Technical Field

[001] The invention relates to a protective helmet which finds implementation in activities in which a biological protection is needed.

Background

[002] A protective helmet providing biological protection is known which represents a transparent shield fastened to the head by means of different fastening means. A drawback of the known helmet is the fact that it provides only an incomplete protection from invading the organism by pathogenic organisms insofar that the space around the face is open and not isolated from the environment.

[003] A protective helmet is known which represents a transparent shield mounted in a construction such as a spacesuit, where the respiration occurs by means of different types of filters providing a full biological protection. The drawback of this helmet is the fact that it is very heavy, uncomfortable for servicing and has a high price.

[004] An object of the invention is to provide a helmet which guarantees a high degree of biological protection to persons working in a dangerous environment; which is light and comfortable for use and servicing, allows easily to rest during the use, and has a low price.

Technical essence of the invention

[005] According to the invention the protective helmet includes a supporting frame, a transparent shield being mounted movably in the upper part of the frame by means of an axle, which shield in a closed position abuts the upper part and the lower part of the frame, being fastened to the frame by means of a locking device mounted on the frame. Along the supporting frame, and in one embodiment - only in its lower part, is mounted a sealing element by means of which the shield rests on the supporting frame. In the lower part of the supporting frame are mounted supporting meshes between which is located an exchangeable filter retained between the meshes.

[006] The filter includes a porous layer wrapped in a textile material, e.g., silk. The porous layer is made of porous material having multiple closed pores, e.g., a polyurethane foam.

[007] In one embodiment of the invention to the filter is attached a wick (e.g., made of a textile material] connected to a tank with disinfectant. The tank for disinfectant and a tube in which is put the free end of the wick are mounted on the supporting frame. On the shield is mounted a dividing wall having a sealing element which forms two closed chambers when the shield is closed. On the shield under the dividing wall, in the vicinity of the base of the nose of the user is mounted a nonreturn valve. The helmet is fastened to the head by means of a fastening means mounted on the supporting frame.

[008] Along the supporting frame are mounted gripping (fastening] elements which grip an isolating veil which covers the back part of the head and shoulders of the user.

[009] In one embodiment of the invention is foreseen a second, rigid or elastic frame which grips the veil firmly to the frame.

[010] In one embodiment on the supporting frame is mounted an electric battery which is connected to metallic supporting meshes by means of cables, an electronic converter and a circuit breaker.

Description of the enclosed Figures

[Oil] Fig. 1 is a side section (on the left side of the Figure] and a partial sectional front view (on the right side of the Figure] of a protective helmet in its open shield position according to one embodiment of the invention.

[012] Fig. 2 is a side view of the protective helmet of Fig. 1 in its closed shield position. [013] Fig. 3 represents a side section (in the left part of the Figure) and a front section (in the right part of the Figure) showing the exchangeable filter according to the invention and its connection to the tank by means of the wick.

[014] Fig. 4 is a side view of another embodiment of the invention with a protective shield made of two parts.

[015] Fig. 5 is a front view of another embodiment of a protective helmet of the invention.

[016] Fig. 6 is a front view of another embodiment of a protective helmet of the invention.

[017] FIG. 7 shows a side view (at the top left part of the Figure), a front view (at the top right part of the Figure), a partial top view (at the bottom left part of the Figure) and a section showing the manner of contact of the shield with the supporting frame (at the bottom right part of the Figure) of another embodiment of a protective helmet according to the invention.

Examples of embodiments of the invention

[018] In Fig. 1 is presented a protective helmet according to the invention comprising a supporting frame 1, in the upper part of which by means of an axle 3 is mounted a transparent shield 2 in an open position, on the bottom part of the shield being mounted a sealing element 4. On the edge of the shield 2 is mounted a locking device 28 representing an elastic plate, e.g., made of plastic or metal which is pressed to the supporting mesh 8 when the shield is closed, and retains the shield in this position. In the middle part of the shield in the vicinity of the base of the nose of the user is mounted a dividing wall 5 having an elastic sealing element which passes from one end of the shield to the other end thereof, and the sealing element is fastened to the dividing wall 5 and it is made for example of a polyurethane foam, a polyurethane foam covered with fabric, or silicon. Close to the dividing wall 5 and directly under the said wall is located a non-return valve 7. The dividing wall 5 and the sealing element 6 divide the inner space of the helmet in two chambers - an upper chamber 18 and a lower chamber 19, when the helmet is in its closed state. In one embodiment of the invention in the lower part of the supporting frame 1 is mounted a tank 10 filled with a harmless disinfectant, when inhaled, e.g., silver water or hydrogen peroxide. In the lower part of the supporting frame 1 are provided supporting meshes 8 between which is put an exchangeable filter 9. In one embodiment of the invention the filter 9 is connected to the tank 10 by means of a tube 12 and a wick made of a textile material put in the tube. The exchangeable filter 9 comprises a porous layer 13 which comprises multiple closed spaces filled with air; the said layer being made for example of a polyurethane foam of some other suitable porous material. The porous layer is wrapped in a textile material, e.g., silk or another suitable fabric 14. On the frame 1 is mounted a fastening means 15 which is one or more elastic bands.

[019] In one embodiment along the supporting frame 1 are mounted gripping elements 16 which grip an isolating veil 17 made of polyethylene or some other suitable material, the said veil covering the back part of the head and eventually the shoulders of the user for a better isolation of the whole head from the environment,

[020] In Fig. 2 is shown the protective helmet according to the invention of Fig. 1 comprising a supporting frame 1 in the upper part of which by means of an axle 3 is mounted a transparent shield 2, the helmet being shown in a closed position. In the lower part of the shield 2 is mounted a sealing element 4. On the edge of the shield 2 is mounted a locking device 28 representing an elastic plate, e.g., made of plastic or metal, which, when the shield is close, is pressed to the supporting mesh 8 and retains the shield in the closed position. In the middle part of the shield in the vicinity of the base of the nose of the user is foreseen a non-return valve 7 and a dividing wall 5 having an elastic sealing element 6, both positioned above the valve 7, the dividing wall 5 and the elastic sealing element 6 forming two chambers of the inner space of the helmet, an upper chamber 18 which isolates the eyes from the breathing space and prevents the fogging of the transparent shield when the user breathes, and a lower chamber 19 in which the non-return valve allows the discharge the exhaled air which is being inhaled through the filter 9 in the lower part of the helmet.

[021] In one embodiment of the invention in the lower part of the supporting frame 1 are formed supporting meshes 8 between which is placed an exchangeable filter

9.

[022] In one embodiment of the invention in the lower part of the supporting frame 1 is additionally mounted a tank for disinfectant 10 filled with a suitable disinfectant harmless to humans (e.g., silver water, hydrogen dioxide and the like) which through a tube 12 and a wick 11 is connected to the filter 9. The disinfectant continuously leaks along the wick 11 (made of a textile material) and wets the filter 9. The exchangeable filter 9 comprises a porous layer 13 (of a suitable porous material having a multitude of closed pores) wrapped in a textile material 14. A preferred textile material 14 is silk. On the frame 1 is mounted a fastening means 15 representing one or more elastic bands.

[023] In Fig. 3 is illustrated an exchangeable filter 9 comprising a porous layer 13 made of a suitable porous material (e.g., a polyurethane foam, a suitable harmless plastic foam or some other suitable material). The porous layer is wrapped in a textile material 14, e.g., silk. In one embodiment of the invention to the filter 9 which is placed between the supporting meshes 8 is attached a wick 11 put into a tube 12 provided in the frame 1 and connected to a tank 10 containing disinfectant which proceeds continuously via the wick 11 to the filter 9 wetting it with the disinfectant.

[024] In Fig. 4 is presented another variant of a protective helmet according to the invention, the transparent shield being divided into a movable part 2 and immovable part 24. The immovable part 24 together with the frame 1 separate an upper chamber 18 and the movable part 2 by means of an axle 3 is mounted in the lower part of the upper chamber 18. On the edge of the shield 2 is mounted a locking device 28 representing an elastic plate, e.g., made of plastic or metal, which is pressed to the supporting mesh 8 and retains the shield in this position when the shield is closed. On the flame 1 are mounted a dividing wall 5 and an elastic sealing element 6 which together with the movable part of the shield 2 and the exchangeable filter 9 form a lower chamber 19. This embodiment makes the production technologically easier.

[025] In Fig. 5 is shown another embodiment of a protective helmet according to the invention. Similarly to the protective helmet of Fig. 1 and 2 this embodiment comprises as well a supporting frame 1 in the upper part of which by means of an axle 3 is mounted a transparent shield 2 (shown in the Figure in a closed position) in the lower part of which shield is mounted a sealing element 4 and in its middle part - a non-return valve 7, and in the vicinity of the base of the nose and above the valve 7 is mounted a dividing wall 5 having an elastic sealing element 6 which both form two chambers - an upper chamber 18 and a lower chamber 19. On the edge of the shield 2 is mounted a locking device 28 representing an elastic spring, e.g., made of plastic or metal which presses to the supporting mesh 8 and retains it in this position when the shield is closed. The supporting meshes are made of an electricity conducting metal, e.g., of alloy steel (stainless steel). On the frame 1 is mounted a battery 20 which via cable 21 is connected sequentially to an electronic converter 23, a circuit breaker and the supporting metal meshes 8 through which flows a weak current the strength of which is regulated in such a manner that it is safe, does not create unpleasant sensations and discomfort to the user when he uses the helmet. On the frame 1 is mounted a fastening device 15 which comprises one or more elastic bands.

[026] In Fig. 6 is shown one variant of fastening in one embodiment of the protective helmet of the invention, shown in a front view. In the lower part of the Figure is represented a sectional view of the supporting frame 1. In a working position on the supporting frame 1 is additionally mounted a second elastic frame 26 which corresponds in size and shape to the supporting frame 1. Along the whole perimeter of the second frame 26, at inner part thereof is made an edge 27, coinciding in its shape with the groove in the supporting frame 1. The shape of the groove and the edge is not critical and can be of any suitable shape. In one embodiment of the protective helmet the second elastic frame 26 is an elastic ring (e.g., sling or ribbing). In another embodiment of the protective helmet the second frame 26 is not elastic, it consists of two symmetrical parts, divided in the middle and attached movably to each other and to the supporting frame 1. The second frame 26 serves to grip the veil 17 strongly and comfortably.

[027] In Fig. 7 is shown the protective helmet according to the invention of Fig. 1 comprising a supporting frame 1 of two symmetrical parts 29 in the upper part of which via an axle 3 is mounted an elastic transparent shield 2 having a cylindrical shape, the shield being represented in a closed position. In the area of abutment of the mirrored parts of the frame 29 and the supporting meshes 8 are mounted elastic compensators 35 which isolate the chambers 18 and 19 from the environment when the width of the frame 1 is changed. The compensators 35 can be e.g., bands made of elastic material or the compensators could be made in a pleated shape such as an accordion. In the upper part of the shield 2 is mounted an elastic isolating barrier 34 which can be made of a polyurethane foam, a polyurethane foam wrapped in a fabric or some other suitable material. On the inner part of both mirrored parts 29 of the supporting frame 1 is mounted an elastic sealing layer 30 having a thickness allowing the compensating for the difference in the contours of the face. In one variant the sealing layer 30 is made of a polyurethane foam, a polyurethane foam wrapped in a fabric, silicone or some other suitable material. In one embodiment the axle 3 is a pin on which is formed a limiting element 31 which allows the width of the frame 1 to be changed in accordance with the difference in the contours of the face when the pin 3 is wound up in a threaded opening 32 made in the upper part of the supporting frame 29. The wounding up is carried out by means of winged screw 33 or some other suitable shape of the outer end of the axle (pin) 3. On the edge of the shield 2 is mounted a locking device 28 which represents an elastic plate, e.g., made of plastic or metal which is pressed to the supporting mesh 8 and retains the shield in this position when the shield is closed. In the middle part of the shield is provided a non-return valve 7 and in the vicinity of the base of the nose a dividing wall 5 with an elastic sealing element 6 located above it form two chambers in the inner space of the helmet - an upper chamber 18 which isolates the eyes from the breathing space and prevents the fogging of the transparent shield in front of the eyes due to the moisture in breath, and a lower chamber 19 in which the non-return valve allows the air which is inhaled through the filter 9 in the lower part of the helmet to be more easily removed when exhaled. In the lower part of the supporting frame 1 are provided supporting meshes 8 between which is placed a filter 9 which can be changed.

[028] The filter 9 comprises a porous layer 13 (made of a suitable porous material having a multitude of closed pores) wrapped in a textile material 14. A preferred textile material 14 is silk.

[029] On the frame 1 is mounted a fastening device 15 representing one or more elastic bands.

[030] The invention described in this manner is used as follows:

The helmet is put on the head and is fastened by the fastening device. The exchangeable filter guarantees a high degree of protection from biological agents of the environments, and the helmet provides a very good isolation of the head - both of the face and the back part of the head and the shoulders by means of the isolating veil. The non-return valve guarantees a one-way movement of the air when exhaled and the exhaled air does not pass into the upper chamber but exits through the valve. The transparent shield and the division of the inner space into two chambers guarantee an optimal visibility and prevent the fogging of the transparent shield in front of the eyes of the user. The locking device guarantees the retention of the shield onto the supporting frame when it is in closed position. [031] In one embodiment an additional protection is provided by supplying a disinfectant to the exchangeable filter from the tank via the tube and the wick put therein which provides a biological protection in a mode of continuous supplying to the filter a harmless disinfectant thus killing the harmful organisms.

[032] In another embodiment the complete isolation of the head is provided by the second frame and the close gripping of the isolating veil to the supporting frame by the second frame. [033] In one embodiment an additional protection is provided by supplying a direct current from a battery via cables and a circuit breaker to the metallic supporting meshes thus creating an electric field killing the harmful organisms, the strength of the current being regulated by an electronic converter.

[034] In one embodiment the locking device 28 comprises two magnetic plates mounted accordingly on the edge of the shield 2 and the frontal part of the supporting mesh 8.

[035] In one embodiment of the helmet the supporting frame is made of two mirroring parts, on the inner part thereof is mounted an elastic sealing layer and in the area of abutment are mounted elastic compensators. The shield is elastic and has a cylindrical shape, the design allowing a change in the geometry of the helmet which compensates for the difference of the contours of the faces of different users. [036] Periodically, after disinfection the helmet can be opened which allows an easy handling of the helmet in case a rest during the use becomes necessary.

[037] After the use the helmet is disinfected and the isolating veil is removed and thrown away.

[038] The exchangeable filter is exchanged for a new one, periodically.

Implementation of the invention

[039] The invention is used when a biological protection in a dangerous environment is necessary.