The present application is a cognate patent application of the Indian Patent Application No. 202021030437 dated July 16, 2020 and the Indian Patent Application No. 202121031689 dated July 14, 2021, under section 9 (2) of the Indian Patents Act, 1970, the entire contents of which are specifically incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of personal protective equipment (PPE).

BACKGROUND The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks, face shields, etc. are widely used to prevent the spread of germs and/or exposure to toxic substances in the environment. Various air powered face shields are available are totally enclosed and cumbersome to wear and carry. These face shields are primarily designed for use in medical and surgical field. The air powered masks presently available for industrial purpose are for prevention against dusty environment like woodwork, welding, chemical fumes generating environment etc. They are also cumbersome and bulky to wear. Also, conventional face shields available are fitted too close to the body parts such as touching the face, neck, thereby making it uncomfortable to wear for longer period. These shields do not provide comfort to the wearer and makes all routine activities such as like eating, drinking and talking without hiding total facial expressions cumbersome. Further, the present face shields once removed, they make a user exposed to the infected and polluted environment and hence do not provide any protection.

Therefore, there is a need of a wearable apparatus that alleviates the aforementioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS

Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows: It is an object of the present disclosure to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a wearable apparatus for providing clean layer of filtered air.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a wearable apparatus for providing clean layer of filtered air that provides personal hygiene, safety, and comfort to a user/ wearer.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a wearable apparatus for providing clean layer of filtered air that prevents people from getting easily exposed to contaminated air.

Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a wearable apparatus for providing clean layer of filtered air that can to a certain extent protect people while there are exposed to crowded and possibly contaminated atmosphere while eating and drinking in restaurants, cafeteria, food stalls, bars, pubs, cafes, parties or family functions, routine office meetings conferences, lectures etc.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a wearable apparatus for providing clean layer of filtered air that helps to maintain the surrounding atmosphere infection free.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a wearable apparatus for providing clean layer of filtered air that provides safe and proper communication.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a wearable apparatus for providing clean layer of filtered air that provides protection to eyes of a user/ wearer.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a wearable apparatus for providing clean layer of filtered air that is portable.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a wearable apparatus for providing clean layer of filtered air that is easy to use.

Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a wearable apparatus for providing clean layer of filtered air that reduces the use of face mask. Still yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a wearable apparatus for providing clean layer of filtered air restricts or obstructs unconscious habit of touching face and causing infection.

Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a wearable apparatus for providing clean layer of filtered air that ensures safe breathing to a user/ wearer.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a wearable apparatus for providing clean layer of filtered air that is beneficial for a user/ wearer in situations where wearing a face Mask is not possible, like visiting, dentist, doctors etc.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a wearable apparatus for providing clean layer of filtered air that protects a user/ wearer from contaminated air in a closed or air- conditioned premise where most the air is recycled.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a wearable apparatus for providing clean layer of filtered air that can be comfortably worn during air, car, train and bus travel.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a wearable apparatus for providing clean layer of filtered air that gets intelligently turned “ON” upon detection of a person in near vicinity.

Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures, which are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. SUMMARY

The present disclosure envisages a wearable apparatus for providing a clean layer of filtered air on the face of a user. The apparatus comprises an air filtration unit, a blower, and a power source. The air filtration unit has an inlet for receiving surrounding air and an air outlet for emitting filtered air. The blower is configured to receive the emitted filtered air and blow a blast of the filtered air in the form of a layer on the face of the user. The power source is configured to power the filtration unit and the blower.

In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a neck band, the filtration unit disposed in the neck band, and the air blower is disposed at the tips of the neck band operatively below the nose and mouth of the user. In an embodiment, the power source is provided in a compartment.

In an embodiment, the power source is wired to the neck band.

In an embodiment, the power source is chargeable.

In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a face shield comprising a head band, a transparent plastic shield, a plurality of perforations, and the blower. The head band defines at least partially a hollow body. The transparent plastic shield is configured to operatively cover face of the user when the head band is worn on the forehead of the user. The plurality of perforations defined in the head band in the operative forehead region of the head band. The blower is configured to be in communication with the perforations, the apparatus in use configured to emit a layer of filtered air downwards from the headband along the shield and across the nose and mouth of the user.

In an embodiment, the head band and the air filtration unit are coupled with an air tube to carry pressurized air blown by the blower to the head band, thereby emitting the layer of filtered air downwards from the perforations along the shield and across the nose and mouth of the user.

In an embodiment, the shield is configured to be pivotally fitted to operative ends of the head band.

In an embodiment, the air filtration unit comprises a power switch configured to turn ON/ OFF the device. In an embodiment, the power source includes a power hank configured to store a predetermined amount of charge to power the blower via a circuit board. In another embodiment, the power source includes a battery.

In an embodiment, the air filtration unit includes a regulator switch configured to control speed of the blower to in turn control flow of air discharged from the air vents. In an embodiment, the air filtration unit includes a power indicator configured to indicate ON/ OFF status of the apparatus.

In an embodiment, the air filtration unit includes a charge indicator configured to indicate status of charge of the power bank or the battery. In an embodiment, the air filtration unit includes a moisture absorbing element.

In an embodiment, the blower, the filter, and the mesh, the circuit board, and the battery are enclosed in the air filtration using a case.

In an embodiment, the neck band has a U-shaped resilient body having arms at its free ends configured to fit around the neck of a user and extend towards the user’s chin.

In an embodiment, the air filtration unit is configured in each arm.

In an embodiment, a filter is disposed in each air filtration unit to allow arrestance of minute dust particulate present in air such as pollen, dirt, dust, moisture, bacteria and the like.

In an embodiment, blowers are disposed at tips of each arm configured to blow a layer of filtered air upwards towards the mouth and face of the user, and air outlets from the filters being configured to feed clean and filtered air to the blower unit.

In an embodiment, the central portion of the U-shaped body is removably coupled with the arms.

In an embodiment, the tip portion of the arms is configured to be rotatable with respect to remaining body, thereby allowing the user to change the direction of air blown therefrom.

In an embodiment, the central portion includes a battery case configured to be snap-fitted or click fitted to securely hold the battery therein.

In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a charging port configured thereon to allow charging of the battery via an external cable.

In an embodiment, the filter is a high efficiency particulate absorbing (HEP A) filter and the like.

In an embodiment, the filter is replaceable.

In an embodiment, the air filtration unit is coupled to a garment at the waist region of the user using holder clips.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING

A wearable apparatus of the present disclosure for providing clean layer of filtered air will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which: Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of the apparatus in the form of a transparent shield worn by a user and an air tube passing over forehead of the user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 illustrates a front isometric view of an air shield inside the transparent shield of Figure 1;

Figure 3 illustrates an isometric view of a head band and an air vent worn by a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 4 illustrates an isometric view of a blast of air discharged by the air vent of Figure 3 on the face of the user; Figure 5 illustrates an isometric view of an air filtration unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 6 illustrates a rear isometric view of the air filtration unit of Figure 5 depicting a holder clip;

Figure 7 illustrates left hand rear isometric view of the air filtration unit of Figure 5 depicting a filter, a power bank, a circuit board, and blower fan, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 8 illustrates a front isometric view of the air filtration unit of Figure 5 depicting a protective mesh, the filter, and a grill;

Figure 9 illustrates a front view of the apparatus worn by the user; Figure 10 illustrates an isometric view of the apparatus in the form of a neck band, in accordance with alternate embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 11 illustrates a bottom isometric view of the apparatus of Figure 10, depicting charging port and high efficiency particulate air (HEP A) filter;

Figure 12 illustrates an isometric view of internal surface of one arm of the device of Figure 10;

Figure 13 illustrates an isometric view of the device of Figure 10 depicting arm being extended; Figure 14 illustrates an isometric view of the apparatus of Figure 10 depicting an arm being rotatable;

Figure 15 illustrates an isometric view of the apparatus of Figure 10 depicting battery connection; and Figure 16 and Figure 17 illustrate an isometric view of the apparatus being worn by a user for receiving filtered air shield on face.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

100 - Wearable apparatus for providing clean layer of filtered air

I - Transparent shield 2 - Air tube

3 - Air layer

4 - Head band

5 - Air vents/ perforations

6 - Power switch 7 - Protective mesh

8 - Air filtration unit

9 - Air outlets

10 - Air filter

I I - Power hank 12 - Circuit board

13 - Blower

14 - Grill

15 - Charging port 16 - C type charging port

17 - Power indicator

18 - Charge indicator

19 - Regulator switch/ Speed control switch 20 - Holder clips

23 - Air inlet

25 - Charging cable

26 - U shaped body 26A - Arms 27 - Wires

30 - Power source 32 - Battery

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details, are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a,” "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “including,” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, operations, elements and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The present disclosure envisages a wearable apparatus 100 for providing clean layer of filtered air on the face of a user. The apparatus (herein after referred to as “apparatus 100”) is now described with the help of Figure 1 through Figure 17.

The apparatus 100 comprises an air filtration unit 8, a blower 13, and a power source 30.

The air filtration unit 8 has an air inlet 23 for receiving surrounding air and an air outlet 9 for emitting clean filtered air. The blower 13 is configured to receive the emitted filtered air and blow a blast of the filtered air in the form of a clean layer of air 3 on the face of the user. The power source 30 is configured to power the filtration unit 8 and the blower 13.

Referring to Figure 1 through Figure 9, the apparatus 100 includes a face shield comprising a head band 4, a transparent plastic shield 1, a plurality of perforations 5, and the blower 13. The head band 4 defines at least partially a hollow body. The transparent plastic shield 1 is configured to operatively cover face of the user when the head band 4 is worn on the forehead of the user. The plurality of perforations 5 are defined in the head band 4 in the operative forehead region of the head band 4. The blower 13 is configured to be in communication with the perforations 5. The apparatus 100 in use configured to emit a layer of filtered air downwards from the headband 4 along the shield 1 and across the nose and mouth of the user. In an embodiment, pressurized purified air from the air filtration unit 8 is blown on the face in the form of clean layer of air 3. This clean air layer 3 is configured to continuously flow from the air vents/ perforations 5 from the head band 4 in downward direction (i.e. covering the face of a user). This air flow acts as the protective layer that offers certain protection even while the transparent shield 1 is retracted/removed during eating, drinking or other activities as mentioned above or when the transparent face shield 1 is to be removed.

In an embodiment, the shield 1 is configured to be pivotally fitted to operative ends of the head band 4 such that it can be easily retracted. In an embodiment, the air filtration unit 8 is coupled to a garment at the waist region of the user using holder clips 20 configured at the rear portion of the unit 8. The head band 4 and the air filtration unit 8 are coupled with an air tube 2 to carry pressurized air blown by the blower 13 to the head band 4, thereby emitting the layer of clean and filtered air 3 downwards from the perforations 5 along the shield and across the nose and mouth of the user.

The air filtration unit 8 comprises a compartment having provision for receiving a circuit board 12, a mesh 7, and the blower 13. The blower 13 is powered by the power source 30 via the circuit board 12. The mesh 7, the air filter 10, the power source 30, the circuit 12, and the blower 13 are protected via the grill 14. In an embodiment, the power source 30 includes a power bank 11 configured to store a predetermined amount of charge to power the blower 13 via a circuit board 12. The mesh 7 acts as an inlet 23 for receiving the surrounding air. In an embodiment, the blower 13, the filter 10, and the mesh 7, the circuit board 12, and the battery 32 or the power hank 11 are enclosed in the air filtration unit 8 using a case.

The air filtration unit 8 also comprises a power switch 6, a regulator/ speed control switch 19, a power indicator 17, and a charge indicator 18.

The power switch 6 is configured to turn ON/ OFF the apparatus 100. In another embodiment, the air filtration unit 8 may also have an auto start function. The auto start function will detect a person or persons in near vicinity/ within settable social distancing norms and activate the device 100.

In another embodiment, the power source 30 includes a battery 32. In an embodiment, the regulator switch/ speed control switch 19 is configured to control speed of the blower 13 to in turn control flow of air discharged downwards from the air vents 5. In an embodiment, the power indicator 17 is configured to indicate ON/ OFF status of the apparatus 100. In an embodiment, the charge indicator 18 is configured to indicate status of charge of the power hank 11 or the battery 32. The unit 8 will also indicate power and charging level of the battery 32 or the power hank 11 via the power indicator 17 and the charge indicator 18 respectively.

In an embodiment, the air filtration unit 8 includes a moisture absorbing element. In an embodiment, the protective mesh 7 is configured to protect the large sized particle entering the unit 8. The case protects the entire components of the unit 8 from external environmental conditions. In an embodiment, the air filter 10 is placed inside the compartment of the unit 8 to facilitate filtration of minute sized particles and ensure clean air is being filtered and blown to the air vent 5. In an embodiment, the filter 10 is replaceable. In an embodiment, the unit is 8 being powered by the power hank 11 having a predetermined amount of charge stored therein. The power hank 11 can be charged via the C-type charging port 16 or the charging port 15.

In an embodiment, the air filter 10 can be quickly replaced and that won’t disrupt the process of filtration of air.

Referring to Figure 10 through Figure 17, the apparatus 100 comprises a neck band with the filtration unit 8 disposed in the neck band, and the air blower 13 is disposed at the tips of the neck band operatively below the nose and mouth of the user. In an embodiment, the power source is wired by using wires 27 to the neck band. In an embodiment, the power source 30 is chargeable.

In an embodiment, the neck band has a U-shaped resilient body 26 having arms 26A at its free ends configured to fit around the neck of a user and extend towards the user’s chin. In an embodiment, the air filtration unit 8 is configured in each arm 26 A. The filter 10 is disposed in each air filtration unit 8 to allow arrestance of minute dust particulate present in air such as pollen, dirt, dust, moisture, bacteria and the like. In an embodiment, the filter is a high efficiency particulate air (HEP A) filter. In an embodiment, the filter 10 is replaceable. In an embodiment, the filters 10 are disposed into compartment 28 of the arms 26A and are securely held therein by using covers 24. In an embodiment, the covers 24 are press fitted or snap-fitted with said arms 26A.

The blowers 13 are disposed at tips of each arm configured to blow a layer of filtered air upwards towards the mouth and face of the user, and air outlets 9 from the filters 10 being configured to feed clean and filtered air to the blower 13. In an embodiment, the central portion of the U-shaped body 26 is removably coupled with the arms 26A. The arms 26A are configured to be extendible with respect to the central portion as per face size of the user. In an embodiment, the tip portion of the arms 26A is configured to be rotatable with respect to remaining body 26, thereby allowing the user to change the direction of air blown therefrom.

In an embodiment, the central portion includes a battery case 34 configured to be snap-fitted or click fitted to securely hold the battery 32 therein. The apparatus 100 includes a charging port at the tip of the arm 26A to allow charging of the battery 32 via an external cable 25.

The apparatus 100 provides personal hygiene, safety, and comfort to a user/ wearer. The apparatus 100 prevents people from getting easily exposed to contaminated air. The apparatus 100 can to a certain extent protect people while there are exposed to crowded and possibly contaminated atmosphere while eating and drinking in restaurants, cafeteria, food stalls, bars, pubs, cafes, parties or family functions, routine office meetings conferences, lectures etc.

The apparatus 100 helps to maintain the surrounding atmosphere infection free. The apparatus 100 provides safe and proper communication as compared to mask which makes communication less audible and difficult. The apparatus 100 provides protection to eyes of a user/ wearer which is not ensured by wearing mask.

The apparatus 100 is easy to use and is portable. The apparatus 100 reduces the use of face mask that restricts or obstructs unconscious habit of touching face and causing infection. The apparatus 100 ensures safe breathing to a user/ wearer in a toxic environment. The apparatus 100 is beneficial for a user/ wearer in situations where wearing a face mask is not possible, like visiting, dentist, doctors etc.

Further, the apparatus 100 protects a user/ wearer from contaminated air in a closed or air- conditioned premise where most the air is recycled. Also, the apparatus 100 can be comfortably worn during air, car, train and bus travel and that may get intelligently turned “ON” upon detection of a person in near vicinity.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS AND ECONOMICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a wearable apparatus for providing clean layer of filtered air, that: • provides personal hygiene, safety, and comfort to a user/ wearer;

• prevents people from getting easily exposed to contaminated air;

• can to a certain extent protect people while there are exposed to crowded and possibly contaminated atmosphere while eating and drinking in restaurants, cafeteria, food stalls, bars, pubs, cafes, parties or family functions, routine office meetings conferences, lectures etc. ;

• helps to maintain the surrounding atmosphere infection free;

• provides safe and proper communication; provides protection to eyes of a user/ wearer;

• is portable;

• is easy to use;

• reduces the use of face mask;

• restricts or obstructs unconscious habit of touching face and causing infection;

• ensures safe breathing to a user/ wearer;

• is beneficial for a user/ wearer in situations where wearing a face mask is not possible, like visiting, dentist, doctors etc. ;

• protects a user/ wearer from contaminated air in a closed or air-conditioned premise where most the air is recycled;

• can be comfortably worn during air, car, train and bus travel; and

• gets intelligently turned “ON” upon detection of a person in a near vicinity.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveals the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.