Support structure for head-mounted optical devices

Abstract

In one embodiment, a support structure comprises an elastic layer that is sized and configured to snuggly conform to a wearer's head and generally extend from the wearer's forehead to the base of the wearer's skull, and connection elements provided on the layer that are configured to secure mounting elements of a head-mounted optical device to be supported by the support structure.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to copending U.S. provisional application entitled, “Cap For Supporting Head-Mounted Optical Devices,” having Ser. No. 60/818,592, filed Jul. 5, 2006, which is entirely incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

One of the most difficult and frequently under considered problems when pairing the human visual system with enhanced optical capabilities is the physical relationship between the highly variable form of the human head and the mechanical nature of the optical devices. Such optical devices can be heavy and, therefore, can irritate the wearer at the various pressure points at which the optical device rests on the skull. In addition, optical devices can shift, especially during rigorous activities such as running.

From the above, it can be appreciated that it would be desirable to have a mechanism with which to reduce the pressure applied at individual points of the head of a wearer of an optical device and to better secure the optical device to the wearer's head to reduce shifting of the optical device.

SUMMARY

Disclosed are support structures for supporting head-mounted optical devices. In one embodiment, a support structure comprises an elastic layer that is sized and configured to snuggly conform to a wearer's head and generally extend from the wearer's forehead to the base of the wearer's skull, and connection elements provided on the layer that are configured to secure mounting elements of a head-mounted optical device to be supported by the support structure. In such an embodiment, the support structure distributes the weight of the optical device when worn by the wearer to reduce pressure applied to the head at localized points, and secures the optical device in position relative to the wearer's head to reduce shifting of the optical device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a right-side perspective view of an embodiment of a support structure for supporting a head-mounted optical device.

FIG. 2 is a left-side perspective view of the support structure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the support structure of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the support structure of FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 is a left-side view of the support structure of FIGS. 1-4.

FIG. 6 is a right-side view of the support structure of FIGS. 1-5.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the support structure of FIGS. 1-6.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the support structure of FIGS. 1-7.

FIG. 9 is a right-side perspective view of the support structure of FIGS. 1-8 with straps of the support structure in an open position.

FIG. 10 provides a right-side view of the support structure of FIGS. 1-9 shown in place on a wearer's head and a right-side view of an optical device to be supported by the support structure.

FIG. 11 is a right-side view of the support structure and optical device of FIG. 10 shown mounted on a wearer's head.

FIG. 12 is a rear view of the support structure and optical device of FIG. 10 shown mounted on a wearer's head.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are support structures for head-mounted optical devices, such as glasses, goggles, and head-mounted displays (HMDs). As described in the following, the support structures comprise, in some embodiments, an elastic cap that is sized and configured to be donned by the wearer of the head-mounted optical device. Due to the configuration of the cap, pressure points on the head are reduced and the optical device is more securely fixed in place on the wearer's head to maintain alignment of the optical system of the optical device with the wearer's eyes.

FIGS. 1-8 illustrate an embodiment of a cap 10 for supporting a head-mounted optical device, such as an HMD. As indicated in those figures, the cap 10 is generally symmetric about a medial or sagittal plane and comprises an outer layer or shell 12 and an inner layer or lining 14. The outer shell 12 of the cap 10 comprises a plurality of panels that are attached together along seams 16. The panels can be formed of a flexible, elastic fabric, mesh, or netting. By way of example, one or more of the panels can be formed of spandex, latex, or neoprene. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer shell 12 comprises a central panel 18, two opposed side panels 20, and two opposed earflap panels 22. The central panel 18 forms the central portion of the cap 10 that covers the top of the wearer's head, the side panels 20 form the sides of the cap that cover the sides of the wearer's head, and the earflap panels 22 cover the wearer's ears. The side panels 20 are attached to the central panel 18 along two opposed seams 16 and the earflap panels 22 are attached to the side panels along two other opposed seams. The panels 18, 20, and 22 may be attached to each other using any suitable attachment mechanism. By way of example, the panels 18, 20, and 22 can be sewn, glued, bonded, or otherwise held together. In some embodiments, the panels 18, 20, and 22 are sewn together using elastic thread so as to avoid limitations on the elasticity of the cap 10.

The inner lining 14 of the cap 10 also comprises a plurality of panels that likewise may be formed of a flexible, elastic material and may be attached together along seams 24. In the illustrated embodiment (see, e.g., FIG. 8), the inner lining 14 comprises a central panel 26 and two opposed side panels 28 that are attached to the central panel along the seams 24. The panels 26, 28 can be attached together in similar manner to the panels of the outer shell 12. In some embodiments, the panels 26, 28 are sewn together using elastic thread.

Once formed, the outer shell 12 and inner lining 14 comprise separate layers of material that are generally not attached to each other except along a lower edge 30 of the cap 10. The outer shell 12 and inner lining 14 can be attached along that lower edge 30 in similar manner to which the various panels of the cap 10 are attached to each other. In some embodiments, the outer shell 12 and inner lining 14 are sewn together along the lower edge 30 using elastic thread. As indicated in the figures, the lower edge 30 can be provided with piping trim 32 for an aesthetically-pleasing appearance. The piping trim 32 can be constructed of materials similar to those used to construct the outer shell 12 and inner lining 14 and, therefore, may also be elastic.

With the above construction, the cap 10 can be sized and configured to snuggly fit the wearer's head. More particularly, the various panels of the cap 10 can stretch to conform to the contours of the wearer's head. In some embodiments, the cap 10 is sized and configured to span the wearer's head from the forehead (e.g., adjacent the hairline) to the point at which the skull meets the spinal column, and further span from ear to ear. Such a configuration ensures that the cap 10 resists not only the force of gravity down over the wearer's head but also forces from any other direction, thereby providing a secure fit even during rigorous activities like running.

As is further indicated in the figures, the outer shell 12 of the cap 10 is provided with a plurality of connection elements that are configured to secure mounting elements of an optical device. More particularly, the outer shell 12 is provided with button hole-like openings that are designed to receive optical device mounting elements. In some embodiments, the openings are provided along the seams 16 of the outer shell 12. For example, first or lateral openings 34 are provided on both sides of the cap 10 along the seam 16 that separates the earflap panel 22 and the adjacent lateral panel 20 at a lateral position of the cap. With such placement, one such first or posterior opening 34 can be positioned above or coincident each of the wearer's ears. In addition, second openings 36 are provided on both sides of the cap 10 along the seam 16 that separates the lateral panel 20 from the central panel 18 at a posterior position of the cap. With such placement, the second openings 36 can be positioned toward the back of the wearer's head near the base of the skull. Furthermore, third or anterior openings 38 are provided on both sides of the cap 10 along the seam 16 that separates the lateral panel 20 from the central panel 18 at an anterior position of the cap. With such placement, the third openings 38 can be positioned near the top of the wearer's forehead. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the cap 10 can comprise three openings, a lateral opening 34, a posterior opening 36, and an anterior opening 38, on each side of the cap to provide a total of six such openings. It will be understood that greater or fewer such openings can be provided if desired.

Because the outer shell 12 and inner lining 14 are separate and generally not attached to each other except along the edges of the cap 10, the outer shell and inner lining define an interior space between them that, as discussed below, can be used to receive mounting elements of a head-mounted optical device. In some embodiments, the interior space is used to receive generally flat mounting pads of the optical device.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-8, the cap 10 further comprises securement straps that can be used to secure a head-mounted optical device in position on the wearer's head. In the illustrated embodiment, the cap 10 comprises a central securement strap 40 and opposed lateral securement straps 42. Each of the securement straps 40, 42 can be constructed of a flexible material, such as an inelastic or elastic fabric material. By way of example, the securement straps 40, 42 are constructed of an cotton material. A proximal end of the central securement strap 40 is permanently attached to the central panel 18 adjacent the lower edge 30, while the proximal ends of the lateral mounting straps 42 are permanently attached to the earflap panels 22 also adjacent the lower edge. In FIGS. 1-8, the securement straps 42 are shown in a closed position in which the distal ends of the straps are releasably attached to the outer shell 12 of the cap.

FIG. 9 illustrates the securement straps 40, 42 in an open position. As indicated in that figure, the straps 40, 42 are provided with fastening elements 44 adjacent their distal ends that are adapted to mate with fastening elements 46 that are provided on the outer shell 12, for example on the central panel 18 and the earflap panels 22. By way of example, the fastening elements 44, 46 comprise mechanical fasteners such as magnetic, snap-fit, or hook-and-loop fastening elements. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening elements 44 provided on the straps 40, 42 are male fastening elements and the fastening elements 46 on the outer shell 12 are female fastening elements. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, two fastening elements 46 are provided on each earflap panel 22 to enable the straps 42 to be releasably attached to the outer shell 12 at two positions: a first position in which the straps will lie flat against the outer shell when not in use and a second position in which the straps are used to secure a frame of a supported optical device.

With the above-described configuration, the cap 10 can be used to support an optical device. Because the cap 10 stretches over a large area of the wearer's head, the weight of the optical device can be distributed over the surface of the head, thereby reducing local pressure points and providing increased comfort for the wearer. In some embodiments, the cap 10 pulls the optical device toward the wearer's face until registration points of the optical device contact their designated locations. This ensures that the optical system of the device is aligned with the wearer's eyes with the desired level of precision. The result is an optical device that is comfortably, consistently, securely, and intimately mounted to the wearer's head.

FIGS. 10-12 illustrate use of the cap 10 in supporting a head-mounted optical device on a wearer's head. Beginning with FIG. 10, the cap 10 is shown placed on top of a wearer's head. As indicated in that figure, the cap 10 generally extends from the wearer's forehead to the base of the wearer's skull. Also illustrated in FIG. 10 is a head-mounted optical device 48 in the form of an HMD. The optical device 48 generally comprises an optical system that is mounted to a frame 50 that is sized and configured to rest on top of the wearer's head. Provided on the frame 50 are mounting pods 52 that are configured to support the frame when worn by the user. Each of the mounting pods 52 comprises a generally flat mounting pad 54 that is configured to directly contact the wearer's head. In the illustrated embodiment, six mounting pods 52 are provided, three on each lateral side of the optical device 48.

Turning to FIG. 11, the optical device 48 is shown mounted to the wearer's head and supported by the cap 10. Each of the mounting pads 54 of the optical device 48 have been passed through an adjacent opening 34, 36, or 38 such that the mounting pads are each disposed within the interior space that exists between the outer shell 12 and the inner lining 14.

FIG. 12 illustrates two of the mounting pods 52 of the optical device 48 with the mounting pad 54 (not visible) of one of the mounting pods (the mounting pod on the right in FIG. 12) disposed within the interior space, and the mounting pad 54 of the other of the mounting pods (the mounting pod on the left in FIG. 12) outside of the interior space to provide an indication of the orientation of the mounting pads within the interior space. As is apparent from FIG. 12, a mounting boss 56 of the mounting pod 52 extends through the opening 36 when the mounting pad 54 is disposed within the interior space. As is further apparent from FIG. 12, the openings 36 (as well as the other openings) are smaller than the mounting pads 54. Due to the elasticity of the outer shell 12, however, the openings are likewise elastic and can stretch to enable passage of the mounting pads therethrough.

With reference back to FIG. 11, the lateral securement straps 42 can be wrapped around the optical device frame 50 and releasably attached to the outer shell 12 to secure the optical device 48 in place. In addition, the central securement strap 40 (not visible in FIG. 11) can be similarly wrapped around the optical device frame 50 and releasably attached to the outer shell 12 to secure the optical device 48. In some embodiments, the shape and construction of the cap 10 pulls the mounting pods 52 toward the back of the wearer's head until a forehead band of the optical device 48 contacts the forehead and resists further rearward movement.

While particular embodiments of a support structure have been shown and described in the foregoing, it is to be understood that those embodiments are mere implementations. Therefore, alternative embodiments are possible and are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. In one such alternative, the outer shell and the inner lining can be attached to each other except where an interior space is needed to receive a mounting pad of the optical device. In another alternative, a single layer having discrete interior spaces can be used to form the support structure instead of an outer shell and an inner lining. In a further alternative, the support structure can comprise only the outer shell such that the mounting pads make direct contact with the wearer's head. In another alternative, the support structure can be used to mount sensors capable of measuring cortical brain activity. Moreover, although a support structure in the form of a cap has been described, it is to be understood that the support structure need not necessarily comprise a cap. More important is that the support structure, irrespective of its specific configuration, distributes the weight of the optical device and maintains the positioning of the optical device on the wearer's head.

Claims

1. A support structure comprising:

an elastic layer that is sized and configured to snuggly conform to a wearer's head and generally extend from the wearer's forehead to the base of the wearer's skull; and

connection elements provided on the layer that are configured to secure mounting elements of a head-mounted optical device to be supported by the support structure;

wherein the support structure distributes the weight of the optical device when worn by the wearer to reduce pressure applied to the head at localized points;

wherein the support structure further secures the optical device in position relative to the wearer's head to reduce shifting of the optical device.

2. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the elastic layer is formed from an elastic fabric.

3. The support structure of claim 2, wherein the elastic fabric comprises one of spandex, latex, or neoprene.

4. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the elastic layer comprises multiple panels of material that are attached to each other along seams.

5. The support structure of claim 4, wherein the panels comprise a central panel that aligns with the center of the wearer's head and opposed lateral panels that align with sides of the wearer's head.

6. The support structure of claim 5, wherein the panels further comprise earflap panels that align with the wearer's ears.

7. The support structure of claim 4, wherein the connection elements are provided along the seams of the elastic layer.

8. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the connection elements comprise elastic openings formed in the layer, the openings configured to receive mounting pads of the optical device.

9. The support structure of claim 8, wherein the elastic openings comprise lateral openings that align with the sides of the wearer's head, posterior openings that align with the back of the wearer's head, and anterior openings that align with the wearer's forehead.

10. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the elastic layer is an outer shell and wherein the support structure further comprises an elastic inner lining that is attached to the outer shell along a lower edge of the support structure, wherein the outer shell and the inner lining together form an interior space that is adapted to receive mounting pads of the optical device.

11. The support structure of claim 10, wherein the inner lining comprises multiple panels that are attached to each other along seams.

12. The support structure of claim 1, further comprising securement straps that are attached to the elastic layer and configured to secure a frame of the optical device.

13. The support structure of claim 12, wherein the securement straps include a central securement strap that aligns with the wearer's forehead and lateral securement straps that align with the wearer's ears.

14. The support structure of claim 12, wherein the securement straps are permanently attached to the elastic layer at a first end and releasably attached to the elastic layer at a second end such that the straps can be placed in a closed and open positions.

15. The support structure of claim 14, wherein the securement straps releasably attach to the elastic layer with mechanical fasteners.

16. A cap for supporting a head-mounted optical device, the cap comprising:

an elastic outer shell that is sized and configured to snuggly conform to a wearer's head and generally extend from the wearer's forehead to the base of the wearer's skull, the outer shell comprising a plurality of elastic openings that are adapted to receive mounting pads of the optical device;

an elastic inner lining that is attached to the outer shell along a lower edge of the cap, the inner lining and the outer shell together defining an interior space; and

securement straps that are configured to wrap around a frame of the optical device;

wherein the cap distributes the weight of the optical device when worn by the wearer to reduce pressure applied to the head at localized points;

wherein the cap further secures the optical device in position relative to the wearer's head to reduce shifting of the optical device.

17. The cap of claim 16, wherein the outer shell is formed from an elastic fabric comprising of spandex, latex, or neoprene.

18. The cap of claim 16, wherein the outer shell comprises multiple panels of material that are attached to each other along seams and wherein the elastic openings are provided along the seams.

19. The cap of claim 18, wherein the panels comprise a central panel that aligns with the center of the wearer's head, opposed lateral panels that align with sides of the wearer's head, and earflap panels that align with the wearer's ears.

20. The cap of claim 16, wherein the elastic openings comprise lateral openings that align with the sides of the wearer's head, posterior openings that align with the back of the wearer's head, and anterior openings that align with the wearer's forehead.

21. The cap of claim 16, wherein the securement straps include a central securement strap that aligns with the wearer's forehead and lateral securement straps that align with the wearer's ears, the straps being permanently attached to the outer shell at a first end and releasably attached to the outer shell at a second end such that the straps can be placed in a closed and open positions.

22. The cap of claim 21, wherein the securement straps releasably attach to the elastic shell with mechanical fasteners.

23. A method of supporting a head-mounted optical device on a wearer's head, the method comprising:

a wearer donning an elastic support structure that is sized and configured to snuggly conform to a wearer's head and generally extend from the wearer's forehead to the base of the wearer's skull; and

supporting a frame of the optical device by receiving mounting pads of the frame within elastic openings provided in the support structure;

wherein the support structure distributes the weight of the optical device to reduce pressure applied to the head at localized points;

wherein the support structure further secures the optical device in position relative to the wearer's head to reduce shifting of the optical device.