US2659888A - Protective device - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 24, 1953 JR 2,659,888

PROTECTIVE DEVICE Original Filed July 28, 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet l lNVENTy/p" 32 M 0% A TTURNEYS.

N 1953 R. MALCOM, JR 2,659,888

7 PROTECTIVE DEVICE Original Filed July 28, 1950 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 ,Zig' 7 ,fga

ATTORNEYS.

1953 R. MALCOM, JR

PROTECTIVE DEVICE 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Original Filed July 28, 1950 Inuenior f- Robert ma lcpm Jr:

Patented Nov. 24, 1953 PROTECTIVE DEVICE Robert Malcom, Jr., Chicago, 111., assignor to Chicago Eye Shield Company, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Original application July 28, 1950, Serial No.

176,400, now Patent N0..2,606,321, dated August 12, 1952. Divided and this application February 6, 1952, Serial No. 270,202

7 Claims. (Cl. 28

This invention relates to devices for protecting ing the head and face portion from injury by flying debris or particles such as are effected during the processes of welding, spray-painting, grinding, tool sharpening, metal cutting, sand blasting, and the like, and it relates more particularly to face masks or face shields.

This application is a division of my co-pending application Serial No. 176,400, filed on August 28, 1950, now Patent No. 2,606,321, and entitled Protective Device, which application is a continuation-in-part of application Serial No. 111,119, filed on August 19, 1949, now abandoned.

In present commercial practice the mask or face-shield portion of the device is usually provided in the form of a plastic sheet or the like which is secured at its rigid upper-end portion to a more rigid metal or fiber band so that the depending mask portion can project a a barrier in front of the wearers face when in position of use. The supporting band is in turn pivotedat its ends to a head gear adapted to seat on the head of the wearer. The chief objection to constructions of this type of protection device resides in the fixed relation which usually exists between the mask portion and the head band. When so constructed. it is difficult if not impossible for the user to replace the mack or face shield with a new one when the old become unfit for the purpose for which it was intended. The shield portions cannot be interchanged easily so that the device is substantially inflexible and can be made suitable for only one general type of use. This requires a number of different structures to be stocked in order to have proper protection available for various operations that are carried out in production.

More important, the expansion characteristics of the materials of which the shield and the carrying band are formed are usually sufiiciently different to set up strains under operating conditions which cause buckling and distortion of the more flexible face shield to the end that it often becomes unfit for the purpose for which it was intended.

When formed of plastic materials, 7 such as cellophane, cellulose acetate, Pliolite, ethyl cellulose, methylmethacrylate or the like, materials which are subject to cold flow and even more sensitive thereto at elevated temperatures, deformation of the plastic sheet may occur such as cannot be compensated because ofthe rigid connection with the carrying band to the extent that buckling and distortion of t-he'shield often results;

An object of this invention is to produce a protective device which is not subject to the objectionable features of the type described.

Another object is to produce a protective device having a face-shield member which may be easily and quickly mounted in its assembled relation on the supporting band and which may be as quickly and easily removed.

A further object is to produce .a protective device of the type described in which the face shield is not mountedin fixed relation onto the supporting'band but such relative movement is per.- mitted as will compensate for cold flow of the material and differences in expansion of the materials without buckling or distortion of the parts. r

.A still further object is to produce a protective device of the type described in which the faceshield member can be quickly. and easily interchanged to permit widespread use of the more expensive head gear with face shields of various types andsizes, which may be more easily stocked than the entire unit. Another object is to provide a protective device of the type described in which the face-shield member is resiliently held in mounted relation but in which sufiicient relative movement is per-' mitted between the face-shield member and its support to nullify changes in dimension and to permit desirable adjustments with respect thereto.

In order to economize onthe sup ly of protective devices stocked, it is advisable to have a head-gear unit which may be readily ad usted in size to fit various shapes and sizes of heads of the prospective wearers. Provisions for increasing or decreasing the head size of the headgear are not uncommon but it has been found that changes in dimension often cause modification of the angular relation of the head-gear members, which modification has been necessarily transmitted to the supporting band to the extent that either the head gear becomes uncomfortable to the wearer or else the changed angular relationship of the supporting band causes buckling or distortion of the face shield.

It is therefore a still further object of this invention to produce a device of the type described which automatically compensates for diiierences in size and shape of the head of the wearer.

A further object is to produce .an improved protective device of the type described which is formed of relatively few simple parts that are easy to operate and adjust for, effecting the desired mounted or unmounted relation, and .in

which the face-shield portion may be easily interchanged one with another to make best use of the device for particular operations.

These and other objects and advantages of this invention will hereinafter appear, and for purposes of illustration, but not of limitation, embodiments of the invention are shown in the ac:- companying drawings in which Figure 1 is a perspective view of one form of a protective device embodying features of this invention. Fig. 2 is an enlarged side elevational View partially in section of the device shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 3-3 of Figure 2. Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 4-4 of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a sectional view corresponding to that of Fig. 4 but showing a modified form of the invention. Fig. 6 is a sectional view similar to that of Fig. 4 showing a still further modification. Fig. .7 is a side elevational view of a protective device embodying a still further modification in the practice of this invention. Fig. 8 is a front elevational View of the protective device shown in Fig. '7. Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 99 of Fig, '7. Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line IDI0 of Fig. 8. Fig. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the face shield and band arrangement employed in the device shown in Fig. '7. Fig. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary view in side elevation of the device shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 13 is a sectional elevational view taken substantially along the line I3I3 of Fig. 12. Fig. 14 is a sectional elevational View taken substantially along the line I4I4 of Fig. 13. Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a modified form of face shield which may be used in the practice of this invention. Fig. 16 is a sectional view taken along the line I 6-I5 of Fig. 15.

Theface shield embodying features of this invention is indicated by the numeral II]. It includes a head gear for positioning the device on the head of the wearer. The head gear may consist of a head band II provided at its overlapping rearward end portions with slots I2, the overlapping ends being slidable in a curvilinear sleeve I3. A bolt I4 and nut I5 operate through an intermediate portion of the sleeve for clamping the overlapping ends of the head band II in their adiusted relation. within the sleeve I3 whereby the head band may be dimensioned to correspond to the particular head size of the wearer. A transverse head piece I 6 may be secured at its ends to the head band II, as by a number of spaced rivets IT, for the purpose of providing contact over the cranium portion for comfortably locating the head gear on the head of the wearer. A pair of inverted U-shaped connecting elements, which will hereinafter be described in greater detail, are also secured to the head band I I by the rivet members I 1.

The head gear may also have a protective shield portion 20 formed of relatively rigid material and having a depending flanged portion 2I a which is adapted to mount a curvilinear faceshield supporting band ZI fixed thereto, as by rivets 2.2. It will be understood that the band member 2 I may he formed as a part of the flanged portion Zia. The band 2I forms a relativey rigid curved support that is adapted tooverlie the forehead portion of the wearer when in position of use, that is, when the head band ofthe head gear is rocked to a lowered position of adjustment. The supporting band 2I is also provided with a bracket 23 in the form of a depending flanged member for carrying a spring-pressed ball-and-socket joint 24 which permits the head band to be rocked between raised and lowered positions of adjustment.

The supporting band 2I is provided in its outer surface with a longitudinal recessed or grooved portion 25 which is adapted to receive projections in the form of buttons 21 formed in the upper edge portion of a face-shield member 28. The shield 28 is preferably formed of transparent material which is somewhat flexible, such as from plastic sheet stock or wire screening, as will hereinafter be described. The groove or recess 25 and the buttons 2'! form interengaging parts which are adapted to locate the face shield 28 in position of use on the outer surface of the support 2| but in such manner as wi l permit slid ing movement of the buttons laterally within the grooveto compensate for differences in expansion between the material of which the face shield is formedand the material of which the supporting band is formed. Such slidable interconnection between the face shield and the band also permits lateral adjustment of the face shield relative to the head gear for various purposes and to meet various circumstances which may arise in use.

As previously described, the bracket 23 is formed of an extension of the band 2! and another piece of relatively rigid sheet stock 23a. The two are fixed together in juxtaposed relation by flanges 231) which are turned in from the edge portions of the added piece to engage the opposite wells of the extension from the band 2 i, as illustrated in Fig. 3. A central portion of the juxtaposed members are spread apart, as shown at39, to form an internal cavity 3| which opens forwardly through a' reduced opening 32. A spring 33 is located within the cavity 3!. The forward end of the spring bears against forward end of the cavity having the reduced opening 32 while the other end of the spring bears against a washer 34 which seats on the end of a band or wire 35 which extends outwardly through the reduced opening 32. The band 35 overlies and is adapted operatively to engage the outer surface of the upper edge portion of the face shield 28. The opposite end of the band 35 may be similarly anchored within another cavity SI formed on the opposite portion of the supporting band 2!. In this manner, the band or wire 35 is constantly stretched in the endwise direction and establishes resilient engagement with the outer wall of the band 2I or face shield member 28, when in position of use, and whereby the face shield may be held in place on the curved supporting band 2 I. Described more specifically, the wire 35 and spring members 33 provide a resilient member which constantly urges the face shield against the supporting band thereby to maintain resilient inter-engagement between the parts when the buttons of the face shield are positioned within the recess of the supporting band. Such resilient engagement permits relative side-wise movement between the parts to prevent buckling or distortion of the face shield, as would otherwise be eifected because of expansions or cold flow in prior systems.

For the purpose of adjusting the band 35 into and out of the grooved portions described, a. clip member 36- is provided which is slidable thereon and has a finger-gripping portion to facilitate operation thereof.

In the form of the invention illustrated in Figure 5 the face shield is designated by the numeral and each of the projections operating within the longitudinal recess 23 of the curved supporting band 2| is in the form of a longitudinal projection M formed integrally in the upper margin "of the shield. Such projection may be in the form of a continuous projection, as shown, or it may constitute a number of laterally spaced apart projections adapted to operate within the recess 26, when in the assembled relation. When in the form of a continuous projection that seats within 1 the recess, the wire 35, forming the flexible band,

is adapted to fit within the projection i! to urge the shield 40 in clamping relation in place on the curved supporting band 5| while permitting relative lateral movement between the support and j the shield.

The form of the invention illustrated in Figure 6 is similar to that of Figure 5 except that the assembly includes a curvilinear strip 35 having a projection it which corresponds to and is received within the projection M of the face shield.

Substantially the same results are obtained by this arrangement except that the wire or band 34 is received in the recess formed by the projections to press the strip 45 against the face shield 40 which, in turn, presses the projections M of the face shield into operative engagement with the A recess 26 of the supporting band. Each of the elements described in this modification are able to move endwise relative to each other.

In the form of the invention illustrated in Figures '7 to 11 inclusive, the curved supporting band 21 is provided with a guiding ridge 5i! and carries a plurality of pins 5!, such as the three shown in laterally spaced apart relation. The curved supporting band 2! is provided with a pair of horizontally disposed keyhole slots 52 near its ends. The shield member is here designated by the numeral 53. The upper edge portion of the shield 53, which is adapted to engage the outer surface of the curved supporting band 2|, is provided with keyhole slots that correspond generally with the keyhole slots 52 in the band 2!; a pair of elongate slots 55 through which the pins 5! disposed on each side of the center pin are adapted to end when in the assembled relation, and an opening 55 through which the center pin 5| extends in substantially fitting relation. The band for holding the shield 1 in place on the curved support, which is desigboss 82 while the other end is fixed to a link 54 that extends outwardly through the suitable opening in the boss. The forward end of the link 64 is provided with a flange which forms a finger grip 55 for adjusting the link endwise against the tension of the spring 53, and it is also provided with a headed pin 66 that is adapted to extend through the registered keyhole slots 58, 55 and 52 formed in the band, the shield and the curved supporting band respectively. When the pin E55 is engaged in the keyhole slots, as illustrated in Figure 9, the band 5'! constantly urges and resiliently clamps the shield 53 in place on the curved support. Although the parts described are incapable of relative movement because of the fixed relation established at their center by the center pin 5!, relative endwise adjustment of the associated parts to compensate for cold flow or for diiferences in thermal expansion is permitted since the other pins 5i extend through slotted portions 55 and 59. The extent of adjustment between the parts is necessarily limited by engagement of the pin with the ends of the slots; however, these are designed to permit the movement necessary under the expansion and cold flow which takes place Without causing buckling or distortion of the parts. To remove the shield from the curved support, the headed pin 56 is removed from the keyhole slots whereby the force of the spring constantly urging the parts into engagement is relieved. The band 51 may then be removed and the shield lifted oif of the pins 5i.

Instead of forming the face shield of a plastic member having a recess or offset portions in the upper end for establishing sliding engagement with the recess across the positioning band 2|, the face shield may be in the form of a metal screen I!) or the like, such as illustrated in Figure 15. In such modification, the upper edge portion of the screen it is fixed, as by rivets H, to a resilient band 72 of relatively rigid material having a recess or projection '53 of the type heretofore described for establishing operative sliding engagement with the recess 25 provided in the supporting headband 2 l. Instead of a screen member, which is particularly well adapted for use as a spark shield, other metallic, plastic, or fabric sheets may be used in various sizes. Such modified shield members need not be transparent throughout their entire area as opaque shields may be formed with glass, plastic or screenlike windows in the shield member at eye level for vision therethr-ough.

Figures 12 to 14 inclusive are detail views showing the connection between the head gear and the supporting band 82 which provides for automatic adjustment for retaining proper angular relation ofthe parts notwithstanding adjustment of the head gear or modification of its angular position as occasioned by fitting the head gear to the contour of the head portion of the person upon which the gear, sits when in position :of use.

As shown, the connector is in the form of an inverted U-shaped strip one end of which is fixed, as by laterally spaced rivets 8|, to the adjustable head band 82 which encircles the head and the curvilinear upwardly extending band portion 83 which passes over the cranium of the wearer. The free end portion 84 of the connector strip 85 is laterally oifset and is secured, as

. the elements 2| and 23 heretofore described. The

inner strip 89 is secured in position by downturned end portions 90 of the outer strip 83. The inner strip 89 forms a part of the supporting band 2 l heretofore described.

Thus, when the head gear is adjusted for size and tilted to correspond better to the curvature of the head of the wearer, relative tilting and turning movement is permitted between the supporting band and the head gear so that the desired angular relation of the supporting band and the face shield may be retained and buckling of the face shield thereby prevented.

In this manner, the protective device can be easily and quickly adapted for use by persons .having widely differing head sizes and shapes without the device becoming uncomfortable and without placing such strain upon the parts as will distort or buckle the face shield or make the unit unfit for the purpose for which it was face shield member is formed with the receiving recess or recesses to establish the desired operative engagement.

It will be further understood that numerous changes may be made in the details of construction, arrangement and operation without departing from the spirit of the invention, especially as defined in the following claims.

I claim:

1. in a face shield, a-relatively rigid curved support adapted to overlie the forehead of the wearer, a relatively flexible shield having its upper margin engaging the outer surface of the curved support and adapted to overlie the face of the wearer, interengaging parts on the support and shield for locating the shield in place on the support but allowing relative longitudinal movement of the support and shield, a band engaging the outer surface of the upper margin of the shield, spring means carried by the support adjacent the ends of the band, and means for detachably securing the spring means to the band for resiliently clamping the shield in place on the support.

2. In a protective device, 'a curved support adapted to overlie the forehead of the wearer, a face shield adapted to overlie the face and having an upper edge portion positioned adjacent the support when in position of use, a band adapted to overlie the upper edge portion of the face shield in position of use, means on the support operatively engaging the overlying portions of the face shield and band for locating the parts in their assembled relation while permitting relative lateral movement therebetween, and resilient means detachably secured to the band for urging same in the direction to clamp the face shield in position of use on the support.

3. In a protective device of the type described, 0

a curved support adapted to overlie the forehead of the wearer, a face shield having its upper margin engaging the outer surface of the curved support and adapted to overlie the face of the wearer in position of use, a band lying adjacent the upper margin of the face shield in position of use, interengaging pins and slots in the overlying portions of the support, face shield and band for locating the parts in their assembled relation while permitting relative movement therebetween in the longitudinal direction, and resilient means on the support for detachably engaging the end ortion of the band for clamping th face shield in place on the support.

4. In a protective device of the type described, a curved support adapted to overlie the forehead of the wearer, a face shield having its upper margin engaging the outer surface of the curved support and adapted to overlie the face of the wearer when in position of use, a band lying adjacent the upper margin of the face shield when in position of use, interengaging pins and slots in the support, face shield and band for locating the parts in their assembled relation in a manner to permit relative movement therebetween in the longitudinal direction, spring means carried by the support adjacent the ends of the band, and means for detachably engaging the spring means with overlying portions of the band, face shield and support for resiliently clamping the parts in position of use.

5; A protective device as claimed in claim 3 wherein the interengaging pins and slots comprise pins extending outwardly from laterally spaced apart portions of the support and corresponding openings in the upper margin of the face shield and band through which the pins extend when in position of use.

6. A protective device as claimed in claim 3 wherein the interengaging pins and slots comprise laterally spaced apart pins extending outwardly from intermediate portions of the support, registered openings in the upper margin of the face shield and band for receiving a corresponding pin and support, and longitudinally disposed slots in other portions of the face shield margin and band for operative engagement with other pins in a manner to permit relative longitudinal movement between parts.

'7. A protective device as claimed in claim 4 wherein the means for detachably engaging the spring means with the support, band and face shield comprises key slots in each of the end portions of the support, face shield margin and band which lie substantially in registry when the parts are in their assembled relation, and a pin operatively connected to each of the said spring means for insertion through the registered key slots in effecting the assembled relation.

ROBERT MALCOM, J R.

References Cited in the file Of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,246,442 Jackson June 17, 1941 2,360,482 Evans Oct. 17, 1944

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