Abstract:
A personal protective ensemble including a sealed suit having at least one area intended to enclose the wearer&#39;s head, the suit being equipped with connection means intended to be connected to a pressurized air source, the ensemble including a protective device having a sealed hood which, arranged underneath the sealed suit, is equipped firstly with means for feeding air to the hood volume and connected to the connection means of the suit, and secondly with means for supplying outside air to the suit via an air intake that is shut and can be opened, arranged in the suit, filtering means and a mouth-piece.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The invention concerns a personal protective ensemble comprising a sealed suit. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Protective ensembles are used in the field of civilian safety or in industry, for example the nuclear or chemical industry, to insulate a person from a hostile outside environment. 
         [0003]    In the nuclear industry, some persons are led to ensuring the maintenance of equipment or to conducting tasks in contaminated environments, in particular contaminated by radioactive particles. Under these conditions such persons must be encapsulated in a sealed suit to avoid any contact between the skin and radioactive particles, and they must not breathe in any outside contaminated air. 
         [0004]    Having regard to the long duration and complexity of some operations carried out by such persons, it is important that the wearing of this suit should be ergonomic and comfortable. In addition, it must be possible for the donning and fitting of the suit as well as the removal thereof to be performed simply and relatively quickly. 
         [0005]    A protective clothing ensemble is known from document FR 2 793 147. It comprises a sealed suit fed with air to allow ventilation and therefore the lower of the temperature inside the suit. This provides increased comfort for the wearer in particular in the event of prolonged used of the protective garment. 
         [0006]    Also, air is fed via a flexible air intake to a mask held to the wearer&#39;s face by means of supporting straps. 
         [0007]    However, the prolonged use of the mask and supporting straps is uncomfortable. In addition, breathing through a mask is not natural breathing since the mask comprises a valve which delivers air solely in the event of a pressure drop inside the mask. Therefore an additional effort is required on each inhalation. Also expiration must also be forced for the same reasons. Said ensemble also requires an air supply to the mask that is separate from the air supply to the suit, which increases the complexity of use. 
         [0008]    Another protective ensemble is described in document US 2004/0226558. It is in the form of a suit comprising in particular a part that forms a hood and means for connection to a source of compressed air. The compressed air is guided firstly into the inner volume of the hood and secondly into the other parts of the suit to ensure the ventilation thereof. 
         [0009]    The wearer is therefore not obliged to wear a mask since it is possible directly to breathe the air contained in the hood. The air flow rate is adjusted so that there is sufficient air renewal to avoid a substantial increase in carbon dioxide within the hood. The disadvantages related to the wearing of a mask are therefore avoided. 
         [0010]    In addition, only one air feed can be used, which allows simplification of the use of said protective system. 
         [0011]    Other protective equipment in the form of a suit and comprising a hood fed with air are known from documents US 2007/0095344 and EP 1 894 604. 
         [0012]    This type of equipment, however, has the disadvantages set forth below. 
         [0013]    If there is a sudden drop in pressure within the distribution network of compressed air, the suit is no longer properly supplied. Continued breathing by the wearer means that the exhaled carbon dioxide is gradually stored inside the suit. The carbon dioxide level then increases rapidly exceeding a critical level within a few instants and placing the wearer in danger. For obvious safety reasons, it is not always possible immediately to halt operations in progress, to leave the enclosure or contaminated room and to open the suit in order to be able to breathe. 
         [0014]    Indeed, not only are there cases when operations in progress cannot be halted at any time, but the wearer must also and in general pass through decontamination airlocks in order to remove radioactive dust for example from the outside wall of the suit, before it is possible to remove the suit without any risk. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0015]    The present invention sets out to remedy these disadvantages by proposing a personal protective ensemble which is more reliable whilst remaining ergonomic and comfortable. 
         [0016]    For this purpose the invention concerns a personal protective ensemble comprising a sealed suit having at least one part intended to enclose the wearer&#39;s head, the suit being equipped with connection means intended to be connected to a source of pressurized air characterized in that it comprises a protective device comprising an insulating hood which, arranged underneath the sealed suit, is equipped firstly with means for feeding air to the hood volume that are connected to the connection means of the suit, and secondly with means for supplying outside air to the suit via an air intake that is shut and can be opened arranged in the suit, filtering means and a mouth-piece. Therefore, in the event of failure of the pressurized air source, the wearer is able to use the mouth-piece in order to breathe properly, leaving sufficient time to complete an operation in progress for example or to complete a decontamination procedure. 
         [0017]    The wearer therefore has the benefit of dual protection, namely the hood of the protective device and the suit itself. The air circuit supplying the hood is directly connected to the suit, so that it is not necessary to make provisions for a first and a second compressed air network respectively supplying the suit and the hood. This therefore facilitates the use of the protective ensemble. 
         [0018]    According to one characteristic of the invention, the suit comprises at least one removable band arranged facing the filtering means for filtering air outside the hood and/or facing means for evacuating exhaled air outside the hood, the removable band, after removal thereof, being able to release an air passage opening. 
         [0019]    In this manner, in the event of a pressure drop within the compressed air network, the wearer removes the removable band(s) to create air inlet and exhaust openings, and then breathes using the mouth-piece. The contaminated air of the outside medium passes through the corresponding opening, is filtered through a cartridge, and is breathed in by the wearer then again exhausted to outside the hood via the corresponding opening. 
         [0020]    Advantageously, the suit is equipped with at least one ventilation duct connected to the connection means and designed to direct part of the pressurized air into the inner volume of the suit. 
         [0021]    The ventilation duct allows fresh air to be brought inside the suit, for example to regions where heat builds up in the vicinity of the wearer&#39;s armpits, groin or knees. The wearer&#39;s comfort is thereby improved. 
         [0022]    According to one possibility of the invention, the suit comprises a release valve arranged to allow release of the air contained inside the suit towards the outside, when this air exceeds a determined pressure. 
         [0023]    According to one characteristic of the invention, the mouth-piece is connected firstly to filtering means via an air intake conduit and secondly to means for evacuating exhaled air to outside the hood via an air exhaust conduit, the mouth-piece being equipped with means selectively allowing, during an inhalation phase of the wearer, the intake of air in particular via the air intake conduit and the mouth-piece, and during an exhalation phase of the wearer the evacuation of air in particular via the mouth-piece and the air exhaust conduit. 
         [0024]    Advantageously, the air intake conduit and the air exhaust conduit are flexible conduits. 
         [0025]    In this manner, the mouth-piece can be easily brought to the mouth, head movements also being possible during the use thereof. 
         [0026]    According to one possibility of the invention, the protective device comprises a release valve arranged to allow release of the air contained inside the hood towards the outside when it exceeds a determined pressure. 
         [0027]    Preferably, the protective device comprises means for displaying the air pressure of the air from the pressurized air source. 
         [0028]    The display means allow the wearer to be warned of any ill-functioning of the compressed air supply and they are preferably arranged in the wearer&#39;s field of view. 
         [0029]    According to one characteristic of the invention, the protective device comprises means for attachment to the wearer comprising a rear part intended to rest against the wearer&#39;s back, from which there extends at least one attachment strap intended to be passed under the wearer&#39;s armpit and a front part intended to rest against the wearer&#39;s chest, the attachment strap being fixed onto the front part in the position of use of the protective device. 
         [0030]    In this way the protective device is attached to the wearer in a simple arrangement and does not restrict the wearer&#39;s movements. 
         [0031]    Advantageously, the protective device comprises a first and a second attachment strap, each intended to be passed under the wearer&#39;s armpits. 
         [0032]    According to one possibility of the invention, the protective device comprises a stow-away bag housed in a pocket when the protective device is in position of use, the pocket being arranged on the back part of the attachment means to the wearer, the bag allowing the protective device to be contained in a storage position. 
         [0033]    The protective device can therefore be easily stowed away. Since this storage bag is housed in the pocket it does not risk getting lost and is always within reach. 
         [0034]    Preferably, the hood is equipped with a neckband made in flexible material designed to insulate the inner volume of the hood. 
         [0035]    The neckband also, at least in part, prevents air outside the hood from entering into the inner volume thereof. In addition, since it is flexible it allows head movements and therefore does not hamper the wearer. 
         [0036]    According to one characteristic of the invention, the hood comprises a removable band which, after removal, is able to provide an opening to access the inside of the hood. 
         [0037]    The removal of the removable band makes it possible to have quick access to the inner volume of the hood, and in particular to the wearer&#39;s airways in the event for example that the wearer should suffer an accident or fainting attack. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0038]    At all events, the invention will be well understood aided by the following description given with reference to the appended schematic drawing which, as an example, illustrates one embodiment of this protective ensemble. 
           [0039]      FIG. 1  is a front view of the protective ensemble in the state of normal use; 
           [0040]      FIGS. 2 and 3  are magnified views illustrating the successive steps for removing the protective ensemble; 
           [0041]      FIG. 4  is a view corresponding to  FIG. 1 , in the state when the mouth-piece is used and with the means for filtering outside air; 
           [0042]      FIG. 5  is a front view of the protective device in which the mouth-piece, the filtering means, the means for evacuating exhaled air and the connection means are not illustrated; 
           [0043]      FIG. 6  is a side view; 
           [0044]      FIG. 7  is a back view; 
           [0045]      FIGS. 8 to 11  illustrates the successive steps for folding the protective device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0046]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a protective ensemble comprises an outer suit  1  made in flexible, armoured material sealed against radioactive particles, for example in polyvinyl chloride on a polyester backing. The suit covers all the body parts and in particular comprises an area covering the head forming a helmet  2  equipped with a transparent visor  3 . 
         [0047]    The suit comprises gloves  4  and areas  5  intended to receive the wearer&#39;s feet, comprising laces  6  arranged facing the ankle and equipped with quick tightening means. The suit  1  further comprises a donning opening at the level of the wearer&#39;s chest. The opening may be closed by means of a zip fastener  7 , a flap  8  being folded over the fastening  7 . 
         [0048]    A removable band  9  extends from the end of one arm to the end of the other arm, the removal of the band  9  allowing complete opening of the suit  1  along this area. In addition, two removable bands  10 ,  11  of shorter length are arranged on the front face of the helmet  2 , on the sides thereof, the removal of each of these bands  10 ,  11  creating openings  12 ,  13  allowing the passing of air, as is better described below. 
         [0049]    The front side of the suit is provided with a connector  14  extending outside the suit and intended to be connected to a compressed air supply network  15 . A release valve (not illustrated) is arranged in the back part of the helmet  2  allowing the release of air contained inside the suit  1  towards the outside when the pressure exceeds a determined value. 
         [0050]    The suit  1  is also equipped with air distribution means  16  having a first and a second outlet branch  17 ,  18 . These means are housed in the suit  1 . The first branch  17  is connected to an inlet of a filter  19  of HEPA type (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter or &lt;&lt;High Efficiency Particulate Absorbing Filter), housed in the suit  1  and capable in one pass of filtering at least 99.97% of particles having a diameter equal to or more than 0.3 μm. 
         [0051]    The outlet of the filter supplies several ventilation channels  20  formed in the suit  1 . These allow the air derived from the filter  19  to be directed towards areas that accumulate heat  21  such as those arranged in the vicinity of the wearer&#39;s armpits, knees or groin. 
         [0052]    The second branch  17  is connected to an air intake nozzle  22  of a protective device  23  via a HEPA filter  24  and an air supply line  25 . 
         [0053]    The structure of the protective device  23  is partly illustrated in  FIGS. 5 to 7 . It comprises a hood  26  having a front visor  27  and a back part  28  equipped with a release valve  29  arranged to allow release of the air contained in the hood  26  towards the outside, when it exceeds a determined pressure value. The back part  28  is also equipped with a rigid protective plate  30 . 
         [0054]    The inner volume of the hood  26  is delimited by a neckband  31  made in a flexible, elastic material having a central opening  32  allowing insertion of the wearer&#39;s head. 
         [0055]    The hood  26  also comprises a removable band  49  which, after removal thereof, releases an opening for access to inside the hood  26 . 
         [0056]    The hood  26  is mounted on a sheet of fabric  33  having a back part  34  intended to rest against the wearer&#39;s back, and a front part  35  intended to rest against the wearer&#39;s chest. 
         [0057]    Two attachment straps  36  extend from each side edge of the back part  34 , the free end of each strap  36  being attached to the front part  35  in the position of use of the protective device  23  as is illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The straps  36  and the front part  35  comprise removable attachment means of hook and loop type  37 . Each strap  36  is therefore intended to be passed under the wearer&#39;s armpit so that the sheet of fabric  33  holds the hood  26  in position without hampering the wearer&#39;s freedom of movement. The back part  34  has an oblong opening  38  whose functioning is detailed below. 
         [0058]    A pocket  47  is formed in the back part  34  of the sheet of fabric  33 , the pocket housing a bag  48  attached to the back part  34 . 
         [0059]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 4 , the hood  26  is equipped with a filtering cartridge  39  extending outside the hood, and with air exhaust means  40  each connected to a mouth-piece  41  respectively via a first and a second flexible conduit  42 ,  43 . 
         [0060]    The mouth-piece  41  is therefore arranged inside the volume of the hood  26  and is within the reach of the wearer if necessary. 
         [0061]    The hood  26  is additionally equipped with an indicator  44  allowing information to be provided on the pressure inside the air supply line  25 . More particularly the indicator  44  is a pressure sensor connected to the aforementioned line via a tap point  45 . 
         [0062]    The functioning of the invention will now be described in more detail. 
         [0063]    When putting on the assembly, the user first dons the suit  1 , which is fitted by means of a belt  46  integrated in the suit  1 , and connects the air supply line  25  to the second branch  18  of the distribution means  16 . The hood  26  is thereby supplied with air via the source of compressed air. 
         [0064]    The wearer can then put on the protective device  23  and attach this device by means of the straps  36 . Finally, the wearer completes the positioning of the suit  1  in particular by covering the hood  26  with the helmet  2 , and then closes the zip fastening  7 . It is pointed out that the wearer can be equipped unassisted. 
         [0065]    Once closed, the suit  1  is gradually inflated with air derived from the ventilation ducts  20 , this air then being able to escape via the release valve ad/or via leaks which may appear at the zip fastener  7  for example. Therefore, despite slight leaks the user does not run any risk since the air escaping from the suit  1  prevents any entry of particles. 
         [0066]    The wearer can then proceed with carrying out the tasks to be conducted and is able to move unrestricted to within the extent authorised by the hose  15  of the compressed air supply network. 
         [0067]    Once the operations are completed, the wearer leaves the contaminated area, possibly passes through a decontamination airlock, and then removes the removable band  9  to open the suit  1 . This suit then rolls up outwardly to avoid any contact between the hands or the remainder of the body with the outer wall of the suit  1  on which radioactive particles may have deposited. 
         [0068]    The wearer can then take hold of the mouth-piece  41  to breathe through the filtering cartridge  39 , and then disconnect the supply line  25  from the suit  1 . Finally, the user can remove the protective device  23 . 
         [0069]    It is noted that the suit  1  is a disposable suit since in this embodiment no provision is made for re-positioning the removable band  9  after removal thereof. 
         [0070]    The protective device  23  on the other hand can optionally be re-used. It will be noted however that the filtering cartridge  39  has a limited lifetime. 
         [0071]    Once the protective device  23  has been removed, it can be folded away as illustrated in  FIGS. 8 to 10 , it being possible to pass the supply line  25  through the opening  38  to facilitate folding. 
         [0072]    The bag  48  is then taken out of the pocket  47  and the protective device  23  once folded is housed in the bag  47  equipped with a quick closing system  49  as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0073]      FIG. 4  describes the case in which, when in use, a problem arises in the air supply network  15 . If there is a pressure drop inside this network, the hood  26  is no longer properly supplied with air which may be dangerous for the wearer. 
         [0074]    The wearer is warned of this pressure drop via the indicator  44  arranged in his field of view. The wearer can then remove the removable bands  10 ,  11  to create openings  12 ,  13  opposite the filtering cartridge  39  and the air exhaust means  40 , and can then take hold of the mouth-piece  41 . The wearer is then able to breathe the air from the outside contaminated environment through the filtering cartridge  39  allowing removal of radioactive particles. 
         [0075]    In this case, the wearer can disconnect the conduit  15  of the supply network and leave the enclosure or, if necessary, finish completing the operations in progress in full safety. 
         [0076]    The invention therefore provides a personal protective device and a corresponding ensemble which are reliable, whilst remaining ergonomic, comfortable and easy to use.