WO2021220210A1

WO2021220210A1 - A protective visor

Info

Publication number: WO2021220210A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/053566
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vadim SOROCOVICH
Original assignee: X Glasses Ltd
Priority date: 2020-04-29
Filing date: 2021-04-29
Publication date: 2021-11-04

Abstract

The present invention discloses a protective visor with a transparent screen with a connection means for attaching the visor to a wearer. A casing houses component of the protective visor. The protective visor has at least one Far ultraviolet (Far-UVC) light source and at least one battery to power the at least one Far-UVC light source.

Description

A PROTECTIVE VISOR

Field of Invention

The present invention is a protective visor for protecting a person from airborne particles that may carry infection, in particular a protective visor with a disinfecting means.

Backqround

Goggles and masks are common personal protective equipment (PPE) worn to protect from transfer of infection. However, often PPE is intended for single use thus creating large amounts of waste.

Although the PPE may act as a barrier to infection the PPE has no ability to kill infectious organisms that are captured on a surface of the PPE. Therefore it is essential that PPE is safely disposed of or destroyed in order to avoid further infection or contamination.

The present invention provides an item of PPE that also has a means to kill infectious microorganisms.

Prior Art

AU2020100228 (Assmann et. al) discloses a filter mask.

US2012/0279503 (Zhou et al.) discloses a breathing apparatus according to embodiments of the invention.

CN10805655 (Suzhou Recen Prec Machinery Co) discloses a welding mask.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems associated with some types of prior art masks. Summary of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a protective visor comprising: a transparent screen with a connection means for attaching the visor to a wearer; a casing which receives a power supply and has a controller which operates at least one Far ultraviolet light (Far-UVC) source for disinfection; and a light distribution system that provides an even distribution of light.

In this way, when the protective visor is worn by a wearer, a physical barrier is provided by the transparent screen and additionally the Far-UVC light source is emitted to kill pathogen microorganisms, including viruses and bacteria, that are airborne or contact parts of the wearer’s skin. The viruses and bacteria may be radiated by the Far-UVC radiation. The microorganisms are killed by the Far-UVC light as it has been found that Far-UVC radiation destroys molecular bonds that hold DNA of the microorganisms together. Therefore the area around a wearer’s face is disinfected.

Far-UVC light typically in the range of 207nm to 222nm, and preferably selected around a wavelength of 222nm, has been found to be very effective at killing pathogens without harming human tissue that is exposed to the far-UVC light. Far-UVC light is therefore capable of quickly and safely killing bacteria and viruses including but not limited to coronaviruses such as Covid-19.

In use a wearer dons the protective visor and switches on, or activates, the at least one Far-UVC light source; or if using the protective visor to sanitise a surface, holds the protective visor or directs the Far-UVC light whilst worn and turns on, or activates, the Far-UVC light so as to direct radiation towards a surface to be sanitised. Advantageously the Far-UVC light may eliminate the requirement for mouth covering masks and glasses to be worn, and can simplify the handling of personal protective equipment (PPE) after use.

Furthermore as the transparent screen preferably extends over a wearer’s eyes and mouth, and as the Far-UVC light is distributed across the wearer’s face, the wearer does not have PPE in direct contact with their face, so scars and markings, such as indented skin from prolonged wearing of facial personal protective equipment is prevented.

The screen is arranged to cover a wearer’s face. At least part of the screen is transparent to enable a wearer to see through the screen.

Typically the screen is a curved sheet formed from synthetic plastics.

The transparent screen is mounted on the connection means so that the protective visor can be worn on a wearer’s head. The connection means enables the protective visor to be attached to and comfortably worn by the wearer. The casing may be integrated with the screen and/or the connections means or may be displaceable therefrom.

The casing houses components of the protective visor and receives a power supply. In some embodiments the casing houses the at least one Far-UVC light source and may also house other components such as the power supply, for example a battery, or printed circuit board (PCB). The at least one Far-UVC light source is arranged so that light is emitted from the casing over the wearer’s face so as to sterilise air around the skin of the wearer. As the protective visor is over a wearer’s face it protects vulnerable areas more susceptible to virus entry such as a wearer’s eyes, nose and mouth that are more susceptible to entry of infection. The controller operates the at least one Far ultraviolet light (Far-UVC) source for disinfection, for example enabling the light source or sources to be turned on an off, to be lit in sequence or in a preferred array.

The Far-UVC light is provided within a selected safe range of wavelengths to ensure that infectious organisms that are irradiated are killed and so that the Far-UVC light is not dangerous to wearers.

Preferably the Far-UVC light emitted is at a wavelength of 222 nm so as not to cause any damage to human cells.

Far-UVC light is known to be most effective at skin sterilisation when the light is arranged close to the surface to be disinfected, for example a wearer’s skin. Therefore the Far-UVC lights must be arranged on the protective visor so that light is distributed at a safe distance from the skin that still permits effective sterilisation.

The protective visor has a light distribution system to evenly distribute light so that the area around the wearer’s face is disinfected. The light distribution system ensures an even distribution of light over a wearer’s face. The light may be distributed evenly so as to provide a uniform pattern trace.

Ideally the light distribution system may be a configuration of lights, such as string or matrix of lights that ensure even light distribution or a lens and/or a light guide to direct emitted light to provide an even distribution, such as to form the uniform pattern trace. The light distribution system also ensures that the Far-UVC light is distributed close enough to a wearer and not distributed directly towards a wearer’s eyes.

In a preferred embodiment the Far-UVC light source is a light emitting diode (LED) light strip arranged in the casing and/or on the screen, and/or the Far- UVC light source is an excimer lamp with light reflectors and/or lenses arranged on the protective visor. Preferably the Far-UVC light sources are located to light the area of the screen. For example Far-UVC light sources on the casing may be arranged to be facing towards a screen perimeter.

In some embodiments the light sources may be configured to output a beam which is scanned in a raster scan configuration.

A light guide or a lens may also be provided to direct the light emitted in a particular direction, or to change the direction in which light is emitted.

It is appreciated that in some embodiments one or more Far-UVC light sources may be arranged to radiate in a preferred user defined direction. In this way a wearer may direct the light source to disinfect another surface. For example the visor may remain worn and outward facing Far-UVC lights may be activated so that a wearer may hold their hands up to the visor in order for them to be disinfected prior to touching a new surface, such as disinfecting hands after touching a door handle and before a new surface is contacted, such as a patient. Alternatively the visor may be removed and the light source directed to a wearer’s hands or a wearer may raise their hands to the outward facing light source.

The protective visor is fitted to a wearer by the connection means. Preferably the connection means includes an elasticated or adjustable band which passes around all or at least part of a wearer’s head.

Preferably at least part of the band is padded, for example the region in contact with a wearer’s forehead.

In some embodiments the connection means may be an adapted spectacle frame to which a face covering screen is attached.

The casing is preferably arranged on the connection means in order to more comfortably distribute the weight of the components on the wearer. The casing may be arranged to pass around part of, or all of the connection means. The casing may include a number of components depending on the features of the protective visor. For example the casing may house any of the following, but not limited to the following: at least one Far-UVC light source, one or more battery, a processor, a memory means, a wireless communication means, such as a Bluetooth (RTM) protocol module, and/or a communication device such as a transmitter and/or a receiver.

In some embodiments the screen comprises at least two screen parts that are adapted to be deployed in a first configuration, in which a wearer’s face is covered; and at least a second configuration, in which at least one eye region of the wearer is covered.

In this way a wearer can partially or fully cover their face depending on a situation or specific required usage. For example the mouth region may be uncovered for eating, or one eye may be uncovered when a wearer is using a microscope.

Typically the at least two screen parts move relatively, one to another, by means of a sliding mechanism. This allows the screen to be adjusted by a wearer.

In the second configuration the two screen parts may be overlapping. In other embodiments the second lower part may be arranged on a hinge mechanism so as to be displaced away from an upper part of the screen, whilst remaining connected thereto. For example, a lower part of the screen may be displaced up and over the upper part.

In some embodiments the protective visor includes at least one auxiliary battery which supplies current to the at least one Far-UVC light. It is appreciated that the auxiliary battery may also supply current to other components of the protective visor that may require power in order to operate.

Preferably the protective visor includes a switch to switch on and switch off the at least one Far-UVC light source. In some embodiments the switch is contactless. For example the switch may be remotely operable, by means of a remote controller that transmits a signal that is received by a receiver operatively connected to the switch. Or in another embodiment the switch may activate automatically by a behaviour, for example upon positioning on a wearer’s head and detecting heat of a wearer’s head or one which includes a proximity sensor so as to be active when a

In this way a wearer does not need to contaminate their hands by activating the switch. This also enables remote switching by a third party, for example by way of a proximity sensor which detects a waving arm or hand moving gesture in a preselected direction to switch on or off the light source, for example when a hand is passed within 100 mm of the sensor.

In yet a further embodiment the switch may be activated by a voice command or utterance of a predefined word or phrase.

It is appreciated that separate switches may be provided for separate light sources. For example a first switch may be provided for light sources directed over a wearer’s face and a second switch may be provided for light sources directed outwards away from a wearer’s face.

In a preferred embodiment the protective visor includes a receiver for receiving a signal relating to infection status of a wearer and an indicator for displaying the infection status. In this way infection status of the wearer is provided by the indicators.

In yet a further embodiment the protective visor can be used as part of an advisory system wherein the protective visor may include: a receiver for receiving a signal relating to the location of a person of interest (such as a person who is infected with a virus) with respect to a remote electronic device/source; a processor for analysing the signal and activating at least one indicator for indicating proximity, or direction of approach, of an infected person relative to the wearer.

In this way a wearer of the visor is made aware of an approaching person of interest, or of an infected area and is able to take steps to mitigate their risk.

For example, a person identified as being infected with a virus may be considered as a person of interest, or a confined area in which an infected person may be considered a potentially infected area. If an infected person comes within a predetermined range of the person wearing the visor, for example within five metres (5 m) of the wearer, an indicator on the protective visor is activated to alert the wearer to the presence of the person and their direction of approach. Upon activation of the at least one indicator a wearer is then able to take evasive action to maintain distance from an approaching infected person or high risk area.

In some embodiments the remote electronic device/source is in communication with a database that collects information relating to health status and location of people.

In other embodiments the remote electronic device may be a nearby smartphone or tablet with an application (app) which includes owner data about health status that is shared wirelessly by nearby devices. For example status may be shared with devices within a predetermined proximity, for example via an operable range of at least one Bluetooth (RTM) wireless protocol indicator device.

In yet a further embodiment the protective visor may include a sensor for monitoring and detecting virus in an air sample. For example an air sampling sensor may be arranged on the casing. A processor is provided for analysing an air sample and activating at least one indicator if a predetermined viral load is detected within the air sample. In this way viral content of the air can be constantly monitored as a wearer moves around from place to place. The at least one indicator device may be a second light source, an audible alert, a haptic actuator and/or an image or text displayed on the screen.

The second light source may comprise one or more light arranged on the screen and/or connection means. Preferably the second light source may be in the form of a light emitting diode (LED).

The second light source may be arranged to be visible to the wearer, to a third party or to both.

In some embodiments the second light sources may be provided in different colours or capable of illuminating in different colours. In this way different colours may be used to indicate difference status’. For example, a red light may indicate a wearer is infected. A green light may indicate that a wearer is not infected. A yellow light may indicate that no status has been obtained.

Advantageously if a visual indicator is provided to third parties this may accelerate some situations, such as where queues form due to the requirement for infection status to be checked. For example, the status information may be received from an authorised database, such as in the UK the National Health Service (NHS) Covid app.

The audible indicator may comprise a loudspeaker arranged on the screen or connection means or a headphone device. The audible indicator may emit an alert to indicate a change of status, or to warn of a person of interest.

The haptic actuator may be a vibrating module provided on the connection means or screen so that a wearer detects a vibrating sensation.

In some embodiments the at least one indicator is text or an image displayed on the screen. It is appreciated that the text and/or image may be provided on an inner face of the screen for viewing by a wearer, on an outer face of the screen for viewing by third parties or both.

It is appreciated that indicator devices or indicators may be adapted so that they are only detectable by the wearer. For example, a second light source may be shielded so as to only be visible to the wearer. In this way the wearer can discreetly continue doing what they were doing without drawing the attention of an infected person to surrounding people.

It is appreciated that different versions of the protective visor may be made available for different uses and/or locations.

For example a protective visor may be adapted for medical use in a healthcare setting where the risk of virus and bacteria may be high. Such a protective visor may include a full face covering visor and a larger plurality of Far-UVC lights to provide optimal protection.

A simpler, lightweight model of the protective visor may be available for public use and outside of healthcare settings.

It is appreciated that other embodiments of the protective visor with indicators, may only be intended for use outside of healthcare settings where the status of passing people is generally unknown.

In some embodiments the protective visor may only comprise an eye covering screen, solely covering the eyes, or a face covering screen solely covering the respiratory parts of the face, namely nose and mouth and not the eyes of a wearer.

The Far-UVC light sources are powered by at least one battery which optionally includes a rechargeable battery pack. Preferably the at least one battery is housed by the casing. In some embodiments the light source is directed substantially perpendicular to the wearer’s skin in use. In some embodiments the light source is directed substantially parallel to the wearer’s skin in use.

Advantageously the protective visor has a self-sterilisation means therefore meaning that the protective visor can be readily sterilised for re-use thus creating less need to buy disposable face masks and eyes goggles.

The visor may be self-sterilised by removing the electronic component(s) and treating them with a suitable disinfecting substance, such as ozone or heat and the visor and headband may be sterilised using a disinfectant. Optionally headbands are removable and replaceable.

In some embodiments the light source may be separable so as to enable parts of the protective visor that are not fully illuminated by the Far-UVC light sources to be sterilised by the light source.

It is appreciated that the surfaces of the visor may be cleaned or sterilised multiple times, leading to a long lifespan for the protective visor. In this way hospitals may reuse an expensive single visor and associated control and communications equipment repeatedly.

In some embodiments the protective visor may include a camera mounted on the connection means. In this way a wearer can capture video or images.

Preferably the protective visor includes a communication means to enable the captured video or images to be transmitted and optionally viewed on a remote device. The image data transfer may be real time to enable communication between parties. This may be advantageous where restrictions prevent access, for example in a hospital ward with infected patients.

In some embodiments the protective visor also has a microphone to receive audio that may also be transmitted to a remote device. Additionally the protective visor may be adapted to receive video and audio data to permit remote communication. For example images may be displayed on the screen and at least one loudspeaker may be provided to play audio commands or information.

In yet a further embodiment the visor may include a sampling means to detect if virus is present in the air.

For example the sampling means may be a sensing to detecting device, such as a lateral flow device may be provided on the protective visor. Rather than inserting a swob taken from a person’s nose or mouth, a swab taking device, such as a cotton bud is arranged on the testing means so as to be exposed to the air and in contact with the chemicals that enable a reading to be taken. In this way the swab may accumulate virus in the air and generate a reading in real time, thereby indicating if a wearer of the protective visor has been exposed to significant levels of virus.

It is appreciated that the testing means may include a plurality of swab taking devices so that swab can be regularly changed, for example every hour. The testing means may be a cartridge with a selection of compartments that can be selectively opened each hour, for example by removing a seal that exposes the swab means to the air and to the chemicals that permit a real time reading to be given.

In some embodiments the protective visor may include a testing means to check functionality of the visor. For example the testing means may be operative to output a signal indicating an operational status of the protective visor, for example by means of an indicator such as a light or alarm.

The testing means may be operative to output a signal indicating an operational status of at least one of the components in the protective visor. For example to test the Far-UVC light source. In another embodiment the protective visor may include a location means so that location of the visor can be obtained.

The protective visor may include a receiver which receives at least one signal from at least one transmitting device and from which signal a location of the protective visor is derived.

In some embodiments the location means may include a global positioning system (GPS). For example for protective visors intended for outdoor use.

The location means may be in communication with a network, such as a local network, that determines location through proximity to a receiver, for example a receiver in a particular room.

In a preferred embodiment at least one transmitting device is a beacon or radio frequency (RF) transmitter whose location is known; a receiving device receives a signal indicating the location of the at least one visor; and a processor which monitors signals indicating the location of each protective visor and which is operable to issue a warning signal in the event of at least one of the protective visors entering a prohibited or restricted zone. In this way a wearer can be warned of high risk areas.

In an alternative embodiment the at least one transmitting device is a beacon or radio frequency (RF) transmitter whose location is known; a receiving device receives a signal indicating the location of the at least one visor; and a processor which monitors signals indicating the location of each protective visor and which is operable to issue a warning signal in the event of at least two protective visors being less than a user defined distance one from another. In this way a wearer is reminded to keep a safe distance. The location data may be analysed by a processor to consider location of a first protective visor relative to a second protective visor. In this way a wearer may be warned of another wearer who is infected.

In a further embodiment the location of each protective visor relative to a specified location, such as a specific hospital ward, is monitored to assist with infection control. In this way numbers may be controlled in certain high risk areas.

In this way the protective visor also provides a means of communication. For example a wearer may be able to communicate with another person from a separate location.

Brief Description of the Fiqures

Figure 1 shows an isometric side view of a first embodiment of the protective visor according to one aspect of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a rear view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a front view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , in use;

Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of the protective visor;

Figure 5 shows a front view of third embodiment of the protective visor; and

Figure 6 is a diagrammatical view of a system in which the location of protective visors is monitored.

Description of the Pictured Embodiment

With reference to Figures 1 to 5 there is shown a selection of preferred embodiments of the protective visor 100, 101 , 102. Figures 1 to 3 show a first embodiment 100 of the protective visor and Figures 4 and 5 show second 101 and third 102 embodiments.

The protective visor 100 shown in Figures 1 to 3 has a head attachment means which comprises two parts, a head band with a rigid part 38 that extends around the forehead of a wearer and a flexible strap 39 (connected to the rigid part 38) that passes around the rear of a wearers head.

The band or strap 39 that connects to the rigid part 38, may comprise a flexible fabric or material. In the pictured embodiment the head attachment means 38,39 is a substantially rigid front curved part 38, for around the wearer’s forehead, and a substantially flexible, elastomeric and/or adjustable part 39 which reaches around the rear of the wearer’s head in use.

The rigid part 38 includes a nasal bridge grip or connection 37, and the screen or shield 1 depends from the rigid part 38 in front of this grip 37. The screen 1 is connected to the rigid part 38 of the head attachment means so as to arrange the screen 1 in front of the wearer’s forehead and upper face. In Figures 1 to 3 the protective visor 100 has a lower part 1 B, which is adapted to slide down from the upper part 1A, so as to optionally provide cover over the lower face and mouth.

The head attachment means 38, 39 provide a means for locating a face shield on a wearer’s head. Figure 5 shows a variation of the head attachment means in the form of a spectacle frame 38 that connects to a transparent screen 1 .

The protective visors shown in Figures 1 to 4 has a Far-UVC light source arranged in a casing or module 21 arranged on the rigid part 38 of the head attachment means. A string of Far-UVC lights 3 are arranged over the screen 1 . This arrangement of lights along with a light distribution system (not shown) provides an even distribution of light over the screen and face region of a wearer to ensure optimal disinfecting of the screen and immediate surrounding area. The rigid part 38 also houses a Bluetooth (RTM) sensor 6 which can receive signals that may be used to control the light sources and/or indicators (not shown). In this way the light sources and indicators (if present) can be controlled remotely.

In Figure 1 three light indicators 12 are shown. These light indicators 12 may be lit depending upon data received by the Bluetooth sensor 6.

The presence of indicators may be used for different purposes. For example the indicators may reveal infection status of the wearer or enable a wearer to be advised of direction of approaching people who have been identified to be infected, so that the wearer can change their route to avoid coming into close contact with an infected person.

The screen 1 is a transparent or translucent curved plate, which is located in use in front of a wearer’s nose, mouth and face in general. In this way the screen 1 prevents direct passage of fluids and airborne droplets onto the to the face of the wearer or into the eyes, nose or mouth of a wearer.

The screen is formed from two screen parts 1A, 1B. The lower part 1B slides up or down on a slider 7, in front of the nasal bridge grip 37, which depends from the casing 21 that is arranged on a rear face of the rigid part 38 of the head attachment means. In this way the lower part 1B can slide down to become a full size personal protective equipment (PPE) device.

It is appreciated that the screen may also be provided as a single piece that may either be shaped and dimensioned to cover part of the wearer’s face or to cover and surround substantially all of the wearer’s face.

The casing 21 is arranged on the rigid part 38 (see Figures 1 and 2). A forward facing part of the rigid part 38 houses a camera and/or audio means 8.

The rigid part 38 also includes a testing means 9 which comprises a plurality of separate cartridges to enable separate testing over time, for example an air sample to be taken over an hour.

The rigid part 38 also includes a light 11 to indicate infection status. The light is an LED that is illuminated to indicate status. The light may be lit in different colours, for example lit red to indicate infection and green to indicate no infection.

The casing 21 houses the light source (not shown) and at least one battery (not shown). The casing 21 includes a button control 10 for selected operation of the protective device to disinfect other surfaces. For example the protective visor may be handheld, and the light emitted directed to specific surfaces, or the light emitted may be redirected so that the protective visor can remain worn whilst directing Far-UVC light in a different direction, or two or more directions.

It is appreciated that the casing 21 may be adapted to direct the Far-UVC light from the light sources to be emitted in one or more different directions, depending upon use. For example when the protective visor is worn the Far- UVC light that is emitted is directed from the casing down over a wearer’s face. It may be possible to redirect the light emitted from the Far-UVC light source, or some of the light emitted from the Far-UVC source, for example so that the Far-UVC light, or some of the Far-UVC light is emitted away from the visor. In this way if the protective visor can be used in a first mode in which the light source is guided to the shield, and in the second mode the light source is directable away from the shield. It is appreciated that both modes may be in operation simultaneously. The direction of the light emitted from the casing may be adjusted by a lens or a guide (not shown). The same lens or guide may also act as the light distribution system.

The screen 1 may be removable from the head attachment means 38. The casing 21 may be displaceable from the head attachment means 38. In Figures 1 to 4 the light sources are provided along the rigid part 38 in the form of an excimer lamp (see Figure 2) arranged on the casing 21 and as a string of lights 3 over the screen shield. The casing 21 houses the power source (not shown) for the light sources.

The light sources are Far ultraviolet C lights (Far-UVC). These light sources provide a means to safely sterilise the wearer’s face and surrounding air as the Far-UVC light kills microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses without causing skin damage to the wearer.

The light sources may comprise one or more LEDs (light emitting diodes). The dimensions and placement of the light source are arranged to ensure a distribution over the face of a wearer. This may be enabled by providing a perimeter of the FUVC light sources about the screen shield 1 . For example an excimer lamp with light reflectors, and/or LED chip strips arranged around the circumference of the screen 1 .

In the pictured embodiment an extra (auxiliary) battery pack 4 may be included to the rear part of the head attachment means 39.

Testing shows that standard UVC light is dangerous to human skin and eye, and only kills viruses when exposed for a long period of time, typically 5-15 mins. Whereas Far-UVC light that is emitted at 222nm is safe for humans as it does not penetrate the skin, and kills viruses in real time.

With reference to Figure 5 there is shown an embodiment substantially in the form of a pair of spectacle frames. The spectacle frame provides the head attachment means 38 and a nose bridge 37. The spectacle frame 38 is attached to a screen 1 that forms a protective covering over the wearer’s eyes.

In some embodiments the device of the present invention may further comprise wireless connectivity transceivers, to receive signals such as Bluetooth (RTM). This capability may enable wireless control of the light sources or other features such as indicators (if present).

The presence of one or more transceivers enables wireless connectivity to a wireless network so as to enable data to be transferred to or from the transparent screen. This information may be used as part of a warning system to advise the wearer of prevalence or locality of infection hotspots by activating indicators that advise of direction of approach of an infected person, or person from an infected area, and/or to automatically activate the Far-UVC light sources if data provided indicates an infection risk has been detected.

Such functionality in the visor may be complemented with an accelerometer, gyroscope and/or global positioning system, so as to indicate direction of risk, for example by an indicator sounding an audible alert or flashing a light to the left, right or upper region of the screen so as to indicate the direction of an infected person or infected area so that a wearer can take action to avoid this area, or pass at a safe distance.

Figure 6 shows a system 200 which comprises at least one transmitting device 210 which is a radio beacon or radio frequency (RF) transmitter, such as a Bluetooth transmitter, whose location is known. A receiving device 220 receives a signal indicating the location of at least one visor 230 worn by person A. A microprocessor 240 monitors signals to derive an indication of the location of each protective visor 230 (Person A), 232 (Person B). The microprocessor 240 is operable to issue a warning signal in the event of at least one of the protective visors 230, 232 entering a prohibited or restricted zone. Ideally the protective visor 230, 232 includes a receiver 250 which receives at least one signal from the at least one transmitting device 210. In another embodiment the protective visor is operable to issue a warning signal in the event of at least two protective visors 230 and 232 being less than a user defined distance one from another.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A protective visor comprising: a transparent screen with a connection means for attaching the visor to a wearer; a casing which receives a power supply and has a controller which operates at least one Far ultraviolet light (Far- UVC) source for disinfection; and a light distribution system that provides an even distribution of light.

2. A protective visor according to claim 1 wherein the Far-UVC light emitted is 222 nm wavelength or shorter than 222 nm.

3. A protective visor according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the light distribution system includes a guide to direct emitted light.

4. A protective visor according to any preceding claim wherein the screen comprises at least two screen parts that are adapted to be deployed in a first configuration, in which a wearer’s face is covered; and at least a second configuration, in which at least one an eye region of the wearer is covered.

5. A protective visor according to claim 4 wherein the at least two screen parts move relatively one to another, by means of a sliding mechanism.

6. A protective visor according to any preceding claim includes an auxiliary battery which supplies current to the at least one Far-UVC light.

7. A protective visor according to any preceding claim includes a switch to turn on and off the at least one Far-UVC light.

8. A protective visor according to claim 7 wherein the switch is contactless, for example remotely operable, by means of a remote controller that transmits a signal that is received by a receiver operatively connected to the switch.

9. A protective visor according to claim 7 or 8 wherein the switch includes a proximity sensor.

10. A protective visor according to any preceding claim includes a receiver for receiving a signal relating to an infection status of a third party and an indicator for displaying the infection status.

11. A protective visor according to any preceding claim including a sensor for monitoring and detecting virus in an air sample; a processor for analysing the air sample and activating at least one indicator if a predetermined viral load within is detected within the air sample.

12. A protective visor according to any preceding claim includes a receiver for receiving a signal relating to the location of a person of interest from a transmitter; a processor for analysing the signal and a control for activating at least one indicator.

13. A protective visor according to claim 11 or 12 wherein the indicator indicates a direction of approach of the infected person relative to the wearer.

14. A protective visor according to any of claims 11, 12 or 13 wherein the indicator is a second light source.

15. A protective visor according to claim 14 wherein the second light source includes different coloured light sources.

16. A protective visor according to claim 14 wherein the second light source is shielded so as to only be visible to the wearer.

17. A protective visor according to any of claims 11 to 16 wherein the indicator includes an audible alert.

18. A protective visor according to any of claims 11 to 17 wherein the indicator includes a haptic actuator.

19. A protective visor according to any of claims 11 to 18 wherein the indicator is adapted to display text or an image on a screen or surface visible by the wearer.

20. A protective visor according to any preceding claim including a camera mounted on the connection means.

21. A protective visor according to any preceding claim including at least one loudspeaker.

22. A protective visor according to any preceding claim including at least one microphone.

23. A protective visor according to any of claims 20, or claim 21 or 22 when dependent on claim 20, including a communication device to transmit video or images from the camera to a remote device.

24. A protective visor according to claim 22 including a communication device to transmit audio received by the microphone to a remote device.

25. A protective visor according to claim 21 including a receiving means to receive audio signals from a remote device and to replay the audio signals through a loudspeaker or headphone device.

26. A protective visor according to any preceding claim including a sampling means.

27. A protective visor according to any preceding claim including a testing means which is operative to output a signal indicating an operational status of the visor or at least one of the components in the protective visor.

28. A protective visor according to any preceding claim wherein at least one Far-UVC light source is housed by the casing.

29. A protective visor according to any preceding claim including a receiver which receives at least one signal from at least one transmitting device, from which signal a location of the protective visor is derived.

30. A system according to claim 29, wherein the at least one transmitting device is a beacon or radio frequency (RF) transmitter whose location is known; a receiving device receives a signal indicating the location of the at least one visor; and a processor which monitors signals indicating the location of each protective visor and which is operable to issue a warning signal in the event of at least one of the protective visors entering a prohibited or restricted zone.

31. A system according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the at least one transmitting device is a beacon or radio frequency (RF) transmitter whose location is known; a receiving device receives a signal indicating the location of the at least one visor; and a processor which monitors signals indicating the location of each protective visor and which is operable to issue a warning signal in the event of at least two protective visors being less than a user defined distance one from another.