Patent Description:
Prior to the present invention, as set forth in general terms above and more specifically below, it is known, to employ various types of support systems that are used to support the one-piece gown or toga which is designed to completely and sterilely cover the wearer when attached to the hood. Currently, a helmet is donned by the wearer and the one-piece gown or toga and the hood are conventionally attached to the helmet. Furthermore, it is known to provide a ventilation system that is also attached to the helmet or attached to the wearer.

Due to the fact that the weight of the helmet, the one-piece gown or toga, the hood, and the ventilation system are carried by the head, neck and shoulder areas of the wearer, after a period of time, the head, neck and shoulder areas of the wearer may begin to experience an undesirable amount of muscular fatigue or strain. Typically, the helmet, the one-piece gown or toga, the hood, and the ventilation system weigh around <NUM>-<NUM> pounds. Furthermore, it is common for a surgical procedure to last for several hours. Clearly, if the wearer of the one-piece gown or toga, the hood, and the ventilation system is bent over for several hours while performing the surgical procedure, the extra weight of the helmet, the one-piece gown or toga, the hood and the ventilation system can place a significant muscular strain on the head, neck, and shoulder areas of the wearer. Furthermore, having the weight on the top of the head makes for a longer lever arm to support the helmet when the head is tilted to any angle other than neutral which can also put undue stress on the head, neck, and shoulder areas of the wearer. While these and other various support systems that are used to support the one-piece gown or toga, hood and ventilation system may have been generally satisfactory, there is nevertheless a need for a new and improved helmetless support and lightweight ventilation system for use with surgical hoods and gowns.

It is a purpose of this invention to fulfill these and other needs in the art of support systems that are used to support the one-piece gown or toga, hood, and ventilation system in a manner more apparent to the skilled artisan once given the following disclosure. Prior art includes: <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>. Each of these prior art disclosures describes a prior art device. The purpose of the invention is achieved by the subject-matter of claim <NUM>.

The preferred helmetless support and lightweight ventilation system for use with surgical hoods and gowns, according to various embodiments of the present invention, offers the following advantages: ease of use; lightness in weight; durability; the ability to distribute the device weight along the shoulders of the wearer while.

maintaining full mobility and greatly reducing head and neck fatigue; adjustability of the fan speed; the ability to control the amount and direction of the output from each of the various ventilation system output apertures; the ability to provide a contiguous head/hood covering; the ability to filter the air contacting the wearer; the use of front offsets to provide for air circulation around the head and neck areas of the wearer; the ability to remove the face vents for ease of cleaning or sanitizing; the ability to provide air flow within the hood; and compactness of the device. In fact, in many of the preferred embodiments, these advantages are optimized to an extent that is considerably higher than heretofore achieved in prior, known support and ventilation systems for use with surgical hoods and gowns.

The above-mentioned features and steps of the invention and the manner of attaining them will become apparent, and the invention itself will be best understood by reference to the following description of the embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like characters represent like parts throughout the several views and in which:.

Referring now to <FIG>, there is illustrated a helmetless support system <NUM> for use with surgical hoods and gowns. The helmetless support system <NUM> for use with surgical hoods and gowns can be used to support the one-piece surgical gown <NUM> and the surgical hood <NUM> without the need for the wearer <NUM> to wear a helmet. In this manner, one-piece surgical gown <NUM> and the surgical hood <NUM> completely and sterilely covers the head, neck, and torso of the wearer <NUM> when donned by the wearer <NUM>. Also, the one-piece surgical gown <NUM> and the surgical hood <NUM> includes a clear faceplate <NUM> (<FIG>). The helmetless support <NUM> further includes a flexible headband <NUM> with attached lightweight front offsets <NUM> in front that can be releasably attached to the faceplate <NUM>. Furthermore, the front offsets <NUM> (<FIG>) are used to provide for air circulation around head of the wearer <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, helmetless support <NUM> for use with surgical hoods and gowns includes, in part, surgical gown <NUM>, wearer <NUM>, and helmetless surgical hood and gown support <NUM>. It is to be understood that surgical gown <NUM> is constructed of any suitable, durable, medical grade material. It is to be further understood that the surgical gown <NUM> is to be constructed into a one-piece design that will completely and sterilely cover the wearer when attached to the hood <NUM> (<FIG>).

With respect to helmetless surgical hood and gown support <NUM>, helmetless surgical hood and gown support <NUM> includes, in part, flexible, adjustable band <NUM>, front offsets <NUM>, faceplate attachments <NUM>, offset extension <NUM>, adjustable headband <NUM>, adjustment openings <NUM>, faceplate attachment extensions <NUM>, sweat band <NUM>, band pad <NUM>, and band adjustment device <NUM>. Preferably, flexible band <NUM> is constructed of any suitable, durable, flexible, medical grade material. The important feature of flexible band <NUM> being that it comfortably fits around the head of the wearer <NUM> but still is capable of securely holding surgical gown <NUM> and surgical hood <NUM> once the surgical gown <NUM> and surgical hood <NUM> have been attached to helmetless surgical hood and gown support <NUM> and then placed over the wearer, as will be discussed in greater detail later. In particular, it is important that flexible band <NUM> be able to securely hold hood <NUM> off of the head of wearer <NUM> and allow the air to flow around the head of wearer <NUM>, as will be discussed in greater detail later.

A unique aspect of the present invention is the use of front offsets <NUM>, offset extensions <NUM>, and faceplate attachment extensions <NUM>. Preferably, there are at least two (<NUM>) front offsets <NUM> located along a perimeter on the front of flexible band <NUM> that hold the faceplate <NUM> of surgical hood <NUM> away from the face of wearer <NUM>. Preferably, the front offsets <NUM> should extend be at least <NUM>-<NUM> inches outwardly away from flexible band <NUM> so that the front offsets <NUM> allow air to be circulated around the head of the wearer <NUM>, as will be discussed in greater detail later. Preferably, front offsets <NUM>, offset extensions <NUM>, and faceplate attachment extensions <NUM> should be constructed of any suitable, durable, lightweight, medical grade material such as plastic or the like.

Another unique aspect of the present invention is faceplate attachments <NUM>. Faceplate attachments <NUM> can be conventionally attached to offset extension <NUM> and faceplate attachment extensions <NUM> by conventional fasteners, adhesives, or the like. Preferably, faceplate attachments <NUM> are constructed of hook and loop fasteners (Velcro®) or magnets that will allow faceplate <NUM> to be easily attached to and removed from front offsets <NUM>, as will be discussed in greater later.

With respect to <FIG> and <FIG>, another unique aspect of the present invention is the adjustable headband <NUM>, adjustment openings <NUM>, sweat band <NUM>, band pad <NUM>, and band adjustment device <NUM>. In particular, the height of the adjustable headband above the head of the wearer <NUM> can be adjusted. In this manner, the wearer <NUM> can adjust the height that hood <NUM> is located above the head of the wearer <NUM> in order to adjust the flow of air around the upper part of the wearer's head. For example, the length of the adjustable headband <NUM> can be adjusted by selecting a desired adjustment opening <NUM> and conventionally locating the desired adjustment opening <NUM> on the adjustable headband <NUM>. Furthermore, the circumference of the flexible band <NUM> can be adjusted by determining the desired flexible band <NUM> circumference for a particular wearer <NUM> and utilizing the band adjustment device <NUM> in order to retain the desired circumference of the flexible band <NUM>.

A further unique aspect of the present invention is the use of sweat band <NUM> and band pad <NUM>. In particular, when the wearer <NUM> dons the helmetless support system <NUM> for use with surgical hoods and gowns, the sweat band <NUM> contacts the forehead of the wearer <NUM> in order to substantially prevent any sweat from the forehead of the wearer <NUM> from coming into contact with the eyes of the wearer <NUM>. Also, the band pad <NUM> provides a cushion for the forehead of the wearer <NUM> while the helmetless support system <NUM> rests on the head of the wearer <NUM>.

Regarding <FIG>, there is shown surgical gown <NUM> having surgical hood <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, surgical hood <NUM> includes a conventional clear faceplate <NUM> and faceplate attachments <NUM>. It is to be understood that surgical hood <NUM> and faceplate <NUM> are to be constructed of a one-piece design.

A further unique aspect of the present invention is the use of faceplate attachments <NUM>. Faceplate attachments <NUM> can be conventionally attached to the side of faceplate <NUM> that will be closest to the wearer <NUM> and above the top of faceplate <NUM> by conventional fasteners, adhesives, or the like. Preferably, faceplate attachments <NUM> are constructed of hook and loop fasteners (Velcro®) or magnets that will allow faceplate <NUM> to be easily attached to and removed from front offsets <NUM>, as will be discussed in greater detail later. It is to be understood that the number of faceplate attachments <NUM> should equal the number of front offsets <NUM>. Furthermore, faceplate attachments <NUM> should be spaced across the side of faceplate <NUM> that will be closest to the wearer <NUM> in order to allow the faceplate <NUM> to be located at a predetermined distance from the face of the wearer <NUM>.

In order to attach surgical gown <NUM> and surgical hood <NUM> to the helmetless support <NUM>, attention is directed to <FIG>. The wearer <NUM> conventionally dons the one-piece surgical gown or toga <NUM> but does not place the surgical hood <NUM> over the head of the wearer <NUM>. The wearer <NUM> then attaches the flexible band <NUM> around the head of the wearer <NUM>. It is to be understood that the wearer <NUM> may adjust the height of the helmetless support <NUM> and circumference of the flexible band <NUM>, as discussed earlier. As shown in <FIG>, once the wearer <NUM> has attached the helmetless surgical hood and gown support <NUM> to the head of the wearer <NUM>, the wearer <NUM> conventionally attaches the faceplate attachments <NUM> to the faceplate attachments <NUM> of front offsets <NUM> and pulls the hood <NUM> over the head of the wearer <NUM>. In this manner, the surgical hood <NUM> is now securely attached to the helmetless surgical hood and gown support <NUM> and a portion of the hood <NUM> rests upon the adjustable headband <NUM> so that surgical gown <NUM> and surgical hood <NUM> are supported by helmetless surgical hood and gown support <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, surgical hood14 has now been placed completely over the head of wearer <NUM>. In this manner, the helmetless support <NUM> now supports the surgical hood <NUM> and faceplate <NUM> so that the wearer <NUM> is now completely and sterilely covered by the surgical gown <NUM> and surgical hood <NUM>. Furthermore, the helmetless support <NUM> keeps the faceplate <NUM> away from the face of the wearer <NUM> and the hood <NUM> away from the top and back of the head of the wearer <NUM> in order to allow air to flow from the ventilation system <NUM> around the head of the wearer <NUM> (<FIG>).

Referring now to <FIG>, there is illustrated a helmetless support system <NUM> for use with surgical hoods and gowns including a ventilation system <NUM>. The helmetless support system <NUM> for use with surgical hoods and gowns including a ventilation system <NUM> can be used to support the one-piece surgical gown <NUM> and the surgical hood <NUM> without the need for the wearer <NUM> to wear a helmet. In this manner, the one-piece surgical gown <NUM> and the surgical hood <NUM> completely and sterilely cover the wearer. Also, the one-piece surgical gown <NUM> and the surgical hood <NUM> includes a clear faceplate <NUM>. The helmetless support system <NUM> for use with surgical hoods and gowns further includes ventilation system <NUM> such that the wearer <NUM> can control the fan speed once the gown <NUM> and hood <NUM> have been donned. A face vent module <NUM> is used as a "yoke" to support the ventilation system <NUM> on the shoulders of the wearer <NUM>. Finally, the wearer <NUM> can control the output from each of the various output apertures (face vent module <NUM>, neck vent module <NUM>, and down tube module <NUM>) in the ventilation system <NUM>, as will be discussed in greater detail later.

As shown in <FIG>, helmetless support <NUM> for use with surgical hoods and gowns having ventilation system <NUM> includes, in part, protective casing <NUM>, face vent module <NUM>, air filtration module <NUM>, power module <NUM>, yoke module <NUM>, neck vent module <NUM>, down tube module <NUM>, air flow generation module <NUM>, and printed circuit board (PCB) module <NUM>.

A unique aspect of the present invention is the location of the ventilation system with respect to the surgical gown <NUM> and surgical hood <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in another embodiment of the present invention, the ventilation system <NUM> is almost completely located inside of the surgical gown <NUM> and surgical hood <NUM>. An opening <NUM> is conventionally constructed in the surgical hood <NUM> so that only a portion of the filter module <NUM>, preferably the air filter <NUM>, extends outside of the surgical hood <NUM>. In particular, the opening <NUM> is connected to the air filtration adaptor <NUM>. Furthermore, the area around the opening <NUM> and the air filtration adaptor <NUM> is conventionally sealed using seal <NUM> in order to substantially prevent any contaminants from entering into the surgical hood <NUM> and the surgical gown <NUM>. Preferably, the seal <NUM> around the opening <NUM> is constructed of a thermoplastic elastomer polymeric material such as an extruded elastic polyurethane film that is flexible, exhibits high traction and sealing abilities, but with increased resistance to heat, weathering, and chemicals. In this manner, the seal <NUM> around the opening <NUM> can be used to easily remove the surgical hood <NUM> and surgical gown <NUM> from the ventilation system <NUM>, in particular, the air filtration adaptor <NUM>.

In another unique aspect of the present invention, as shown in <FIG>, in another embodiment of the present invention, it is to be understood that a lanyard <NUM> (<FIG>) is located adjacent to the shoulder region of the gown <NUM> such that the lanyard <NUM> is releasably attached to the shoulder region of the gown <NUM>, wherein the lanyard <NUM> may be used when self-doffing (removing) the gown <NUM> by the wearer <NUM> in order to facilitate removal of the gown <NUM> from the filter adaptor <NUM> at the interface between the opening <NUM> and the filter adaptor <NUM>. In particular, the wearer <NUM> grabs lanyard handle <NUM> and pulls on lanyard <NUM>. The pulling action on lanyard <NUM> will cause the gown <NUM> to be removed from the filter adaptor <NUM> at the interface between the opening <NUM> and the filter adaptor <NUM>.

With respect to protective casing <NUM>, protective casing <NUM>, preferably, is constructed of any suitable, durable, high strength, shock resistant, UV resistant, medical grade polymeric material. It is to be understood that protective casing <NUM> is used to encase ventilation system <NUM> in order to provide protection for air filtration module <NUM>, power module <NUM>, neck vent module <NUM>, down tube module <NUM>, air flow generation module <NUM>, and printed circuit board (PCB) module <NUM>.

Regarding face vent module <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, face vent module <NUM>, includes, in part, removable face vents <NUM>, face vent openings <NUM>, face vent connectors <NUM>, face vent adaptors <NUM>, face vent air flow adjustors <NUM>, and face vent air flow adjuster lever <NUM>. Preferably, face vents <NUM> and face vent connectors <NUM> are constructed as a single-piece construction and are constructed of any suitable, durable, lightweight, medical grade, washable material. Also, face vent openings <NUM> are formed in removable face vents <NUM> by conventional techniques such as forming, stamping, molding, or the like. Face vent adaptors <NUM>, preferably, are constructed of any suitable, durable, high strength, medical grade material and are permanently connected to protective casing <NUM> near face vent air flow adjustors <NUM> and face vent airflow adjuster levers <NUM>. Finally, face vent air flow adjustors <NUM> and face vent air flow adjuster lever <NUM>, preferably, are constructed of any suitable, durable, high strength, medical grade material.

A unique aspect of the present invention is the use of removable face vents <NUM>. In particular, removable face vents <NUM> are constructed in such a manner that allows the removable face vents <NUM> to be easily removed from the face vent adaptors <NUM> so that the removable face vents <NUM> can be cleaned, disinfected, and sanitized prior to the next usage of the helmetless support <NUM> for use with surgical hoods and gowns having ventilation system <NUM>. Once the removable face vents <NUM> have been cleaned, disinfected, and sanitized, the removable face vents <NUM> can be easily slid onto the face vent adaptors <NUM> by locating the face vent connectors <NUM> on the face vent adaptors <NUM>.

Another unique aspect of the present invention is that the angle at which the removable face vents <NUM> direct air towards the face of the wearer <NUM> can be adjusted. In particular, the wearer <NUM> can rotate the removable face vents <NUM> along the direction of arrows B (<FIG>) so that the air is directed either higher up on lower down on the face of the wearer <NUM>.

A further unique aspect of the present invention is the use of face vent air flow adjustors <NUM> and face vent air flow adjuster lever <NUM>. In particular, the wearer <NUM> can adjust the amount of air flow that is being emitted out of the removable face vents <NUM> through the use of vent air flow adjustor <NUM> and face vent air flow adjuster lever <NUM>. In this manner, the wearer <NUM> can conventionally manipulate face vent air flow adjuster lever <NUM> so that the amount of air flow is adjusted. For example, the wearer <NUM> may push/pull the face vent air flow adjuster lever <NUM> upwards which will cause the amount of air flow being emitted out of the removable face vents <NUM> to be reduced. Conversely, the wearer <NUM> may push/pull the face vent air flow adjuster lever <NUM> downwards which will cause the amount of air flow being emitted out of the removable face vents <NUM> to be increased.

With respect to air filtration module <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, air filtration module <NUM>, includes, in part, air filter <NUM> and air filtration adaptor <NUM>. Preferably, air filter <NUM> is a HEPA (or ULPA) air filter that is located within a filter casing <NUM>. Preferably, filter casing <NUM> is constructed of any suitable, durable, high strength, medical grade material. Preferably, air filtration adaptor <NUM> is conventionally formed on protective casing <NUM>.

A unique aspect of the present invention is the use of air filtration module <NUM>. In particular, air filtration module <NUM> can be used to filter out air borne contaminants so that they do enter into the surgical hood <NUM> and surgical gown <NUM>. As discussed above, only the air filter <NUM> extends outside of the surgical hood <NUM> (<FIG>). In this manner, only air going through the air filtration module <NUM> will be allowed to enter into the surgical hood <NUM> and surgical gown <NUM>. Also, the air filter <NUM> can be easily removed and replaced. For example, the wearer <NUM> can simply remove the air filter <NUM> and the filter casing <NUM> from the air filtration adaptor <NUM>. The wearer <NUM> can then replace the used air filter <NUM> and filter casing <NUM> with a new air filter <NUM> and filter casing <NUM> by simply placing the new air filter <NUM> and filter casing <NUM> onto the air filtration adaptor <NUM>. It is to be understood that the air filter <NUM> and filter casing <NUM> can be retained on the air filtration adaptor <NUM> by a snap fit, a threaded connection, a bayonet connection, a slidable connection or the like.

Regarding power module <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, power module <NUM>, includes, in part, battery <NUM>, battery doors <NUM>, and battery lock <NUM>. Preferably, battery <NUM> is a conventional, rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion battery or the like that is capable of providing sufficient power to air flow generation module <NUM> and printed circuit board (PCB) module <NUM> for an extended period of time such as <NUM>-<NUM> hours. Also, battery doors <NUM>, preferably are constructed of any suitable, durable, high strength, medical grade material.

Another unique aspect of the present invention is the use of battery doors <NUM>. Battery doors <NUM> are conventionally connected to protective casing <NUM> so that battery doors <NUM> can swing (or pivot) open so that battery <NUM> can be easily installed into power module <NUM> or removed from power module <NUM>. In particular, the wearer <NUM> can remove battery <NUM> from power module <NUM> by opening battery doors <NUM> and removing battery <NUM> from power module <NUM>. The battery <NUM> can then be placed on a conventional battery charger (not shown). Once the battery <NUM> has been fully charged, the wearer <NUM> can then remove the battery charger, open the battery doors <NUM>, and slide the battery <NUM> into the power module <NUM> so that the battery <NUM> is securely retained within the power module <NUM>. The wearer <NUM> then closes the battery doors <NUM> so that the battery <NUM> is not exposed to the elements. It is to be understood that a conventional locking mechanism <NUM> can be used to lock the battery <NUM> in place in the power module <NUM> so that the battery <NUM> does not inadvertently come loose while the ventilation system <NUM> is being operated.

With respect to yoke module <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG> <FIG>, <FIG>, an <FIG>, yoke module <NUM>, includes, in part, yoke <NUM> and yoke connectors <NUM>. Preferably, yoke <NUM> is constructed of any suitable, durable, high strength, flexible, medical grade material. Preferably, yoke connectors <NUM> are attached to the back of protective casing <NUM>.

Another unique aspect of the present invention is the use of yoke module <NUM>. In particular, yoke module <NUM> can be used to assist in retaining ventilation system <NUM> on the shoulders of the wearer <NUM>. In particular, yoke <NUM> is removably attached to protective casing through the use of yoke connectors <NUM>. In this manner, yoke <NUM> can be easily attached to and removed from protective casing <NUM>. Furthermore, since yoke <NUM> is flexible, yoke <NUM> can be adjusted so as to fit the upper torso of the wearer <NUM> so that ventilation system <NUM> will remain securely retained on the shoulders and the upper torso of the wearer <NUM>. For example, the wearer <NUM> can position the ventilation system with the yoke module <NUM> installed over his/her head and place the yoke module <NUM> on the upper torso of the wearer <NUM>. The wearer <NUM> can then pull/push on yoke <NUM> while yoke <NUM> is connected to yoke connectors <NUM> so that yoke <NUM> firmly contacts the upper torso of the wearer <NUM> in order to assist in retaining the ventilation system <NUM> on the shoulders and upper torso of the wearer <NUM>.

Regarding neck vent module <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, and <FIG>, neck vent module <NUM>, includes, in part, neck vent <NUM>, neck vent opening <NUM>, and neck vent adjustment lever <NUM>. Preferably, neck vent <NUM>, neck vent opening <NUM>, and neck vent adjustment lever <NUM> are constructed of any suitable, durable, high strength, medical grade material. Also, neck vent opening <NUM> is formed in neck vent <NUM> by conventional techniques such as forming, cutting, molding or the like.

Another unique aspect of the present invention is the use of neck vent module <NUM>. In particular, neck vent module <NUM> can be used to direct the flow of air onto the back of the neck, the upper shoulder area, and the lower back of the head of the wearer <NUM>. For example, the wearer <NUM> can change the direction of the air coming out of neck vent opening <NUM> by manipulating the neck vent adjustment lever <NUM> in order to change an orientation of the neck vent <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the wearer <NUM> can move the neck vent adjustment lever <NUM> up or down along the direction of arrows A in order to direct the air coming out of neck vent opening <NUM> to the desired location on the back of the neck, the upper shoulder area, and the lower back of the head of the wearer <NUM>.

With respect to down tube module <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, down tube module <NUM>, includes, in part, down tubes <NUM>, down tube connectors <NUM>, down tube openings <NUM>, and down tube air flow openings <NUM>. Preferably, down tubes <NUM> are constructed of any suitable, durable, high strength, flexible, medical grade material. Also, down tube connectors <NUM> are constructed of any suitable, durable, high strength, rigid, medical grade material. It is to be understood that down tube air flow openings <NUM> are formed in down tubes <NUM> by conventional tube opening techniques such as forming, cutting, casting or the like. Furthermore, it is to be understood that down tubes <NUM> should be long enough so as to assist in providing air to the upper torso of the wearer <NUM>, as will be described in greater detail later.

Another unique aspect of the present invention is the use of down tube module <NUM>. In particular, down tube connectors <NUM> are conventionally retained within down tube openings <NUM>. Each of the down tubes <NUM> are then connected at one end to a down tube connectors <NUM> through the use of ridges <NUM> on down tube connectors <NUM> (<FIG>) so that the down tubes are conventionally secured to the down tube connectors <NUM>. As the ventilation system <NUM> is providing air to the wearer <NUM>, air is also being emitted from the down tube air flow openings <NUM> across the upper torso of the wearer <NUM>. In this manner, the upper torso of the wearer <NUM> is being cooled. It is to be understood that the direction at which the air is being emitted from the down tube air flow openings <NUM> can be adjusted by twisted or rotating the down tubes <NUM>.

Regarding air flow generation module <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, air flow generation module <NUM>, includes, in part, conventional electrical motor <NUM>, conventional impeller <NUM>, and back flow opening <NUM>. It is to be understood that battery <NUM> provides the electrical power to electrical motor <NUM>.

Another unique aspect of the present invention is the use of air flow generation module <NUM>. In particular, as the electrical motor <NUM> causes the impeller <NUM> to rotate, the configuration of the impeller <NUM> causes air to be drawn through the air filter module <NUM> in the direction of arrow C (<FIG>). In this manner, the air filter module <NUM> can be used to filter the air being drawn into the ventilation system <NUM>. Also, the back flow opening <NUM> is provided in order to allow air that is contained within the surgical hood <NUM> to also be drawn through back flow opening <NUM> in the direction of arrows D. In this manner, the back flow opening <NUM> provides for an even greater circulation of the air within the hood <NUM> while the ventilation system <NUM> is in operation. Furthermore, as shown in <FIG>, only a portion of the filter module <NUM>, preferably the air filter <NUM>, extends outside of the surgical hood <NUM>.

With respect to printed circuit board (PCB) module <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, printed circuit board module <NUM>, includes, in part, a conventional printed circuit board <NUM>. It is to be understood that printed circuit board <NUM> can be used to control the ventilation system <NUM>. In particular, printed circuit board <NUM> can be used to control the speed at which the impeller <NUM> (<FIG>) rotates, thereby controlling the velocity of the air being emitted from the face vents <NUM>, the neck vent <NUM>, and the down tubes <NUM>. It is to be further understood that the printed circuit board <NUM> is located in the rear of the protective casing <NUM> so that the printed circuit board can be located adjacent to the battery <NUM>. Finally, it is to be understood that the printed circuit board <NUM> is conventionally retained within the protective casing <NUM> by conventional fasteners (not shown).

Another unique aspect of the present invention is the use of ventilation system <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, as the electrical motor <NUM> causes the impeller <NUM> to rotate, the configuration of the impeller <NUM> causes air to be drawn through the air filter module <NUM> in the direction of arrow C (<FIG>). In this manner, the air filter module <NUM> can be used to filter the air being drawn into the ventilation system <NUM>. Also, the back flow opening <NUM> is provided in order to allow air that is contained within the hood <NUM> to also be drawn through back flow opening <NUM> in the direction of arrow D. In this manner, air (or other similar gases) is introduced into the inside of hood <NUM>. The face vent module <NUM> is used as a "yoke" to support the ventilation system <NUM> upon the shoulders of wearer <NUM>. As air is introduced into the inside of hood <NUM>, face vents <NUM>, neck vent <NUM>, and down tubes <NUM> cause the air to go up and around the head of wearer <NUM> and across the torso of the wearer <NUM> in order to cool the head, neck, and torso areas of wearer <NUM> (<FIG>).

The preceding merely illustrates the principles of the invention. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements which, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the invention and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples and conditional language recited herein are principally intended expressly to be only for pedagogical purposes and to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventors to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents and equivalents developed in the future, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure.

This description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the figures of the accompanying drawing, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description, relative terms such as "lower," "upper," "horizontal," "vertical," "above," "below," "up," "down," "top" and "bottom" as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly," "upwardly," etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as "connected" and "interconnected," refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.

All patents, publications, scientific articles, web sites, and other documents and materials referenced or mentioned herein are indicative of the levels of skill of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains, and each such referenced document and material is hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if it had been incorporated by reference in its entirety individually or set forth herein in its entirety. Applicants reserve the right to physically incorporate into this specification any and all materials and information from any such patents, publications, scientific articles, web sites, electronically available information, and other referenced materials or documents to the extent such incorporated materials and information are not inconsistent with the description herein.

The written description portion of this patent includes all claims. Furthermore, all claims, including all original claims as well as all claims from any and all priority documents, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety into the written description portion of the specification, and Applicant(s) reserve the right to physically incorporate into the written description or any other portion of the application, any and all such claims. Thus, for example, under no circumstances may the patent be interpreted as allegedly not providing a written description for a claim on the assertion that the precise wording of the claim is not set forth in haec verba in written description portion of the patent.

The claims will be interpreted according to law. However, and notwithstanding the alleged or perceived ease or difficulty of interpreting any claim or portion thereof, under no circumstances may any adjustment or amendment of a claim or any portion thereof during prosecution of the application or applications leading to this patent be interpreted as having forfeited any right to any and all equivalents thereof that do not form a part of the prior art.

All of the features disclosed in this specification may be combined in any combination. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is only an example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

It is to be understood that while the invention has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims and the present invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.

The specific methods and compositions described herein are representative of preferred embodiments and are exemplary and not intended as limitations on the scope of the invention. Other objects, aspects, and embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of this specification, and are encompassed within the spirit of the invention as defined by the scope of the claims. The invention illustratively described herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, or limitation or limitations, which is not specifically disclosed herein as essential. Thus, for example, in each instance herein, in embodiments or examples of the present invention, the terms "comprising," "including," "containing," etc. are to be read expansively and without limitation. The methods and processes illustratively described herein suitably may be practiced in differing orders of steps, and that they are not necessarily restricted to the orders of steps indicated herein or in the claims.

The terms and expressions that have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intent in the use of such terms and expressions to exclude any equivalent of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention as claimed. Thus, it will be understood that although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by various embodiments and/or preferred embodiments and optional features, any and all modifications and variations of the concepts herein disclosed that may be resorted to by those skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims.

The invention has been described broadly and generically herein. Each of the narrower species and sub-generic groupings falling within the generic disclosure also form part of the invention. This includes the generic description of the invention with a proviso or negative limitation removing any subject matter from the genus, regardless of whether or not the excised material is specifically recited herein.

Other embodiments are within the following claims. Therefore, the patent may not be interpreted to be limited to the specific examples or embodiments or methods specifically and/or expressly disclosed herein. Under no circumstances may the patent be interpreted to be limited by any statement made by any Examiner or any other official or employee of the Patent and Trademark Office unless such statement is specifically and without qualification or reservation expressly adopted in a responsive writing by Applicants.

Although the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments of the invention, which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents of the invention.

Other modifications and implementations will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as claimed. Accordingly, the description hereinabove is not intended to limit the invention, except as indicated in the appended claims.

Therefore, provided herein is a new and improved helmetless support and lightweight ventilation system for use with surgical hoods and gowns. The preferred helmetless support and lightweight ventilation system for use with surgical hoods and gowns, according to various embodiments of the present invention, offers the following advantages: ease of use; lightness in weight; durability; the ability to distribute the device weight along the shoulders of the wearer while maintaining full mobility and greatly reducing head and neck fatigue; adjustability of the fan speed; the ability to control the amount and direction of the output from each of the various ventilation system output apertures; the ability to provide a contiguous head/hood covering; the ability to filter the air contacting the wearer; the use of front offsets to provide for air circulation around the head and neck areas of the wearer; the ability to remove the face vents for ease of cleaning or sanitizing; the ability to provide air flow within the hood; and compactness of the device.

Claim 1:
A ventilation system (<NUM>) for use with surgical hoods and gowns, wherein the ventilation system is further comprised of:
a protective casing (<NUM>);
a face vent module (<NUM>) located on one side of the protective casing;
an air filtration module (<NUM>) located on the other side of the protective casing;
a power module (<NUM>) located adjacent to the face vent module;
a yoke module (<NUM>) located between the face vent module and the power module;
a neck vent module (<NUM>) located adjacent to the yoke module;
a down tube module (<NUM>) located adjacent to the neck vent module; and
an air flow generation module (<NUM>) located between the power module and the air filtration module;
wherein the face vent module is further comprised of:
a plurality of face vent connectors (<NUM>) operatively connected to the other side of the protective casing;
a plurality of removable face vents (<NUM>), wherein each of the plurality of removable face vents is operatively connected to each of the plurality of face vent connectors such that a position of each of the removable face vents can be adjusted;
a plurality of face vent openings (<NUM>) located substantially along a portion of each of the plurality of removable face vents; and
a plurality of face vent air flow adjustors (<NUM>), wherein each of the plurality of face vent flow adjustors is located adjacent to the plurality of face vent connectors.