Protective apparel and support apparatus and method of use
View Patent ↗A protective apparel support ( 100 ) system is disclosed comprising a support frame configured to rest on the shoulders of a wearer, the support having a first shoulder member ( 104 a ), a second shoulder member ( 104 b ) and a shield ( 202 ) engagement portion. A shield ( 202 ) is selectively coupleable to the support and protective apparel ( 302 ) is coupled to the shield.
1. A protective apparel and support apparatus, comprising:
a first gown portion defining a first barrier;
a second gown portion including a vision shield defining a second barrier;
a yoke configured to rest on the shoulders of a wearer, the yoke comprising:
a front portion and a rear portion;
a cavity;
a chamber to communicate air within the yoke;
an inlet air port that receives air directed from outside of the barrier space defined by the shield;
an outlet air port that receives air directed from inside of the barrier space defined at least in part by the vision shield;
an air circulation system comprising a blower; and
a power supply;
wherein the vision shield is attached to the yoke front portion.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the yoke front portion supports the vision shield.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the power supply is positioned within the cavity and provides counter weight to the vision shield.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the blower is in fluid communication with the chamber.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the blower directs air out of an interior barrier space.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the blower introduces air into an interior barrier space.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the blower is a first blower and the air circulation system further comprises a second blower, wherein the first blower directs air out of an interior barrier space and the second blower introduces air into an interior barrier space.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the blower is positioned within the yoke rear portion and provides counter weight to the vision shield.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the yoke rear portion has a first end adjacent to the wearer's ear and a second end spaced apart from the wearer's ear and the blower is disposed adjacent to the second end.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the outlet air port is positioned on the yoke front portion and directs an airflow substantially parallel to a wear's vision.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the outlet airflow is directed toward the vision shield.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a securement device for supporting the yoke.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the yoke comprises unitary structure.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the unitary structure is flexible.
15. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the unitary structure is at least semi-rigid.
16. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the unitary structure comprises a wire frame and a synthetic plastic support portion.