Surgical gown system and method of use

Abstract

A surgical gown system (10). The system comprises a surgical gown (12) and a surgical helmet (20). The helmet comprises: a chin rod (24) having a recess in a distal surface; and a coupling member (48) disposed within the recess, where the coupling member is positioned proximal to the distal surface of the chin rod. The surgical gown includes a transparent mask (18) and an attachment element (58) coupled to the transparent mask. The attachment element includes a head having a proximal surface configured to removably engage a coupling member of the helmet. A portion of the head is positioned proximal to the distal surface of the chin rod when the first attachment element engages the first coupling member.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese patent application with application date of January 25, 2019, application number 201980021033.5, and titled “Surgical Clothing System and Method of Use”. Background Art

[0002] Personal protection systems are used in surgery to provide a sterile barrier between the surgical staff and the patient. Specifically, conventional systems include a helmet that supports a toga or hood. The system is worn by medical / surgical staff who want to establish a sterile barrier. The toga or hood may include a transparent face shield. The helmet includes a ventilation unit that includes a fan. The ventilation unit draws air through the toga / hood, thereby circulating the air around the wearer. This reduces both the heat trapped in the toga / hood and the amount of CO2 that accumulates in the space. It is also known to mount a light to the helmet that can be directed to illuminate the surgical site.

[0003] Conventional togas or hoods have been configured to be removably coupled to a helmet. This allows the toga / hood to be removed from the helmet and disposed of after the surgical procedure. Prior designs of personal protection systems have included hooks and / or universal fasteners for coupling the toga / hood to the helmet. However, the fasteners utilized by prior designs of personal protection systems have a number of limitations. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present disclosure generally relates to a surgical garment system. The surgical garment system includes a surgical garment assembly that can be configured for attachment to a surgical helmet, wherein the surgical garment assembly can be used to provide a barrier between an individual wearing the system and the surrounding environment.

[0005] An exemplary configuration provides a surgical gown system including a surgical gown configured for attachment to a surgical helmet, wherein the surgical gown includes an attachment member integral with the surgical gown and configured to removably couple the surgical gown to the surgical helmet. The attachment member may be configured to removably couple to the surgical helmet on a wearer side of the microbial barrier formed by the surgical gown. The surgical helmet may include a helmet connector assembly configured to matingly engage the attachment member to removably couple the surgical gown to the surgical helmet. The helmet connector assembly may also include a movable member configured to selectively engage the detector based at least in part on the position of the surgical gown relative to the surgical helmet. The switch may be communicatively connected to a controller configured to control the operating characteristics of a peripheral device of the surgical helmet.

[0006] In another exemplary configuration, a surgical gown system may include a surgical gown configured to provide a microbial barrier between a medical environment and a wearer. The surgical gown may be configured to be arranged on a surgical helmet, the surgical helmet comprising: a hook at least partially arranged in an alignment channel; and a chin bar. The chin bar may include at least two magnetic coupling members. The surgical gown may include a first material configured to be at least partially arranged on a surgical helmet. The first material may include an opening configured to be positioned in front of the wearer's face when arranged on the surgical helmet. The surgical gown may also include a transparent face shield arranged in the opening of the first material. The transparent face shield may include a first surface and an opposite second surface, an upper portion and a lower portion, and a first hole in the transparent face shield, the first hole being configured to removably engage a protrusion of the surgical helmet to align the first material relative to the surgical helmet. The surgical gown may also include a first attachment element and a second attachment element, wherein the first attachment element and the second attachment element may be fixed to the lower portion of the transparent face shield on opposite lateral sides of the first hole. Each of the first attachment element and the second attachment element may include a retention feature configured to secure the first attachment element and the second attachment element to the transparent face shield. At least one of the first attachment element and the second attachment element may at least partially include a ferromagnetic material, wherein at least one of the first attachment element and the second attachment element defines a recess on the wearer side of the microbial barrier and is each configured to removably engage one of the magnetic coupling members on the surgical helmet.

[0007] In another exemplary configuration, the surgical gown system may include a surgical gown configured to provide a microbial barrier between a medical environment and a wearer. The surgical gown may be configured to be arranged on a surgical helmet including at least two magnetic coupling members. The surgical gown may include a first material configured to be at least partially arranged on a surgical helmet. The first material may include an opening. The surgical gown may also include a transparent mask arranged in the opening of the first material. The transparent mask may include a first surface and an opposite second surface, an upper portion and a lower portion, and a first coupler, which is arranged on the wearer side of the first material to removably engage the surgical helmet. The surgical gown may also include a first attachment element and a second attachment element. The first attachment element and the second attachment element may be fixed to the lower portion of the transparent mask. Each of the first attachment element and the second attachment element may also include a retention feature, which is configured to fix the first attachment element and the second attachment element to the transparent mask. At least one of the first attachment element and the second attachment element may include a ferromagnetic material and define a recess on the wearer side of the microbial barrier. The recess may be configured to removably engage a magnetic coupling member on the surgical helmet.

[0008] In yet another exemplary configuration, a surgical gown system may include a surgical gown configured to provide a microbial barrier between a medical environment and a wearer. The surgical gown may be configured to be arranged on a surgical helmet including at least two magnetic coupling members. The surgical gown may include a first material configured to be at least partially arranged on a surgical helmet. The first material may include an opening. The surgical gown may also include a transparent mask arranged in the opening of the first material. The transparent mask may include an upper portion and a lower portion. The surgical gown may also include a first coupler, which is arranged on the wearer side of the first material, and the first coupler is configured to removably engage the surgical helmet. The surgical gown may also include a first attachment element and / or a second attachment element. The first attachment element and the second attachment element may be fixed to the lower portion of the transparent mask. Each of the first attachment element and the second attachment element may include a head, the head including a distal surface and a proximal surface. Each of the first attachment element and the second attachment element may also include a column extending from the distal surface of the head. The post may include a distal portion and a proximal portion, wherein the proximal portion is configured to abut a distal surface of the head. The proximal portion may include a first size and the distal portion may include a second size, wherein the first size is greater than the second size. The head of each of the first attachment element and the second attachment element may also include a ferromagnetic material, and the proximal surface of each head may be configured to removably engage one of the magnetic coupling members on the surgical helmet.

[0009] In yet another exemplary configuration, a protective clothing system configured for use with a helmet may provide a barrier between the environment and the wearer. The helmet may include: a protrusion at least partially disposed within an alignment channel; and a chin bar. The chin bar may include at least two magnetic coupling members. The protective clothing system may also include a shell configured to be at least partially disposed on the helmet. The shell may include an opening configured to be positioned in front of the wearer's face when at least partially disposed on the helmet. The protective clothing system may also include a transparent visor disposed within the opening of the shell. The transparent visor may include an upper portion and a lower portion. The protective clothing system may also include a tab located on the wearer's side of the shell, wherein the tab includes an outer edge for aligning the shell relative to the helmet via the alignment channel of the helmet. The tab may include a first hole configured to removably engage the protrusion of the helmet to align the shell relative to the helmet. The protective clothing system may also include a first attachment element and a second attachment element, the first attachment element and the second attachment element being fixed to the lower portion of the transparent visor on opposite sides of the first hole. At least one of the first and second attachment elements at least partially comprises a ferromagnetic material and defines a coupling recess on the wearer side of the barrier. The first and second attachment elements and / or the coupling recess are configured to removably engage a magnetic coupling member on a helmet.

[0010] In yet another exemplary configuration, a protective clothing system configured for use with a helmet can provide a barrier between the environment and the wearer. The helmet may include: a protrusion at least partially arranged in an alignment channel; and a chin bar. The chin bar may include at least two magnetic coupling members. The protective clothing system may include a shell configured to be at least partially arranged on the helmet. The shell may include an opening configured to be positioned in front of the wearer's face when at least partially arranged on the helmet. The protective clothing system may also include a transparent mask arranged in the opening of the shell. The transparent mask may include a first surface and an opposite second surface and an upper portion and a lower portion. The protective clothing system may also include a tab on the wearer side of the shell, the tab having an outer edge for aligning the shell relative to the helmet via the alignment channel of the helmet. The protective clothing system may also include a first hole, the first hole being at least partially formed in the tab and configured to removably engage the protrusion of the helmet to align the shell relative to the helmet. The protective clothing system may also include a first attachment element and a second attachment element, the first attachment element and the second attachment element being fixed to the lower portion of the transparent face shield on opposite sides of the first hole of the tab. Each of the first attachment element and the second attachment element may include a retention feature that is positioned closer to the second surface of the transparent face shield than the first surface. The first attachment element and the second attachment element may partially include a ferromagnetic material and define corresponding coupling recesses on the wearer side of the barrier. The first attachment element and the second attachment element and / or the coupling recess are configured to removably engage a magnetic coupling member on a helmet.

[0011] These and other configurations, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to or by these configurations, embodiments, features and / or advantages. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Referring now to the drawings, exemplary illustrations are shown in detail. Although the drawings represent illustrative embodiments and / or exemplary configurations, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and certain features may be exaggerated to better illustrate and explain the innovative aspects of the exemplary configurations. Furthermore, the exemplary illustrations described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or otherwise limited or maintained to the precise forms and configurations shown in the drawings and disclosed in the following detailed description.

[0013] Advantages of the present disclosure will become readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first configuration of a surgical apparel system including a surgical hood and a surgical helmet, wherein the surgical helmet is shown in phantom lines.

[0015] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a surgical helmet with a surgical gown system.

[0016] Figure 3 is connected to Figure 1 A partial perspective view of a surgical garment with a chin bar of a surgical helmet shown in FIG.

[0017] Figure 4A yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a partial top view of a first configuration of a headband of a surgical gown system, wherein a surgical hood is coupled to a surgical helmet.

[0018] Figure 4B yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a partial top view of a second configuration of the headband of the surgical suit system, wherein the surgical hood is connected to the surgical helmet.

[0019] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a second configuration of a surgical suit system, the outer shell surgical suit system including a surgical hood and a surgical helmet, wherein the surgical helmet is shown in phantom lines.

[0020] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A perspective view of a surgical helmet with a surgical gown system.

[0021] Figure 7 is connected to Figure 5 A partial perspective view of a surgical gown with a chin bar of a surgical helmet shown in FIG.

[0022] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 A partial perspective view of an interior portion of a control housing of a surgical suit system including a first configuration of coupling features.

[0023] Fig. 9A yes Figure 8 A close-up cross-sectional view of a first state of a first configuration of a coupling feature.

[0024] Fig. 9B yes Figure 8 A close-up cross-sectional view of a second state of a first configuration of a coupling feature of FIG. 1 , wherein the surgical gown is coupled to a surgical helmet.

[0025] Fig. 10A yes Figure 8 A close-up cross-sectional view of a first state of a second configuration of a coupling feature.

[0026] Fig. 10B yes Figure 8 A close-up cross-sectional view of a second state of a second configuration of the coupling feature.

[0027] Fig.11 yes Figure 8 A close-up cross-sectional view of a third configuration of the coupling feature.

[0028] Fig. 12A yes Figure 8 A close-up cross-sectional view of a fourth configuration of the coupling feature.

[0029] Fig. 12B yes Figure 8 A close-up cross-sectional view of a fifth configuration of the coupling feature.

[0030] Fig.13A is a perspective view of a third configuration of a surgical apparel system including a surgical hood of a first configuration having a tab extending from a transparent face shield, wherein a surgical helmet is shown in phantom.

[0031] Fig. 13B is a perspective view of a third configuration of a surgical apparel system including an alternative configuration of a surgical hood having a second configuration of tabs separated from a transparent face shield, wherein a surgical helmet is shown in phantom.

[0032] Fig.14 yes Fig.13A and Fig. 13B A perspective view of a surgical helmet including an alignment channel and a coupling member in a chin bar.

[0033] Fig.15A yes Fig.14 A close-up perspective view of the alignment channel of a helmet.

[0034] Fig. 15B yes Fig.14 A close-up top view of the alignment channel of the helmet.

[0035] Fig.16A is in Fig.14 A perspective view of one of the coupling members in the chin bar of a helmet of FIG. 1 , including a detector positioned adjacent to the coupling member.

[0036] Fig. 16B yes Fig.16A A cross-sectional view of one of the connecting members.

[0037] Fig.17A yes Fig.14 A perspective view of a first configuration of a coupling member of a helmet.

[0038] Fig. 17B yes Fig.14 A top view of a first configuration of a coupling member of a helmet.

[0039] Fig.18A yes Fig.16AA perspective view of the front of a transparent face mask of a surgical gown system, the transparent face mask including holes for attaching an attachment element to the transparent face mask.

[0040] Fig.18B yes Fig.13A A perspective view of a rear portion of a transparent face shield of a surgical gown system, the transparent face shield including an attachment member coupled to the transparent face shield.

[0041] Fig.18C is connected to Fig.18B An enlarged view of one of the attachment members of the transparent face shield shown in .

[0042] Fig.18D is connected to Fig.13A and Fig. 13B A partial cross-sectional view of a first configuration of an attachment element for a surgical hood of a transparent mask of a surgical gown system.

[0043] Fig.19A yes Fig.13A and Fig. 13B A front view of a first configuration of an attachment element for a surgical hood of a surgical gown system.

[0044] Fig.19B yes Fig.13A and Fig. 13B A front perspective view of a first configuration of an attachment element for a surgical hood of a surgical gown system.

[0045] Fig.19C yes Fig.13A and Fig. 13B A rear perspective view of a first configuration of an attachment element for a surgical hood of a surgical gown system.

[0046] Fig. 20A is used to secure the attachment element to Fig.13A and Fig. 13B A rear perspective view of a transparent face mask retaining member of a surgical gown system.

[0047] Fig. 20B is used to secure the attachment element to Fig.13A and Fig. 13B Rear view of the transparent face mask retaining member of the surgical gown system.

[0048] Fig. 20C is used to secure the attachment element to Fig.13A and Fig. 13B A cross-sectional view of a transparent face mask retaining member of a surgical gown system.

[0049] Fig.20D is used to connect the attachment element to Fig.13A and Fig. 13B A side view of a transparent face mask retaining member of a surgical gown system.

[0050] Fig.21A yes Fig.13A A perspective view of a face mask of a surgical gown as it is positioned relative to a chin bar and top beam of a surgical helmet prior to coupling the face mask to the surgical helmet.

[0051] Fig. 21B yes Fig.13A A perspective view of a face mask of a surgical gown positioned relative to a chin bar and top beam of the surgical helmet as the face mask transitions to being coupled to a surgical helmet, wherein the surgical helmet includes a tongue positioned within an alignment channel of the top beam of the surgical helmet.

[0052] Fig. 21C is connected to the surgical helmet Fig.13A A perspective view of a face mask of a surgical gown system.

[0053] Fig.22A is connected to Figures 13A-16B The connecting member Fig.18D A partial cross-sectional view of a first configuration of an attachment member.

[0054] Fig. 22B is a schematic illustration of a detector-related magnetic field surrounding a coupling member of a surgical helmet when an attachment element is positioned adjacent to the coupling member.

[0055] Fig. 22C is a schematic diagram of a detector-related magnetic field surrounding a coupling member of a surgical helmet without an attachment element.

[0056] Fig.23A is used with Fig.13A and Fig. 13B A front view of a second configuration of the attachment element for use with a surgical hood of a surgical gown system.

[0057] Fig. 23B yes Fig.23A Front perspective view of a second configuration of the attachment element.

[0058] Fig.24A is used with Fig.13A and Fig. 13B A front view of a third configuration of the attachment element for use with a surgical hood of a surgical gown system.

[0059] Fig. 24B yes Fig.24A Front perspective view of a third configuration of the attachment element.

[0060] Fig.25A is used with Fig.13A and Fig. 13B A front view of a fourth configuration of attachment elements for use with a surgical hood of a surgical gown system.

[0061] Fig.25B yes Fig.25A Front perspective view of a fourth configuration of the attachment element.

[0062] Fig.26A is used with Fig.13A and Fig. 13B A front view of a fifth configuration of an attachment element for use with a surgical hood of a surgical gown system, the attachment element comprising a magnetic material insert.

[0063] Fig.26B yes Fig.26A Cross-sectional view of a fifth configuration of the attachment element.

[0064] Fig.27A is used with Fig.13A and Fig. 13B A front view of a sixth configuration of the attachment element for use with a surgical hood of a surgical gown system.

[0065] Fig.27B yes Fig.27A Front perspective view of a sixth configuration of the attachment element.

[0066] Fig.28A is used with Fig.13A and Fig. 13B A front view of a seventh configuration of the attachment element of a surgical gown system for use with a surgical hood.

[0067] Fig.28B yes Fig.28A Front perspective view of a seventh configuration of the attachment element.

[0068] Fig.29A is connected to Fig.13A and Fig. 13B A front perspective view of an eighth configuration of an attachment element of a portion of a mask of a surgical gown system.

[0069] Fig.29B It is a part that is connected to the mask. Fig.29A Front perspective view of an eighth configuration of the attachment element.

[0070] Fig.30 is used with Fig.13A and Fig. 13B A schematic diagram of a ninth configuration of attachment elements and coupling members for use with a surgical hood of a surgical gown system.

[0071] Fig.31 is used with Fig.13A and Fig. 13B Schematic diagram of a tenth configuration of attachment elements and connecting members for use with a surgical hood of a surgical gown system.

[0072] Fig.32 is used with Fig.13A and Fig. 13B A schematic diagram of an eleventh configuration of attachment elements and coupling members for use with a surgical hood of a surgical gown system.

[0073] Fig.33 is used with Fig.13A and Fig. 13B A schematic diagram of a twelfth configuration of attachment elements and connecting members for use with a surgical hood of a surgical gown system.

[0074] Fig.34 is a perspective view of yet another exemplary configuration of a surgical hood for use with a surgical helmet.

[0075] Fig.35 is a perspective view of a fourth configuration of a surgical gown system, the surgical gown system comprising Fig.34 A surgical hood and a surgical helmet, wherein the surgical helmet is shown in dotted lines.

[0076] Fig.36 yes Fig.35 A partially exploded view of a surgical helmet. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] During medical procedures or examinations, it is extremely important to maintain a reliable barrier between the healthcare provider and the patient to prevent the exchange and / or migration of particles or impurities. During medical and surgical procedures, healthcare providers may wear components known as surgical gown systems, such as Figure 1 The surgical clothing system 10 shown in .

[0078] Thus, the surgical gown system 10 may include a surgical gown assembly including a surgical gown 12 configured to be attached to a surgical helmet 20. The surgical gown 12 is configured to provide a barrier, such as a microbial barrier, between the wearer and the surrounding environment. The barrier formed by the surgical gown 12 may benefit both the wearer and the patient. The barrier provided by the surgical gown 12 may substantially eliminate the possibility that the wearer may come into contact with fluids or solid particles from the patient that may be generated during the surgical procedure. The barrier may substantially prevent any foreign particles emitted by the wearer during the surgical procedure from being transferred to the patient.

[0079] Reference Figure 1 The surgical gown 12 may include a surgical fabric 14 configured to cover the surgical helmet 20 and at least a portion of the wearer's head. Figure 1As shown in the drawings, the surgical gown 12 can be configured as a hood or shell. It will be understood that the hood or shell 12 refers to a surgical gown 12 that, when worn by a wearer, covers the head and may only extend a short distance below the neck. However, although not shown in the drawings, it is also contemplated that the surgical gown 12 can be configured as a toga, shirt, or jacket. It will be understood that the toga 12 refers to a surgical gown 12 that, when worn by a wearer, covers the head in the same manner as a hood and extends to at least the waist.

[0080] The surgical gown 12 can be made of any applicable surgical fabric 14 or combination of fabrics to help block and / or absorb water, debris and other contaminants. The surgical fabric 14 may include multiple layers. One such layer may be a microporous membrane that allows gas to pass through the fabric while still maintaining a microbial barrier. In some configurations, the surgical fabric 14 is a fabric that meets the ASTM F1670-98 standard for blood penetration resistance and / or the ASTM F1671-97B standard for virus penetration resistance. In a non-limiting example of surgical fabric 14, the pore size of the surgical fabric 14 of the surgical gown 12 is in the approximate range of 0.05 microns to 0.20 microns. However, other pore sizes of the surgical fabric 14 may also be envisioned.

[0081] It is further contemplated that the surgical gown 12 can be composed of a variety of different fabrics coupled to each other to define a barrier. For example, the surgical gown 12 can be primarily composed of a barrier surgical fabric 14 and a filter fabric 16. The filter fabric 16 can be more permeable and therefore more breathable than the barrier surgical fabric 14 described above. The filter fabric 16 can be located in an area where the risk of microbial particles crossing the barrier is reduced, such as above the wearer's head or near the top of the wearer's head, and is configured to facilitate air circulation through the barrier. The barrier surgical fabric 14 can be attached to the filter fabric 16 using any applicable means (e.g., bonding, sewing, welding, or a combination thereof).

[0082] like Figure 1 As shown in , the surgical gown 12 may also include a mask 18. The mask 18 portion of the surgical gown 12 allows the wearer to see through the barrier provided by the surgical gown 12. The mask 18 is generally a sheet-like structure and may have a thickness of about 1 mm or less. The mask 18 can be mounted and / or attached to an opening or cutout formed in the surgical fabric 14 of the surgical gown 12. The surgical fabric 14 can be attached to the periphery or edge of the mask 18 by stitching, snaps, hooks and loops, adhesives, welding, or a combination thereof. The mask 18 can be constructed of a transparent material such as polycarbonate. One such polycarbonate is manufactured by Sabic under the trademark LEXAN TMSold. The face mask 18 of the surgical gown 12 may also be dyed to protect the wearer's eyes from being exposed to bright light. In addition, the face mask 18 may be flexible so that the face mask 18 may be bent to accommodate different head sizes, as will be described below.

[0083] The mask 18 may also include an opening 56 near the top of the mask 18. The opening 56 may be generally rectangular in shape. Although not shown in the figures, it is also contemplated that the opening 56 may be configured as a circle, an oval, a square, or any similar polygonal shape. The opening 56 may also be generally centered between the opposing ends of the mask 18 and serve as an alignment element and / or centering feature. In addition, the opening 56 may be positioned on the mask 18 above the attachment point for attaching the surgical fabric 14 to the mask 18 to ensure that the surgical fabric 14 covers the opening 56 to maintain the barrier provided by the surgical gown 12 between the wearer and the environment. For example, if Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 8 , the surgical fabric 14 of the surgical gown 12 is attached to the top of the mask 18 at a location below the opening 56 of the mask 18 .

[0084] The surgical gown 12 may also include one or more attachment elements 58 positioned around the surgical gown 12. The attachment elements 58 may also be referred to as garment fasteners or second members. The attachment elements 58 are configured to releasably secure the surgical gown 12 to the surgical helmet 20. The attachment elements 58 may take any suitable form and may include metal studs, rivets, buttons, magnets, hooks and loops, snaps, or similar types of fasteners alone or in combination. Figure 1 , the attachment element 58 can be mounted to the mask 18 of the surgical gown 12 so as to extend inwardly from the wearer side of the mask 18. Although not shown in the figures, it is also contemplated that the attachment element 58 can be positioned at any other location or position around the surgical gown 12, including being mounted to the barrier surgical fabric 14 and / or the filtering fabric 16. The attachment element 58 can be mounted to the mask 18 and / or one or more fabrics 14 / 16 via adhesives, rivets, snaps, similar mounting devices, or combinations thereof.

[0085] Reference again Figure 1 and Figure 2 , describes in detail an exemplary configuration of a surgical gown system 10. The system may include a surgical gown 12 and a surgical helmet 20. The surgical gown 12 may be configured as a hood or toga to be placed over the surgical helmet 20. Figure 1In the hood configuration shown in , the surgical gown 12 can be positioned on the surgical helmet 20 and configured to surround the surgical helmet 20, and accordingly surround the head of the person wearing the surgical gown system 10, thereby covering the face and back of the head of the wearer. Alternatively, if the surgical gown 12 is configured as a toga, the toga can be positioned on the surgical helmet 20 and configured to surround the surgical helmet 20, and accordingly surround the head, arms, shoulders and torso of the person wearing the surgical gown system 10. In order to place the surgical gown 12 on the surgical helmet 20, the surgical gown 12 will generally be turned inside out when the face mask 18 is aligned and secured to the surgical helmet 20 in the manner described below. Once the face mask 18 is positioned relative to the surgical helmet 20, the remainder of the surgical fabric 14 is generally pulled over the head of the wearer to cover the exposed parts of the surgical helmet 20 and the head of the wearer.

[0086] Reference Figure 2 , shows an exemplary configuration of a surgical helmet 20 that may be used as part of a surgical apparel system 10. Figure 2 The surgical helmet 20 in the embodiment includes a headband 22. The headband 22 can be configured to wrap around the wearer's head and support the surgical helmet 20. The headband 22 can be made of a generally flexible or pliable material so that the headband 22 can conform to the general shape of the wearer's head. The headband 22 can include a headband control assembly 38 configured to adjust the size / shape of the headband 22. The headband control assembly 38 can include a control member 39 that can be manipulated by the wearer to adjust the size of the headband 22. For example, as Figure 2 As shown in , the control member 39 may include a rotatable knob or lever. When the wearer rotates the control member 39 in one direction, the headband control assembly 38 may be configured to shorten the size (i.e., circumference) of the headband 22. Alternatively, when the wearer rotates the control member 39 in the opposite direction, the headband control assembly 38 may be configured to increase the size (i.e., circumference) of the headband 22. This allows the headband 22 of the surgical helmet 20 to be adjusted and / or customized to fit securely on the head of a particular individual, regardless of the size and / or shape of the individual's head.

[0087] The surgical helmet 20 also includes a shell 32 supported by and positioned on the headband 22. The shell 32 can be configured in an arcuate shape to fit over the head of an individual wearing the personal protection system 10. Other helmet designs are contemplated. Many portions of the shell 32 can be formed to define a void or open interior space. For example, the shell 32 can include a central void. The central void can be positioned toward the rear of the shell 32. An air inlet or hole can be present in the top of the shell 32 to provide a passage to the central void. The shell 32 can also include additional voids, such as a front void near the front of the shell 32 and a rear void near the rear of the shell 32. The additional voids can be configured to form a duct-like structure or passage within the shell 32. The additional voids can even be interconnected to the central void.

[0088] The surgical helmet 20 may include one or more electric peripheral devices 30, including but not limited to ventilation components, lights, cameras, microphones or other communication devices, cooling devices or combinations thereof. These devices can be mounted and / or attached to a variety of positions and orientations relative to the surgical helmet 20. Each peripheral device 30 can be configured to receive instructions that affect the operating state of the corresponding peripheral device. For example, each peripheral device 30 can receive an open / close instruction. Alternatively, the peripheral device 30 can receive instructions to change one or more settings of the peripheral device 30. This configuration allows the wearer of the surgical helmet 20 to control the operating state of a variety of peripheral devices 30 during surgery. In a specific example, when the peripheral device is a ventilation component 30, the ventilation component 30 can be configured to receive a variety of instructions to control the actuation of the fan in the ventilation component 30 and / or adjust the speed of the fan. Alternatively, when the peripheral device is a cooling device 30, the cooling device 30 can be configured to receive instructions to control the intensity of the cooling output provided by the cooling belt. When the peripheral device is a microphone 30, the microphone 30 can be configured to receive instructions to control the volume of the audible signal generated by the microphone. When the peripheral device is a lamp 30 , the lamp 30 may be configured to receive instructions to control the direction and / or intensity of the emitted light. Of course, the peripheral device 30 may be configured to respond to other types of instructions that control the operation of the peripheral device 30 .

[0089] Wearing the surgical gown system 10 including the surgical gown 12 on the wearer's head inevitably leads to the accumulation of carbon dioxide and the temperature inside the surgical gown 12 increases due to the normal breathing of the wearer. The temperature increase under the surgical gown 12 can also cause water vapor to accumulate on the wearer and / or the mask 18, resulting in the wearer's vision being blocked. In order to prevent these adverse effects, the surgical helmet 20 of the surgical gown system 10 can be configured to attach and / or include one or more of the above-mentioned peripheral devices 30, such as ventilation components, cooling devices, etc. Certain features of the surgical helmet 20, peripheral device 30, and surgical gown 12 may be found in one or more of the following U.S. Patents, which are incorporated herein by reference: 6,481,019; 6,622,311; 6,973,677; 7,735,156; 7,752,682; 8,234,722; 8,282,234; 8,407,818; 8,819,869; and 9,173,437.

[0090] Figure 2 The ventilation assembly 30 shown in FIG. 1 is an example of a peripheral device 30 that can be incorporated into the surgical helmet 20 of the surgical gown system 10. Although the ventilation assembly 30 is shown as an integral part of the surgical helmet 20, it should be understood that each of the other peripheral devices 30 described above can be an integral part of the surgical helmet 20 or can be removably coupled to the surgical helmet 20. Figure 2 The surgical helmet 20 shown in the figure includes a ventilation assembly 30 positioned in the central void of the shell 32. The ventilation assembly 30 may include fan blades, impellers, propellers, fan impellers, or similar blade mechanisms configured to cause air movement. The blades may be coupled to a motor that is configured to rotate the blades when powered by a power source. When the blades are actuated, the ventilation assembly 30 is configured to draw air into the central void of the shell 32 through an air inlet in the top of the shell 32. Additional voids of the shell 32 may be connected to the central void and used as ducts for dispersing the air drawn into the central void.

[0091] An exemplary ventilation assembly 30 may include a front bellows 36 extending forward from a front void in the front of the shell 32 and connected to a front nozzle 40. The front nozzle 40 may be mounted to the front of the headband 22. The ventilation assembly 30 may also include a rear bellows 34 extending from a rear void in the rear of the shell 32 to a rear nozzle (not shown). The rear nozzle may be mounted to the rear of the headband 22. When the ventilation assembly 30 of the surgical helmet 20 is actuated, the fan draws air through the surgical gown 12 into the opening in the top of the shell 32 and disperses the air outward through the additional void. For example, the ventilation assembly 30 may be configured to draw air through the filter fabric 16 of the surgical gown 12. The air is then discharged through the front bellows 36 and the rear bellows 34, respectively. The air flowing through the front bellows 36 is discharged through the front nozzle 40 located in front of the wearer's face. The air discharged through the front nozzle 40 can be discharged on the mask 18 and / or the wearer's face. The air flowing through the rear bellows 34 is discharged through the rear nozzle. The rear nozzle is positioned to open below the headband 22. The air discharged from the rear nozzle can be discharged behind the wearer's neck.

[0092] The front nozzle 40 of the surgical helmet 20 may include a block 42. The block 42 is the portion of the front nozzle 40 that is mounted to the headband 22 or to a component of the surgical helmet 20 that is integral with the headband 22. In the illustrated form of the system 10, the block 42 is mounted on a strap 44 that is part of the headband 22.

[0093] The front nozzle 40 may also be configured to include a protrusion 46. The protrusion 46 protrudes upward from the front edge of the front nozzle 40. Figure 2 As seen in FIG. 4 , the protrusion 46 protrudes outwardly from the top surface of the front nozzle 40. As will be described in detail below, the protrusion 46 can be used to attach and / or secure the surgical gown 12 to the surgical helmet 20. In other configurations, the protrusion 46 can extend other portions of the surgical helmet 20, such as the top beam 29 of the face frame or the outer shell 32 of the surgical helmet 20.

[0094] The surgical helmet 20 may include a chin bar 24 extending downward from the front of the headband 22. The chin bar 24 may include a first post 26A and a second post 26B. Each of the first post 26A and the second post 26B may include a first end 27A, 27B coupled to opposite sides of the strap 44 of the headband 22. The first post 26A and the second post 26B may be configured to be coupled to the headband 22 via the first ends 27A, 27B and extend from opposite sides of the headband 22. The chin bar 24 may be constructed of a generally flexible or pliable material.

[0095] The beam 28 extends between the opposing free ends of the posts 26A, 26B. The chin bar 24 is formed so that the beam 28 is located below and slightly forward of the chin of a person wearing the surgical helmet 20. The beam 28 may be bent outwardly from the free ends of the posts 26A, 26B. The chin bar 24 may extend outwardly from the headband 22 so that when the surgical helmet 20 is secured to the wearer's head, the chin bar 24 is positioned in front of and generally surrounds the wearer's face.

[0096] A plurality of coupling members 48 (e.g., magnets, hooks and loops, metal rivets, snaps, or similar types of fasteners) may be mounted to the chin bar 24 and configured to align and / or attach to the face mask 18 of the surgical gown 12. Each coupling member 48 may be positioned on the chin bar 24 proximate opposing free ends of the posts 26A, 26B and / or proximate opposing ends of the beam 28. Alternatively, the coupling members 48 of the surgical helmet 20 may be arranged or configured in any suitable manner to mate with complementary attachment elements 58 of the face mask 18, as described above, to releasably secure the surgical gown 12 to the surgical helmet 20. For example, the protrusion 46 extending from the front nozzle 40 may be replaced with the coupling member 48 configured to mate with the complementary attachment element 58 on the surgical gown 12.

[0097] As mentioned above, now refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one configuration of the system 10, the mask 18 may include an opening 56 near the top edge of the mask 18. The opening 56 in the mask 18 may be configured to receive a protrusion 46 protruding from the front nozzle 40 of the surgical helmet 20 or from another portion of the surgical helmet. The opening 56 and the protrusion 46 may be configured to releasably secure the mask 18 and / or the surgical gown 12 to the surgical helmet 20. In addition, the opening 56 and the protrusion 46 may serve as an alignment feature configured to align the mask with the surgical helmet 20 so that when the system 10 is worn, the mask 18 will be positioned in front of the wearer's face. Although not shown in the figures, it should be understood that it is contemplated that the mask 18 may include additional openings 56, and the surgical helmet 20 may be configured to include additional protrusions 46 correspondingly arranged relative to the opening 56 of the mask 18. For example, the plurality of protrusions 46 may extend from the headband 22 and / or the front nozzle 40 , and the mask 18 may be configured to include complementary openings 56 that releasably engage the plurality of protrusions 46 when the surgical gown 12 is attached to the surgical helmet 20 .

[0098] Additionally, as described above, the mask 18 and / or surgical fabric 14 may include a plurality of attachment elements 58 disposed about the surgical gown 12. Figure 1 and Figure 3In the exemplary configuration of the surgical gown 12 shown in , the attachment elements 58 of the surgical gown 12 can be arranged and / or positioned on the mask 18 so that when the protrusions 46 of the surgical helmet 20 are placed in the openings 56 of the mask 18 and the mask 18 is bent around the chin bar 24 and the straps 44 of the headband 22, each mask attachment element 58 will abut and latch to a complementary magnet or other suitable coupling member 48 on the surgical helmet 20. Figure 1 The exemplary configuration of the system 10 shown in FIG. Figure 3 18 and chin bar 24, the surgical gown 12 includes an opening 56 near the top of the mask 18, and a plurality of attachment elements 58 are positioned around the periphery of the mask 18. The attachment elements 58 can be spaced around the periphery of the mask 18 to matingly engage the complementary magnets 48 on the chin bar 24 of the surgical helmet 20. Although the surgical gown 12 shown in the figures includes the opening 56, it is further contemplated that the opening 56 is not required in certain configurations. Alternatively, the attachment elements 58 can also be configured to couple and / or align the mask 18 with the surgical helmet 20.

[0099] In operation, once the opening 56 in the mask 18 is positioned over the protrusion 46 of the surgical helmet 20, the mask 18 may then be bent about the surgical helmet 20 and / or the chin bar 24 to matingly engage the attachment elements 58 spaced about the periphery of the mask 18 with the complementary coupling members 48 on the chin bar 24 of the surgical helmet 20. The size of the mask 18 and the spacing and / or position of the attachment elements 58 on the surgical gown 12 may be varied to change the curvature and / or shape of the mask 18 when attached to the surgical helmet 20. For example, the attachment elements 58 on the surgical gown 12 may be spaced closer together so as to reduce the curvature of the mask 18 when the mask 18 is attached to the surgical helmet 20. Alternatively, the attachment elements 58 on the surgical gown 12 may be spaced farther apart so as to increase the curvature of the mask 18 when the mask 18 is attached to the surgical helmet 20. Additionally, as shown in FIG. Figure 3As shown in the figure, the coupling member 48 of the chin bar 24 can be part of a protrusion 47 that is configured to space the mask 18 from the chin bar 24 and / or the surgical helmet 20 by a defined distance. The size of the protrusion 47 can also be adapted to manipulate the curvature or arc of the mask 18. Changing the curvature of the mask 18 can help reduce glare or provide an expanded / reduced peripheral field of view through the mask 18. Although not shown in the figures, it should be understood that alternative configurations for securing the surgical gown 12 and / or the mask 18 to the surgical helmet 20 are further contemplated. For example, in an alternative configuration, the mask 18 may not include a rectangular opening 56, but rather only include a plurality of attachment elements 58 (e.g., rivets or magnets) that are spaced around the mask 18 and / or the surgical gown 12 and are configured to couple to complementary magnets or similar coupling members 48 spaced around the surgical helmet 20. For example, complementary magnets or similar coupling members 48 may be secured to the shell 32, headband 22, and / or chin bar 24. The surgical gown 12 and surgical helmet 20 of the surgical gown system 10 described above are typically removably coupled to allow disposal of the surgical gown 12 and reuse of the surgical helmet 20 after surgery or examination.

[0100] Reference Figure 4A and Figure 4B , illustrating exemplary configurations of the system 10 including different mask 18 curvatures. Figure 4A and Figure 4B 4 and 5. Each shows a top cross-sectional view of a portion of a surgical helmet 20, which includes a headband 22, a strap 44, a headband control assembly 38, a headband control member 39, a first end 27A, 27B of the posts 26A, 26B of the chin bar 24, and a protrusion 47 extending from the first end 27A, 27B. Coupled to the headband 22 at the first ends 27A, 27B of the posts 26A, 26B is the mask 18. Because the posts 26A, 26B are coupled to the headband 22 rather than the shell 32, and because the headband 22 can have a variety of shapes and sizes, the contour and / or curvature of the mask 18 on the hood can change as the headband 22 is adjusted. This 'dynamic' adjustment can improve the usability of the mask 18. For example, it can adapt the contour and / or curvature of the mask 18 to be more optimally positioned relative to the wearer's face. Although not shown in the drawings, it is also contemplated that the mask may include a series of attachment elements 58 extending over the top of the mask 18 that are configured to couple the mask 18 to the headband 22 and / or strap 44. In this configuration, the headband 22 and / or strap may include a series of fasteners or coupling members that are configured to couple with the series of attachment elements 58 on the mask 18. This configuration would again allow the contour of the mask 18 to be changed when the headband 22 is adjusted.

[0101] Figure 4A and Figure 4BThe diagram of FIG. 1 may illustrate the concept of a dynamic curvature mask in a useful manner, but should not be construed as limiting in any way, i.e., the headband 22 and mask 18 may be understood to operate in a manner other than as follows. Figure 4A and Figure 4B 2 shows a central axis M1 that bisects the headband 22 and the mask 18 of the surgical helmet 20. A central point C is positioned along the central axis M1 near the center of the generally circular or elliptical headband 22. A second line may be configured to extend between the central point C and an intersection point P that is positioned near the intersection of the mask 18 and the protrusions 47 of the first ends 27A, 27B of the chin bar 24.

[0102] Reference Figure 4A , the headband control member 39 of the headband control assembly 38 can be set in a first position to define a first circumference and / or shape of the headband 22, and a second line extending between the center point C and the intersection point P is at a first angle θ1 with the central axis M1. Figure 4B , the control member 39 of the headband control assembly 38 can be set in a second position to define a second circumference and / or shape of the headband 22, which is greater than or less than the first circumference and / or shape. The second line extending between the center point C and the intersection point P is at a second angle θ2 with the central axis M1. Assuming that the size (i.e., circumference) of the headband 22 is increased or decreased by manipulating the control member 39 of the headband control assembly 38 to fit the head of a specific wearer, and the length of the mask 18 is generally unchanged, the curvature / curvature of the mask 18 is manipulated by changing the size and / or shape of the headband 22. For example, if the size and / or circumference of the headband 22 is reduced, the intersection angle θ will likely increase, which may reduce the radius of the curvature of the mask 18 and / or generally increase the curvature and / or curvature of the mask 18. Alternatively, if the circumference of the headband 22 is increased, the intersection angle θ will likely decrease, which in some cases may increase the radius of the curvature of the mask 18 and / or generally flatten the curvature of the mask 18. Thus, the arc and / or curvature of the mask 18 is dynamic and is defined at least in part by the size and / or shape of the headband 22. As described above, the chin bar 24 may be generally made of a flexible and / or pliable material to allow components of the chin bar 24 to flex, bend, twist, and / or rotate as desired in response to changes in the size and / or shape of the headband 22.

[0103] The curvature and / or arc of the mask 18 may also be modified or adapted by the size and / or shape of the one or more attachment elements 58 of the mask 18 and / or the corresponding one or more coupling members 48 of the surgical helmet 20 .

[0104] Reference Figure 5, showing an alternative configuration of a surgical gown system 110. It should be understood that various configurations of the surgical gown system 110 may include similar elements, which may be identified by reference numerals increased by 100. It should be understood that those elements including reference numerals increased by 100 may have the same features as described above. The surgical gown system 110 may include a surgical gown assembly, which includes a surgical gown 112 configured to be attached to a surgical helmet 120. As described above, the surgical gown 112 may be configured to provide a barrier (e.g., a microbial barrier) between the wearer and the surrounding environment. The barrier formed by the surgical gown 112 may benefit both the wearer and the patient. The barrier provided by the surgical gown 112 may substantially eliminate the possibility that the wearer may come into contact with fluids or solid particles from the patient that may be generated during the surgical procedure. The barrier may substantially prevent any foreign particles emitted by the wearer during the surgical procedure from being transferred to the patient.

[0105] Reference Figure 5 , the surgical gown 112 may include a fabric 114 configured to cover at least a portion of the surgical helmet 120 and the wearer's head. As described above with reference to the first configuration of the surgical gown system 10, the surgical gown 112 may be configured as a hood, a toga, or other similar medical garment. The surgical gown 112 may also include a mask 118 and one or more attachment elements 158 disposed around the surgical gown 112. The attachment element 158 ​​may also be referred to as a second member. The attachment element 158 ​​may be configured to serve as an alignment element and / or a centering feature. In addition, the attachment element 158 ​​may be positioned on the mask 118 above the attachment point where the fabric 114 is attached to the mask 118 to ensure that the fabric 114 covers the attachment element 158 ​​so as to maintain the barrier provided by the surgical gown 112 between the wearer and the environment. The attachment element 158 ​​may be configured to be composed of one of a ferromagnetic material or a magnetic material. It should be appreciated that the surgical garment 112 and all of its components may be similarly configured and / or have the features described above with reference to the surgical garment 12 described above.

[0106] Reference again Figure 5 and Figure 6 , describes in detail an exemplary configuration of a surgical gown system 110. The system 110 may include a surgical gown 112 and a surgical helmet 120. Similar to the above-described system 10, Figure 5 and Figure 6 The configuration of system 110 shown in FIG. 1 may include one or more peripheral devices (eg, ventilation components).

[0107] Figure 6The ventilation assembly 130 shown in FIG. 1 is an example of a peripheral device 130 that can be incorporated into a surgical helmet 120 of a surgical gown system 110. Although the ventilation assembly 130 is shown as an integral part of the surgical helmet 120, it should be understood that each of the other peripheral devices 130 described above can be an integral part of the surgical helmet 120 or can be removably coupled to the surgical helmet 120. Figure 6 The surgical helmet 120 shown in FIG. 1 includes a ventilation assembly 130 positioned in a central void of a housing 132. The ventilation assembly 130 may include fan blades, impellers, propellers, fan impellers, or similar blade mechanisms configured to cause air movement. The blades may be coupled to a motor configured to rotate the blades when powered by a power source. When the blades are actuated, the ventilation assembly 130 is configured to draw air into the central void of the housing 132 through an air inlet in the top of the housing 132. Additional voids of the housing 132 may be connected to the central void and used as ducts for dispersing the air drawn into the central void.

[0108] An exemplary ventilation assembly 130 may include a front bellows 136 extending forward from a front void in the front of the shell 132 and connected to a front nozzle (not shown). The front nozzle may be mounted to the front of the headband 122. The ventilation assembly 130 may also include a rear bellows 134 extending from a rear void in the rear of the shell 132 to a rear nozzle (not shown). The rear nozzle may be mounted to the rear of the headband 122. When the ventilation assembly 130 of the surgical helmet 120 is actuated, the fan draws air into an opening in the top of the shell 132 through the surgical gown 112 and disperses the air outward through the additional void. For example, the ventilation assembly 130 may be configured to draw air through the filter fabric 116 of the surgical gown 112. Then, the air is discharged through the front bellows 136 and the rear bellows 134, respectively.

[0109] The surgical helmet 120 may also include a control housing 150 that may be positioned on the front surface of the helmet 20 and, as shown, coupled to the front bellows 136 in a manner opposite the ventilation assembly 130. It is also contemplated that the control housing 150 may be positioned on or within the chin bar 124. For example, the control housing 150 may be positioned within the chin bar 124 relative to one or more coupling members 148. The control housing 150 may include a coupling feature 146 configured to engage with at least one of the attachment elements 158. The coupling feature 146 may also be referred to as a helmet coupler because the coupling feature 146 may generally be configured to couple and / or attach an item such as a surgical gown 112 to the surgical helmet 120. The control housing 150 may be coupled to a top beam 129 that extends across the front of the surgical helmet 120 from opposite sides of the control housing 150.

[0110] The surgical helmet 120 may include a chin bar 124 extending downward from the front of the surgical helmet 120. The chin bar 124 may include a first column 126A and a second column 126B. Each of the first column 126A and the second column 126B may include a first end 127A, 127B coupled to opposite sides of the surgical helmet 120. The first column 126A and the second column 126B may be configured to be coupled to and extend from opposite sides of the surgical helmet 120 via a top beam 129 extending from the control housing 150 via the first ends 127A, 127B. For example, as Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first ends 127A, 127B may be connected to opposite ends of the top beam 129 extending from the control housing 150. The chin bar 124 may be made of a generally flexible or pliable material.

[0111] A bottom beam 128 may extend between the opposing free ends of the posts 126A, 126B of the chin bar 124. The chin bar 124 may be formed so that the bottom beam 128 is located below and slightly forward of the chin of a person wearing the surgical helmet 120. The bottom beam 128 may curve outward from the free ends of the posts 126A, 126B. The chin bar 124 may extend outward from the top beam 129 so that when the surgical helmet 120 is secured to the wearer's head, the chin bar 124 is positioned in front of and generally surrounds the wearer's face.

[0112] A plurality of coupling members 148 (e.g., magnets, hooks and loops, metal rivets, snaps, or similar types of fasteners) may be mounted to the chin bar 124 and configured to align and / or attach to the face mask 118 of the surgical gown 112. Each coupling member 148 may be positioned on the chin bar 124 proximate opposing free ends of the posts 126A, 126B and / or adjacent opposing ends of the base beam 128. Alternatively, the coupling members 148 of the surgical helmet 120 may be arranged or configured in any suitable manner to cooperate with the complementary attachment elements 158 of the face mask 118, as described above, to releasably secure the surgical gown 112 to the surgical helmet 120.

[0113] Reference Figure 7 , shows a partial perspective view of a surgical gown 112 coupled to a chin bar 124 and a control housing 150 of a surgical helmet 120. The surgical gown 112 includes a plurality of attachment elements 158 positioned around the periphery of the mask 118. For example, Figure 7 , the mask 118 includes a pair of attachment elements 158 positioned on opposite ends of the lower portion of the mask 118, and each attachment element is configured to couple with a corresponding coupling member 148 on the chin bar 124. The mask 118 also includes an attachment element 158 ​​positioned near the center of the top portion of the mask 118 and configured to couple with the coupling feature 146 of the control housing 150.

[0114] Reference Figure 8 , showing Figure 5 and Figure 6 1 is a partial perspective view of an interior portion of a control housing 150 of a surgical gown system 110. At least partially disposed within the control housing 150 is a portion of the coupling feature 146 of the surgical helmet 120. Figure 8 150, but additional components of the surgical helmet 120 and the peripheral device 130 may be at least partially disposed within or mounted to the control housing 150. For example, a light may be mounted to an outer surface of the control housing 150 or another portion of the surgical helmet 120. Storage devices, circuit boards, or other electronic components used in the operation of the surgical helmet 120 and / or the peripheral device 130 may also be at least partially disposed within the control housing 150.

[0115] Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B Each of the drawings is a close-up cross-sectional view of a first configuration of the coupling feature 146. More specifically, Fig. 9A A cross-sectional view of a first configuration of the coupling feature is shown in a first state (ie, when the attachment element 158 ​​of the surgical gown 112 is not coupled to the coupling feature 146 of the surgical helmet 120). Alternatively, Fig. 9BA cross-sectional view of the first configuration of the coupling feature 146 is shown in the second state (ie, when the surgical garment 112 is coupled to the coupling feature 146 ).

[0116] The first configuration of the coupling feature 146 may include a distal surface 147 configured to removably engage an attachment element 158 ​​of the surgical gown 112. The distal surface 147 may be configured to have a variety of shapes that are configured to at least partially engage a corresponding attachment element 158 ​​of the surgical gown 112. For example, the distal surface 147 may be configured as a generally flat surface that is configured to engage an attachment element 158 ​​of the surgical gown 112 that includes a flat rivet. Alternatively, the distal surface 147 may be curved, arcuate, rounded, and / or hemispherical and configured to matingly engage a complementarily shaped attachment element 158. Although Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B The distal surface 147 shown in FIG. 1 is generally formed as a concave or inwardly directed hemispherical shape, but it is also contemplated that the distal surface 147 can be formed as a convex or outwardly protruding hemispherical, semi-cylindrical, or other similar shape. For example, the distal surface 147 can be curved, arched, or rounded in a manner that protrudes outwardly from the outer surface of the control housing 150 to form a convex distal surface 147. The corresponding attachment element 158 ​​of the surgical gown 112 may include a concave surface that is configured to matingly engage the convex distal surface 147 of the engagement feature 146.

[0117] The helmet may include a shell 152 configured to define a void space. The shell 152 may be generally configured to be cylindrical or tubular. Alternatively, the shell 152 may be generally configured to be rectangular or similarly polygonal. Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B As shown in , the housing 152 is generally configured in a cylindrical shape, wherein the distal surface 147 forms a portion of the distal end of the housing 152 .

[0118] The void space defined by the housing 152 may be divided into one or more regions. Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B As shown in FIG. 1 , the shell 152 may be divided by a first line 160 to define a first region 162 and a second region 164 of void space. The first region 162 may be positioned on one side of the first line 160 such that the first region 162 is generally located proximal to the surgical helmet 120 and away from the distal surface 147. In contrast, the second region 164 may be positioned on one side of the first line 160 such that the second region 164 is generally located distal to the surgical helmet 120 and proximal relative to the distal surface 147.

[0119] The coupling feature 146 disposed at least partially within the control housing 150 of the surgical helmet 120 may also include a first member 154 movably disposed within the housing 152. The first member 154 may be configured to move within the void space defined by the housing 152. For example, the first member 154 and the housing 152 may be configured such that the first member 154 may move between a first region 162 and a second region 164 of the void space defined by the housing 152. The first member 154 may be comprised of one of a ferromagnetic material or a magnetic material, and the attachment element 158 ​​may be comprised of another of a ferromagnetic material or a magnetic material. For example, the first member 154 may include a magnetic material, and the attachment element 158 ​​may include a ferromagnetic material. Alternatively, the first member 154 may include a ferromagnetic material, and the attachment element 158 ​​may include a magnetic material. In either configuration, the first member 154 and the attachment element 158 ​​can be configured such that the attachment element 158 ​​and the first member 154 can be magnetically attracted to each other when the attachment element 158 ​​is positioned proximate to the distal surface 147. For example, when the attachment element 158 ​​is positioned proximate to the distal surface 147 of the coupling feature 146, the magnetic force between the first member 154 and the attachment element 158 ​​can be used to attach and / or couple the surgical gown 112 to the surgical helmet 120.

[0120] The first member 154 and the housing 152 can be sized and / or shaped to allow the first member to slidably move within the housing 152. For example, Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B As shown in , the first member 154 can be shaped like a circular or polygonal disk that is configured to match the shape defined by the lateral surfaces of the housing 152. The first member 154 can also include opposite forward and rearward surfaces. For example, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B As shown in the figure, the opposite forward and rearward surfaces are flat. Alternatively, although not shown in the figure, the opposite forward and rearward surfaces of the first member 154 may correspond to the distal surface 147 of the cover 152. For example, the forward surface of the first member 154 may be concave or hemispherical to correspond to the shape of the distal surface 147. The rearward surface of the first member 154 may be flat. Alternatively, if the distal surface 147 is convex, the forward surface of the first member 154 may be convex or hemispherical to correspond to the shape of the distal surface 147. The rearward surface of the first member 154 may be flat.

[0121] The coupling feature 146 may also include a detector 170 (e.g., a mechanical switch) that is at least partially disposed within the void space defined by the housing 152 and positioned proximate the first region 162. Alternatively, the detector 170 may be positioned proximate the second region 164. It is further contemplated that the detector 170 may be positioned proximate and / or outside of the boundary defined by the housing 152. The detector 170 may also include a switching member 172 that is movable between a first position and a second position. Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B , the switching member 172 is configured to extend through a surface of the housing 152 opposite the distal surface 147. In this configuration, the switching member 172 can be configured to move proximally and distally relative to the distal surface 172 and generally parallel to the longitudinal axis defined by the switching member 172. Although not shown in the figures, it is contemplated that the detector 170 can be positioned adjacent to the lateral surface of the housing 152. In this configuration, the switching member 172 can be configured to extend through the lateral surface of the housing 152 so that the switching member 172 is at least partially disposed within the housing 152, and the detector 170 can be positioned outside the boundary defined by the housing 152. The detector 170 can be positioned adjacent to the lateral surface so that the switching member 172 is at least partially disposed within the first region 162 or the second region 164 of the void space defined by the housing 152. In this configuration, the switching member 172 can be configured to move proximally and distally relative to the distal surface 147 and generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis defined by the switching member 172. The detector 170 can also include a biasing member (e.g., a spring) configured to move and / or maintain the switching member 172 in the second position without applying an additional force to the switching member 172. The detector 170 can be configured to detect the position of the switching member 172 and output a signal based at least in part on the position of the switching member 172.

[0122] In operation, the first member 154 can be configured to operatively and / or slidingly engage the switching member 172 of the detector 170 to move the switching member 172 between the first position and the second position. Fig. 9A As shown in , when the first member 154 is in the first region 162 of the void space, the first member 154 can be configured to engage the switching member 172 and overcome the force of the biasing member to move and / or maintain the switching member 172 in the first position. Fig. 9B, when the first member 154 is in the second region 164 of the void space, the first member 154 may be configured to disengage from the switching member 172, thereby allowing the biasing member of the switching member 172 to move and / or maintain the switching member 172 in the second position. As described above, the detector 170 may be configured to detect the position of the switching member 172 and output a signal based on whether the switching member 172 is in the first position or in the second position. In other words, the detector 170 is configured to determine whether the switching member 172 is in the first position or in the second position, which corresponds to whether the surgical gown 112 is connected to the surgical helmet 120.

[0123] The coupling feature 146 may also include a third member 156 positioned proximate to the probe 170 and / or the switching member 172. The third member 156 may be configured as a disk positioned on the distal end of the switching member 172 or as a ring to surround at least a portion of the switching member 172. Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B As shown in FIG. 1 , the third member 156 can be configured as a ring, annulus, or similar circular shape positioned adjacent to a wall or surface of the housing 152 opposite the distal surface 147. The third member 156 can surround at least a portion of the switching member 172 and / or the detector 170, or can be adjacent to the switching member 172 or the detector 170. Although Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B The third member 156 shown in is shown as being at least partially disposed within the housing 152, but it is also contemplated that the third member 156 can be positioned outside of the housing 152. In addition, the surface of the housing 152 opposite the distal surface 147 can be configured as the third member 156. For example, the surface of the housing 152 opposite the distal surface 147 can be integrally formed with the third member 156. The third member 156 can be constructed of a ferromagnetic material or another one of a magnetic material such that the third member 156 and the first member 154 can be magnetically attracted to each other. The magnetic attraction between the first member 154 and the third member 156 should provide sufficient force to overcome the biasing member of the switching member 172. For example, without applying any additional force to the first member 154, the magnetic attraction between the first member 154 and the third member 156 should be sufficient to allow the first member 154 to move and / or maintain the switching member 172 in the first position, as Fig. 9A as shown in .

[0124] In addition, the magnetic attraction between the attachment element 158 ​​and the first member 154 should be sufficient to overcome the magnetic attraction between the first member 154 and the third member 156. When the attachment element 158 ​​and the third member 156 each include ferromagnetic materials, the attachment element 158 ​​and the third member 156 can be configured to include different magnetic masses. For example, in order to make the magnetic attraction between the first member 154 and the attachment element 158 ​​greater than the magnetic attraction between the first member 154 and the third member 156, the attachment element 158 ​​can be configured to include a larger magnetic mass than the third member 156. Alternatively, when the attachment element 158 ​​and the third member 156 each include magnetic materials, the attachment element 158 ​​and the third member 156 can be configured to include magnetic fields of different strengths. For example, in order to make the magnetic attraction between the first member 154 and the attachment element 158 ​​greater than the magnetic attraction between the first member 154 and the third member 156, the attachment element 158 ​​can utilize a stronger magnetic field than the third member 156, so that the attachment element 158 ​​can pull the first member 154 away from the third member 156.

[0125] In operation, Fig. 9B As shown in , when the attachment element 158 ​​is positioned adjacent to the distal surface 147 of the coupling feature 146, the magnetic attraction force generated between the first member 154 and the attachment element 158 ​​should be sufficient to overcome the magnetic attraction force between the first member 154 and the third member 156. The magnetic attraction force between the first member 154 and the attachment element 158 ​​should overcome the magnetic attraction force between the first member 154 and the third member 156, thereby moving the first member 154 from the first region 162 of the void space to its second region 164. This should enable the switching member 172 to move from the second position to the first position, that is, to move the first member 154 and the switching member 172 from Fig. 9A The configuration shown in moves to Fig. 9B The position change is detected by the detector 170. The detector 170 can communicate with the controller 180 on the surgical helmet 120, and the controller 180 communicates with the peripheral device 130. The operation of the controller 180 will be described in detail below.

[0126] exist Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B Each of the drawings shows a close-up cross-sectional view of the second configuration of the coupling feature 246. More specifically, Fig. 10A A cross-sectional view of a second configuration of the coupling member 246 is shown in a first state (ie, when the surgical garment 112 is not coupled to the coupling feature 246). Fig. 10B A cross-sectional view of a second configuration of the coupling feature 246 is shown in the second configuration (ie, when the surgical garment 112 is coupled to the coupling feature 246 ).

[0127] The second configuration of the coupling feature 246 may include a distal surface 247 configured to removably engage an attachment element 158. The distal surface 247 may be configured in a variety of shapes that are configured to engage corresponding attachment elements 158 of the surgical gown 112. For example, the distal surface 247 may be configured as a generally flat surface that is configured to engage an attachment element 158 ​​of the surgical gown 112, including a flat rivet. Alternatively, the distal surface 247 may be curved, arcuate, rounded, and / or hemispherical and configured to fit and engage a correspondingly shaped attachment element 158. Although Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B The distal surface 247 is shown in FIG. 2 as generally formed as a concave hemispherical shape, but it is also contemplated that the distal surface 247 may be formed as a convex hemispherical shape or other similar shape.

[0128] The coupling feature 246 also includes a housing 252 configured to define a void space. The distal surface 247 may include all or a portion of at least one surface of the housing 252. The housing 252 may be generally configured as a cylinder or a tube. Alternatively, the housing 252 may be generally configured as a rectangle or similar polygon. Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B As shown in , the housing 252 is generally configured in a cylindrical shape, wherein the distal surface 247 forms a portion of the distal end of the housing 252.

[0129] The void space defined by the housing 252 may be divided into one or more regions. Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B As shown in FIG. 2 , the shell 252 may be divided by a first line 260 to define a first region 262 and a second region 264 of void space. The first region 262 may be positioned on one side of the first line 260 such that the first region 262 is generally located proximal to the surgical helmet 120 and away from the distal surface 247. In contrast, the second region 264 may be positioned on one side of the first line 260 such that the second region 264 is generally located distal to the surgical helmet 120 and close to the distal surface 247.

[0130] The coupling feature 246 positioned within the control housing 150 of the surgical helmet 120 may also include a first member 254 movably disposed within the cover 252. The first member 254 may be configured to move within the void space defined by the cover 252. The first member 254 and the cover 252 may be configured such that the first member 254 can move between a first region 262 and a second region 264 of the void space defined by the cover 252. The first member 254 may be comprised of one of a ferromagnetic material or a magnetic material, and the attachment element 158 ​​may be comprised of another of a ferromagnetic material or a magnetic material. For example, the first member 254 may include a magnetic material, and the attachment element 158 ​​may include a ferromagnetic material. Alternatively, the first member 254 may include a ferromagnetic material, and the attachment element 158 ​​may include a magnetic material. In either configuration, the first member 254 and the attachment element 158 ​​can be configured such that when the attachment element 158 ​​is positioned proximate to the distal surface 247, the attachment element 158 ​​and the first member 254 can be magnetically attracted to each other. For example, when the attachment element 158 ​​is positioned proximate to the distal surface 247 of the coupling feature 246, the magnetic force between the first member 254 and the attachment element 158 ​​can be used to attach and / or couple the surgical gown 112 to the surgical helmet 120. The first member 254 can be sized and / or shaped in a manner similar to that described above with reference to the first member 154.

[0131] The coupling feature 246 may also include a third member 256 that is positioned proximate to a surface of the housing 252 that is opposite the distal surface 247. For example, the surface of the housing 252 that is opposite the distal surface 247 may be integrally formed with the third member 256. Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B The third member 256 shown in is shown as being at least partially disposed within the housing 252, but it is also contemplated that the third member 256 can be positioned outside of the housing 252. The third member 256 can be constructed of a ferromagnetic material or another of a magnetic material such that the third member 256 and the first member 254 can be magnetically attracted to each other. The magnetic attraction between the first member 254 and the third member 256 should provide sufficient force to move and / or retain the first member 254 in the first region 262 of the void space without applying additional force to the first member 254. For example, without applying additional force to the first member 254, the attraction between the first member 254 and the third member 256 should retain the first member 254 in the first region 262 of the void space, as shown in FIG. Fig. 10A as shown in .

[0132] Alternatively, the magnetic attraction between the attachment element 158 ​​and the first member 254 should be sufficient to overcome the magnetic attraction between the first member 254 and the third member 256. When the attachment element 158 ​​and the third member 256 each include ferromagnetic materials, the attachment element 158 ​​and the third member 256 can be configured to include different magnetic masses. For example, in order to make the magnetic attraction between the first member 254 and the attachment element 158 ​​greater than the magnetic attraction between the first member 254 and the third member 256, the attachment element 158 ​​can be configured to include a larger magnetic mass than the third member 256. Alternatively, when the attachment element 158 ​​and the third member 256 each include magnetic materials, the attachment element 158 ​​and the third member 256 can be configured to include different magnetic fields. For example, in order to make the magnetic attraction between the first member 254 and the attachment element 158 ​​greater than the magnetic attraction between the first member 254 and the third member 256, the attachment element 158 ​​can exhibit a stronger magnetic field than the third member 256.

[0133] In operation, Fig. 10B , when the attachment element 158 ​​is positioned adjacent to the distal surface 247 of the coupling feature 246, the magnetic attraction force generated between the first member 254 and the attachment element 158 ​​should be sufficient to overcome the magnetic attraction force between the first member 254 and the third member 256. When positioned adjacent to the distal surface 247, the magnetic attraction force between the first member 254 and the attachment element 158 ​​should overcome the magnetic attraction force between the first member 254 and the attachment element 158, thereby moving the first member 254 from the first region 262 to the second region 264 of the void space.

[0134] The coupling feature 246 may also include a detector 270 that is positioned adjacent to the housing 252 and is configured to detect the position of the first member 254. For example, the detector 270 may include a near-field detector, a radar, an optical sensor, a Hall effect sensor, or a similar sensor. The detector 270 may be positioned near the housing 252 or positioned adjacent to the housing 252. The detector may be positioned within the housing 252 or outside the boundaries defined by the housing 252. For example, as Fig. 10A and Fig. 10BAs shown in the figure, the detector 270 can be positioned adjacent to the lateral surface of the housing 252 and adjacent to the second area 264 of the void space. Alternatively, the detector 270 can be positioned adjacent to the lateral surface of the housing 252 and adjacent to the first area 262 of the void space. It is also contemplated that the detector 270 does not need to be attached to or coupled to the housing 252. For example, the detector 270 can be radially spaced from the lateral surface of the housing 252. When the detector 270 is configured as a near-field detector (e.g., a Hall effect sensor), it is contemplated that the detector 270 can be positioned at any position within and / or near the control housing 150, which will enable the detector 270 to detect and / or identify the movement and / or position of the first member 254 within the housing 252. Although not shown in the figures, it is also contemplated that the detector 270 can be positioned adjacent to the surface of the housing 252 opposite the distal surface 247 and / or near the third member 256.

[0135] However, depending on the type of sensor used, the positioning of the detector 270 may provide operational advantages. For example, if the detector 270 is configured as a Hall effect sensor that is configured to determine whether the first member 254 is positioned in the first region 262 of the void space or in the second region 264 thereof, positioning the Hall effect sensor adjacent to the lateral surface of the housing 252 may enable the Hall effect sensor to more accurately detect whether the first member 254 is positioned in the first region 262 or in the second region 264. In an exemplary configuration of the coupling feature 246, wherein the first member 254 includes a magnetic material, a magnetic field is generated around an outer surface of the first member 254. The coupling feature 246 is configured such that at least one outer surface of the first member 254 slidably travels adjacent to the lateral surface of the housing 252. By positioning the detector 270 (i.e., the Hall effect sensor) adjacent to the lateral surface of the housing 252, the Hall effect sensor can more accurately detect subtle changes in the magnetic field around the first member 254 when the first member 254 is in the first region 262 or the second region 264. For example, the Hall effect sensor can be positioned adjacent to the lateral surface of the housing 252 near the first region 262. In this configuration, when the first member 254 is in the first region 262, the Hall effect sensor is likely to detect the magnetic field generated by the first member 254. Alternatively, the Hall effect sensor is likely to detect that when the first member 254 is in the second region 264, there is no magnetic field. Based on the presence or absence of the magnetic field, the detector can be configured to generate a signal indicating the position of the first member 254. In another example, the Hall effect sensor can be positioned adjacent to the lateral surface of the housing 252 near the second region 264. In this configuration, the Hall effect sensor is likely to detect the magnetic field generated by the first member 254 when the first member 254 is in the second region 264. Alternatively, the Hall effect sensor is likely to detect the absence of a magnetic field when the first member 254 is in the first region 262. Based on the presence or absence of a magnetic field, the detector 270 (ie, the Hall effect sensor) can again be configured to generate a signal indicative of the position of the first member 254.

[0136] In yet another configuration, as described above, the detector 270 (i.e., a Hall effect sensor) may be positioned on or near a surface of the housing 252 opposite the distal surface 247. In this configuration, where the first member 254 includes a magnetic material, the Hall effect sensor is likely to detect a magnetic field generated by the first member 254 when the first member 254 is in the first region 262. Alternatively, the Hall effect sensor is likely to detect the absence of a magnetic field when the first member 254 is in the first region 262. Based on the presence or absence of a magnetic field, the detector 270 may be configured to generate a signal indicating the position of the first member 254. In the above configuration, where the first member 254 includes a ferromagnetic material and the third member 256 includes a magnetic material, the Hall effect sensor is likely to detect a magnetic field generated by the third member 256. In this configuration, the magnetic field generated by the third member 256 may change based on the position of the first member 254 relative to the third member 256. For example, when the first member 254 is positioned in the first region 262 and close to the third member 256, the third member is likely to generate a first magnetic field. Alternatively, when the first member 254 is positioned in the second region 264 and away from the third member 256, the third member is likely to generate the second magnetic field. The detector 270 may be configured to detect whether the first magnetic field or the second magnetic field surrounds the third member 256.

[0137] In operation, the first member 254 can be configured to operatively and / or slidingly move between the first region 262 and the second region 264 of the void space. Fig. 10A As shown in , the first member 254 can be positioned in the first region 262 of the void space. Fig. 10B As shown in , the first member 254 can be positioned in the second region 264 of the void space. In the above example, the detector 270 can be configured as a near-field sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor. When the first member 254 moves between the first region 262 and the second region 264, the characteristics of the magnetic field surrounding the first member 254 may change, and the detector 270 can be configured to detect the position of the first member 254, or identify the position of the first member 254 based at least in part on the detected magnetic field.

[0138] Alternatively, the detector 270 may be configured as an optical sensor, wherein the lateral surface of the housing 252 includes a hole and / or a transparent window. The hole and / or the transparent window may be positioned in the side surface of the first region 262 or the second region 264 of the housing 252 near the void space. The optical sensor may be positioned adjacent to the housing 252 so as to align the optical sensor with the hole and / or the transparent window, thereby allowing the optical sensor to see at least a portion of the void space within the housing 252. For example, if the hole or window in the housing 252 is positioned to allow the optical sensor to observe a portion of the second region 264 of the void space, the optical sensor may be configured to detect whether the first member 254 exists in the second region 264. The optical sensor may then be configured to output a signal identifying whether the first member 254 exists in the second region 264. In some configurations, a transmitter placed relative to the optical sensor may be required. In this configuration, the transmitter may generate a signal to be received and / or detected by the optical sensor. The emitter and the optical sensor may be positioned relative to each other so that the first member 254 may be configured to suppress and / or block the signal from the emitter to the optical sensor when the first member 254 is positioned in the first area 262 or the second area 264. The optical sensor may then be configured to generate a signal based on receiving a signal from the emitter or failing to receive a signal from the emitter, the signal indicating whether the first member 254 is positioned in the first area 262 or in the second area 264. For example, the emitter and the optical sensor may be positioned relative to each other so that when the first member 254 is positioned in the first area 262, the first member 254 may suppress and / or block the signal from the emitter to the optical sensor. In this configuration, the optical sensor may be configured to generate a signal indicating that the first member 254 is in the first area 262 when the optical sensor does not receive a signal from the emitter. Alternatively, when the optical sensor receives a signal from the emitter, the optical sensor may generate a signal indicating that the first member 254 is in the second area 262. The optical sensor and emitter may also be configured to identify the position of the first member 254 if the optical sensor and emitter are positioned so that the first member 254 can suppress and / or block the signal from the emitter to the optical sensor when the first member 254 is positioned in the second area 264.

[0139] As described above with reference to the various configurations of the detector 270 of the coupling feature 246, the detector 270 can be configured to detect the movement and / or position of the first member 254. The detector 270 can communicate with a controller 180 on the helmet 120, which communicates with the peripheral device 130. The detector 270 can also be configured to transmit a signal to the controller 180 based at least in part on the position and / or movement of the first member 254. The operation of the controller 180 will be described in detail below.

[0140] Fig.11 , a close-up cross-sectional view of a third configuration of the coupling feature 346. The coupling feature 346 may be at least partially disposed within the control housing 150 of the surgical helmet 120. The third configuration of the coupling feature 346 includes a first member 354 including a distal surface 347, the first member 354 being configured to removably couple with one of the attachment elements 158 of the surgical gown 112. The distal surface 347 of the first member 354 may be at least partially recessed within the control housing 150 of the surgical helmet 120. For example, as Fig.11 As shown in , the distal surface 347 can be generally formed as a concave hemispherical shape. It is further contemplated that the distal surface 347 can be formed as a convex hemispherical shape or other similar arcuate shape that is configured to receive the complementary shaped attachment element 158 ​​of the surgical gown 112. Although Fig.11 The distal surface 347 shown in the figure is generally formed as a concave or inwardly directed hemispherical shape, but it is also contemplated that the distal surface 347 can be formed as a convex or outwardly protruding hemispherical, semi-cylindrical or other similar shape. For example, the distal surface 347 can be curved, arched or rounded in a manner that protrudes outward from the outer surface of the control housing 150 to form a convexly formed distal surface 347. The corresponding attachment element 158 ​​of the surgical gown 112 may include a concave surface that is configured to matingly engage the convexly formed distal surface 347 of the engagement feature 346.

[0141] The first member 354 of the coupling feature 346 and, by extension, the distal surface 347 may be composed of a ferromagnetic material or another of a magnetic material. For example, the first member 354 may include a magnetic material, and the attachment element 158 ​​may include a ferromagnetic material. Alternatively, the first member 354 may include a ferromagnetic material, and the attachment element 158 ​​may include a magnetic material. In either configuration, the first member 354 and the corresponding attachment element 158 ​​may be configured so that the first member 354 and the attachment element 158 ​​may be magnetically attracted to each other. The magnetic attraction between the first member 354 and the attachment element 158 ​​should provide sufficient force to removably couple the surgical gown 112 to the surgical helmet 120. The distal surface 347 of the first member 354 may be configured to be hemispherical or similarly arcuate, as described above, to improve the retention force between the first member 354 and the attachment element 158 ​​when coupled.

[0142] The coupling feature 346 may also include a detector 370, such as a mechanical switch, disposed at least partially within the control housing 150. The detector 370 may be positioned adjacent to the first member 354 and near the distal surface 347. The detector 370 may also include a switching member 372 that is movable between a first position and a second position. The switching member 372 may include a biasing member (e.g., a spring) configured to move and / or maintain the switching member 372 in the second position without applying an additional force to the switching member 372. The detector 370 may be configured to detect the position of the switching member 372 and output a signal based at least in part on the position of the switching member 372.

[0143] In operation, the attachment element 158 ​​of the surgical gown 112 can be configured to operatively engage the switching member 372 of the detector 370 to move the switching member 372 between the first position and the second position. For example, when the attachment element 158 ​​is positioned adjacent to the distal surface 347 of the first member 354, the attachment element 158 ​​can be configured to engage the switching member 372. The suction force between the first member 354 and the attachment element 158 ​​can be sufficient to overcome the force of the biasing member so that the switching member 372 is moved and / or maintained in the first position while the attachment element 158 ​​is connected to the coupling feature 364. Alternatively, when the attachment element 158 ​​is not positioned adjacent to the distal surface 347 of the first member 354, the biasing member of the switching member 372 can move and / or maintain the switching member 372 in the second position. As described above, the detector 370 can be configured to detect the position of the switching member 372. The detector 370 can communicate with the controller 180 on the helmet 120, which communicates with the peripheral device 130. The operation of the controller 180 will be described in detail below. The detector 370 can be configured to transmit a signal to the controller 180 based at least in part on whether the switching member 372 is in the first position and / or the second position.

[0144] Fig. 12A 4 is a close-up cross-sectional view of a fourth configuration of the coupling feature 446. The coupling feature 446 may be at least partially disposed within the control housing 150 of the surgical helmet 120. The fourth configuration of the coupling feature 446 may include a first member 454 including a distal surface 447 configured to removably couple with one of the attachment elements 158 of the surgical gown 112. The distal surface 447 of the coupling feature 446 may be at least partially recessed within the control housing 150 of the surgical helmet 120. For example, as Fig. 12A As shown in , the distal surface 447 can be generally formed as a concave hemispherical shape. It is further contemplated that the distal surface 447 can be formed as a convex hemispherical shape or other similar arcuate shape that is configured to receive the complementary attachment element 158 ​​of the surgical gown 112. Although Fig. 12A The distal surface 447 shown in the figure is generally formed as a concave or inwardly directed hemispherical shape, but it is also contemplated that the distal surface 447 can be formed as a convex or outwardly protruding hemispherical, semi-cylindrical or other similar shape. For example, the distal surface 447 can be curved, arched or rounded in a manner that protrudes outward from the outer surface of the control housing 150 to form a convex distal surface 447. The corresponding attachment element 158 ​​of the surgical gown 112 may include a concave surface that is configured to matingly engage the convexly formed distal surface 447 of the engagement feature 146. The distal surface 447 of the first member 454 can also be configured as a generally flat and rounded shape.

[0145] The first member 454 of the coupling feature 446 and, by extension, the distal surface 447 may be composed of a ferromagnetic material or another of a magnetic material. For example, the first member 454 may include a magnetic material, and the attachment element 158 ​​may include a ferromagnetic material. Alternatively, the first member 454 may include a ferromagnetic material, and the attachment element 158 ​​may include a magnetic material. In either configuration, the first member 454 and the attachment element 158 ​​may be configured so that the first member 454 and the attachment element 158 ​​may be magnetically attracted to each other. The magnetic attraction between the first member 454 and the attachment element 158 ​​should provide sufficient force to removably couple the surgical gown 112 to the surgical helmet 120. The distal surface 447 of the first member 454 may be configured into a hemispherical or similar arcuate shape, which, as described above, partially improves the retention force between the first member 454 and the attachment element 158 ​​when coupled together. The hemispherical or arc-like shaped distal surface 447 of the first member 454 may also be used to align the attachment element 158 ​​with the center of the first member 454 .

[0146] Alternatively, refer to Fig. 12B , a close-up cross-sectional view of a fifth configuration of the coupling feature 546 is shown. The distal surface 547 of the first member 554 may define a hole. The first member 554 may include the distal surface 547. The first member 554 of the coupling feature 546, and by extension the distal surface 547, may be composed of one of a ferromagnetic material or a magnetic material. In contrast, at least a portion of the attachment element 558 of the mask 118 may include another of a ferromagnetic material or a magnetic material. For example, the first member 554 may include a magnetic material, and the attachment element 558 may include a ferromagnetic material. Alternatively, the first member 554 may include a ferromagnetic material, and the attachment element 558 may include a magnetic material. In either configuration, the first member 554 and the attachment element 558 may be configured so that the first member 554 and the attachment element 558 may be magnetically attracted to each other.

[0147] The distal surface 547 may also define a hole, which is positioned near the center of the substantially flat distal surface 547, so that the first member 554 has an annular shape. The hole may define a hole axis relative to the first member 554. The first member 554 may also include a lateral axis that is generally perpendicular to the hole axis. The first member 554 may also include a lateral surface 549 that is oriented to be substantially parallel to the lateral axis of the first member 554. In this configuration of the coupling feature 546, the attachment element 558 may be configured to include a protrusion 562 extending from the base 560. The protrusion 562 may be composed of another one of a ferromagnetic material or a magnetic material. Alternatively, the protrusion 562 may be composed of a plastic or polymer material or other non-magnetic material. For example, the protrusion 562 may be composed of a polymer material, and the base 560 of the attachment element 558 may be composed of a magnetic material and configured to generate magnetic attraction with the first member 554 of the coupling feature 546. In another configuration, the protrusion 562 may be composed of a combination of a magnetic material and a non-magnetic material. For example, the inner portion of the protrusion 562 may be composed of a magnetic material, and the outer surface composed of the magnetic material may be coated with a non-magnetic material (eg, a plastic polymer). The inner portion of the protrusion 562 including the magnetic material may be magnetically attracted to the first member 554 of the coupling feature 546.

[0148] The protrusion 562 of the attachment element 558 can be configured to matingly engage the hole of the distal surface 547 of the first member 554, wherein the hole of the distal surface 547 can be configured to receive the protrusion 562 of the attachment element 558. The hole can also be configured to align and / or position the attachment element 558 relative to the coupling feature 546 and / or with the center of the first member 554.

[0149] In the fourth and fifth configurations of the above-mentioned coupling features 446, 546, the coupling features 446, 546 may further include a detector 470, 570, such as a near field sensor or a Hall effect sensor, disposed at least partially within the control housing 150. The detector 470, 570 may be positioned adjacent to the lateral surface of the corresponding first member 454, 554 and close to the distal surface 447, 547. The detector 470, 570 may be configured to detect changes in the magnetic field around the first member 454, 554 caused by the presence or absence of the attachment element 158, 558 of the surgical gown 112 adjacent to the distal surface 447, 547. For example, if the detector 470, 570 is configured as a Hall effect sensor, the detector 470, 570 may be configured to determine whether the attachment element 158, 558 is positioned adjacent to the distal surface 447, 547 of the first member 454, 554 based on the magnetic field around the first member 454, 554. By placing the Hall effect sensor near the lateral surface of the first member 454, 554 and incorporating an alignment feature into the distal surface 447, 547 so that the center of the attachment element 158, 558 is aligned with the center of the first member 454, 554, the Hall effect sensor may be able to more accurately detect subtle changes in the magnetic field around the first member 454, 554 due to the presence or absence of the attachment element 158, 558 located adjacent to the distal surface 447, 547. In addition, when the detector 470, 570 is configured as a near-field detector (e.g., a Hall effect sensor), it is contemplated that the detector 470, 570 can be positioned anywhere within and / or near the control housing 150, which will allow the detector 470, 570 to detect and / or identify changes in the magnetic field around the first member 454, 554. Although not shown in the figures, it is also contemplated that the detector 470, 570 can be positioned adjacent to the distal surface 447, 547 and / or adjacent to the first member 454, 554.

[0150] In operation, the attachment elements 158, 558 of the surgical gown 112 can be configured to be removably coupled to the first member 454, 554, so that when the surgical gown 112 is coupled to the surgical helmet 120, the attachment elements 158, 558 can be positioned adjacent to the distal surfaces 447, 547. For example, when the attachment elements 158, 558 are positioned adjacent to the distal surfaces 447, 547 of the first members 454, 554, the third magnetic field can surround the first members 454, 554. The detectors 470, 570 can be configured to detect the third magnetic field. Alternatively, when the attachment elements 158, 558 are not positioned adjacent to the distal surfaces 447, 547 of the first members 454, 554, the fourth magnetic field can surround the first members 454, 554. The detectors 470, 570 can also be configured to detect the fourth magnetic field. As described above, the detectors 470, 570 may communicate with the controller 180 on the surgical helmet 120, which communicates with the peripheral device 130. The detectors 470, 570 may be configured to transmit a signal indicating the presence or absence of the surgical helmet 112 to the controller 180 based on whether the detectors 470 / 570 detect the third magnetic field or the fourth magnetic field. The operation of the controller 180 will be described in detail below.

[0151] Each of the various configurations of the surgical gown system 110 described above may also include an energy source 182. Since each of the various configurations of the systems 10, 110 described above may include an energy source 182, Figure 8 A general schematic diagram of the energy source 182 in communication with the controller 180 is shown in dashed lines. The energy source 182 can be configured to be connected or interconnected with the system 10, 110 and / or the surgical helmet 20, 120. The energy source 182 (e.g., a battery) can be configured to be portable. The energy source 182 can be rechargeable and / or replaceable, so that the energy sources 182 of the systems 10, 110 can be interchanged or replaced.

[0152] Each of the various configurations of the surgical gown system 110 described above may also include an energy sensor 186 that communicates with the controller 180 and / or the energy source 182. Since each of the various configurations of the systems 10, 110 described above may include an energy sensor 186, Figure 8180 and the energy source 182. The energy sensor 186 may be configured to detect characteristics of the energy source 182. The characteristics of the energy source detected by the energy sensor 186 may include, but are not limited to, the remaining power level or charge, the state of charge, the voltage, the capacity, the health, the current consumption, or the like related to the energy source 182. The energy sensor 186 may also be configured to generate or produce an energy signal based on the detected characteristics. The energy sensor 186 may also be configured to transmit the energy signal to the controller 180. The energy sensor 186 may be configured to transmit the energy signal to the controller 180 based on a default threshold or a user-defined threshold. For example, the energy sensor 186 may be configured to detect the remaining charge of the energy source 182, wherein the threshold is defined as fifteen percent (15%) of the remaining charge. In this configuration, the energy sensor 186 may be configured to transmit the energy signal to the controller 180 when the remaining charge reaches and / or drops below fifteen percent (15%) of the remaining charge. The energy sensor 186 may also be configured to generate energy signals at multiple different thresholds. For example, in the above configuration, the energy sensor 186 may also be configured to generate multiple energy signals based on the remaining charge of the energy source 182. In operation, the energy sensor 186 may be configured to generate a first energy signal when the energy source 182 reaches and / or drops below 50% of the remaining charge, a second energy signal when the energy source 182 reaches and / or drops below 25% of the remaining charge, and / or a third energy signal when the energy source 182 reaches and / or drops below 10% of the remaining charge. In this configuration, the first energy signal, the second energy signal, and / or the third energy signal generated by the energy sensor 186 and transmitted to the controller 180 may indicate the remaining charge of the energy source 182.

[0153] The controller 180 may be configured to generate a signal that can be transmitted to a user display such as an LCD screen, a digital display, or a plurality of lights, wherein the user display is configured to display a mark indicating the remaining charge. For example, when the user display includes an LCD screen, the LCD screen may be configured to display "50%", "25%", etc. indicating the remaining charge. Alternatively, when the user display includes a plurality of lights, each light may include a different color, wherein the lights of each color represent different levels of remaining charge of the energy source 182. For example, the user display may include a yellow light, an orange light, and a red light, and the controller 180 may be configured to transmit a signal to the user display to light up the yellow light when the remaining charge reaches and / or drops below 50%. The controller 180 may be configured to transmit a signal to the user display to light up the orange light when the remaining charge reaches and / or drops below 25%. The controller 180 may be configured to transmit a signal to the user display to light up the red light when the remaining charge reaches and / or drops below 10%. Based on the lights that are lit, the user can determine the approximate remaining charge of the energy source 182. This residual charge can also be transmitted using the speaker.

[0154] Each of the various configurations of the coupling features 146, 246, 346, 446, 546 described above includes detectors 170, 270, 370, 470, 570 configured to detect a characteristic of the coupling features 146, 246, 346, 446, 546 that can be used to identify whether the surgical gown 112 is coupled to the surgical helmet 120. The detectors 170, 270, 370, 470, 570 can also be configured to output a signal based on the detected characteristic to indicate whether there is a surgical gown 112 coupled to the surgical helmet 120. For example, the detectors 170, 270, 370, 470, 570 can be configured to detect and / or determine when the surgical gown 112 is coupled to the surgical helmet 120 and output a signal indicating that the surgical gown 112 is coupled to the surgical helmet 120 or is not present on the surgical helmet 120. In one exemplary configuration, the detector 170, 270, 370, 470, 570 may be configured to output a signal when the surgical gown 112 is coupled to the surgical helmet 112. In another exemplary configuration, the detector 170, 270, 370, 470, 570 may be configured to output a signal when the surgical gown 112 is not present or is detached from the surgical helmet 120. In yet another exemplary configuration, the detector 170, 270, 370, 470, 570 may be configured to output a first signal when the surgical gown 112 is coupled to the surgical helmet 120, and output a second signal when the surgical gown 112 is not present or is detached from the surgical helmet 120.

[0155] In each of the embodiments and / or configurations of the coupling features 146, 246, 346, 446, 546 described above, the detectors 170, 270, 370, 470, 570 can communicate with the controller 180. The controller 180 can also communicate with one or more peripheral devices 130 of the surgical helmet 120 described above. It should be appreciated that the controller 180 can be positioned anywhere on the surgical helmet 120. For example, the controller 180 can be positioned within the control housing 150 adjacent to the detectors 170, 270, 370, 470, 570. Alternatively, the controller 180 can be positioned within a void in the housing 132 of the surgical helmet 120.

[0156] The controller 180 may be configured to transmit operating instructions to the detectors 170, 270, 370, 470, 570, and may be configured to receive signals from the detectors 170, 270, 370, 470, 570 related to characteristics of signals detected by the detectors 170, 270, 370, 470, 570. The controller 180 may also be connected to one or more peripheral devices 130 of the surgical helmet 120, such as the ventilation assembly 130, wherein the controller 180 is configured to transmit operating instructions to and from the ventilation assembly 130 or other peripheral devices 130 based on the signals received from the detectors 170, 270, 370, 470, 570. For example, the controller 180 may be configured to adjust the amount of power transmitted to the ventilation system 130 to control the speed of the fan blades. It is further contemplated that two separate controllers may also be utilized.

[0157] Regardless of the configuration of the coupling features 146, 246, 346, 446, 546, the detectors 170, 270, 370, 470, 570 may be configured to transmit a signal to the controller 180 based on whether a characteristic is detected by the detectors 170, 270, 370, 470, 570 and / or a change in a characteristic to be detected by the detectors 170, 270, 370, 470, 570. For example, the detector 170 of the first configuration of the coupling feature 146 and / or the detector 370 of the third configuration of the coupling feature 346 may be configured to detect the presence or absence of the surgical gown 112 based on the position of the switching members 172, 372. Alternatively, the detector 270 of the second configuration of the coupling feature 246 and / or the detector 470 of the fourth configuration of the coupling feature 446 and / or the detector 570 of the fifth configuration of the coupling feature 546 may be configured to detect the presence of the surgical gown 112 based on the change in the magnetic field around the first member 254, 454, 554 of the coupling features 246, 446, 546. The controller 180 may be configured to communicate instructions or adjust the operating characteristics of the peripheral device 130 based on the signals received from the detectors 170, 270, 370, 470, 570.

[0158] In one configuration, the controller 180 may be configured to interpret the signals received from the detectors 170, 270, 370, 470, 570 and control the transfer of energy from the energy source to the peripheral device 130. For example, if the controller 180 determines that the surgical gown 112 is not present on the surgical helmet 120 based on the signals received from the detectors 170, 270, 370, 470, 570 or the absence of signals from the detectors 170, 270, 370, 470, 570, the controller 180 may be configured to prevent energy from being transferred from the energy source to the peripheral device 130. One disadvantage of the operating system 110 that is eliminated by this feature is the generation of unnecessary noise that may be generated by the peripheral device 130 when the peripheral device 130 is not functioning. A second disadvantage that may be eliminated by preventing the actuation of the peripheral device 130 before the surgical gown 112 is mounted on the surgical helmet 120 is the use up of the charge in the energy source 182 when the peripheral device 130 does not need to be actuated. Alternatively, if the controller 180 determines that the surgical gown 112 is coupled to the surgical helmet 120 based on a signal received from the detector 170, 270, 370, 470, 570 or the absence of a signal from the detector 170, 270, 370, 470, 570, the controller 180 may be configured to allow energy to be transferred to the peripheral device 130. Still alternatively, the controller 180 may control the operation of the peripheral device 130 based on the signal received from the detector 170, 270, 370, 470, 570.

[0159] The surgical gown system 110 may also include a storage device 184 coupled to the surgical helmet 120 and in communication with the controller 180. The storage device 184 may be positioned in or on any portion of the surgical helmet 120. For example, the storage device 184 may be positioned in the control housing 150. Alternatively, the storage device 184 may be positioned in the housing 132 of the surgical helmet 120. The storage device 184 may be configured to store data related to the operation of the peripheral device 130. For example, the storage device 184 may store operating conditions related to each peripheral device 130, such as operating conditions based on multiple types of surgical gowns 112 that can be attached to the surgical helmet 120. The operating conditions stored on the storage device 184 may include the maximum and / or minimum operating speeds of the peripheral device 130 of the surgical helmet 120 for each type of surgical gown 112. For example, the storage device 184 may store different fan operating speeds for togas and hoods. The storage device 184 may also be configured to store operating instructions or programming steps configured to be executed by the controller 180. The storage device 184 may also store various user settings or preferences for operating one or more peripheral devices 130. For example, the user settings stored on the storage device 184 may include the most recent fan speed of the ventilation assembly selected by the various users wearing the surgical helmet 120.

[0160] In each of the various embodiments and / or configurations of the surgical gown system 110 and the coupling features 146, 246, 346, 446, 546 described above, the system 110 may include additional features and / or components that are configured to operate in communication with the controller 180 to prevent operation of the surgical helmet 120 and / or any peripheral device 130 of the surgical helmet 120 based on a predetermined characteristic. For example, the controller 180 may be configured to prevent operation of the peripheral device 130 until after the surgical gown 112 has been installed on the surgical helmet 120. Alternatively, the controller 180 may be configured to prevent operation of the peripheral device 130 if a previously used or incompatible surgical gown 112 is coupled to the surgical helmet 120.

[0161] Reference Fig.13A and Fig. 13B , showing an alternative configuration of a surgical gown system 610. It should be appreciated that various configurations of the surgical gown system 610 may include elements similar to those of the above-described system and identified by reference numerals increased by 100. It should be appreciated that those elements including reference numerals increased by 100 may have features that are the same and / or similar to those described above.

[0162] The third configuration of the surgical gown system 610 can include a surgical gown assembly including a surgical gown 612 configured to be attached to a surgical helmet 620. As described above, the surgical gown 612 can provide a barrier, such as a microbial barrier, between the wearer and the surrounding environment. The barrier created by the surgical gown 612 can benefit both the wearer and the patient. The barrier provided by the surgical gown 612 can substantially eliminate the possibility that the wearer may come into contact with fluids or solid particles from the patient that may be generated during the surgical procedure. The barrier can substantially prevent any foreign particles emitted by the wearer during the surgical procedure from being transferred to the patient.

[0163] Reference Fig.13A , Fig. 13B and Fig.14, the surgical gown 612 may include a fabric 614 configured to cover at least a portion of the surgical helmet 620 and the wearer's head. The surgical gown 612 may be configured as a hood, a toga, or other similar medical garment, similar to any of the configurations in the surgical gown systems 10, 110 described above. The surgical gown 612 may also include a mask 618 (which is also referred to as a transparent mask) and one or more attachment elements 658 positioned around the surgical gown 612. The attachment element 658 may also be referred to as a second member or a garment fastener. The attachment element 658 may be used as an alignment element configured to removably couple the surgical gown 612 to the surgical helmet 620. In addition, the attachment element 658 may be positioned near the outer boundary of the mask 618 so that the fabric 614 covers the attachment element 658. This can be used to ensure that the fabric 614 covers the attachment element 658 to maintain the barrier provided by the surgical gown 612 between the wearer and the environment.

[0164] The attachment element 658 may include a ferromagnetic material. In other words, the attachment element may include iron, nickel, cobalt, gadolinium, dysprosium, or an alloy or combination thereof. In certain configurations, it should be understood that the attachment element may include a substance, i.e., an atom, that is attracted by a magnetic field exhibited by a magnetic material positioned on the helmet. It is contemplated that, in certain embodiments, the entirety of the attachment element 658 may be composed of a ferromagnetic material. It is also contemplated that the attachment element 658 includes a ferromagnetic material and a diamagnetic material. For example, the attachment element 658 may include a diamagnetic material that has been coated with a ferromagnetic material. Alternatively, the attachment element 658 may be formed as a core by a ferromagnetic material and then coated with a plastic or similar non-magnetic coating configured to provide a sterile and / or wear-resistant surface. Other arrangements of diamagnetic and magnetic materials for the attachment element 658 are contemplated. It should be understood that the surgical gown 612 and all its components may be configured similarly and / or include the features of the above-mentioned surgical gowns 12, 112.

[0165] The surgical gown 612 may also include tabs 655A, 655B. The tabs 655A, 655B may be disposed on the wearer side or interior of the surgical gown 612. The tabs 655A, 655B may include a pair of opposing edges 643A, 643B and define openings 656A, 656B. Fig.13A As shown in , the tab 655A can be formed as part of the mask 618. The tab 655A can define at least a portion of the opening 656A, wherein a portion of the opening 656A is also defined by the mask 618. It is also contemplated that the opening 656A can be completely formed or defined within the tab 655A.

[0166] As an alternative, Fig. 13B, the tab 655B can be formed separately from the mask 618. In this configuration, the tab 655B can be directly coupled to the inner surface of the fabric 14 of the surgical gown 612. The tab 655B can be formed of a plastic similar to the mask 618 and can be coupled to the surgical gown 612 by epoxy, glue, or a similar adhesive. Alternatively, the tab 655B can be formed of a fabric similar to the fabric 614 of the surgical gown 612, wherein the tab 655B can be sewn or coupled to the surgical gown 612 by an adhesive. In addition, the opening 656B can be completely defined by the tab 655B.

[0167] Reference again Fig.13A , Fig. 13B and Fig.14 , describes in detail an exemplary configuration of a surgical gown system 610. The system 610 may include a surgical gown 612 and a surgical helmet 620. Similar to the above-mentioned systems 10 and 110, Fig.13A , Fig. 13B and Fig.14 The configuration of system 610 shown in FIG. 6 may include one or more peripheral devices 630 , such as a ventilation assembly.

[0168] Fig.14 The ventilation assembly 630 shown in FIG. 6 is an example of a peripheral device 630 that can be incorporated into a surgical helmet 620 of a surgical gown system 610. Although the ventilation assembly 630 is shown as an integral part of the surgical helmet 620, it should be understood that each of the other peripheral devices 130 described above can be an integral part of the surgical helmet 120 or can be removably coupled to the surgical helmet 620. Fig.14 The surgical helmet 620 shown in FIG. 6 includes a ventilation assembly 630 positioned in a void of a shell 632. The ventilation assembly 630 may include fan blades, impellers, propellers, fan impellers, or similar blade mechanisms configured to cause air movement. The blades may be coupled to a motor configured to rotate the blades when powered by a power source. When the blades are actuated, the ventilation assembly 630 is configured to draw air into the void of the shell 632 through an air inlet in the top of the shell 632. An additional void of the shell 632 may be connected to the void and used as a conduit for dispersing the air drawn into the void to the wearer.

[0169] Reference Fig.14 , Fig.15A and Fig. 15B, the surgical helmet 620 may include a top beam 629 positioned in front of the shell 632 of the surgical helmet 620 and configured to extend across the front of the surgical helmet 620. The top beam 629 may also include a notch. The notch of the top beam 629 may include a pair of laterally spaced sidewalls 639A, 639B and a proximal surface 637 positioned proximally relative to the distal surface 631 of the top beam 629. The sidewalls 639A, 639B and the proximal surface 637 may define an alignment channel 645, wherein the alignment channel 645 is configured to receive tabs 655A, 655B disposed on the interior of the surgical gown 612 to align and / or orient the surgical gown 612 relative to the surgical helmet 620. As described above, the tab 655A may be integrally formed with the mask 618 and configured to extend from the mask 618. Alternatively, the tab 655B can be formed independently of the mask 618, wherein the tab 655B is configured to be coupled to the fabric 614 on the interior of the surgical gown 612. However, other configurations are contemplated. The spaced-apart side walls 639A, 639B of the alignment channel 645 should be spaced apart by a distance greater than the width of the tab 655A, 655B to allow the tab 655A, 655B to be disposed between the spaced-apart side walls 639A, 639B.

[0170] The top beam 629 may also include a coupling feature 646 configured to removably engage the mask 618 and / or the surgical gown 612. The coupling feature 646 may include a protrusion, a magnetic member, a ferromagnetic member, a hook and loop, or a similar coupling mechanism that is configured to releasably engage the opening 656 in the tabs 655A, 655B to align and / or couple the surgical gown 612 to the surgical helmet 620. For example, as Fig.15A and Fig. 15B As shown in FIG. 6 , the coupling feature 646 is implemented as a protrusion 646 extending from the alignment channel 645 of the top beam 629. Here, the top beam 629 includes the above-mentioned alignment channel 645, and the coupling feature 646 can be at least partially arranged in the alignment channel 645, as shown in FIG. Fig.14 , Fig.15A and Fig. 15B . The coupling feature 646 can be positioned within the alignment channel 645 such that the top of the uppermost surface coupling feature 646 is disposed or otherwise positioned below the top of the alignment channel 645 and / or the top surface of the top beam 629. The combination of the spaced-apart sidewalls 639A, 639B of the alignment channel 645 coupling feature 646 can be used to align and / or orient the face mask 618 and / or surgical gown 612 relative to the surgical helmet 620. More specifically, the spaced-apart sidewalls 639A, 639B of the alignment channel 645 can be used to guide the tabs 655A, 655B such that when the surgical gown 612 is placed on the surgical helmet 620, the openings 656 in the tabs 655A, 655B are guided to engage with the coupling feature 646.

[0171] The surgical helmet 620 may include a chin bar 624 extending downward from the front of the surgical helmet 620. The chin bar 624 may include a first column 626A and a second column 626B. The first column 626A and the second column 626B may be coupled to a top beam 629, wherein the top beam 629 is configured to extend across the front of the surgical helmet 620. For example, Fig.14 As shown in FIG. 1 , a first post 626A and a second post 626B may be connected to opposite ends of the top beam 129. The chin bar 624 may be constructed of a generally flexible or pliable material.

[0172] The chin bar 624 may also include a bottom beam 628 that may extend between the opposite free ends of the posts 626A, 626B. The chin bar 624 is formed so that the bottom beam 628 is positioned below and slightly forward of the chin of the person wearing the surgical helmet 620. The bottom beam 628 may be bent outward from the free ends of the posts 626A, 626B. The chin bar 624 may extend outward from the top beam 629 so that when the surgical helmet 620 is secured to the wearer's head, the chin bar 624 is positioned in front of the wearer and generally surrounds the wearer's face. In general, the combination of the top beam 629, posts 626A, 626B, and bottom beam 628 may be referred to as a face frame because they generally define an opening that is positioned in front of the wearer's face when the surgical helmet is positioned on top of the wearer's head.

[0173] A plurality of coupling members 648 may be mounted to or within the chin bar 624. The coupling members 648 include a magnetic material and are configured to align and / or attach the face mask 618 of the surgical gown 612 to the surgical helmet 620. Each coupling member 648 may be positioned on the chin bar 624 proximate opposing posts 626A, 626B and / or adjacent to opposing ends of the base beam 628. Alternatively, the coupling members 648 of the surgical helmet 620 may be arranged or otherwise configured in any suitable manner to cooperate with complementary attachment elements 658 of the surgical gown 612 to releasably secure the surgical gown 612 to the surgical helmet 620. For example, as Fig.14 As shown in FIG. 6 , the coupling members 648 may be positioned on the chin bar 624 at opposite ends of the bottom beam 628 near where each of the posts 626A, 626B connect to the bottom beam 628. Fig.14The exemplary configuration of the surgical helmet 620 shown in utilises two coupling members 648, but it is contemplated that the surgical helmet 620 may be configured such that the chin bar 624 includes a single coupling member 648, or in other configurations, three or more coupling members 648 may be spaced around the chin bar 624 and / or the top beam 629. It is contemplated that other types of coupling members 648 may be used, for example, with hook and loop fasteners, snaps, coupling members including ferromagnetic materials, or similar types of fasteners, instead of and / or in addition to those elements including magnetic materials. Other configurations are contemplated for use.

[0174] Reference Fig.16A and Fig. 16B , showing multiple views of an exemplary configuration of a coupling member 648 positioned within a chin bar 624. The coupling member 648 may include a distal surface 647. The chin bar 624 may include a recess 627 configured to receive the coupling feature 648. For example, Fig.16A and Fig. 16B As shown in , the connecting member 648 can be positioned within the recess of the chin bar 624 so that the distal surface 647 of the connecting member 648 is positioned proximally relative to the distal surface 625 of the chin bar 624.

[0175] The coupling member 648 may include one of a ferromagnetic material or a magnetic material. This may include a coupling member 648 formed or constructed of a ferromagnetic material or a magnetic material. It is also contemplated that only a portion of the coupling member 648 includes a ferromagnetic material or a magnetic material. For example, the coupling member 648 may be an injection molded plastic and coated with a ferromagnetic material or a magnetic material. Alternatively, the coupling member 648 may be formed of a ferromagnetic material or a magnetic material and then coated with a plastic or similar coating to provide a sterile and / or wear-resistant surface. It is also contemplated that the magnet may be "overmolded" with a plastic material to define the coupling member 648. Typically, the coupling member 648 may include another of a ferromagnetic material or a magnetic material associated with the attachment element 658 of the surgical helmet 612 so as to generate magnetic attraction between the coupling member 648 and the attachment element 658, thereby coupling the surgical gown 612 to the surgical helmet 620.

[0176] The surgical helmet 620 may also include a controller or processor (not shown) that may be disposed on or within the chin bar 624 or top beam 629 of the surgical helmet 620. Alternatively, the controller may be positioned at any suitable location within the surgical helmet 620. For example, the controller may be positioned in the bottom beam 628 of the chin bar 624. The controller may communicate with one or more detectors (e.g., Hall effect sensors) 670 positioned within the chin bar 624 adjacent to the coupling member 648. The detectors 670 may be configured to detect characteristics of the coupling member 648. For example, where the detector 670 is a Hall effect sensor, the detector 670 may be configured to detect any changes in the magnetic field around the coupling member 648. In operation, the detector 670 may be configured to detect changes in the magnetic field around the coupling member 648 resulting from whether an attachment element 658 of the surgical helmet 612 is positioned adjacent to the coupling member 648.

[0177] although Fig.16A and 16B Only a portion of the chin bar 624 including a single coupling member 648 is shown, but as described above, the chin bar 624 may include more than one coupling member 648. Likewise, the chin bar may include more than one detector 670. It is contemplated that the surgical helmet 620 may include a single detector 670 positioned adjacent to the single coupling member 648. It is also contemplated that in configurations of the surgical helmet 620 including multiple coupling members 648, the surgical helmet 620 may include a single detector 670 positioned adjacent to one of the multiple coupling members 648. Alternatively, the detector 670 may be placed adjacent to two or more of the coupling members 648. Using multiple detectors may provide redundancy in the event that the detector 670 is damaged.

[0178] Fig. 16B A partial cross-sectional view of a coupling member 648 disposed within a recess 627 of a chin bar 624 is shown. The recess 627 in the chin bar 624 may define a first dimension D1, such as a diameter. The coupling member 648 may be generally sized to fit within the dimension D1 of the hole in the chin bar 624. In addition, a boundary 653 of a distal surface 647 of the coupling member 648 and a boundary 651 of a proximal surface 657 may define an axis-A that passes through a center C1 of the proximal surface 657 of the coupling member 648 and a center C2 of the distal surface 647. A transverse plane may be oriented parallel to the axis-A and extend through the proximal surface 657 and the distal surface 647 of the coupling member 648, thereby defining opposite lateral halves of the coupling member 648. In a configuration in which the coupling member 648 includes a magnetic material, the transverse plane may define a spacing between opposite magnetic poles formed of the magnetic material.

[0179] In addition, as in Fig.16A and Fig. 16B As can be seen in FIG. 6 , the distal surface 647 of the coupling member 648 may include a generally arcuate shape. For example, the distal surface 647 may include a generally convex surface. Alternatively, the distal surface 647 may include a generally convex or multi-axial surface such that the distal surface includes a generally circular surface extending outward from the center of the coupling member 648. Although in FIG. Fig.16A and Fig. 16B Not shown, but it is contemplated that the distal surface 647 of the coupling member 648 can include a concave surface. Various exemplary configurations of coupling members 648 including concave or convex surfaces will be described in more detail below.

[0180] Reference Fig.17A and Fig. 17B , shows an exemplary configuration of a coupling member 648. The coupling member 648 may include a generally circular cross-sectional shape having opposite proximal surfaces 657 and distal surfaces 647. As described above, the distal surface 647 may have an arcuate shape. The coupling member 648 may also include one or more indentations 649A, 649B located on the distal surface 647. The one or more indentations 649A, 649B may be configured as grooves, recesses, holes, cutouts, or the like. Fig.17A and Fig. 17B As shown in , the coupling member 648 may include a single indentation or a pair of indentations 649A, 649B. It is also contemplated that the coupling member 648 may include more than two indentations 649A, 649B. The indentations 649A, 649B may be used as structural and / or visual alignment features for positioning the coupling member 648 relative to the chin bar 624 and / or the detector 670. For example, in a configuration in which the coupling member 648 includes a magnetic material, the indentations 649A, 649B or other indicators may provide a visual identifier of the orientation and / or position of the magnetic poles of the coupling member 648. It will be appreciated that this configuration helps improve manufacturability because the coupling member 648 can be easily and accurately positioned within the notch of the chin bar 624 so that the magnetic poles of the coupling member 648 are correctly oriented relative to the detector 670.

[0181] Reference Fig. 17B , the coupling member may further define a lateral axis axis-L1 that is configured to intersect the axis-A of the coupling member 648. The lateral axis axis-L1 may also be oriented substantially perpendicular to the axis-A of the coupling member 648. For example, the lateral axis axis-L lThe coupling member 648 may be oriented in a generally horizontal direction to define opposing lateral halves of the coupling member 648. The coupling member 648 may have a first magnetic pole P1 and an opposing second magnetic pole P2 defined by opposing lateral halves of the coupling member 648 separated by the lateral axis axis-L1. For example, one lateral half of the coupling member 648 may define a volume representing the first magnetic pole P1, and the opposing lateral half of the coupling member 648 may define a volume representing the second magnetic pole P2.

[0182] Alternatively, it is contemplated that the respective magnetic poles P1, P2 comprised of magnetic material may be represented by individual points. The point defining each magnetic pole P1, P2 may be defined as the point within the respective lateral half of the coupling member 648 at which the magnetic moment of the respective magnetic pole P1, P2 is the strongest. For example, the opposite magnetic poles P1, P2 of the coupling member 648 comprised of magnetic material may be defined as individual points within the opposite lateral halves of the coupling member 648. In this exemplary configuration, it is contemplated that the first magnetic pole P1 and the second magnetic pole P2 may each be positioned within their respective lateral halves of the coupling member 648 such that the point defining each magnetic pole P1, P2 is greater than the farthest point of the distal surface 647 (at Fig. 16B It is further contemplated that each of the respective poles P1, P2 may be positioned within its respective lateral half of the coupling member 648 such that the point defining each pole P1, P2 is closer to the detector 670 than the most distal point C2 of the distal surface 647.

[0183] Reference Fig.18A , Fig.18B , Fig.18C and Fig.18D , a detailed view of an exemplary configuration of a mask 618A for use with a surgical gown 612 is shown. Similar to the masks 18, 118 described above, the mask 618A may include a portion of the surgical gown 612 that allows the wearer to see through the barrier provided by the surgical gown 612. The mask 618A is a generally sheet-like structure and may have a thickness of about 1 mm or less. The mask 618A may be mounted and / or attached to an opening or cutout formed in a surgical fabric 614 of the surgical gown 612. The surgical fabric 614 may be attached around the periphery or edge of the mask 618A by suturing, snaps, hooks and loops, adhesives, welding, or a combination thereof. The mask 618A may be constructed of a transparent material such as polycarbonate. One such polycarbonate is manufactured by Sabic under the trademark LEXAN TM Sold. The face mask 618A of the surgical gown 612 may also be dyed to protect the wearer's eyes from being exposed to bright light. In addition, the face mask 618A may be flexible so that the face mask 618A may be bent to accommodate different head sizes, as will be described below.

[0184] The mask 618A may also include the above combination Fig.13A The tongue 655A described above for the surgical gown 612 of the face mask 618A. The tongue 655A may extend from the top of the mask 618A and may define at least a portion of the opening 656. The opening 656 may be generally rectangular. Although not shown in the figures, it is further contemplated that the opening 656 may be configured as a circle, an oval, a square, or any similar polygonal shape. The opening 656 may also be approximately centered between the opposite ends of the mask 618A and serve as an alignment element configured to interact with the alignment channel 645 of the helmet 620 described above. In addition, the opening 656 may be positioned on the mask 618A above the attachment point for attaching the surgical fabric 614 to the mask 618A to ensure that the surgical fabric 614 covers the opening 656, thereby maintaining the barrier provided by the surgical gown 612 between the wearer and the environment. Although in Figures 18A-18D Not shown, but as previously referenced Fig. 13B As discussed, the tab 655B may be formed separately from the mask 618B and coupled directly to the interior of the surgical gown 612. In addition to being formed separately from the mask 618B, the tab 655B may still include all of the same or similar features of the tab 655A formed as part of the mask 618A. The mask 618A may also include one or more holes 619 positioned in a bottom portion of the mask 618A and configured to couple the attachment element 658A to the mask 618A.

[0185] like Figures 18B-18D As shown in FIG. 6 , the attachment element 658A may include a head 660. The head 660 may define a second dimension D2, wherein the second dimension D2 is smaller than the first dimension D1 (eg, Fig. 16B), so that the head 660 is sized to be inserted into the hole of the chin bar 624 when connected to the connecting member 648. The head 660 of the attachment element 658A may also define a distal surface 665 and an opposite proximal surface 659. The head 660 may also define a recess 661A. The head 660 defines a recessed surface 674A, which is positioned distally relative to the proximal surface 659 of the head 660. The head 660 may also include an edge 663, which may be at least partially defined by the proximal surface 659 of the head 660. The edge 663 may at least partially surround the recess 661A. When the attachment element 658A is connected to the connecting member 648, the recess 661A can increase the contact surface area between the two. The increase in contact surface area can increase the strength and / or force of the magnetic bond between the attachment element 658A and the coupling member 648, increasing the force required to disengage the attachment element 658A from the coupling member 648. This can reduce instances of accidental or unintended disengagement of the attachment element 658A and the coupling member 648 during use of the surgical gown 612 and the surgical helmet 620. The size and / or shape of the recess 661A can also allow the attachment element 658A and the coupling member 648 to interact at different angles, as will be described in more detail below.

[0186] The notch 661A may be defined as an indented component, portion, or space, such as an indent, compartment, or alcove. Generally, the notch 661A may refer to a void or lack of material. In the context of the attachment element 658A described above, the notch 661A may refer to a void or lack of material in the head 660. The size and shape of the void representing the notch 661A in the head 660 of the attachment element 658A may be defined by the recessed surface 674A. However, the notch 661A is not limited to being formed by a single component (such as the head 660 of the attachment element 658A). Any combination of components that define a void or lack of material may be considered a notch 661A. For example, in one configuration, the void representing the notch 661A may be defined by the combination of the head 660 and the post 667. In yet another configuration, the void representing the notch 661A may be defined by the combination of the head 660 and the mask 618, which will be referred to below. Fig.28A and Fig.28B Various exemplary configurations of the attachment member 658A and the recess 661A will be described in more detail below.

[0187] In one exemplary configuration, the recess 661A can be formed in and completely defined by the head 660 of the attachment element 658A. However, as described above, alternative configurations are contemplated. The recess 661A can removably receive at least a portion of the protruding surface 647 of the coupling member 648 to removably couple the surgical gown 612 to the surgical helmet 620. The recess 661A can be formed in a variety of shapes and sizes, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0188] The attachment element 658A may also include a post 667 extending distally from the distal surface 665 of the attachment element 658A. The post 667 may include a proximal portion 669 and a distal portion 671, wherein the proximal portion 669 includes a third dimension D3 and the distal portion 671 includes a fourth dimension D4. The post 667 may be configured such that the third dimension D3 of the proximal portion 669 is greater than the fourth dimension D4 of the distal portion 671, thereby forming a shoulder. The distal portion 671 of the post 667 should be configured to fit within the hole 619 of the mask 618A to facilitate coupling the attachment element 658A to the mask 618A.

[0189] In the configuration of the post 667 in which the third dimension D3 of the proximal portion 669 is greater than the fourth dimension D4 of the distal portion 671, the shoulder formed by the proximal portion 669 of the post 667 is intended to space the head 660 of the attachment element 658A from the mask 618 by a distance D5. The shoulder can be utilized to space the attachment element 658A from the mask 618 to allow the mask 618 to flex relative to the distal surface 665 of the attachment element 658A. This flexibility allows for a more secure attachment between the attachment element 658A and the coupling member 648 because the mask 618 can flex without interfering with the attachment element 658A being loosened from the attachment position attached to the coupling member 648.

[0190] although Fig.18D The exemplary configuration of the attachment element 658A shown in the figure includes a post 667 wherein a third dimension D3 of a proximal portion 669 is greater than a fourth dimension D4 of a distal portion 671, but it is contemplated that the post 667 may include a single uniform size configured to fit within the aperture 619 of the mask 618A.

[0191] Still reference Fig.18D , the attachment element 658A can be coupled to the mask 618 via a retaining feature 673. The retaining feature 673 can take the form of a cap or similar fastener configured to engage the distal end of the post 667. For example, Fig.18D As shown in , the post 667 can be inserted through the hole 619 of the mask, and the retention feature 673 can be applied to the distal end of the post 667 to secure the attachment element 658A to the mask 618.

[0192] Reference Fig.19A , Fig.19B and Fig.19C , a detailed view of another configuration of the attachment element 658A is shown. Similar to the above-described attachment element 658, the first configuration of the attachment element 658A includes a head 660 having a distal surface 665 and an opposite proximal surface 659. The recess 661A of the attachment element 658A may include a generally concave shape, thereby bending inwardly so as to define a void or lack of material in the head 660 of the attachment element 658A. The size and / or shape of the recess 661A may be defined by the recessed surface 674 of the head 660. In addition, the size and / or shape of the recess 661A may be defined relative to the size and / or shape of the protruding surface 647 of the coupling member 648. It is contemplated that the depth and / or radius of the recess 661A may be varied to allow the recess 661A to cooperatively receive the protruding surface 647 of the coupling member 648 when coupled together. For example, it is contemplated that the recess 661A defines a void space that includes a volume that is at least ten percent (10%) of the volume defined by the protruding surface 647 of the coupling member 648 to allow at least a portion of the protruding surface 647 to be placed within the recess 661A of the attachment element 658A. However, it is contemplated that the recess 661A may define a void space that includes a volume that is twenty percent (20%), thirty percent (30%), or more of the volume defined by the protruding surface 647.

[0193] In an exemplary configuration of the attachment element 658A, it is contemplated that the recess 661A can define a void space that allows the protruding surface 647 to be positioned a certain distance within the recess 661A of the attachment element 658A. For example, the recess 661A can define a void space that allows the distal-most point ( Fig. 16B 658A) is positioned distally of the proximal surface 659 of the head 660. Specifically, the protruding surface 647 can be positioned within the recess 661A of the attachment element 658A so that the most distal point of the protruding surface 647 ( Fig. 16B 647) is positioned at least one millimeter (1 mm) distal to the proximal surface 659 of the head 660. However, it is contemplated that the most distal point ( Fig. 16B The proximal surface 659 of the head 660 (shown as C2) may be positioned distally two millimeters (2 mm), three millimeters (3 mm), four millimeters (4 mm), or more relative to the proximal surface 659 of the head 660.

[0194] In another exemplary configuration of the attachment element 658A, the recess 661A can define a void space that allows the volume of the protruding surface 647 to be positioned within the recess 661A of the attachment element 658A. For example, the recess 661A can define a void space that allows at least ten percent (10%) of the protruding surface 647 to be positioned distally of the proximal surface 659 of the head 660. However, it is contemplated that the protruding surface 647 can be positioned within the recess 661A of the attachment element 658A such that twenty percent (20%), thirty percent (30%), or more of the protruding surface 647 is positioned distally of the proximal surface 659 of the head 660. These different dimensions ensure that the surgical gown 612 is securely coupled to the surgical helmet 620, the coupling resisting lateral and axial forces that would decouple the attachment element 658A from the coupling member 648. Additional exemplary configurations of the recess 661A of the attachment element 658A are described in greater detail below.

[0195] refer to Fig. 20A , Fig. 20B , Fig. 20C and Fig.20D , a detailed view of an exemplary configuration of a retention feature 673 is shown. The retention feature 673 may include a hole 675 that extends at least partially through the retention feature 673. The hole 675 of the retention feature 673 may be defined by one or more tabs 677. The tabs 677 may be sized to define the hole 675 so that when the attachment element 658A is inserted through the hole 675 to couple the attachment element 658A to the mask 618, the hole 675 forms a friction fit with the distal portion 671 of the post 667. For example, returning Fig.18D , the distal portion 671 of the post 667 can be inserted through the hole 619 in the mask 618, and the retaining structure 673 can be connected to the attachment element 658A by inserting the distal portion 671 of the post 667 into the hole 675 of the retaining structure 673.

[0196] Although not shown, it is contemplated that the attachment element 658A may also be coupled to the mask 618 by inserting a post 667 through a hole 619 in the mask 618 and stamping the distal end of the post 667 that extends beyond the distal surface of the mask 618 so that a flange is formed on the opposite side of the mask 618 from the head 660 of the attachment element 658A. The flange may abut the surface of the mask 618 and serve as a retention feature 673 for the attachment element 658A.

[0197] In configurations where the mask 618 does not include a hole, it is also contemplated that the attachment element 658A can be coupled to the mask 618 via glue, epoxy, sealant, or other similar adhesive. It is also contemplated that the attachment element 658A can be welded or mechanically attached to the mask 618 in another manner. Fig.28A and Fig.28B An exemplary configuration is shown in FIG. 1 , in which attachment element 1358 is secured to fabric 614 or mask 618 using an adhesive.

[0198] Alternatively, the attachment element 658A may be coupled to the mask 618 by inserting the post 667 through the hole 619 in the mask 618 and applying adhesive to the post 667 located on the distal side of the mask 618 to secure the attachment element 658A to the mask 618.

[0199] Reference Figure 21A-Figure 21C , showing perspective views of various stages of coupling the face mask 618A, and by extension the surgical gown 612, to the surgical helmet 620. As described above, the surgical gown 612 may include tabs 655A, 655B defining an opening 656. The tab 655A may be formed as part of the face mask 618A, such as Fig.13A and Figures 21A-21C As shown in . Alternatively, the tongue 655B can be a separate component that is separately connected to the surgical gown 612, such as Fig. 13B The top beam 629 includes the pair of laterally spaced sidewalls 639A, 639B and a proximal surface 637 of the surgical helmet 620 defining an alignment channel 645. A protrusion 646 may extend from the proximal surface 639. The mask 618 includes a plurality of attachment members 658A (not visible) that are secured to the periphery of the mask 618 by retention features 673.

[0200] In order to couple the surgical gown 612 to the surgical helmet 620 when the tab 655A is formed as part of the mask 618A, the mask 618A can be configured such that the opening 656 in the tab 655A is located above the alignment channel 645 and the protrusion 646 (see FIG. Fig.21A ). The tongue 655A, and by extension the mask 618A, can then be lowered onto the surgical helmet 620 such that at least a portion of the tongue 655A is disposed within the alignment channel 645 between the pair of laterally spaced sidewalls 639A, 639B. The tongue 655A should be positioned within the alignment channel 645 such that the protrusion 646 is disposed within the opening 656 of the tongue 655A (see Fig. 21B ). The lower portion of the mask 618A including the attachment element 658A may then be manipulated to couple the attachment element 658A to the complementary coupling member 648 positioned on the chin bar 624 (see Fig. 21B and Fig. 21C). For example, once the tab 655A is positioned within the alignment channel 645 and the protrusion 646 is disposed within the opening 656 of the tab 655A, the mask 618 can be pivoted about the protrusion 646 to position the attachment element 658A adjacent to the complementary coupling member 648. This is one example of a method of coupling the surgical gown 612 to a surgical helmet.

[0201] Alternatively, when the tab 655B is formed independently of the mask 618B (see Fig. 13B 645 and the protrusion 646. The surgical gown 612 of FIG. 644 can be attached to the surgical helmet 620 in a similar manner as described above. The tongue 655B attached to the wearer side of the surgical gown 612 can be positioned over the alignment channel 645 and the protrusion 646. The tongue 655B, and by extension the surgical gown 612, can then be lowered onto the surgical helmet 620 such that at least a portion of the tongue 655B is positioned within the alignment channel 645 between a pair of laterally spaced sidewalls 639A, 639B. The tongue 655B should be positioned within the alignment channel 645 such that the protrusion 646 is disposed within the opening 656 of the tongue 655B. The lower portion of the mask 618B, including the attachment element 658A, can then be manipulated to couple the attachment element 658A to the complementary coupling member 648 positioned on the chin bar 624.

[0202] Reference Fig.22A , shows a partial cross-sectional view of an attachment element 658A of a surgical gown 612 coupled to a coupling member 648 of a chin bar 624. The coupling member 648 is positioned in a recess of the chin bar 624. The coupling member 624 includes a protruding surface 647 that is positioned proximally relative to a distal surface 625 of the chin bar 624.

[0203] The protruding surface 647 of the coupling member 648 may extend at least partially into the void defined by the notch 661A of the attachment element 658A. The complementary shapes of the protruding surface 647 of the coupling member 648 and the concave surface 674A of the attachment member 658A may be configured to be in sliding contact when the surgical gown 612 is coupled to the surgical helmet 620. Alternatively, it is contemplated that there may be a void space or gap between all or a portion of the protruding surface 647 and the protruding surface 647. For example, the protruding surface 647 may include a sharp point with a small radius, while the concave surface 674A may include a concave shape with a larger radius relative to the radius of the protruding surface 647. In this configuration, the point or vertex of the protruding surface 647 may contact a portion of the concave surface 674A while having a gap between the other portions of the protruding surface 647 and the concave surface 674A.

[0204] The complementary shapes of the protruding surface 647 of the coupling member 648 and the recess 661A of the attachment element 658A can allow the attachment element 658A to pivot about the coupling member 648 and remain coupled to the coupling member 648 at different angles. This can allow additional degrees of freedom of movement and / or positioning of the mask 618 when the mask 618 is manipulated or flexed to couple the attachment element 658A to the corresponding coupling member 648, such as during the process of removing one or more membrane layers from the mask 618. In addition, the complementary shapes of the protruding surface 647 of the coupling member 648 and the recess 661A of the attachment element 658A are designed to promote and / or maintain contact of the surgical gown 612 with the surgical helmet 620 during a medical procedure. When the coupling member 648 and / or the attachment element 658A are mated and sheared, by increasing the curvature of the complementary recess 661A of the coupling member 648 and / or the attachment element 658A of the surgical gown 612, the force is transferred to the physical material constituting the coupling member 648 and / or the attachment element 658A, thereby increasing the holding force or retention force. The arcuate and / or concave surfaces provide additional retention because these surfaces can be pivoted in a position where the magnetic material provides the best magnetic retention force when interacting with the magnetic material. Therefore, by allowing the attachment element 658A to rotate relative to the coupling member 648, the force (moment arm) generated by the shearing is dissipated. Additional retention force is provided due to the increased surface area resulting from the contact or close proximity of the arcuate surface to the flat surface.

[0205] To couple the surgical gown 612 to the surgical helmet 620, in certain configurations, at least a portion of the head 660 of the attachment element 658A may be at least partially disposed within the recess 627 of the chin bar 624 to facilitate contact of the recess 661 of the attachment element 648 with the protruding surface 647 of the coupling member 648. It is contemplated that the proximal surface 659 of the head 660 may be disposed within the recess 627 of the chin bar 624 such that the proximal surface 659 of the head 660 is positioned at least two millimeters (2 mm) proximal to the distal surface 625 of the chin bar 624. It is further contemplated that the proximal surface 659 of the head 660 may be disposed at three millimeters (3 mm) or more proximal to the distal surface 625 of the chin bar 624. It is also contemplated that if the attachment element 658A is coupled to the coupling member 648 at an angle permitted by the complementary surface 674 of the respective attachment element 658A and the complementary surface 647 of the coupling member 648, the portion of the head 660 of the attachment element 658A that is disposed within the recess 627 of the chin bar 624 may be defined as the percentage of the head 660 that is disposed within the recess 627. For example, at least ten percent (10%) of the volume of the head 660 of the attachment element 658A may be disposed within the recess 627 of the chin bar 624. Because the attachment element 658A is at least partially disposed within the recess 627, the amount of force required to disengage the attachment element 658A from the coupling member 648 is greater. This is because the sidewalls of the recess 627 in the chin bar 624 may provide additional resistance to prevent disengagement of the coupling member 648 from the attachment element 658A. For example, the side walls of the recess 627 in the chin bar 624 can prevent the attachment element 658A from sliding off the coupling member 648. This may be particularly true if shear or lateral forces are applied to the mask 618. For example, when the mask 618 includes multiple removable layers for clearing debris from the mask 618, the mask 618 and, by extension, the attachment element 658A may be subjected to shear or lateral forces. The side walls of the recess 627 in the chin bar 624 can prevent any lateral movement of the attachment element 658A relative to the coupling member 648. This can be achieved by configuring the dimension D1 of the recess 627 in the chin bar 624 to be at least slightly larger than the dimension D2 of the head 660 of the attachment element 658A. This prevents the attachment member 658A from sliding laterally a sufficient distance to decouple the head 660 of the attachment element 658A from the coupling member 648.

[0206] As described above, the coupling member 648 includes one of a ferromagnetic material or a magnetic material, and the attachment element 658A includes the other of a ferromagnetic material or a magnetic material, such that the coupling member 648 and the attachment element 658A can be magnetically attracted to each other. In the illustrated configuration, the coupling member 648 can include a magnetic material, and thus a magnetic field can originate from or otherwise be generated by the coupling member 648. When the coupling member 648 is coupled to the attachment element 658A, the magnetic field surrounding the component including the magnetic material will be altered when the component including the ferromagnetic material is placed adjacent to it.

[0207] The detector 670 positioned adjacent to the coupling member 648 may include a Hall effect sensor configured to detect a change in a magnetic field, thereby indicating that the surgical gown 612 is coupled to the surgical helmet 620. For example, when the coupling member 648 includes a magnetic material and the attachment element 658A includes a ferromagnetic material, the detector 670 may detect a first configuration of a magnetic field surrounding the coupling member 648 when the attachment element 658A is separated from the coupling member 648. The detector 670 may then detect a second configuration of a magnetic field surrounding the coupling member 648 when the attachment element 658A is adjacent to the coupling member 648, thereby indicating that the surgical gown 612 is coupled to the surgical helmet 620. Alternatively, where the coupling member 648 includes a ferromagnetic material and the attachment element 658A includes a magnetic material, the detector 670 may detect the absence of a magnetic field surrounding the coupling member 648 when the attachment element 658A is separated from the coupling member 648. The detector 670 can then detect the presence of a magnetic field when the attachment element 658A is adjacent to the coupling member 648, thereby indicating that the surgical gown 612 is coupled to the surgical helmet 620. As described above, the controller can be configured to transmit operating instructions to the detector 670, and to receive a signal from the detector 670 related to a characteristic detected by the detector 670. The signal can be based on the presence, absence and / or change of the feature to be detected by the detector 670, which can be related to the presence or absence of the surgical gown 612 coupled to the surgical helmet 620. The controller can also be connected to one or more peripheral devices 630 (e.g., a ventilation assembly 630) of the surgical helmet 620, wherein the controller is configured to transmit operating instructions to and from the ventilation assembly 630 or other peripheral devices 630 based on the signal received from the detector 670. For example, the controller can be configured to adjust the amount of power transmitted to the ventilation system 630 to control the speed of the fan blades.

[0208] Reference Fig. 22B and Fig. 22C , shows a schematic diagram of a magnetic field surrounding a coupling member 648 comprising a magnetic material. Fig. 22B648 when the attachment element 658A is separated from the coupling member 648 or does not exist. As described above, the detector 670 can detect the first configuration of the magnetic field. In contrast, Fig. 22C An exemplary magnetic field around the coupling member 648 is shown when the attachment element 658A is positioned adjacent to the coupling member 648. As described above, the detector 670 can detect the second configuration of the magnetic field. Based on the magnetic field detected by the detector 670, the detector 670 can generate a signal indicating whether the surgical gown 612 is coupled to the surgical helmet 620.

[0209] Reference Fig.23A and Fig. 23B , a detailed view of a second configuration of an attachment element 658B is shown. Similar to the above-described attachment element 658, the second configuration of the attachment element 658B includes a head 660 having a distal surface 665 and an opposite proximal surface 659. The head 660 may include a concave surface 674B defining a recess 661B. The concave surface 674B defining the recess 661B of the attachment element 658B may be formed so that the recess surface 674B has a multi-faceted shape. The concave surface 674B of the head 660 may include two or more faces that cooperate to define the recess 661B. It is contemplated that the number of faces of the multi-faceted recess 661B may be changed so that the recess 661B can receive the protruding surface 647 of the coupling member 648 in a matching manner when it is coupled to the coupling member 648.

[0210] Reference Fig.24A and Fig. 24B , shows a detailed view of a third configuration of the attachment element 658C. Similar to the above-described attachment element 658, the third configuration of the attachment element 658C includes a head 660 having a distal surface 665 and an opposite proximal surface 659. The head 660 may include a recessed surface 674C defining a recess 661C. The recess 661C of the attachment element 658C includes a cylindrical shape. It is contemplated that the depth and / or diameter of the cylindrical recess 661C may be varied to allow the recess 661C to matingly receive the protruding surface 647 of the coupling member 648 when coupled together with the coupling member 648. Although Fig.24A and Fig. 24B The surface 674C of the recess 661C shown in FIG. 6 comprises a flat surface, but it is contemplated that the concave surface 674C defining the recess 661C may have an arcuate shape.

[0211] Reference Fig.25A and Fig.25B, a detailed view of a fourth configuration of an attachment element 658D is shown. Similar to the above-described attachment element 658, the fourth configuration of the attachment element 658D includes a head 660 having a distal surface 665 and an opposite proximal surface 659. The head 660 may include a recessed surface 674D defining a recess 661D. The recess 661D of the attachment element 658D includes a bowl-like shape having a flat surface. The flat surface may be positioned near the center of the recess 661D and / or positioned at the top of the recess 661D. It is contemplated that the depth and / or radius of the arcuate portion of the bowl-shaped recess 661D may be varied to allow the recess 661D to receive the protruding surface 647 of the coupling member 648 in a matching manner when it is coupled to the coupling member 648.

[0212] Reference Fig.26A and Fig.26B , a detailed view of a fifth configuration of an attachment element 658E is shown. Similar to the above-described attachment element 658, the fifth configuration of the attachment element 658E includes a head 660 having a distal surface 665 and an opposite proximal surface 659. The head 660 may include a concave surface 674E defining a recess 661E. The head 660 may also include an edge 663 that at least partially surrounds the recess 661E. The recess 661E of the attachment element 658E may include a generally concave shape. Fig.26A and Fig.26B The radius of curvature and / or depth of the recess 661E shown in is not intended to be limiting. It is contemplated that the depth and / or radius of the recess 661E may be varied to allow the recess to matingly receive the protruding surface 647 of the coupling member when coupled together with the coupling member.

[0213] As described above, the attachment element 658 includes a ferromagnetic material and a diamagnetic material. At least a portion of the head 660 and / or the attachment element 658E may include a diamagnetic material, and then the head 660 and / or the attachment element 658 may be coated with a ferromagnetic material that is configured to interact with the coupling member 648 that includes a magnetic material. Alternatively, the head 660 of the attachment element 658E may include a diamagnetic material and also include a ferromagnetic material disposed within the diamagnetic material of the head 660. Fig.26A and Fig.26B The fifth configuration of the attachment element 658E shown in the figure is an exemplary configuration of such an attachment element 658E. The attachment element 658E may also include a plurality of plugs 633 spaced around an edge 663 surrounding the recess 661E. The head 660 of the attachment element 658 may be formed of a diamagnetic material. The plug 633 may then include a ferromagnetic material and be at least partially arranged within the head 660. The ferromagnetic material of the plug 633 may be configured to interact with the coupling member 648 via magnetic attraction. Fig.26A and Fig.26BThe positions and orientations of the plug-ins 633 shown in the drawings are intended to be exemplary configurations only. It is contemplated that the number of plug-ins 633 may be increased or decreased as needed to create the necessary magnetic attraction between the coupling member 648 and the attachment element 658E. One or more plug-ins 633 may be positioned on or within the proximal surface 659 and / or edge 663 of the head 660. The plug-in 633 may also be positioned and / or at least partially disposed within the recessed surface 674E of the head 660 of the attachment element 658E. In addition, although Fig.26A and Fig.26B The insert 633 is shown as being positioned in the proximal surface 659 and / or edge 663 and recessed surface 674E of the head 660, but it is contemplated that the insert 633 may be positioned only in the proximal surface 659 and / or edge 663, or only in the recessed surface 674E. In addition, although at least a portion of the insert 633 is shown as forming a portion of the proximal surface 659, edge 663, and / or recessed surface 674E, it is contemplated that the insert 633 may be positioned to be completely disposed within and / or surrounded by the head 660. Alternatively, when the coupling member 648 includes a ferromagnetic material, it is contemplated that the head 660 may include a diamagnetic material and the insert 633 may include a magnetic material configured to interact with the coupling member 648 via magnetic attraction.

[0214] Reference Fig.27A and Fig.27B , a detailed view of a sixth configuration of an attachment element 758 is shown. Similar to the above-described attachment element 658, the fifth configuration of the attachment element 758 includes a head 760 having a distal surface 765 and an opposite proximal surface 759. However, unlike the previously described attachment element 658, the head 760 of the attachment element 758 can be configured as a ring, a washer, or the like, thereby defining a hole through the head 760. The attachment element 758 can also include a post 767 having a proximal portion 769. The proximal portion 769 can be coupled to the distal surface 765 of the head 760. The proximal portion 769 of the post 767 can include an arcuate, U-shaped, or similar arcuate shape, with opposite ends thereof coupled to the distal surface 765 of the head 760. The combination of the head 760 and the proximal portion 769 of the post 767 can define a recess 761 of the attachment element 758 to receive the protruding surface 647 of the coupling member 648. It is contemplated that the depth and / or radius of the head 760 may be varied to allow the recess 761 to matingly receive the protruding surface 647 of the coupling member 648 when coupled thereto.

[0215] Reference Fig.28A and Fig.28B, a detailed view of a seventh configuration of an attachment element 858 is shown. Similar to the attachment element 658 described above, the sixth configuration of the attachment element 858 includes a head 860 having proximal surfaces 859A, 859B. However, unlike the previously described attachment elements 658, 758, the head 860 of the attachment element 858 may include an arcuate, U-shaped, or similar arcuate shape with opposite ends terminating at the proximal surfaces 859A, 859B. The head 860 of the attachment element 858 may include two legs 863A, 863B that define a recess 861 of the attachment element 858 that is configured to receive the protruding surface 647 of the coupling member 648. Therefore, the attachment element 858 may still define the recess 861 even if the attachment element 858 does not include a surface that surrounds the recess 861 by 360 degrees. It is contemplated that the depth and / or radius of the legs 863A, 863B of the head 860 may be varied to allow the recess 861 to matingly receive the protruding surface 647 of the coupling member 648 when coupled thereto.

[0216] Reference Fig.29A and Fig.29B , showing a detailed view of an eighth configuration of the attachment element 958. Similar to the above-described attachment elements 658, 758, 858, the seventh configuration of the attachment element 958 includes a head 960A, 960B having a distal surface 965 and an opposite proximal surface 959. However, unlike the previously described attachment elements, the attachment element 958 may not be configured with a post. The head 960A, 960B of the attachment element 958 may include two or more similar arcuate segments that at least partially define an annular or similar circular shape to define a recess 961 of the head 960. Although Fig.28A and Fig.28B The head 960A, 960B of the attachment element 958 in the embodiment includes two head portions 960A, 960B, but it is contemplated that the head 960A, 960B can be configured as a solid ring or similar polygonal shape that defines a hole through the head 960A, 960B. Alternatively, it is further contemplated that the head 960A, 960B can be configured as more than two portions that are configured and / or arranged to define a ring or similar polygon that defines a recess 961 in conjunction with the mask 618.

[0217] because Fig.29A and Fig.29BThe exemplary configuration of the attachment element 958 shown in does not include a post, so each portion of the head 960A, 960B can be directly coupled to the mask 618. For example, the distal surfaces 965A, 965B can be directly coupled to the mask 618 using epoxy, glue, sealant, or a similar adhesive. However, it should be understood that it is contemplated that each portion of the head 960A, 960B can include a post configured to couple each portion of the head 960A, 960B to the mask 618 via corresponding holes, the holes being positioned to orient multiple portions of the head 960A, 960B in a similar configuration, such as Fig.29A and Fig.29B as shown in .

[0218] In this configuration, the combination of the heads 960A, 960B and portions of the mask 618 and / or surgical gown 612 can cooperate to define a recess 961 of the attachment element 958 that is configured to receive the protruding surface 647 of the coupling member 648. It is contemplated that the depth and / or radius of portions of the heads 960A, 960B of the attachment element 958 can be varied to allow the recess 961 to matingly receive the protruding surface 647 of the coupling member 648 when coupled together with the coupling member 648.

[0219] The various configurations of coupling members 648 and attachment elements 658, 758, 858, 958 described previously include coupling members 648 having protruding surfaces 647 and attachment elements 658, 758, 858, 958 having recesses 661, 761, 861, 961. However, the reverse relationship between coupling members and attachment elements is contemplated. Fig.30 , a partial schematic diagram of a ninth configuration of an attachment element 1058 coupled to a coupling member 1048 is shown. The attachment element 1058 may include a head 1060 including a proximal surface 1059 and an opposite distal surface 1065. The proximal surface 1059 may be configured to include a generally convex, hemispherical or similar arc shape. The attachment element 1058 may also include a post 1067 extending distally from the distal surface 1065 of the head 1060. The post 1067 may include a proximal portion 1069 and a distal portion 1071. As described above, the proximal portion 1069 and the distal portion 1071 may include different sizes. For example, the post 1067 may be configured so that the proximal portion 1069 includes a larger size than the distal portion 1071, thereby forming a shoulder. At least the distal portion 1071 of the post 1067 should fit within the aperture 619 of the mask 618 to couple the attachment element 1058 to the mask 618. Fig.30The exemplary configuration of the attachment element 1058 shown in the embodiment includes a post 1067, wherein the proximal portion 1069 includes a larger size than the distal portion 1071, but it is contemplated that the post 1067 may include a single uniform size that is configured to fit within the hole 619 of the mask 618. The distal portion of the post 1067 may also include a retention feature 1073 that is configured to couple the attachment element 1058 to the mask 618. The retention feature 1073 may include a nut, a cap, a friction fit, or a similar fastener. Alternatively, the distal end of the distal portion 1071 may be mushroomed over to define the retention feature 1073.

[0220] The coupling member 1048 can include a distal surface 1047 , wherein the distal surface 1047 includes a concave or similar arcuate shape configured to define a recess 1061 to receive a proximal surface 1059 of the attachment element 1048 .

[0221] Reference Fig.31 , a partial schematic diagram of a tenth configuration of an attachment element 1158 coupled to a coupling member 1148 is shown. The attachment element 1158 may include a head 1160 including a proximal surface 1159 and an opposite distal surface 1165. The proximal surface 1159 may have a generally convex shape including a flat portion 1161. The proximal surface 1159 may be configured such that the flat portion 1161 is positioned near the apex of the convex proximal surface 1159. The attachment element 1158 may also include a post 1167 extending distally from the distal surface 1165 of the head 1160. The post may include a proximal portion 1169 and a distal portion 1171. As described above, the proximal portion 1169 and the distal portion 1171 may include different sizes. For example, the post 1167 may be configured such that the proximal portion 1169 includes a larger size than the distal portion 1171, thereby forming a shoulder. At least the distal portion 1171 of the post 1167 should be configured to fit within the aperture 619 of the mask 618 to couple the attachment element 1158 to the mask 618. Fig.31 The exemplary configuration of the attachment element 1158 shown in FIG. 1 includes a post 1167 in which the proximal portion 1169 includes a larger size than the distal portion 1171, but it is contemplated that the post 1167 may include a single uniform size that is configured to fit within the hole 619 of the mask 618. The distal portion of the post 1167 may also include a retention feature 1173 that is configured to couple the attachment element 1158 to the mask 618. The retention feature 1173 may include a nut, a cap, a friction fit, or a similar fastener. Alternatively, the distal end of the distal portion 1171 may be enlarged to define the retention feature 1173.

[0222] The coupling member 1148 may include a distal surface 1147 , wherein the distal surface 1147 includes a concave or similar arcuate shape that is configured to define a recess 1161 to receive a proximal surface 1159 of the attachment element 1148 .

[0223] Reference Fig.32 , a partial schematic diagram of an eleventh configuration of an attachment element 1258 coupled to a coupling member 1248 is shown. The attachment element 1258 may include a head 1260 including a proximal surface 1259 and an opposite distal surface 1265. The proximal surface 1259 may have a generally convex, hemispherical, or similar arcuate shape. The attachment element 1258 may also include a post 1267 extending distally from the distal surface 1265 of the head 1260. Fig.32 The exemplary configuration of the attachment element 1258 shown in includes a post 1267 that includes a single uniform size configured to fit within the aperture 619 of the mask 618. However, as described above, the post 1267 may include a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the proximal portion may include a different size than the distal portion, thereby forming a shoulder.

[0224] As described above, the distal portion of the post 1267 may also include a retention feature 1273 configured to couple the attachment element 1258 to the mask 618. The retention feature 1273 may include a nut, a cap, a friction fit, or a similar fastener. Alternatively, the distal end of the distal portion 1271 may be rapidly enlarged to define the retention feature 1273.

[0225] In at least one embodiment, the coupling member 1248 can include a distal surface 1247 , wherein the distal surface 1247 includes a concave or similar arcuate shape configured to define a recess to receive a proximal surface 1259 of the attachment element 1248 .

[0226] Reference Fig.33 , a partial schematic diagram of a twelfth configuration of an attachment element 1358 coupled to a coupling member 1348 is shown. The attachment element 1358 may include a head 1360 including a proximal surface 1359 and an opposite distal surface 1365. The proximal surface 1359 may have a generally convex shape including a plurality of flat portions 1361A, 1361B. The proximal surface 1359 may be configured such that at least one of the flat portions 1361B is positioned near the apex of the convex proximal surface 1359. Another of the flat portions 1361A may be positioned at the outer portion of the head 1360 near the intersection of the proximal surface 1359 and the distal surface 1365. The attachment element 1358 may also include a post 1367 extending distally from the distal surface 1365 of the head 1360. Fig.33The exemplary configuration of the attachment element 1358 shown in includes a column 1367 that includes a single uniform size configured to fit within the hole 619 of the mask 618. However, as described above, the column 1367 may include a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the proximal portion may include a different size than the distal portion, thereby forming a shoulder. The distal portion of the column 1367 may also include a retaining feature 1373 that is configured to couple the attachment element 1358 to the mask 618. The retaining feature 1373 may include a nut, a cap, a friction fit, or a similar fastener. Alternatively, the distal end of the distal portion 1371 may be rapidly enlarged to define the retaining feature 1373.

[0227] The coupling member 1348 may include a distal surface 1347 , wherein the distal surface 1347 includes a concave or similar arcuate shape that is configured to define a recess 1361 to receive a proximal surface 1359 of an attachment element 1358 .

[0228] exist Figure 30-33 In each of the various configurations shown in , the attachment member 1058, 1158, 1258, 1358 includes a proximal surface 1059, 1159, 1259, 1359 having a generally convex, hemispherical, or similar arcuate shape and the complementary coupling member 1048, 1148, 1248, 1348 includes a distal surface 1047, 1147, 1247, 1347 having a concave or similar arcuate shape. Similar to the configurations of the attachment element and the coupling member described above, Figure 30-33 The shapes of the attachment members 1058, 1158, 1258, 1358 and the coupling members 1048, 1148, 1248, 1348 allow the attachment members 1058, 1158, 1258, 1358 to pivot or rotate relative to the coupling members 1048, 1148, 1248, 1348. This also allows the attachment elements 1058, 1158, 1258, 1358 to be coupled to the coupling members 1048, 1148, 1248, 1348 at a variety of angles without reducing the magnetic bonding strength between the attachment elements 1058, 1158, 1258, 1358 and the coupling members 1048, 1148, 1248, 1348. This increases the amount of force required to disengage the attachment elements 1058 , 1158 , 1258 , 1358 from the coupling members 1048 , 1148 , 1248 , 1348 .

[0229] Method of operating any of the above surgical gown systems:

[0230] The method of operating the surgical clothing system 110 may include providing any configuration of the surgical clothing system 110, 610 described above. For example, the method may include providing a surgical helmet 120, 620 and a surgical gown 112, 612, wherein the surgical helmet 120, 620 is configured to be worn on the head of an individual, and the surgical gown 112, 612 is configured to be removably coupled to the surgical helmet 120, 620 to provide a microbial barrier between the medical environment and the wearer. The surgical helmet 120, 620 may include one or more peripheral devices 130, 630, which are configured to facilitate the performance of the individual wearing the surgical helmet 120, 620 during the surgical procedure. The surgical helmet 120, 620 may also include a detector 170, 270, 370, 470, 570, 670 configured to detect the coupling of the surgical gown 112, 612 to the surgical helmet 120, 620 and transmit a signal based at least in part on the presence or absence of the surgical gown 112, 612 coupled to the surgical helmet 120, 620. A controller 180, 680 may also be coupled to the surgical helmet 120, 620 and configured to communicate with the detector 170, 270, 370, 470, 570, 670 and / or the peripheral device 130, 630. The system 110, 610 may also include a portable energy source 182 removably interconnected with the surgical helmet 120, 620. The portable energy source 182 may be configured to communicate with the controller 180.

[0231] The method may also include attaching or coupling a portable energy source 182 to the system 110, 610. For example, an energy source 182, such as a battery pack, may be coupled to a battery receiver of the surgical helmet 120, 620 or otherwise placed in electrical communication with the surgical helmet 120, 620.

[0232] Another step in the method may include using the detector 170, 270, 370, 470, 570, 670 to detect and / or determine whether the surgical gown 112, 612 is coupled to the surgical helmet 120, 620. This can be achieved using any of the various configurations of the detectors 170, 270, 370, 470, 570, 670 described above or other configurations not specifically described herein. For example, the presence or absence of the surgical gown 112 coupled to the surgical helmet 120 can be achieved using a first configuration of the detector 170, wherein the first member 154 is configured to selectively engage the switching member 172 of the detector 170 based at least in part on the proximity of the attachment element 158 ​​to the distal surface 147 of the coupling feature 146. Alternatively, the presence or absence of the surgical gown 112 coupled to the surgical helmet 120 can be achieved using a second configuration of the detector 270, wherein the first member 254 is configured to selectively move between the first region and the second region based at least in part on the proximity of the attachment element 158 ​​to the distal surface 247 of the coupling feature 246. In yet another example, the presence or absence of the surgical gown 612 coupled to the surgical helmet 620 can be achieved using one of a combination of an attachment element and a coupling member and a detector 670, wherein the detector 670 is configured to sense or detect changes in the magnetic field surrounding the coupling member 648, 748, 848, 948, 1048 based on the proximity of the attachment element 658, 758, 858, 958, 1058, 1158, 1258, 1358 to the coupling member 648, 748, 848, 948, 1048.

[0233] The method may also include controlling the operating characteristics of the peripheral device 130, 630 based at least in part on whether the detector 170, 270, 370, 470, 570, 670 indicates that the surgical gown 112, 612 is connected to the surgical helmet 120, 620. The controller 180 may be configured to selectively control one or more operating characteristics of the peripheral device 130, 630. The controller 180 may be configured to control (e.g., allow) power transmission to the peripheral device 130, 630 and / or from the energy source 182 to the peripheral device 130, 630. In other words, the controller 180 may control whether the peripheral device 130, 630 can be activated. It may also include controlling the maximum and / or minimum operating speed of the peripheral device 130, 630. For example, the controller 180 may be configured to prevent energy transmission to the peripheral device 130, 630 and / or limit the amount of energy transmitted to the peripheral device 130, 630 (e.g., by limiting the voltage) until the detector 170, 270, 370, 470, 570, 670 has indicated that the surgical gown 112, 612 is connected to the surgical helmet 120, 620.

[0234] As described above, the surgical helmet 120, 620 of the system 110, 610 may also include a storage device 184 coupled to the surgical helmet 120, 620 and in communication with the controller 180. The storage device 184 may be configured to store data related to the operation of the peripheral devices 130, 630. The data on the storage device 184 may include current operating settings for the peripheral devices, such as fan speed, cooling intensity, and / or illuminated lights. The data on the storage device 184 may also include maximum and minimum operating conditions for each peripheral device 130, 630 of the surgical helmet 120, 620.

[0235] As described above, the system 110, 610 may also include an energy sensor 186 in communication with the controller 180 and / or the energy source 182. The energy sensor 186 may be configured to detect characteristics of the energy source 182 and send an energy signal to the controller 180 based on the detected characteristics of the energy source 182. For example, the energy sensor 186 may be configured to transmit an energy signal to the controller 180 when the remaining power drops below a threshold. The threshold may be set by the controller 180 or may be set by a user. For example, the energy sensor 186 may be configured to transmit an energy signal to the controller 180 when the remaining power level drops below 15 percent (%).

[0236] The method may further include coupling the surgical gown 112, 612 to the surgical helmet 120, 620 such that the surgical gown 112, 612 is at least partially disposed on the surgical helmet 120, 620. The surgical gown 112, 612 may be coupled to the surgical helmet 120, 620 using any configuration of attachment elements 158, 558, 658, 758, 858, 958, 1058, 1158, 1258, 1358, coupling members 148, 648, 748, 848, 948, 1048, and coupling features 146, 246, 346, 446, 546 described above or other members not specifically described. This may include placing the attachment elements 158 , 558 , 658 , 758 , 858 , 958 , 1058 , 1158 , 1258 , 1358 of the surgical gown 112 , 612 adjacent to the coupling members 148 , 648 , 748 , 848 , 948 , 1048 and / or coupling features 146 , 246 , 346 , 446 , 546 of the surgical helmet 120 , 620 .

[0237] When the energy source 182 is connected to the system 110, 610, the method may further include transmitting an energy signal indicating a characteristic of the energy source 182 (e.g., a remaining power level of the energy source 182) from the energy sensor 186 to the controller 180. The method may then include storing at least one user setting of the peripheral device 130, 630 based on the energy signal. For example, the controller 180 may be configured to store at least one user setting of the peripheral device 130, 630 based on the energy signal (e.g., each time an energy signal indicating a 10 percent (%) decrease in the remaining power level occurs). Alternatively, the controller 180 may be configured to store at least one user setting of the peripheral device 130, 630 when the energy signal indicates that the remaining power level has dropped below a threshold (e.g., a 15 percent (%) decrease in the remaining power). The controller 180 may be configured to store the current user settings of the peripheral device 130, 630 on the storage device 184. More generally, this feature allows the user settings of the peripheral device 130, 630 to be stored before the battery enters a low power state or is no longer operational.

[0238] The method may further include replacing the energy source 182 with the second energy source 182 while the surgical gown 112, 612 is coupled to the surgical helmet 120, 620. The controller 180 may be configured to provide a signal to the peripheral device 130 based on the user settings (e.g., the most recently stored user settings) from the storage device 184 to the peripheral device 130, 630 upon connecting the second energy source 182 to the system 110, 610. The controller 180 may also be configured to restart the peripheral device 130, 630 based on the most recently stored user settings after replacing the energy source 182. This may be dependent on a signal from the detector 170, 670 indicating that the surgical gown 112, 612 remained coupled to the surgical helmet 120, 620 while the energy source 182 was replaced, i.e., the controller did not receive a signal from the detector indicating that the surgical gown was disconnected from the surgical helmet 120, 620 while the first or second energy source was in communication with the controller. For example, if the user is operating a peripheral device 130, 630 such as a ventilation assembly at a third fan speed setting, the controller 180 may be configured to restart the ventilation assembly 130, 630 at the third fan speed setting once the second energy source 182 is connected. This configuration of the system may also include a capacitor or auxiliary backup energy source that communicates with the detector 170, 270, 370, 470, 570, 670 and is configured to temporarily power the detector 170, 270, 370, 470, 570, 670 while the energy source 182 is activated. This will allow the detector 170, 270, 370, 470, 570, 670 to continue to detect characteristics indicating whether the surgical gown 112, 612 remains connected to the surgical helmet 120, 620.

[0239] The method may also include deleting the user settings for the peripheral device 130 stored on the storage device 184 when the detector 170, 270, 370, 470, 570, 670 indicates that the surgical gown 112, 612 is separated from the surgical gown 112, 612 and / or the energy source 182 or is absent or subsequently the energy source 182 is disconnected from the system 110, 610. Once the surgical gown 112, 612 and the energy source 182 have been removed from the surgical helmet 120, 620, the stored user settings related to the operation of the peripheral device 130, 630 may be cleared from the storage device 184 and the peripheral device 130, 630 may be reset to its default settings.

[0240] In another exemplary configuration, the method may further include the steps of storing user settings of the peripheral device 130, 630 on the storage device 184; and separating the surgical gown 112, 612 from the surgical helmet 120, 620 while the energy source 182 is in communication with the controller 180. If the detector 170, 270, 370, 470, 570, 670 determines that the surgical gown 112, 612 is separated from the surgical helmet 120, 620, the controller 180 may stop supplying power to the peripheral device 130, 630. After the first surgical gown 112, 612 is removed, the second surgical gown 112, 612 may be coupled to the surgical helmet 120, 620 while the energy source 182 remains in communication with the controller 180. The controller 180 can be configured to transfer the most recently stored user settings from the storage device 184 to the peripheral device 130, 630 after coupling the second surgical gown 112, 612 with the surgical helmet 120, 620. In this way, the controller 180 can be configured to restart the peripheral device 130, 630 based on the most recently stored settings before removing the first surgical gown 112, 612.

[0241] The method may further include deleting user settings of the peripheral devices 130, 630 stored on the storage device 184 when the detector 170, 270, 370, 470, 570, 670 indicates to the controller 180 that the surgical gown 112, 612 is separated from the surgical helmet 120, 620 and the energy source 182 is disconnected from the surgical helmet 120, 620. This may restore or reset the peripheral devices 130, 630 to their default settings.

[0242] In yet another exemplary configuration, the system may include a storage device 184 configured to store data related to one or more configurations of the surgical gown 112, 612. The method may include: using the detector 170, 270, 370, 470, 570, 670 to identify one of the multiple configurations of the surgical gown 112, 612 coupled to the surgical helmet 120, 620; transmitting the identified configuration of the surgical gown 112, 612 to the controller 180; and communicating instructions related to at least one operating characteristic of the peripheral device 130, 630 based at least in part on the identified surgical gown 112, 612. For example, the controller 180 may be configured to control the operating characteristics of the peripheral device 130, 630 based on the thickness or density of the fabric 114 / 116, 614 / 616 of the surgical gown 112, 612 coupled to the surgical helmet 120, 620. This may include increasing the velocity of the peripheral device 130 , 630 , such as the ventilation assembly 130 , 630 , when coupling the surgical gown 112 , 612 including the dense filtering fabric 116 , 616 material to the surgical helmet 120 , 620 .

[0243] In another exemplary method of operating the system 110, 610, the method may include coupling the surgical gown 112, 612 to the surgical helmet 120, 620 such that the surgical gown 112, 612 is at least partially disposed on the surgical helmet 120, 620. The method may also include: receiving a signal from the detector 170, 270, 370, 470, 570, 670 indicating that the surgical gown 112, 612 is coupled to the surgical helmet 120, 620; and delaying the transmission of power from the energy source 182 to the peripheral device 130, 630 for a defined first time period after receiving the signal from the detector 170, 270, 370, 470, 570, 670. In other words, the controller 180 is configured to power the peripheral device 130, 630 only after the surgical gown 112, 612 has been coupled to the helmet 120, 620 and the first time period has elapsed. The length of the first period can be adjusted based on user preferences or the expected amount of time required to complete a task before power is transmitted to the peripheral device 130, 630. For example, the controller 180 can be configured to delay the transmission of power from the energy source 182 to the peripheral device 130, 630 for five seconds after a signal from the detector 170, 270, 370, 470, 570, 670 indicates that the surgical gown 112, 612 is connected to the surgical helmet 120, 612. This can allow the wearer additional time to properly assemble and / or adjust the surgical gown 112, 612 before operation of the peripheral device 130, 630 (e.g., a ventilation assembly) begins. This can prevent microorganisms from circulating in the operating room before the appropriate sterile barriers are in place.

[0244] The method may also include separating the surgical gown 112, 612 from the surgical helmet 120, 620. The method may include receiving a signal from the detector 170, 270, 370, 470, 570, 670 indicating that the surgical gown 112, 612 is separated from the surgical helmet 120, 620, and continuing to supply power to the peripheral device 130, 630 for a predetermined second time period after receiving the signal from the detector 170, 270, 370, 470, 570, 670. For example, the controller 180 may be configured to continue to transmit power from the energy source 182 to the peripheral device 130, 630 for five seconds after the signal from the detector 170, 270, 370, 470, 570, 670 indicates that the surgical gown 112, 612 is separated from the surgical helmet 120, 620. This may allow operation of the peripheral device 130 , 630 , such as a ventilation assembly, to proceed immediately after removal of the surgical gown 112 , 612 to clear any debris from the peripheral device 130 , 630 .

[0245] Additional features, components and / or subassemblies may be incorporated or combined with any of the surgical gown systems 10, 110, 610 described above. Various common components for use with surgical gown systems are shown in Fig.34 , Fig.35 and Fig.36 14 and described below in conjunction with the general system 1410. It should be understood that any of the components and / or features of the general system 1410 described below may be combined and / or combined with the surgical gown systems 10, 110, 610 described above.

[0246] The system 1410 may also include a transceiver 1490 coupled to the surgical helmet 1420 and in communication with the controller 1480. The controller 1480 may be operatively coupled to the transceiver 1490 and configured to transmit data therebetween.

[0247] The system 1410 may also include an electromagnetic tag 1492 attached to the surgical gown 1412. For example, the electromagnetic tag 1492 may include an RFID tag or a similar tag configured to contain identification information related to the specific surgical gown 1412. The electromagnetic tag 1492 may be positioned at any location on the surgical gown 1412. For example, the electromagnetic tag 1492 may be attached to the filter fabric 1416 of the surgical gown 1412. Alternatively, the electromagnetic tag 1492 may be attached to the surgical fabric 1414 of the surgical gown 1412 or may be attached to the control housing of the surgical gown 1412. In one configuration, the tag 1492 may be attached to the surgical gown 1412 on the wearer side to reduce the possibility of introducing non-sterile or contaminated items on the environmental side of the barrier defined by the surgical gown 1412. Alternatively, it is also contemplated that the tag 1492 may be attached to the surgical gown 1412 on the environmental side of the barrier defined by the surgical gown 1412.

[0248] The electromagnetic tag 1492 can be configured to transmit or otherwise communicate information including information related to a specific surgical gown 1412 to a transceiver 1490 coupled to the surgical helmet 1420. In one exemplary configuration, the electromagnetic tag 1492 can be configured to be activated upon receiving a signal (e.g., a signal transmitting data) from the transceiver 1490. Once the electromagnetic tag 1492 is activated, the electromagnetic tag 1492 can transmit a signal back to the transceiver 1490 including data related to the surgical gown 1412 associated with the electromagnetic tag 1492. In this configuration, the transceiver 1490 can be configured to actively propagate a signal requesting the transmission of data. The signal can be propagated at a location at a defined distance from the transceiver 1490, and the electromagnetic tag 1492 can be configured to transmit a return signal including data related to the surgical gown 1412 when the electromagnetic tag 1492 is within a defined distance from the transceiver 1490. In an exemplary configuration, the electromagnetic tag 1492 can be positioned on the surgical gown 1412 such that when the surgical gown 1412 is attached to the surgical helmet 1420, the electromagnetic tag 1492 can be positioned in close proximity to the transceiver 1490. When the surgical gown 1412 and the surgical helmet 1420 are coupled to each other, this arrangement allows data to be transmitted from the electromagnetic tag 1492 to the transceiver 1490. For example, an exemplary arrangement of the electromagnetic tag 1492 and the transceiver 1490 can include the electromagnetic tag 1492 attached to the filtering fabric 1416 and the transceiver 1490 enclosed in the housing 1432 of the surgical helmet 1420.

[0249] As discussed above, the electromagnetic tag 1492 can be configured to store data and / or identifiers related to the surgical gown 1412, such as a serial number that identifies a specific surgical gown 1412. The electromagnetic tag 1492 can also be configured to store information that identifies the type of surgical gown 1412 associated with the electromagnetic tag 1492. The electromagnetic tag 1492 can also store data about operating parameters of the peripheral device 1430 for the surgical helmet 1420 that are most suitable for the operation of the peripheral device 1430 based on the characteristics of the specific surgical gown 1412 attached to the surgical helmet 1420 (e.g., the size of the surgical gown 1412, the type of fabric, whether the surgical gown 1412 is a hood or a toga, etc.).

[0250] The transceiver 1490 of the helmet 1420 may be operatively connected to the controller 1480, wherein the transceiver 1490 is configured to transmit data and / or information received from the electromagnetic tag 1492 to the controller 1480. As discussed above, the information received from the electromagnetic tag 1492 may be related to an identifier for each surgical gown 1412. The controller 1480 of one or more peripheral devices 1430 also connected to the surgical helmet 1420 may be configured to transmit operating instructions to the peripheral devices 1430 based at least in part on the information related to the surgical gown 1412 received from the transceiver 1490. For example, the controller 1480 may be configured such that only after the surgical gown 1412 is mounted to the surgical helmet 1420, as confirmed by the transceiver 1490 identifying the electromagnetic tag 1492 of the surgical gown 1412, the controller 1480 generates operating instructions that cause the peripheral devices 1430 of the surgical helmet 1420 to be actuated. In other words, the controller 1480 may be prevented from generating operating instructions for one or more peripheral devices 1430 and / or from transmitting energy to one or more peripheral devices 1430 until the transceiver 1490 transmits a signal corresponding to the applicable identifier read on the surgical gown 1412. Because the transceiver 1490 reads the electromagnetic tag 1492 once the surgical gown 1412 is placed against the surgical helmet 1420, this eliminates the disadvantages associated with providing the surgical gown system 1410 with a ventilation assembly 1430 or other peripheral devices 1430 that are actuated prior to placing the surgical gown 1412 on the surgical helmet 1420. As described above with respect to the function of the coupling features 146, 246, 346, 446, one disadvantage that is eliminated is the generation of noise generated by the ventilation assembly 1430 when the ventilation assembly 1430 is not functional. A second disadvantage that may be eliminated by preventing the actuation of the peripheral device 1430 before the surgical gown 1412 is mounted on the surgical helmet 1420 is enabling the charge in the energy source 182 when the actuation of the peripheral device 1430 is not required.

[0251] In another exemplary configuration, a wearable surgical gown 1412 for use with a surgical helmet 1420, the surgical gown 1412 may further include an electromagnetic tag 1492 configured to store data related to the surgical gown 1412. The electromagnetic tag 1492 may be configured to exchange data with a transceiver 1490 (also referred to as an electromagnetic reader) of the surgical helmet 1420 when the electromagnetic tag 1492 and the transceiver 1490 are within a certain degree of proximity to each other. The data related to the surgical gown 1412 stored on the electromagnetic tag 1492 may include an identifier unique to the surgical gown 1412. The operation of the peripheral device 1430 of the surgical helmet 1420 may be based at least in part on the stored identifier. The data related to the surgical gown 1412 stored on the electromagnetic tag 1492 may also include usage data indicating whether the surgical gown 1412 has been previously coupled to the surgical helmet 1420. The usage data may also indicate the number of times the surgical gown 1412 has been previously coupled to the surgical helmet 1420. The data stored on the electromagnetic tag 1492 and related to the surgical helmet 1420 may also include authentication data indicating whether the surgical gown 1412 is compatible with the surgical helmet 1420. The authentication data may include the size of the surgical gown 1412, the type of clothing, the manufacturer of the clothing, etc. The data stored about the surgical gown 1412 may also include operation data, which includes data used to generate operation instructions for the peripheral device 1430 of the surgical helmet 1420 based at least in part on the operation data. The operation data may include a specific operation mode for the peripheral device 1430 of the surgical helmet 1420 based on the characteristics of the surgical gown 1412. For example, the operation data stored on the electromagnetic tag 1492 and related to a specific surgical gown 1412 may include minimum and maximum setting information for each peripheral device 1430 based on the characteristics of the surgical gown 1412. The data stored about the surgical gown 1412 may also include an identifier, wherein the identifier is used to identify and / or track the use of the surgical gown 1412. For example, the identifier may include a serial number that is unique to the surgical gown 1412, so that the use and location of the surgical gown 1412 can be tracked. If the usage data associated with the surgical gown 1412 indicates that the use of the particular surgical gown 1412 has exceeded a predetermined or threshold number of uses (e.g., a single use), the controller 1480 may prevent the operation of the peripheral device 1430. Alternatively, the controller 1480 may be configured to allow a particular type of surgical gown 1412 to be worn multiple times (e.g., used three times) before the controller 1480 is configured to prevent the operation of the peripheral device 1430.

[0252] In another exemplary configuration, the surgical gown system 1410 may include a surgical helmet 1420 to be worn on the head of the wearer. The surgical helmet 1420 may include a peripheral device 1430 and a transceiver 1490. The system 1410 may also include a surgical gown 1412, which includes a surgical fabric 214 / 216 configured to be at least partially arranged on the surgical helmet 1420 to provide a microbial barrier between the medical environment and the wearer. An electromagnetic tag 1492 may be coupled to the surgical gown 1412, wherein the electromagnetic tag 1492 may be configured to store an identifier related to the surgical gown 1412. The antenna may be operably coupled to the transceiver 1490 and configured to communicate with the electromagnetic tag 1492 to receive an identifier related to the surgical gown 1412. The surgical gown system 1410 may also include a controller 1480, which is operably coupled to the peripheral device 1430 and the transceiver 1490. The controller 1480 may be configured to transmit an operating instruction to the external device 1430 based at least in part on an identifier associated with the surgical gown 1412. The electromagnetic tag 1492 may be configured to store and transmit usage data for the surgical gown 1412, and the controller 1480 may be configured to determine whether the surgical gown 1412 has been previously worn with the surgical helmet 1420. The controller 1480 may be configured to prevent actuation of the external device 1430 if the surgical gown 1412 has been previously worn based at least in part on the stored usage data. The electromagnetic tag 1492 may also be configured to store authentication data for the surgical gown 1412, and the controller 1480 may be configured to determine whether the surgical gown 1412 is compatible with the surgical helmet 1420. The controller 1480 may be configured to prevent actuation of the external device 1430 based at least in part on the stored authentication data if the surgical gown 1412 is not compatible with the surgical helmet 1420. When the identifier is associated with the type of surgical gown 1412, the controller 1480 may be configured to determine an operating mode of one or more peripheral devices 1430 (generate operating instructions for the peripheral devices) based at least in part on the type of surgical gown 1412 attached to the surgical helmet 1420. For example, the controller 1480 may be configured to increase or decrease the power output to the peripheral device 1430 based at least in part on the type of surgical gown 1412 attached to the surgical helmet 1420. In an exemplary configuration in which the peripheral device 1430 is a ventilation component, the controller 1480 may be configured to increase the power output to the ventilation component when the type of surgical gown 1412 includes thicker fabric 1414 / 1416 and / or the surgical gown 1412 is larger in size (suggesting a larger volume of space under the surgical gown 1412).

[0253] The transceiver 1490 may also be coupled to a storage device 184 of the surgical helmet 1420. The storage device 184 may be configured to store data received from the electromagnetic tag 1492 of the surgical gown 1412. The information stored on the storage device 184 may be used to identify when a previously worn surgical gown 1412 has been reattached to the surgical helmet 1420. For example, the surgical gown 1412 may be attached to the surgical helmet 1420 by the wearer. The storage device 184 may be configured to store data (e.g., a serial number, an identifier, a model number, clothing characteristics, or similar information) received from the electromagnetic tag 1492 of the surgical gown 1412 for later use. In the event that the previously worn surgical gown 1412 is reattached to the surgical helmet 1420 at a later point in time, the data stored in the storage device 184 may be used to prevent the operation of the peripheral device 1430. For example, in operation, when the surgical gown 1412 is attached to the surgical helmet 1420 and the transceiver 1490 receives data from the electromagnetic tag 1492 of the surgical gown 1412, the storage device 184 will store the data. The data may include a serial number or other identification feature. If the wearer attempts to reattach the same surgical gown 1412 to the surgical helmet 1420, when the transceiver 1490 receives data from the electromagnetic tag 1492, the storage device 184 will already contain the same data. When the transceiver 1490 transmits the data from the storage device 184 to the controller 1480, the controller 1480 may be configured to identify a second entry of data for the surgical gown 1412. Once the second entry for the surgical gown 1412 is identified, the controller 1480 may be configured to prevent the peripheral device 1430 from operating until a new surgical gown 1412 is attached to the surgical helmet 1420.

[0254] It is possible that the energy source or power source 182 for the system 1410 runs out during a medical procedure, which may result in a false positive identification of a reusable surgical gown 1412 when the system is restarted. For example, if the energy source 182 (e.g., a battery) for the system 1410 runs out in the middle of the process, when a new battery is attached and a new signal is sent from the electromagnetic tag 1492 to the transceiver 1490, the memory 184 may show that the attached surgical gown 1412 was previously used. As described above, in this case, the controller 1480 may be configured to prevent the peripheral device 1430 from operating. In order to prevent the peripheral device 1430 from not operating based on the false positive identification of the surgical gown 1412, the system 1410 may also include a capacitor that is operably connected to the controller 1480 and configured to store energy. The controller 1480 may be configured to recognize that if the capacitor is currently storing energy, the energy source 182 for the system 1410 has been recently removed. Based on the identification that the energy source 182 was recently removed, the controller 1480 may be configured to allow operation of the peripheral device 1430 even if the data from the storage device 184 indicates that the surgical gown 1412 has been previously worn. The controller 1480 may also be configured to allow operation of the peripheral device 1430 even if the data from the storage device 184 indicates that the surgical gown 1412 has also been previously worn based on the amount of time between the first instance in which the surgical gown 1412 is identified as being attached to the surgical helmet 1420 and the second instance in which the surgical gown 1412 is identified as being attached to the surgical helmet 1420. For example, if the controller 1480 were to identify the time between the first instance in which the surgical gown 1412 is attached and the second instance in which the surgical gown 1412 is attached is less than two hours, the controller 1480 may be configured to allow operation of the peripheral device 1430, and if the amount of time between the first instance and the second instance is greater than two hours, the controller may prevent the peripheral device 1430 from operating with the surgical gown 1412 being worn. However, the amount of time may be configured to be what would be reasonably appropriate in a given industry based on the use of the surgical gown 1412, such as 1 hour, 24 hours, etc.

[0255] Other configurations of the system 1410 may have different subassemblies to ensure that peripheral devices 1430, such as ventilation assemblies, may be actuated only when the surgical gown 1412 is assembled to the surgical helmet 1420. For example, it should be appreciated that the surgical helmet 1420 may include additional and / or alternative clothing detectors in addition to the detectors 170, 270, 370, 470, 570, 670 described above. The clothing detector may include a pressure sensor, a load sensor, or a similar type of sensor configured to detect the attachment of the surgical gown 1412 to the surgical helmet 1420. For example, the chin bar 1424 may include a clothing detector in the form of a pressure sensor configured to detect the attachment of the surgical gown 1412 to the surgical helmet 1420.

[0256] In another exemplary configuration of the system 1410, the system 1410 may be configured such that once the energy source 182 is attached to the surgical helmet 1420, the controller 1480 may activate the peripheral device 1430 within a predetermined time period. This allows the controller 1480 to complete a status check and confirm that the peripheral device 1430 is functioning properly. Once the controller 1480 has completed the status check, the controller 1480 may be configured to prevent any further actuation of the peripheral device 1430 until the controller 1480 receives a signal from the clothing detector indicating that the surgical gown 1412 has been attached to the surgical helmet 1420. Once the controller 1480 receives a signal from the clothing detector indicating that the surgical gown 1412 has been attached to the surgical helmet 1420, the controller 1480 may be configured to generate an operating instruction to allow energy to be transferred from the energy source 182 to the peripheral device 1430.

[0257] For example, in operation, a wearer may place a surgical helmet 1420 including a peripheral device 1430 (e.g., a ventilation assembly) on their head and attach an energy source 182 to the surgical helmet 1420. The controller 1480 may then actuate the ventilation assembly 1430 to confirm that the ventilation assembly 1430 is functioning properly. The controller 1480 may then deactivate the ventilation assembly 1430. Next, the wearer may attach a surgical gown 1412 to the surgical helmet 1420. The attachment of the surgical gown 1412 to the surgical helmet 1420 may be detected by a pressure sensor, switch, or transceiver 1490, or similar detector as described above, wherein the transceiver 1490 is configured to detect the presence of an RFID tag 1492 or other electromagnetic tag on the surgical gown 1412. The detector may then send a signal to the controller 1480 to confirm that the surgical gown 1412 has been attached to the surgical helmet 1420. The controller 1480 may then actuate the ventilation assembly 1430.

[0258] In yet another configuration of the system 1410, the surgical gown 1412 and the surgical helmet 1420 may each include complementary conductors. When the surgical gown 1412 is assembled to the surgical helmet 1420, the conductors integral with the surgical gown 1412 close the connection between the surgical gown 1412 and the surgical helmet 1420. For example, the conductors of the surgical gown 1412 may be integrally formed with the mask 1418, and the complementary conductors may be included in the chin bar 1424, so that once the conductors of the mask 1418 engage the conductors in the chin bar 1424, the circuit is closed. The conductors may also communicate with the magnetic / ferromagnetic elements of the attachment element 1458 and / or the corresponding coupling member 1448 of the chin bar 1424. The clothing detector may be configured to sense the closure of the circuit between the attachment element 1458 of the mask 1418 and the surgical helmet 1420. In response to detecting this change in circuit state, the clothing detector may generate a signal to the controller 1480 indicating that the circuit is in a closed state and ready to be actuated. In some configurations, the controller 1480 may only generate an operation command signal that, when received by the controller 1480, results in the actuation of the peripheral device 1430.

[0259] It should be understood that in some configurations of the system 1410, removal of the surgical gown 1412 from the surgical helmet 1420 may result in re-opening of the circuit between the attachment element 1458 of the surgical gown 1412 and the surgical helmet 1420, respectively. In response to detecting the re-opening of the circuit, the clothing detector may generate a signal to the controller 1480 indicating that the system 1410 is in a disconnected state. In response to receiving the signal from the clothing detector, the controller 1480 may be configured to return the peripheral device 1430 of the surgical helmet 1420 to a closed state. Therefore, another feature of these configurations of the system 1410 is that when the surgical gown 1412 is removed from the surgical helmet 1420 and the peripheral device 1430, such as the ventilation assembly, is no longer required, the peripheral device 1430 is automatically turned off or disabled. Similar modes of operation are also contemplated using the other clothing detector assemblies described above.

[0260] In some versions of surgical gown system 1410, controller 1480 may adjust whether to actuate other peripheral devices 1430 based on whether surgical gown 1412 is detected / fitted to surgical helmet 1420. Thus, controller 1480 may prevent actuation of one or more of the light assembly, the communication unit, or the cooling strips based on whether the appropriate surgical gown 1412 is fitted to surgical helmet 1420.

[0261] The above does not refer to a specific configuration of the surgical suit system 10, 110, 610, 1410. It should be understood that various features of different configurations of the system 10, 110, 610, 1410 can be combined to construct alternative configurations of the system 10, 110, 610, 1410.

[0262] Moreover, although the surgical gown system 10, 110, 610, 1410 is generally intended to provide a barrier between a medical practitioner and a patient during a medical or surgical procedure, its use is not limited thereto. It is within the scope of the present disclosure that the surgical gown system 10, 110, 610, 1410 may be used in other efforts where it is desired to provide a barrier between an individual and the surrounding environment. An alternative effort in which the system 10, 110, 610, 1410 may be desired is an effort to provide a barrier between an individual and hazardous materials in the work environment in which the individual works.

[0263] Clauses covering other configurations of the above systems:

[0264] I. A surgical gown system, comprising:

[0265] A surgical helmet for being worn on a wearer's head, the surgical helmet comprising a helmet coupler, the helmet coupler comprising:

[0266] a housing including a distal surface, the housing defining a void space having a first region and a second region;

[0267] a mechanical switch disposed at least partially within the void space proximate the first region; and

[0268] a first member movably disposed within the housing relative to the mechanical switch, the first member comprising one of a ferromagnetic material or a magnetic material;

[0269] a surgical gown configured to be disposed at least partially over the surgical helmet to provide a microbial barrier between a medical environment and a wearer, the surgical gown comprising a second member;

[0270] wherein the second member comprises the other of the ferromagnetic material or the magnetic material and is configured to releasably engage the distal surface of the helmet coupler; and

[0271] Wherein the first member is configured to selectively contact the mechanical switch based at least in part on a proximity of the second member relative to the distal surface of the housing.

[0272] II. A system as described in clause I, wherein the surgical helmet includes a control shell that extends outward from the surgical helmet and is positioned generally in front of the face of a wearer of the surgical helmet, and the helmet connector is at least partially arranged within the control shell.

[0273] III. The system of clause II, wherein the distal surface of the cover is configured to be recessed within the control housing.

[0274] IV. The system of clause I, wherein the first member of the helmet coupler is configured to selectively engage a switching member operatively attached to the mechanical switch to move the switching member between a first position and a second position;

[0275] Wherein, when the mechanical switch is engaged by the first member, the switching member is in the second position, and when the first member abuts the distal surface of the housing, the switching member is in the first position.

[0276] V. A system as described in clause IV, wherein the surgical helmet includes a ventilation assembly and a controller; and

[0277] Wherein the controller is in communication with the mechanical switch, and the controller is configured to control an operational characteristic of the ventilation assembly based at least in part on the position of the switching member of the mechanical switch.

[0278] VI. The system of clause I, wherein the first member of the helmet coupler comprises the magnetic material and the second member comprises the ferromagnetic material; and

[0279] Wherein, the first member and the second member are magnetically attracted to couple the surgical helmet to the surgical gown.

[0280] VII. The system of clause I, wherein the distal surface of the headgear coupler is configured to provide an alignment feature configured to align the second member of the surgical gown with the distal surface of the shell of the headgear coupler.

[0281] VIII. The system of clause VII, wherein the distal surface comprises an arcuate shape configured to define the alignment feature.

[0282] IX. The system of clause I, wherein the surgical gown further comprises a transparent face mask and a surgical fabric, and wherein the transparent face mask is integrally formed with the surgical fabric.

[0283] X. The system of clause IX, wherein the second member is positioned around a perimeter of the transparent visor and is configured to define a curvature of the transparent visor when coupled to a corresponding helmet coupler.

[0284] XI. A system as described in clause I, wherein the helmet connector also includes a third member, which is positioned within the shell near the first area of ​​the shell and adjacent to the mechanical switch, and the third member includes the ferromagnetic material or the magnetic material of the second member.

[0285] XII. The system of clause XI, wherein the third member is configured to manipulate the position of the first member based at least in part on the proximity of the second member relative to the distal surface of the housing.

[0286] XIII. The system of clause XII, wherein the first member of the helmet coupler comprises a magnet, the third member comprises a first ferromagnetic material, and the second member comprises a second ferromagnetic material;

[0287] Wherein the magnetic mass of the second ferromagnetic material is greater than the magnetic mass of the first ferromagnetic material such that when the second member is positioned adjacent to the distal surface of the helmet coupler, the magnet will be pulled distally away from the mechanical switch.

[0288] XIV. The system of clause XIII, wherein the magnetic mass of the second ferromagnetic material relative to the magnetic mass of the first ferromagnetic material comprises a ratio of 1.1 to 1 or greater.

[0289] XV. The system of clause XII, wherein the first member of the helmet coupler comprises a ferromagnetic material, the third member comprises a first magnet, and the second member comprises a second magnet;

[0290] Wherein the magnetic field of the second magnet is greater than the magnetic field of the first magnet such that when the second member is positioned adjacent to the distal surface of the helmet coupler, the ferromagnetic material is pulled distally away from the mechanical switch.

[0291] XVI. A system as described in clause XV, wherein the magnetic field of the second magnet comprises a ratio of 1.1 to 1 or greater relative to the magnetic field of the first magnet.

[0292] XVII. A surgical gown system, comprising:

[0293] A head unit for being worn on a wearer's head, the head unit comprising a first coupler, the first coupler comprising:

[0294] a housing including a distal surface, the housing defining a void space having a first region and a second region; and

[0295] a first member positioned within the housing and movable between the first region and the second region;

[0296] a sensor positioned proximate the first region of the housing; and

[0297] a surgical gown configured to be disposed at least partially over the head unit to provide a microbial barrier between a medical environment and a wearer, the gown comprising a second member;

[0298] wherein the first region is located proximal to the sensor, and the second region is located distal to the sensor;

[0299] wherein the first member is configured to selectively move between the first region and the second region of the housing based at least in part on a proximity of the second member relative to the distal surface of the housing; and

[0300] Wherein the sensor is configured to detect when the first member is in the first area and the second area.

[0301] XVIII. The surgical gown system of clause XVII, wherein the surgical gown system further comprises a controller coupled to the sensor and configured to receive a signal from the sensor; and

[0302] Wherein the controller is configured to control an operational characteristic of the head unit based on the signal from the sensor.

[0303] XIX. The surgical apparel system of clause XVII, wherein the second member is configured to releasably engage the distal surface of the housing of the first coupler.

[0304] XX. The surgical apparel system of clause XVII, wherein the first member comprises a magnetic material and the sensor is a Hall effect sensor.

[0305] XXI. A surgical helmet for use with a surgical gown having a second member and configured to be at least partially disposed on the surgical helmet, the surgical helmet comprising:

[0306] A helmet connector, the helmet connector comprising:

[0307] a housing including a distal surface, the housing defining a void space having a first region and a second region;

[0308] a mechanical switch disposed at least partially within the void space proximate the first region; and

[0309] a first member movably disposed within the housing relative to the mechanical switch, the first member comprising one of a ferromagnetic material or a magnetic material;

[0310] wherein the second member of the surgical gown comprises the other of the ferromagnetic material or the magnetic material and is configured to releasably engage the distal surface of the helmet coupler; and

[0311] Wherein the first member is configured to selectively contact the mechanical switch based at least in part on a proximity of the second member relative to the distal surface of the housing.

[0312] XXII. A surgical helmet as described in clause XXI, wherein the surgical helmet also includes a ventilation assembly and a controller, the controller communicating with the mechanical switch, and the controller is configured to receive a signal from the mechanical switch and control the operating characteristics of the ventilation assembly based at least in part on the signal from the mechanical switch.

[0313] XXIII. A surgical gown system, comprising:

[0314] A surgical helmet for being worn on a wearer's head, the surgical helmet comprising a first member and a mechanical switch, wherein:

[0315] The first member comprises a hole,

[0316] The first member includes one of a ferromagnetic material or a magnetic material, and

[0317] The mechanical switch includes a switching member;

[0318] a surgical gown configured to be disposed at least partially over the surgical helmet to provide a microbial barrier between a medical environment and a wearer, the gown comprising a second member including a protrusion configured to fit within the aperture;

[0319] wherein the second member comprises the other of the ferromagnetic material or the magnetic material;

[0320] wherein the first member and the second member are configured to be magnetically attracted to each other to releasably couple the surgical gown to the surgical helmet; and

[0321] Wherein the protrusion of the second member is configured to engage the switching member of the mechanical switch when the surgical gown is coupled to the surgical helmet.

[0322] XXIV. A surgical apparel system as described in clause XXIII, wherein the first member comprises the magnetic material; and

[0323] Wherein, the second component includes the ferromagnetic material.

[0324] XXV. A surgical gown system as described in clause XXIII, wherein the first member comprises the ferromagnetic material; and

[0325] Wherein, the second component includes the magnetic material.

[0326] XXVI. A surgical suit system as described in clause XXIII, wherein the hole further includes a bevel or chamfer surrounding the hole, and the bevel or chamfer is configured to assist in inserting the protrusion into the hole.

[0327] XXVII. A surgical apparel system as described in clause XXIII, wherein the first member includes a distal surface;

[0328] wherein the second member includes a base, and the protrusion is configured to protrude outwardly from the base; and

[0329] Wherein the base is configured to abut the distal surface when the second member is coupled to the first member.

[0330] XXVIII. The surgical apparel system of clause XXIII, wherein the other of the ferromagnetic material or the magnetic material of the second member is encapsulated in a plastic polymer.

[0331] XXIX. A surgical gown system as described in clause XXIII, wherein the surgical gown system also includes a controller in communication with the mechanical switch, and the controller is configured to receive a signal from the mechanical switch based on contact or non-contact of the protrusion with the switching member of the mechanical switch.

[0332] XXX. The surgical apparel system of clause XXIII, wherein the switching member is at least partially disposed within the aperture of the first member.

[0333] XXXI. The surgical apparel system of clause XXX, wherein the switching member is movable between a first position and a second position.

[0334] XXXII. A surgical gown system, comprising:

[0335] A surgical helmet for being worn on a wearer's head, the surgical helmet comprising a cylindrical first member and a sensor, wherein:

[0336] The cylindrical first member includes a lateral surface and a distal surface, the distal surface including a hole;

[0337] The cylindrical first member comprises one of a ferromagnetic material or a magnetic material; and

[0338] The bore defines a first axis;

[0339] The cylindrical first member has a second axis perpendicular to the first axis; and

[0340] the sensor being positioned adjacent the lateral surface of the cylindrical first member such that the sensor is substantially aligned / parallel with the second axis of the cylindrical first member;

[0341] a surgical gown configured to be disposed at least partially over the surgical helmet to provide a microbial barrier between a medical environment and a wearer, the gown comprising a second member including a protrusion configured to fit within the aperture;

[0342] wherein the second member comprises the other of the ferromagnetic material or the magnetic material;

[0343] wherein the cylindrical first member and the second member are configured to be magnetically attracted to each other to releasably couple the surgical gown to the surgical helmet; and

[0344] Wherein the sensor is configured to detect changes in the magnetic field surrounding the cylindrical first member caused by the presence or absence of the second member relative to the cylindrical first member.

[0345] XXXIII. The surgical apparel system of clause XXXII, wherein the cylindrical first member comprises a magnet; and

[0346] Wherein, the second component comprises ferromagnetic material.

[0347] XXXIV. A surgical apparel system as described in clause XXXII, wherein the cylindrical first member further includes a bevel or chamfer surrounding the hole, the bevel or chamfer being configured to assist in inserting the protrusion into the hole.

[0348] XXXV. A surgical suit system as described in clause XXXII, wherein the surgical suit system also includes a controller in communication with the sensor, and the controller is configured to receive a signal from the sensor based on the presence or absence of the second member relative to the cylindrical first member.

[0349] XXXVI. A surgical gown system as described in clause XXXII, wherein the sensor includes a Hall effect sensor configured to detect changes in a magnetic field surrounding the cylindrical first member based at least in part on the proximity of the second member relative to the cylindrical first member.

[0350] XXXVII. A surgical gown system, comprising:

[0351] A surgical helmet configured to be worn on an individual's head;

[0352] a surgical gown configured to be at least partially disposed over the surgical helmet to provide a microbial barrier between a medical environment and a wearer, the surgical gown comprising a first member configured to removably couple the surgical gown to the surgical helmet;

[0353] Wherein, the surgical helmet comprises:

[0354] a peripheral device configured to facilitate performance of an individual wearing the surgical helmet during a surgical procedure;

[0355] a detector configured to detect the presence of the surgical gown positioned adjacent to the surgical helmet and to generate a signal when the surgical gown is coupled to the surgical helmet; and

[0356] A controller is in communication with the detector and the peripheral device, the controller being configured to adjust an aspect of the operation of the peripheral device based at least in part on the signal from the detector.

[0357] XXXVIII. The surgical gown system of clause XXXVII, wherein the surgical gown further comprises a transparent face mask; and

[0358] Wherein, the first component of the surgical gown is connected to the transparent mask.

[0359] XXXIX. A surgical gown system as described in clause XXXVIII, wherein the detector is a mechanical switch; and

[0360] Wherein, the surgical helmet and the surgical gown are configured such that when the surgical gown is positioned adjacent to the surgical helmet, the transparent face shield abuts the mechanical switch.

[0361] XL. A surgical gown system as described in clause XXXVII, wherein the controller is configured to store data / information related to the peripheral device in the memory when the signal from the detector indicates the presence of power and the absence of the surgical gown.

[0362] XLI. The surgical gown system of clause XXXVII, wherein the surgical gown system further comprises a portable energy source removably coupled to the surgical helmet;

[0363] wherein the portable energy source is in communication with the controller; and

[0364] Wherein the controller is configured to control energy transfer from the portable energy source to the external device based at least in part on the signal from the detector.

[0365] XLII. The surgical gown system of clause XLI, wherein the controller is configured to allow energy to be transferred from the portable energy source to the peripheral device when the signal from the detector indicates that the surgical gown is positioned adjacent to the surgical helmet.

[0366] XLIII. A surgical gown system as described in clause XXXVII, wherein the detector is configured to monitor the presence of a magnetic field.

[0367] XLIV. A surgical gown system as described in clause XXXVII, wherein the peripheral device of the surgical helmet may include: a fan assembly, a light, a communication device, a cooling strip, or a video recorder.

[0368] XLV. A surgical gown system comprising:

[0369] a surgical helmet configured to be worn on the head of an individual;

[0370] a surgical gown configured to be disposed at least partially over the surgical helmet to provide a microbial barrier between the medical environment and the wearer;

[0371] Wherein, the surgical helmet comprises:

[0372] a peripheral device configured to facilitate performance of an individual wearing the surgical helmet during a surgical procedure; and

[0373] a detector configured to detect the presence of the surgical gown positioned adjacent to the surgical helmet and to generate a signal when the surgical gown is coupled to the surgical helmet;

[0374] a controller in communication with the detector and the peripheral device, the controller being configured to adjust an operating characteristic of the peripheral device based at least in part on the signal from the detector; and

[0375] a portable energy source removably interconnected to the surgical helmet, the portable energy source in communication with the controller;

[0376] Wherein the controller is configured to control energy transfer from the portable energy source to the external device based at least in part on the signal from the detector.

[0377] XLVI. A surgical gown system as described in clause XLV, wherein the detector is configured to switch between a first state and a second state;

[0378] wherein the detector is configured to be in the first state when the surgical gown is positioned adjacent to the surgical helmet;

[0379] wherein the detector is configured to be in the second state when the surgical gown is separated from the surgical helmet; and

[0380] Wherein the detector is configured to generate the signal based at least in part on whether the controller is in the first state or in the second state.

[0381] XLVII. A surgical gown system as described in clause XLVI, wherein the controller is configured to delay power transmission to the peripheral device for a defined first time period once the controller receives a signal from the detector indicating that the surgical gown is positioned adjacent to the surgical helmet.

[0382] XLVIII. A surgical gown system as described in clause XLVI, wherein the controller is configured to continue transmitting power to the peripheral device for a defined second time period once the controller receives the signal from the detector indicating that the surgical gown is separated from the surgical helmet.

[0383] XLIX. A surgical gown system as described in clause XLVI, wherein the surgical gown system also includes a storage device, which is connected to the surgical helmet and communicates with the controller, and the storage device is configured to store data related to the operation of the peripheral device.

[0384] L. A surgical gown system as in clause XLVI, wherein the surgical gown system further comprises an energy sensor in communication with the controller, the energy sensor being configured to detect a power level of the portable energy source and to detect an energy signal of the controller based on the power level of the portable energy source; and

[0385] Wherein the controller is configured to transmit data to the storage device for storage based on the energy signal from the energy sensor, the data being related to user settings for the peripheral device.

[0386] LI. A surgical gown system as described in clause L, wherein the controller is configured to transmit data to the storage device for storage when the energy signal from the energy sensor indicates that the remaining power level of the portable energy source has reached a threshold, the data being related to the user settings of the peripheral device.

[0387] LII. The surgical gown system of clause L1, wherein the storage device is configured to store the user settings of the peripheral device as long as the detector remains in the first state; and

[0388] Wherein, the controller is configured to restart the operation of the peripheral device based on the stored user settings when the portable energy source is replaced.

[0389] LIII. A surgical gown system as described in clause XLVI, wherein the storage device is configured to clear the data related to the user settings of the peripheral device when the detector switches from the first state to the second state and the portable energy source is disconnected from the surgical helmet.

[0390] LIV. A surgical gown system as described in clause XLVI, wherein the storage device is configured to store data related to a plurality of features of the surgical gown;

[0391] wherein the detector is configured to identify one of a plurality of configurations of the surgical gown positioned adjacent to the surgical helmet; and

[0392] Wherein the controller is configured to control at least one operational characteristic of the peripheral device based at least in part on the identified one of the plurality of configurations of the surgical garment.

[0393] LV. The surgical gown system of clause XLV, wherein the detector comprises:

[0394] a housing including a distal surface, the housing defining a void space having a first region and a second region;

[0395] a mechanical switch disposed at least partially within the void space proximate the first region; and

[0396] a first member movably disposed within the housing relative to the mechanical switch, the first member comprising one of a ferromagnetic material or a magnetic material;

[0397] wherein the surgical gown includes a second member comprising the other of the ferromagnetic material or the magnetic material and configured to releasably engage the distal surface of the cover shell;

[0398] wherein the first member is configured to selectively contact the mechanical switch based at least in part on a proximity of the second member relative to the distal surface of the housing; and

[0399] Wherein the detector is configured to transmit the signal to the controller based at least in part on whether the first member is in contact with the mechanical switch.

[0400] LVI. A surgical gown system as described in clause XLV, wherein the detector includes:

[0401] a housing including a distal surface, the housing defining a void space having a first region and a second region;

[0402] a first member positioned within the housing and movable between the first region and the second region; and

[0403] a sensor positioned proximate the first region of the housing;

[0404] wherein the surgical gown includes a second member configured to releasably engage the distal surface of the shell;

[0405] wherein the first region is located proximal to the sensor, and the second region is located distal to the sensor;

[0406] wherein the first member is configured to selectively move between the first region and the second region of the housing based at least in part on a proximity of the second member relative to the distal surface of the housing;

[0407] wherein the sensor is configured to detect when the first member is in the first zone and the second zone; and

[0408] Wherein the detector is configured to transmit the signal to the controller based at least in part on whether the first member is positioned proximate to the first region or proximate to the second region.

[0409] LVII. A method for operating a surgical gown system, the method comprising:

[0410] Provided is a surgical gown system, comprising:

[0411] A surgical helmet configured to be worn on an individual's head;

[0412] a surgical gown configured to be removably coupled to the surgical helmet to provide a microbial barrier between the medical environment and the wearer;

[0413] Wherein, the surgical helmet comprises:

[0414] a peripheral device configured to facilitate the performance of an individual wearing the surgical helmet during a surgical procedure;

[0415] a detector configured to detect coupling of the surgical gown to the surgical helmet and to generate a signal based at least in part on the presence or absence of the surgical gown coupled to the surgical helmet; and

[0416] a controller in communication with the detector and the peripheral device;

[0417] a portable energy source removably interconnected to the surgical helmet, the portable energy source in communication with the controller; and

[0418] coupling the portable energy source to the surgical helmet;

[0419] Using the detector to detect whether the surgical gown is connected to the surgical helmet;

[0420] controlling an operational characteristic of the peripheral device based at least in part on whether the surgical garment is coupled; and

[0421] If the controller receives the signal from the detector, energy is transferred from the portable energy source to the external device.

[0422] LVIII. The method of clause LVII, wherein the surgical helmet further comprises:

[0423] a storage device coupled to the surgical helmet and in communication with the controller, the storage device being configured to store data related to the operation of the peripheral device; and

[0424] An energy sensor is in communication with the controller, the energy sensor being configured to detect a remaining power level of the portable energy source and transmit an energy signal to the controller based on the remaining power level of the portable energy source.

[0425] LIX. The method of clause LVIII, wherein the method further comprises coupling the surgical gown to the surgical helmet such that the surgical gown is at least partially disposed on the surgical helmet.

[0426] LX. The method of clause LIX, wherein the method further comprises:

[0427] transmitting the energy signal from the energy sensor to the controller; and

[0428] When the energy signal from the energy sensor indicates that the remaining power level of the portable energy source has reached a threshold, the user setting of the peripheral device is stored.

[0429] LXI. The method of clause LX, wherein the method further comprises:

[0430] storing the user settings of the peripheral device on the storage device;

[0431] while the detector continues to transmit the signal to the controller indicating that the surgical gown is coupled to the surgical helmet, replacing the portable energy source with a second portable energy source; and

[0432] The peripheral device is restarted based on the user settings stored on the storage device.

[0433] LXII. A method as described in clause LXI, wherein the method also includes deleting the user settings of the peripheral device stored on the storage device when the detector transmits the signal to the controller indicating that the surgical gown is separated from the surgical helmet and the portable energy source is disconnected from the surgical helmet.

[0434] LXIII. The method of clause LIX, wherein the method further comprises:

[0435] storing user settings of the peripheral device on the storage device;

[0436] while interconnecting the portable energy source with the surgical helmet, detaching the surgical gown from the surgical helmet;

[0437] upon receiving the signal from the detector indicating that the surgical gown is separated from the surgical helmet, stopping the operation of the peripheral device;

[0438] coupling a second surgical garment to the surgical helmet while the portable energy source remains interconnected with the surgical helmet;

[0439] The peripheral device is restarted based on the user settings stored on the storage device.

[0440] LXIV. A method as described in clause LXIII, wherein the method also includes deleting the user settings of the peripheral device stored on the storage device when the detector transmits the signal to the controller indicating that the surgical gown is separated from the surgical helmet and the portable energy source is disconnected from the surgical helmet.

[0441] LXV. The method of clause LIX, wherein the storage device is configured to store data related to multiple configurations of the surgical gown; and

[0442] The method further comprises:

[0443] identifying, using the detector, one of the plurality of configurations of the surgical gown coupled to the surgical helmet;

[0444] transmitting the identified configuration of the surgical gown to the controller; and

[0445] An instruction related to at least one operational characteristic of the peripheral device is communicated based at least in part on the identified configuration of the surgical garment.

[0446] LXVI. The method of clause LVII, wherein the method further comprises coupling the surgical gown to the surgical helmet such that the surgical gown is at least partially disposed on the surgical helmet.

[0447] LXVII. The method of clause LXVI, wherein the method further comprises:

[0448] receiving the signal from the detector indicating that the surgical gown is coupled to the surgical helmet; and

[0449] After receiving the signal from the detector, the transmission of power from the portable energy source to the peripheral device is delayed for a predetermined first period of time.

[0450] LXVIII. The method of clause LXVI, wherein the method further comprises separating the surgical gown from the surgical helmet such that the surgical gown is not coupled to the surgical helmet.

[0451] LXIX. The method of clause LXVIII, wherein the method further comprises:

[0452] receiving the signal from the detector indicating that the surgical gown is separated from the surgical helmet; and

[0453] After receiving the signal from the detector, power continues to be transmitted to the peripheral device for a predetermined second time period.

[0454] LXX. A surgical gown system, comprising:

[0455] a headgear assembly including a headband with a control element for adjusting a size of the headband, the headgear assembly being configured to be worn by a user during a surgical procedure;

[0456] A surgical gown configured to define a microbial barrier between the helmet assembly and an environment, the gown comprising:

[0457] a flexible barrier member integral with the surgical gown;

[0458] an attachment member positioned proximate a top portion of the flexible barrier member and configured to releasably couple the flexible barrier member to the helmet assembly; and

[0459] wherein the attachment member is configured to operatively engage the helmet assembly, causing a change in the curvature of the top portion of the flexible barrier member relative to the user's face when the control element of the headband is manipulated to minimize the distance between the flexible barrier member and the user's face.

[0460] LXXI. The surgical gown system of clause LXX, wherein the headgear assembly further comprises a ventilation system configured to circulate air in a space between the flexible barrier member and the user's face.

[0461] LXXII. A surgical gown system as described in clause LXX, wherein the attachment member comprises a first attachment member and a second attachment member;

[0462] wherein the flexible barrier member includes a centerline configured to bisect the flexible barrier member to define a first region and a second region on opposite sides of the centerline;

[0463] wherein the first attachment member is positioned in the first region of the flexible barrier member; and

[0464] wherein the second attachment member is positioned in the second region of the flexible barrier member.

[0465] LXXIII. A surgical gown system as described in clause LXXII, wherein the helmet assembly further comprises a chin bar extending outwardly from the headband such that the chin bar surrounds the face of a user wearing the helmet assembly and extends forward.

[0466] LXXIV. A surgical gown system as described in clause LXXIII, wherein the chin bar includes at least two flexible members extending from opposite sides of the headband, each of the at least two flexible members including a first end configured to be coupled to the headband and an opposite second end; and

[0467] A cross-beam is configured to be coupled to and extend between the second end of each of the at least two flexible members such that the cross-beam is positioned below and forward of the chin bar of the user wearing the headgear assembly.

[0468] LXXV. A surgical gown system as described in clause LXXIV, wherein the at least two flexible members are operatively coupled to the headband such that when the control element of the headband is manipulated, the at least two flexible members are configured to flex based at least in part on a change in the circumference of the headband.

[0469] LXXVI. A surgical gown system as described in clause LXXIV, wherein the headgear assembly further comprises a first connector and a second connector, each of the first connector and the second connector being positioned proximate to the first end of each of the at least two flexible members of the chin bar; and

[0470] wherein the first attachment member is configured to releasably engage the first coupler and the second attachment member is configured to releasably engage the second coupler.

[0471] LXXVII. A surgical gown system as described in clause LXXVI, wherein the first connector comprises one of a ferromagnetic material or a magnetic material; and

[0472] Wherein, the first attachment member comprises the other of the ferromagnetic material or the magnetic material.

[0473] LXXVIII. The surgical apparel system of clause LXX, wherein the attachment member comprises an elongated member configured to extend along the top portion of the flexible barrier member.

[0474] LXXIX. A method of adjusting a surgical gown configured to be worn with a headgear assembly having a headband with a control member configured to adjust the size of the headband, the method comprising:

[0475] A surgical gown is provided, the surgical gown being configured to be worn by a user during a surgical procedure, the surgical gown comprising:

[0476] a flexible barrier member integral with the surgical gown;

[0477] an attachment member positioned proximate a top portion of the flexible barrier member; and

[0478] wherein the attachment member is configured to operatively engage the helmet assembly to change the curvature of the top portion of the flexible barrier member relative to the user when the control element of the headband is manipulated to minimize the distance between the flexible barrier member and the user's eyes; and

[0479] attaching the attachment member to the helmet assembly; and

[0480] The control member is manipulated to adjust the circumference of the headband to change the curvature of the flexible barrier member and minimize the distance between the flexible barrier member and the user's eyes.

[0481] LXXX. The method of clause LXXIX, wherein the helmet assembly further comprises a ventilation system configured to circulate air in a space between the flexible barrier member and the user's face; and

[0482] Manipulating the control member to change the curvature of the flexible barrier member also includes changing a circulation pattern of the air in a space between the flexible barrier member and the user.

[0483] LXXXI. A surgical gown assembly for use with a surgical helmet worn by a user, wherein the surgical helmet includes an attachment feature and at least one coupling member, the surgical gown assembly being configured to be at least partially disposed on the surgical helmet and being configured to provide a microbial barrier between the user and a medical environment, the surgical gown assembly comprising:

[0484] Surgical fabric with defined opening,

[0485] a transparent face mask disposed within the opening, the transparent face mask comprising an upper portion, a lower portion, a first surface, and an opposing second surface;

[0486] a first hole in the upper portion of the transparent face shield, the first hole configured to removably engage the attachment feature of the surgical helmet to align the transparent face shield relative to the surgical helmet;

[0487] a first attachment element secured to the lower portion of the transparent face shield;

[0488] wherein the first attachment element includes a retaining feature, and the retaining feature is closer to the second surface of the transparent face shield than the first surface;

[0489] wherein the first attachment element comprises a magnetic material; and

[0490] Wherein, the first attachment element defines a coupling recess on the wearer side of the microbial barrier, the coupling recess being configured to removably engage one of the at least one coupling members on the surgical helmet.

[0491] LXXXII. A surgical gown system including a peripheral device, the surgical gown system comprising:

[0492] A surgical helmet to be worn over a wearer's head, the surgical helmet comprising a facial frame, the facial frame comprising:

[0493] a chin bar having a distal surface and defining a recess therein;

[0494] a first coupling member disposed within the recess and having a distal surface positioned proximate the distal surface of the chin bar, the first coupling member comprising one of a ferromagnetic material or a magnetic material;

[0495] A surgical gown configured to be disposed at least partially over the surgical helmet to provide a microbial barrier between a medical environment and the wearer, the surgical gown comprising:

[0496] a surgical fabric defining an opening configured to be positioned in front of the wearer's face when at least partially disposed on the surgical helmet;

[0497] a transparent face mask disposed within the opening of the surgical fabric, the transparent face mask comprising an upper portion, a lower portion, a first surface, and an opposing second surface;

[0498] a first attachment element coupled to the transparent face shield and comprising the other of a ferromagnetic material or a magnetic material, the first attachment element comprising a head having a proximal surface, the head configured to removably engage the first coupling member when the surgical gown is at least partially disposed on the surgical helmet; and

[0499] Wherein, when the first attachment element engages the first coupling member, the proximal surface of the head is positioned proximal to the distal surface of the chin bar.

[0500] LXXXIII. A surgical gown system as described in clause LXXXII, wherein the surgical helmet further comprises a sensor disposed within the chin bar and positioned adjacent to the first coupling member; and

[0501] Wherein the sensor is configured to detect when the first attachment element of the surgical garment is coupled to the surgical helmet by detecting the presence of the first attachment element adjacent to the first coupling member.

[0502] LXXXIV. A surgical apparel system as described in clause LXXXIII, wherein the first coupling member comprises a magnetic material and the first attachment element comprises a ferromagnetic material; and

[0503] Wherein the sensor is a Hall Effect sensor configured to detect a change in a magnetic field surrounding the first coupling member based at least in part on a proximity of the first attachment element to the first coupling member.

[0504] LXXXV. A surgical apparel system as described in clause LXXXIII, wherein the first coupling member comprises a ferromagnetic material and the first attachment element comprises a magnetic material; and

[0505] Wherein the sensor is a Hall Effect sensor configured to detect a change in a magnetic field surrounding the first coupling member based at least in part on a proximity of the first attachment element to the first coupling member.

[0506] LXXXVI. A surgical gown system as described in clause LXXXII, wherein the first coupling member further comprises:

[0507] a proximal surface opposite the distal surface; and

[0508] a transverse plane extending through the proximal surface and the distal surface of the first coupling member to define opposing lateral portions of the first coupling member;

[0509] wherein the first coupling member comprises a magnetic material polarized across the transverse plane.

[0510] LXXXVII. A surgical gown system as described in clause LXXXII, wherein the first coupling member further comprises:

[0511] a proximal surface opposite the distal surface; and

[0512] a transverse plane extending through the proximal surface and the distal surface of the first coupling member to define opposing lateral portions of the first coupling member;

[0513] wherein the first coupling member comprises a magnetic material that is polarized across the transverse plane such that one of the opposing lateral portions of the first coupling member comprises a first polarity and the other of the opposing lateral portions comprises a second polarity.

[0514] LXXXVIII. A surgical apparel system as described in clause LXXXVI or LXXXVII, wherein the periphery of each of the proximal surface and the distal surface defines a central axis of the first coupling member;

[0515] Wherein, the transverse plane is configured to intersect the central axis of the first coupling member.

[0516] LXXXIX. A surgical apparel system as described in any one of clauses LXXXVI-LXXXVIII, wherein the surgical helmet further comprises a sensor positioned adjacent to the first coupling member on the transverse plane;

[0517] Wherein the sensor is configured to detect when the first attachment element of the surgical garment is coupled to the surgical helmet by detecting the presence of the first attachment element adjacent to the first coupling member.

[0518] XC. A surgical gown system as described in clause LXXXII, wherein the proximal surface of the first attachment element defines a coupling recess on the wearer side of the microbial barrier and is configured to removably engage the first coupling member on the surgical helmet, the coupling recess being formed to prevent the surgical gown from being disconnected from the surgical helmet in response to applying a lateral force to the transparent face shield.

[0519] XCI. A surgical apparel system as described in clause LXXXII, wherein the first attachment element further includes a coupling recess formed in the proximal surface of the head and is configured to engage the first coupling member; and

[0520] Wherein, when the first attachment element engages the first coupling member, the coupling recess of the first attachment element is positioned proximal to the distal surface of the chin bar.

[0521] XCII. A surgical suit system as described in clause XCI, wherein the connection recess defines a connection surface that is open toward the proximal surface of the head, and the connection surface has a concave shape.

[0522] XCIII. A surgical gown system as described in clause LXXXII, wherein the transparent face shield further comprises a first hole located in the upper portion; and

[0523] Wherein, the surgical helmet further comprises a top beam, and the top beam comprises an alignment channel; and

[0524] Wherein, the top beam further includes a protrusion disposed at least partially in the alignment channel, the protrusion being configured to engage the first hole in the upper portion of the mask.

[0525] XCIV. A surgical gown system as described in clause XCIII, wherein the transparent face shield further includes a tongue extending from the upper portion of the transparent face shield, the tongue including opposite outer edges;

[0526] wherein the first hole of the transparent mask is at least partially disposed within the tab; and

[0527] Wherein the tongue is configured to be at least partially disposed within the alignment channel when the first hole engages the protrusion.

[0528] XCV. A surgical apparel system as described in clause LXXXII, wherein the head of the first attachment element also includes a distal surface opposite the proximal surface and a post extending distally from the distal surface of the head.

[0529] XCVI. A surgical apparel system as described in clause XCV, wherein the column of the first attachment element further includes a proximal portion and a distal portion;

[0530] wherein the proximal portion has a first size, the distal portion has a second size, and the post is configured such that the first size is greater than the second size;

[0531] wherein the transparent mask further comprises a second hole in the lower portion; and

[0532] wherein the distal portion of the post of the first attachment element is at least partially disposed in the second aperture and the proximal portion abuts the transparent face shield such that the distal surface of the head is spaced apart from the first surface of the transparent face shield.

[0533] XCVII. A surgical gown system as described in clause LXXXII, wherein the surgical helmet includes a second coupling member disposed in a second recess in the distal surface of the chin bar and comprising the same material as the first coupling member;

[0534] wherein the surgical gown includes a second attachment member, the second attachment member includes the same material as the first attachment member, the second attachment member is coupled to the transparent face shield such that the first attachment member and the second attachment member are coupled to opposite lateral sides of the transparent face shield; and

[0535] Wherein, the second attachment member is configured to removably engage the second coupling member when the surgical gown is at least partially disposed on the surgical helmet.

[0536] XCVIII. A surgical gown system providing a microbial barrier between a medical environment and a wearer, the system comprising

[0537] A surgical helmet comprising at least two magnetic coupling members and a protrusion;

[0538] a surgical gown configured to be disposed at least partially over the surgical helmet, the surgical gown comprising an opening;

[0539] A transparent face mask, the transparent face mask is arranged in the opening of the surgical gown, the transparent face mask comprising:

[0540] a first surface and an opposing second surface;

[0541] an upper portion and a lower portion;

[0542] a first hole formed in the upper portion of the transparent face shield, the first hole configured to removably engage the protrusion of the surgical helmet;

[0543] a first attachment element and a second attachment element, the first attachment element and the second attachment element being secured to the lower portion of the transparent face shield;

[0544] wherein each of the first attachment element and the second attachment element comprises a ferromagnetic material;

[0545] Wherein, each of the first attachment element and the second attachment element defines a corresponding coupling recess on the wearer side of the microbial barrier and is configured to removably engage a magnetic coupling member on the surgical helmet, and the coupling recess is formed to prevent the surgical gown from being disconnected from the surgical helmet.

[0546] XCIX. The surgical gown system of clause XCVIII, wherein the coupling recess is shaped to resist decoupling of the surgical gown from the surgical helmet in response to application of a lateral force to the transparent face shield.

[0547] C. A surgical gown system including a peripheral device, the surgical gown system comprising:

[0548] A surgical helmet to be worn on a wearer's head, the surgical helmet comprising a facial frame, the facial frame comprising:

[0549] A top beam including a first member;

[0550] a chin bar extending from the top beam, the chin bar including a distal surface and defining a recess therein; and

[0551] a coupling member disposed at least partially within the recess in the chin bar, the coupling member comprising one of a ferromagnetic material and a magnetic material;

[0552] Wherein, the chin bar includes a sensor;

[0553] A surgical gown configured to be disposed at least partially over the surgical helmet to provide a microbial barrier between a medical environment and a wearer, the surgical gown comprising:

[0554] a surgical fabric comprising an opening;

[0555] A transparent mask is disposed within the opening of the surgical fabric, the transparent mask having an upper portion

[0556] the upper and lower parts; and

[0557] a first hole in the upper portion of the transparent face shield configured to removably engage the first member of the surgical helmet to align the transparent face shield relative to the surgical helmet;

[0558] an attachment element comprising the other of a ferromagnetic material and a magnetic material, the attachment element being configured to removably engage the coupling member to couple the surgical gown to the surgical helmet; and

[0559] Wherein the sensor is positioned and configured to detect when the attachment element is engaged with the coupling member and to transmit a signal related to the operation of the peripheral device based on the engagement of the attachment element with the coupling member.

[0560] CI. A surgical gown system as described in clause C, wherein the surgical gown system further comprises a controller coupled to the sensor and configured to receive the signal from the sensor; and

[0561] Wherein the controller is configured to control an operational characteristic of the peripheral device based on the signal from the sensor.

[0562] CII. A surgical gown system as described in clause CI, wherein the sensor is configured to switch between a first state and a second state;

[0563] wherein the sensor is configured to be in the first state when the surgical gown is at least partially arranged on the surgical helmet and the attachment element is engaged with the coupling member;

[0564] wherein the sensor is configured to be in the second state when the surgical gown is separated from the surgical helmet and the attachment element is separated from the coupling member; and

[0565] Wherein the sensor is configured to generate the signal based at least in part on whether the sensor is in the first state or in the second state.

[0566] CIII. A surgical gown system as described in clause CII, wherein the controller is configured to delay power transmission to the peripheral device for a defined first time period once the controller receives a signal from the sensor indicating that the surgical gown is at least partially arranged on the surgical gown.

[0567] CIV. A surgical gown system as described in clause CII, wherein the controller is configured to continue transmitting power to the peripheral device for a defined second time period once the controller receives a signal from the sensor indicating that the surgical gown is separated from the surgical helmet.

[0568] CV. A surgical gown system as described in clause CII, wherein the surgical gown system further comprises a storage device connected to the surgical helmet and in communication with the controller, the storage device being configured to store data related to the operation of the peripheral device.

[0569] CVI. A surgical gown system as described in clause CV, wherein the surgical gown system further comprises an energy sensor in communication with the controller, the energy sensor being configured to detect a power level of the portable energy source and transmit an energy signal to the controller based on the power level of the portable energy source; and

[0570] Wherein the controller is configured to transmit data to the storage device for storage based on the energy signal from the energy sensor, the data being related to user settings for the peripheral device.

[0571] CVII. A surgical gown system as described in clause CVI, wherein the controller is configured to transmit data to the storage device for storage when the energy signal from the energy sensor indicates that the remaining power level of the portable energy source has reached a threshold value, the data being related to the user settings of the peripheral device.

[0572] CVIII. A surgical gown system as described in clause CVII, wherein the storage device is configured to store the user settings of the peripheral device as long as the sensor remains in the first state; and

[0573] Wherein, the controller is configured to restart the operation of the peripheral device based on the stored user settings once the portable energy source is replaced.

[0574] CIX. A surgical gown system as described in clause CV, wherein the memory device is configured to clear the user settings of the peripheral device when the sensor switches from the first state to the second state and the portable energy source is disconnected from the surgical helmet.

[0575] CX. A surgical gown system as described in clause CV, wherein the storage device is configured to store data related to a plurality of features of the surgical gown;

[0576] wherein the sensor is configured to identify one of a plurality of configurations of the surgical gown disposed at least partially on the surgical helmet; and

[0577] Wherein the controller is configured to control at least one operational characteristic of the peripheral device based at least in part on the identified one of the plurality of configurations of the surgical garment.

[0578] CXI. A surgical gown system as described in clause C, wherein the coupling member comprises a magnetic material and the attachment element comprises a ferromagnetic material; and

[0579] Wherein the sensor is a Hall Effect sensor configured to detect changes in a magnetic field surrounding the coupling member based at least in part on a proximity of the attachment element relative to the coupling member.

[0580] CXII. The surgical gown system of clause C, wherein the first coupling member further comprises:

[0581] a proximal surface opposite to the distal surface;

[0582] a transverse plane extending through the proximal surface and the distal surface of the first coupling member to define opposing lateral portions of the first coupling member;

[0583] Wherein the first coupling member comprises a magnetic material polarized across the transverse plane.

[0584] CXIII. The surgical gown system of clause C, wherein the first coupling member further comprises:

[0585] a proximal surface opposite to the distal surface;

[0586] a transverse plane extending through the proximal surface and the distal surface of the first coupling member to define opposing lateral portions of the first coupling member;

[0587] wherein the first coupling member comprises a magnetic material polarized across the transverse plane such that one of the opposing lateral portions of the first coupling member comprises a first polarity and the other of the opposing lateral portions comprises a second polarity.

[0588] CXIV. A surgical gown system as described in clause CXII or CXIII, wherein the periphery of each of the proximal surface and the distal surface defines a central axis of the first coupling member;

[0589] Wherein, the transverse plane is configured to intersect the central axis of the first coupling member.

[0590] CXV. A surgical suit system as described in any one of clauses CXII-CXIV, wherein the surgical helmet further comprises a sensor positioned adjacent to the first coupling member on the transverse plane;

[0591] Wherein the sensor is configured to detect when the first attachment element of the surgical garment is coupled to the surgical helmet by detecting the presence of the first attachment element adjacent to the first coupling member.

[0592] CXVI. A surgical gown system including a peripheral device, the surgical gown system comprising:

[0593] A surgical helmet to be worn on a wearer's head, the surgical helmet comprising a facial frame, the facial frame comprising:

[0594] a top beam extending across a width of the facial frame, the top beam defining an alignment channel;

[0595] a protrusion disposed at least partially within the alignment channel;

[0596] A surgical gown assembly, the surgical gown assembly being at least partially disposed on the surgical helmet to provide a microbial barrier between the medical environment and the wearer, the surgical gown assembly comprising:

[0597] a surgical fabric defining an opening configured to be positioned in front of a wearer's face when at least partially disposed on the surgical helmet;

[0598] a transparent face mask disposed within the opening of the surgical fabric, the transparent face mask comprising an upper portion and a lower portion;

[0599] a tab extending from a border of the upper portion of the transparent face shield;

[0600] wherein the tongue at least partially defines a coupling aperture sized to at least partially receive the protrusion; and

[0601] Therein, the tongue and the alignment channel are complementarily sized such that the tongue can be positioned within the alignment channel and the coupling hole can slide over the protrusion.

[0602] CXVII. A surgical gown system as described in clause CXVI, wherein the surgical helmet further comprises a chin bar extending from the top beam and configured to define a facial frame, the chin bar comprising a distal surface and a recess located in the distal surface;

[0603] a first coupling member disposed within the recess of the chin bar, the first coupling member including a distal surface and formed of a magnetic material; and

[0604] Wherein, the transparent mask also includes a first attachment element, which includes a proximal surface and is formed of a ferromagnetic material, and the first attachment member is configured to be removably connected to the first connecting member when the surgical gown is at least partially arranged on the surgical helmet.

[0605] CXVIII. A surgical gown system as described in clause CXVII, wherein the proximal surface of the first attachment member is configured to engage the distal surface of the first coupling member when the surgical gown is at least partially arranged on the surgical helmet; and

[0606] Wherein, the first connecting member is arranged in the recess of the chin bar so that the distal surface of the first connecting member is positioned proximal to the distal surface of the chin bar.

[0607] CXIX. A surgical gown system as described in clause CXVIII, wherein the proximal surface of the first attachment member is configured to be positioned proximal to the distal surface of the chin bar when the surgical gown is at least partially arranged on the surgical helmet.

[0608] CXX. A surgical apparel system as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one of the coupling members comprises a protruding surface; and

[0609] wherein the attachment element comprises a corresponding recessed surface on the wearer side of the microbial barrier configured to removably engage the protruding surface of the coupling member on the surgical helmet when the surgical gown is at least partially disposed on the surgical helmet.

[0610] CXXI. A method of attaching a surgical gown to a surgical helmet, the surgical helmet comprising: a top beam defining an alignment channel and a first member at least partially disposed within the alignment channel; a chin bar defining a first attachment recess and a second attachment recess, wherein the chin bar comprises a first magnet at least partially disposed within the first attachment recess and a second magnet at least partially disposed within the second attachment recess, the method comprising:

[0611] A surgical gown is provided that includes a transparent face mask, the face mask including: a first aperture that is at least partially disposed within a protrusion that extends from a top portion of the transparent face mask; and a first attachment element and a second attachment element that are coupled to a bottom portion of the transparent face mask, each of the first attachment element and the second attachment element having a concave surface, the surgical gown being inside-outward facing;

[0612] positioning the surgical gown so that the tab of the transparent face shield is at least partially positioned within the alignment channel;

[0613] positioning the surgical gown such that the first member of the surgical helmet extends through the first hole; and

[0614] The surgical gown is manipulated about the interface between the first aperture of the face mask and the first member to position the transparent face mask in front of the wearer's face.

[0615] CXXII. A method as described in clause CXXI, wherein the method further includes the following step after the operation step: positioning the transparent mask so that the first ferromagnetic attachment element is at least partially located in the first attachment recess, and the second ferromagnetic attachment element is at least partially located in the second attachment recess, so that the first ferromagnetic attachment element and the second ferromagnetic attachment element are attracted to the first magnet and the second magnet.

[0616] CXXIII. A method as described in clause CXXI, wherein the surgical gown is provided in sterile packaging; and

[0617] Wherein, prior to the step of positioning the surgical gown so that the tab of the transparent face mask is at least partially located within the alignment channel, the method further comprises opening the package and removing at least a portion of the surgical gown from the package.

[0618] CXXIV. A surgical gown for providing a microbial barrier between a medical environment and a wearer, the surgical gown being configured to be disposed on a surgical helmet including at least two magnetic coupling members, the surgical gown comprising:

[0619] a first material configured to be at least partially disposed on the surgical helmet, the first material comprising an opening;

[0620] a transparent face mask disposed within the opening of the first material, the transparent face mask comprising:

[0621] a first surface and an opposing second surface; and

[0622] an upper portion and a lower portion;

[0623] a first attachment element and a second attachment element, the first attachment element and the second attachment element being secured to the transparent face shield;

[0624] wherein at least one of the first attachment element and the second attachment element comprises a ferromagnetic material; and

[0625] Wherein at least one of the first and second attachment elements defines a corresponding coupling recess on the wearer side of the microbial barrier and is configured to removably engage a magnetic coupling member on the surgical helmet.

[0626] CXXV. A surgical garment as described in clause CXXIV, wherein each of the attachment element and the magnetic coupling member includes complementary multi-axial surfaces that allow the attachment element to slidingly engage the corresponding magnetic coupling member.

[0627] CXXVI. A surgical gown for providing a microbial barrier between a medical environment and a wearer, the surgical gown being configured to be disposed on a surgical helmet including a magnetic coupling member, the surgical gown comprising:

[0628] a coupling device for coupling the surgical gown to the magnetic coupling member of the surgical helmet;

[0629] Wherein, the magnetic coupling member comprises a convex surface.

[0630] CXXVII. A surgical gown as described in clause CXXVI, wherein the surgical gown comprises a first attachment element;

[0631] wherein the first attachment element comprises a ferromagnetic material; and

[0632] Wherein, the first attachment element defines a coupling recess on the wearer side of the microbial barrier, the coupling recess being configured to removably engage the magnetic coupling member on the surgical helmet.

[0633] CXXVIII. A surgical gown for providing a microbial barrier between a medical environment and a wearer, the gown being configured to be disposed on a surgical head helmet, the surgical head helmet comprising a protrusion disposed at least partially within an alignment channel and a chin bar, wherein the chin bar comprises at least two magnetic coupling members, the gown comprising:

[0634] a first material configured to be at least partially disposed on a surgical helmet, the first material comprising an opening;

[0635] a transparent face mask disposed within the opening of the first material, the transparent face mask comprising:

[0636] a first surface and an opposing second surface;

[0637] an upper portion and a lower portion; and

[0638] a first hole in the transparent face shield configured to removably engage a protrusion of the surgical helmet to align the first material relative to the surgical helmet;

[0639] a first attachment element and a second attachment element secured to the lower portion of the transparent face shield on opposite lateral sides of the first aperture;

[0640] wherein each of the first attachment element and the second attachment element comprises a retention feature;

[0641] wherein at least one of the first attachment element and the second attachment element at least partially comprises a ferromagnetic material; and

[0642] wherein at least one of the first attachment element and the second attachment element defines a corresponding coupling recess on the wearer side of the microbial barrier, and each of the first attachment element and the second attachment element is configured to removably engage one of the magnetic coupling members on the surgical helmet.

[0643] CXXIX. A surgical gown as described in clause CXXVIII, wherein each of the attachment elements further comprises a head, the head comprising a distal surface and a proximal surface, the distal surface being closer to the first surface of the transparent mask than the second surface; and

[0644] Wherein, the coupling recess is formed in the proximal surface of the head.

[0645] CXXX. A surgical gown as described in clause CXXIX, wherein the coupling recess defines a coupling surface open toward the proximal surface of the head, the coupling surface having a concave shape, the concave shape being configured to prevent the first attachment element and the second attachment element from being disconnected from at least two magnetic coupling members of the surgical helmet.

[0646] CXXXI. A surgical gown as described in clause CXXIX, wherein the coupling recess defines a coupling surface open toward the proximal surface of the head, the coupling surface being multi-faceted and configured to prevent the first attachment element and the second attachment element from being disconnected from at least two magnetic coupling members of the surgical helmet.

[0647] CXXXII. A surgical gown as described in clause CXXIX, wherein the coupling recess defines a coupling surface open toward the proximal surface of the head, the coupling surface having a generally hemispherical shape, the generally hemispherical shape being configured to prevent the first attachment element and the second attachment element from being disconnected from at least two magnetic coupling members of the surgical helmet.

[0648] CXXX...

Claims

1. A surgical gown configured to provide a barrier defining an environmental side and a wearer side of the gown, the gown being intended for use with a helmet, the gown comprising: a housing formed of fabric, the housing defining an opening; a transparent face mask disposed within the opening of the housing, the transparent face mask having a first surface and a second surface; a first attachment element and a second attachment element, each of the first attachment element and the second attachment element being coupled to the transparent face shield, and at least one of the first attachment element and the second attachment element comprising: a head comprising a distal surface and a proximal surface; and a coupling recess defined in the proximal surface of the head; and Wherein, the first attachment element or the second attachment element is coupled to the transparent mask such that the distal surface of the head is closer to the first surface of the transparent mask than the second surface of the transparent mask.

2. The surgical gown according to claim 1, in, The transparent mask includes an upper portion and a lower portion; and wherein the first attachment element is coupled to the upper portion of the transparent face shield and the second attachment element is coupled to the lower portion of the transparent face shield.

3. The surgical gown according to claim 1, wherein: The transparent mask further defines an aperture; and at least one of the first attachment element and the second attachment element comprises a post extending distally from the distal surface of the head; The post of the first attachment element or the second attachment element is at least partially disposed in the hole.

4. The surgical gown according to claim 3, wherein: At least one of the first attachment element and the second attachment element includes a retention feature, and the retention feature is coupled to the post to couple the first attachment element or the second attachment element to the transparent visor.

5. The surgical gown according to claim 4, wherein: When the retaining feature is coupled to the first attachment feature or the post of the second attachment element, the retaining feature is positioned closer to the second surface of the transparent face shield than the first surface of the transparent face shield.

6. The surgical gown according to claim 1, wherein: The coupling recess of the first attachment element provides a means for coupling the first attachment element to a convex surface.

7. The surgical gown according to claim 1, wherein: The coupling recess defines a coupling surface that is open to the proximal surface of the head, the coupling surface having a concave shape.

8. The surgical gown according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the first attachment element and the second attachment element includes a ferromagnetic material.

9. The surgical gown according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the first attachment element and the second attachment element includes a metallic material.

10. The surgical gown according to claim 1, in, The transparent face shield also includes a tab defining an aperture; Wherein, the transparent mask includes an upper portion and a lower portion, and the tab extends from the upper portion of the transparent mask.

11. A surgical gown for providing a microbial barrier between a medical environment and a wearer, the surgical gown comprising: a first material defining a hood having an opening; a transparent face shield disposed within the opening of the hood, the transparent face shield comprising: a first surface and an opposing second surface; and A first attachment element, the first attachment element being coupled to the transparent face shield, the first attachment element comprising: a head having a distal surface and a proximal surface and defining a coupling recess; wherein the first attachment element is coupled to the transparent face shield such that the distal surface of the head is closer to the first surface of the transparent face shield than the second surface of the transparent face shield; and wherein the coupling recess is defined in the proximal surface of the head of the first attachment element.

12. The surgical gown according to claim 11, wherein: The first attachment element is coupled to an upper portion of the transparent visor.

13. The surgical gown according to claim 12, wherein: The surgical gown also includes a second attachment element coupled to a lower portion of the transparent face shield.

14. The surgical gown according to claim 11, wherein: The first attachment element also includes a post extending distally from the distal surface of the head.

15. The surgical gown according to claim 14, wherein: The first attachment element includes a retaining feature, and the retaining feature is coupled to the post to couple the first attachment element to the transparent visor.

16. The surgical gown according to claim 15, wherein: When the retaining feature is coupled to the post of the first attachment feature, the retaining feature is positioned closer to the second surface of the transparent face shield than the first surface of the transparent face shield.

17. The surgical gown according to claim 11, in, The transparent mask further defines an aperture; and Wherein at least one of the first attachment element and the second attachment element further comprises a post at least partially disposed in the aperture.

18. The surgical gown according to claim 11, wherein: The first attachment element includes a ferromagnetic material.

19. The surgical gown according to claim 11, wherein: The first attachment element includes a metallic material.

20. A surgical gown configured to provide a barrier defining an environmental side and a wearer side of the gown, the gown comprising: a housing formed of fabric, the housing defining an opening; a transparent face mask disposed within the opening of the housing; and A first attachment element, the first attachment element being coupled to the transparent face shield, the first attachment element comprising: a head having a proximal surface and a distal surface, the proximal surface defining a coupling recess; and a post extending distally from said distal surface of said head; wherein the transparent mask further defines a hole; and wherein the post is at least partially arranged in the hole.

21. The surgical gown according to claim 20, in, The transparent face shield comprises an upper portion and a lower portion; and Wherein, the first attachment element is coupled to the upper portion of the transparent face shield.

22. A surgical gown for providing a microbial barrier between a medical environment and a wearer, the gown being configured to be disposed on a surgical helmet including at least two magnetic coupling members, the gown comprising: a first material configured to be disposed at least partially on a surgical helmet, the first material comprising an opening; a transparent face mask disposed within the opening of the first material, the transparent face mask comprising: a first surface and an opposing second surface; and an upper portion and a lower portion; a first coupler disposed on a wearer side of the first material for removably engaging the surgical helmet; and a first attachment element and a second attachment element, the first attachment element and the second attachment element being secured to the lower portion of the transparent face shield; wherein each of the first attachment element and the second attachment element comprises a retention feature; wherein at least one of the first attachment element and the second attachment element comprises a ferromagnetic material; and Wherein at least one of the first attachment element and the second attachment element defines a corresponding coupling recess on the wearer side of the microbial barrier and is configured to removably engage the magnetic coupling member on the surgical helmet.

23. A medical garment configured to provide a barrier between the environment and a wearer, the medical garment being intended for use with a helmet, the helmet comprising: a protrusion disposed at least partially within the alignment channel; and a chin bar, wherein the chin bar includes a magnetic coupling member, the medical garment comprising: a housing configured to be disposed at least partially on the helmet, the housing comprising an opening; a transparent face mask disposed within the opening of the housing, the transparent face mask comprising an upper portion and a lower portion; a tab on a wearer side of the shell, the tab having opposed outer edges for aligning the shell relative to the helmet through the alignment passage of the helmet; a first hole formed in the tab and configured to removably engage the protrusion of the helmet to align the shell relative to the helmet; and a first attachment element secured to the lower portion of the transparent face shield; wherein the first attachment element at least partially comprises a ferromagnetic material; Wherein at least one of the first attachment elements defines a coupling recess on the wearer side of the barrier and is configured for removably engaging the magnetic coupling member on the helmet.

24. A medical garment for providing a barrier between the environment and a wearer, the medical garment being intended for use with a helmet, the helmet comprising: a protrusion disposed at least partially within the alignment channel; and a chin bar, wherein the chin bar includes at least two magnetic coupling members, the medical garment comprising: a housing configured to be disposed at least partially on the helmet, the housing comprising an opening; a transparent face shield disposed within the opening of the housing, the transparent face shield comprising: a first surface and an opposing second surface; and an upper portion and a lower portion; a tab on the wearer side of the shell, the tab having an outer edge for aligning the shell relative to the helmet via the alignment channel of the helmet; a first hole formed at least partially in the tab and configured to removably engage the protrusion of the helmet to align the shell relative to the helmet; and a first attachment element and a second attachment element secured to the lower portion of the transparent face shield on opposite lateral sides of the first aperture; wherein each of the first attachment element and the second attachment element includes a retention feature, and the retention feature is closer to the second surface of the transparent face shield than the first surface of the transparent face shield; wherein the first attachment element and the second attachment element at least partially comprise ferromagnetic material; and wherein at least one of the first attachment element and the second attachment element defines a corresponding coupling recess on the wearer side of the barrier, and the first attachment element and the second attachment element are each configured to removably engage one of the magnetic coupling members on the helmet.

25. A medical garment configured to provide a barrier between the environment and a wearer, the medical garment being intended for use with a helmet, the helmet comprising: a protrusion disposed at least partially within the alignment channel; and a chin bar, wherein the chin bar includes at least two magnetic coupling members, the medical garment comprising: a housing configured to be disposed at least partially on the helmet, the housing comprising an opening; a transparent face mask disposed within the opening of the housing, the transparent face mask comprising an upper portion, a lower portion, a first surface, and an opposing second surface; a tab extending from the upper portion of the transparent visor, the tab having an outer edge for aligning the shell relative to the helmet via the alignment channel of the helmet; a first hole formed at least partially in the tab and configured to removably engage the protrusion of the helmet to align the shell relative to the helmet; and a first attachment element and a second attachment element secured to the lower portion of the transparent face shield on opposite lateral sides of the first aperture; wherein at least one of the first attachment element and the second attachment element at least partially comprises a ferromagnetic material; Wherein at least one of the first attachment element and the second attachment element defines a corresponding coupling recess on the wearer side of the barrier and is configured for removably engaging the magnetic coupling member on the helmet.

26. A medical garment configured to provide a barrier between the environment and a wearer, the medical garment being intended for use with a helmet, the helmet comprising: a protrusion disposed at least partially within the alignment channel; and a chin bar, wherein the chin bar includes a magnetic coupling member, the medical garment comprising: a housing configured to be disposed at least partially on the helmet, the housing comprising an opening; a transparent face mask disposed within the opening of the housing, the transparent face mask comprising an upper portion, a lower portion, a first surface, and an opposing second surface; a tab extending from the upper portion of the transparent visor, the tab having an outer edge for aligning the shell relative to the helmet via the alignment passage of the helmet; a first hole formed at least partially in the tab and configured to removably engage the protrusion of the helmet to align the shell relative to the helmet; and a first attachment element secured to the lower portion of the transparent face shield; wherein the first attachment element at least partially comprises a ferromagnetic material; wherein the first attachment element defines a coupling recess on the wearer side of the barrier and is configured for removably engaging the magnetic coupling member on the helmet.

27. A surgical gown for providing a microbial barrier between a medical environment and a wearer, the surgical gown comprising: a first material, the first material comprising an opening; a transparent face mask disposed within the opening of the first material, the transparent face mask comprising: a first surface and an opposing second surface; and an upper portion and a lower portion; a first coupler disposed on a wearer's side of the first material; and a first attachment element secured to the lower portion of the transparent face shield; wherein the first attachment element comprises a ferromagnetic material; and Wherein, the first attachment element defines a coupling recess on the wearer side of the microbial barrier, the coupling recess being configured for removably engaging a magnetic coupling member on a surgical helmet.

28. A medical garment configured to provide a barrier between an environment and a wearer, the medical garment comprising: a housing, the housing comprising an opening; a transparent face mask disposed within the opening of the housing, the transparent face mask comprising an upper portion and a lower portion; a tab on the wearer side of the shell, the tab having opposed outer edges; a first hole formed in the tongue; and a first attachment element secured to the lower portion of the transparent face shield; wherein the first attachment element at least partially comprises a ferromagnetic material; Wherein at least one of the first attachment elements defines a coupling recess on the wearer side of the barrier and is configured for removably engaging a magnetic coupling member on a helmet.

29. A medical garment for providing a barrier between the environment and a wearer, the medical garment comprising: a housing, the housing comprising an opening; a transparent face mask, the transparent face mask being arranged in the opening of the housing, the transparent face mask comprising: a first surface and an opposing second surface; and an upper portion and a lower portion; a tab on the wearer side of the shell, the tab having an outer edge; a first hole formed at least partially in the tongue; and a first attachment element and a second attachment element secured to the lower portion of the transparent visor on opposite lateral sides of the first aperture; wherein each of the first attachment element and the second attachment element includes a retention feature, and the retention feature is closer to the second surface of the transparent face shield than the first surface of the transparent face shield; wherein the first attachment element and the second attachment element at least partially comprise ferromagnetic material; and wherein at least one of the first attachment element and the second attachment element defines a corresponding coupling recess on the wearer side of the barrier, and the first attachment element and the second attachment element are each configured to removably engage one of the magnetic coupling members on a helmet.

30. A medical garment configured to provide a barrier between an environment and a wearer, the medical garment comprising: a housing, the housing comprising an opening; a transparent face mask disposed within the opening of the housing, the transparent face mask comprising an upper portion, a lower portion, a first surface, and an opposing second surface; a tab extending from the upper portion of the transparent face shield, the tab having an outer edge; a first hole formed at least partially in the tab; and a first attachment element and a second attachment element secured to the lower portion of the transparent visor on opposite lateral sides of the first aperture; wherein at least one of the first attachment element and the second attachment element at least partially comprises a ferromagnetic material; Wherein at least one of the first attachment element and the second attachment element defines a corresponding coupling recess on the wearer side of the barrier and is configured for removably engaging a magnetic coupling member on a helmet.

31. A medical garment configured to provide a barrier between an environment and a wearer, the medical garment comprising: a housing, the housing comprising an opening; a transparent face mask disposed within the opening of the housing, the transparent face mask comprising an upper portion, a lower portion, a first surface, and an opposing second surface; a tab extending from the upper portion of the transparent face shield, the tab having an outer edge; a first hole formed at least partially in the tab; and a first attachment element secured to the lower portion of the transparent face shield; wherein the first attachment element at least partially comprises a ferromagnetic material; Wherein the first attachment element defines a coupling recess on the wearer side of the barrier and is configured for removably engaging a magnetic coupling member on a helmet.

32. A surgical gown system including a peripheral device, the surgical gown system comprising: A surgical helmet for being worn on a wearer's head, the surgical helmet comprising a facial frame, the facial frame comprising: A top beam, the top beam comprising a first member; a chin bar extending from the top beam, the chin bar including a distal surface and defining a recess therein; and a coupling member disposed at least partially within the recess in the chin bar, the coupling member comprising one of a ferromagnetic material and a magnetic material; Wherein, the chin bar includes a sensor; A surgical gown configured to be disposed at least partially over the surgical helmet to provide a microbial barrier between the medical environment and the wearer, the surgical gown comprising: a surgical fabric comprising an opening; a transparent face mask disposed within the opening of the surgical fabric, the transparent face mask having an upper portion and a lower portion; and a first hole in the upper portion of the transparent face shield, the first hole configured for removably engaging the first member of the surgical helmet to align the transparent face shield relative to the surgical helmet; an attachment element comprising the other of the ferromagnetic material and the magnetic material, the attachment element being configured for removably engaging the coupling member to couple the surgical gown to the surgical helmet; and Wherein the sensor is positioned and configured to detect when the attachment element is engaged with the coupling member and to transmit a signal related to the operation of the peripheral device based on the engagement of the attachment element with the coupling member.

33. A surgical gown system including a peripheral device, the surgical gown system comprising: A surgical helmet for being worn on a wearer's head, the surgical helmet comprising a facial frame, the facial frame comprising: a top beam extending across a width of the facial frame, the top beam defining an alignment channel; a protrusion disposed at least partially within the alignment channel; A surgical gown assembly, the surgical gown assembly being arranged at least partially on the surgical helmet to provide a microbial barrier between the medical environment and the wearer, the surgical gown assembly comprising: a surgical fabric defining an opening configured to be positioned in front of a wearer's face when the surgical garment assembly is at least partially disposed on the surgical helmet; a transparent face mask disposed within the opening of the surgical fabric, the transparent face mask comprising an upper portion and a lower portion; a tab extending from an outer perimeter of the upper portion of the transparent face shield; wherein the tongue at least partially defines a coupling aperture sized to at least partially receive the protrusion; and Wherein, the tongue and the alignment channel are complementarily sized such that the tongue can be positioned within the alignment channel and such that the coupling hole can slide over the protrusion.

34. A method of operating a surgical gown system, the method comprising: Provided is a surgical gown system, comprising: a surgical helmet configured to be worn on the head of an individual; a surgical gown configured for removable coupling to the surgical helmet to provide a microbial barrier between the medical environment and the wearer; Wherein, the surgical helmet comprises: a peripheral device configured to facilitate the performance of an individual wearing the surgical helmet during a surgical procedure; A detector is configured to detect the connection between the surgical gown and the surgical helmet. and for generating a signal based at least in part on the presence or absence of the surgical gown coupled to the surgical helmet; and a controller, the controller communicating with the detector and the peripheral device; a portable energy source removably interconnected to the surgical helmet, the portable energy source in communication with the controller; and coupling the portable energy source to the surgical helmet; using the detector to detect whether the surgical gown is connected to the surgical helmet; controlling an operational characteristic of the peripheral device based at least in part on whether the surgical garment is coupled; and If the controller receives the signal from the detector, energy is transferred from the portable energy source to the external device.

35. A method of attaching a surgical gown to a surgical helmet, the surgical helmet comprising: a header beam defining an alignment channel and a first member at least partially disposed within the alignment channel; A chin bar defining a first attachment recess and a second attachment recess, wherein the chin bar includes a first magnet at least partially disposed within the first attachment recess and a second magnet at least partially disposed within the second attachment recess, the method comprising: A surgical gown is provided that includes a transparent face mask, the face mask including: a first hole that is at least partially disposed within a tab that extends from a top portion of the transparent face mask; and a first attachment element and a second attachment element that are coupled to a bottom portion of the transparent face mask, each of the first attachment element and the second attachment element having a concave surface, the surgical gown being inside-outward facing; positioning the surgical gown so that the tab of the transparent face shield is at least partially positioned within the alignment channel; positioning the surgical gown such that the first member of the surgical helmet extends through the first hole; and The surgical gown is manipulated about the interface between the first aperture of the face mask and the first member to position the transparent face mask in front of the wearer's face.

36. A surgical gown system, comprising: A surgical helmet for being worn on a wearer's head, the surgical helmet comprising a helmet coupler, the helmet coupler comprising: a housing including a distal surface, the housing defining a void space having a first region and a second region; a mechanical switch disposed at least partially within the void space proximate the first region; and a first member movably disposed within the housing relative to the mechanical switch, the first member comprising one of a ferromagnetic material or a magnetic material; a surgical gown configured to be disposed at least partially over the surgical helmet to provide a microbial barrier between a medical environment and a wearer, the gown comprising a second member; wherein the second member comprises the other of the ferromagnetic material or the magnetic material and is configured to releasably engage the distal surface of the helmet coupler; and Wherein the first member is configured to selectively contact the mechanical switch based at least in part on a proximity of the second member relative to the distal surface of the housing.

37. A surgical gown system, comprising: A head unit for being worn on a wearer's head, the head unit comprising a first coupler, the first coupler comprising: a housing including a distal surface, the housing defining a void space having a first region and a second region; and a first member positioned within the housing and movable between the first region and the second region; a sensor positioned proximate the first region of the housing; and a surgical gown configured to be disposed at least partially over the head unit to provide a microbial barrier between a medical environment and a wearer, the gown comprising a second member; wherein the first region is located proximal to the sensor, and the second region is located distal to the sensor; wherein the first member is configured to selectively move between the first region and the second region of the housing based at least in part on a proximity of the second member relative to the distal surface of the housing; and Wherein, the sensor is configured to detect when the first member is in the first area and the second area.

38. A surgical helmet for use with a surgical gown having a second component and configured to be at least partially disposed on the surgical helmet, the surgical helmet comprising: A helmet connector, the helmet connector comprising: a housing including a distal surface, the housing defining a void space having a first region and a second region; a mechanical switch disposed at least partially within the void space proximate the first region; and a first member movably disposed within the housing relative to the mechanical switch, the first member comprising one of a ferromagnetic material or a magnetic material; wherein the second member of the surgical gown comprises the other of the ferromagnetic material or the magnetic material and is configured to releasably engage the distal surface of the helmet coupler; and Wherein the first member is configured to selectively contact the mechanical switch based at least in part on a proximity of the second member relative to the distal surface of the housing.

39. A surgical gown system, comprising: A surgical helmet for being worn on a wearer's head, the surgical helmet comprising a first member and a mechanical switch, wherein: The first member comprises a hole, The first member includes one of a ferromagnetic material or a magnetic material, and The mechanical switch includes a switching member; a surgical gown configured to be disposed at least partially over the surgical helmet to provide a microbial barrier between a medical environment and a wearer, the gown comprising a second member including a protrusion configured to fit within the aperture; wherein the second member comprises the other of the ferromagnetic material or the magnetic material; wherein the first member and the second member are configured to be magnetically attracted to each other to releasably couple the surgical gown to the surgical helmet; and Wherein the protrusion of the second member is configured to engage the switching member of the mechanical switch when the surgical gown is coupled to the surgical helmet.

40. A surgical gown system, comprising: A surgical helmet for being worn on a wearer's head, the surgical helmet comprising a cylindrical first member and a sensor, wherein: The cylindrical first member includes a lateral surface and a distal surface, the distal surface including a hole; The cylindrical first member comprises one of a ferromagnetic material or a magnetic material; and The bore defines a first axis; The cylindrical first member has a second axis perpendicular to the first axis; and the sensor being positioned adjacent the lateral surface of the cylindrical first member such that the sensor is substantially aligned / parallel with the second axis of the cylindrical first member; a surgical gown configured to be disposed at least partially over the surgical helmet to provide a microbial barrier between a medical environment and a wearer, the gown comprising a second member including a protrusion configured to fit within the aperture; wherein the second member comprises the other of the ferromagnetic material or the magnetic material; wherein the cylindrical first member and the second member are configured to be magnetically attracted to each other to releasably couple the surgical gown to the surgical helmet; and Wherein, the sensor is configured to detect changes in the magnetic field surrounding the cylindrical first member caused by the presence or absence of the second member relative to the cylindrical first member.

41. A surgical gown system, comprising: A surgical helmet configured to be worn on an individual's head; a surgical gown configured to be disposed at least partially over the surgical helmet to provide a microbial barrier between a medical environment and a wearer, the surgical gown comprising a first member configured to removably couple the surgical gown to the surgical helmet; Wherein, the surgical helmet comprises: a peripheral device configured to facilitate the performance of an individual wearing the surgical helmet during a surgical procedure; a detector configured to detect the presence of the surgical gown positioned adjacent to the surgical helmet and to generate a signal when the surgical gown is coupled to the surgical helmet; and A controller is in communication with the detector and the peripheral device, the controller being configured to adjust an aspect of the operation of the peripheral device based at least in part on the signal from the detector.

42. A surgical gown system, comprising: a surgical helmet configured to be worn on the head of an individual; a surgical gown configured to be disposed at least partially over the surgical helmet to provide a microbial barrier between the medical environment and the wearer; Wherein, the surgical helmet comprises: a peripheral device configured to facilitate the performance of an individual wearing the surgical helmet during a surgical procedure; and a detector configured to detect the presence of the surgical gown positioned adjacent to the surgical helmet and to generate a signal when the surgical gown is coupled to the surgical helmet; a controller in communication with the detector and the peripheral device, the controller being configured to adjust an operating characteristic of the peripheral device based at least in part on the signal from the detector; and a portable energy source removably interconnected to the surgical helmet, the portable energy source in communication with the controller; Wherein the controller is configured to control energy transfer from the portable energy source to the external device based at least in part on the signal from the detector.

43. A surgical gown system, comprising: a headgear assembly including a headband with a control element for adjusting a size of the headband, the headgear assembly being configured for wear by a user during a surgical procedure; A surgical gown configured to define a microbial barrier between the helmet assembly and an environment, the gown comprising: a flexible barrier member integral with the surgical gown; an attachment member positioned proximate a top portion of the flexible barrier member and configured for releasably coupling the flexible barrier member to the helmet assembly; and wherein the attachment member is configured to operatively engage the helmet assembly, causing a change in the curvature of the top portion of the flexible barrier member relative to the face of the user when the control element of the headband is manipulated to minimize the distance between the flexible barrier member and the user's face.

44. A method of adjusting a surgical gown configured to be worn with a headgear assembly having a headband with a control member configured to adjust the size of the headband, the method comprising: A surgical gown is provided, the surgical gown being configured to be worn by a user during a surgical procedure, the surgical gown comprising: a flexible barrier member integral with the surgical gown; an attachment member positioned proximate a top portion of the flexible barrier member; and wherein the attachment member is configured to operatively engage the helmet assembly to change the curvature of the top portion of the flexible barrier member relative to the user when the control element of the headband is manipulated to minimize the distance between the flexible barrier member and the user's eyes; and attaching the attachment member to the helmet assembly; and The control member is manipulated to adjust the circumference of the headband to change the curvature of the flexible barrier member and minimize the distance between the flexible barrier member and the user's eyes.

45. A surgical gown assembly for use with a surgical helmet worn by a user, wherein: The surgical helmet comprises an attachment feature and at least one coupling member, the surgical gown assembly is configured to be at least partially disposed on the surgical helmet and is configured to provide a microbial barrier between the user and a medical environment, the surgical gown assembly comprising: Surgical fabric with defined opening, a transparent face mask disposed within the opening, the transparent face mask comprising an upper portion, a lower portion, a first surface, and an opposing second surface; a first hole in the upper portion of the transparent face shield, the first hole configured to removably engage the attachment feature of the surgical helmet to align the transparent face shield relative to the surgical helmet; a first attachment element secured to the lower portion of the transparent face shield; wherein the first attachment element includes a retaining feature, and the retaining feature is closer to the second surface of the transparent face shield than the first surface of the transparent face shield; wherein the first attachment element comprises a magnetic material; and Wherein, the first attachment element defines a coupling recess on the wearer side of the microbial barrier, the coupling recess being configured for removably engaging one of the at least one coupling members on the surgical helmet.

46. ​​A surgical gown system for providing a microbial barrier between a medical environment and a wearer, the system comprising A surgical helmet comprising at least two magnetic coupling members and a protrusion; a surgical gown configured to be disposed at least partially over the surgical helmet, the surgical gown comprising an opening; A transparent face mask, the transparent face mask is arranged in the opening of the surgical gown, the transparent face mask comprising: a first surface and an opposing second surface; an upper portion and a lower portion; a first hole formed in the upper portion of the transparent face shield, the first hole configured for removably engaging the protrusion of the surgical helmet; a first attachment element and a second attachment element, the first attachment element and the second attachment element being secured to the lower portion of the transparent face shield; wherein each of the first attachment element and the second attachment element comprises a ferromagnetic material; Wherein, each of the first attachment element and the second attachment element defines a corresponding coupling recess on the wearer side of the microbial barrier and is configured to removably engage a magnetic coupling member on the surgical helmet, and the coupling recess is formed to prevent the surgical gown from being disconnected from the surgical helmet.

47. A surgical gown for providing a microbial barrier between a medical environment and a wearer, the gown being configured for placement on a surgical helmet comprising at least two magnetic coupling members, the gown comprising: a first material configured to be at least partially disposed on the surgical helmet, the first material comprising an opening; a transparent face mask disposed within the opening of the first material, the transparent face mask comprising: a first surface and an opposing second surface; and an upper portion and a lower portion; a first attachment element and a second attachment element, the first attachment element and the second attachment element being secured to the transparent face shield; wherein at least one of the first attachment element and the second attachment element comprises a ferromagnetic material; and Wherein at least one of the first and second attachment elements defines a corresponding coupling recess on the wearer side of the microbial barrier and is configured for removably engaging the magnetic coupling member on the surgical helmet.

48. A surgical gown for providing a microbial barrier between a medical environment and a wearer, the gown being configured for placement on a surgical helmet including a magnetic coupling member, the gown comprising: coupling means for coupling the surgical gown to the magnetic coupling member of the surgical helmet; Wherein, the magnetic coupling member comprises a convex surface.

49. A surgical gown for providing a microbial barrier between a medical environment and a wearer, the gown being configured to be disposed on a surgical helmet, the surgical helmet comprising a protrusion disposed at least partially within an alignment channel, and a chin bar, wherein: The chin bar includes at least two magnetic coupling components, and the surgical gown includes: a first material configured to be at least partially disposed on the surgical helmet, the first material comprising an opening; a transparent face mask disposed within the opening of the first material, the transparent face mask comprising: a first surface and an opposing second surface; an upper portion and a lower portion; and a first hole in the transparent face shield, the first hole configured to removably engage the protrusion of the surgical helmet to align the first material relative to the surgical helmet; a first attachment element and a second attachment element secured to the lower portion of the transparent face shield on opposite lateral sides of the first aperture; wherein each of the first attachment element and the second attachment element comprises a retention feature; wherein at least one of the first attachment element and the second attachment element at least partially comprises a ferromagnetic material; and wherein at least one of the first attachment element and the second attachment element defines a corresponding coupling recess on the wearer side of the microbial barrier, and each of the first attachment element and the second attachment element is configured to removably engage one of the magnetic coupling members on the surgical helmet.

50. A surgical gown for providing a microbial barrier between a medical environment and a wearer, the gown being configured for placement on a surgical helmet comprising at least two magnetic coupling members, the gown comprising: a first material configured to be disposed at least partially on a surgical helmet, the first material comprising an opening; a transparent face mask disposed within the opening of the first material, the transparent face mask comprising an upper portion and a lower portion; a first coupler for removably engaging a surgical helmet; and a first attachment element and a second attachment element, the first attachment element and the second attachment element being secured to the lower portion of the transparent face shield; wherein each of the first attachment element and the second attachment element comprises: a head including a distal surface and a proximal surface; and a post extending from the distal surface; wherein the post comprises a distal portion and a proximal portion, the proximal portion being adjacent to the distal surface of the head; wherein the proximal portion comprises a first size and the second portion comprises a second size, the first size being greater than the second size; and wherein the head of each of the first attachment element and the second attachment element comprises a ferromagnetic material, and the proximal surface of each of the heads is configured to removably engage one of the magnetic coupling members on the surgical helmet.

51. A surgical gown for providing a microbial barrier between a medical environment and a wearer, the gown being configured for placement on a surgical helmet including a magnetic coupling member, the gown comprising: a first material configured to be disposed at least partially on a surgical helmet, the first material comprising an opening; a transparent face mask disposed within the opening of the first material, the transparent face mask comprising: a first surface and an opposing second surface; and an upper portion and a lower portion; a first coupler disposed on a wearer side of the first material, the first coupler configured for removably engaging a surgical helmet; and a first attachment element secured to the lower portion of the transparent face shield; wherein the first attachment element comprises a ferromagnetic material; and Wherein, the first attachment element defines a coupling recess on the wearer side of the microbial barrier, the coupling recess being configured for removably engaging the magnetic coupling member on the surgical helmet.

52. A surgical gown for providing a microbial barrier between a medical environment and a wearer, the surgical gown comprising: a first material, the first material comprising an opening; a transparent face mask disposed within the opening of the first material, the transparent face mask comprising: a first surface and an opposing second surface; and an upper portion and a lower portion; a first attachment element and a second attachment element, the first attachment element and the second attachment element being secured to the transparent face shield; wherein at least one of the first attachment element and the second attachment element comprises a ferromagnetic material; and Wherein at least one of the first attachment element and the second attachment element defines a corresponding coupling recess on the wearer side of the microbial barrier.

53. A surgical gown for providing a microbial barrier between a medical environment and a wearer, the surgical gown comprising: a first material configured to be disposed at least partially on a surgical helmet, the first material comprising an opening; a transparent face mask disposed within the opening of the first material, the transparent face mask comprising: a first surface and an opposing second surface; an upper portion and a lower portion; and a first hole in the transparent face shield, the first hole configured to removably engage a protrusion of the surgical helmet to align the first material relative to the surgical helmet; a first attachment element and a second attachment element secured to the lower portion of the transparent face shield on opposite lateral sides of the first aperture; wherein each of the first attachment element and the second attachment element comprises a retention feature; wherein at least one of the first attachment element and the second attachment element at least partially comprises a ferromagnetic material; and Wherein at least one of the first and second attachment elements defines a corresponding coupling recess on the wearer side of the microbial barrier.

54. A surgical gown for providing a microbial barrier between a medical environment and a wearer, the surgical gown comprising: a first material, the first material comprising an opening; a transparent face mask disposed within the opening of the first material, the transparent face mask comprising: a first surface and an opposing second surface; and an upper portion and a lower portion; a first coupler disposed on a wearer side of the first material for removably engaging a surgical helmet; and a first attachment element and a second attachment element, the first attachment element and the second attachment element being secured to the lower portion of the transparent face shield; wherein each of the first attachment element and the second attachment element comprises a retention feature; wherein at least one of the first attachment element and the second attachment element comprises a ferromagnetic material; and Wherein at least one of the first attachment element and the second attachment element defines a corresponding coupling recess on the wearer side of the microbial barrier and is configured for removably engaging a magnetic coupling member on a surgical helmet.

55. A surgical gown for providing a microbial barrier between a medical environment and a wearer, the surgical gown comprising: a first material, the first material comprising an opening; a transparent face mask disposed within the opening of the first material, the transparent face mask comprising an upper portion and a lower portion; a first connector; and a first attachment element and a second attachment element, the first attachment element and the second attachment element being secured to the lower portion of the transparent face shield; wherein each of the first attachment element and the second attachment element comprises: a head including a distal surface and a proximal surface; and a post extending from the distal surface; wherein the post comprises a distal portion and a proximal portion, the proximal portion being adjacent to the distal surface of the head; wherein the proximal portion comprises a first size and the second portion comprises a second size, the first size being greater than the second size; and Wherein the head portion of each of the first attachment element and the second attachment element comprises a ferromagnetic material.

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