'rolls' the head portion 92 of the gown 88 over the helmet assembly 12 while maintaining sterility all the while. The gown 88 then drapes completely over the helmet assembly 12 and the user's body 16. This is a simple process for the user because the mounting clip 114 is also supporting the weight of the face shield 96 and head portion 92 of the gown 88.
  • the user is not required to support the face shield 96 and the head portion 92 of the gown 88 as they bring the head portion 92 over the helmet assembly 12.
  • the positioning and supporting system 106 allows the user, such as a surgeon, to dress into the helmet assembly 12 and surgical gown 88 without the need for an assistant.
  • the method includes the step of selectively activating and deactivating the power supply 90 at an activation rate, i.e., a first activation rate. This step distributes a required voltage to the motor 52 thereby establishing a rotational speed (RPMs) for the fan 50 that correlates to the constant volume of air flowing into the air filtration system 10.
  • an activation rate i.e., a first activation rate.
  • This step distributes a required voltage to the motor 52 thereby establishing a rotational speed (RPMs) for the fan 50 that correlates to the constant volume of air flowing into the air filtration system 10.
  • RPMs rotational speed
  • the back electromotive force (back EMF) of the motor 52 is monitored by the controller 118 to determine the rotational speed of the fan 50 as well as when the RPMs of the fan 50 have stabilized, i.e., maintained constant RPMs for a predetermined period of time (e. g. 10 seconds). After the rotational speed of the fan 50 has stabilized for the predetermined period of time, and optionally once the user has not manipulated motor controls for the predetermined period of time, whatever this period of time is, the controller 118 then monitors the voltage of the power supply 70.
  • a predetermined period of time e.g. 10 seconds
  • the power supply 70 is selectively activated and deactivated at a second activation rate, which is higher than the first activation rate, to sustain the required voltage being distributed to the motor 52.
  • the constant RPMs for the motor 52 and the constant volume of air flowing into air filtration system 10 are maintained.
  • the selective activation and deactivation of the power supply 70 is known in the art as pulse width modulation or PWM and a specific example this method is set forth in greater detail below.
  • audible indication of a minimum and a maximum volume of air is provided to the user such that the user recognizes when the minimum and maximum volumes have been achieved.
  • the ultimate object is to obtain constant air flow throughout the air filtration system 10 and helmet assembly 12.
  • a controller 118 that selectively activates and deactivates the power supply 70 at the activation rate is incorporated. This activation rate has a frequency that is audible to the user for providing audible indication of the minimum and the maximum volume of air to the user.
  • the user is provided with an audible 'ping' upon reaching the minimum and maximum volumes of air flowing into the helmet assembly 12
  • the frequency at which the controller 118 selectively activates and deactivates the power supply 70 when the minimum and maximum volumes of air are flowing into the air filtration system 10 and helmet assembly 12 is preferably 1kHz. However, it is to be understood that the frequency may otherwise be within the acceptable range of unaided human hearing (30 Hz-20 kHz) so long as it provides the audible indication.
  • the frequency of the activation rate causes various components of the motor 52 of the fan module 46 to vibrate at the frequency thereby generating the audible indication.
  • the air filtration system 10 and helmet assembly 12 include first 120 and second 122 motor controls that extend from the outer wall 62 of the scroll housing 48, through an opening in the helmet assembly 12, and then from the outer shell 20 of the helmet assembly 12.
  • the motor controls 120, 122 are electronically connected to the controller 118.
  • the motor controls 120, 122 respond to manipulation by the user for increasing or decreasing the rotational speed of the fan 50.
  • the rotational speed of the fan 50 correlates to the volume of air flowing into the air flow channel 26. Therefore, increasing or decreasing the rotational speed of the fan 50 adjusts the volume of air flowing into the air flow channel 26.
  • the first motor control 120 is responsive to manipulation by the user to increase the rotational speed of the fan 50 and therefore to increase the volume of air flowing into the air flow channel 26.
  • the second motor control 122 is responsive to manipulation by the user to decrease the rotational speed of the fan 50 and therefore to decrease the volume of air flowing into the air flow channel 26.
  • an opposite set-up of the first and second motor controls 120, 122 could be established.
  • the first and second motor controls 120, 122 are preferably first and second push-buttons. As shown in Figure 10 , the first and second push-buttons extend from the outer shell 20 at a height that varies from the other of the first and second push-buttons to assist the user, without looking, in manipulating the push-buttons to increase or decrease the speed of the fan 50 and the volume of air.
  • the plurality of rotational speeds at which the air filtration system 10 and helmet assembly 12 drive the fan 50 is defined to included a first rotational speed correlating to a first volume of air, a second rotational speed correlating to a second volume of air, a third rotational speed correlating to a third volume of air, a penultimate rotational speed correlating to a penultimate volume of air, and a last rotational speed correlating to a last volume of air.
  • the plurality of rotational speeds at which the air filtration system 10 and helmet assembly 12 drives the fan 50 is further defined to include five distinct rotational speeds for driving the fan 50. It is to be understood that these may be included any number of distinct rotational speeds for driving the fan 50 .
  • each of the five rotational speeds for driving the fan 50 correlate to a particular volume of air flowing into the air flow channel26.
  • a first rotational speed correlating to a first volume of air correlating to a first volume of air
  • a second rotational speed correlating to a second volume of air correlating to a second volume of air
  • a fifth rotational speed correlating to a fifth volume of air correlating to a fifth volume of air.
  • the first volume of air is the minimum volume of air flowing into the air flow channel 26
  • the fifth volume of air is the maximum volume of air flowing into the air flow channel 26.
  • the first volume of air may be the maximum volume of air
  • the fifth volume of air may be the minimum volume of air.
  • the frequency of the activation rate is audible only in certain instances. Specifically, the frequency of the activation rate is only audible when the user manipulates the first motor control 120 to increase the rotational speed of the fan 50 from the fourth rotational speed to the fifth rotational speed of the fan 50, and when the user manipulates the second motor control 122 to decrease the rotational speed of the fan 50 from the second rotational speed to the first rotational speed of the fan 50.
  • the power supply 70 powers the motor 52 through PWM. It is understood in the art that in PWM, the controller 118 instructs a switch to selectively activate and deactivate the power supply 70 through pulse width modulation.
  • This ON (activated)/OFF (deactivated) scenario controls the RPMs of the fan 50.
  • the fan 50 rotates at 3800 RPM.
  • the controller 118 selectively activates and deactivates the power supply 70 in a 70 : 30 ratio. That is, the controller 118 turns the power supply 70 ON 70% of the time and OFF 30% of the time.
  • the fan 50 rotates at 3350 RPM.
  • the controller 118 selectively activates and deactivates the power supply 70 in a 60 : 40 ratio. That is, the controller 118 turns the power supply 70 ON 60% of the time and OFF 40% of the time.
  • the fan 50 rotates at 2900 RPM.
  • the controller 118 selectively activates and deactivates the power supply 70 in a 50 : 50 ratio. That is, the controller 118 turns the power supply 70 ON 50% of the time and OFF50% of the time.
  • the fan 50 rotates at 2450 RPM.
  • the controller 118 selectively activates and deactivates the power supply 70 in a 40 : 60 ratio. That is, the controller 118 turns the power supply 70 ON 40% of the time and OFF60% of the time.
  • the fan 50 rotates at 2000 RPM.
  • the controller 118 selectively activates and deactivates the power supply 70 in a 30 : 70 ratio. That is, the controller 118 turns the power supply 70 ON 30% of the time and OFF 70% of the time.
  • the controller 118 turns the power supply ON and OFF in the 70 : 30 ratio (the fifth and maximum volume of air) and in the 30 : 70 ratio (the first and minimum volume of air) at the audible rate of 11dSz.
  • the controller 118 turns the power supply 70 ON and OFF at an inaudible rate, for example 25kHz.
  • the controller 118 monitors the RPMs of the output 58 of the motor 52. More specifically, as set forth in the above method, the controller 118 monitors the voltage generated by the motor 52 to receive the RPM information of the output 58 of the motor 52. The controller 118 then converts the information from analog to digital simply by changing the voltage generated by the motor 52 into a digital value representative of the voltage. The controller 118 also recognizes a set point that is indicative of one of the plurality of rotational speeds of the fan 50. It is to be understood that the set point is indicative of the current rotational speed of the fan 50.
  • a memory is included into the controller 118 for retaining the set point, i.e., the last rotational speed of the fan 50, when the power supply 70 is deactivated.
  • the power supply 70 is deactivated either when the voltage in the power supply 70 drops to zero or when the power supply 70 is disconnected and replaced. In other words, if the battery drains, or is disconnected for any reason, then a new battery can be used, and once connected the controller 118 will control the power supply 70 to rotate the fan 50 at the last set point. It is understood that users may use the helmet assembly 12 over a period of time that is longer than the life of the battery, and that once the voltage of the battery drops below a useful value, the batter is replaced with a new battery.
  • the controller 118 reads the available voltage of the battery and instructs the switch to adjust, through PWM, the ON/OFF ratio to the motor 52 to maintain the predetermined air flow throughout the helmet assembly 12 that is established by the set point.
  • the air filtration system 10 and helmet assembly 12 include a front adjustable support 128 for the helmet assembly 12. Strain and torque on the head 14 and neck of the user is minimized by maintaining the weight of the fan 50 and motor 52 over the neck of the user even upon adjustment of the helmet assembly 12 to fit various sized heads.
  • the front-adjustable support 128 includes a rear support 130 that rigidly extends from the rear section 36 of the base section 32. It is to be understood that the rear support 130 can be a separate part that is connected to the helmet assembly 12 or can be an integral part of the helmet assembly 12.
  • the rear support 130 includes first and second rigid connectors 132 that connect the rear support 130 to the rear section 36. In the preferred embodiment, the rear support 130 is connected to and extends from the rear section 36 of the inner shell 18 and will described below in terms of the inner shell 18.
  • rear support 130 can connect to and extend from the rear section 36 of the outer shell 20.
  • an adjustment segment 134 having first 136 and second 138 sides is disclosed.
  • the rear support 130 preferably includes the adjustment segment 134. That is, preferably the adjustment segment 134 is integral to, or the same part as, the rear support 130. However, the adjustment segment 134 can alternatively be a discrete component that is simply mounted to the rear support 130. In either situation, the adjustment segment 134 defines an adjustment aperture 140.
  • the embodiment also includes a strap 142 flexibly connected to and extending from the front section 34 of the inner shell 18.
  • the strap 142 includes a first end 144 disposed within the first side 136 of the adjustment segment 134, and a second end 146 disposed within the second side 138 of the adjustment segment 134. More specifically, the adjustment aperture 140 defined by the adjustment segment 134 receives the first and second ends 144, 146 of the strap 142.
  • the first end 144 is movably disposed within the first side 136 of the adjustment segment 134, and preferably the second end 146 is movably disposed within the second side 138 of the adjustment segment 134.
  • first end 144 may be movably disposed within the first side 136 of the adjustment segment 134 and the second end 146 may be fixedly disposed within the second side 138 of the adjustment segment 134.
  • first end 144 may be fixedly disposed within the first side 136 of the adjustment segment 134 and the second end 146 may be movably disposed within the second side 138 of the adjustment segment 134.
  • the strap 142 further includes a frontal portion 148 disposed between its first and second ends 144, 146 and opposite the adjustment segment 134 of the rear support 130.
  • At least one hinge 150 extends from the frontal portion 148 of the strap 142 to flexibly connect the strap 142 to the front section 34 of the inner shell 18.
  • the two hinges 150 are connected to the front section 34 of the inner shell 18 and to the frontal portion 148 of the strap 142 equidistant from one another.
  • a gap 152 exists between the frontal portion 148 of the strap 142 and the front section 34 of the inner shell 18.
  • An adjustment device 154 is mounted to the adjustment segment 134 of the rear support 130.
  • the adjustment device 154 is manipulated to pull the strap 142 from the front section 34 of the inner shell 18 to maintain the weight of the fan 50 and motor 52 over the user's neck. This will described below.
  • the adjustment device 154 is further defined as an adjustment knob 156.
  • the adjustment knob 156 is rotatably mounted from and extends into the adjustment aperture 140 of the rear support 130 to engage the first and second ends 144, 146 of the strap 142.
  • the adjustment knob 156 includes a pinion 158 extending into the adjustment aperture 140.
  • first end 144 of the strap 142 includes a first rack 160 and the second end 146 of the strap 142 includes a second rack 162.
  • the pinion 158 of the adjustment knob 156 extends into the adjustment aperture 140 to engage and move the first and second racks 160, 162 upon rotation of the adjustment knob 156.
  • the adjustment device 154 engages the first and second ends 144, 146 of the strap 142 to manipulate the first and second ends 144, 146 toward each other. This tightens the strap 142 and pulls the strap 142 from the front section 34 as the rear support 130 remains fixed relative to both the rear section 36 and the strap 142.
  • the adjustment device 154 also engages the first and second ends 144, 146 of the strap 142 to manipulate the first and second ends 144, 146 away from each other. This loosens the strap 142 and pushes the strap 142 toward the front section 34 as the rear support 130 remains fixed relative to both the rear section 36 and the strap 142.
  • the adjustment device 154 function to manipulate the first and second ends 144, 146 toward each other to tighten the strap 142 or away from each other to loosen the strap 142.
  • both the first and second ends 144, 146 can move toward each other.
  • the embodiment may be single-end adjustable.
  • first and second ends can be manipulated toward each other even if the first end 144 is fixed and the second end 146 is the only end of the strap 142 that is manipulated, i.e., moved, by the adjustment device 154, or even if the second end 146 is fixed and the first end 144 is the only end of the strap 142 that is manipulated, i.e., moved, by the adjustment device 154.
  • the hinges 150 In operation, as the strap 142 is tightened by the adjustment device 154, the hinges 150 flex to increase the gap 152 between the frontal portion 148 of the strap 142 and the front section 34 of the inner shell 18. Because the strap 142 only moves relative to the front section 34 of the inner shell 18, the weight of the fan module 46 and scroll housing 48 is maintained over the neck of the user when the helmet assembly 12 is adjusted to fit a smaller sized head 14. Alternatively, if the strap 142 is loosened, the hinges 150 relax to decrease the gap 152. As such, the weight of the fan module 46 and scroll housing 48 is maintained over the neck of the user when the helmet assembly 12 is adjusted to fit a larger sized head 14. In a sense, the helmet assembly 12 remains stationary relative to the user's head 14 and neck upon adjustment, only the strap 142 moves within the helmet assembly 12.
  • the adjustment knob 156 additionally includes an inner surface 164 facing the rear support 130 of the helmet assembly 12.
  • the inner surface 164 includes a plurality of teeth 166.
  • the teeth 166 form a ring around the inner surface 164.
  • a flexible support bar 168 is molded into and extends from the rear support 130.
  • the flexible support bar 168 includes at least one locking detent 170 mating with the teeth 166 of the adjustment knob 156 to lock the strap 142 relative to the rear support 130.
  • more than one detent 170 can be utilized.
  • the preferred embodiment includes two flexible support bars 168 to lock the strap 142 relative to the rear support 130.
  • the flexible support bars 168 flex to disengage the detent 170 from the teeth 166 of the adjustment knob 156 upon manipulation of the adjustment knob 156 such that the strap 142 is allowed to move relative to the rear support 130.
  • the flexible support bars 168 act like a spring and rebound to force the detent 170 back into engagement with the teeth 166.
  • a helmet assembly of an air filtration system for mounting to a head of a user to distribute air about the head of the user comprising: an inner structural shell; an outer structural shell extending from said inner structural shell to define at least one air flow channel between said inner and outer shells for channeling air about the head of the user ; a fan module mounted to at least one of said inner and outer shells ; and a scroll housing mounted adjacent said fan module and including at least one air inlet and at least two air outlets, said fan module drawing air into said air inlet of said scroll housing and distributing air out of said scroll housing through said air outlets and into said air flow channel for distributing air about the head of the user.
  • said scroll housing further may include a base portion and an outer wall circumferentially extending around said base portion.
  • said outer wall of said scroll housing may be partitioned to define said at least two air outlets.
  • a further embodiment of said assembly may include a base section having a front section and a rear section, and a facial section extending from said base section to define a facial opening.
  • an assembly is disclosed wherein said inner and outer shells extend between said front and rear sections of said base section to define said air flow channel.
  • said assembly may include a front air exit disposed at said front section of said base section for distributing air from said air flow channel toward a front of the head of the user, and a rear air exit disposed at said rear section of said base section for distributing air from said air flow channel toward a back of the head of the user.
  • said at least two air outlets of said scroll housing are in fluid communication with said front and rear air exits to distribute air toward the front and back of the head of the user, respectively.
  • said inner and outer shells converge toward said front section of said base section to define said front air exit.
  • the assembly may further include an air deflection angle defined by said outer shell angling toward said inner shell at said front air exit for proper deflection of air toward the front of the head of the user.
  • the air deflection assembly may be greater than zero, for example the air deflection angle may be between 25 and 35 degrees.
  • the assembly may include an intake grid mounted to said outer shell, said intake grid adapted for use with a gown that covers said base section and operates as a filter medium to filter air drawn into said scroll housing.
  • said intake grid may further include a top surface spaced from said outer shell for retaining the filter medium away from said outer shell and said fan module.
  • said intake grid may be contoured to said outer shell between said front section and said rear section of said base section to maximize an effective intake area for the filter medium to filter air drawn into said scroll housing.
  • said assembly may include dissipation cavities disposed at opposite lateral sides of said inner and outer shells, said cavities providing for increased air release from said air flow channel and from the user out through the filter medium.
  • said inner shell may further include a cover surface and a rear facing, said cover surface and said rear facing extending to said outer shell at said rear section of said base section.
  • said rear air exit may be formed within said rear facing for distributing air from said air flow channel toward the back of the head of the user.
  • said assembly may further a mounting cavity between said cover surface and said outer shell at said rear section of said base section.
  • said fan module and said scroll housing are integrally disposed within said mounting cavity at said rear section to minimize strain on the head the neck of the user.
  • said fan module may include a fan for drawing air into said air inlet, and a motor for rotating said fan.
  • Exemplary embodiments may further include a power supply powering said motor to rotate said fan.
  • said power supply powers said motor through pulse width modulation.
  • the fan may be rotatably mounted to said base portion of said scroll housing within said outer wall for said fan to draw air into said air inlet of said scroll housing.
  • said air inlet of said scroll housing may be integrally formed within said outer shell for drawing air into said scroll housing.
  • the assembly may in some embodiments include a support pedestal protruding from said base portion, said fan rotatably mounted in said scroll housing on said support pedestal to draw air into said air inlet of said scroll housing.
  • the motor may be mounted within an underside of said support pedestal between said support pedestal and said cover portion of said inner shell.
  • the facial section extending from said base section may further be defined as a chin bar extending from said base section to define said facial opening and to maintain the gown away from the head of the user.
  • said chin bar may be flexible.
  • the flexible chin bar may for example be formed of plastic.
  • the assembly may further include at least one air bleed valve disposed in said scroll housing to influence a volume of air flowing into said air flow channel from each of said at least two air outlets.
  • said air bleed valve may be disposed in said scroll housing to influence the volume of air flowing to said rear air exit to distribute air toward the back of the head of the user.
  • the air bleed valve may e.g. be mechanically or electronically controlled to manipulate the volume of air.
  • said inner and outer structural shells may form said air flow channel from a two-sheet thermoforming process.
  • each of said inner and outer structural shells may include an outer periphery, said inner and outer shells being pinched together at said outer peripheries.
  • said air flow channel may be thermoformed between said pinched outer peripheries of said inner and outer shells.
  • an air filtration system for filtering air between a head and body of a user and an environment external to the user
  • said air filtration system may comprise: a helmet assembly adapted to be mounted on the head of the user and including a base section and a facial-section, said base section of said helmet assembly further including an inner structural shell and an outer structural shell extending from said inner structural shell to define at least one air flow channel between said inner and outer shells for channeling the air about the head of the user; a gown including a body portion for covering at least a portion of the body of the user and a head portion for covering said base section of said helmet assembly, said head portion of said gown operating as a filter medium to filter air between the user and the external environment; a face shield mounted to said head portion of said gown to cover said facial section of said helmet assembly thereby permitting the user to view through said head portion of said gown; a fan module mounted to at least one of said inner and outer shells of said helmet assembly; and a scroll housing including at
  • said fan module may include a fan for drawing air into said air inlet, and a motor for rotating said fan.
  • the assembly may in some implementations include a power supply powering said motor to rotate said fan.
  • said power supply may power said motor through pulse width modulation.
  • the base section of the assembly may include a front section and a rear section, and said facial section may extend from said base section to define a facial opening.
  • said face shield may be mounted to said head portion of said gown to cover said facial opening to permit the user to view through said head portion of said gown and said facial opening of said helmet assembly.
  • the assembly may in some embodiments further include a mounting cavity between said inner shell and said outer shell at said rear section of said base section.
  • said fan module and said scroll housing are disposed within said mounting cavity at said rear section to minimize strain on the head and neck of the user.
  • an intake grid mounted to said outer shell may be included such that said gown covers said intake grid to operate as said filter medium for filtering air drawn into said scroll housing.
  • said intake grid may further include a top surface spaced from said outer shell for retaining said filter medium away from said outer shell.
  • said intake grid may be contoured to said outer shell between said front section and said rear section of said base section to maximize an effective intake area for said filter medium to filter air drawn into said scroll housing.
  • a positioning and supporting system for assisting a single user in self-gowning as the user maintains sterility
  • said positioning and supporting system comprising for example: a helmet assembly adapted to be mounted on a head of the user, said helmet assembly including a base section and a facial section extending from said base section to define a facial opening; a gown including a body portion for covering at least a portion of the body of the user and a head portion for covering said base section of said helmet assembly; a face shield mounted to said head portion of said gown to cover said facial opening thereby permitting the user to view through said head portion of said gown, said face shield including a mounting mechanism on said face shield to support said face shield on said helmet assembly; and said base section of said helmet assembly including a mounting device positioned relative to said facial opening, said mounting device interlocking with said mounting mechanism on said face shield to automatically center said face shield over said facial opening and to support said gown and said face shield thereby assisting the single user is self-gowning while maintaining a relative position between
  • said mounting mechanism may be centered on said face shield.
  • the mounting device may for example be centered relative to said facial opening.
  • the mounting mechanism of said face shield may in some exemplary embodiments be further defined as an aperture, and said mounting device of said helmet assembly may further be defined as a mounting clip that interlocks with said aperture to automatically center said face shield over said facial opening and to support said gown. Also, in some implementations said mounting mechanism of said face shield is further defined as an aperture. In these or other embodiments, the mounting device of said helmet assembly may further be defined as a mounting clip, said mounting clip sized to releasably fit to said aperture to automatically center said face shield and to support said gown.
  • the mounting clip may in some embodiments extend upwardly from said base section away from said facial opening to support said face shield, and/or the mounting clip may for example include a distal edge extending outwardly from said base section such that a portion of said face shield rests between said distal edge and said base section after said face shield is mounted to said mounting clip to support said gown.
  • a helmet assembly which is adapted to be utilized with a positioning and supporting system having a gown and a face shield wherein said helmet assembly assists a single user in self-gowning as the user maintains sterility
  • said assembly comprising: a base section; a facial section extending from said base section to define a facial opening for receiving the face shield; and said base section including a mounting device positioned relative to the facial opening, said mounting device being adapted to interlock with the face shield to automatically center the face shield over said facial opening and to support the gown and the face shield thereby assisting the single user in self-gowning while maintaining a relative position between the gown and face shield and said base section as the user maintains sterility.
  • said mounting device may be centered relative to the facial opening.
  • said mounting device of said base section may further be defined as a mounting clip that is adapted to protrude through the face shield to automatically center the face shield and to support the gown.
  • said mounting clip may extend upwardly from said base section away from said facial opening to support the face shield, and/or said mounting clip may include in exemplary embodiments a distal edge extending outwardly from said base section such that a portion of the face shield rests between said distal edge and said base section after the face shield is mounted to said mounting clip to support the gown.
  • a helmet assembly of an air filtration system for controlling a volume of air flowing into the air filtration system and for providing audible indication of a minimum and a maximum volume of air to a user, said assembly comprising: an inner structural shell; an outer structural shell extending from said inner structural shell to define at least one air flow channel between said inner and outer shells for channeling air about the head of the user; a fan in fluid communication with said air flow channel for drawing air into said air flow channel; a motor having an output operatively connected to said fan to drive said fan at a plurality of rotational speeds correlating to the volume of air flowing into said air flow channel; a power supply selectively activated and deactivated to affect said output of said motor; and a controller that selectively activates and deactivates said power supply at an activation rate having a frequency audible to the user for providing audible indication of the minimum and the maximum volume of air to the user.
  • first and second motor controls extending from said outer shell, said first motor control responsive to manipulation by the user for increasing the rotational speed of said fan, and said second motor control responsive to manipulation by the user for decreasing the rotational speed of said fan.
  • said first and second motor controls may e.g. be first and second push-buttons, respectively.
  • one of said first and second push-buttons may extend from said outer shell at a height that varies from the other of said first and second push-buttons to assist the user in manipulation.
  • said plurality of rotational speeds may be further defined as a first rotational speed correlating to a first volume of air, a second rotational speed correlating to a second volume of air, a third rotational speed correlating to a third volume of air, a penultimate rotational speed correlating to a penultimate volume of air, and a last rotational speed correlating to a last volume of air.
  • the first volume of air is the minimum volume of air flowing into said air flow channel
  • the last volume of air is the maximum volume of air flowing into said air flow channel.
  • said frequency of said activation rate may be audible when the user manipulates said first motor control to increase the rotational speed of said fan from the penultimate rotational speed to the last rotational speed of said fan, and/or may be audible when the user manipulates said second motor control to decrease the rotational speed of said fan from the second rotational speed to the first rotational speed of said fan.
  • said controller selectively activates and deactivates said power supply through pulse width modulation.
  • the assembly may further include a set point indicative of one of said plurality of rotational speeds.
  • said controller may include a memory that retains said set point when said power supply is deactivated.
  • an air filtration system for filtering a volume of air flowing into said air filtration system between a head and body of a user and an environment external to the user and for providing audible indication of a minimum a maximum volume of air to the user
  • said air filtration system comprising: a helmet assembly adapted to be mounted on the head of the user and including a base section and a facial section, said base section of said helmet assembly further including an inner structural shell and an outer structural shell extending from said inner structural shell to define at least one air flow channel between said inner and outer shells for channeling the air about the head of the user; a gown including a body portion for covering at least a portion of the body of the user and a head portion for covering said helmet assembly, said head portion of said gown operating as a filter medium to filter air between the user and the external environment; a face shield mounted to said head portion of said gown to cover said facial section of said helmet assembly thereby permitting the user to view through said head portion of said gown; a fan in fluid communication with said air flow channel for
  • the system may further include first and second motor controls extending from said outer shell, said first motor control responsive to manipulation by the user for increasing the rotational speed of said fan, and said second motor control responsive to manipulation by the user for decreasing the rotational speed of said fan.
  • said plurality of rotational speeds may further be defined as a first rotational speed correlating to a first volume of air, a second rotational speed correlating to a second volume of air, a third rotational speed correlating to a third volume of air, a penultimate rotational speed correlating to a penultimate volume of air, and a last rotational speed correlating to a last volume of air.
  • the first volume of air may be the minimum volume of air flowing into said air flow channel, and the last volume of air may be the maximum volume of air flowing into said air flow channel.
  • said frequency of said activation rate may be audible when the user manipulates said first motor control to increase the rotational speed of said fan from the penultimate rotational speed to the last rotational speed of said fan, and/or when the user manipulates said second motor control to decrease the rotational speed of said fan from the second rotational speed to the first rotational speed of said fan.
  • said controller may in certain embodiments selectively activate and deactivate said power supply through pulse width modulation.
  • a helmet assembly of an air filtration system for mounting to a head of a user comprising: a structural shell having a front section and a rear section; a rear support rigidly extending from said rear section of said structural shell, an adjustment segment having first and second sides; a strap flexibly connected to and extending from said front section of said structural shell, said strap including a first end disposed within said first side of said adjustment segment, and a second end disposed within said second side of said adjustment segment; and an adjustment device mounted to said adjustment segment and engaging said first and second ends of said strap to manipulate said first and second ends toward each other to tighten said strap and to pull said strap from said front section as said rear support remains fixed relative to said rear section and said strap, and to manipulate said first and second ends away from each other to loosen said strap and to push said strap toward said front section as said rear support remains fixed relative to said rear section and said strap.
  • said first end is movably disposed within said first side of said adjustment segment and said second end is fixedly disposed within said second side of said adjustment segment. In other exemplary embodiments, said first end is fixedly disposed within said first side of said adjustment segment and said second end is movably disposed within said second side of said adjustment segment. In further exemplary embodiments, said first end is movably disposed within said first side of said adjustment segment and said second end is movably disposed within said second side of said adjustment segment.
  • said adjustment segment may be mounted to said rear support. In these or other implementations, said rear support may for example integrally include said adjustment segment.
  • said strap further includes a frontal portion disposed between said first and second ends and opposite said adjustment segment.
  • the assembly may further include at least one hinge extending from said frontal portion of said strap to flexibly connect said strap to said front section of said structural shell.
  • a gap may be defined between said frontal portion of said strap and said front section of said structural shell. The at least one hinge may in some embodiments flex to increase said gap as said strap is tightened by said adjustment device, and there may be embodiments where additionally or alternatively said at least one hinge relaxes to decrease said gap as said strap is loosened by said adjustment device.
  • the adjustment segment of said rear support defines an adjustment aperture that receives said first and second ends of said strap.
  • said adjustment device may further be defined as an adjustment knob rotatably mounted from and extending into said adjustment aperture to engage said first and second ends of said strap.
  • the adjustment knob may include a pinion extending into said adjustment aperture.
  • said first end of said strap includes a first rack and said second end of said strap includes a second rack, said pinion of said adjustment knob extending into said adjustment aperture to engage said first and second racks upon rotation of said adjustment knob.
  • said adjustment knob further may include an inner surface facing said rear support, said inner surface including a plurality of teeth.
  • exemplary embodiments may include a flexible support bar extending from said rear support, said support bar including at least one locking detent mating with said teeth of said adjustment knob to lock said strap relative to said rear support.
  • said flexible support bar may flex to disengage said detent from said teeth of said adjustment knob upon manipulation of said adjustment knob such that said strap is allowed to move relative to said support.
  • the assembly may include a fan module and a scroll housing disposed adjacent said rear section of said structural shell.
  • an air filtration system for filtering air between a head and body of a user and an environment external to the user and for minimizing strain on the head and neck of the user
  • said air filtration system comprising: a helmet assembly adapted to be mounted on the head of the user and including a structural shell having a front section and a rear section; a gown including a body portion for covering at least a portion of the body of the user and a head portion for covering said helmet assembly, said head portion of said gown operating as a filter medium to filter air between the user and the external environment; a face shield mounted to said head portion of said gown to cover a section of said helmet assembly thereby permitting the user to view through said head portion of said gown; a rear support rigidly extending from said rear section of said structural shell, an adjustment segment with first and second sides; a strap flexibly connected to and extending from said front section of said structural shell, said strap including a first end disposed within said first side of said adjustment segment, and a second end disposed within said second side
  • said first end is movably disposed within said first side of said adjustment segment and said second end is fixedly disposed within said second side of said adjustment segment; in other embodiments, said first end is fixedly disposed within said first side of said adjustment segment and said second end is movably disposed within said second side of said adjustment segment, and in yet further embodiments, the wherein said first end is movably disposed within said first side of said adjustment segment and said second end is movably disposed within said second side of said adjustment segment.
  • said adjustment segment may for example be mounted to said rear support.
  • said rear support may integrally include said adjustment segment.
  • a helmet assembly of an air filtration system for mounting to a head of a user to distribute air about the head of the user, said assembly comprising: an inner structural shell; an outer structural shell extending from said inner structural shell to define at least one air flow channel between said inner and outer shells for channeling air about the head of the user; at least two helmet air exits for distributing air from said air flow channel toward the head of the user; and a fan module mounted to at least one of said inner and outer shells and including at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet, said fan module drawing air in through said at least one air inlet and distributing the air out through said at least one air outlet into said air flow channel and to said at least two helmet air exits.
  • an assembly may further include a base section having a front section and a rear section.
  • said at least two helmet air exits may further be defined as a first and second helmet air exits.
  • said first helmet air exit may optionally be disposed at said front section of said base section for distributing air from said air flow channel toward a front of the head of the user
  • said second helmet air exit may be disposed at said rear section of said base section for distributing air from said air flow channel toward a back of the head of the user.
  • a method for maintaining a constant volume of air flowing into an air filtration system during the entire use of the air filtration system including a helmet assembly adapted to be mounted on a head of a user and a gown for covering the helmet assembly, wherein the helmet assembly of the air filtration system includes a fan, motor, and power supply, said method comprising the steps of: selectively activating and deactivating the power supply at a first activation rate to distribute a required voltage to the motor thereby establishing a rotational speed for the fan that correlates to the constant volume of air flowing into the air filtration system; monitoring the back electromotive force of the motor of the helmet assembly to determine the rotational speed of the fan and when the rotational speed of the fan has stabilized for a predetermined period of time; monitoring the voltage of the power supply after the rotational speed of the fan has stabilized for the predetermined period of time; and selectively activating and deactivating the power supply at a second activation rate as the monitored voltage of the power supply decreases
  • an air filtration system for filtering air between a head and body of a user and an environment external to the user, said air filtration system comprising: a helmet assembly adapted to be mounted on the head of the user and including a base section and a facial section, said base section of said helmet assembly further including an inner structural shell and an outer structural shell extending from said inner structural shell to define at least one air flow channel between said inner and outer shells for channeling the air about the head of the user; a gown including a body portion for covering the body of the user and a head portion for covering said base section of said helmet assembly, said head portion of said gown operating as a filter medium to filter air between the user and the external environment; a skirt removably attached to said body portion of said gown exclusively at a front of said gown; and a fan module mounted to at least one of said inner and outer shells and including at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet, said fan module drawing air in through said at least one air inlet and distributing the air out through said at least one
  • said helmet assembly may further include an inner and an outer shell extending between front and rear sections of said base section.
  • said second visual indicator may be disposed on one of said inner and outer shell of said helmet assembly.
  • a helmet assembly which is adapted to be utilized with a visual positioning system having a gown and a face shield wherein said helmet assembly assists a single user in self-gowning as the user maintains sterility, said assembly comprising: a base section; a facial section extending from said base section to define a facial opening for receiving the face shield; and said base section including a second visual indicator positioned relative to the facial opening, said second visual indicator of said base section being adapted to align with a first visual indicator of the face shield to automatically center the face shield over said facial opening thereby assisting the single user in self-gowning while maintaining a relative position between the gown and face shield and said base section as the user maintains sterility.
  • a helmet assembly of an air filtration system for mounting to a head of a user to distribute air about the head of the user, said assembly comprising: an inner structural shell; an outer structural shell extending from said inner structural shell to define at least one air flow channel between said inner and outer shells for channeling air about the head of the user; a fan module mounted to at least one of said inner and outer shells and including at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet, said fan module drawing air in through said at least one air inlet and distributing air out through said at least one air outlet into said at least one air flow channel for distributing air about the head of the user; and an integral power supply mounted to at least one of said inner and outer shells for powering said fan module.
  • the integral power supply may be a battery.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Pulmonology (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
  • Helmets And Other Head Coverings (AREA)

Claims (7)

  1. Positionierungs- und Halterungssystem zum Assistieren eines einzelnen Verwenders beim Selbstankleiden, so dass dieser Sterilität bewahrt, wobei das Positionierungs- und Halterungssystem umfasst:
    eine Helmanordnung (12), die dazu ausgebildet ist, auf einen Kopf des Verwenders gesetzt zu werden, und die umfasst:
    eine innere Strukturschale (18),
    eine äußere Strukturschale (20), die sich von der inneren Strukturschale (18) erstreckt, um zumindest einen Luftleitungskanal zwischen der inneren und der äußeren Schale zum Leiten von Luft um den Kopf des Verwenders zu definieren, und
    ein Ventilatormodul (46), das an der inneren und/oder äußeren Schale (18, 20) angebracht ist, wobei das Ventilatormodul (46) dazu ausgebildet ist, zum Verteilen von Luft um den Kopf des Verwenders Luft in den
    Luftleitungskanal auszugeben;
    wobei die Helmanordnung (12) einen Basisabschnitt (32) und einen Gesichtsabschnitt (40) aufweist, der sich von dem Basisabschnitt (32) erstreckt, um eine Gesichtsöffnung (42) zu definieren;
    einen Kittel (88), der eine Haube (92) zum Bedecken des Basisabschnitts (32) der Helmanordnung (12) aufweist; und
    ein Gesichtsschild (96), das an der Haube (92) angebracht ist, um die Gesichtsöffnung (42) abzudecken, wodurch dem Verwender die Sicht durch die Haube (92) gestattet ist, und das eine Befestigungsvorrichtung (108) aufweist, um das Gesichtsschild (96) an der Helmanordnung (12) zu haltern;
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
    die Befestigungsvorrichtung (108) des Gesichtsschilds (96) ferner als eine Öffnung (110) definiert ist und der Basisabschnitt (32) der Helmanordnung (12) eine Befestigungseinrichtung (112) aufweist, die in die Öffnung (110) an dem Gesichtsschild (96) eingreift, um das Gesichtsschild (96) über der Gesichtsöffnung (42) automatisch zu zentrieren und die Haube (92) sowie das Gesichtsschild (96) zu haltern, wodurch dem einzelnen Verwender beim Selbstankleiden assistiert wird, während eine Relativposition zwischen dem Gesichtsschild (96) und der Helmanordnung (12) beibehalten wird und der Verwender Sterilität bewahrt.
  2. System nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Öffnung (110) an dem Gesichtsschild (96) zentriert ist.
  3. System nach Anspruch 2, wobei die Befestigungseinrichtung (112) relativ zu der Gesichtsöffnung zentriert ist.
  4. System nach einem der vorangegangenen Ansprüche 1 bis 3, wobei die Befestigungseinrichtung (112) der Helmanordnung (12) ferner als eine Befestigungsklammer (114) definiert ist, die in die Öffnung (110) eingreift, um das Gesichtsschild (96) über der Gesichtsöffnung automatisch zu zentrieren und die Haube (92) zu haltern.
  5. System nach Anspruch 4, wobei sich die Befestigungsklammer (114) von dem Basisabschnitt (32) nach oben, weg von der Gesichtsöffnung erstreckt, um das Gesichtsschild (96) zu haltern.
  6. System nach Anspruch 5, wobei die Befestigungsklammer (114) eine distale Kante aufweist, die sich von dem Basisabschnitt (32) derart nach außen erstreckt, dass ein Teil des Gesichtsschilds (96) zwischen der distalen Kante und dem Basisabschnitt (32) ruht, nachdem das Gesichtsschild (96) an der Befestigungsklammer (114) befestigt wird, um die Haube (92) zu haltern.
  7. System nach einem der vorangegangenen Ansprüche, wobei, zusätzlich zu der Befestigungseinrichtung (112) des Basisabschnitts (32) der Helmanordnung (12), der Gesichtsabschnitt (40) der Helmanordnung (12) einen Klettverschluss (98) umfasst, um die Anbringung des Gesichtsschilds (96) an dem Gesichtsabschnitt (40) zum Abdecken der Gesichtsöffnung (42) weiter zu vereinfachen.
EP08001739A 2000-01-18 2001-01-18 Kittel - Helm Verbund Expired - Lifetime EP1925222B1 (de)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP10012567.3A EP2316289B1 (de) 2000-01-18 2001-01-18 Personenschutzsystem mit einem Helm und einer Haube sowie Anordnung zur Zusammenfügung des Helms mit der Haube

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US17695800P 2000-01-18 2000-01-18
EP01908633A EP1286604B1 (de) 2000-01-18 2001-01-18 Luftfiltersystem mit einem helm mit zumindest zwei luftauslässen zum verteilen der luft um den kopf des benutzers

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP01908633A Division EP1286604B1 (de) 2000-01-18 2001-01-18 Luftfiltersystem mit einem helm mit zumindest zwei luftauslässen zum verteilen der luft um den kopf des benutzers

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP10012567.3A Division-Into EP2316289B1 (de) 2000-01-18 2001-01-18 Personenschutzsystem mit einem Helm und einer Haube sowie Anordnung zur Zusammenfügung des Helms mit der Haube

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1925222A2 EP1925222A2 (de) 2008-05-28
EP1925222A3 EP1925222A3 (de) 2009-02-18
EP1925222B1 true EP1925222B1 (de) 2012-08-22

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EP08001739A Expired - Lifetime EP1925222B1 (de) 2000-01-18 2001-01-18 Kittel - Helm Verbund

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Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11197507B2 (en) * 2016-04-18 2021-12-14 Stryker Corporation Personal protection system including a hood with a transparent face shield and control buttons on the face shield
CA3117672A1 (en) * 2018-10-24 2020-04-30 Stryker Corporation Surgical helmet assembly having an adjustment mechanism

Citations (1)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5253642A (en) * 1992-03-25 1993-10-19 Stackhouse, Inc. Surgical gown

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4901716A (en) * 1989-02-06 1990-02-20 Stackhouse Wyman H Clean room helmet system
US5054480A (en) 1990-06-14 1991-10-08 Bio Medical Devices, Inc. Personal air filtration and control system
US5592936A (en) 1995-08-28 1997-01-14 Stackhouse, Inc. Surgical helmet
US5711033A (en) 1995-10-05 1998-01-27 Bio-Medical Devices, Inc. Air filtration and control system including head gear
DE19824264C2 (de) * 1998-06-02 2001-08-30 Sata Farbspritztechnik Tragbare Atemschutzvorrichtung

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5253642A (en) * 1992-03-25 1993-10-19 Stackhouse, Inc. Surgical gown

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1925222A2 (de) 2008-05-28
EP1925222A3 (de) 2009-02-18

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