HEAD WORN APPARATUS

Abstract

A head worn apparatus that is configured to attach to and securely position one or more devices. The head worn apparatus is made of an inelastic and rigid material that provides for secure positioning of one or more attached devices, and further provides for improved comfort with respect to increased air ventilation along the outer surface of the head of the wearer, and with respect to increased flexibility at particular locations of the apparatus along the contour of the head of the wearer. The improved air ventilation and flexibility are provided by voids that are configured to occupy a substantial area of portions of the apparatus, as it is worn along the outer surface of the head of the wearer.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO APPLICATIONS INCLUDING RELATED SUBJECT MATTER

This application includes subject matter related to U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. (Not yet Assigned) that was filed on Mar. 13, 2008 and titled “An Ornamental Design for a Head Worn Apparatus”, having an Attorney Docket/Matter No.: 3025297US01 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a head worn apparatus that is configured to attach to and securely position one or more devices proximate to the head of a wearer of the device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A head worn apparatus is sometimes worn by a health care practitioner while attending to the care of a patient. The apparatus is typically used to position a device, such as a lamp, proximate to the head of the health care practitioner while attending to the care of a patient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a head worn apparatus that is configured to attach to and securely position one or more devices. The head worn apparatus is made, at least in part, of a in-elastic, rigid and non-porous material that provides for secure positioning of one or more attached devices, and further provides for improved comfort to the wearer of the apparatus with respect to providing increased air ventilation along the outer surface of the head of the wearer, and with respect to increased flexibility of the apparatus at particular locations along the contour of the head of the wearer.

The improved air ventilation and flexibility are provided by voids that are configured to occupy a substantial area of the inelastic, rigid and non-porous material of the apparatus, as it is worn along the outer surface of the head of the wearer.

The foregoing as well as other objects, aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects and features of the invention can be better understood with reference to the claims and drawings described below. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; the emphasis is instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Within the drawings, like reference numbers are used to indicate like parts throughout the various views. Differences between like parts may cause those like parts to be each indicated by different reference numbers. Unlike parts are indicated by different reference numbers.

FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment of a head worn apparatus that is configured to attach to a device.

FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of a plurality of elliptical shaped voids that are located within the outer planar area of a front quadrant of the first strap.

FIG. 1C illustrates a side view of a plurality of circular voids that are located within the outer planar area of a rear quadrant of the first strap.

FIG. 1D illustrates a manufacturing blueprint of portions of the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1C.

FIG. 2A illustrates a close-up partial view of the embodiment of a head worn apparatus of FIG. 1A as worn on a mannequin.

FIG. 2B illustrates a distant view of the embodiment of the head worn apparatus of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A illustrates a top perspective view of a disassembled head worn apparatus excluding a vertical strap.

FIG. 3B illustrates a top perspective view of a assembled head worn apparatus of FIG. 3A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment of a head worn apparatus 110 that is configured to attach to and securely position a device 150. As shown, the apparatus 110 includes a first strap 120 having a horizontal orientation and a second strap 130 having a vertical orientation. The first strap 120 is configured to form a first loop around a head of a wearer (not shown) and is configured to have a substantially horizontal orientation when worn by the wearer of the apparatus 110. The first strap 120 is referred to herein as a horizontal strap 120. The first strap 120 is shown including a plurality of ellipse shaped voids 126 within a forward portion and including a plurality of circle shaped voids 128 within a rear portion, of the first strap 120. The second strap 130 forms a partial second loop having a substantial vertical orientation and is also shown to include a plurality of ellipse shaped voids 136. The second strap 130 is referred to herein as a vertical strap 130. A device 150 is attached to the first strap 120 at a forward end 152 (direction of view of the wearer) of the apparatus 110. The device 150 is not limited to perform any particular function and can be a source of light, a viewing scope (receiver of light) or a shield. In some embodiments, the device is a surgical headlight, for example.

The first strap 120 is shaped to include an outer planar surface 120a and an inner planar surface 120b, and further includes a length adjusting mechanism (partially shown) 122. The outer planar surface 130a and the inner planar surface 130b are delimited by an upper edge 120c and a lower edge 120d of the first strap 120, as oriented when worn by a wearer of the apparatus 110. The second strap 130 is shaped to include an outer planar surface 130a and an inner planar surface 130b and further includes a second length adjusting mechanism 132. The outer planar surface 130a and the inner planar surface 130b are delimited by a forward edge 130c and a rear edge 130d of the second strap 130, as oriented when worn by a wearer of the apparatus 110.

As shown, a padding material 124 that is permeable to air flow, is disposed along most of the inner planar surface 120b of the first strap 120 and is disposed along a portion of an inner planar surface 130b of the second strap 130. The teachings of the invention do not necessarily require a second strap 130, and in some embodiments, the apparatus 110 includes a first strap 120 without a second strap. (See FIG. 3A-3B)

In this embodiment (Shown in FIG. 1A), the first strap 120 and the second strap 130 are manufactured as one integral piece. In other embodiments, the first strap 120 and the second strap 130 are manufactured as separate pieces that are attached together via one or more of a variety of attachment mechanisms, including mechanisms involving an adhesive, a snap etc.

In this embodiment, the first strap 120 and the second strap 130 are made of a nylon reinforced plastic, which is a substantially inelastic and rigid material, and is also not permeable to air flow. In some embodiments, the manufacture of nylon reinforced plastic into the particular shape of the apparatus 110 employs a molding process. Alternatively, nylon reinforced plastic can be manufactured by cutting it into a particular shape from a sheet of pre-molded nylon reinforced plastic (pre-molded stock). Regardless of which manufacturing approach is used, the nylon reinforced plastic material itself, whether it is molded into a shape or molded into a stock shape and later cut into a shape of the apparatus 110, is originally created from a molding process, and is hence, also referred to herein as a molded material. For example, other types of molded material include various other types of plastics (polymers), and types of rubber and fiberglass etc.

In the embodiment shown, the first strap 120 and second strap 130 are formed from a sheet of nylon reinforced plastic that is approximately 1/16 of an inch thick. This type of material can be obtained from various suppliers, for example. In other embodiments, inelastic and rigid material, such as other types of plastic can be employed to construct the first strap 120 and/or the second strap 130 using material selected from material stock having a variety of thicknesses, providing that the apparatus can be adapted to the contour of the head of the wearer.

In accordance with the invention, the embodiment shown includes a first strap 120 and a second strap 130. This embodiment is designed so that the second strap 130 supports against gravity, most and substantially all, of the combined weight of the apparatus 110 and the attached device 150, while both are worn (supported) on the head of the wearer of the apparatus 110. Unlike the second strap 130, the first strap 120 supports against gravity, little and substantially none of the combined weight of the apparatus 110 and the attached device 150, while both are worn (supported) on the head of the wearer of the apparatus 110.

As a result of the above design, there is little need for the first strap 120 to press against and grip the outer surface of the head of the wearer in order to support from gravity, a substantial portion of the weight of the apparatus 110 and of the attached device 150. The first strap 120 can be tightened to a limited extent, so as to secure the device 150 from moving relative to the head of the wearer, in response to movement of the head of the wearer. This design yields more comfort to the wearer, than an apparatus without a vertical strap, because the wearer experiences less tension around the front, rear, left and right sides of the head, and generally allows the wearer to wear the apparatus for long periods of time, for example many hours, without discomfort.

As shown for this embodiment, the embodiment of the first strap 120 of the apparatus 110 is constructed from inelastic and rigid material. This type of material is designed to not elastically stretch around the head of the wearer (not shown) when tension is applied to the first strap 130. Such elastic stretching causes a pressing force against the head of the wearer which can cause fatigue to the wearer over time. Furthermore, no substantial tension is required to be applied to the first strap 120 because it is essentially not supporting the apparatus 110 from gravity.

Further in accordance with the invention, the material of the first strap 120 of the apparatus 110 is selected to be sufficiently strong (inelastic and rigid) to enable a device 150 to be secured to a fixed position relative to the position of the apparatus 110, while being worn by a wearer. An inelastic material is a material that does not significantly stretch, when a pulling force is applied to it. A rigid material is a material that has a resistance to bending and is typically inelastic. For example, applying typical hand strength in an attempt to pull apart the first strap 120 that is made of nylon reinforced plastic would result in no noticeable stretching of the first strap 120 to the human eye. Applying typical hand strength to bend the first strap made of nylon reinforced plastic would cause some bending of the first strap 120, but the material would generate a force resisting (opposing) the bending force that would be felt (tactile detected) by the hand supplying the bending force to the material. Hypothetically, if the first strap 120 was made of steel, which is an inelastic and rigid material and hence, would within the scope of the invention, the first strap 120 would not stretch and may not bend at all, depending upon a thickness of the strap 120, when hand strength is applied to stretch or bend it. Some other types of material, such as many types of rubber, weaved material, such as cloth for example, are not sufficiently inelastic, rigid and strong to enable a device 150 to be secured to a fixed position relative to the position of the apparatus 110, while the apparatus 110 is moving with the head of the wearer.

Unfortunately, nylon reinforced plastic and many other inelastic and rigid materials, such as other plastics, are typically not permeable with respect to the flow of air. As a result, portions of the surface of the head of the wearer that are located adjacent to (covered below) the inner surface 120b the first strap 120, or adjacent to (covered below) the inner surface 130b of the second strap 130, do not come in physical contact with ambient air, and as a result, receive less cooling from ambient air than other portions of the head of the wearer that are not located below the first strap 120 or the second strap 130.

FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of a plurality of elliptical shaped voids that are located within the outer planar area of a front portion of the first strap. A surrounding portion (surrounding area) 220 is defined as that portion of the outer planar area 120a that vertically extends to the upper edge 120c and to the lower edge 120d of the outer planar area 120a and that horizontally extends to a minimum length along the horizontal (longest) dimension of the first strap 120, such that it also surrounds the plurality of (6) voids 126.

As shown, the plurality of voids 126 occupies a substantial portion of the surrounding area 220. In some embodiments, a substantial portion of a surrounding area being equal to at least 5 percent of a surrounding area. In other embodiments, a substantial portion of a surrounding area being equal to at least 10 percent of a surrounding area. In other embodiments, a substantial portion of a surrounding area being equal to at least 30 percent of a surrounding area. In other embodiments, a substantial portion of a surrounding area is equal to at least 40 percent of a surrounding area.

Configuring the voids 126 to occupy such a substantial portion of the surrounding area 220 enables a corresponding substantial amount of ambient air to physically contact and flow to portions of the outer surface of the head of the wearer, and specifically contact and flow to such portions along the outer surface of the head of the wearer that are located adjacent to (below) the area occupied by each of the voids 126.

As shown in FIG. 1A, a padding 124 is layered along the inner planar surface 120b of the first strap 120 and the inner planar surface 130b of the second strap 130. As worn, the padding 124 is configured to physically contact the outer surface of the head of wearer of the apparatus 110.

While the apparatus 110 is being worn by the wearer, body heat and moisture from the wearer build up between the padding 124 and the outer surface of the head of the wearer, and enter the padding 124. This build up of heat and moisture is in contrast with typically cooler and dryer ambient air that is located outside of the padding 124 and away from the outer surface of the head of the wearer.

This contrast constitutes a discontinuity of equilibrium with respect to the heat and moisture content of the padding 124 as compared to the heat and moisture content of the ambient air that is typically located outside of the padding 124. In response to this type of discontinuity, the heat and moisture within the padding transfers (diffuses) into the ambient air that is located outside of and away from the padding 124. This transfer of heat and moisture causes the portions of the outer surface of the head of the wearer adjacent to the padding and the voids 126 to become cooler, drier and generally more comfortable.

As the padding 124 is physically contacting the outer surface of the head of the wearer, the padding 124 and the ambient air contact and/or flow through each of the voids 126 to enhance absorption, wicking and drying of moisture (perspiration) via the padding 124 as it is located along the outer surface of the head of the wearer. As described, the padding 124 and the voids 126 interoperate to improve the comfort of the wearer of the apparatus 110. With respect to embodiments that include the padding 124, this type of effect is also referred to as a “moisture wicking effect” or “wicking effect”.

Note that substantially inelastic and rigid material, that is also not permeable to air flow, such as nylon reinforced plastic for example, typically has more density (is heavier per unit volume), than elastic and non-rigid material that is permeable to air, such as a woven material. Another benefit of creating voids 126 within the first strap 120 and second strap 130 is to reduce the weight (mass) of the first strap 120 and second strap 130, which yields additional comfort to the wearer of the apparatus 110.

Referring to FIG. 1D, (4) separate portions of Velcro hook material 270a-270d are disposed along the inner planar surface 120b of the first strap 120 while the padding 124 (shown in FIG. 1A) includes a Velcro loop material. Accordingly, the Velcro loop material of the padding 124 is configured to attach to the Velcro hook material 270a-270d while the padding 124 is in physical contact with the outer surface of the head of the wearer, while the apparatus 110 is worn by the wearer.

Referring back to FIG. 1B, in some embodiments, the apparatus 110 does not include the padding 126. For embodiments without padding 124, the voids 126 allow the ambient air to physically contact and flow to the portions of the head of the wearer that are located adjacent to the voids 126, to also cool and dry the outer portions of the head of the wearer.

Each void 126a-126f removes an amount of inelastic and rigid material from the first strap 120, and as a result, the inelastic and rigid portion of the first strap 120 has decreased resistance to bending (folding) along vertical lines that are parallel to the vertical (Y) axis and that reside (intersect) with at least one of the voids 126. Such a decreased resistance to bending (folding) yields increased flexibility to bend around and to better adjust to the contour of the outer surface of the head of the wearer of the apparatus 110. Without the presence of the voids 126, the inelastic and rigid material of the first strap 120, the nylon re-enforced plastic of this embodiment, does not easily flex (bend) around the contour of the head of the wearer.

For example, a dotted vertical line 222, directed parallel to the vertical (Y) axis, illustrates a line along which the strap has decreased resistance to bending (folding). In other words, the first strap 120 can be bent (folded) along line 222 with less resistance when the void 226d is present within the first strap 120, as compared to when the void 226d is not present within the first strap 120.

As shown, each of the voids 126 are arranged so that an axis 226d that is directed along a long dimension of an elliptical shape of each void 126d is oriented along an approximately 45 degree angle, with respect to either the vertical (Y) axis or the horizontal (X) axis directions. Further, the voids 126 are arranged to overlap each other (slightly) along vertical lines that are parallel to the vertical (Y) axis. As a result, a vertical line 224 drawn within the surrounding area 220 intersects at least one void 126a-126f, and as a result, the surrounding area 220 of the first strap 120 has less resistance to bending and increased flexibility along that vertical line 224, and along other vertical lines that can be defined (drawn) within the surrounding area 220.

Referring to FIG. 1D, a center drawing 270 includes the device attachment connections 274a-274b, and the void 126f of the surrounding area 220 (shown in FIG. 1B). The center drawing 270 has an associated drawing scale of approximately 3.5 to 1, meaning that a drawn object having a dimension of 1 inch within the center drawing 270, has an actual dimension of approximately 3.5 inches, as built.

As built, the surrounding area 220, including voids 126a-126f, is located to within less than 1 inch of a location of a nearest device attachment 274a, in accordance with a drawing scale of the center drawing 270. It is beneficial to locate inelastic material of the apparatus 110 (having associated inelastic strength and rigidity) such that it includes the device attachment 274a-274b, and so that such material of the apparatus 110 is utilized to securely position the attached device 150 relative to the position of the head of the wearer.

There typically can be a benefit to locating a surrounding area that includes voids 126 to within proximity of a device attachment 274a-274b (152 of See FIG. 1A) that is located on the first strap 120, in order to minimize the size of the inelastic, rigid and non-porous portions of the strap 120 that lack voids. Portions of the inelastic, rigid and non-porous portions of the strap 120 that lack voids are generally less comfortable than portions that include voids, but those portions lacking voids add strength to the strap 120 in proximity to a device attachment 274a-274b, where it is typically needed.

Despite that the first strap 120 is made, at least in part or in whole, from substantially inelastic material, that is also rigid and non-porous to air, enhanced comfort is provided to the wearer of the apparatus 110, specifically at locations along the strap 120 within each of one or more surrounding areas, like that of the surrounding area 220 (shown in FIG. 1B). Said another way, enhanced comfort is provided at locations along the first strap 120 that includes at least one void, like each of the voids 126a-126f (shown in FIG. 1B).

Notice that the first strap 120 does not provide any substantially less resistance to bending (folding) along lines parallel to the Z axis. Any such less resistance would be undesirable because it would not enhance the comfort of the wearer, and could reduce the overall strength and rigidity of the apparatus 110 with respect to attaching to and securely positioning a device 150. For example, attempting to fold the first strap 120 along a line parallel to the Z axis would be difficult, with or without the presence of the voids 126 within the first strap 120.

In the embodiment shown, the height 230 of the surrounding area 220 is equal to the distance between the top edge 120c and the bottom edge 120d of the first strap 120, which is equal to approximately 1.12 inches, and the width 236 of the surrounding area in a horizontal direction along the first strap 120 is equal to approximately 3.58 inches. As a result, the area of the surrounding area 220 is approximately 4 square inches.

The longest dimension of the elliptical shaped void is approximately 0.86 inches and the longest dimension perpendicular to the longest dimension of the elliptical shaped void is approximately 0.31 inches. Hence, each elliptical shaped void occupies an area equal to approximately 0.21 square inches. As a result, the plurality of (6) elliptical voids 126 occupies a total of approximately 1.26 square inches which equals approximately 31.4 percent of the surrounding area 220.

Each of the elliptical voids 126a-126f is approximately centered between the top edge 120c and the bottom edge 120d and each elliptical void 126a-126f has a vertical height (span) 238 equal to approximately 0.61 inches. As a result, each elliptical void 126a-126f spans to within approximately 0.255 inches of the top edge 120c and to within approximately 0.255 inches of the bottom edge 120d.

As explained above, the voids 126a-126f occupy a substantial portion, approximately 31.4 percent of the surrounding area 220 within the outer planar area 120a of the first strap 120. The voids 126a-126f also span slightly more than half of the total vertical height 230 of the outer planar area 120a (surrounding area 220) of the first strap 120.

The entire length of the first strap 120 as worn around the head of a wearer is approximately (about) 22.5 inches. The outer planar area 120a along the entire length of the first strap 120 is approximately 25.2 square inches. As a result, the voids 126a-126f occupy a substantial portion, approximately 5.0 percent of the outer planar area 120a along the entire length of the first strap 120.

In other embodiments, the voids 126a-126f of the surrounding area 220 are the only voids included within the first strap 120, and those voids 126a-126f occupy approximately 5.0 percent of the outer planar area 120a along the entire length of the first strap 120. Furthermore, the size of each void 126a-126f can be reduced, and still provide benefits to the portion of the outer head of the wearer adjacent to the surrounding area 220. For example, the area of the voids could be reduced by an amount, for example 50%, and still provide comfort to the portion of the outer head of the wearer that is adjacent to the surrounding area 220, while such comfort is provided by voids 126a-126f having a collective area of less than 5 percent (2.5 percent) of the total outer planar area 120a of the first strap 120.

In other embodiments, voids of size equal to one half of the area of the voids 126a-126f could be located within both the front right and front left forward quadrants to provide comfort to the entire front portion of the front strap 120. Such embodiments would also have a collective area of 5 percent of the total outer planar area 120a of the first strap 120 and would provide substantial strength to supporting an attached device.

From a top view perspective of the embodiment shown, the surrounding area 220 is positioned along a forward right quadrant of the head of the wearer of the apparatus 110. The forward left quadrant (not shown) also includes a surrounding area (not shown) that includes elliptical voids that are equivalent to that of the forward right quadrant (shown).

The invention is not limited to particular shapes and arrangements of voids. In other embodiments, other shapes and sizes and arrangements of voids can be included within the first 120 and/or second 130 straps. Nor is the invention limited to overlapping voids as shown in FIG. 1B. Nor is the invention limited to symmetrical patterns of voids. Optionally, various shapes, sizes and arrangements of voids can be utilized to address different applications (uses and requirements) of the apparatus and to create different stylish appearances and designs of voids along the first 120 and/or second 130 straps. Also, different colors of padding can be disposed adjacent to the voids to also create different stylish appearances and designs, and aesthetic variations that can be customized for individual wearers, in association with their use of the apparatus 110.

FIG. 1C illustrates a side view of a plurality of circular voids that are located within the outer planar area of a rear quadrant of the first strap. The portion (surrounding area) 250 is defined as that portion of the outer planar area 120a that has a shortest length along the length (longest dimension) of the first strap 120, that extends to the top edge 120c and to the bottom edge 120d and that also surrounds the plurality of (4) voids 128a-128d.

As shown, the plurality of (4) circular voids 128 occupies a more substantial portion of the surrounding area 250, than the (6) elliptical voids 126 of the surrounding area 220. Each circle has a diameter equal to approximately 0.86 inches, which is equal to the longest length of each of the elliptical voids 126. Each circular void 128a-128d is separated from other circular voids by a distance equal to approximately 0.15 inches. Hence, the width 256 of the surrounding area 250 is equal to approximately 3.89 inches.

In the embodiment shown, the height 230 of the surrounding area 220 is equal to the distance between the top edge 120c and the bottom edge 120d of the first strap 120, and is equal to approximately 1.12 inches, and the width 256 of the surrounding area in a horizontal direction along the first strap 120 is equal to approximately 3.89 inches. As a result, the area of the surrounding area 220 is approximately 4.36 square inches.

The diameter of each circular shaped void is approximately 0.86 inches 268. Hence, each circular shaped void occupies an area equal to approximately 0.58 square inches. As a result, the plurality of (4) circular voids 128 occupies a total of approximately 2.32 square inches which equals approximately 53.3 percent of the surrounding area 250.

Each of the circular voids 128a-128f is approximately centered between the top edge 120c and the bottom edge 120d and each circular void 128a-128f has a vertical height (span) 238 equal to approximately 0.86 inches. As a result, each circular void 128a-128f spans to within approximately 0.13 inches 262 of the top edge 120c and to within approximately 0.13 inches 264 of the bottom edge 120d.

As quantified above, the voids 128a-128f occupy a more substantial portion, approximately 53.3 percent of the surrounding area 250 within the outer planar area 120a of the first strap 120, as compared to that of the elliptical voids 126. The voids 128a-128f also span slightly more than three-quarters of the total vertical height 230 of the outer planar area 120a (surrounding area 250) of the first strap 120.

The circular voids 128a-128f are the result of the removal of more material from the surrounding area 250 of the first strap 120, than the amount of the removal of material from the surrounding area 220 of the first strap 120. As a result, the surrounding area 250 has a lighter weight per unit length along the surrounding area 250 of the first strap 120, and provides more cooling and less resistance to bending than the surrounding area 220 of the first strap 120. But the surrounding area 250 provides less rigidity and less strength than the surrounding area 220, because the surrounding area 220 includes more inelastic and rigid material, and less voids.

Referring to FIG. 1A, from a top view perspective, the rear left and rear right quadrants of the first strap 120 include the large circular voids 128 which occupy an even larger percentage of the surrounding area of the rear portion of the first strap 120, than that described for the surrounding area of the forward left and right quadrants. Because the device 150 is attached to the front portion of the first strap 120, the front portion of the first strap 120 requires more strength, and less surrounding area of voids, than that of the rear portion of the first strap 120.

In other embodiments, a plurality of voids can be shaped, sized and located in a variety of different ways in order to provide enhanced comfort to the wearer via increased air ventilation and strap flexibility along the contour of the outer surface of the head of the wearer.

Preferably, each void has a shape that is curved. Both an ellipse and a circle are curved shapes. An ellipse is a curved shape that is effectively an elongated circle. Like a circle, an ellipse has a curved shape without including an angled corner. A void including an angled corner can increase a likelihood of a tear within the first strap 120 where the tear can travel through the angled corner of the void including it. Hence, a void of a shape including an angled corner is less preferred than a void of a curved shape.

In accordance with the invention, a plurality of voids are provided within at least the first strap 120, and preferably the second strap 130, to provide more exposure of the surface of the head of the wearer of the apparatus 110 to the flow of air, and further, to provide more flexible hinge points through each of the plurality of voids. A hinge point is a location along the first strap 120 or second strap 130 that is more bendable that other locations along that strap. Because a void removes some of the rigid strap material, there is less rigidity to resist bending of the strap at the location of the void.

FIG. 2A illustrates a close-up partial view of the embodiment of a head worn apparatus of FIG. 1 as worn on a mannequin. The left front and left rear quadrants are shown from this viewing perspective.

FIG. 2B illustrates a distant view of the embodiment of the head worn apparatus of FIG. 2A. The left front quadrant and a small portion of the left rear quadrant is shown from this viewing perspective.

FIG. 3A illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of a disassembled head worn apparatus 310 excluding a second vertical strap 130 like that of FIG. 1A. As shown, a device 150 is attached to a rigid strap insert 320 that is configured to be inserted into a non-rigid strap 330. The non-rigid strap 330 includes insertion pockets 332a and 332b. The strap insert 320 is shaped as a planar sheet that is made from high density polyethylene (HDPE), which is a inelastic and substantially rigid material. The strap insert 320 includes ellipse shaped voids 326a-326e like the ellipse shaped voids 126a-126f that are included within the rigid and inelastic first strap 120 of the embodiment of FIG. 1A. The strap insert 320 also includes a plurality (5) of ellipse shaped voids 326f along the right hand side of the strap insert 320.

The non-rigid strap 330 has an exterior planar side 330a and an interior planar side 330b. The exterior planar side 330a is made from flexible nylon material and the interior planar side 330b is made from a flexible fleece material. Both the nylon and fleece material are non-rigid (flexible) and porous (permeable) with respect to the flow of air.

The fleece material is designed to make physical contact with the outer surface of the head of the wearer and to provide comfort of the wearer. The exterior 330a and interior 330b planar sides are sewn together to form the non-rigid strap 330 and to form a pocket 332a-332b within which the strap insert 320 is inserted.

Along a front portion of the non-rigid strap 330, the non-rigid strap 330 includes, insertion pockets 332a-332b that are configured (dimensioned) to receive insertion of the rigid strap insert 320. Upon insertion of the strap insert 320 into the insertion pockets 332a-332b, the strap insert 320 is combined with the non-rigid strap 330 to form a hybrid third strap 340 that is shown in FIG. 3B.

FIG. 3B illustrates a top perspective view of an assembled head worn apparatus of FIG. 3A. As assembled and shown, a hybrid third strap 340 is assembled from the strap insert 320 as it is inserted into the non-rigid strap 330. As a result, the hybrid third strap 340 includes a rigid forward portion 334, that constitutes a portion of the hybrid third strap 340 within which the rigid strap insert 320 is inserted. The hybrid third strap 340 also includes a non-rigid rear portion 336, that constitutes a portion of the hybrid third strap 340 excluding the inserted rigid strap insert 320.

The third strap 340 is referred to as a hybrid strap because it includes both rigid 334 and non-rigid 336 portions. The rigid forward portion 334 of the hybrid strap 340 is located within portion constituting approximately a front half, which includes (2) forward quadrants, of the hybrid strap 340. The non-rigid rear portion 336 of the hybrid strap 340 is located within a portion constituting approximately a rear half, which includes (2) rear quadrants of the hybrid strap 340.

Like the first strap 120 of the apparatus 110 of FIG. 1A, the third (hybrid) strap 340 is configured to form a first loop around a head of a wearer (not shown) and is configured to have a substantially horizontal orientation when worn by the wearer of the apparatus 110. Hence, the third (hybrid) strap is also referred to herein and classified as a horizontal strap.

As worn by a wearer, ambient air can pass in and out through the nylon of the exterior planar side 330a, pass in and out through the voids 326-326e of the strap insert 320 that is located between the nylon exterior planar side 330a and pass in and out through the fleece interior planar side 330b, to cool and dry the outer surface of the head of the wearer of the apparatus via ambient air.

Unlike the first strap 120 of the apparatus 110 of FIG. 1A, there is no vertical second strap 130 that is attached to the third (hybrid) strap 340, and as a result, the third (hybrid) strap 130 supports the combined weight of the apparatus 110 and the attached device 150, while both are worn (supported) on the head of the wearer. Hence, the third (hybrid) strap 240 is likely to have more tension and to direct more force around the head of the wearer, so as to secure the device 150 from moving relative to the head of the wearer, in response to movement of the head of the wearer.

In some aspects, the invention provides for a head worn apparatus that is configured to attach to and to securely position at least one device. The apparatus comprises at least a first strap that is configured to form a first loop around a head of a wearer of the apparatus, the first loop being shaped to have an outer planar side and an inner planar side and configured to have a substantially horizontal orientation as worn by the wearer; and the first strap includes at least in part or in whole, an inelastic portion that is made from a substantially inelastic material, and wherein the inelastic portion is further configured to include a plurality of voids that are located through the inner and outer planar sides, the plurality of voids occupy a substantial portion of 5% or more of an area of the outer planar side; and where the inelastic portion is configured to attach to and to securely position a device while being worn by the wearer.

In some embodiments, the substantially inelastic material is a nylon reinforced plastic which can be shaped via a molding process or cut from pre-molded material. Optionally, the first strap has a length adjustment mechanism.

The apparatus can be applied for the delivery of health care, such as where a physician wears the apparatus while performing surgery on a health care patient. Accordingly, the apparatus can be configured to attach to a device that is employed for delivery of health care. The device can function at least in part as a source of light, a viewing scope (receiver of light) or a shield. For example, the device can be a surgical headlight, for example.

In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of voids has a shape excluding an angled corner. Optionally, the one or more of said plurality of voids has a an elliptical shape that overlap along a horizontal direction.

In some embodiments, the apparatus includes an outer planar side and said inner planar side that are delimited by an upper edge and a lower edge as worn by a wearer, and each of the voids extend towards each of said upper edge and said lower edge and to within proximity of 25% of a distance between each of said upper edge and said lower edge.

Optionally, the plurality of voids occupy an area that is greater than or equal to 20 percent of a surrounding portion of area located within an outer planar side of said first strap, the surrounding area being located within proximity of an attachment to said device. Optionally, the plurality of voids occupy an area that is equal to or greater than 30 percent of a surrounding area that is located within an outer planar side of said first strap.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the inner planar surface is configured to attach to a padding material and the padding material is configured to make physical contact with the outer surface of the head of said wearer, when worn by said wearer of the apparatus. Optionally, a Velcro hook material is disposed along said inner planar surface and where said padding includes a Velcro loop material.

In some embodiments, the head worn apparatus includes a second (vertical) strap, the second strap has a first and a second end that are each respectively attached to a different first and a second location on the first strap, the second strap being configured to form at least a partial second loop having a substantially vertical orientation around a top portion of the head as worn by the wearer. Optionally, the second strap includes at least in part or in whole, an inelastic portion that is made from a substantially inelastic and rigid material, and the inelastic portion is further configured to include a plurality of voids that are located through inner and outer planar sides within the second strap, the plurality of voids occupy a substantial portion of a surrounding area of the outer planar side of the second strap.

In some aspects, the invention provides for a head worn apparatus that is configured to attach to and to securely position at least one device. The apparatus comprises a first strap that is configured to form a first loop around a head of a wearer of the apparatus, the first loop is configured to have a substantially horizontal orientation as worn by the wearer, and a second strap that is configured to form at least a partial second loop having a substantially vertical orientation around a top portion of the head of the wearer of the apparatus, the second strap having a first and a second end that are each respectively attached to a different first and a second location on the first strap, each of the first strap and the second strap being shaped to have an outer planar side and an inner planar side; and the first strap includes at least in part or in whole, an inelastic portion that is made from a substantially inelastic material, and wherein the inelastic portion is further configured to include a plurality of voids that are located through the inner and outer planar sides and where the inelastic portion is configured to attach to and to securely position a device while being worn by the wearer.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the second strap includes at least in part or in whole, an inelastic portion that is made from a substantially inelastic material. Further, the second strap includes a plurality of voids that occupy at least a substantial portion that is greater than or equal to 10 percent of a total area of the outer planar side surrounding the voids. Also, the second strap can have a length adjustment mechanism.

Optionally, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the inner planar surface of the second strap is configured to attach to a padding material that is configured to make physical contact with the outer surface of the head of the wearer of the apparatus.

In another aspect, the invention is a method of securely positioning at least one device relative to a body of a person. The method comprises the steps of providing an apparatus including at least a first strap that is configured to form a first loop around a head of a wearer of the apparatus, the first loop being shaped to have an outer planar side and an inner planar side and configured to have a substantially horizontal orientation as worn by the wearer; and where the first strap includes at least in part or in whole, a rigid portion that is made from a substantially rigid material, and wherein the rigid portion is further configured to include a plurality of voids that are located through the inner and outer planar sides, the plurality of voids occupy a substantial portion of 5% or more of an area of the outer planar side; and where the rigid portion is configured to attach to and to securely position a device while being worn by the wearer.

Optionally, in some embodiments of this method, the second strap has a first and a second end that are each respectively attached to a different first and a second location on the first strap, the second strap being configured to form at least a partial second loop having a substantially vertical orientation around a top portion of the head as worn by the wearer.

While the present invention has been explained with reference to the structure disclosed herein, it is not confined to the details set forth and this invention is intended to cover any modifications and changes as may come within the scope and spirit of the following claims.

Claims

1. A head worn apparatus that is configured to attach to and to securely position at least one device, comprising:

at least a first strap that is configured to form a first loop around a head of a wearer of the apparatus, said first loop being shaped to have an outer planar side and an inner planar side and configured to have a substantially horizontal orientation as worn by said wearer; and

wherein said first strap includes at least in part or in whole, an inelastic portion that is made from a substantially inelastic material, and wherein said inelastic portion is further configured to include a plurality of voids that are located through said inner and outer planar sides, said plurality of voids occupy a substantial portion of 5% or more of an area of said outer planar side; and

where said inelastic portion is configured to attach to and to securely position a device while being worn by said wearer.

2. The head worn apparatus of claim 1 where said substantially inelastic material is a nylon reinforced plastic.

3. The head worn apparatus of claim 1 where said substantially inelastic material is shaped via a molding process.

4. The head worn apparatus of claim 1 where said first loop has a length adjustment mechanism.

5. The head worn apparatus of claim 1 where said apparatus is further configured to attach to a device that is employed for delivery of health care.

6. The head worn apparatus of claim 1 where said device functions at least in part as a source of light, a viewing scope or a shield.

7. The head worn apparatus of claim 1 where one or more of said plurality of voids has a shape excluding an angled corner.

8. The head worn apparatus of claim 7 where one or more of said plurality of voids has a an elliptical shape that overlap along a horizontal direction.

9. The head worn apparatus of claim 1 where said outer planar side and said inner planar side are delimited by an upper edge and a lower edge as worn by said wearer, and wherein each of said voids extend towards each of said upper edge and said lower edge and to within a proximity of 25% of a distance between each of said upper edge and said lower edge.

10. The head worn apparatus of claim 1 wherein said plurality of voids occupy an area that is greater than or equal to 20 percent of a surrounding portion of area located within an outer planar side of said first strap, said surrounding area located within proximity of an attachment to said device.

11. The head worn apparatus of claim 1 where said plurality of voids occupy an area that is equal to or greater than 30 percent of a surrounding area that is located within an outer planar side of said first strap.

12. The head worn apparatus of claim 1 where at least a portion of said inner planar surface is configured to attach to a padding material and where said padding material is configured to make physical contact with the outer surface of the head of said wearer, when worn by said wearer of said apparatus.

13. The head worn apparatus of claim 12 where a Velcro hook material is disposed along said inner planar surface and where said padding includes a Velcro loop material.

14. The head worn apparatus of claim 1 including a second strap, said second strap having a first and a second end that are each respectively attached to a different first and a second location on said first strap, said second strap being configured to form at least a partial second loop having a substantially vertical orientation around a top portion of said head as worn by said wearer.

15. The head worn apparatus of claim 14 where said second strap includes at least in part or in whole, an inelastic portion that is made from a substantially inelastic material, and wherein said inelastic portion is further configured to include a plurality of voids that are located through inner and outer planar sides of said second strap, said plurality of voids occupy a substantial portion of a surrounding area of said outer planar side of said second strap.

16. A head worn apparatus that is configured to attach to and to securely position at least one device, comprising:

a first strap that is configured to form a first loop around a head of a wearer of the apparatus, said first loop configured to have a substantially horizontal orientation as worn by said wearer; and

a second strap that is configured to form at least a partial second loop having a substantially vertical orientation around a top portion of said head of said wearer of the apparatus, said second strap having a first and a second end that are each respectively attached to a different first and a second location on said first strap, each of said first strap and said second strap being shaped to have an outer planar side and an inner planar side; and

wherein said first strap includes at least in part or in whole, an inelastic portion that is made from a substantially inelastic material, and wherein said inelastic portion is further configured to include a plurality of voids that are located through said inner and outer planar sides; and

where said inelastic portion is configured to attach to and to securely position a device while being worn by said wearer.

17. The head worn apparatus of claim 16 where said second strap includes at least in part or in whole, an inelastic portion that is made from a substantially inelastic material.

18. The head worn apparatus of claim 16 where said second strap includes a plurality of voids that occupy at least a substantial portion that is greater than or equal to 10 percent of a total area of said outer planar side surrounding said voids.

19. The head worn apparatus of claim 16 where said second strap has a length adjustment mechanism.

20. The head worn apparatus of claim 16 where at least a portion of said inner planar surface of said second strap is configured to attach to a padding material that is configured to make physical contact with the outer surface of the head of said wearer of said apparatus.

21. A method of securely positioning at least one device relative to a body of a person, comprising:

providing an apparatus including at least a first strap that is configured to form a first loop around a head of a wearer of said apparatus, said first loop being shaped to have an outer planar side and an inner planar side and configured to have a substantially horizontal orientation as worn by said wearer; and

wherein said first strap includes at least in part or in whole, a rigid portion that is made from a substantially rigid material, and wherein said rigid portion is further configured to include a plurality of voids that are located through said inner and outer planar sides, said plurality of voids occupy a substantial portion of 5% or more of an area of said outer planar side; and

where said rigid portion is configured to attach to and to securely position a device while being worn by said wearer.

22. The method of claim 21 including a second strap, said second strap having a first and a second end that are each respectively attached to a different first and a second location on said first strap, said second strap being configured to form at least a partial second loop having a substantially vertical orientation around a top portion of said head as worn by said wearer.