EXTERNAL HEAD GEAR

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims benefit of United States Provisional Patent

Application No. 61/793,209, filed March 15, 2013 and entitled "CONFORMING

RESPIRATORY HOOD TO BE WORN WITH, OR WITHOUT, PROTECTIVE HELMET," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present application describes subject matter that may be implemented with subject matter described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013/0117912, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] The subject matter described and/or illustrated herein relates generally to respiratory hoods that receive a supply of air, and more particularly, to respiratory hoods that protect a wearer in a potentially hazardous environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] Individuals working in industrial environments, such as painting, chemical handling, and healthcare and pharmaceutical applications, may encounter contaminated areas where it may be hazardous to breathe or to be exposed to the surrounding air. In such instances, personnel may use respiratory hoods to protect themselves from the contaminated environment. A respiratory hood includes a head covering that may be attached to a source of breathing air, such as a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) and/or a pressurized air supply. The breathing air is typically channeled through the head covering along the top of the head and directed into a region near the face or forehead of the individual wearing the respiratory hood. The supplied air is directed downward in front of the face so that exhaled air is pushed away from the nose and mouth of the individual and fresh air exists in front of the face as the individual breathes. The air may exit the respiratory hood through a designated outlet or through an opening around the neck. [0005] While working in such areas, individuals may not only desire protection from contaminants in the surrounding air, but also protection from head injury. For example, industrial workers may encounter low clearance pipes and equipment or falling debris. To address this problem, respiratory hoods may be manufactured with integrated helmets or other protective head gear. The integrated hood/helmet can be expensive such that it is not commercially reasonable to dispose of the integrated hood/helmet after a single use. As such, it may be necessary to decontaminate the hood/helmet after each use.

[0006] Although it is conceivable that known disposable respiratory hoods may be worn with protective head gear, such applications may not be practical in the working environment. For example, if the head gear were worn on top of the head, the weight of the head gear may compress the channels within the respiratory hood that extend along the top of the head thereby reducing airflow to the individual. Another problem with wearing the head gear over the respiratory hood is that it is difficult to removably attach the head gear to the respiratory hood. Head gear is available in a variety of designs, depending on the application of the head gear. A universal method for attaching a respiratory hood to the different designs does not presently exist.

[0007] In addition to the above, it may not be reasonable to wear the respiratory hood over the head gear such that the head of the individual and the head gear are within the same interior space of the respiratory hood. If the head gear is dirty or contaminated, the contaminants will flow into the breathing zone. Moreover, the interior space of the respiratory hood is typically configured to only receive the head of the individual. The designated volume may not be sufficient for receiving both the head gear and the head.

[0008] Accordingly, there is a need for a respiratory hood that may, optionally, be used with external protective head gear.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0009] In an embodiment, a respiratory hood to be worn by an individual is provided.

The respiratory hood includes a hood body defining an interior space for receiving a head of the individual. The hood body includes a cap section configured to fit over a top of the head and first and second side sections configured to extend along opposite sides of the head. The respiratory hood also includes a gas port coupled to the hood body. The gas port is configured to attach to a breathing tube for receiving air for the individual. The respiratory hood also includes an airflow channel in fluid communication with the gas port. The airflow channel extends from the gas port and along one of the first or second side sections. The airflow channel has an outlet positioned proximate to a breathing zone of the interior space that is located in front of a face of the individual. The airflow channel directs the air from the gas port to the outlet.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the outlet is configured to be located at a nose level of the individual or above the nose level.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the respiratory hood may also include a hood bill that is configured to project from a forehead of the individual. The outlet may be located adjacent to the hood bill.

[0012] In certain embodiments that include the hood bill, the airflow channel may be dimensioned and the outlet may be located such that the air is deflected by an underside of the hood bill and directed downward toward a chest of the individual.

[0013] In certain embodiments that include the hood bill, the respiratory hood may include a fastener coupled to the hood bill. The fastener is configured to directly engage protective head gear worn over the respiratory hood along the cap section to secure the protective gear to the hood bill. Optionally, the fastener may include at least one of a latch, clasp, hook and loop fastener, buttons, buckle, clip, buckle, an inelastic elastic strap, or an elastic strap.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the respiratory hood may include a cooling channel in fluid communication with the gas port. The cooling channel may extend along the cap section and have at least one outlet located above the top of the head. Each of the airflow channel and the cooling channel may receive a portion of the air flowing through the gas port.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the breathing zone is defined by a shape of the hood body. The airflow channel may be dimensioned and the outlet may be located relative to the hood body such that the air flushes exhaled air downward toward a chest of the individual.

[0016] In certain embodiments, the airflow channel is a first airflow channel that extends along the first side section. The respiratory hood may also include a second airflow channel that extends along the second side section. Each of the first and second airflow channels may be in fluid communication with the gas port.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the cap section is void of any cooling or airflow channels that are in fluid communication with the gas port.

[0018] In an embodiment, a respiratory hood to be worn by an individual is provided.

The respiratory hood includes a hood body having a head covering configured to surround a head of the individual and a transparent face member configured to be positioned in front of a face of the individual. The hood body has an inner surface that defines an interior space for receiving the head. The hood body includes a hood bill configured to project from a forehead of the individual. The hood bill has an exterior surface. The respiratory hood also includes a fastener coupled to the hood bill. The fastener is configured to directly engage protective gear worn over the respiratory hood to secure the protective gear to the exterior surface of the hood bill.

[0019] Optionally, the fastener may include at least one of a latch, clasp, hook and loop fastener, button, buckle, clip, buckle, an inelastic elastic strap, or an elastic strap.

[0020] In certain embodiments, the hood bill comprises a substantially planar rigid material.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the head covering is attached to a bib portion that is configured to surround a neck and shoulders of the individual.

[0022] In certain embodiments, the transparent face member is directly coupled to the hood bill.

[0023] In certain embodiments, the hood body includes a cap section configured to fit over a top of the head and first and second side sections configured to extend along opposite sides of the head. The respiratory hood also includes a gas port that is coupled to the hood body and an airflow channel in fluid communication with the gas port. The gas port is configured to attach to a breathing tube for receiving air for the individual. The airflow channel extends from the gas port and along one of the first or second side sections. The airflow channel has an outlet positioned proximate to a breathing zone of the interior space that is located in front of a face of the individual. The airflow channel directs the air from the gas port to the outlet such that the air is directed into the breathing zone. Optionally, the outlet may be located at a nose level or above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 is a partially broken-away front view of a respiratory hood formed in accordance with an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 2 is a partially broken-away side view of the respiratory hood of Figure 1.

[0026] Figure 3 is an enlarged side view of the respiratory hood illustrating a fastener that secures protective head gear to the respiratory hood in accordance with an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 4 is an enlarged side view of a respiratory hood formed in accordance with an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 5 is a cross-section of a portion of an airflow channel that extends through the respiratory hood of Figure 1.

[0029] Figure 6 is a cross-section of a portion of an airflow channel that extends through a respiratory hood formed in accordance with an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 7 is a cross-section of a portion of an airflow channel that extends through a respiratory hood formed in accordance with an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 8 is a cross-section of a portion of a respiratory hood formed in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0032] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding plural of the elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Further, references to "one embodiment" or "an exemplary embodiment" are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments "comprising" or "having" an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional elements not having that property.

[0033] Figure 1 is a partially broken-away front view of a respiratory hood 100 formed in accordance with an embodiment, and Figure 2 is a partially broken-away side view of the respiratory hood 100. The respiratory hood 100 is configured to protect an individual from exposure to contaminants in the surrounding environment. The respiratory hood 100 may be worn with protective head gear 105 (Figure 1), which is illustrated as a helmet or bump cap in Figure 1. The head gear 105 is worn over the respiratory hood 100. For illustrative purposes, Figure 2 does not show the head gear 105.

[0034] The respiratory hood 100 includes a hood body 102 having a head covering 104, a transparent face member 106, and a bib portion 108. The head covering 104 is configured to receive and surround the head of the individual. The transparent face member 106 is configured to be positioned in front of a face of the individual. The transparent face member 106 enables the individual to view the surrounding environment while wearing the respiratory hood 100 and may provide a full field of view to the individual. The bib portion 108 may cover a neck of the individual and, optionally, shoulders, arms, and/or a torso of the individual. Optionally, the bib portion 108 includes an outer bib 130 and an inner bib 132 that is surrounded by the outer bib 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the respiratory hood 100 utilizes a drawstring 110 to tighten the hood 100 around the neck of the wearer. However, it is understood that embodiments set forth herein are not required to use multiple bibs or drawstrings. For example, the respiratory hood 100 may use only a single bib. In alternative embodiments, the respiratory hood 100 may utilize a head harness assembly, such as the head harness assembly described in U.S. Patent No. 8,037,547, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0035] The head covering 104 includes an inner surface 1 14 that defines an interior space

1 16 where the head is received. The inner surface 114 extends along the head covering 104 and the transparent face member 106. The hood body 102 is sized and shaped such that the interior space 1 16 includes a breathing zone 1 18 (Figure 2). The breathing zone 118 may be a substantially empty space that exists in front of a nose and mouth of the individual when the respiratory hood 100 is worn by the individual. The breathing zone 1 18 may be the empty space between the face of the individual and the inner surface 114 along the transparent face member 106. The hood body 102 also includes an exterior surface 120. The exterior surface 120 may be configured to engage and interface with other equipment, such as the protective head gear 105 (Figure 1). The hood body 102 may comprise one or more layers of a protective material. By way of example only, the layers may include a polyester coated synthetic fabric. The layer(s) may be pliable or flexible. By way of example only, the layers may have an individual thickness or a collective thickness of about 3.0 millimeters (mm) or less. In particular embodiments, the layers may have an individual thickness or a collective thickness of about 1.0 mm. More particularly, the individual or collective thickness of the layers may be less than about 0.50 mm.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the respiratory hood 100 includes a gas port 1 12

(Figure 2) that is coupled to the hood body 102. The gas port 1 12 is configured to attach to a breathing tube 134 for receiving breathing air for the individual. The gas port 112 provides an inlet for receiving the air from an air source (not shown). The air source may be, for example, a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR), such as the Scott Proflow 3 PAPR that is available through Scott Safety. The breathing tube 134 is directly coupled to the gas port 112 and is in fluid communication with the air source. As shown, the gas port 1 12 is positioned at a back side of the head covering 104 at a location that is proximate to a top of the neck of the individual. The gas port 112 may have other locations in different embodiments.

[0037] The respiratory hood 100 may protect the individual from contaminants in the air and other contaminants that may otherwise physically touch the skin or eyes of the individual. For example, the respiratory hood 100 may protect the individual from hazardous dry powders and solids (e.g., dry pharmaceutical chemicals), blood borne pathogens and biohazards (e.g., blood or saliva) and light chemical splashes and aerosols (e.g., inorganic acids and bases).

[0038] In certain embodiments, the respiratory hood 100 is a loose fitting hood that may provide extended duration respiratory protection. The respiratory hood 100 may be a one-size- fits-all type of respiratory hood 100 in which the harness assembly 110 may permit relatively easy donning and doffing by the individual. In some instances, the respiratory hood 100 may not require fit testing. The interior space 1 16 and breathing zone 1 18 may be configured to accommodate eyewear and facial hair. In particular embodiments, the respiratory hood 100 (or one or more features thereof) may be disposable thereby eliminating time required for decontamination. The respiratory hood 100 may satisfy industry standards and/or governmental regulations, such as Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) assigned protection factors (APFs) defined in U.S. Code of Federal Regulations 29 CFR 1910.134. By way of example only, the respiratory hood 100 may be similar to the FH22 Hood that is available through Scott Health & Safety.

[0039] The head covering 104 (or the hood body 102) includes a cap section 122 (Figure

2). The cap section 122 is configured to fit over a top of the head of the individual. The protective head gear 105 (Figure 1) is configured to rest over the cap section 122 when worn by the individual. As such, the protective head gear 105 may directly engage and press against the cap section 122. In some embodiments, the cap section 122 comprises a flexible layer or layers of material that are capable of substantially conforming to a shape of the head of the individual. For example, the cap section 122 may have a thickness of about 2 millimeters (mm) or less. In some embodiments, the cap section 122 is void of any airflow or cooling channels that are in fluid communication with the gas port 112. In other embodiments, as described in greater detail below, the cap section 122 may include an airflow channel and/or a cooling channel that are in fluid communication with the gas port 1 12.

[0040] The head covering 104 also includes first and second side sections 140, 142 that are configured to extend along opposite sides of the head. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second side sections 140, 142 may be referred to as the left and right side sections, respectively. The first and second side sections 140, 142 extend generally vertically along sides of the head when the individual is standing upright. The first and side sections 140, 142 may couple to the cap section 122 and extend therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second side sections 140, 142 attach to the cap section 122 along a seam 144 that extends around the head of the individual at a level that is about where the forehead is located. It should be understand, however, that the first and second sections 140, 142 and the cap section 122 may not be readily identifiable. For example, the first and second side sections 140, 142 and the cap section 122 may be part of the same layer of material. As such, the first and second side sections 140, 142 may curve into the cap section 122 without any identifiable seam or interface that distinguishes the first side section 140, the second side section 142, or the cap section 122. [0041] Also shown, the hood body 102 may include a hood bill 150. The hood bill 150 may project from a forehead of the individual in an outward direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the hood bill 150 provides structural integrity to the hood body 102 for supporting and holding the transparent face member 106 away from the face of the individual. For example, the hood bill 150 may be a sheet or layer of plastic that is more rigid than the layers of the head covering 104. The hood bill 150 includes a distal edge 152 that is spaced from the cap section 122. The distal edge 152 may have a curved contour that is similar to the curved contours of caps or helmets. The hood bill 150 also includes an underside 154 that defines a portion of the interior space 116 and an exterior side 156 (Figure 2) that faces an exterior of the respiratory hood 100.

[0042] In particular embodiments, the respiratory hood 100 includes one or more fasteners 158 coupled to the hood bill 150. The fastener 158 is configured to engage the protective head gear 105 (Figure 1) and secure the head gear 105 to the respiratory hood 100 or, more specifically, to the hood bill 150 and the cap section 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener 158 is a resilient clip that is biased to press against or toward the exterior side 156. The resilient clip is shaped to receive a gear bill 160 (Figure 1) of the protective head gear 105 and press the gear bill 160 against the hood bill 150 to hold the protective head gear 105 against the respiratory hood 100. In other embodiments, the fastener 158 may be at least one of a latch, clasp, hook and loop fastener, buttons, buckle, buckle, an inelastic elastic strap, or an elastic strap. A combination of two or more fasteners may be used. In certain embodiments, the fastener 158 removably attaches the protective head gear 105 to the respiratory hood 100. For example, the protective head gear 105 may be readily coupled or removed from the respiratory hood 100 without undue effort. The fastener 158 may be configured such that the fastener does not compromise the integrity of the protective head gear 105 or void certification of the protective head gear 105.

[0043] Also shown in Figures 1 and 2, the respiratory hood 100 may include airflow channels 162, 164. The airflow channels 162, 164 may extend along the first and second side sections 140, 142, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the respiratory hood 100 includes a pair of airflow channels 162, 164. In other embodiments, the respiratory hood 100 may include only one airflow channel or more than two airflow channels. For example, each of the first and second side sections 140, 142 may include multiple airflow channels. Alternatively, only one of the side sections 140, 142 may include an airflow channel.

[0044] The airflow channels 162, 164 are in fluid communication with the gas port 102

(Figure 2). Figure 2 only illustrates the airflow channel 162 along the first side section 140, but the airflow channel 164 may have similar or identical features along the second side section 142. The airflow channels 162, 164 extend from the gas port 1 12 along the corresponding side section of the head covering 104. The airflow channels 162, 164 have respective outlets 163, 165 that are positioned proximate to the breathing zone 1 18 of the interior space 1 16. The airflow channels 162, 164 are configured to direct the air from the gas port 1 12 to the outlets 163, 165, respectively, such that the air is directed into the breathing zone 1 18.

[0045] In particular embodiments, the air is directed to have a designated airflow through the breathing zone 1 18. One or more factors determining the direction of airflow, at least in part, may include (i) a shape of the transparent face member 106; (ii) a shape of the hood bill 150; (iii) locations of the outlets 163, 165 with respect to the transparent face member 106; (iv) locations of the outlets 163, 165 with respect to the hood bill 150; (v) dimensions of the airflow channels 162, 164; and (v) a direction of the air exiting the outlets 163, 165. In some embodiments, the airflow channels 162, 164 are dimensioned and the outlets 163, 165, respectively, are located relative to the hood body 102 such that the air flushes exhaled air downward toward a chest of the individual. In the illustrated, the airflow channels 162, 164 are dimensioned and the outlets 163, 165, respectively, are located such that the air is deflected by the underside 154 of the hood bill 150 and directed downward as shown in Figure 2. Such embodiments may flush exhaled air out of the breathing zone 118. However, it is understood that Figure 2 illustrates only one example of how the airflow may be directed through the breathing zone 1 18 and other configurations may be used. In alternative embodiments, the airflow is not in a downward direction across the face of the individual.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the airflow channels 162, 164 (when viewed from the side as shown in Figure 2) extend in a linear manner from the gas port 1 12 to the respective outlets 163, 165. It is understood that the airflow channels 162, 164 may have different paths in other embodiments. For example, the airflow channels 162, 164 may extend immediately vertically from the gas port 1 12 to a level that is proximate to the hood bill 150 then extend horizontally toward a forward edge of the corresponding side section.

[0047] In some embodiments, the cap section 122 is void of any cooling or airflow channels that are in fluid communication with the gas port 112. In other embodiments, as shown in Figure 2, the cap section 122 may include one or more cooling channels 170 that are in fluid communication with the gas port 112. In such embodiments, each of the cooling channel(s) 170 and the airflow channels 162, 164 may receive a portion of the air flowing through the gas port 1 12 from the air supply (not shown). The cooling channel 170 directs air along the top of the head. The cap section 122 may include a channel wall 172 that defines a portion of the cooling channel 170. The channel wall 172 may separate the head of the individual from the cooling channel 170. In some embodiments, the cooling channel 170 includes multiple outlets or openings 174 that permit air to flow out of the cooling channel 172 and onto the head of the individual thereby cooling the individual. As shown, the cooling channels 172 do not direct air in front of the face of the individual. In alternative embodiments, one or more airflow channels may extend along the cap section 122 and have an outlet that directs air in front of the face of the individual.

[0048] Figure 3 is an enlarged side view of the respiratory hood 100 (as designated by a dashed line) illustrating the fastener 158 and the airflow channel 162 in greater detail. As shown, the head bill 160 of the head gear 105 has a distal edge 161 that is disposed within a slot 176 defined by the fastener 158. The fastener 158 is biased to press the head bill 160 against the hood bill 150 thereby securing the head gear 105 to the respiratory hood 100. Also shown, the outlet 163 of the airflow channel 162 may be located proximate to the head bill 160. The outlet 163 of the airflow channel 162 is located at a nose level or above. More specifically, the outlet 163 may be substantially level with the nose of the individual wearing the respiratory hood 100 or have a higher position. For example, the outlet 163 may be level with an eye of the individual or with a forehead of the individual. The air (indicated by arrows 180) may be incident on the underside 154 of the hood bill 150.

[0049] Optionally, the respiratory hood 100 may include a flow deflector 178 having a surface 179 that is positioned to deflect the air 180 that exits the airflow channel 162. For example, the flow deflector 178 may be coupled to the hood bill 150 and oriented to deflect the air 180 in a downward direction through the breathing zone 118 along the face of the individual. The surface 179 of the flow deflector 178 may be planar or have a curved contour configured to receive and direct the airflow.

[0050] Figure 4 is an enlarged side view of a respiratory hood 200 in accordance with an embodiment. The respiratory hood 200 may have similar or identical features as the respiratory hood 100 (Figure 1). For example, the respiratory hood 200 includes a hood bill 250 and an airflow channel 262 that is configured to direct air 280 into a breathing zone 218 defined by the respiratory hood 200. As shown, the respiratory hood 200 is secured to head gear 205. In the illustrated embodiment, the respiratory hood 200 includes a hook and loop fastener 258 (e.g., Velcro) that is attached to an exterior side 256 of the hood bill 250. A head bill 260 of the head gear 205 may include material for directly coupling to the hook and loop fastener 258. Also shown, the respiratory hood 200 may include an elastic band 280. The elastic band 280 may define an opening with respect to the exterior side 256 that is configured to receive the head bill 260. The elastic band 280 may be stretched by the head bill 260 when the head bill 260 is positioned within the opening. The stretching of the elastic band 280 may generate a potential energy that causes the elastic band 280 to press the head bill 260 toward the hood bill 250.

[0051] Also shown in Figure 4, the airflow channel 262 may include an end portion 282 that projects beyond a side section 240 of the respiratory hood 200 (as designated by a dashed line) in front of the face of the individual. The end portion 282 is separate from the side section 240 and includes an outlet 263. For example, the end portion 282 may comprise a tube that extends into a portion of the airflow channel 262 defined by the side section 240. The tube may be a more rigid material than the material of the side section 240. The end portion 282 may be shaped to locate the outlet 263 at a designated position and direct the airflow through the outlet 263 in a designated manner. More specifically, the end portion 282 is curved to direct the airflow in a downward direction toward a chest of the individual. The air may be incident on an inner surface 214 of a transparent face member 206. The end portion 282 may be attached to the hood bill 250. Alternatively, the end portion 282 may project from a portion of the side section into the breathing zone 218 and be supported by the corresponding side section. [0052] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the respiratory hood 100 illustrating the airflow channel 162 in greater detail. As shown, the airflow channel 162 is defined between the inner surface 114 along the first side section 140 and an inner surface 302 of a channel sheet 304. As such, the airflow channel 162 extends along the first side section 140. The channel sheet 304 extends between opposite sheet edges 306, 308. In the illustrated embodiment, the edges 306, 308 are coupled to the inner surface 1 14 (e.g., sewing, heat sealing, adhesive, etc.) thereby defining the airflow channel 162 between the side section 140 and the channel sheet 304. When the breathing air is directed through the gas port 1 12 (Figure 2) and into the airflow channel 162, the pressure of the air within the airflow channel 162 may cause the side section 140 and/or the channel sheet 304 to expand.

[0053] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a respiratory hood (not shown) that includes a side section 440. The side section 440 may be similar to the first side section 140 (Figure 1). As shown, the side section 440 may comprise first and second material layers 444, 446. The material layers 444, 446 may be separated along the side section 440 to define the airflow channel 462. In the illustrated embodiment, the side section 440 may include a channel support 450 that is configured to separate the material layers 444, 446 and prevent the material layers 444, 446 from closing toward each other. More specifically, the channel support 450 may maintain an open airflow channel so that the air may flow therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, the channel support 450 includes a hose or tube that substantially surrounds the airflow channel 462. In other embodiments, the channel support 450 may be a rib or a plurality of ribs that are biased to force the material layers 444, 446 away from each other.

[0054] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a respiratory hood (not shown) that includes a side section 540. In some embodiments, a respiratory hood may include a flow tube or hose 550 that extends from the gas port (not shown) and toward the breathing zone (not shown). As shown, the flow tube 550 extends along an inner surface 514 of the side section 540. The flow tube 550 may be attached to the inner surface 514 using one or more fasteners or using an adhesive. In alternative embodiments, the flow tube 550 is configured to extend along the side section 540 but may not be secured to the side section 540. [0055] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a hood body 602 of a respiratory hood 600.

In particular, Figure 8 shows a back portion of the hood body 602 where a gas port 612 couples to the hood body 602. The hood body 602 includes first and second side sections 640, 642. The first and second side sections 640, 642 include airflow channels 662, 664, respectively. As shown, each of the airflow channels 662, 664 is in fluid communication with the gas port 612. As air flows through the gas port 612, the air is apportioned such that approximately half flows through the airflow channel 662 and approximately half flows through the airflow channel 664. In other embodiments, the gas port 612 may include a pair of nozzles in which each nozzle is inserted into a corresponding airflow channel.

[0056] In accordance with one or more embodiments described herein, a respiratory hood is provided that affords, among other technical effects, the technical effect of permitting an individual to wear protective head gear, such as a helmet or bump cap, over the respiratory hood. One or more embodiments may allow the individual to wear the protective head gear in a normal manner. As such, the respiratory hood may permit the individual to protect his or head from physical injury while also utilizing the respiratory hood to protect the individual from

contaminants in the environment. A technical effect may also include removably attaching the protective head gear to an exterior of the respiratory hood. Accordingly, the individual may don the respiratory hood and then the protective head gear. After time, if the individual desires to only wear the protective head gear, the individual may detach the protective head gear from the respiratory hood, remove the respiratory hood, and then don the protective head gear without the respiratory hood. In certain embodiments, the respiratory hood is disposable such that the respiratory hood could be discarded after a single use.

[0057] While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, front, back lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, and the like may be used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, it is understood that such terms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in the drawings. The orientations may be inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed, such that an upper portion is a lower portion, and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, and the like.

[0058] While certain embodiments of the disclosure have been described herein, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

[0059] It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. While the dimensions, types of materials and coatings described herein are intended to define the parameters of the invention, they are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein." Moreover, in the following claims, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means - plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase "means for" followed by a statement of function void of further structure.