US20230066913A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20230066913A1
Application number: US17/900,560
Authority: US
Inventors: Ramiro M. Perez
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Tickerworks
Priority date: 2021-09-02
Filing date: 2022-08-31
Publication date: 2023-03-02
Also published as: EP4144246A1

Abstract

Provided is a protective apparatus comprising a face shield and visor assembly having a plurality of apertures, wherein the face shield extends beyond the top of the visor to provide additional protection from foreign matter.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 63/240,320, filed Sep. 2, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUNDField

The disclosed subject matter relates generally to the field of hygienic equipment and apparatus for maintaining hygiene and reducing transmission of microbial species. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a protective apparatus that may comprise a visor and a transparent shield, where the shield may be flexible and may extend above the visor in order to provide additional protection.

SUMMARY

It is advantageous and hygienic to reduce the spread of harmful pathogens that may be airborne or spread via droplets or other fomites. A convenient option to reduce the spread of certain microbial species is by physical occlusion or blockage using an inert barrier material. To that end, a protective apparatus comprising a transparent face shield will allow for ease of use, communication, and minimal vision blockage while also providing a physical barrier to prevent the spread of microbes, either from sources external to the user, or from the user spreading to their environment.

In some embodiments, the protective apparatus comprises a face shield and visor combination, the entire apparatus protecting a user from microbes and foreign matter. The visor may comprise an outer surface, an inner surface, a front section, and rear sections. The inner surface includes a plurality of attachment points disposed thereon, and the rear sections includes discrete flexible ends. The visor may include a headband portion that extends around the curvature of the visor and may encompass the rear sections. The flexible ends may include notched attachment points to attach straps, loops, or other flexible materials to secure the visor. The front section may include a brim and may comprise a channel and a plurality of apertures. The channel may be hollow in the sense that it is open to allow the face shield to pass through the visor brim and extend above and below the visor. The channel may also comprise a plurality of recessed grooves. The face shield may comprise a transparent material shaped to fit inside the channel, where the face shield can extend above and below the channel to provide protection for the face and above the forehead.

The foregoing is a summary and thus contains, by necessity, simplifications, generalization, and omissions of detail; consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, features, and advantages of the devices and/or processes and/or other subject matter described herein will become apparent in the teachings set forth herein. The summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings.

FIG.1 shows a profile view of a protective apparatus comprising a shield and visor, according to an embodiment.

FIG.2 shows an aerial view of the visor, according to an embodiment.

FIG.3A shows a perspective view of a protective apparatus including a visor and a shield, according to an embodiment.

FIG.3B shows an interior perspective view of a primary attachment point on the interior of the visor, according to an embodiment.

FIG.3C shows an interior perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a primary attachment point on the interior of the visor.

FIG.3D shows an interior perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a primary attachment point on the interior of the visor.

FIG.4 shows a rear perspective view of the visor, according to an embodiment.

FIG.5 shows a rear perspective view of the shield, according to an embodiment.

FIG.6 shows a perspective view of the bottom of a protective apparatus including a shield and visor, according to an embodiment.

FIG.7 shows an aerial view of a protective apparatus including a shield and visor, according to an embodiment.

FIG.8 shows a perspective view of a protective apparatus including a visor and a shield, according to an embodiment.

FIG.9 shows an interior perspective view of a primary attachment point on the interior of the visor, according to the embodiment ofFIG.8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description and drawings are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the drawings, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make part of this disclosure.

In many instances, individuals may wish to prevent the spread of microbial based diseases and of foreign matter from reaching mucous membranes around the head, while ensuring that visibility and the ability to communicate is not significantly compromised. Many individuals, including those working in dental and medical practices, may utilize a clear transparent covering worn over the head which can physically intercept microbes and foreign matter, where the transparent covering may be attached to a band which can encompass and grip the circumference of the individual's head. However, the design of such transparent coverings may not allow for sufficient protection of mucous membranes from microbes and foreign matter traveling from angles significantly above the plane of the band, which can often be case where the individual is seated and interacting with a supine patient, like during a dental examination. In these instances, where the transparent covering ends at the band, the band itself may be susceptible to splatter and contamination by foreign matter and worse yet, the individual wearing the transparent covering may be exposed to the foreign matter coming in above the plane of the band.

The present disclosure remedies these splatter and contamination incidents from above the plane of the band by, for example, creating a shape and design of protective apparatus that extends substantially above the band. For example, the protective apparatus described herein may include a face shield and visor combination, designed to provide protection from splatter and foreign matter coming in from above the band of the visor assembly that would otherwise reach the user. In some instances, the visor may include a brim portion and a headband portion, wherein the headband wraps around at least a portion of the user's head and contacts the user's head to secure the visor assembly to the user. The visor brim may extend away from the user's forehead and may also extend down at an angle from the plane of the band around the user's head. In some instances, the visor may include cut outs or apertures to provide for ventilation. For example, the visor may include a cut out section behind the shield which allows for gases and sound generated by a wearer to easily escape, while also allowing for air to be exchanged from the environment, thus preventing fogging on the face shield and thereby maintaining good visibility.

In some embodiments, the visor comprises an outer surface and an inner surface, where the inner surface may include a plurality of attachment points disposed thereon for attaching the face shield to the visor.

In some embodiments, one or more of the visor's attachment points may be comprised of an attachment post on the interior of the visor to allow for securely attaching the face shield to the visor. In some embodiments, the attachment of the shield to the visor is reversible, and the shield can be removed to be cleaned or replaced when it becomes contaminated or otherwise dirty. In some embodiments, one or more of the visor's attachment points may also include one or more retaining clips to further secure the face shield to the visor at the attachment point. In some embodiments, one or more of the visor's attachment points may also include one or more clip posts instead of, or in addition to, the retaining clip, where the clip post, in one embodiment, extends downward from the interior surface of the visor and may press the shield against the interior of the visor. Thus, in some embodiments, the face shield may be secured to the visor through a combination of the attachment posts, retaining clips, and/or clip posts.

In some embodiments, the visor may include discrete flexible ends, formed to follow the contours of a human head, which allow for the visor to rest above the ears, or alternatively, to grip the head for a secure fitment. In some embodiments, the discrete flexible ends may have a notch or notches to allow for straps and fabrics to attach to the flexible ends and provide for a stronger and more secure fitment of the visor.

In some embodiments, the visor, particularly the visor brim, may include a channel which allows for the shield to pass through the visor and extend above the plane of the visor's headband. In some embodiments, the channel also helps to secure the shield to the visor. In some embodiments, the channel may also include a plurality of recessed grooves.

In some embodiments, the shield is shaped to extend above the plane of the visor, as well as below the plane to protect from foreign matter and microbial agents. In some embodiments, the shield contains a plurality of attachment points which allow for snap-in, detachable fitment to the visor. In some embodiments, the attachment points correspond to the attachment posts on the visor, allowing for snap-in, detachable fitment between the visor and the shield.

FIG.1 shows a profile view of an embodiment of theprotective apparatus100 for preventing splatter events and contamination by foreign matter, while also allowing airflow to prevent fogging on the apparatus. In some embodiments, theprotective apparatus100 may be made of plastic or similar material that is durable and able to be formed and shaped during manufacturing in an efficient manner. Theprotective apparatus100 may comprise avisor120 and aface shield110. In some embodiments, theprotective apparatus100 may be formed of a combination of different materials, for example thevisor120 may be made of a different material than theface shield110.

In some embodiments, thevisor120 may comprise or be formed from polypropylene or a similar material. In some embodiments, thevisor120 is manufactured through injection molding processes. Thevisor120 may be integrated with aheadband portion130 and abrim portion125. In some instances, the headband may comprise or be formed from polypropylene or similar material. In some embodiments, theheadband130 further includes ends140. In some instances, theends140 may comprise or be formed from polypropylene or similar material. In some instances, theends140 may include a divot or notch127 where the ends meet theheadband130 for attaching straps, for example those made of flexible materials like fabrics, fasteners, or strings. Thenotches127 provides a beneficial way to attach straps to the visor so that the straps can provide for a stronger and more secure fitment of the visor or when needed, the visor may be maintained around the user's neck while not being worn on the head. Thevisor120 may also include one or moreexternal protrusions123 that may vertically span portions of theheadband130 andvisor brim125 on the exterior surface of thevisor120. On the exterior surface of thevisor120, the protrusion may extend outward from the contour of theheadband130 andvisor brim125. In some embodiments, theprotrusion123 blends into the contour of thebrim125 as theprotrusion123 extends downward.

As shown inFIG.1, the protective apparatus may also comprise ashield110. In some embodiments, theshield110 is capable of being removably attached to thevisor120. In some embodiments, theshield110 is shaped in a manner to provide protection and physical occlusion from foreign matter entering from substantially above and below the plane of the visor. In some embodiments, theshield110 is formed from polycarbonate or similar material. In certain embodiments, theshield110 is formed from fully or semi-transparent materials.

FIG.1 further shows that thevisor120 may include one ormore apertures200 and achannel210, where the one or more200 apertures may be located behind thechannel210 according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, theshield110 is inserted into thechannel210 to extend above and below the major plane of thevisor120. Thechannel210 is shaped in such a way as to allow ashield110 to extend above and below thechannel210 and thevisor120. In some embodiments, thechannel210 is placed directly in front of theapertures200. In some embodiments, thechannel210 further includes recessed grooves220 (as described in further detail with relation toFIG.2).

FIG.2 shows an aerial top perspective view of thevisor120 ofFIG.1, according to an embodiment. Thevisor120 in the top perspective view includes an example of theintegrated headband130, as well as the ends140. The perspective view shows that theheadband130 is shaped substantially so as to accommodate a human head, and to fit around a human forehead. Additionally,FIG.2 shows that thevisor120 may further comprise a plurality ofapertures200. Theapertures200 may be in any shape, for example, a rectangular or circular opening. Theapertures200 generally allow for air exchange and ventilation to prevent fogging on theshield110 by allowing for less condensate that would otherwise build up due to temperature differentials from inadequate ventilation.

FIG.3A shows a perspective view of theprotective apparatus100, including thevisor120 and theshield110. Similarly,FIG.3B shows a perspective view of the interior of thevisor120, according to an embodiment. Visible inFIGS.3A and3B is aprimary attachment point330 on the interior of thevisor120. In some embodiments, the interior of theheadband130 may include an interiorflat wall300, which may serve as part of theattachment point330. In some embodiments, the interiorflat wall300 may be an indentation in thevisor120 at the top of the interiorflat wall300 that represents the interior side of theexternal protrusion123. Thus, as shown inFIGS.3A and3B,side walls311 may be included adjacent to interiorflat wall300 at the indentation portion of the interiorflat wall300.

In some embodiments, the interiorflat wall300 may extend downward such that, in relation to the contour of thevisor120, the interiorflat wall300 crosses over from being an indentation on the interior of thevisor120 at the top of thevisor120 to jutting out from the interior of thevisor120 as aninternal step315 at the bottom of thevisor120. For example, in one embodiment, the interiorflat wall300 may extend substantially vertically downward in relation to the contour of the rest of thevisor120 that exists nearby the interiorflat wall300.

Theattachment point330 may include atemple attachment post320, which in some embodiments may be positioned on the interiorflat wall300, and may further be positioned on theinternal step315 portion of the interiorflat wall300. Thetemple attachment post320 may, in some embodiments, may protrude inwards from the surface of the interiorflat wall300. As shown inFIG.3A, the temple attachment post320 acts to receive theshield110 through a hole in theshield110 in order to attach and secure theshield110 to thevisor120. Although referred to as a temple attachment post, the attachment post (and associated elements of the attachment point330) may be located at a position posterior to user's temple. In some embodiments, theattachment post320 may be located at a position between the user's temple and the user's anterior canal. In some embodiments, theattachment post320 may be located above the user's ear, and in other embodiments, the attachment post may be located posterior to the user's ear.

Additionally, theattachment point330 may include a retainingclip310 located adjacent to the interiorflat wall300. In some embodiments, the retainingclip310 may include aclip post312 that extends generally downward from the interior surface of thevisor120, for example from theheadband130. In some embodiments, the retainingclip310 is located adjacent to the interiorflat wall300 in a direction toward the front of thevisor120. In some embodiments, theclip post312 may begin at some location on thesidewall311 and extend generally downward from thesidewall311. As part of the retainingclip310, a gap may exist between theclip post312 and the internal surface of thevisor120. In this manner, the retainingclip310 may receive and secure a portion of theshield110 in the gap between theclip post312 and the interior surface of thevisor120. Theclip post312 may exert pressure on this received portion ofshield110 to press it against the interior surface of thevisor120. Additionally, theshield110 may also be pressed against, and lie flush with, the surface of the interiorflat wall300 when the shield is secured by the retainingclip310 and attached to thetemple post320.

Thevisor120 may also include anunderlip316 that extends downward below thechannel210 and follows around the contour of thevisor120 and/orchannel210 and sits below thechannel210. In some embodiments, theunderlip316 ends at the channel ends215 on each side. In some embodiments theunderlip316 extends beyond the channel ends215 toward theattachment point330, and in other embodiments theunderlip316 encompasses only a portion or portions of the area on thevisor120 below thechannel210. As theunderlip316 curves towards the back of thevisor120, theunderlip316 may be in substantially the same plane as the interiorflat wall300.FIG.4 shows the alignment of theunderlip316 and the interiorflat wall300 in substantially the same plane.

As shown inFIG.3A, theshield110 may be sized and shaped to fit through thechannel210 in thevisor120. In some embodiments, a portion of theshield110 on each side of thevisor120 extends back beyond thechannel end215 to reach the primary attachment points330 on each side of thevisor120. This back portion of theshield110 may remain below theheadband130 of thevisor120. When theshield110 is place in thevisor120, theshield110 may rest against the interior surface of theunderlip316 which will help to secure theshield110 in thevisor120. In some embodiments, theunderlip316 extends in a generally vertically downward direction, such that when theshield110 is secured in place in thevisor120, theshield110 is substantially perpendicular to the major plane of thevisor120. For example,FIGS.6 and8 show the alignment of theunderlip316 and the interiorflat wall300 in substantially the same plane and also shows that back portion of theshield110 follows this plane and is pressed againstunderlip316 and the interiorflat wall300. The channel ends215 may also serve as additional pressure points to secure theshield110, such that the top edge of theshield110 may contact and press against channel ends215.

In some embodiments, theshield110 is made from a substantially flat sheet of plastic material without pre-existing curvature in theshield110 prior to assembly with thevisor120. Thus, the curvature of thechannel210 in thevisor120 establishes the curvature of theshield110 when placed in thevisor120. Using a substantially flat sheet for theshield110 in this manner creates pressure in the channel210 (and for example, creates pressure against the underlip316) as theshield110 is forced into a curved shape different than its original substantially flat arrangement. The pressure created by theshield110 against thevisor120 serves to assist in securing theshield110 in the visor, and minimizes the number of attachment points need to secure theshield110 to thevisor120.

In some embodiments, a plurality of retainingclips310 can be shaped to guide and secure theshield110 relative to thevisor120. In some embodiments, the plurality of retainingclips310 are placed directly adjacent to the interiorflat wall300, and thetemple post320. In some embodiments, theshield110 is held in place by a combination of friction and mechanical linkage or couplings.

FIG.3C shows an alternative embodiment for theprimary attachment point330. Here the retainingclip310 comprises aclip post313 that may extend substantially vertically downward from the interior wall of thevisor120. Theclip post313 may be adjacent to, but separate from, the interiorflat wall300 and theside wall311.FIG.3D shows an alternative embodiment for theprimary attachment point330 which includes interiorflat wall300 and atemple post320, but does not include a separate retaining clip or clip post.

FIG.4 shows a rear perspective view of the visor, according to an embodiment.FIG.4 shows that the interior of thevisor120 may further include one or more attachment points330, each of which may include afore post400. The fore posts400 may be positioned on the underlip316 (for example, on an upper portion of the underlip316) and may extend some distance from the surface of the underlip into thechannel210. In some embodiments, thechannel210 may include a recessedgroove220 cut into the edge of thevisor120 to provide space around eachfore post400. The recessedgroove220 allows space for attachment of theshield110 on the fore posts400. In some embodiments, the inside of thevisor120 may also include a retainingclip310, which may be used alone or in conjunction with thefore post400 and/or recessedgroove220 to help attach and secure theshield110 to thevisor120.

FIG.5 shows a rear perspective view of theshield110 according to an embodiment. The rear view of theshield110 shows how ashield110 may be shaped according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, so as to extend above and below avisor120. In some embodiments, the shield further comprises a plurality of temple holes510 andfore holes500. More generally, the shield may comprise securement implements for attaching theshield110 to thevisor120, where the temple holes510 andfore holes500 are types of securement implements that may be used in accordance with the present disclosure.

As explained above, theshield110 may be attached and detached from thevisor120. In some embodiments, theshield110 is inserted into thechannel210 to extend above and below the major plane of thevisor120. The temple holes510 andfore holes500 may correspond to the temple posts320 andfore posts400, respectively, and allow for mechanical attachment and fitment of theshield110 to thevisor120 at these points. In some embodiments, the temple holes510 align and are shaped to correspond to the temple posts320. Further, in some embodiments, the fore holes500 align and are shaped to correspond to the fore posts400. In some embodiments, the fitment of eitherfore holes500 or temple holes510 or a combination thereof totemple posts320 andfore posts400 or a combination thereof is sufficient to keep theshield110 attached and secured to thevisor120. The temple posts and the fore posts may be sized and positioned around the interior of thevisor120 orheadband130 to prevent theshield110 from moving once affixed or coupled to thevisor120. In some instances, theshield110 may attach to thevisor120 using press or snap couplings, or any other coupling that will enable theshield110 to become fixed in place relative to thevisor120.

FIG.6 shows a perspective view of the bottom of theprotective apparatus100 including theshield110 andvisor120 according to an embodiment. Similarly,FIG.7 shows an aerial view of theprotective apparatus100 including theshield110 andvisor120 ofFIG.1 according to an embodiment. BothFIGS.6 and7 show how ashield110 can fit within achannel210 to extend both above and below avisor120.

FIG.8 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of aprotective apparatus100, including thevisor120 and theshield110.FIG.8 is similar to the perspective view shown inFIG.3A, except with differences as depicted in the figures.FIG.9 shows an interior perspective view of a primary attachment point on the interior of the visor, according to the embodiment ofFIG.8.

Visible inFIGS.8 and9 is aprimary attachment point330 on the interior of thevisor120. In some embodiments, the interior of theheadband130 may include an interiorflat wall300, which may serve as part of theattachment point330. In some embodiments, the interiorflat wall300 may be an indentation in thevisor120 at the top of the interiorflat wall300 that represents the interior side of theexternal protrusion123. Thus, as shown inFIGS.8 and9,side walls311 may be included adjacent to interiorflat wall300 at the indentation portion of the interiorflat wall300.

Theattachment point330 may include atemple attachment post320, which in some embodiments may be positioned on the interiorflat wall300, and may further be positioned on theinternal step315 portion of the interiorflat wall300. Thetemple attachment post320 may, in some embodiments, may protrude inwards from the surface of the interiorflat wall300. As shown inFIG.8, the temple attachment post320 acts to receive theshield110 through a hole in theshield110 in order to attach and secure theshield110 to thevisor120. The interiorflat wall300 may extend down to be flush with the bottom surface of thevisor120 and thetemple attachment post320 may be at the bottom of the interiorflat wall300. As shown inFIG.9, the interiorflat wall300 may extend below the bottom surface of thevisor120, such that thetemple attachment post320 also extends, at least partially, below the bottom surface of thevisor120.

Additionally, theattachment point330 may include aclip post313 that extends substantially vertically downward from the interior wall of thevisor120. Theclip post313 may be adjacent to, but separate from, the interiorflat wall300 and theside wall311. In an embodiment, theclip post313 may extend down to be flush with the bottom of thevisor120. In an embodiment, the bottom of theclip post313 may be higher up than the temple attachment post320 (that is, theclip post313 does not extend as far down vertically as the bottom of the attachment post320).

As shown inFIGS.8 and9, thevisor120 may include anunderlip316 that extends downward below thechannel210 and follows around the contour of thevisor120 and/orchannel210 and sits below thechannel210. In some embodiments, theunderlip316 may extend down to be substantially flush with bottom the visor120 (e.g.,FIG.3D). In some embodiments, theunderlip316 may not extend to the bottom of the visor120 (e.g.,FIG.3C andFIG.9).

Further, as shown inFIGS.8 and9, in some embodiments, thevisor brim portion125 of thevisor120 terminates before reaching theends140 of the theheadband portion130 of thevisor120. In this manner, the outward curvature of thevisor brim125 ends at or before the ends140 of the visor and theheadband130 portion continues until reaching theends140 of the visor.

The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the systems, devices, and methods may be practiced in many ways. As is also stated above, it should be noted that the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the present disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the technology with which that terminology is associated.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the described technology. Such modifications and changes are intended to fall within the scope of the embodiments. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that parts included in one embodiment are interchangeable with other embodiments; one or more parts from a depicted embodiment may be included with other depicted embodiments in any combination. For example, any of the various components described herein and/or depicted in the Figures may be combined, interchanged or excluded from other embodiments.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art may translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

The term “comprising” as used herein is synonymous with “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by,” and is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A protective apparatus comprising:

a visor comprising an outer surface and an inner surface, and comprising a headband portion and a brim portion, wherein the inner surface comprises one or more attachment points disposed thereon, and wherein the brim portion comprises a hollow channel therethrough and having a curvature around the brim portion, and wherein the brim portion further comprises one or more apertures located behind the channel; and

a shield shaped to fit within the channel and extend above and below the channel and follow the curvature of the channel in the brim portion, wherein the shield is configured to attach to the visor at the one or more attachment points.

2. The protective apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more of the attachment points comprises an attachment post.

3. The protective apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein the one or more attachment points comprises an interior flat wall and the attachment post extends internally from the interior flat wall.

4. The protective apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein one or more of the attachment points comprises a retaining clip.

5. The protective apparatus ofclaim 4, wherein the retaining clip comprises a clip post.

6. The protective apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the visor further comprises an underlip disposed at least partially below the channel on the interior surface of the visor.

7. The protective apparatus ofclaim 6, wherein the shield is configured to rest against the underlip when positioned in the channel.

8. The protective apparatus ofclaim 6, wherein the one or more attachment points comprises a fore post disposed on the underlip.

9. The protective apparatus ofclaim 8, wherein the fore post extends at least partially within the channel.

10. The protective apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein the channel comprises a recessed groove to accommodate the fore post.

11. The protective apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the visor further comprises a ends having notches, wherein the notches provide a point for attaching straps to the visor.