Originally published on NY POST
A California company has invented a high-tech suit with a filtration system that it says could protect party animals itching to let loose without catching the coronavirus, according to a report.
Design firm Production Club created the wearable-technology suit, named Micrashell, with clubbing and concerts in mind, news station KNTV reported
“Micrashell is a solution for bringing people together safely,” Miguel Risueno, the company’s head of inventions, told the outlet. “It’s a half suit that kind of takes your safety and your security in terms of being close to airborne particles or viruses to the next level.”
Described as an offshoot of a hazmat suit, the airtight gear has app-controlled speakers, a microphone and most importantly, an N95 filtration system.
Through a rear vent on the helmet, outside air is suctioned through the filtering system and directed at the wearer’s face, the company said. It is then filtered a second time before being expelled out into the room.
Drinking and vaping are still possible while wearing the suit through nozzles attached to snap-in canisters, Risueno said.
“It’s another thing you don’t need to remove the helmet for, because if you remove the helmet and the shield, you are now compromised,” Risueno said.
Risueno said the company plans to rent the suit to venues, which would then be responsible for sanitizing the gear after each use.
“With our solution we are trying to make space available for everyone,” Risueno said, adding that it may allow venues to safely allow for more people inside.
Though a patent is pending, Risueno said the firm hopes to have a prototype soon so people can return to partying in crowds again.
“We said we still need to find a solution because people are still going out,” Risuneo told KNTV. “People are still going to party and still skipping social distance measures.”
