US20210345721A1 - Non-Impact Construction Face Shield - Google Patents

Abstract

Several non-impact face shields for use in jobsite and/or construction settings are shown and described. Various embodiments describe herein include a cover actuates between a covered positioned, in which the cover is in front of the face of the user, and an open position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION
• The present application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US2021/031300, filed on May 7, 2021, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/022,259, filed May 8, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/025,625, filed May 15, 2020, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates generally to the field of protective equipment. The present invention relates specifically to various non-impact face shields for use in jobsite/construction settings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• One embodiment of the invention relates to a non-impact face shield including a frame and a deformable non-impact cover coupled to the frame. The frame is configured to couple to a hard-shelled safety headwear worn on a head of a user. The frame is rotatable with respect to the head of the user such that the cover actuates between a covered position in which the cover is positioned in front of the face of the user and an opened position in which the cover is not positioned in front of the face of the user. The cover defines an outer surface and in opposing inner surface. The outer surface faces in a direction away from the face of the user when the cover is in the covered position.
• Another embodiment of the invention relates to a headwear assembly including a hard-shelled safety headwear configured to be worn on a head of a use, a pivot coupled to the safety headwear, and a deformable non-impact cover coupled to the pivot. The cover is pivotable with respect to the head of the user between a covered position in which the cover is positioned in front of the face of the user and an opened position in which the cover is not positioned in front of the face of the user. The cover pivots vertically when the cover is repositioned from the covered position to the opened position.
• Another embodiment of the invention relates to a non-impact face shield including a non-impact cover, a frame coupled to the cover, a first coupling mechanism configured to couple the frame to a hard-shelled safety headwear worn on the head of the user, and a second coupling mechanism configured to couple the frame to a stretchable band worn around the head of the user. The frame is rotatable with respect to a head of a user such that the cover actuates between a covered position in which the cover is positioned in front of the face of the user and an opened position in which the cover is not positioned in front of the face of the user.
• Another embodiment of the invention relates to a non-impact face shield. The face shield includes a pivot coupled to a head of a user, and a cover coupled to the pivot. The cover is pivotable with respect to the head of the user between a covered position in which the cover is positioned in front of the face of the user and an opened position in which the cover is not positioned in front of the face of the user.
• In a specific embodiment, the pivot engages with a coupling component (e.g., an aperture) of a safety helmet worn by the user, and the cover is pivotable with respect to the safety helmet. In another specific embodiment, the cover defines an outer surface and an opposing inner surface, and the outer surface faces laterally away from the face of the user when the cover is in the covered position. In another specific embodiment, the cover pivots vertically when the cover is repositioned from the covered position to the opened position. In another specific embodiment, the pivot couples to a brim of a safety helmet worn by the user.
• In another specific embodiment, the face shield also includes a frame coupled to the pivot and coupled to the cover. In a specific embodiment, the cover is slidable with respect to the frame. In a specific embodiment, the frame encircles a periphery of the cover.
• Another embodiment of the invention relates to a non-impact face shield. The face shield includes a non-impact cover, a frame coupled to the cover, and at least one of the following three couplers: a first coupler that couples the frame to an aperture in a safety helmet worn by a user, a second coupler that couples the frame to a soft-shelled head cover worn by the user, and a third coupler that couples the frame to a head of the user via a band. In a specific embodiment the face shield includes each of the first coupling mechanism, the second coupling mechanism and the third coupling mechanism.
• Another embodiment of the invention relates to a non-impact face shield. The face shield is configured to be worn in a construction/jobsite setting. In various embodiments, the face shield is configured for use in combination with other construction protection equipment such as hard hats, safety glasses, face masks, respirators, etc.
• Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and, in part, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the written description and claims hereof, as well as the appended drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary.
• The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments, and together with the description serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 depicts a suite of various face shields and covers, according to exemplary embodiments.
• FIG. 2 depicts a suite of various face shields and covers, according to exemplary embodiments.
• FIGS. 3-6 are several views of a face shield, according to an embodiment.
• FIGS. 7-11 are several views of a face shield and related headwear, according to an embodiment.
• FIGS. 12-14 are several views of a face shield, according to an embodiment.
• FIGS. 15-20 are several views of a face shield and related headwear, according to an embodiment.
• FIGS. 21-25 are several views of a face shield, according to an embodiment.
• FIGS. 26-28 are several views of a face shield, according to an embodiment.
• FIGS. 29-31 are several views of a face shield, according to an embodiment.
• FIGS. 32-34 are several views of a face shield, according to an embodiment.
• FIG. 35 depicts a side view of a portion of a face shield, according to an embodiment.
• FIGS. 36-39 are several views of a face shield and related headwear, according to an embodiment.
• FIGS. 40-42 are several views of a face shield, according to an embodiment.
• FIGS. 43-46 are several views of a face shield and related headwear, according to an embodiment.
• FIGS. 47-50 are several views of a face shield, according to an embodiment.
• FIGS. 51-52 are several views of a face shield and a user, according to an embodiment.
• FIG. 53 is several views of a cover of a face shield, according to exemplary embodiments.
• FIG. 54 is several views of a cover of a face shield, according to exemplary embodiments.
• FIG. 55 is several views of a face shield, according to exemplary embodiments.
• FIG. 56 is several views of a face shield herein, according to exemplary embodiments.
• FIG. 57 depicts a suite of various face shields and covers described herein, according to exemplary embodiments.
• FIG. 58 is several views of a face shield and related headwear, according to an embodiment.
• FIG. 59 is several views of a face shield and related headwear, according to an embodiment.
• FIG. 60 is several views of a face shield, according to an embodiment.
• FIG. 61 is several views of a face shield and related headwear, according to an embodiment.
• FIG. 62 is several views of a face shield, according to an embodiment.
• FIG. 63 is several views of a face shield, according to an embodiment.
• FIG. 64 is several views of a face shield, according to an embodiment.
• FIG. 65 depicts a suite of face shields, according to exemplary embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• Referring generally to the figures, various embodiments of non-impact face shields are shown. In general, the designs shown herein allow for a non-impact face shield to be worn with a variety of protective equipment common on jobsites, such as hard hats. In contrast to impact face shields (designed to protect the user from flying debris) that are common in the construction industry, the face shields discussed herein are designed to provide a number of functions such as limit the spread of airborne pathogens either to or from the wearer. Because of this different use, the face shield designs discussed herein can be lighter weight, less expensive, less wear resistant, etc. than the typical impact face shield for construction uses. The various designs discussed herein are also configured to be conveniently used in the construction environment, allow for good ventilation, allow for working in a variety of positions, compatible with hardhats, compatible with other protective equipment, allow the wearer to drink water, are rugged enough for a construction environment, etc.
• Referring toFIGS. 1-2, a suite of protective headwear, shown as face shields, are illustrated.
• In a specific embodiment,face shield20 is a full frame face shield. In a specific embodiment,face shield40 is a front brim clip face shield. In a specific embodiment,face shield60 is a top frame face shield. In a specific embodiment,face shield80 is a multifunction face shield, such as a multi-wear top frame face shield. In a specific embodiment,face shield100 is a face shield with a headlamp clip with lock. In a specific embodiment,face shield120 is a face shield with a headlamp pivot. In a specific embodiment,face shield140 is a face shield with a zip tied pivot. In a specific embodiment,face shield160 is a face shield with a universal slot pivot. In a specific embodiment,cover180 is a face shield with a die cut sheet. In a specific embodiment,face shield200 is a face shield with a safety glasses rack. In a specific embodiment,face shield220 is a 3 in 1 pivot face shield. In a specific embodiment,face shield240 is a face shield with a solo die cut.
• Referring toFIGS. 3-6, various aspects offace shield20 are shown.Face shield20 includespivot21 that is rigidly coupled tohard hat8 worn on a head4 of auser2. In a specific embodiment,face shield20 is coupled to safety headgear, shown ashard hat8, worn byuser2.Frame23 is rigidly coupled to pivot21, and cover22 is coupled toframe23. The pivoting aspect ofpivot21 actuates cover22 with respect tohard hat8.Cover22 actuates, such as by pivoting, between a face-covering or closed position (best-shownFIG. 3) and a face-exposing or opened position (best-shownFIG. 4).Cover22 is pivotable with respect to the head4 of theuser2 between a covered position in which thecover22 is positioned in front of the face6 of theuser2 and an opened position in which thecover22 is not positioned in front of the face6 of theuser2.Frame23 is configured to couple to hard-shelled safety headwear worn on head4 of auser2. When in the closed position, cover22 is in front of face6 ofuser2 such thatouter surface24 ofcover22 faces laterally and/or forward indirection26 away from the face of theuser2, andinner surface25 ofcover22 faces towards face6 ofuser2.Cover22 rotates vertically alongarc27 of motion whencover22 actuates between the covered position and the opened position. In a specific embodiment,face shield20 couples tohard hat8 via a coupling mechanism, shown asslot10.
• Frame23 encircles aperiphery28 ofcover22.Cover22 is removable fromframe23 via vertically sliding in direction29, thereby allowing areplacement cover22 to be inserted intoframe23.
• In a specific embodiment, cover22 is a deformable non-impact cover configured to be lightweight and protect the people near the user from being sneezed on and/or breathed on by the user. In a specific embodiment, cover22 is not configured and/or sufficiently impact-resistant to protect the user from heavier objects, such as a hammer, that may be mistakenly moved towards the head of the user.
• Frame23 is rotatable with respect to the head4 of theuser2 such that thecover22 actuates between a covered position in which thecover22 is positioned in front of the face6 of theuser2 and an opened position in which thecover22 is not positioned in front of the face6 of theuser2.Pivot21 is rigidly coupled toframe23, and thepivot21 rotatesframe23 with respect to the head of theuser2.
• In a specific embodiment, cover22 is slidable with respect to frame23. In a specific embodiment, cover22 is slidably removed from theframe23 by sliding thecover22 upward with respect to theframe23 when thecover22 is in the covered position.
• In a specific embodiment,face shield20 includes afirst pivot21 rigidly coupled to theframe23 and rigidly coupled to afirst side540 ofhard hat8, andface shield20 includes asecond pivot21 rigidly coupled to theframe23 and rigidly coupled to asecond side541 of thehard hat8 opposite thefirst side540. Thefirst pivot21 and thesecond pivot21 rotate theframe23 with respect to thehard hat8.
• Frame23 extending aroundface shield20 adds rigidity and durability to cover22. In a specific embodiment,face shield20 is compatible with multiple versions of hard-shelled headwear, such as all hard hats and/or helmets that include universal slots.
• Referring toFIGS. 7-11, various aspects offace shield40 are shown.Face shield40 is similar to the other face shields described herein, except for the differences discussed.Face shield40 includes coupling mechanism(s), shown asclips53, that couple frame43 to brim12 of hard hat8 (FIGS. 7 and 9) and pivots up.Face shield40 also couples to brim12 of a leisure headgear, shown as hat14 (e.g., a soft shell hat, such as a baseball hat). In aspecific embodiment cover42 slides into frame43 and cover42 is held in place with respect to frame43 by friction betweencover42 and frame43.
• In a specific embodiment, pivot41 is rigidly coupled to abrim12 ofhard hat8 worn by the user, and pivot41 rotates frame43 with respect to the head of the user. In a specific embodiment, a plurality ofclips53 are coupled, such as rigidly coupled, to abrim12 ofhard hat8 worn by the user, and pivot41 is coupled to the plurality ofclips53 such that the pivot41 rotates the frame43 with respect to the head of the user. In a specific embodiment, frame43 is reversibly mechanically coupled to cover42, such as viacover42 being detachable and re-attachable to frame43. Referring toFIG. 11, various pieces of headwear are shown that a user can wear withface shield40.
• Referring toFIGS. 12-14, various aspects offace shield60 are shown.Face shield60 is similar to the other face shields described herein, except for the differences discussed.Face shield60 includespivot61, which is coupled to slot10 ofhard hat8.Frame63 is coupled to pivot61 and rotates with respect tohard hat8 viapivot61.Cover62 is coupled to frame63 by a coupling mechanism, shown asprotrusions79, which extend fromframe63.Frame63 includesupper arm74 andside arms75. In a specificembodiment side arms75 extend perpendicularly fromupper arm74.
• In a specific embodiment,face shield40 includes a plurality ofprotrusions79 that extend from theframe63, and the plurality ofprotrusions79 are configured to engage with a plurality ofapertures542 defined by thecover62. In a specific embodiment,face shield60 works with hard hats, ball caps, or standalone. In a specific embodiment,face shield60 is a large single injection molded part.
• Referring toFIGS. 15-20, various aspects offace shield80 are shown.Face shield80 is similar to the other face shields described herein, except for the differences discussed.Face shield80 includesinner frame96, which extends circumferentially around a front and side of a front of a head,outer frame97, andextensions98, which coupleinner frame96 toouter frame97.Cover82 is coupled toouter frame97 via coupling mechanisms, shown as clips53.First coupling mechanism90 couplesinner frame96 to slot10 ofhard hat8.Second coupling mechanism91 couplesinner frame96 tohat14.Third coupling mechanism92 couplesinner frame96 to band16, shown as a stretchable band (e.g., an elastic band).
• In a specific embodiment,face shield80 includesfirst coupling mechanism90 andsecond coupling mechanism91. In a specific embodiment,first coupling mechanism90 is configured to couple the frame, such as theinner frame96, to a hard-shelled safety headwear worn on the head of the user. In a specific embodiment,second coupling mechanism91 is configured to couple the frame, such as theinner frame96, to a stretchable band worn around the head of the user. In a specific embodiment, thefirst coupling mechanism90 is coupled to a first side of the hard-shelled safety headwear and thesecond coupling mechanism91 is coupled to a second side of the hard-shelled safety headwear opposite the first side. Referring toFIG. 16, various pieces of headwear are shown that a user can wear withface shield80.
• Referring toFIGS. 21-25, various aspects offace shield100 are shown.Face shield100 is similar to the other face shields described herein, except for the differences discussed. Cover102 is pivotally coupled to a user viapivot101. Cover102 pivots between a closed position (best-shownFIG. 21) and an opened position (best-shownFIG. 22).Face shield100 couples to band16 (best-shownFIG. 24) and/orface shield100 couples to slot10 of hard hat8 (FIG. 25).
• In a specific embodiment,cover102 includes a plurality ofapertures543. In a specific embodiment, afirst aperture543 of the plurality ofapertures543 defines anarcuate path544, wherein afirst protrusion545 of the plurality ofprotrusions545 slides within the arcuate path when thecover102 actuates between the covered position and the opened position. In a specific embodiment,face shield100 locks in both the up (opened) and down (closed) positions.
• Referring toFIGS. 26-28, various aspects offace shield120 are shown.Face shield120 is similar to the other face shields described herein, except for the differences discussed.Face shield120 couples to band16 viacoupling mechanism132, andface shield120 couples to brim12 ofhard hat8 viacoupling mechanism133.Face shield120 includespivot121 around which cover122 pivots with respect tohard hat8.
• In a specific embodiment, pivots are placed above the ears of the user.
• Referring toFIGS. 29-31, various aspects offace shield160 are shown.Face shield160 is similar to the other face shields described herein, except for the differences discussed. Cover162 definesapertures501, which interface withpivot161. Cover162 pivots with respect tohard hat8 viapivot161.Face shield160 includes a stopper, shown asfoam500, which interfaces againstbrim12 ofhard hat8 to maintain the position ofcover162 whileface shield160 is in the closed position.
• In an alternate embodiment,face shield160 includes folds of cover instead of foam to form a stop on the brim and reduce the cost offace shield160.
• Referring toFIGS. 32-34, various aspects offace shield140 are shown.Face shield140 is similar to the other face shields described herein, except for the differences discussed. Cover142 is coupled to pivot141 and pivots with respect to head of a user. In a specific embodiment, an elongate structure, shown as a zip tie, extends throughaperture502.Coupling mechanism153 couples faceshield140 to a bottom ofhard hat8.
• In a specific embodiment,face shield140 uses two clips above the ears of the user and one clip in the back of the head of the user.
• Referring toFIG. 35, various aspects offace shield260 are shown.Face shield260 is similar to the other face shields described herein, such asface shield140, except for the differences discussed.Face shield260 is coupled to an elongate structure, such as a zip tie or a band, viaaperture503.Face shield260 couples to head gear, such ashard hat8 orhat14, via coupling mechanism273. Cover is coupled to face shield viapivot261, around which the cover rotates with respect to the head of the user.
• In a specific embodiment, clips offace shield260 and clips offace shield140 may be used together, such as two clips fromface shield140 and one clip fromface shield260.
• Referring toFIGS. 36-39, various aspects offace shield220 are shown.Face shield220 is similar to the other face shields described herein, except for the differences discussed. Cover222 pivots with respect to a head of a user viapivot221.Face shield220 couples to one or more ofslots10 ofhard hat8 via coupling mechanism230 (best-shownFIG. 36).Face shield220 couples to band16 via coupling mechanism231 (best-shownFIG. 37) and a bottom ofhard hat8 viacoupling mechanism233.Face shield220 couples to an elongate structure, shown as a zip tie, viacoupling mechanism232, and hard hat viacoupling mechanism233.
• Referring toFIG. 39, various pieces of headwear are shown that a user can wear withface shield220.
• Referring toFIGS. 40-46, various aspects ofcover180 are shown. Cover180 is similar to the other face shields and covers described herein, except for the differences discussed. Cover180 couples tohard hat8, such asslots10, viaarm513 extending throughslot10 andtab511 engaging withslot512. Cover180 includes one or more structures, shown as pleats520, to facilitate bendingcover180 aroundhard hat8. Turning toFIGS. 43-46, to engagecover180 withhard hat8,tab511 is pushed throughslot10 untilarm513 is withinslot10.Arm513 is then curved around (best-shownFIG. 43) andtab511 is engaged withslot512 tocouple cover180 tohard hat8.
• Referring toFIG. 44, various pieces of headwear, such as a head lamp and a helmet, are shown that a user can wear withcover180.
• Referring toFIGS. 47-50, various aspects offace shield200 are shown.Face shield200 is similar to the other face shields described herein, except for the differences discussed.Frame203 offace shield200 couples toglasses18 viacoupling mechanism213. Cover202 is coupled toframe203.
• In a specific embodiment,cover202 does not pivot with respect toglasses18. In a specific embodiment,frame203 is injection molded.
• Referring toFIGS. 51-52, various aspects offace shield240 are shown.Face shield240 is similar to the other face shields described herein, except for the differences discussed.Face shield240 includesframe243, which circumferentially wraps around head of user. As shown,frame243 includes a band coupled to an elongate structure. Cover242 is coupled toframe243.
• Referring toFIGS. 53-56, various aspects of one or more of the face shields described herein are described. In a specific embodiment, covers are distributed in packs of multiple shields, such as packs of five shields. In a specific embodiment, the ease with which the covers can be replaced facilitates users buying the covers in bulk (FIG. 53). In a specific embodiment, the covers include an indicia, shown as color-coded tag, which indicates what elements/irritants the face shield protects against. Referring toFIG. 55, various aspects offace shield60 andface shield140 are shown.
• Referring toFIG. 56, various aspects ofshield60 are shown. In a specific embodiment,face shield60 includes includeframe63, and one or more of the pivot points61, and acover62.
• Referring toFIG. 57, various aspects of face shields described herein are shown, according to exemplary embodiments.
• Referring toFIG. 58, various aspects offace shield280 are shown.Face shield280 is similar to the other face shields described herein, such asface shield40 andface shield60, except for the differences discussed.Face shield280 is coupled to a brim of a hard hat. The cover actuates between a closed position and an opened position, pivoting up and down with respect to the hard hat and the user. The cover is coupled to the frame via several protrusions, one of which is centered on a top arm of the frame, one of which extends from the intersection of the top arm and one of the side arms, and one of which extends from one of the side arms.Face shield280 can be coupled to several types of head gear, including a soft-shell hat such as a baseball hat.
• In a specific embodiment,face shield280 is formed from one or more injection molded parts. In a specific embodiment,face shield280 includes a cover that snaps on a front of the frame. In a specific embodiment,face shield280 provides sufficient clearance for the user to simultaneously wear a headlamp.
• Turning toFIG. 59, various aspects of face shield300 are shown. Face shield300 is similar to the other face shields described herein, such asface shield280, except for the differences discussed. Face shield300 includes a light mount for a head lamp.
• In a specific embodiment, face shield300 is formed from one or more injection molded parts. In a specific embodiment, face shield300 leaves open one or more slots on a hard hat, thereby permitting the user to couple alternate items to the hard hat (e.g., head lamps, ear muffs, etc.).
• Turning toFIG. 60, various aspects of face shield320 are shown. Face shield320 is similar to the other face shields described herein, such asface shield120, except for the differences discussed. Face shield320 couples to apertures within a hard hat, such as auniversal slot10. Face shield320 also couples to stretchable straps, such as aheadlamp strap19, and zip ties17. Face shield320 couples to a lower edge of hard hat. The cover couples to face shield320 and pivots with respect to a hard hat and a head of the user.
• Turning toFIG. 61, various aspects offace shield340 are shown.Face shield340 is similar to the other face shields described herein, such asface shield80, except for the differences discussed.Face shield340 couples to hard hats, soft shell hats, and bands. The frame of face shield pivots with respect to the head of the user. The cover couples to the frame via several protrusions that extend from the frame.
• Turning toFIG. 62, various aspects ofcover360 are shown. Cover360 is similar to the other face shields and/or covers described herein, such ascover180, except for the differences discussed. Legs ofcover360 are inserted through an aperture in a hard hat, and couples to a slit at a top portion of the leg.
• In a specific embodiment,face shield360 includes acover362 that is folded at a top ofcover362 to couple to a front, such as a brim, of safety headwear, such as a hard hat.
• Turning toFIG. 63, various aspects offace shield380 are shown.Face shield380 is similar to the other face shields described herein, such asface shield240, except for the differences discussed. The frame offace shield380 includes an elongate strap and a stretchable band that circumferentially extend around the head of the user. The cover pivots with respect to the head of the user. Cover defines an arc-shaped aperture, and a protrusion extends from the frame that engages with the arc-shaped aperture.
• Turning toFIG. 64, various aspects offace shield400 are shown.Face shield400 is similar to the other face shields described herein, such asface shield80, except for the differences discussed.Face shield400 includes a frame that couples to a head of a user. One or more protrusions, such as fiveprotrusions419, extend from the frame to couple the frame to a cover.
• Turning toFIG. 65, various aspects of face shields described herein are shown, according to exemplary embodiments.Face shield420 is similar to the other face shields described herein, except for the differences discussed.
• One or more face shields described herein are configured to be used in conjunction with headlamps on a head of a user with reduced and/or minimal interference between the face shield(s) and the headlamp.
• As discussed, the face shields discussed herein are non-impact face shields. Thus, in some embodiments, the face shields discussed herein may be formed from lighter weight, less dense and/or thinner material than impact-resistant face shields. In some embodiments, the face shields discussed herein may be formed from different types or classes of material than impact-resistant face shields.
• In some embodiments the frame may permit more deformation of the cover than would be permitted with an impact face shield (e.g., the frame only surrounds part of the cover, the frame has a friction-coupling with the cover as compared to a more rigid coupling).
• It should be understood that the figures illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, and it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for description purposes only and should not be regarded as limiting.
• Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only. The construction and arrangements, shown in the various exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.
• Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that any particular order be inferred. In addition, as used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more component or element, and is not intended to be construed as meaning only one. As used herein, “rigidly coupled” refers to two components being coupled in a manner such that the components move together in a fixed positional relationship when acted upon by a force.
• Various embodiments of the invention relate to any combination of any of the features, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or future applications. Any of the features, elements or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be utilized alone or in combination with any of the features, elements or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

1. A non-impact face shield comprising:

a frame configured to couple to a hard-shelled safety headwear worn on a head of a user; and

a deformable non-impact cover coupled to the frame, the frame rotatable with respect to the head of the user such that the cover actuates between a covered position in which the cover is positioned in front of the face of the user and an opened position in which the cover is not positioned in front of the face of the user, the cover defining an outer surface and in opposing inner surface, wherein the outer surface faces in a direction away from the face of the user when the cover is in the covered position.

2. The face shield ofclaim 1, further comprising a pivot rigidly coupled to the frame and rigidly coupled to a coupling component of the hard-shelled safety headwear worn by the user, and wherein the pivot rotates the frame with respect to the head of the user.

3. The face shield ofclaim 1, wherein the cover rotates vertically when the cover actuates between the covered position to the opened position.

4. The face shield ofclaim 1, wherein the cover is slidable with respect to the frame.

5. The face shield ofclaim 4, wherein the cover is slidably removed from the frame by sliding the cover upward with respect to the frame when the cover is in the covered positioned.

6. The face shield ofclaim 1, wherein the frame encircles a periphery of the cover.

7. The face shield ofclaim 1, further comprising a pivot rigidly coupled to the frame and rigidly coupled to a brim of the hard-shelled safety headwear worn by the user, and wherein the pivot rotates the frame with respect to the head of the user.

8. The face shield ofclaim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of clips rigidly coupled to a brim of the hard-shelled safety headwear worn by the user; and

a pivot coupled to the plurality of clips, wherein the pivot rotates the frame with respect to the head of the user.

9. The face shield ofclaim 1, further comprising:

a first pivot rigidly coupled to the frame and rigidly coupled to a first side of the hard-shelled safety headwear worn by the user; and

a second pivot rigidly coupled to the frame and rigidly coupled to a second side of the hard-shelled safety headwear opposite the first side, wherein the first pivot and the second pivot rotate the frame with respect to the hard-shelled safety headwear.

10. The face shield ofclaim 1, further comprising a plurality of protrusions that extend from the frame, the plurality of protrusions configured to engage with a plurality of apertures defined by the cover.

11. A headwear assembly comprising:

a hard-shelled safety headwear configured to be worn on a head of a user;

a pivot coupled to the safety headwear; and

a deformable non-impact cover coupled to the pivot, the cover pivotable with respect to the head of the user between a covered position in which the cover is positioned in front of the face of the user and an opened position in which the cover is not positioned in front of the face of the user, wherein the cover pivots vertically when the cover is repositioned from the covered position to the opened position.

12. The headwear assembly ofclaim 11, comprising a plurality of clips rigidly coupled to a brim of the hard-shelled safety headwear worn by the user, wherein the pivot is coupled to the plurality of clips.

13. The headwear assembly ofclaim 11, comprising a frame rigidly coupled to the pivot and rigidly coupled to the frame, wherein the cover is slidably removed from the frame by sliding the cover upward with respect to the frame when the cover is in the covered positioned.

14. The headwear assembly ofclaim 11, wherein the pivot is a first pivot rigidly coupled to a first side of the hard-shelled safety headwear worn by the user, the headwear assembly comprising a second pivot rigidly coupled to a second side of the hard-shelled safety headwear opposite the first side, wherein the first pivot and the second pivot rotate the cover with respect to the hard-shelled safety headwear.

15. The headwear assembly ofclaim 11, further comprising a plurality of protrusions that extend from the frame, the plurality of protrusions configured to engage with a plurality of apertures defined by the cover.

16. A non-impact face shield comprising:

a non-impact cover;

a frame coupled to the cover, the frame rotatable with respect to a head of a user such that the cover actuates between a covered position in which the cover is positioned in front of the face of the user and an opened position in which the cover is not positioned in front of the face of the user;

a first coupling mechanism configured to couple the frame to a hard-shelled safety headwear worn on the head of the user; and

a second coupling mechanism configured to couple the frame to a stretchable band worn around the head of the user.

17. The face shield ofclaim 16, wherein the first coupling mechanism is coupled to a first side of a hard-shelled safety headwear worn by the user and the second coupling mechanism is coupled to a second side of the hard-shelled safety headwear opposite the first side.

18. The face shield ofclaim 16, wherein the frame is reversibly mechanically coupled to the cover.

19. The face shield ofclaim 16, further comprising a plurality of protrusions that extend from the frame, the plurality of protrusions configured to engage with a plurality of apertures defined by the cover.

20. The face shield ofclaim 19, wherein a first aperture of the plurality of apertures defines an arcuate path, wherein a first protrusion of the plurality of protrusions slides within the arcuate path when the cover actuates between the covered position and the opened position.

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