Brim mounted face shields and methods of using same

Abstract

A face protector for reducing the transmission of pathogens (including but not limited to viruses such as COVID-19) between individuals, along with methods of making and using the same, are generally provided herein. More specifically embodiments of face protectors that are configured to be supported by the bill of a hat, visor, or other headgear are disclosed, wherein the face protector provides a physical barrier separating the wearer's face from the environment. Embodiments include side panels to provide additional protection and/or wings to provide additional support. Fasteners may be used with embodiments to secure the face protector to the brim or headgear. Radiation (such as ultraviolet light) may be used to sanitize air as it moves past the edge of the face protector. An embodiment includes a projection configured to cover the bill of the headgear.

1 . A face shield configured to provide a protective barrier separating an environment side of the face shield from a wearer side of the face shield, the face shield comprising:
 a central panel comprising a slot configured to receive a brim;   a first side panel movably connected to a first side of the central panel and a second side panel movably connected to a second side of the central panel, wherein the first side is opposite the second side;   wherein, with the brim inserted through the slot, the face shield is supported by and extends below the brim;   wherein the face shield is configured to fold between a flat configuration in which the first side panel and the second side panel are co-planar with the central panel and a worn configuration in which the first side panel and the second side panel are each angled with respect to the central panel by folding the first side panel and the second side panel towards the wearer side of the face shield.   
     
     
         2 . The face shield of  claim 1 , wherein the environment side of the first side panel and the environment side of the second side panel each form a reflex angle with respect to the environment side of the central panel. 
     
     
         3 . The face shield of  claim 1 , wherein the first side panel is separated from the central panel by a first fold line and the second side panel is separated from the central panel by a second fold line and wherein the face shield is transitioned from the flat configuration to the worn configuration by bending the face shield at the first fold line and the second fold line. 
     
     
         4 . The face shield of  claim 1 , wherein a first support member extends from the first side panel and a second support member extends from the second side panel. 
     
     
         5 . The face shield of  claim 4 , wherein, in a worn configuration, the first support member and the second support member are each adjacent to the brim. 
     
     
         6 . The face shield of  claim 5 , wherein, in the worn configuration, the first support member and the second support member are each configured to be inserted through the slot and, with the brim also inserted through the slot, be retained in an interference fit against the brim and the slot. 
     
     
         7 . The face shield of  claim 4 , wherein the first fold line and the second fold line each comprise a score line. 
     
     
         8 . The face shield of  claim 4 , wherein the first support member comprises a first tab and wherein in the worn configuration the first support member extends through the opening and the first tab contacts and is retained against an upper portion of the central panel, wherein the upper portion is located above the opening. 
     
     
         9 . The face shield of  claim 1 , wherein, in the worn configuration, the first support member and the second support member are each secured to the brim with one or more fasteners. 
     
     
         10 . The face shield of  claim 1 , wherein the first support member comprises a first end with a tab and wherein the second support member comprises a second end with a slit configured to receive the tab. 
     
     
         11 . The face shield of  claim 1 , wherein the first support member comprises a male extrusion and wherein the second support member comprises a female extrusion configured to receive the male extrusion. 
     
     
         12 . The face shield of  claim 1 , wherein the first support member comprises a first plurality of notches, the second support member comprises a second plurality of notches, and the first plurality of notches is configured to engage with the second plurality of notches to fasten the first support member to the second support member. 
     
     
         13 . The face shield of  claim 1 , wherein one or more teeth extend from the panel into the slot. 
     
     
         14 . The face shield of  claim 1 , wherein the slot is in the wearer side of said face shield and a cover configured to surround the brim extends from the environment side of said face shield opposite the slot. 
     
     
         15 . A method of attaching a face shield with an environment side and a wearer side to a brim, the face shield comprising a central panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel, the method comprising:
 folding the first side panel to form a first reflex angle with the environment side of the central panel;   folding the second side panel to form a second reflex angle with the environment side of the central panel; and   inserting the brim through the opening in the central panel.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the face shield further comprises a first support member extending from the first side panel and a second support member extending from the second side panel, and the method further comprises fastening the first support member to the brim. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the face shield further comprises a first support member extending from the first side panel and having a first tab and a second support member extending from the second side panel and having a second tab and wherein the method further comprises:
 inserting the first support member through the slot;   inserting the second support member through the slot;   folding the first tab to abut the central panel; and   folding the second tab to abut the central panel.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the face shield is configured to be stored in a flat configuration when not in use and the method further comprises:
 removing the brim from the opening in the central panel;   folding the first side panel to be substantially co-planar with the central panel; and   folding the second side panel to be substantially co-planar with the central panel.   
     
     
         19 . A sheet for forming a face shield configured to provide a protective barrier separating an environment side of said face shield from a wearer side of said face shield, said face shield intended for use with a headgear that includes a brim, said sheet comprising:
 a central panel comprising an opening configured to receive said brim;   a first side panel extending from a first side of the central panel; and   a second side panel extending from a second side of the central panel;   wherein the first side is separated from the second side by the central panel and wherein the sheet is planar.   
     
     
         20 . The sheet of  claim 19 , wherein the first side panel is connected to the central panel by a first fold line and the second side panel is connected to the central panel by a second fold line.