Adjustable headgear

Abstract

The headgear comprises a casing 130, 132 to be supported on the wearer’s head, a carriage (170, 171, fig 7) located within the casing and moveable between and extended position and a retracted position relative to the casing (figs 1a, 1b). A headband 140 projects from the carriage such that the headband is moveable with the carriage relative to the casing, and a strap 150 projects from the carriage such that the strap is moveable with the carriage relative to the casing The strap 150 is arranged to support the adjustable headgear on the wearer’s head when the adjustable headgear is worn by the wearer.

Description

BACKGROUND There exist a diverse range of different apparatuses that are worn on a wearer’s head in use. In order to accommodate for different head sizes, headgear may be provided with a means of adjusting the size of the headgear. SUMMARY According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an adjustable headgear for wearing on a wearer’s head, the headgear comprising: a casing to be supported on the wearer’s head; a carriage moveable (e.g. slidable) relative to the casing between an extended position and a retracted position of the carriage; a headband projecting from the carriage, such that the headband is moveable (e.g. slidable) with the carriage relative to the casing; and a strap projecting from the carriage, such that the strap is moveable (e.g. slidable) with the carriage relative to the casing, and wherein the strap is arranged to support the adjustable headgear on the wearer’s head when the adjustable headgear is worn by the wearer. Providing an adjustable headgear for a wearer to wear on their head, wherein the adjustable headgear comprises a headband and a strap that are both projected from a moveable (e.g. slidable) carriage such that the moveable (e.g. slidable) carriage can move, for example slide, relative to a casing, which enables the wearer to adjust the size of the adjustable headgear according to the size of the wearer’s head. In other words, there is provided a headgear that is adapted to change size according to the relative positions of the strap and the headband to the casing in response to the size and shape of the wearer’s head. For example, by extending the headband, by moving, for example by sliding, the carriage to the extended position, the headgear may be increased in size in order to accommodate a larger head size. Similarly, by retracting the headband, by moving, for example by sliding, the carriage to the retracted position, the headgear may be decreased in size in order to accommodate a smaller head size. The relative positions of the strap and the headband to the casing is adjusted by moving, for example by sliding, the carriage with respect to the casing, the carriage being moveable (e.g. slidable) relative to the casing (for example, slidably connected to the casing). By moving the carriage to the extended position, the adjustable headgear may be changed to an extended configuration of the headgear. Similarly, by moving the carriage to the retracted position, the adjustable headgear may be changed to a retracted configuration of the headgear. When each side of the adjustable headgear comprises a carriage and both carriages are moved to the extended position, the adjustable headgear is arranged in a fully extended configuration. Equally, when both carriages are moved to the retracted position, the adjustable headgear is arranged in a fully retracted configuration. Put another way, there is provided an adjustable headgear comprising a casing adapted to be supported on the wearer’s head by a headband and a strap. The casing is moveable (e.g. slidable) relative to the headband and the strap by a carriage. The carriage is moveable (e.g. slidable) relative to the casing (for example, moveably (e.g. slidably) connected to the casing). Therefore, the headband and strap can move with the carriage and therefore with respect to the casing. That is, the carriage may be rigidly connected to the headband and / or the strap such that the headband and / or the strap move (e.g. slide) with the carriage rather than with respect to the carriage. The strap and the headband are both projected from the carriage and move relative to the casing together. Put another way, the strap, headband and carriage may be provided in a fixed relationship to each other and all move in unison with respect to the casing. The strap and the headband may be separated from each other by a predetermined distance, for example by 10mm to 20mm. In this way, the wearer’s head contacts the strap only and not the headband. The adjustable headgear is supported on the wearer’s head by the strap. Put another way, the weight, or the majority of the weight, of the adjustable headgear may be supported on the wearer’s head through the strap. In other words, the wearer’s head may not come into contact with the headband when they are wearing the adjustable headgear. Thus, the strap is interposed between the headband and the wearer’s head, such that the strap is arranged to contact the wearer’s head when the adjustable headgear is worn by the wearer. The carriage may be moveable (e.g. slidable) along a portion of the length of the casing between the extended and retracted positions. For example, the carriage may be movable (e.g. slidable) along 50% or more of the length of the casing. For example, the carriage may be moveable (e.g. slidable) relative to the casing over a distance of 35mm to 45mm between the retracted position and the extended position. The extended position of the carriage may correspond to a maximum extension of the headband relative to the casing, i .e., the point at which the largest proportion of the headband extends from the casing. The retracted position of the carriage may correspond to a minimum extension of the headband relative to the casing, i.e., the point at which the smallest proportion of the headband extends from the casing. Further, the extended position of the carriage may correspond to a minimum overlap between the strap and the casing, i.e., the point at which the smallest proportion of the strap is adjacent the casing. Further, the retracted position of the carriage may correspond to a maximum overlap between the strap and the casing, i.e., the point at which the largest proportion of the stap is adjacent the casing. The casing may have a length less than a length of the headband and / or strap. The length of the casing may be less than 75% or less than 50% of the length of the headband and / or strap. The headband may be connected to the carriage directly or indirectly. The headband may be integral with the carriage. The headband may be arcuate in shape. The strap may be connected to the carriage directly or indirectly. The strap may be moveable (e.g. slidable) along, and for example over, the casing when the carriage is moved relative to the casing. For example, the strap may be moveable (e.g. slidable) along, or over, a surface of the casing adapted to face the wearer’s head when the adjustable headgear is worn. The casing may be supported at a side of the wearer’s head. The carriage may be moveably (e.g. slidably) received within the casing. The headband may be at least partially moveable (e.g. slidably) received within the casing though a headband aperture in the casing. The carriage may be moveably (e.g. slidably) received within the casing. In this case, the headband may be at least partially moveably (e.g. slidably) receivable within the casing through a headband aperture in the casing. Thus, the carriage may move (e.g. slide) within the casing to cause more or less of the headband, which is rigidly attached to the carriage, to be received within the casing. In other words, by moving (e.g. sliding) the carriage between the extended and retracted positions, the headband may protrude more or less from the casing, respectively. In this way, when the carriage is positioned closer to the headband aperture of the casing, more of the headband is exposed and the headgear may accommodate a wearer with a larger head. Correspondingly, when the carriage is positioned further away from the headband aperture of the casing, less of the headband is exposed and the headgear may accommodate a wearer with a smaller head. The carriage may further comprise an attachment feature for connecting (e.g. reversibly connecting) the strap to the carriage. The attachment feature may be a male or a female member. The attachment feature is suitable for the wearer to connect (and optionally disconnect) the strap. The casing may further comprise an attachment aperture for exposing the attachment feature of the carriage for connecting the strap to the carriage. In examples where the carriage is moveably (e.g. slidably) received within the casing, the casing may further comprise an attachment aperture for exposing the attachment feature of the carriage for connecting the strap to the carriage. In this way, the strap may be connected to the carriage, which is moveably (e.g. slidably) received within the casing, without the strap having to be received in the casing itself. Accordingly, the strap may support the weight of the adjustable headgear on the head of the user without the casing or the headband coming into contact with the wearer’s head. The attachment feature may comprise a male attachment feature, which may protrude through the attachment aperture. In this way, the attachment of the strap to the carriage within the casing is simplified for the user as the attachment feature is visible from outside of the casing. The attachment feature may include a plurality of attachment features. The plurality of attachment features may be aligned with in a direction of movement of the carriage with respect to the casing. Put another way the plurality of attachment features may be aligned with a length direction of the strap. The attachment aperture may be provided in the form of an elongate slot provided along the length of the casing. In this way, the carriage may move (e.g. slide) between the extended position and the retracted position within the casing with the strap attached to the attachment feature of the carriage through the attachment aperture. When attached to the carriage, the strap may at least partially cover the attachment aperture such that the attachment aperture is covered when the carriage is in the retracted position and the attachment aperture is uncovered proportionally with movement of the carriage from the retracted position towards the extended position. In some cases, when the carriage is in the extended position, less than 50% of the slot may be covered by the strap. The attachment aperture may be arranged on a surface of the casing adapted to face the wearer’s head when the adjustable headgear is worn. In this way, the attachment feature may be located in a position that is less likely to be contacted, or damaged, when the user is wearing the adjustable headgear. The strap may be adapted to connect to the attachment feature at one of a plurality of different positions. The attachment position of the strap may be varied to accommodate a number of different head sizes. The different positions at which the strap may be connected to the attachment feature may be arranged along a length of the strap, thereby changing the length of the strap. The casing may comprise one or more electronic components of the headgear. The one or more electronic components may comprise at least one power source. For example, the casing may comprise the at least one power source, such as a battery for powering the headgear. In further examples, the casing may comprise further electronic components, such as wiring and / or control circuitry. The power source may be rechargeable. The carriage may be shaped to at least partially surround the one or more electronic components. In the examples where the casing comprises one or more electronic components, such as at least one power source, the carriage may at least partially surround (e.g. entirely surround at least a portion of) the one or more electronic components. Put another way, the carriage may comprise a through hole to permit the carriage to move (e.g. slide) past, around and / or over, other components provided within the casing. Further, by providing a carriage that at least partially surrounds the one or more electronic components, the potential surface area of contact between the carriage and the casing is increased, thereby improving the stability of the connection between the carriage and the casing. In this way, the adjustment mechanism of the adjustable headgear may be located in the same place as the electronic components of the adjustable headgear, thereby improving the space efficiency of the adjustment mechanism and also protecting the adjustment mechanism from external interference, for example, from debris or hair becoming trapped in the adjustment mechanism. The carriage may be moveable (e.g. slidable) relative to the casing (for example, slidably connected to the casing), for example to an outer surface of the casing. In this case, the carriage may at least partially surround the casing. For example, the casing may be moveably (e.g. slidably) received within the carriage. Put another way, the carriage may comprise a through hole to permit the carriage to move (e.g. slide) past and around the casing. Further, by providing a carriage that at least partially surrounds the casing, the potential surface area of contact between the carriage and the casing is increased, thereby improving the stability of the connection between the carriage and the casing. The strap may be flexible. The strap may comprise a flexible material. The flexible material may comprise one or more of: fabric; leather; synthetic material; and the like. Such a construction may improve comfort when the adjustable headgear is worn because the strap contacts the wearer’s head and supports the weight of the adjustable headgear on the wearer’s head. The flexible strap may be flexible in shape. For example, the strap may be flexible in a plurality of dimensions, such as longitudinally and laterally. The strap may be relatively less stiff than the headband. For example, the strap may be more conformable to the wearer’s head than the headband. The strap may be elasticated. An elasticity of the flexible strap may be greater than an elasticity of the headband. The strap may resist deformation to a lesser degree than the headband when the strap and headband are deformed to the same extent. The headband may be elongate. The headband may comprise a band and / or a rod. The band may be generally planar. The band may have a cross-section that is longer in one dimension that the other. For example, the band may have a larger width compared to a smaller depth. Put another way, the band may have a flattened cross-section, for example a rectangular or ovular cross-section. The cross section of the band may be uniform, or non-uniform, along its length. The rod may have a cross-section that is equal in both dimensions. For example, a rod may have a circular or square cross-section. The headband may be adapted to apply a clamping force to the casing to bias the casing towards the wearer’s head. That is, when the headband is arcuate, the headband may be biased inwardly. The headband may provide a clamping force against the wearer’s head. The strap may supplement the clamping force but to a lesser degree than the headband. In an example, the headband may comprise a spring band. The spring band may comprise one or more of: a metal spring band; and a plastic spring band. Such a construction may minimise any additional weight added to the adjustable headgear by the headband. Since the headband is not intended to contact a wearer’s head in use, the headband does not necessarily need to be made from a flexible or soft material. Further, the headband may apply a slight compressive force to bias the casing towards a side of the wearer’s head, thereby improving the retention of the adjustable headgear on the wearer’s head. The strap, and / or the headband, may be rigidly connected to the carriage. When the strap and the headband are both connected to the carriage, the strap headband move relative to the casing together. Put another way, the strap, headband and carriage may be provided in a fixed relationship to each other and all move in unison with respect to the casing. The adjustable headgear may further comprise: a further casing to be supported on the wearer’s head; and a further carriage moveable (e.g. slidable) relative to the casing between a further extended position and a further retracted position of the further carriage, wherein the headband projects from the further carriage, such that the headband is moveable (e.g. slidable) with the further carriage relative to the further casing, and wherein the strap projects from the further carriage, such that the strap is moveable (e.g. slidable) with the carriage relative to the further casing. In other words, the adjustable headgear may include two casings supported on the wearer’s head by the strap both of are connected to a moveable (e.g. slidable) carriage as described above. In this way, the adjustable headgear is adjustable on both sides of the wearer’s head due to the carriages each being moveable (e.g. slidable) relative to the casings. In this way, the adjustability of the adjustable headgear is improved and a wider array of wearer head sizes may be accommodated. The casing and the further casing may be supported on either side of the wearer’s head. For example, the casing may be supported on the right side of the wearer’s head and the further casing may be supported on the left side of the wearer’s head. Alternatively, the casing may be supported on the left side of the wearer’s head and the further casing may be supported on the right side of the wearer’s head. The casing and the further casing may be separated from each other by a void spanned by the headband and the strap. The length of each casing may be less than 50% or less than 25% of the length of the headband and / or strap. Each casing is supported to the side of the wearer’s head and is spaced from the top of the wearer’s head by the strap when the adjustable headgear is worn. The adjustable headgear may be absent a casing at and around the mid-point of the headband such that when worn no casing comes into contact with a top of the wearer’s head. That is, the adjustable headgear may be absent a middle casing between the casing and the further casing. Put another way, there may be a void between the headband and strap at and around the mid-point of the headband, and the void may be variable in size. For example, the void may be more open when the adjustable headgear is unworn compared to when the adjustable headgear is worn. Each carriage may be moveable (e.g. slidable) along a portion of the length of each casing between the extended and retracted positions. For example, each carriage may be moveable (e.g. slidable) along 50% or more of the length of each casing. For example, each carriage may be moveable (e.g. slidable) over a distance of around 30 to 50mm, optionally about 40mm, between the retracted position and the extended position within each casing. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an adjustable headgear for wearing on a wearer’s head, the headgear comprising: a casing to be supported on the wearer’s head; a carriage moveable (e.g. slidable) relative to the casing, such that the carriage is moveable (e.g. slidable) relative to the casing between an extended position and a retracted position of the carriage, the carriage comprising an attachment feature for connecting to a strap for supporting the adjustable headgear on the wearer’s head when the adjustable headgear is worn by the wearer; a headband projecting from the carriage, such that the headband is moveable (e.g. slidable) with the carriage when the carriage is moved (e.g. slid) relative to the casing. Providing an adjustable headgear for a wearer to wear on their head, wherein the adjustable headgear comprises a headband projecting from a moveable (e.g. slidable) carriage, such that the moveable (e.g. slidable) carriage can move (e.g. slide) relative to a casing, which enables the wearer to adjust the size of the adjustable headgear according to the size of the wearer’s head. In other words, there is provided a headgear that is adapted to change shape according to the relative positions of the strap (for example, when connected), and the headband to the casing in response to the size and shape of the wearer’s head. For example, by extending the headband, by moving (e.g. sliding) the carriage to the extended position, the headgear may be increased in size in order to accommodate a larger head size. Similarly, by retracting the headband, by moving (e.g. sliding) the carriage to the retracted position, the headgear may be decreased in size in order to accommodate a smaller head size. The relative positions of the strap (for example, when connected), and the headband to the casing is adjusted by moving (e.g. sliding) the carriage with respect to the casing, the carriage being moveably (e.g. slidably) connected to the casing. The attachment feature may be moveable (e.g. slidable) along the casing, for example, such that the strap is moveable (e.g. slidable) along and over the casing when connected to the attachment feature and the carriage is moved relative to the casing. According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided an adjustable headgear for wearing on a wearer’s head, the headgear comprising: a casing to be supported on the wearer’s head; a carriage moveable (e g slidable) relative to the casing, such that the carriage is moveable (e.g. slidable) relative to the casing between an extended position and a retracted position; and a strap projecting from the carriage, such that the strap is moveable (e.g. slidable) with the carriage relative to the casing, and wherein the strap is arranged to support the adjustable headgear on the wearer’s head when the adjustable headgear is worn by the wearer. Providing an adjustable headgear for a wearer to wear on their head, wherein the adjustable headgear comprises a strap projecting from a moveable (e.g. slidable) carriage, such that the moveable (e.g. slidable) carriage can move (e.g. slide) relative to a casing, which enables the wearer to adjust the size of the adjustable headgear according to the size of the wearer’s head. In other words, there is provided a headgear that is adapted to change shape according to the relative positions of the strap to the casing in response to the size and shape of the wearer’s head. For example, by extending the strap, by moving (e.g. sliding) the carriage to the extended position, the headgear may be increased in size in order to accommodate a larger head size. Similarly, by retracting the strap, by moving (e.g. sliding) the carriage to the retracted position, the headgear may be decreased in size in order to accommodate a smaller head size. The relative position of the strap to the casing is adjusted by moving (e.g. sliding) the carriage with respect to the casing, the carriage being moveably (e.g. slidably) connected to the casing. The strap may be moveable (e.g. slidable) along the casing, for example, such that the strap is moveable (e.g. slidable) along and over the casing when the carriage is moved (e.g. slid) relative to the casing. The adjustable headgear may further comprise: a speaker housing connected to the casing, the speaker housing to be supported over a wearer’s ear in use (for example, to partially or fully cover the wearer’s ear), and optionally a speaker located in the speaker housing. In other words, the adjustable headgear could embody headphones, with a speaker for audio playback. The adjustable headgear may further comprise a fan assembly operable to generate a filtered airflow to be inhaled by the wearer via a nozzle optionally in the form of a visor. In other words, the adjustable headgear could embody a wearable air purifier. The fan assembly may be releasably attachable to the speaker housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure la shows an elevation view of an adjustable headgear in a retracted configuration of the headgear. Figure lb shows an elevation view of an adjustable headgear in an extended configuration of the headgear. Figure 2a shows a perspective view of a portion of an adjustable headgear in a retracted configuration of the headgear. Figure 2b shows a perspective view of a portion of an adjustable headgear in an extended configuration of the headgear. Figure 3 shows a cut-away view of the portion of the adjustable headgear shown in Figure 2a. Figure 4a shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of an adjustable headgear in an extended configuration of the headgear. Figure 4b shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of an adjustable headgear in a retracted configuration of the headgear. Figure 4c shows a cross-sectional view of an adjustable headgear in a retracted configuration of the headgear worn on the head of a wearer. Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view taken through plane A-A in Figure 4b. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a carriage. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a carriage and a headband projecting therefrom. Figure 8a shows a perspective view of an adjustable headgear in a fully retracted configuration of the headgear. Figure 8b shows a perspective view of an adjustable headgear in a fully extended configuration of the headgear. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figures la and lb show an adjustable headgear 100 in a retracted configuration and an extended configuration of the headgear 100, respectively. In the example shown in Figures la and lb, the adjustable headgear 100 comprises a pair of headphones having speaker housings 110, 112 and ear cups 120, 122, each comprising ear cushions, to be supported over the wearer’s ears in use. In the example shown in Figure lb, the adjustable headgear further comprises fan assemblies 135, 136 operable to generate a filtered airflow to be inhaled by the wearer, which may be releasably attachable to the speaker housings 110, 112. However, it will be appreciated that the adjustment mechanisms described herein may be applied to many different apparatuses to be worn on a wearer’s head. That is, the adjustable headgear 100 may be provided without speaker housings 110, 112 and / or ear cups 120, 122 and / or fan assemblies 135, 136. The adjustable headgear 100 comprises two carriages referred to herein as a carriage and a further carriage; unless identified, features of one carriage, apply to the other, such that the carriages are functionally identical. The carriage 170 and the further carriage 171 are shown in Figure 7. The carriage 170 is intended to be arranged at a right side of the wearer’s head. The further carriage 171 is intended to be arranged at a left side of the wearer’s head. Each of the carriage 170 and the further carriage 171 is moveable by being slidably received within a respective casing 130, 132 (casing 130 and further casing 132). The casing 130 and the further casing 132 are arranged by the headgear 100 to be supported at the respective side of the wearer’s head (the casing 130 is intended to be supported on the right side of the wearer’s head, and the further casing 132 is intended to be supported on the left side of the wearer’s head). The form and function of the carriage 170 and further carriage 171 is discussed in further detail below with reference to the carriage 170 in Figures 3 to 6 and both carriages 170, 171 in Figure 7. The speaker housings 110, 112 are each pivotably connected to a respective casing 130, 132 by an adjustment mechanism 138, 139 in the form of a gimbal with two orthogonal axes for movement of each ear cup 120, 122 with respect to their respective casing 130, 132. The adjustable headgear 100 further comprises a headband 140 and a strap 150. The strap supports the adjustable headgear on the head of the wearer and may be flexible, for example, flexible in shape. The flexibility of shape of the strap 150 enables the strap 150 to distribute a weight of the headgear 100 evenly across the wearer’s head. The headband 140 is shaped to apply a clamping force to the casing 130, and the further casing 132, to bias the casing 130, and the further casing 132, towards the wearer’s head when the adjustable headgear 100 is worn. The clamping force in turn biases the speaker housings 110, 112 and the ear cups 120, 122 towards the wearer’s head to ensure good contact between the ear cups and the wearer’s head. The width of the strap 150 may be smaller than the width of the headband 140 across a portion of their lengths, and for example across a majority of their lengths. Alternatively, the width of the strap 150 may be the same as the width of the headband 140 across their lengths. As stated above, the carriage 170 and the further carriage 171 is moveable by being slidably received within the casing 130 and further casing 132, respectively. The carriages 170, 171 slide within the respective casings 130, 132 between a retracted position and an extended position of the respective carriage 170, 171. Both the headband 140 and the strap 150 are rigidly connected to the carriages 170, 171, such that when the carriages 170, 171 slide within the casings 130, 132 both the headband 140 and the strap 150 also slide relative to the casings 130, 132. In the example shown in Figures la and lb, and as will be described in further detail below, ends of the headband 140 are at least partially received within the casings 130, 132; whereas the strap 150 remains external to the casings 130, 132 and the strap 150 is attached to the carriages 170, 171 by way of an attachment feature 162, 164 described in further detail below with reference to Figures 2a and 2b and as shown in Figures 2a and 2b. When one of the carriages 170, 171 slide within a respective casing 130, 132 to the retracted position of the respective carriage 170, 171, the headband 140 is drawn into the respective casing 130, 132, such that a smaller proportion of the headband 140 is exposed from the casings 130, 132, and the strap 150 slides to a position of maximum overlap with the respective casing 130,132. Figure la shows an example where the carriages 170, 171 in both casings 130, 132 are at the retracted positions of the casings 130, 132. In the retracted configuration of the headgear shown in Figure la, the distance measured from one ear cup 120 to the other ear cup 122 along the strap 150, is minimized to accommodate a wearer with a smaller head. In other words, an inner perimeter or circumference of the adjustable headgear 100 is minimized when the carriage 170 is in the retracted position of the carriage. When one of the carriages 170,171 slides within a respective casing 130,132 to the extended position of the carriage 170, 171, the headband 140 is drawn out from the respective casing 130, 132, such that a greater proportion of the headband 140 is exposed from the casings 130, 132, and the strap 150 slides to a position of minimum overlap with the respective casing 130, 132. Figure lb shows an example where the carriages in both casings 130, 132 are at the extended positions of the casings 130, 132. In the extended configuration of the headgear shown in Figure lb, the distance measured from one ear cup 120 to the other ear cup 122 along the strap 150 and the exposed inner surfaces of the casings 130, 132, is maximised to accommodate a wearer with a larger head. In other words, an inner perimeter or circumference of the adjustable headgear 100 is maximised when the carriage 170 is in the extended position of the carriage. Figures 2a and 2b show a perspective view of a portion 102 of the adjustable headgear shown in Figures la and lb, respectively, with the strap 150 removed. As shown in Figures 2a and 2b, the casing 130 further comprises an attachment aperture 160 for exposing attachment features 162, 164 of the carriage received within the casing. The attachment aperture is an elongate aperture, or slot, to permit the sliding of the exposed attachment features 162, 164 protected from the carriage 170 between the retracted and extended positions as shown in Figures 2a and 2b, respectively. The attachment aperture 160 is arranged on a surface of the casing 130 adapted to face the wearer’s head when the adjustable headgear 100 is worn. The attachment features 162, 164 are male attachment features that protrude through the attachment aperture 160 to attach the strap 150 to the carriage 170. The strap 150 may comprise corresponding attachment features for releasably engaging with the attachment features 162, 164 of the carriage 170 to releasably connect the strap to the carriage 170. The strap 150 may comprise a plurality of holes, for example two or more holes, to receive the respective attachment feature 162, 164 at one of a plurality of different strap positions. For example, a strap 150 having three holes may receive the two attachment features 162, 164 at two different positions, such that the two attachment features 162, 164 are received in two adjacent holes of the three available holes in the strap 150, thereby providing a discrete amount of adjustment to the strap 150 length in addition to the continuous adjustment of the headgear 100 size provided by way of the carriage 170. In addition, Figures 2a and 2b show a headband aperture 142 provided in the casing 130 through which the headband 140 is received to connect with the carriage 170, which is slidably received within the casing 130. Further, Figures 2a and 2b show a wire cover 141 for covering wiring of the adjustable headgear 100. The wire cover 141 extends between the casing 130 and the further casing 132 in a similar manner to the headband 140. The wire cover 141 is shown positioned between the headband 140 and the strap 150. The wiring covered by the wire cover 141 may, or may not, extend between the casing 130 and the further casing. Tn Figure 2b, the wire cover 141 is shown as comprising a widened portion 143. The widened portion 143 of the wire cover 141 is provided to accommodate wiring provided about a ratchet mechanism 165 of the adjustable headgear 100, which communicates between the headband 140 and the casing 130. The ratchet mechanism 165 is shown in more detail in Figures 4a and 4b. In some examples, the wire cover 141 may be widened along the entire length of the wire cover 141 to match the width of the widened portion 143. Figures 3,4a and 4b show cross-sectional views of the portion of the adjustable headgear 100 shown in Figure 2a or 2b. The stap 150 is absent in Figure 3. Figure 4c shows a cross-section view of the adjustable headgear in a retracted configuration of the adjustable headgear positioned on a wearer’s head 200. Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the portion of the adjustable headgear 100 taken along plane A-A shown in Figure 4b. Figures 3 to 5 all show a view of the interior of the casing 130, which contains a plurality of electronic components, including power sources 180, 182, which in this example are rechargeable batteries. Figures 3 to 5 also illustrate the carriage 170 in situ within the casing 130. In particular, in the example shown in Figures 3 to 5, the carriage 170 is shaped to surround the power sources 180, 182 as the carriage 170 slides from the extended position of the carriage 170, as shown in Figure 4a, to the retracted position of the carriage 170, as shown in Figure 4b, and as the carriage 170 slides from the retracted position of the carriage 170 to the extended position of the carriage 170. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the carriage 170 in isolation. The carriage 170 comprises a main body 171, which defines a cavity 172 through which the electronic components may pass as the carriage 170 slides within the casing 130. The walls of the main body may be relatively thin when compared to their length. The carriage 170 further comprises a first receptacle 177 and a second receptacle 179 for receiving attachment features 162, 164, respectively. The first receptable 177 is provided on the main body 171 and the second receptacle 179 is positioned on an extension 178 of the main body 171. Starting from the extended position of the carriage 170, as shown in Figure 4a, the wearer may apply a force to the headband 140 in order to drive the headband 140 into the casing 130, which in turn causes the carriage 170, and the strap 150 attached thereto, to slide towards the retracted position of the carriage 170 shown in Figure 4b. Starting from the retracted position of the carriage 170, as shown in Figure 4b, the wearer may apply a force to the headband 140 in order to pull the headband out of the casing 130, which in turn causes the carriage 170, and the strap 150 attached thereto, to slide towards the extended position of the carriage 170 shown in Figure 4a. Further, the carriage 170 may occupy a position between the extended position and the retracted position of the carriage 170, held in place for example by friction between the carriage 170 and the casing 130. In this case, the wearer may apply a force to the headband 140 in order to either drive the headband 140 into the casing 130 or pull the headband out of the casing 130 in order to slide the carriage 170, and the strap 150 attached thereto, towards the desired position, i.e., towards the extended position or the retracted position of the carriage 170. As the carriage 170 slides within the casing 130, the power sources 180, 182, and any other component held in a central portion of the casing 130 within the inner perimeter, or cavity 172, of the carriage 170, will be uninterrupted by the movement of the carriage 170. The carriage 170 further includes a headband attachment feature 174 to connect to a further headband attachment feature 175 of the headband 140 to the carriage 170 as shown in Figure 7. In addition, Figure 7 shows a headband ratchet mechanism 166 adapted to interact with the ratchet mechanism 165 provided in the casing 130 in order to provide a ratcheting action to the movement of the carriage 170 with respect to the casing 130 and to hold the carriage 170 in place with respect to the casing 130 when the wearer is not applying force to the carriage 170 to move the carriage towards the retracted position of the carriage 170 or the extended position of the carriage 170. Figures 8a and 8b show perspective views of the adjustable headgear 100 in a fully retracted configuration of the headgear and a fully extended configuration of the headgear, respectively. Figure 8a shows the adjustable headgear 100 in a fully retracted configuration of the headgear, where the carriages 170, 171 are at the retracted positions of the respective carriages 170, 171 and the headband 140 is drawn into the respective casing 130, 132. In the fully retracted configuration of the headgear, the strap 150 is in a position of maximum overlap with the respective casing 130, 132. Figure 8a shows an example of this maximum overlap by virtue of the covering of the attachment aperture 160 by the strap 150. Figure 8b shows the adjustable headgear 100 in a fully extended configuration of the headgear, where the carriages 170, 171 are at the extended positions of the respective carriages 170, 171 and the headband 140 is pulled out of the respective casing 130, 132. 5 In the extended configuration of the headgear, the strap 150 is in a position of minimum overlap with the respective casing 130, 132. Figure 8b shows an example of this minimum overlap by virtue of the uncovering, or exposure, of the attachment aperture 160 by the strap 150.

Claims

1. An adjustable headgear for wearing on a wearer’s head, the headgear comprising:a casing to be supported on the wearer’s head;a carnage moveable relative to the casing between an extended position and a retracted position of the carriage;a headband projecting from the carriage, such that the headband is moveable with the carriage relative to the casing; anda strap projecting from the carriage, such that the strap is moveable with the carriage relative to the casing, and wherein the strap is arranged to support the adjustable headgear on the wearer’s head when the adjustable headgear is worn by the wearer.

2. The adjustable headgear claimed in claim 1, wherein the carriage is moveably received within the casing.

3. The adjustable headgear claimed in claim 2, wherein the headband is at least partially moveably received within the casing though a headband aperture in the casing.

4. The adjustable headgear claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the carriage further comprises an attachment feature for connecting the strap to the carriage.

5. The adjustable headgear claimed in claim 4, wherein the casing further comprises an attachment aperture for exposing the attachment feature of the carriage for connecting the strap to the carriage.

6. The adjustable headgear claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the attachment feature comprises a male attachment feature.

7. The adjustable headgear claimed in any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the attachment aperture is arranged on a surface of the casing adapted to face the wearer’s head when the adjustable headgear is worn.

8. The adjustable headgear claimed in any of claims 4 to 7, wherein the strap is adapted to connect to the attachment feature at one of a plurality of different positions.

9. The adjustable headgear claimed in any of claims 2 to 8, wherein the casing comprises one or more electronic components of the headgear.

10. The adjustable headgear claimed in claim 9, wherein the one or more electronic components comprises a power source.

11. The adjustable headgear claimed in any of claims 9 to 10, wherein the carriage is shaped to at least partially surround the one or more electronic components.

12. The adjustable headgear claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the carriage is moveably connected to the casing.

13. The adjustable headgear claimed in claim 12, wherein the carriage is shaped to at least partially surround the casing.

14. The adjustable headgear claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the strap comprises a flexible material.

15. The adjustable headgear claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the headband comprises a band or a rod.

16. The adjustable headgear claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the headband is adapted to apply a clamping force to the casing to bias the casing towards the wearer’s head.

17. The adjustable headgear claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the strap is rigidly connected to the carriage.

18. The adjustable headgear claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the adjustable headgear comprises:a further casing to be supported on the wearer’s head; anda further carriage moveable relative to the casing between an extended position and a retracted position of the further carriage,wherein the headband projects from the further carriage, such that the headband is moveable with the further carriage relative to the further casing, andwherein the strap projects from the further carriage, such that the strap is moveable with the carriage relative to the further casing.

19. An adjustable headgear for wearing on a wearer’s head, the headgear comprising:a casing to be supported on the wearer’s head;a camage moveable relative to the casing between an extended position and a retracted position of the carriage, the carriage comprising an attachment feature for connecting to a strap for supporting the adjustable headgear on the wearer’s head when the adjustable headgear is worn by the wearer;a headband projecting from the carriage, such that the headband is moveable with the carriage when the carriage is moved relative to the casing.

20. The adjustable headgear of any preceding claim, wherein the adjustable headgear further comprises a speaker housing for housing a speaker, the speaker housing to be supported over a wearer’s ear in use.23

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