WO2010022434A1

WO2010022434A1 - A face shield

Info

Publication number: WO2010022434A1
Application number: PCT/AU2009/000969
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rodney James Cassar
Original assignee: Rodney James Cassar
Priority date: 2008-08-26
Filing date: 2009-07-31
Publication date: 2010-03-04
Also published as: GB201103243D0; GB2474621A

Abstract

A face shield (11) for shielding a wearer's face from fluids such as water, shampoo, conditioner, detergents, hair treatment products and the like when applied to the wearer's hair or scalp. The face shield (11) includes a shield body (12), the shield body (12) including a central portion (13) shaped for positioning at least proximate a wearer's forehead, a first web (14) extending from a first end region (15) of the central portion (13) and a second web (16) extending from a second end region (17) of the central portion (13). Each web (14, 16) is provided for positioning at least proximate a respective side of the wearer's face forwardly of the wearer's ears. The shield (11) also includes a seal (18) extending along, and at least proximate to, an edge of each of the central portion 13 and first and second webs (14, 16) for fluidly sealing the shield body (12) against the wearer's forehead and sides of the wearer's face. The shield (11) further includes a forwardly extending upper surface (23) provided for directing the fluids along the webs (14, 16) to be expelled from the ends of the webs (24, 25).

Description

A FACE SHIELD

The present invention relates generally to a face shield, for shielding a wearer's face from fluids such as water, shampoo, conditioner, detergents, hair treatment products and the like when applied to the wearer's hair or scalp.

While it is convenient to hereinafter describe the invention with particular reference to a face shield for shielding a child's face from shampoo and like fluids being applied to the child's scalp when an adult is washing the child's hair, it is recognised that the invention may have wider application such as use in hairdressing salons or other similar commercial enterprises, or alternatively use by persons of limited dexterity who may require external assistance when washing their hair or applying fluids such as hair treatment products to the hair and/or scalp.

The discussion of devices and the like is included in this specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each provisional claim of this application.

Background

The Applicant is aware of various protective face shields, or similar protective devices such as visors or soap guards, which are normally provided to protect a person from fluids such as water or shampoo from entering the eyes, nose or ears when fluid is being applied to the hair and/or scalp of the person.

Protective devices known to the Applicant can either partially, or completely, encircle the head or facial region of the person whose hair is being washed, and are generally held in position relative to the person's face by material tension, or other resilient or fixing means such as with elastic or ties, while the person's hair is being washed.

However, the problem with such protective devices is that the sealing ability depends on the pressure with which the protective device is being held in place. In other words, if the pressure is inadequate, the device can leak by allowing fluid to pass under the seal and onto the facial region or into the ears of the wearer.

Alternatively, for protective devices which are held in position too tightly on a wearer's head, the wearer may experience discomfort and pain while the seal of the protective device is being maintained.

Furthermore, when the protective device is arranged to encircle at least a significant portion of a person's head or facial region, the device may cover parts of the head or ears which can result in proximate areas of the hair or scalp being inaccessible or difficult for a person to wash.

In an attempt to address one or more of the problems described above, the Applicant is aware face shields or other protective devices which have been designed to theoretically be gripped or otherwise held in position by a person doing the washing. However, such devices are often difficult to grip, particularly in the presence of water, soap and other fluidic hair washing preparations that tend to make them wet and slippery, and are not specially designed for that purpose.

It can also be very difficult for a person washing a child's hair to tell how much pressure is required to hold the protective device effectively in place on the child's head, particularly in situations where the child moves or is less than fully cooperative while the child's hair is being washed. If the pressure being applied to the protective device is inadequate, fluid leakage can result which may allow fluid to enter the child's eyes, nose or ear canals. Alternatively, if the pressure being applied to the protective device is too great, the child may experience pain or discomfort.

Furthermore, many shield devices require the person who is applying such fluids and the like to have one hand engaged to hold the shielding device in place on the wearer, and the one remaining hand being left free to apply the appropriate fluid or the like to the wearer's hair or scalp. Considerable dexterity is required to hold the shielding device in place on or around the wearer's forehead whilst the fluids or the like are being applied to the wearer's hair or scalp. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a protective face shield which can overcome or at least alleviate one or more of the problems described above.

Summary of Invention According to the present invention, there is provided a face shield for shielding a wearer's face from fluids such as water, shampoo, conditioner, detergents, hair treatment products and the like when applied to the wearer's hair or scalp, the face shield including:

- a shield body, the shield body including: - a central portion shaped for positioning at least proximate a wearer's forehead,

- a first web extending from a first end region of the central portion and a second web extending from a second end region of the central portion,

- each web provided for positioning at least proximate a respective side of the wearer's face forwardly of the wearer's ears, - a seal extending along, and at least proximate to, an edge of each of the central portion and first and second webs for fluidly sealing the shield body against the wearer's forehead and sides of the wearer's face, and

- a forwardly extending upper surface provided for directing the fluids along the webs to be expelled from the ends of the webs.

Preferably, the forwardly extending upper surface is generally planar. When the face shield is in use, excess water or other fluids can flow over the forwardly extending upper surface and be directed/diverted towards one or both of the first and second webs and therefore away from the wearer's eyes, nose and ears.

Further preferably, excess fluid which is near the central portion of the shield body can be diverted and/or deflected over a front edge of the central portion, subsequently separating from the central portion, rather than flowing along the underside of the central portion. This arrangement can more effectively divert/deflect excess fluid which is applied to the wearer's hair and/or scalp away from the wearer's eyes and face.

The shield body can include a plurality of generally planar forwardly extending upper surfaces, and each of the forwardly extending upper surfaces can be integrated with the central portion. Embodiments of the face shield which include a plurality of forwardly extending upper surfaces being integrated with the central portion can provide a generally continuous surface over which excess fluid can flow, which assists in diverting or deflecting the water away from the facial region of the wearer.

In a preferred embodiment, the face shield includes at least one handle mounted to the shield body, the at least one handle arranged such that the wearer can use the handle to retain the shield body in position such that the seal can fluidly seal against the wearer's forehead and sides of the wearer's face.

Each of the handles can be arranged in any suitable shape, such as a bulb or knob, or any other desirable shape which may include, for example, a shape which is ergonomically advantageous for a wearer such as a child to retain the face shield firmly and comfortably in place. The handles may be configured and adorned to look like a pair of eyes, or may alternatively adopt any other suitable form.

In use, each handle on the face shield can be conveniently and firmly gripped by the wearer whose hair is being washed, such that face shield can be properly stabilized and held in place by the wearer, even in a wet and slippery environment.

The effectiveness of the face shield seal can be controlled by the wearer applying a gentle pressure to each handle whilst the wearer remains in an upright sitting position whilst their hair is being washed. This makes the hair washing process fun for the wearer by reducing or eliminating the fear of having to close their eyes, having to lie down in the water to wet and rinse the hair, or having to tilt the head back to wet and rinse the hair.

Furthermore, because the wearer is responsible for holding the face shield in position, the person who is applying the fluid/s to the wearer's hair and/or scalp has both hands freed up to wash the wearer's hair, and can concentrate on the task of hair washing, which makes the whole process much more time efficient.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one handle includes a first handle mounted to the shield body for the wearer to retain the shield in position with one hand (e.g. their right hand) and a second handle mounted to the shield body for the wearer to retain the shield in position with their other hand (e.g. their left hand). Further preferably, the first handle is spaced from second handle.

The use of two handles, and in particular two handles which are spaced from one another, can allow the wearer to apply a more even and steady pressure to the retain the face shield in the desired position relative to the wearer's face. This arrangement can allow the wearer to apply a more effective seal against their forehead and the sides of their face, which can reduce or eliminate the amount of fluid leakage through the seal onto the wearer's face or into the wearer's ear canal.

In a preferred embodiment having a first and a second handle, the first handle is mounted to the shield body generally proximate to the first end region of the central portion, and the second handle is mounted to the shield body generally proximate to the second end region of the central portion.

A distal end of each web can include a diverter for diverting the fluids rearwardly of the shield body and away from the wearer's face. The diverter can be angled or shaped in any suitable manner so as to more effectively divert excess fluids away from the wearer's ear canal and sides of the wearer's face when the face shield according to the invention is in use.

In a preferred embodiment, the shield body is arranged such that the central portion and the first and second webs are integrated.

In embodiments of the face shield which include one or more handles, each handle is preferably integrated with the shield body. Alternatively, the at least one handle may be formed separately, and then later attachable to the shield body in any suitable manner including, but not limited to, attachment means such as adhesive, screw thread, clipping of friction fit.

Preferably, the edge of the central portion and the first and second webs is a substantially continuous edge. This arrangement can provide a more continuous, and therefore a more effective, seal against the wearer's forehead and sides of the face, such that excess fluid is directed or diverted away from the wearer's face or ears.

The seal is preferably arranged as a soft and flexible seal, which is integrated with the central portion and the first and second webs, to give a positive and fluid tight seal along the forehead line and down the sides of the wearer's face, when pressure is gently applied to the one or more handles by the wearer.

The shield body can also include a decorative form on one or more of the central portion, or the first or second webs. Decorative forms may be arranged in a 2 dimensional form, such as a pattern or picture applied to the shield body by painting, stickers or embossing and the like. Additionally, or alternatively, the decorative form may be arranged in a 3 dimensional form to represent any item which may appeal to the child, such as a crown, or a particular animal or person or machine. When the decorative form is arranged in an aesthetically pleasing manner, this can help motivate or encourage the child to use the protective face shield when the child's hair is being washed, and can make the hair washing process more fun for the child.

Preferably, the shield body is generally rigid. The rigidity of the shield body can be chosen such that the face shield can be bent or stretched to accommodate different sized heads, whilst still providing an effective seal against the wearer's forehead and sides of the face, as well as effectively deflecting and/or diverting excess fluid away from the wearer's eyes, nose and ears. Different sections of the shield body may have differing levels of rigidity.

It is envisaged that the present invention can be applied to any situation where a person requires protection any fluids such as those described above entering the facial region causing irritation and inconvenience, or causing injury by entering the eyes of the ear canal, when the fluid is being applied to the wearer's hair and/or scalp by another person.

Furthermore, the face shield of the present invention is suitable for use by people with either long or short hair, and can advantageously reduce or eliminate any irritation, inconvenience and possible detrimental effects of fluids or other hairdressing preparations from splashing into or entering the eyes, nose or ears when hair is washed.

The child can control the sealing process by applying a gentle pressure to the bulb/handles whilst remaining in an upright sitting position. This can make the hair washing process more enjoyable for a wearer such as a child, by reducing or eliminating the fear of having to close their eyes, having to lie down in the water to wet and rinse the hair, or having to tilt the head back to wet and rinse the hair.

The face shield of the present invention can provide one or more of the following advantages, which differs from other protective devices known to the Applicant by:-

a) Allowing a wearer such as a child to control and maintain the protective seal to reduce the likelihood of water or other fluidic hair-care products from getting in their eyes or from getting into the ear canal.

b) Allowing the wearer's entire head of hair to be wet, washed and rinsed whilst the face shield is in use. The face shield does not need to be removed between each step of the hair washing process.

c) Allowing the person who is applying fluid to the wearer's hair and/or scalp to use two hands to complete the process, whilst the wearer controls the seal of the face shield. This makes processes such as wetting, shampooing and rinsing a child's hair much easier, and much more time efficient.

d) The unique shape of the face shield and its placement against the forehead combined with the upright sitting position facilitates the channelling away of the water and other fluidic hair-care products past the ears, consequently reducing the possibility of water from entering eyes, nose or the ear canal.

e) The child or other wearer can keep their eyes open at all times during the entire wetting, application of fluidic hair care products, washing as well as rinsing of the hair. f) The child's head can remain in an upright/military position - they do not have to lie down or tilt their head back to allow the shampoo or other fluidic hair care products to be rinsed off. If the child does tilt their head forwards whilst the face shield according to the present invention is in place, the water and shampoo is diverted and/or deflected away from the child's eyes, nose and ears by the channelling system. The use of the face shield can reduce or eliminate a child's fear of having to close their eyes, lie back in the water, or to tilt their head back during the wetting, washing or rinsing process.

g) An integrated soft and flexible seal can provide a positive and fluid-tight seal against the forehead down the sides of the wearer's face, when pressure is gently applied to the one or more handles by the wearer, which can be adjusted for comfort levels by the wearer.

Brief Description of Drawings

The attached drawings show an example embodiment of the invention of the foregoing kind. The particularity of those drawings and the associated description does not supersede the generality of the preceding broad description of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the face shield according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the embodiment of the face shield shown in Fig. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of the embodiment of the face shield shown in Fig. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the embodiment of the face shield shown in Fig. 1 , shown in the approximate position relative to a wearer's face when in use.

Detailed Description of Drawings

Referring to the Figures, there is illustrated one embodiment of the face shield 1 1 according to the present invention. The face shield 1 1 includes a shield body 12 which is made from a polymer or any other suitable material. The shield body 12 includes a central portion 13 shaped for positioning at least proximate a wearer's forehead (wearer not illustrated), a first web 14 extending from a first end region 15 of the central portion 13 and a second web 16 extending from a second end region 17 of the central portion 13. The first web 14 and the second web 16 are each provided for positioning at least proximate a respective side of the wearer's face forwardly of the wearer's ears.

The shield body 12 further includes a seal 18 (only partially shown), extending along, and at least proximate to, an edge 19 (see Fig. 2) of the central portion 13 as well as an edge 21 ;22 (see Fig. 2) of each of the first and second webs 14;16 respectively, for fluidly sealing the shield body 12 against the wearer's forehead and sides of the wearer's face. The shield body 12 further includes a forwardly extending upper surface 23 provided for directing the fluids along the webs 14;16 to be expelled from the ends 24;25 of the webs 14;16 respectively.

As most clearly illustrated in Fig. 1 , the forwardly extending upper surface 23 is generally planar. When the face shield 1 1 is in use, excess water or other fluids can flow over the forwardly extending upper surface 23 and be directed/diverted towards one or both of the first and second webs 14;16 and therefore away from the wearer's eyes, nose and ears.

In use, excess fluid which is near the central portion 13 of the shield body 12 can be diverted/deflected over a front edge 26 of the central portion 13, subsequently separating from the central portion 13, rather than flowing along an underside 27 of the central portion 13 of the shield body 12. This arrangement can more effectively divert/deflect excess fluid which is applied to the wearer's hair and/or scalp away from the wearer's eyes and face.

As shown most clearly in Figs. 1 , 2 and 4, the face shield 11 includes a plurality of forwardly extending upper surfaces 23, each of the forwardly extending upper surfaces 23 being integrated with the central portion 13, providing a generally continuous surface over which excess fluid can flow, which assists in diverting or deflecting the excess fluid more effectively away from the facial region of the wearer.

The face shield 1 1 shown in the Figures includes two handles 28;29 mounted to the shield body 12, the handles 28;29 being arranged such that the wearer can grasp or grip one or both of the handles 28;29 to retain the shield body 12 in position such that the seal 18 can fluidly seal against the wearer's forehead and sides of the wearer's face. The handles 28;29 are shaped as a bulb or knob, which a wearer such as a child can easily and firmly grasp or grip, to retain the face shield 1 1 firmly and comfortably in position relative to the child's face. However, the handles 28;29 can be arranged in any suitable shape, which may be chosen to satisfy any particular ergonomic or aesthetic considerations as desired. As illustrated, the handles 28;29 may include a rubber cover portion for greater handling comfort of the wearer when using the face shield 1 1.

In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the first handle 28 is mounted to the shield body 12 for the wearer to retain the face shield 1 1 in position with one hand and the second handle 29 is mounted to the shield body 12 for the wearer to retain the face shield 1 1 in position with their other hand, the first and second handles 28;29 being spaced from one another.

The use of two spaced handles 28;29, as opposed using to a single handle, can allow the wearer to apply a more even and steady pressure to the retain the face shield 1 1 in the desired position relative to the wearer's face. This arrangement can allow the wearer to press the seal 18 of the face shield 1 1 more evenly and effectively against their forehead and the sides of their face, which can reduce or eliminate the amount of fluid leakage through the seal 18 onto the wearer's face or into the wearer's ear canal.

As shown most clearly in Figs. 1 , 2 and 4, the first handle 28 is mounted to the shield body 12 generally proximate to the first end region 15 of the central portion 13, and the second handle 29 is mounted to the shield body 12 generally proximate to the second end region 17 of the central portion 13 of the shield body 12.

A distal end 31 ;32 of each web 14;16 can include a diverter 33;34 respectively, for diverting the fluids rearwardly of the shield body 12 and away from the wearer's face. The diverters 33;34 can be angled or shaped in any suitable manner so as to more effectively divert excess fluids away from the wearer's ear canal and sides of the wearer's face. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the shield body 12 is arranged such that the central portion 13 and the first and second webs 14;16 are integrated.

As shown most clearly in Figs. 1 , 2 and 3, the first and second handles 28;29 of the face shield 1 1 are both integrated with the shield body 12. Alternatively however, one or both of the handles 28;29 may be individually attachable to the shield body 12 by any suitable attachment means as desired such as, for example, by any suitable adhesive, a mating screw thread, or clip, or friction fit.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the edge 19 of the central portion 13 and the edges 21 ;22 of the first and second webs 14;16 respectively forms a substantially continuous edge. This arrangement can provide a more continuous, and therefore a more effective, seal against the wearer's forehead and sides of the wearer's face, such that excess fluid is more effectively directed or diverted away from the wearer's face or ears.

The shield body can also include a decorative form (not shown) on one or more of the central portion 13, or the first or second webs 14;16. Further, the handles 28;29 can be decorative. In this respect they may take the form of a pair of eyes, or some other form as desired.

Preferably, the shield body 12 is generally rigid. The rigidity of the shield body can be chosen such that the face shield 1 1 can be bent or stretched to accommodate different head sizes of different wearers, whilst still providing an effective seal against the wearer's forehead and sides of the face, as well as effectively deflecting and/or diverting excess fluid away from the wearer's eyes, nose and ears. Different sections of the shield body 12 may have differing levels of rigidity.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A face shield for shielding a wearer's face from fluids such as water, shampoo, conditioner, detergents, hair treatment products and the like when applied to the wearer's hair or scalp, the face shield including:

- a shield body, the shield body including:

- a central portion shaped for positioning at least proximate a wearer's forehead,

- a first web extending from a first end region of the central portion and a second web extending from a second end region of the central portion, - each web provided for positioning at least proximate a respective side of the wearer's face forwardly of the wearer's ears,

- a seal extending along, and at least proximate to, an edge of each of the central portion and first and second webs for fluidly sealing the shield body against the wearer's forehead and sides of the wearer's face, and - a forwardly extending upper surface provided for directing the fluids along the webs to be expelled from the ends of the webs.

2. A face shield according to claim 1 , wherein the forwardly extending upper surface is generally planar.

3. A face shield according to claim 1 or 2, the shield body includes a plurality of generally planar forwardly extending upper surfaces.

4. A face shield according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the forwardly extending upper surfaces is integrated with the central portion.

5. A face shield according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further including at least one handle mounted to the shield body, the at least one handle arranged such that the wearer can use the handle to retain the shield body in position such that the seal can fluidly seal against the wearer's forehead and sides of the wearer's face.

6. A face shield according to claim 5, wherein the at least one handle includes a first handle mounted to the shield body for the wearer to retain the shield in position with their right hand and a second handle mounted to the shield body for the wearer to retain the shield in position with their left hand

7. A face shield according to claim 6, wherein the first handle is spaced from second handle.

8. A face shield according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the first handle is mounted to the shield body generally proximate to the first end region of the central portion, and the second handle is mounted to the shield body generally proximate to the second end region of the central portion

9. A face shield according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a distal end of each web includes a diverter for diverting the fluids rearwardly of the shield body and away from the wearer's face.

10. A face shield according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shield body is arranged such that the central portion and the first and second webs are integrated.

1 1. A face shield according to claim 5, or any one of claims 6 to 10 when dependent on claim 5, wherein the at least one handle is integrated with the shield body.

12. A face shield according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the edge of the central portion and the first and second webs is a substantially continuous edge.

13. A face shield according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shield body includes a decorative form on one or more of the central portion, or the first or second webs.

14. A face shield according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shield body is generally rigid.

15. A face shield according to any one of the embodiments substantially as herein described and illustrated