GB2596116A

GB2596116A - A clip for a face shield

Info

Publication number: GB2596116A
Application number: GB2009310.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Virdie Jagmail
Original assignee: Conker Living Ltd
Current assignee: Conker Living Ltd
Priority date: 2020-06-18
Filing date: 2020-06-18
Publication date: 2021-12-22
Also published as: GB202009310D0

Abstract

A clip for a face shield or visor comprising a mounting portion 14 to mount relative to a wearer’s head (for example onto their glasses or a pair of dummy frames) and at least one arm 15 associated with the mounting portion and mounted for movement to releasably mount an at least partially transparent (12, fig. 1) face shield. Preferably the mounting portion comprises spaced portions 22, 24 forming an opening 21 for the frames and a rest 23 to brace the frames once inserted. The mount might comprise a locking means such as an over-centre lever mechanism as shown in figures 21-22. The clip might comprise air distribution means 41 (figures 14-17). The arrangement allows disposable visors which can be stored flat to be used in conjunction with re-usable mounting means.

Description

A CLIP FOR A FACE SHIELD

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of personal protective equipment. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention concerns a clip that allows a user to form a face shield easily and simply particularly utilising a pair of eyeglasses.

Background to the Invention

United States Patent No. US5440760 not only describes a disposable face shield but also explains the salient, considerations in the Background of the Invention portion of the description, which has been included here in full as follows: Medical and dental care professionals are exposed to hazarckms infectious pathogens on a daily basis. With the spread of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and other deadly and presently incurable diseases, the protection of these professionals from nasal and oral emissions, blood, and other bodily fluids has become more vital than ever. Because the eyes, nose and mouth include regions of thin and I 5 penetrable membranes, the face is an area requiring appropriate protection from flying contaminants and particulates.

Several requirements must be met by a facial protection device of this type. It must be light weight and easily worn and removed. It must adequately shield the vital areas of the face yet not obstruct vision. It must provide ample ventilation as not to hamper breathing and to further avoid fogging and accumulation of moisture. In addition, it should be disposable for adequate and sok' disposition of contaminants. Because such Rice protection is disposable and a large number of them may be used, ease of packaging and storage is also an important criteria.

Embodiments of the invention seek to at least partially overcome or ameliorate 25 any one or more of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a clip for a face shield, the clip comprising a mounting portion to mount relative to a wearer's head and at least one arm associated with the mounting portion and mounted for movement to releasably mount an at least partially transparent face shield part relative to the mounting portion to form a face shield.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a face shield comprising an at least partially transparent face shield part, a mounting portion to mount relative to a wearer's head and at least one arm associated with the mounting portion and mounted for movement to releasably mount an at least partially transparent face shield part relative to the mounting portion to form a face shield.

Providing a clip with at least one arm associated with a mounting portion to mount the at least one arm relative to a wearer's head and for resilient movement to mount a face shield part relative to the mounting portion will allow releasable attachment of the face shield part relative to the wearer's head to form a face shield quickly and easily with or without bespoke face shield parts. The clip may allow removal and replacement of the face shield part as needed.

The at least one arm may be mounted for resilient movement to releasably mount an at least partially transparent face shield part relative to the mounting portion. Mounting of the at least partially transparent face shield part relative to the mounting portion may be achieved in any way. In one embodiment, the mounting may be achieved by damping.

An at least partially transparent face shield part is preferably releasably mounted relative to the mounting portion to form a face shield. The face shield part is preferably optically clear. The face shield part will typically be flexible. If flexible, the face shield part will be able to be rolled when not in use and carried on the user's person for mounting as required to form the face shield.

The face shield part will preferably be a sheet or similar of optically transparent.

material.

The face shield part may be shaped. For example, the face shield part may have an at least partially arcuate lower edge. The face shield part may be sized to suit children or adults. The face shield part may be available in different sizes for example, small, 30 medium or large.

The face shield part is preferably optically transparent. The face shield part may be transparent in the inside out direction (one way see through) to allow printing of images or messages on the outside of the face shield part.

The face shield part is preferably a disposable part. The face shield pail is preferably made of recyclable materials or bio-degradable materials. One or more plastic materials is preferred.

The face shield part may be any thickness, but a relatively small thickness such as 0.2mm thick for example, may provide an optimum thickness to be sufficiently rigid to provide protection but also allow the face shield part to be sufficiently flexible to roll. The face shield part of this thickness may be easy to roll up and keep in a pocket.

or flat in a folder for example.

The face shield part may be rolled up and placed inside a ring or a hill-length tube for storage in the pocket.

The face shield part may include one or more engagement portions to form a more secure attachment with the mounting portion. For example, the face shield part may include at least one indent or opening to engage with a protrusion or similar on the mounting portion to help lock the face shield part into place relative to the mounting portion. If provided, the at least one indent or opening will normally be provided in a location on the face shield part configured to engage with a part of the mounting portion.

A hook system may be provided on or in association with the face shield part to hang the face shield part in place.

The invention preferably includes a mounting portion to mount relative to a wearer's head. The mounting portion may have any configuration suitable for mounting relative to a user's head. The mounting portion may mount in any location.

The mounting portion may be a part of a clip to attach to a device or assembly that is worn by the user, such as for example, a pair of glasses, particularly the frame of a pair of glasses. The glasses need not be corrective glasses. The frame of glasses is particularly convenient to mount the clip relative thereto as a base to create the face shield as the glasses are already equipped with parts that hold them securely and/or stably relative to the head of the wearer.

Alternatively, the mounting portion may be a frame without lenses, configured to be worn by a user relative to their head and/or face. In this configuration, the frame may be a bespoke frame. The frame may include a pair of temple portions mounted relative to a central brow piece. The temples may be hinged relative to the brow piece or not. The brow piece preferably extends laterally or transversely between the temple portions. The brow piece may include or be associated with a nose piece to support the brow piece on the wearer's nose. A guide or shaping portion may be provided extending forwardly of the brow piece. The guide or shaping portion may be arcuate. The face shield part is preferably mounted relative to the frame such that an inner side of the face shield part abuts an outer part of the guide or shaping portion when properly mounted relative to the mounting portion. The guide or shaping portion may assist with shaping the preferably flexible face shield part to space the face shield part from the wearer' s face. At least one arm to releasably mount the face shield part relative to the mounting portion is preferably provided on each lateral side of the frame to mount the face shield part.

Where the mounting portion is provided as a part of a clip, the mounting portion is typically configured to efficiently and securely mount the dip relative to an article, device or assembly to be worn by the user. The mounting portion will preferably allow releasable mounting relative to article, device or assembly to be worn by the user, that is the clip should be easily removable if desired. In an embodiment, the mounting portion mounts the clip relative to a temple (also called arms or ear stems) of eyeglasses.

The mounting portion may have any suitable configuration. Typically, the mounting portion will include at least one opening provided or formed for receiving the temple portion thereinto or therethrough. The or each at least one opening will normally be formed from at least one loop portion.

The mounting portion will preferably be provided with at least one rest portion spaced from the at least one opening, to brace the mounting portion against a part of the temple.

The at least one rest portion is typically provided at a rear end of the mounting 30 portion with the at least one loop portion provided at or toward a forward end of the mounting portion although this configuration can be reversed.

The preferred at least one opening and the preferred at least one rest portion will typically both be provided relative to a body. The body may be elongate. The body can be planar or arcuate, typically to suit to the shape of the temple. The body may be formed from more than one body portion. The body may have any shape but an embodiment is generally rectangular when viewed from the side. The body is typically unitary with the at least one opening and the preferred at least one rest portion. A suitable forming method such as molding will used to form the body.

The body of the mounting portion may include a pair of spaced apart portions with an opening between the portions. The spaced apart portions (and the opening) will typically be elongate. The spaced apart portions (and the opening) will typically extend longitudinally. from a forward part of the mounting portion to a rearward part.

A guide portion may extend from a forward end of the mounting portion. The guide portion may have any shape. An outer end of the guide portion may be shaped for example arcuate. The guide portion may have any length. The face shield part is preferably mounted relative to the frame such that an inner side of the face shield part abuts an outer part of the guide portion when properly mounted relative to the mounting portion. The guide portion may assist with shaping the preferably flexible face shield part to space the face shield part from the wearer's face.

The body may be flexible to suit temples of a variety of shapes. The body may 20 be resilient. The body may be provided with and/or manufactured from a high friction portion to increase the security of the mounting of the mounting portion relative to the temple.

The at least one rest portion is preferably provided on an inner side of the body. The inner side (or head side) is the opposite side of the body to the outside where the at least one arm is preferably located. As mentioned above, in a preferred embodiment, the at least one rest is provided at or toward the rear end of the body, although this need not be the case.

The at least one rest portion is preferably shaped. The at least one rest portion may be part cylindrical or arcuate or convex. Preferably the at least one rest portion extends transversely to the length of the body (and the temple). The at least one rest portion may be arcuate front to back and/or top to bottom. If arcuate in shape from top to bottom, the arcuate shape may be concave. The provision of a concavity in the at least one rest portion may assist with centralising the body relative to the temple.

The at least one rest portion is preferably resilient. Typically, at least some deformation of the at least one rest portion is required to install the mounting portion on the temple.

More than one rest portion may be provided. If more than a single rest portion is provided, the rest portions are typically spaced over the length of the body portion.

The at least one loop portion may be a closed loop portion. The at least one loop portion may be integrally formed with the body to define an opening with a closed periphery. In this configuration, the temple will typically be slid through the opening during mounting.

The at least one loop portion may be a multipart loop portion, formed from more than one loop parts that are attachable together to form a loop portion with a closed periphery. The loop parts are preferably releasably attachable relative to one another.

A detent or engagement shoulder configuration is preferably provided on the loop parts to allow attachment. Multiple detents or engagement shoulders may he provided on each of the loop parts. The detent(s) or engagement shoulder(s) on the loop parts will preferably correspond with one another. The use of multiple detents or engagement shoulders will typically allow the at least one loop portion to attach to temples of different shapes and/or sizes.

More than one loop opening may be provided spaced along the length of the body. A single loop opening provided at or toward a forward end of the mounting portion is preferred.

The at least one loop portion may be shaped. The opening formed by the at least one loop portion may be shaped. One or more surfaces of the at least one loop portion may be shaped. For example, the opening formed by the at least one loop portion may have an arcuate periphery. The opening formed by the at least one loop portion may be generally rectangular as this is the most common cross-sectional shape temple. The rectangular shape will preferably minimise the chance of rotation of the mounting portion relative to the temple.

The opening formed by the at least one loop portion may he or have V-shaped or U-shaped upper and/or lower portions. The provision of such shaped portions at an upper and/or lower part of the opening may assist with centralising the temple within the opening.

The at least one loop portion is preferably a flexible portion. The at least one loop portion is preferably resilient. Typically, at least some deformation of the at least one loop portion is required to install the temple within the at least one loop portion.

The at least one loop portion may be provided with and/or manufactured from a high friction portion to increase the security of the mounting of the mounting portion relative to the temple.

The at least one loop portion will preferably fit the temple with a friction fit. The at least one loop portion may fit the temple with an interference fit.

A part of the at least one loop portion is typically spaced from the plane of the body to form the opening. An upper and a lower loop part may be provided.

An inner surface of the at least one loop portion is preferably offset from an outer plane or portion of the at least one rest portion.

A locking or securing assembly or mechanism may he associated with the at 20 least one loop portion and/or the mounting portion to more securely mount the mounting portion to the temple.

One such locking or securing assembly or mechanism that could be used is an overcentre lever mechanism. A lever may be mounted in an overcentre configuration relative to the at least one loop portion and/or the body. The lever may be moveable about a pivot to lock and release the temple. The lever may be provided with a head which abuts the temple when in the locked position and spaced from the temple in the release position. The overcentre lever is typically mounted parallel to (he length of the body. The head of the lever may he mounted on the rear side of the at least one loop portion, preferably between the at least one loop portion and the at least one rest portion.

Another example of a locking or securing assembly or mechanism that could be used is a grub screw mounted relative to the at least one loop portion and/or the body and extending transversely. The grub screw may be provided in an internally threaded opening. When tightened, a portion of the grub screw, preferably the tip, abuts or bites into the temple to fix the mounting portion to the temple. One or more external gripping portions may be provided on a head of the grub screw to allow a user to tighten and loosen the grub screw using their fingers. A shaped engagement portion may be provided to all the use of a tool to tighten and loosen the grub screw.

A locking or securing assembly or mechanism may be used relative to the 10 mounting portion.

The invention preferably includes at least one arm associated with the mounting portion and mounted for movement to releasably mount an at least partially transparent face shield part relative to the mounting portion to form a face shield.

The at least one arm is typically provided on an opposite side of the mounting portion to the wearer's head (the outer side). The at least one arm may be provided on the lateral outside of the body of the mounting portion.

The at least one arm will preferably extend from a rear part of the mounting portion toward a forward part. The at least one arm will typically have a forward free end or edge. The at least one arm will typically extend substantially parallel to the 20 mounting portion.

The at least one arm is preferably spaced from the mounting portion to define a receiving gap to receive the face shield part thereinto. The face shield part may be fitted in a friction or interference fit. Some deformation of the at least one arm, a portion associated with the at least one arm and/or the face shield part may be required to install the face shield part relative to the at least one arm.

The at least one arm may have any shape. The at least one arm may be planar or arcuate.

The at least one arm may be provided with an abutment surface or portion on an inner side/surface. The abutment surface or portion may be located only adjacent to the tip of the at least one aim or may extend over a portion of the length of the inner surface of the at leas( one arm.

An opposed portion or surface on the outer side of the mounting portion may be provided with an abutment surface or portion.

Any such an abutment surface or portion may be shaped to engage a portion provided on the face shield part. For example, the abutment surface or portion may comprise an enlarged nipple or similar to engage with a depression or opening in the face shield part.

The abutment surface or portion may be a high friction surface or portion. One or more ribs may be provided. The abutment surface or portion may be flexible and/or resilient.

A shaped surface may be provided at or adjacent to the free end of the at least. one arm to allow a user to deform the at least one arm outwardly to release the face shield part.

The at least one arm will preferably clamp the face shield part to or relative to the outer side of the body of the mounting portion. The at least one arm may be deformed slightly away from the body of the mounting portion during fitting and removal of the face shield part relative (hereto. The preferred resilience of the at least one arm will typically hold the face shield part relative to the mounting portion when fitted.

The at least one arm may be unitary with the mounting portion A forward, outer side of the mounting portion may be provided with an abutment portion or structure. The abutment portion or structure may be or include a high friction portion. The abutment portion or structure may be or include one or more ribs or enlarged protrusion. The abutment portion or structure may be flexible and/or resilient.

In use, the temple will be installed such that the temple is mounted between an inner side of the at least one loop portion and an outer side of the at least one rest portion.

The clip may be provided with an air distribution assembly. The air distribution assembly may allow an air supply to be attached to the clip to provide air to be directed in the region of the user's face.

The air distribution assembly may comprise a connection point to connect an air supply conduit thereto aml at least one outlet to direct the air as required.

The connection point is preferably provided at a rear portion of the air distribution assembly.

The at least one outlet is preferably shaped. The at least one outlet is preferably oriented to provide a directed air supply. The at least one outlet may be oriented in a different direction to the connection point.

An airflow body may be provided to connect the connection point and the at least one outlet. The airflow body may have any shape. The airflow body may have a bore therethrough to provide fluid communication between the connection point and the at least one outlet.

The airflow body is typically provided substantially coplanar with the mounting portion of the clip. The airflow body may be provided below the mounting portion. A depending arm or similar may be provided to attach the airflow body to a lower side of the mounting portion. Preferably the depending arm or similar and the airflow body are integrally formed with the mounting portion. The airflow body may be angled outwardly relative to the mounting portion toward the rear of the airflow body.

The at least one outlet is preferably provided perpendicularly to the bore. The at least one outlet is preferably inwardly directed, towards the user's face. The at least one outlet is preferably forwardly directed.

A single outlet may be provided on each clip or more than one outlet may be 25 provided.

The air distribution assembly may be provided to blow air at a positive pressure (above atmospheric) behind the face shield part. A portable (wearable) air supply may be provided to provide air to the air distribution assembly. This will preferably create a positive pressure zone behind the face shield to limit ingress of particles, debris and/or pathogens.

The clip may be made from any material. One or more plastic materials is preferred. The clip may be molded. The clip may be provided in a single piece. The clip may be coloured or patterned to be more interesting.

Any one or more of the features described herein with reference to the body may be provided relative to the mounting portion.

Detailed Description of the Invention

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more 10 embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 is an isometric view of a pair of eyeglasses mounting a face shield using a pair of clips according to an embodiment.

Figure 2 is a top view of the configuration illustrated in Figure 1 Figure 3 is a rear view of the configuration illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 4 is an isometric view from the side of a clip according to an embodiment.

Figure 5 is an isometric view of the clip illustrated in Figure 4, from the opposite side.

Figure 6 is a top view of the clip illustrated in Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a front end view of the clip illustrated in Figure 5.

Figure 8 is a rear end view of the clip illustrated in Figure 5.

Figure 9 is an isometric view of a variation of the clip illustrated in Figure 5.

Figure 10 is an isometric view of another variation of the clip illustrated in Figure 5.

Figure 11 is an isometric view of a further variation of the clip illustrated in Figure 5.

Figure 12 is an isometric view of a variation of an attachment mechanism for mounting a clip relative to an ear stem of eyeglasses.

Figure 13 is an isometric view of a variation of the attachment mechanism illustrated in Figure 12.

Figure 14 is an isometric view from the inside rear of a clip according to an embodiment.

Figure 15 is an isometric view from the outside front of the clip illustrated in Figure 14.

Figure 16 is a front view of the clip illustrated in Figure 14.

Figure 17 is a rear view of the clip illustrated in Figure 14.

Figure 18 is a side view from the inside of the clip illustrated in Figure 14.

Figure 19 is a side view from the outside of the clip illustrated in Figure 14.

Figure 20 is a top view of the clip illustrated in Figure 14.

Figure 21 is an isometric top view of an overcentre clip according to an embodiment.

Figure 22 is a top view of the clip illustrated in Figure 21 Figure 23 is a side view from the inside of the clip illustrated in Figure 21.

Figure 24 is a side view from the outside of the clip illustrated in Figure 21.

Figure 25 is a front view of the clip illustrated in Figure 21.

Figure 26 is an isometric view from the inside of a grub screw clip according to an embodiment.

Figure 27 is a front view of the clip illustrated in Figure 26.

Figure 28 is a top view of the clip illustrated in Figure 26.

Figure 29 is a side view from the inside of the clip illustrated in Figure 26.

Figure 30 is a side view from the outside of the clip illustrated in Figure 26.

With reference to the accompanying figures, a clip 10 for a face shield and a face shield assembly 11 formed using a clip 10 to attach an at least partially transparent. face shield part 12 to a pair of eyeglasses 13 is provided.

The face shield is illustrated in Figures 1 to 3. The clip 10 used to form the face shield assembly 11 comprises a mounting portion 14 to mount relative to a wearer' s head and an arm 15 associated with the mounting portion 14 and mounted for movement to relcasably clamp the at least partially transparent face shield part 12 relative to the mounting portion 14 to form a face shield assembly 11.

The arm 15 of the illustrated embodiment is mounted for resilient movement to releasably clamp the face shield part 12 relative to the mounting portion 14.

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, a transparent face shield part 12 is releasably mounted relative to the mounting portion 14 to form the face shield assembly 11. The illustrated face shield part 12 is flexible and is therefore able to be rolled when not in use and carried on the user's person for mounting as required to form the face shield assembly 11.

The face shield part 12 shown in Figures 1 to 3 is an optically clear sheet of plastic material.

The face shield part 12 may be shaped as shown with an at least partially arcuate lower edge. The face shield part may be sized to suit children or adults. The face shield part may be available in different sizes for example, small, medium or large.

The face shield part 12 of the illustrated embodiment is a disposable part as opposed to being reusable. The face shield part 12 is preferably made of recyclable materials or bio-degradable materials.

The face shield part 12 may be any thickness but a relatively small thickness such as 0.2mm has been found to provide an optimum thickness to be sufficiently rigid to provide protection, but also allow the face shield part 12 to be sufficiently flexible to roll.

The mounting portion 14 is shown in two main configurations in the Figures.

The mounting portion 14 may be a part of a clip 10 to attach to a device or assembly that is worn by the user, such as the frame of the pair of glasses 13 illustrated in Figures 1 to 3. The frame of glasses 13 is particularly convenient to mount the clip relative thereto as a base to create the face shield assembly 11 as the glasses 13 are already equipped with parts that hold them securely and/or stably relative to the head of the wearer.

A mounting portion of a second configuration is illustrated in Figures 31 and 33. In this configuration, the mounting portion 14 is a frame without lenses, configured to be worn by a user relative to their head ancUor face. In this configuration, the frame is a bespoke frame. The frame may include a pair of temples16 mounted relative to a central brow piece 17. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 31 and 32, the temples 16 unitary with the brow piece 17. The brow piece 17 extends laterally or transversely between the temple portions 16. The brow piece 17 includes or is associated with a nose piece 18 to support the brow piece 17 on the wearer's nose. An arcuate guide or shaping portion 19 is provided extending forwardly of the brow piece 17.

In use, the face shield part 12 is mounted relative to the frame such that an inner side of the face shield part 12 abuts an outer part of the guide or shaping portion 19 when properly mounted relative to the mounting portion 14. The guide or shaping portion 19 assists with shaping the flexible face shield part 12 to space the face shield part 12 from the wearer's face. The side edges of the face shield part 12 are received in the receiving gap between the arm 15 and the temple 16 on either side of the mounting portion 14 to releasably clamp the face shield part 12 relative to the mounting portion 14 to mount the face shield part and form the face shield assembly 11.

Where the mounting portion 14 is provided as a part of a clip as illustrated in the Figures apart from Figures 31 and 32, the mounting portion is typically configured to efficiently and securely mount the clip 10 relative to an article, device or assembly to he worn by the user. The mounting portion 14 allows releasable mounting relative to article, device or assembly to be worn by the user, that is, the clip 10 should be easily removable if desired. In an embodiment, the mounting portion 14 mounts the clip relative to a temple 20 (also called arms or ear stems) of eyeglasses 13.

In most of the illustrated embodiments, the mounting portion 14 includes an opening 21 provided or formed for receiving the temple 20 thereinto or therethrough. The opening 21 is formed from at least one loop portion 22.

In most of the illustrated embodiments, the mounting portion 14 is provided with a rest portion 23 spaced from the opening 21, to brace the mounting portion 14 against a part of the temple 20.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the rest portion 23 is provided at a rear end of the mounting portion 14 with the loop portion 22 provided at or toward a forward end of the mounting portion 14.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the opening 21 and the rest portion 23 are provided relative to a body 24. The body shown in Figures 4 and 5 is elongate and planar. An arcuate configuration (with the arm removed) is shown in Figure 11.

The 24 may have any shape but an embodiment is generally rectangular when viewed from the side. These portions may be used in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2 to 8 instead of the solid planar body 24.

The body 24 is typically unitary with the loop portion 22 and rest portion 23. A suitable forming method such as molding is used to form the body 24 (and clip 10).

The body 24 of the mounting portion 14 may include a pair of spaced apart portions 25 with an opening between the portions 25 as shown in Figures 11 and 14 to 30. The spaced apart portions 25 (and the opening) are elongate, extending longitudinally, from a forward part of the mounting portion 14 to a rearward part.

As shown in Figures 9 to 11 amongst others, a guide portion 26 may extend from a forward end of the mounting portion 14 or body 24. The guide portion 26 may have any shape, an outer end of the guide portion 26 may be shaped for example arcuate.

The guide portion may have any length, being longer as shown in Figure 9 as compared to shorter as shown in Figure 10. The face shield part 12 is preferably mounted relative to the frame such that an inner side of the face shield part 12 abuts an outer part of the guide portion 26 when properly mounted relative to the mounting portion 14. The guide portion 26 may assist with shaping the preferably flexible face shield part 12 to space the face shield part 12 from the wearer's face.

The body 24 may be flexible to suit temples of a variety of shapes. The body 24 may be resilient. The body 24 may be provided with and/or manufactured from a high friction portion to increase the security of the mounting of the mounting portion 14 relative to the temple.

The rest portion 23 illustrated is provided on an inner side of the mounting portion 14. The inner side (or head side) is the opposite side to the outside where the arm 15 is preferably located. As mentioned above, in a prefen-ed embodiment, the rest portion 23 is provided at or toward the rear end of the body 24, although this need not be die case.

The rest portion 23 is may be part cylindrical or arcuate or convex as shown in Figures 4 to 8. The rest portion 23 extends transversely to the length of the body 24 (and the temple 20).

As shown in Figures 9 and 10 for example, the rest portion 23 may be arcuate top to bottom. The provision of a concavity 27 in the rest portion 23 shown in Figures 9 and 10 may assist with centralising the clip 10 relative to the temple 20.

In the illustrated embodiments, the rest portion 23 is preferably resilient such that at least some deformation of the rest portion 23 is required to install the mounting portion 14 on the temple 20.

As shown, the loop portion 22 is a closed loop portion, formed of a single part such as is illustrated in Figures 4 to 8 for example. In this configuration, the temple 20 will typically be slid through the opening 21 during mounting. The loop portion 22 (or a part thereof) is typically integrally formed with the body 24 to define the opening 21 with a closed periphery.

The loop portion 22 may be a multipart loop portion, formed from a U-shaped main loop part 28 and a key part 29 that are attachable together to form a loop portion with a closed periphery, such as is illustrated in Figures 12 and 13. In this configuration, the loop parts are preferably relcasably attachable relative to one another. A detcnt or engagement shoulder configuration including multiple detents or engagement shoulders which correspond with one another, is provided on the loop parts to allow attachment.

The use of multiple detents or engagement shoulders will typically allow the at least one loop portion to attach to temples of different shapes and/or sizes. The V-shaped portion 30 on the key 29 illustrated in Figures 12 and 13 will assist with centering the temple 20 within the opening 21.

The at least one loop portion may be shaped. The opening formed by the at least one loop portion may be shaped as mentioned above in relation to the V-shaped portion on the key 29 illustrated in Figures 12 and 13. One or more surfaces of the at least one loop portion may be shaped such as surface 31 in Figure 13.

The opening 21 formed by the loop portion 22 may be generally rectangular as shown in Figures 4 to 8 at least as this is the most common cross-sectional shape temple.

The rectangular shape will preferably minimise the chance of rotation of the mounting portion 14 relative to the temple 20 as will the V-shaped portion 30 on the key 29 illustrated in Figures 12 and 13.

The loop portion 22 is preferably flexible and resilient. Typically, at least some deformation of the loop portion 22 is required to install the temple 20 within the opening 21. The loop portion 22 will preferably fit the temple 20 with a friction or interference fit.

As shown on Figures 4 to 8 for example, a part of the loop portion 22 is typically spaced from the plane of the body 24 to form the opening 21. An upper and a lower loop part may be provided as shown.

As shown in Figure 8, an inner surface of the loop portion 22 may be offset from an outer plane or portion of the rest portion 23.

A locking or securing assembly or mechanism may be associated with the loop portion 22 and/or the body 24 to more securely mount the clip 10 to the temple 20.

One such locking or securing assembly or mechanism that could be used is an overcentre lever mechanism, an example of which is illustrated in Figures 21 to 25. A lever 32 may be mounted in an overcentre configuration relative to the loop portion 22 and/or the body 25. The lever 32 is moveable about a pivot 33 to lock and release the temple (not shown in Figures 21 to 25). The lever 32 illustrated in Figures 21 to 25 is provided with an enlarged clamping part 34 which abuts the temple when in the locked position and spaced from the temple in the release position. The illustrated overcentre lever 32 is mounted parallel to the length of the body 25. The enlarged clamping part 34 of the lever 32 is mounted on the rear side of the loop portion 22, preferably between the loop portion 22 and the rest portion 23.

Another example of a locking or securing assembly or mechanism that could be used is a grub screw 35 mounted relative to the loop portion 22 and/or the body 25 and extending transversely, an example of which is illustrated in Figures 21 to 25. The grub screw 35 may be provided in an internally threaded opening (view obstructed). When tightened, the tip 36 of the grub screw 35, abuts or bites into the temple to fix the 10 to the temple. The tip 36 of the grub screw 35 external gripping portions may be provided on a head 37 of the grub screw 35 to allow a user to tighten and loosen the grub screw using their fingers. A shaped engagement slot 38 may be provided to allow the use of a tool to tighten and loosen the grub screw 35.

The arm 15 is typically provided on an opposite side of the clip 10 to the wearer's head (the outer side). The arm 15 may be provided on the lateral outside of the body of the mounting portion.

The arm 15 will preferably extend from a rear part of the clip 10 toward a forward part. The arm 15 will typically have a forward free end or edge. The arm 15 will typically extend substantially parallel to the body 24, 25.

The aim 15 is preferably spaced from the body 24 to define a receiving gap 39 to receive the face shield part 12 thereinto. The face shield part 12 may be fitted in a friction or interference fit. Some deformation of the arm 15, a portion associated with the arm 15 (such as the base of the arm 15) and/or the face shield part 12 may be required to install the face shield part 12 relative to the arm 15.

The at least one arm may have any shape. The at least one arm may be planar or arcuate, dependent mainly on the configuration of the mounting portion. For example, the arm 15 illustrated in Figures 4 to 8 is planar but the arm 15 illustrated in Figures 14 to 30 is arcuate.

The arm 15 may be provided with an abutment surface or portion 40 on an inner side/surface, an example of which is illustrated most clearly in Figure 6. The abutment surface or portion may be located only adjacent to the tip of the arm 15 or may extend over a portion of the length of the inner surface of the arm 15.

An opposed portion or surface on the outer side of the mounting portion or body 24 may be provided with a corresponding abutment surface or portion as shown in Figure 7. The abutment surface or portion may be a high friction surface or portion.

One or more ribs may be provided. The abutment surface or portion may be flexible and/or resilient.

A shaped surface may be provided at or adjacent to the free end of the arm 15 to allow a user to deform the arm 15 outwardly to release the face shield part 12. In Figure 6 for example, the outer end of the arm 15 is curved to provide space for a user' s finger to prise the arm 15 outwardly.

The arm 15 clamps the face shield part 12 to or relative to the outer side of the body 24 of the mounting portion. The aim 15 is typically deformed slightly away from the body 24 of the mounting portion during fitting and removal of the face shield part 12 relative thereto. The preferred resilience of the arm 15 will typically hold the face shield part 12 relative to the body 24 or the mounting portion when fitted.

In the illustrated embodiments, the at least one arm is unitary with the mounting portion.

In use, the temple 20 will be installed such that the temple 20 is clamped between an inner side of the loop portion 22 and an outer side of the rest portion 23.

As shown in Figures 14 to 20, the clip 10 may be provided with an air distribution assembly. The air distribution assembly may allow an air supply (not shown) to be attached to the clip 10 to provide air to be directed in the region of the user's face.

The air distribution assembly illustrated in in Figures 14 to 20 includes an airflow body 41 with a connection point 42 to connect the air supply conduit thereto at a rear end and an outlet 43 to direct the air as required.

The airflow body 41 shown in Figures 14 to 20 is generally cylindrical with a bore therethrough to provide fluid communication between the connection point 42 and the outlet 43.

In the illustrated embodiment, the airflow body 41 is provided substantially coplanar with the mounting portion of the clip 10. The airflow body 41 is provided below body 24 of the clip 10 with a depending aim 44 is provided to attach the airflow body 41 to a lower side of the body 24. The depending arm 44 and the airflow body 41 are integrally formed with the body 24. As best shown in Figure 20, the airflow body is angled outwardly relative to the body 24, toward the rear of the airflow body 41.

The outlet 43 is preferably shaped. The outlet 43 is oriented to provide a directed air supply.

As illustrated in Figures 14 to 20, the outlet 43 is preferably provided perpendicularly to the length of the airflow body 41. The outlet 43 is preferably inwardly directed, towards the user's face.

As illustrated, a single outlet 43 is provided on each clip 10.

The clip 10 may be made from any material. One or morse plastic materials is preferred. The clip may be molded. The clip may be provided in a single piece. The clip may be coloured or patterned to be more interesting.

The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only.

Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSI. A clip for a face shield, the clip comprising a mounting portion to mount relative to a wearer's head and at least one arm associated with the mounting portion and mounted for movement to releasably mount an at least partially transparent face shield part relative to the mounting portion to form a face shield.
2. A clip for a face shield as claimed in claim 1 wherein the mounting portion is a part of a clip configured to be removably attached to a device or assembly worn by the user.
3. A clip for a face shield as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the mounting portion is provided as an elongate clip body.
4. A clip for a face shield as claimed in claim 3 wherein the body comprises a pair of elongate spaced apart portions with an opening between the spaced apart portions.
5. A clip for a face shield as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the body is resilient.
6. A clip for a face shield as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5 further comprising at least one rest portion spaced from the at least one opening to brace the mounting portion against a part of a device or assembly worn by the user.
7. A clip for a face shield as claimed in claim 6 wherein the at least one rest portion is provided at a rear end of the mounting portion with the at least one loop portion provided at or toward a forward end of the mounting portion.
S. A clip for a face shield as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7 wherein the at least one rest portion is provided on an inner side of the body.
9. A clip for a face shield as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8 wherein the at least one rest portion is convex in shape transversely to the body
10. A clip for a face shield as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 9 wherein the at least one rest portion comprises a concavity in the at least one rest portion to assist with centralising the body.
11. A clip for a face shield as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 10 wherein the at least one rest portion is resilient such that at least some deformation of the at least one rest portion is required to install the clip.
12. A clip for a face shield as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the mounting portion comprises at least one opening formed from at least one loop portion for receiving a temple portion of a pair of glasses thereinto or therethrough.
13. A clip for a face shield as claimed in claim 12 wherein the at least one loop portion is a closed loop portion integrally formed with the mounting portion to define an opening with a closed periphery.
14. A clip for a face shield as claimed in claim 12 wherein the at least one loop portion is a multipart loop portion, formed from more than one loop parts that are releasably attachable together to form a loop portion with a closed periphery.
15. A clip for a face shield as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14 wherein the at least one opening formed by the at least one loop portion has a shaped periphery.
16. A clip for a face shield as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 15 wherein the at least one opening formed by the at least one loop portion is generally rectangular.
17. A clip for a face shield as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 16 wherein the at least one opening has a V-shaped or a U-shaped upper and/or lower portion.
18. A clip for a face shield as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 16 wherein the at least one loop portion is a resilient portion such that at least some deformation of the at least one loop portion is required to install the clip.
19. A clip for a face shield as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 16 further comprising a locking or securing assembly or mechanism associated with the at.least one loop portion to more securely mount the dip.
20. A clip for a face shield as claimed in claim 19 wherein the locking or securing assembly or mechanism comprises a lever mounted in an overcentre configuration relative to the at least one loop portion and moveable about a pivot to clamp and release the temple.
21. A clip for a face shield as claimed in claim 19 wherein the locking or securing assembly or mechanism comprises a grub screw provided in an internally threaded opening mounted relative to the at least one loop portion extending transversely to clamp or bite into an object to fix the mounting portion to the object.
22. A clip for a face shield as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one arm extends from a rear part of the mounting portion toward a forward part with a forward free end or edge and spaced from the mounting portion to define a receiving gap to receive the face shield part thereinto.
23. A clip for a face shield as claimed in claim 22 wherein the at least one arm is resilient relative to the mounting portion such that some deformation of the at least one arm, a portion associated with the at least one arm and/or the face shield part is required to install the face shield part relative to the at least one arm.A clip for a face shield as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising an air distribution assembly to allow an air supply to be attached to the clip to provide air to be directed in the region of the wearer's head.A clip for a face shield as claimed in claim 24 wherein the air distribution assembly comprises an airflow body with an air supply connection point to connect an air supply conduit thereto and at least one outlet to direct the air as required.A clip for a face shield as claimed in claim 25 wherein the airflow body is provided below the mounting portion.A clip for a face shield as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a guide portion extending from a forward end of the mounting portion such that an inner side of the face shield part abuts an outer part of the guide portion when properly mounted relative to the mounting portion to space the face shield part from the wearer's head.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28. A clip for a face shield as claimed in claim 27 wherein the mounting portion is a frame comprising a pair of temple portions mounted relative to a central brow piece.
29. A clip for a face shield as claimed in claim 28 wherein the brow piece is associated with a nose piece to support the brow piece on the wearer's nose.
30. A clip for a face shield as claimed in claim 28 or claim 29 wherein a face shield shaping portion is provided extending forwardly of the brow piece.
31. A clip for a face shield as claims in any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one arm clamps the at least partially transparent face shield part relative to the mounting portion.
32. A face shield comprising an at least partially transparent face shield part, and a mounting portion to mount relative to a wearer's head and at least one arm associated with the mounting portion and mounted for movement to releasably mount an at least partially transparent face shield part relative to the mounting portion to form a face shield.
33. A face shield as claimed in claim 32 wherein the face shield part is optically clear.
34. A face shield as claimed in claim 32 or claim 33 wherein the face shield part is a flexible sheet.
35. A face shield as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 34 wherein the face shield part is provided with images or messages on an outside of the face shield part which are transparent from the inside.
36. A face shield as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 35 wherein the face shield part is a disposable part.
37. A face shield as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 36 wherein the face shield part comprises one or more engagement portions to form a more secure attachment with the mounting portion.