GB2609753A

GB2609753A - Improvements to protection apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2609753A
Application number: GB2210077.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rich Denver
Original assignee: Polarseal Tapes And Conversions Ltd
Current assignee: Polarseal Tapes And Conversions Ltd
Priority date: 2021-07-09
Filing date: 2022-07-08
Publication date: 2023-02-15
Also published as: WO2023281279A1; GB202210077D0

Abstract

Eye protection apparatus 2 having retention means to be placed around the head of a wearer formed of first and second retaining members 8,10 joined together via an adjustment mechanism, and guide means to allow combining of the retaining means with location means of a second item (82, fig. 7b) worn simultaneously in contact with the face of a wearer. The apparatus may comprise goggles or a visor, and the second item may be a surgical or respirator mask. The apparatus may comprise further guide means (88, fig. 7b) to further guide location means of the mask. The apparatus preferably includes channels for the receipt of arms of a pair of spectacles to be worn when the eye protection apparatus is in position. Also claimed is eye protection apparatus including a body or shield to protect the eyes and retention means, the retention means including an adjustment mechanism comprising a locking assembly with a fit selection means, the locking assembly having first and second actuators.

Description

Improvements to Protection Apparatus The invention to which this application relates is to improvements to apparatus of a form which is used to provide protection for a wearer of the apparatus, particularly for the eyes of a wearer and, in particular, although not necessarily exclusively, to apparatus in the form of goo-ales or a visor.

G oggles can generally be described a.s having a body with a cavity which, when worn, surrounds the area around the eyes of the wearer and, around the edge of the cavity, there is provided scaling means to allow at least a loose seal to be created between the face of the wearer and the cavity, typically around the cheek portions, nose and forehead of the person's face. The goggles are retained in position so that the body is biased into location with the face, by engagement means typically in the form of an elasticated band or bands or by first and second straps which are joined together adjacent their free ends a.t a. desired location in order to provide a. biasing force to retain the goggles in position on the head of the wearer. Apparatus in the form of a visor also includes a locating strap or straps and similar engagement means can be used when required to attach the straps together in a desired location so as to retain' the visor in position. Located to the front of the straps and hence in front of the face of the wearer, is a shield which is typically formed of a transparent plastics material and through which the wearer can view the external environment. The shield portion is typically spaced in front of the wearer and does not contact with the face, other than at a band which is in contact with the forehead of the wearer and from which the locating strap or straps pass around the head.

It is found that while the use of goggles and visors is well-known and has been found to have increased as a result of recent health and safety requirements and for pandemic, there are still significant issues which affect both the effectiveness of the °to-01es or visor and/or the comfort of the wearing of the same.

Furthermore, it can often be the case that the visor and/or goggles are required to be used in conjunction with other protective apparatus such, as for example, a respirator mask or surgical mask which is provided to be fitted over the nose and mouth of the wearer. This can cause issues with respect to the interface between the mask a.nd the goggles and/or can provide significant discomfort to the wearer as, effectively, they find that they have to have two sets of securing means positioned around their head at spaced locations, one set for the eye protection and one set for the mask, which can cause discomfort and potential entanglement and for ill fitting of the mask and/or eye protection. however, despite these problems, the health and safety requirements may in many instances, require that both the face covering in the form of the mask and the goggles and/or visor are required to be worn in order to provide safety to the wearer and also to the other persons in the surrounding environment.

An aim of the present invention is to provide an improved form of eye protection apparatus in the form of goggles and/or visor which aid the comfort of the wearing of the same to the user whilst at least maintaining the effectiveness of the same. A further aim is to enable the wearing of the goggles and/or visor in combination with other face coverings in a manner which allows a combined and integrated protective effect to be achieved so as to ensure that the respective required locations of the goggles, visor and/or mask, can be maintained during use whilst minimising the retention means which are required to be provided in contact with the wearer's head.

Further improvements relate to the wearing of the eye protection apparatus in terms of the fit of the visor or goggles relative to the wearer's head" the comfort to the wearer when wearing the visor or goggles and/or the ability to don and doff the visor or goggles.

A further aim of the invention is to provide features which may be used to advantage in relation to the visor or goggles, and which may also be used to advantage with respect to other items of personal protection such as for example masks, or the like.

In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided eye protection apparatus, said apparatus including retention means provided to be placed around the head of the wearer so as to retain a body portion of the apparatus in a desired location masking the eyes of the wearer and wherein said retention means are formed of first and second retaining members which are joined together via, an adjustment mechanism so as to allow the effective length of the retention means to be adjusted within a predefined range to suit the size of the wearer's head and ensure location of the body in position and said apparatus includes guide means to allow a combing of the retaining means of the eye protection apparatus and location means of a second item worn simultaneously, in contact with the face of the wearer.

In one embodiment, the said second means is a surgical or respirator mask which includes location means in the form of a plurality of loops and at least one of the loops contact with the said guide means.

In one embodiment the said guide means are formed on the adjustment mechanism and/or body and/or head band of the eye protection apparatus.

In one embodiment, the retention means of the eye protection apparatus are first and second straps which depend from opposing side edges of the body and the location means of the mask are elasticated bands which depend from side edges of a body of the mask which is worn so as to be positioned over the nose and mouth of the wearer.

Typically, it is the elasticated location means of the mask which are moved to be received in guide means of the eye protection apparatus.

Typically, the act of placing the location means in the guide means, allows a reduced number of contact points with the person's head.

In one embodiment, the said eye protection apparatus includes further guide means for receipt therein of further portions of the location means of the mask so as to further guide the position of the said elasticated retaining means.

In one embodiment, when the eye protection apparatus are goggles, the said further guide means are located on the lower edge of the body of the goggles.

In a further embodiment, when the eye protection apparatus is a visor, the further guide means are located on or adjacent to a headband of the said visor and on opposing first and second sides of the wearers head.

In one embodiment the location means for the mask are at least partially secured to the eve protection apparatus and are therefore maintained in position by the eye protection apparatus rather than by direct engagement with the person's face and therefore no contact of the mask location means with the wearer is required.

In one embodiment, when the eye protection apparatus are goggles the body of the goggles includes an interface portion formed so as to allow improved engagement between the said body of the goggles and the upper edge of the body of a respirator mask.

In one embodiment, the said interface portion of the body acts to engage the said mask and so form an integral unit and thereby provide an Unproved level of protection for the external environment for the wearer.

In one embodiment, the retention means for the eye protection apparatus, Maude, at the rear portion thereof, one (Jr more padded members which are positioned to lie between the internal face of the retention means and the surface of the wearer's head so as to provide one or more cushioned contact points whilst, at the same time, maintaining the required biasing and retention of the eye protection apparatus in the required position at the front of the person's bead.

In one embodiment, the said padded members a.re formed of a material including silicone.

In one embodiment, a said padded member is located at and/or as part of, the adjustment mechanism which allows the relative position of the straps of the retention means to be selected and retained.

In one embodiment, the eye protection apparatus includes channels formed therein for the receipt of respective arms of a pair of spectacles so as to allow the spectacles to be comfortably worn when the eye protection apparatus is in position and without the arms of the spectacles causing the creation of a gap between the sealing part of the eye protection and the wearer's face and/or causing discomfort to the wearer of the eye protection apparatus.

Preferably, the said eye protection apparatus, is formed by a series of components which are respectively releasably engageable so as to allow the disengagement of the

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said components once the eye protection apparatus is no longer required for service and be recycled separately and/or to allow certain components to be removed and replaced.

In one embodiment, the decision as to the particular components which can be releasably attached, is made with respect to the materials from which the components are formed so as to allow an increase in the percentage of the eye protection apparatus which can be reused or recycled.

In one embodiment, there is provided apparatus to be worn on a person's head, said apparatus including a support band which passes around the person's head and acts as a retention means to support one or more components therefrom, said retention means including spaced apart first and second portions wherein the engagement means allow the selective location therewith of location means of said one or more further components to retain the same in a. position for use in conjunction with the support band.

In one embodiment the retention means are located so that a first portion is adjacent to a first ear of the person's head and a second portion is adjacent to a second ear of the person when the apparatus worn.

Typically, the location of the one or more further components is selectable so that the component can be retained in position with the support band engagement means and/or removed therefrom and thereby allow adaptation of the apparatus. 'typically, the apparatus including the support band can be generally referred to as personal protection apparatus and more particularly is a visor.

In one embodiment, the one or more further components is selected from any or any combthation of eye protection, such as goggles and/or a respirator mask.

In one embodiment, the said further component is provided for a single use.

In one embodiment, the support band incorporates means to allow a sheet material to act as the protective visor screen or shield to be attached thereto and, in one embodiment, to be selectively adjustable with respect to the support band.

In one embodiment, the selective adjustability allows the screen to be moved from an th-use position in which the same lies substantially in front of the face of the wearer and a non-use position in which the screen is raised and moved away from the front of the face of the wearer.

In one embodiment, the screen may be provided as a transparent screen so as to allow ease of sight by the person when the visor is in the in-use position.

In one embodiment the screen is uniformly curved and in another embodiment the screen includes curved edge portions and an intermediate portion which is not curved or has a curvature less than that of the edge portions. In one embodnnent, the portions with or without curvature are defined by one or more members which are attached to the said screen. 'llypically, a first member is located at, or is provided as part of, the support band and a second member is located at or adjacent to the free end of the screen. Typically, the said portion of reduced curvature or no curvature is provided so as to reduce the effect of reflection on the visor screen.

In one embodiment, the said engagement means on the support band are provided hi the form of a hook, a series of lugs or the like, or in the form of a loop of flexible material.

Typically, the engagement means provided on the support band, are provided to allow the retention of one or more bands or loops of material which are used to attach the one or more components to the support band.

In one embodiment, the engagement means also act to maintain a free end of the support band in position and typically, to retain the said portion substantially in line with the remainder of the support band.

In one embodiment, the retaining means, hi the form of the support band is adjustable in its effective length so as to allow the same to be adjusted to allow a particular fit on the wearer's head, within a range of possible fit sizes, to be selected by the wearer so as to allow the support band to be held in a comfortable position on the wearer's head whilst ensuring that the support band is effective in retaining any components connected thereto in a secure required position for use.

In one embodiment, adjustment means for the support band are provided which can be selectively moved between a locked position in which the selected fit is locked and thereby prevent or minimise the risk of the same being released during use of the support band and an adjusting position in which opposing free ends of the support band can be moved relative to each other so as to allow the effective length and fit of the support band to be adjusted.

In one embodiment, the adjustment means includes, at a first free end, a portion which is received within a locking assembly provided on the opposing free end. 'typically, the said first free end includes a series of spaced protrusions which depend along a length of the support band inwardly from said first free end. Typically, each of the protrusions represents a selectable locking position and the number and length of the spa.cing of said protrusions determines the number of selectable fit positions and the possible range of adjustment of the support band.

In one embodiment, the locking assembly comprises at least one, but typically, two user adjustable actuators which, in one embodiment, are provided at opposing edges and which act on a locking portion. The actuators can be moved between a locking position to which the same are biased, and in which the length of the support band retained and a release position in which the relative movement of the free ends of the support band is possible.

Typically, the application of a positive force to the actuators is required in order to allow the same to be moved to the release position.

Typically, the movement between the locking and release positions, is along an axis which is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the adjustment movement of the said first and second free ends of the support band.

Typically, the said actuators act on the locking portion which, when the actuators are in a locked position, engages in a space between adjacent protrusions on the first free end to lock the same in position and when the actuators are moved to a release position, the movement causes the locking portion to move away from the protrusions to a sufficient extent so as to allow said protrusions to slide past the

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locking portion and allow the relative movement of the first and second free ends of the support band.

In one embodiment, simultaneous operation of the first and second actuators to a release position is required in order to allow the release of the support band to allow adjustment of the same.

In one embodiment, the support band includes one (Jr more parts formed of a material which is substantially more flexible than the material used to form the remathdcr of the support band and said one or more portions arc located on the inner face of the support band and most typically, at the location adjacent to the forehead of the wearer when wearing the support band so as to aid the comfort of the wearer.

In one embodiment of the invention a fixing arrangement is provided to fix the visor screen to the visor headband peak so as to allow visor screens of different thicknesses, within a range of thicknesses, to be fixed in position.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided eye protection apparatus including a. body or shield for location to protect the eyes and retention means connected to the body or shield to allow the same to be retained in position on the head of the wearer, said retention means including an adjustment mechanism comprising a locking assembly with fit selection means located on a first portion of the retention means and a locking assembly provided on a second portion of the retention means, said locking assembly including a locking portion and first and second actuators and wherein said actuators are selectively moveable simultaneously to release the locking porticm and allow adjustment of the position of said first and second portions and in turn adjustment of the length of the retention means.

Specific embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings whereM, Figures la-) illustrate eye protection goggles in accordance with one embodiment Of the invention; FigThies 2a-d illustrate two embodiments of an adjustment mechanism for use with eye protection apparatus in accordance with the invention; Figures 3a and b illustrate an exploded diagram of the goggles of Figures la and b; Figure 4 illustrates the sealing arrangement between the face of the wearer and body portion of the goggles of Figures la-b; FrgThres 5a-b illustrate the goggles of Figures la-b worn in conjunction with a respirator mask; Figures 6a-c illustrate the goggles of Figures la-b worn in conjunction with a respirator mask and spectacles; Figures 7a and 13 illustrate the provision of guide means on the goggles for the location means of a respirator mask; Figures 8a-e illustrate a first embodiment of a visor eye protection apparatus in accordance with the invention; and Figures 9a-d illustrate a further embodiment of visor eye protection apparatus in accordance with the invention.

Figures 10-12 illustrate views of the apparatus in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention; Figures 13a-b illustrate a further embodiment of a visor screen in accordance with the invention; Figures 14a-e illustrate retaining means options; Figures 15a-c illustrate one embodiment of a headband adjustment assembly in accordance with the invention; and figures 16a-c illustrate a fixing assembly for the visor screen to the headband.

Referring firstly to Figures la-b, there is illustrated goggles eye protection apparatus 2 in accordance with the invention.

The goggles 2 include a body portion 4 and retention means 6 including straps 8,10 which respectively pass from opposing edges 12,14 of the body towards the rear of the person's head 16 when being worn and the free ends 18,20 of the straps are located together at a selected position via an adjustment mechanism 22 located typically at the rear of the person's head when the goggles are being worth The body 4 typically includes a cavity 24 which when the apparatus is being worn, has the eyes of the wearer located therein and the interface at the peripheral edges of the cavity, is held against the skin of the person's face, typically of the top of the cheeks, nose portion and forehead by the retention means 6 which exert a biasing force to bias the body onto the skin of the person's face to seal against the same.

Figures 2a-d illustrate two versions of a potential adjustment mechanism for the straps of the retention means" with Figures 2a and b illustrating a first adjustment mechanism 22 in which the straps 8,10 and the ends 18,20 of the straps are held in loops 26, 28 which in turn are located with portions 30,32 which can be engaged at selected positions so as to allow adjustment of the length of the retention means 6 within a predefined range. The adjustment mechanism is illustrated with respect to the goggles but can equally be used with a visor.

Figures 2c, d and 3a-b illustrate an alternative adjustment mechanism 22 wherein the free ends 18,20 of the straps 8,10 are shown disengaged from the adjustment mechanism. The straps are provided with apertures, 34, 36 which locate with protrusions 38, 40 provided on first and second rack portions 42, 44 of the adjustment mechanism. The protrusions 38, 40 are 'also used as guide means for the location means loop 82 for a mask when worn in conjunction with the goggles as shown subsequently. 't he rack portions are engaged a.nd the relative position of the same is selected by rotation of an adjustment wheel 46 and sprung member 48 with respect to a toothed aperture in plate 50 and toothed drive means 52 by the user so as to again allow adjustment of the length of the strap portion.

In an alternative embodiment the adjustment wheel 46, sprung member 48 plate 50 and drive means 52 are removed and the portions 42,44 joined to form a one piece connecting member between the straps 8, 10.

The body 4 of the goggles is formed by an outer frame 52 into which is received a lens portion 54 which is substantially clear so as to allow the wearer of the goggles to view outwardly therefrom and an inner frame 56.

As shown in Figures 3a-b, the goggles can be formed of a number of components which may be formed of different materials and therefore, in order to allow the said components to be recyclable the components are formed so as to be engageable during use and then separable at, for example, the end of life or when there is a requirement to replace a. particular component so a.s to allow the particular components to each be recyclable in an appropriate manner.

Typically, in this embodiment, the lens portion 54 is provided with first and second protruding tab portions 58, 60 which pass through apertures 62, 64 in the inner frame 56 and apertures 66, 68 in the outer frame 52 which match and thereby allow the three components to be locked together and provide, in combination, the body portion 4 of the goggles 2. Typically, the inner frame 56 also includes the straps of the retention means 6 formed integrally therewith, and which extend towards the rear of the head so as to engage with the adjustment mechanism 22.

With regard to 1;igure 4, there is illustrated the manner in which the inner and outer frames 56,52 of the body can include a guide channel 66 therein which allows for the reception in and engagement of a respirator mask 68 edge 70 which may be used in conjunction with the goggles and thereby provide, in combination, an integral unit of the goggles and respirator mask. An example of this is shown in Figures 5a and b which also illustrate the provision of a scaling gasket 75 typically formed of a silicone material which provides a comfortable seal fit against the face of the wearer so as to seal the cavity 24 between the face of the wearer and the internal face of the body 4.

The goggles 2 may also include apertures or channels 72,74 on each side of the same for the passage there through, and retention of, the arms 76,78 of a pair of spectacles which may be worn simultaneously with the goggles and thereby allows the spectacles to be worn whilst mUnTaisUig discomfort to the wearer, as shown in Figures 6a-c. lne apertures or channels 72,74 are formed so as to create a close fit to the arms so as to maintain the seal between the body and the wearers head and therefore minimise the risk of leakage through the apertures or channels.

Figures 7a and b, illustrate the manner in which different forms of respirator masks 68 may be worn in 1. conjunction with the apparatus 2, such as goggles or a mask and thereby form an thteual unit and shows the manner in which at least one of the location loops 80, 82 for the mask, can be guided by guide means 84,86 being formed on the adjustment mechanism and further guide means 88,90 formed on the underside of the body so as to allow portions of the retaining loop 82 to be retained and guided thereby and avoid the same having to contact with the head of the wearer separately. In a similar manner a surgical mask may be worn in conjunction with the goggles or visor and location straps similar to those shown in Figures 7a and b can engage with the guide means 84,86. In each embodiment greater comfort is provided to the wearer of and the contact pressure of the locating means of the mask on the wearer's head is reduced.

Figures 8a-e, illustrate eye protection apparatus in the form of a visor 92 formed of a shield or screen 94 which is provided to be located in front of the person's face 96 but out of contact therewith so as to effectively form the protective shield. The shield or screen 94 is held in position by a support band with retention means 96 located and engaged with the shield portion at the top edge thereof. The shield 94 is angularly adjustable with respect to the support band 96 via first and second pivot locations 98,100 on opposing sides of the head when the visor is worn and as indicated in Figures 8a, c and d in which the shield is located in front of the face and in Figure 8c where the visor has been pivoted to a raised position.

It is shown that the front of the support band includes a marking area. 102 which allows identification material or other information to be applied thereto, and be visibly displayed.

The location means support band itself is typically formed of a relatively rigid strap of plastic material which ha.s sufficient flexibility to allow the sa.me to flex around the head whilst ensuring that the shield and visor is maintained in a secure location on the head. Typically, on the interior face of the support band 96, there is provided a relatively softer material such a.s an ela.stomer material which improves the comfort of the wearing of the support band on the person's head whilst, at the same time, allowing airflow thcrethrough. Typically the different portions of the support band can be separated as and when required, such as to allow the components to be recycled separately.

At the rear of the support band, the same includes, in one embodiment, an adjustment mechanism 104 with guides 106, 108 for the loop 110 of the location means 112 of a respirator mask 68, or location means for the surgical mask, either of which may be worn at the same time as the visor. This ensures that the location means 112 for the mask 68 are securely located in position and guided to a. particular location in conjunction with the retention means support band 96.

Furthermore, the apparatus includes engagement means 114, 116 which allows the location means for the mask to be located therewith by the retention of the location bands of the surgical mask and thereby relieve direct pressure from the support band on the ears of the wearer.

In one embodiment, the relative rotation of the shield with respect of the support band, may be between any of a range of possible positions and in one embodiment, there may be provided a predetermined number of positions which are defined by protrusions which, when engaged, allow the retention of the visor screen in a particular a.ngular orientation.

In one embodiment, further engagement means MaN be provided to be selectively located so as to engage and retain the visor in the particular angular orientation.

Referring now to the Figures 9a-d there is illustrated an alternative embodiment of the visor apparatus in which the shield 94 is moulded from an optically clea.r polycarbonatc material and is shaped and contoured so as to be close to the face so as to provide a closer following of the shield 94 to the shape of the user's face.

At the rear of the support band, adjustable means 22, similar to those as described with respect to the goggles earlier in this application document, can be utilised to allow the support band to be adjustable in length. 1*.urthermore, the support band can again be used as a guide for the straps for a respirator mask which may be worn in conjunction with a visor and/or car hooks may be provided on the visor to act as retention means for the straps of a surgical mask which may be worn in conjunction with the visor. A further support strap 118 can be provided to improve the comfort of the visor on the head.

Referring now to Figures 10-12, there is illustrated apparatus comprising, in this embodiment, a support band 202, said support band provided to allow the location therewith of a visor screen 204 which can be moved between an M-use position as shown and a storage position as indicated by arrow 206m being moved around respective pivot points 208 to a raised position away from the person's face.

It is envisaged that in many cases, the visor may be worn in conjunction with further protective components such as a respirator mask which may be of a disposable form, a single use form or a multiuse form In each case, there is a requirement to be able to locate the said further component with the support band 202 and typically, to allow the release of the further component from the support band 202 while the support band may still be worn for other purposes.

The visor screen 204 may be provided in a curved form following the curvature of the headband when fitted 232 thereto. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 13a-b there is provided a visor screen 204 which differs to that as shown in Figures 10-12 in that the visor screen is provided with areas of curvature at the edge portions 234, 236 and an intermediate portion 238 is provided of no, or reduced, curvature so that the area 240 is effectively flat. This is achieved by the provision of first and second members 242, 244 which are located at or adjacent to the portion 232 and the free edge 246 respectively and which effectively form crease lines 248, 250 therebetween, in the shield or screen. It is found that in practice, this reduces the adverse visual effects which may be caused by reflections ni comparison to when the panel is entirely curved.

In accordance with tins embodiment, the support band is formed of a single member, which is provided with opposnig free ends 214,216 which, when used to form the support band, overlie ea.ch other to a selected extent. The support band can also be provided with comfort portions 252 which allow a softer more comfortable material to contact with the forehead of the wearer of the visor.

Referring now to Figures 11 and 15a-c, there is illustrated adjustment means 212 for use in allowing the adjustment of the length of the headband 202 so as to allow the particular effective length of the same, when passed around the head of the wearer to be comfortable whilst, at the same time, being sufficiently tight so as to retain the headband and components located therewith in position for use.

The first free end 214, is provided with a series of ridges or protrusions 218 which extend from the free end along an axis 254 and hence along a portion of the support band. 't he length of said portion defines the range of possible adjustment of the effective length of the support band and the number of protrusions 218 along said portion, define the number of selectable positions. At the opposing free end 216, there is providing a locking assembly 220. The locking assembly includes a locking means 256 which engages in a selected recess between protrusions and, when engaged in the recess, prevents relative movement of the free ends. the locking assembly is therefore biased to a locking position so that the locking means will be engaged in the recess during normal use. Typically, the position to which the SaMC is biased is in effect a relaxed position of the material used to form the locking assembly. On either edge of the support band the locking assembly includes actuator means 258 which include "wedge" portions 260.

The actuator means 258 are movable between a relaxed, locking, position as shown in Figure 15b and an unlocked position in which the actuators have been flexed inwardly by a. user placing a finger on each of the actuation means and then pressing the fingers towards each other to, in turn, press the actuators 258 towards each other as shown in Figure 15a and y arrows 262. This causes the wedge portions 260 to move inwardly and cause separation of the locking means 256 from the recess between the protrusions and enlarges the gap to a sufficient extent to allow the portion 214 and protrusions 213 to slide through the locking means and allow adjustment of the support band length.

Once the appropriate length has been adjusted, then the actuation means can be released and so return to the relaxed locking position and the support band is again locked in the desired position.

In accordance with the invention, the headband 202 is provided with engagement means 210, examples of which are illustrated in Figures 14a-e, and which are typically located so as to lie adjacent to each ear 212 of the person when wearing the visor apparatus. For example the engagement means can be provided in the form of retathMg hooks 266 shown in Figure 14d which allow a loop 270 of, for example, a respirator mask, to be retained in position, or slots 264 shown in Figure 14a to retain the loop 270, or studs 268 shown in Figure 14c. The retaining means are provided to receive and retain in position a further component via, for example, the loop of flexible elasticated material, which a.re passed around the engagement means and thereby retain the further component in position with respect to the headband.

Referring now to Figures 14b and e, the provision of the engagement means 210 in the form of a plurality of lugs 272 is shown. In addition, M this embodiment, the lugs 272 are also formed so as to define a passage 274 in which the free end 214 of the support band is located and thereby retained substantially in line with the support band. This prevents the said free end from depending outwardly from the support band when the same is being worth In one embodiment there is provided the ability for display screens 204 of different thicknesses, to be selectively located and engaged with the frame. Different thicknesses of the display screen 204 may be required to take into account, for example, the required length of time of use or lifetime of the apparatus; the particular price at which it is desired that the apparatus is to be sold and/or the particular use to which the apparatus is to be put. Referring now to Figures 16a-c there is illustrated a. fixing arrangement for the visor screen 204 to the headband peak 282 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

Adjacent the edge 281 of the screen there will be provided a series of spaced apart apertures which receive therethrough protrusions on the peak 282 of the support band and the relevant position and/or configuration of the apertures in the respective screens will be determined with respect to the particular thickness of screen to be fitted at that time. This therefore takes into account the fact that a screen of greater thickness will not extend as far into the fixing arrangement as a thinner screen and therefore the location apertures may, for example, be located closer to the edge of the thicker screen so as to allow the engagement means to be used to engage the same than would he the case with the apertures of a thinner screen.

In order to provide a secure, retained fitting of the visor screen 204 to the support band, there also needs to be a relatively tight engagement of the peak 282 and edge 281 of the screen. In order to accommodate the different thickness of the screen but still ensure accurate engagement of the same, as illustrated in Figure 16a, the length of an edge 281 of the screen 204 is shown in engagement with the peak 282 of the support band.

Two embodiments of the fixing arrangement are described in more detail with regard to the circled portion of Figure 16a, in Figures 16b and c in which different thicknesses of visor screen and hence edge 281 are shown being engaged, with the thickness 286 of the screen shown in Figure lob greater than the thickness 287 of the screen shown in Figure 16c.

I Iowever, in both embodiments, as the thicknesses are within the range of possible thicknesses which can be accommodated by the fixing assembly, both the screens thicknesses 204 can be engaged. this is achieved by the provision of a guiding rib 283 which assists in guiding the edge 281 of the screen into the fixing position and traps it in position in the curved edge of the peak 282.

A supporting rib 284 pushes back against the visor screen 204 and so creates sufficient retaining tension on the edge 281 regardless of the thickness of sheet.

The edge or interior of the member 284 includes a receiving slot 286 in the edge or interior of the member 284 and the slot receives the edge of the display screen therein.

The detail of the fixing arrangement can then be repeated as illustrated in Figure 16a at spaced intervals along the edge 281 of the screen and peak 282. Typically, the slots take the shape of an inverted V which means that the same can receive therein screens of different thicknesses within a range of possible thicknesses such as, for example, a thickness range between 0.1 rinn and 0.7 mm although it should be appreciated that the particular range may be adjusted to suit particular uses and/or technical requirements. Tins therefore means that the extent to which the thinnest visor extends into the slot is greater than the thickest screen within the range but importantly, the edges of both of these screens will be accommodated to a sufficient degree within the said slot.

Thus, there is provided in accordance with the invention the means to allow the same support frame and headband to be used to receive and located visor screens of differnig thicknesses. This therefore avoids the need to redesign the headband and retaining means for different thicknesses of visor screens within a given range.

There is therefore provide in accordance with the invention eye protection a.pparatus which allows for the improved comfort and wear of the same and for the same to be worn in conjunction with other protection items such as masks, simultaneously and thereby form a relatively comfortable integral unit. Furthermore, the ability fir the eye protection apparatus, in goggles or visor form, to be formed of separable components which can be separated and recycles as appropriate at the end of life greatly enhances the environmental characteristics of the apparatus.

Claims

Claims 1. Eye protection apparatus, said apparatus including retention means provided to be placed around the head of the wearer so as to retain a body portion of the apparatus in a. desired location ma.sking the eyes of the wearer and wherein said retention means axe formed of first and second retaining members which are joined together via, an adjustment mechanism so as to allow the effective length of the retention means to be adjusted widin a predefined range to suit the size of the wearer's head and ensure location of the body in position and said apparatus includes guide means to allow a combining of the retaining means of the eye protection apparatus and location means of a second item worn simultaneously in contact with the face of the wearer.
2 Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the said second means is a surgical or respirator mask which includes location means in the form of a plurality of loops and at least one of the loops contact with the said guide means.
3 Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the sa.id guide means are formed on the adjustment mechanism and/or body and/or support band of the eye protection apparatus.
4 Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the retention means of the eye protection apparatus are first and second straps which depend from opposing side edges of the body and the location means of the mask a.re elasticated bands which depend from side edges of a body of the mask which is worn so as to be positioned over the nose and mouth of the wearer.
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the said eye protection apparatus includes further guide means for receipt therein of further portions of the location means of the ma.sk so as to further guide the position of the said elasticated retaining means.
6 Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein when the eye protection apparatus are goggles, the said further guide means a.re located on the lower edge of the body of the goggles.
7. Apparatus according to any of claims 1-6 wherein when the eye protection apparatus is a visor, the further guide means are located on or adjacent to the support band of the said visor and on first and second sides of the wearers head.
8 Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein the retention means for the eye protection apparatus, include, at the rear portion thereof, one or more padded members which are positioned to lie between the internal face of the retention means and the surface of the wearer's head so as to provide one or more cushioned contact points.
9 Apparatus according to chum. 8 wherein said one or more padded members are located at and/or as part of, an adjustment mechanism which allows the relative position of straps of the support band which forms the retention means to be selected and retained.
Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein the eve protection apparatus includes channels formed therein for the receipt of respective arms of a pair of spectacles so as to allow the spectacles to be worn when the eye protection apparatus is in position.
11 Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein the said eye protection apparatus, is formed by a series of components which are respectively releasably enmeable so as to allow the disengagement of the said components once the eye protection apparatus is no longer required for service and/or to allow certain components to be removed and replaced.
12. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein said apparatus includes a support band which passes around the person's head and acts as a retention means and to support one or more components therefrom via engagement means allow the selective location therewith of location means of said one or more further components to retain the same in a. position for use in conjunction with the support band.
13 Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein the retention means are located so that a first portion is adjacent to a first ear of the person's head and a second portion is adjacent to a second ear of the person when the apparatus is worn.
14. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein the retention means support band incorporates means to allow a sheet material to act as a protective visor screen or shield to be attached thereto,
15. Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the said screen position is selectively adjustable with respect to the support band from an in-use position in which the same lies substantially in front of the face of the wearer and a non-use position in which the screen is raised and moved away from the front of the face of the wearer.
16. Apparatus according to any of claims 14-15 wherein the screen is provided with a substantially uniform curve defined by the support band.
17 Apparatus according to claim 14-15 wherein the screen includes curved edge portions and an intermediate portion which is not curved or has a curvature less than that of the edge portions.
18 Apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the intermediate portion is defined by one or more members which are attached to the said screen.
19 Apparatus according to claim 18 wherein a first member is located at, or is provided as part of, the support band and a second member is located at or adjacent to the free end of the screen.
20. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein the retention means includes and adjustment mechanism selectively movable between a locked position at which a selected size of the retention means is locked and an adjusting or release position in which opposing free ends of the support band can be moved relative to each other so as to allow the effective length and fit of the retention means to be adjusted.
21 Apparatus according to claim 20 wherein the adjustment mechanism includes, at a first free end of the retention means a portion which is received within a locking assembly provided on the opposing free end of the retention means.
22. Apparatus according to claim 21 wherein the said first free end includes a series of spaced protrusions which depend along a length of the support band inwardly from said first free end, said protrusions defining selectable locking positions.
23. Apparatus according to any of claims 21 and 22 wherein the locking assembly comprises at least one user adjustable actuators to act on a locking portion.
24 Apparatus according to claim 23 wherein two actuators are provided and respectively located on opposing sides of the locking portion and can be moved between a locking position to which the same are biased, and in which the selected length of the retention means is maintained and a release position in which the relative movement of the free ends of the support band is possible.
25. Apparatus according to claim 24 wherein the movement of the actuators between the locking and release positions, is along an axis which is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the adjustment movement of the said first a.nd second free ends of the retention means.
26 Apparatus according to any of claims 24 and 25 wherein simultaneous operation of the first and second actuators to a release position is required in order to allow the release of the locking assembly.
27. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein a fixing arrangement is provided to fix the visor screen to the visor support band so as to allow visor screens of different thicknesses, within a range of thicknesses, to be selectively fixed to said support band.
28 Eye protection apparatus including a body or shield for location to protect the eyes and retention means connected to the body or shield to allow the same to be retained in position on the head of the wearer, said retention means including an adjustment mechanism comprising a locking assembly with fit selection means located on a first portion of the retention means and a locking assembly provided on a second portion of the retention means, said locking assembly including a locking portion and first and second actuators and wherein said actuators are selectively moveable simultaneously to release the lockuHg portion and allow adjustment of the position of said first and second portions and in turn adjustment of the length of the retention means.