Surgical helmet with adjustment mechanism

Abstract

To provide a helmet with optimal fit and form to maintain comfort, because surgical personnel wear surgical helmets for extended periods of time.SOLUTION: A surgical apparel system includes a surgical helmet to which garments can be attached. The surgical helmet includes a motorized peripheral device, such as a ventilation assembly, and a headband for removably fixing the surgical helmet to a wearer's head. The headband includes a rear portion including opposed ends defining contact points configured to contact the wearer's head. The rear portion can also include a support member disposed between the opposed ends. The support member can be offset distally from the contact points such that the support member defines a gap between the wearer's head and the headband, to allow hair to be bundled between the wearer's head and the support member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1B

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a surgical helmet.

[0002] [Related Applications] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 254,304, filed October 11, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0003] Surgical apparel systems are used in surgical procedures to provide a sterile barrier between the surgical personnel and the patient. In particular, traditional systems include a surgical helmet supporting a garment, such as a toga or hood. This system is worn by the medical / surgical personnel wishing to establish a sterile barrier. The garment may include a transparent face shield. The helmet includes a peripheral device, such as a ventilation unit including a fan. The ventilation unit draws air through the garment, which is then circulated around the wearer. This reduces both the amount of heat trapped within the garment and the amount of CO2 that accumulates in this space. It is also known to incorporate a light (illumination) into a surgical helmet that can be directed toward and illuminate the surgical site. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Surgical personnel often wear surgical helmets for extended periods of time. The fit and configuration of a surgical helmet play a large role in maintaining comfort for the surgical personnel. To maintain a proper fit, a surgical helmet must be able to accommodate the various head sizes and physical characteristics of many individual surgical personnel. A surgical helmet assembly having features designed to at least overcome the above challenges is desired. 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 limited to or by these configurations, features, and advantages. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to a surgical helmet assembly for mounting on a user's head during a surgical procedure.

[0006] The present disclosure also provides a surgical helmet for use with a surgical garment configured to define a barrier between a wearer and an external environment. The surgical helmet also includes a headband including a front portion, a rear portion, and a pair of opposing side portions connecting the front portion to the rear portion and configured to surround a wearer's head, and a ventilation assembly coupled to the headband and configured to draw air through the surgical garment and circulate the air around the wearer. The helmet also includes: a base member for receiving respective ends of the pair of opposing side portions; a pair of contact surfaces configured to contact the wearer's head, each of the pair of contact surfaces slidably coupled to one of the side portions; and at least one support member disposed between each of the pair of contact surfaces and the base member, the support member having opposing ends offset proximally from the base member such that the rear portion defines a gap between the base member and the pair of contact surfaces of the rear portion of the headband, thereby allowing hair to be gathered between the wearer's head and the base member.

[0007] Implementations may include one or more of the following features: The surgical helmet may include an adjustment mechanism / control member disposed on a base member of a rear portion of the headband and configured to change a circumference of the headband by moving each of a pair of opposing side portions relative to the base member of the rear portion; The combination of the front portion, the rear portion, and the pair of opposing side portions defines a continuous headband; The pair of contact surfaces and the support member are formed as an integral part of the base member of the rear portion of the headband; The gap may include a first gap defined laterally between the support members of each of the pair of contact surfaces and a second gap defined sagittally between the base member and each of the pair of contact surfaces. The surgical helmet can include a shell coupled to the headband and configured to at least partially surround the ventilation assembly, and a headlamp disposed on at least one of the shell and the headband, the headlamp configured to project a light beam distally in front of the face of a wearer of the surgical helmet. The surgical helmet can include a bracket coupled to the shell and configured to at least partially surround the headlamp, the bracket shaped to help direct the light beam from the headlamp distally and outwardly from the wearer. The bracket can include a distal edge and an opposing proximal edge, the distal edge configured to be positioned adjacent to surgical clothing, and a flexible member extending between the proximal edge of the bracket and a housing of the headlamp, the flexible member configured to move with the headlamp to fill a portion of a gap between the proximal edge of the bracket and the housing of the headlamp, thereby preventing the light beam from the headlamp from being directed and / or reflected toward the wearer. The surgical helmet may include a lever disposed on the shell, the lever coupled to a housing of the headlamp, the lever operable by the wearer to move the headlamp to direct a light beam coming from the headlamp.The shell can include a plurality of coupling features configured to releasably engage front mounting features on a front portion of the headband, the plurality of coupling features being spaced apart one from the other (incrementally spaced apart) along the shell to provide sagittal adjustment of the front portion of the headband relative to the shell. The rear portion of the shell can include a pair of posts extending outward from a central portion of the shell surrounding the ventilation assembly, the pair of posts being laterally spaced apart from one another to define a gap between the pair of posts, and the gap defined by the pair of posts and the gap defined between the pair of contact surfaces on the rear portion of the headband are vertically aligned to allow the wearer's hair to be gathered between the wearer's head and the base member of the rear portion of the headband without interference from the headband or the shell.

[0008] Another aspect is a headband for a surgical helmet including a powered assembly. The headband also includes a front portion. The headband also includes a pair of opposing side portions. The headband also includes a rear portion connected to the front portion by the pair of opposing side portions, the combination of the front portion, the pair of opposing side portions, and the rear portion of the headband being configured to encircle the wearer's head, the rear portion including a base member for receiving each end of the pair of opposing side portions; an adjustment mechanism / control member disposed on the base member, the adjustment mechanism / control member configured to extend and retract each of the pair of opposing side portions relative to the base member (to telescope) and thereby change the circumference of the headband; and a pair of contact surfaces for adjusting the front and rear portions. a pair of contact surfaces disposed on either side (on opposite sides) of a midline of the headband extending between the side portions and configured to contact the wearer's head, each of the pair of contact surfaces being slidably coupled to one of the side portions; and a support member disposed between the pair of contact surfaces and the base member, the support member offsetting the pair of contact surfaces proximally from the base member such that the rear portion defines a gap between the pair of contact surfaces and the base member, thereby allowing hair to be gathered between the wearer's head and the base member.

[0009] Another aspect is a method of adjusting a headband of a surgical helmet, the method also including manipulating a control member that adjusts a circumference of the headband defined by the combination of the front portion, the pair of opposing side portions, and the rear portion, the manipulating causing each of the pair of contact surfaces to slide along one of the pair of opposing side portions while the support member maintains a spacing between the pair of contact surfaces and the base member to define a gap that allows the wearer's hair to be gathered between the wearer's head and the base member without interference from the base member of the headband.

[0010] Other features and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood after reading the subsequent description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0011] Referring now to the drawings, example figures are shown in detail. The drawings depict schematic embodiments and / or example configurations, but are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated to better illustrate and explain the novel aspects of the example configurations. Moreover, the example figures described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or otherwise limited or restricted to the exact forms and configurations shown in the drawings and disclosed in the following detailed description.

[0012] Advantages of the present disclosure will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first configuration of a surgical apparel system including a medical garment and a surgical helmet, the surgical helmet being shown in phantom. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a surgical helmet of the surgical apparel system of FIG. 1A, the surgical helmet including a shell, a headband, and a face frame. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1C is a front view of the surgical helmet of FIG. 1B, where the headband and shell are configured to define various helmet adjustment features. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is an enlarged front view of the surgical helmet of FIG. 2A, showing an example connection between a headband and the surgical helmet. [Figure 3] FIG. 2B is a rear view of the surgical helmet of FIG. 2A, including a headband and shell configured to define various helmet adjustment features. [Figure 4]FIG. 2B is a bottom view of the surgical helmet of FIG. 2A, including a headband and shell configured to define various helmet adjustment features. [Figure 5] FIG. 2B is a side view of the surgical helmet of FIG. 2A including a headband and shell configured to define various helmet adjustment features. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a headband of a surgical helmet, the headband including various helmet adjustment features. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a rear view of the headband of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the headband of FIG. 6. [Figure 9] FIG. 7 is a top view of the headband of FIG. 6. [Figure 10] FIG. 2B is a front perspective view of an alternative headband for the surgical helmet of FIG. 2A. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of a surgical helmet including coupling features for attachment and adjustment of the headband of FIG. 10 to the shell of the surgical helmet. [Figure 12] 12 is a perspective view of a surgical helmet including the headband of FIG. 10 coupled to the shell of the surgical helmet of FIG. 11; [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a front view of an alternative configuration of a face frame of a surgical helmet, the face frame including a surgical light and a light shroud. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a side view of the face frame of FIG. 13, including a surgical light and light shroud. [Figure 15] FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the surgical light and light shroud of the face frame of FIG. 13. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a surgical light and light shroud. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a surgical light and light shroud. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a side view of a surgical light and light shroud. [Figure 19]FIG. 10 is an enlarged side view of an exemplary adjustment mechanism for a surgical light and light shroud. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Maintaining a reliable barrier between the healthcare provider and the patient to prevent the exchange and / or transfer of particles or foreign objects during a medical procedure or examination is of utmost importance. During medical and surgical procedures, the healthcare provider may wear an assembly known as a surgical apparel system, such as the surgical apparel system 10 shown in FIG. 1A.

[0015] 1A and 1B, an example configuration of the surgical apparel system 10 is shown in detail. The system can include a surgical garment 12 and a surgical helmet 20. The surgical garment 12, which may also be referred to as a medical garment, can be configured as a hood or toga that is placed over the surgical helmet 20. In the hood configuration, as shown in FIG. 1A, the surgical garment 12 can be positioned over the surgical helmet 20 and configured to encircle the surgical helmet 20 and, correspondingly, the head of the person wearing the surgical apparel system 10, thereby covering the face and back of the head of the wearer. Alternatively, if the surgical garment 12 is configured as a toga, the toga can be positioned over the surgical helmet 20 and configured to encircle the surgical helmet 20 and, correspondingly, the head, arms, shoulders, and torso of the person wearing the surgical apparel system 10. To place the surgical garment 12 over the surgical helmet 20, the surgical garment 12 will typically be turned inside out so that the face shield 18 is aligned and secured to the surgical helmet 20 as described below. Once the face shield 18 is positioned relative to the surgical helmet 20, the remaining portion of the surgical fabric 14 will typically be pulled over the wearer's head to cover the exposed components of the surgical helmet 20 and the wearer's head.

[0016] Accordingly, the surgical garment 12 can also be configured for attachment to the surgical helmet 20. The surgical garment 12 is configured to provide a barrier, such as a microbial barrier, between the wearer and the surrounding environment. The barrier created by the surgical garment 12 can benefit both the wearer and the patient. The barrier provided by the surgical garment 12 can substantially eliminate the possibility of the wearer coming into contact with fluid or solid particles of material from the patient that may be generated during the course of a surgical procedure. The barrier can substantially prevent the migration of any foreign particles released by the wearer from migrating to the patient during a surgical procedure.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 1A , a surgical garment 12 can include a surgical helmet 20 and a surgical fabric 14, which can also be referred to as a shell, configured to cover at least a portion of the wearer's head. The surgical garment 12 can be configured as a hood, as shown in FIG. 1 . It will be understood that a hood refers to a surgical garment 12 that, when worn by a wearer, covers the head, perhaps extending only a short distance below the neck. However, although not shown in the figures, it is further envisioned that the surgical garment 12 can be configured as a toga, shirt, or jacket. It will be understood that a toga 12 refers to a surgical garment 12 that, when worn by a wearer, covers the head in the same manner as a hood and extends at least to the waist.

[0018] The surgical garment 12 can be made from any suitable surgical fabric 14 or combination of fabrics to help repel and / or absorb water, debris, and other contaminants. The surgical fabric 14 can include multiple layers. One such layer can be a microporous film that allows gases to pass through the fabric while still maintaining a microbial barrier.

[0019] It is further envisioned that the surgical garment 12 can be composed of multiple different fabrics joined together to define a barrier. For example, the surgical garment 12 can be composed primarily 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 configured to be located in an area with reduced risk of having microbial particles cross the barrier, such as on the wearer's head or near the crown of the wearer's head, and to aid in the circulation of air through the barrier. The barrier surgical fabric 14 can be attached to the filter fabric 16 using any suitable means, such as adhesives, sewing, welding, or a combination thereof.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1A , the surgical garment 12 can further include a face shield 18. The face shield 18 portion of the surgical garment 12 allows the wearer to see through the barrier provided by the surgical garment 12. The face shield 18 is generally a sheet-like structure and can have a thickness of approximately 1 mm or less. The face shield 18 can be mounted and / or attached to an opening or cutout formed in the surgical fabric 14 of the surgical garment 12. The surgical fabric 14 can be attached around the periphery or edges of the face shield 18 by sewing, snaps, hook and loop, adhesive, welding, or a combination thereof. The face shield 18 can be constructed of a transparent material such as polycarbonate. One such polycarbonate is sold by Sabic under the trademark LEXAN®. The face shield 18 of the surgical garment 12 can also be tinted to protect the wearer's eyes from increased exposure to bright lights. Furthermore, the face shield 18 can be flexible so that it can be curved to accommodate different head sizes, as described below.

[0021] The surgical garment 12 may also include one or more attachment elements 19 positioned about the surgical garment 12. The attachment elements 19 may also be referred to as garment fasteners or second members. The attachment elements 19 are configured to releasably secure the surgical garment 12 to the surgical helmet 20. The attachment elements 19 may take any suitable form and may include metal tacks, rivets, buttons, magnets, hook and loop, snaps, or similar types of fasteners, alone or in combination. As shown in FIG. 1A , the attachment elements 19 may be mounted to the face shield 18 of the surgical garment 12 and extend inward from the wearer-side of the face shield 18. Although not shown, it is envisioned that the attachment elements 19 may be positioned in any other location or position about the surgical garment 12, including mounted to the barrier surgical fabric 14 and / or the filtration fabric 16. The attachment elements 19 may be mounted to the face shield 18 and / or fabric(s) 14, 16 by adhesive, rivets, snaps, similar mounting devices, or combinations thereof.

[0022] 1B, an example configuration of a surgical helmet 20 that can be utilized as part of the surgical apparel system 10 is shown. The surgical helmet 20 shown in FIG. 1B includes a headband 40. The headband 40 can be configured to encircle the wearer's head and support the surgical helmet 20. The headband 40 can generally be constructed from a flexible or pliable material, allowing the headband 40 to conform to the overall shape of the wearer's head.

[0023] The headband 40 can include a rear portion 46 that includes a headband control assembly configured to adjust the size / shape of the headband 40. The rear portion 46 can include a control member 62 that is operable by a wearer to adjust the size of the headband 40. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B , the control member 62 can include a rotatable knob or lever. When the wearer rotates the control member 62 in one direction, the headband control assembly 38 can be configured to decrease the size, i.e., circumference, of the headband 40. Alternatively, when the wearer rotates the control member 62 in the opposite direction, the rear portion 46, which can also be referred to as the control assembly, can be configured to increase the size, i.e., circumference, of the headband 62. This allows the headband 40 of the surgical helmet 20 to be adjusted and / or customized to ensure a secure fit for a particular individual's head, regardless of the individual's head size and / or shape.

[0024] The surgical helmet 20 further includes a housing 21 supported by and positioned above the headband 40. The housing may also be referred to as a shell 21. The housing 21 may be configured in an arcuate shape to fit over the head of an individual wearing the surgical apparel system 10. Other helmet designs are contemplated. Many portions of the housing 21 may be formed to define a void or open interior space. For example, the housing 21 may include a central void. The central void is located toward the rear of the housing 21. An intake opening or aperture may be present in an upper portion of the housing 21 to provide access to the central void. The housing 21 may also include additional voids, such as a front void proximate the front of the housing 21 and a rear void proximate the rear of the housing 21. The additional voids may be configured to form duct-like structures or passageways within the housing 21. The additional voids may be further interconnected to the central void.

[0025] The surgical helmet 20 can include one or more powered peripheral devices 70, including, but not limited to, a ventilation assembly 70A, a light 70B, a camera, a microphone, or other communication device, a cooling device, or a combination thereof. These devices can be mounted and / or attached to the surgical helmet 20 in various locations and orientations. Each of the peripheral devices 70 can be configured to receive commands that affect the operational state of the corresponding peripheral device. For example, each of the peripheral devices 70 can receive an on / off command. Alternatively, each of the peripheral devices 70 can receive commands that change one or more settings of the peripheral device 70. Such a configuration allows the wearer of the surgical helmet 20 to control the operational state of the various peripheral devices 70 during a surgical procedure. In one particular example, when the peripheral device is a ventilation assembly 70A, the ventilation assembly 70A can be configured to receive various commands that control the operation and / or adjust the speed of a fan within the ventilation assembly 70A. Alternatively, when peripheral device 70 is a cooling device, the cooling device can be configured to receive commands that control the intensity of the cooling output provided by the cooling strip. When peripheral device 70 is a microphone, the microphone can be configured to receive commands that control the volume of the acoustic signal generated by the microphone. When peripheral device 70 is a light 70B, the light 70B can be configured to receive commands that control the direction and / or intensity of the light emitted. Peripheral device 70 can, of course, be configured to respond to other types of commands that control the operation of peripheral device 70.

[0026] The surgical helmet 20 may include a face frame 22 coupled to the shell 21 and positioned in front of the wearer's face. The face frame 22 may include an upper beam 34 and chin bars 24, 26. The upper beam 34 may be coupled to a front portion of the surgical helmet 20, and the chin bars 24, 26 may extend downwardly from the upper beam 34. The chin bars 24, 26 may include a pair of posts 24 extending outward from the upper beam 34. The pair of posts 24 may be coupled to the upper beam 34, which is configured to extend across the front of the surgical helmet 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 2A , the posts 24 may be connected to opposite ends of the upper beam 34. The chin bars 24, 26 may generally be constructed of a flexible or pliable material.

[0027] The chin bars 24, 26 may further include a bottom beam 26 that may extend between the opposing free ends of the posts 24. The chin bars 24, 26 are configured so that the bottom beam 26 is positioned below and slightly forward of the chin of a person wearing the surgical helmet 20. The bottom beam 26 may be bowed outward from the free ends of the posts 24. The chin bars 24, 26 may extend outward from the upper beam 34 so that they are positioned in front of and generally surround the wearer's face when the surgical helmet 20 is secured to the wearer's head. Collectively, the combination of the upper beam 34, the posts 24, and the bottom beam 26 may be referred to as the face frame 22 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.

[0028] A plurality of coupling members 30 can be mounted on or disposed on the face frame 22. The coupling members 30 comprise a magnetic material and are configured to align and / or attach the face shield 18 of the surgical garment 12 to the surgical helmet 20. Each coupling member 30 can be positioned on the face frame 24 proximal to opposing posts 24 and / or adjacent opposing ends of the bottom beam 24. Alternatively, the coupling members 30 of the surgical helmet 20 can be arranged or otherwise configured in any suitable manner to cooperate with complementary attachment elements 19 of the surgical garment 12 to releasably secure the surgical garment 12 to the surgical helmet 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A , the coupling member(s) 30 can be positioned on the face frame 22 at opposing ends of the lower beam 26 proximal to where each of the posts 24 connects to the lower beam 26. The connecting member(s) 30 may also be disposed on the upper beam 34 of the face frame 22. The surgical helmet 20 and / or face frame 22 may be configured with any number of connecting members 30. For example, the surgical helmet 20 may utilize two connecting members 30. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the surgical helmet 20 may be configured so that the face frame 22 includes a single connecting member 30, or in other configurations, three or more connecting members 30 may be spaced around the chin bars 24, 26 and / or upper beam 34. It is contemplated that other types of connecting members 30 may be used in place of and / or in addition to connecting materials comprising magnetic materials, including hook and loop fasteners, snaps, connecting members comprising ferromagnetic materials, or similar types of fasteners, etc. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0029] It is further envisioned that the face frame 22 can optionally be configured to define one or more recesses 32. The face frame 22 can include the recesses 32 configured to receive the coupling features 30. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B , the coupling member 30 can be positioned within the recess 32 defined by the face frame 22 such that a distal surface of the coupling member 30 is disposed proximal to a proximal surface 28 of the face frame 22.

[0030] 2A-5, an example configuration of a surgical helmet 20 is shown including a headband 40 with a hair management system. The example configuration of the headband 40 is further shown in FIGS. 6-9 separated from the helmet 20. The headband 40 includes a front portion 42, a rear portion 46, and a pair of opposing side portions 44 connecting the front portion 42 to the rear portion 46. The front portion 42 may be formed from a soft and / or flexible material, such as a foam pad or plastic strap, configured to conform to the shape of the wearer's head when the helmet is worn. This provides adjustability across multiple wearers and comfort for the wearer as the headband 40 supports the helmet 20 around the wearer's head.

[0031] The front portion 42 of the headband 40 may also include a strap, bracket, strip of material, or similar member for removably coupling the front portion 42 of the headband 40 to the shell 21 of the surgical helmet 20. The strap 64 may include an opening 66 or a similar coupling feature that corresponds to an inverse coupling feature on the helmet 20, such as a post or pin configured to create a snap fit with the opening 66 of the strap 64.

[0032] The side portion(s) 44 can be formed from a generally pliable and / or flexible material, such as a plastic polymer. The side portion 44 can define straps connecting the front portion 42 to the rear portion 46. The side portion 44 can be further formed to define teeth or similar adjustment features that allow the circumference of the headband 40 to be adjusted to fit the wearer's head. For example, as shown in FIGS. 6-9 , the side portion 44 can define teeth that interact with gears on the rear portion 46 of the headband 40. The rear portion 46 can be configured such that a wearer can manipulate a control member 62 to control the gears, which in turn manipulate the position of one or both of the side portions 44 relative to the rear portion. For example, rotating the control member 62 in one direction can cause the gears on the rear portion 46 to engage with the teeth on the side portion(s) 44, causing the side portions to extend outward from the rear portion 46 and increase the circumference of the headband 40. Alternatively, rotating the control member 62 in the opposite direction can cause the gears on the rear portion 46 to engage the teeth on the side portion(s) 44, causing the side portion 44 to retract toward the rear portion 46 and reduce the circumference of the headband 40. In another configuration of the headband 40, the side portion(s) 44 can be formed from a stretchable material that allows the headband 40 to stretch to fit the wearer's head. As shown in the figures, the front portion 42 and the rear portion 46 are shown as separable components that are coupled to one another. However, it is further envisioned that the front portion 42 and the side portion(s) 44 can be comprised of a single or only one piece that is coupled to the rear portion 46.

[0033] The rear portion 46 may include a base member 48 and one or more contact surfaces 52A, 52B. The contact surface 52 may be connected to the base member 48 by a support member 50. The contact surface 52 may be shaped and / or positioned to contact the wearer's head. The contact surface may also include a bracket 56. The bracket 56 for each of the contact surfaces 52A, 52B may at least partially surround one of the side portions 44. The brackets 56 may be configured to allow each side portion 44 to slide within the respective bracket 56, thereby allowing the bracket 56 to slidably move along the length of the side portion 44.

[0034] The support member 50 of the rear portion 46 may be formed from a substantially rigid bracket, bar, brace, shaft, rib, or the like configured to space the contact surface(s) 52A, 52B from the base 48. The support member 50 may be detachably connected to one or both of the contact surface(s) 52A, 52B and the base 48. Alternatively, the support member 50 may be integrally formed with one or both of the contact surface(s) 52A, 52B and the base 48. The contact surface(s) 52A, 52B and the support member 50 may be arranged to define a void 60 between the contact surface(s) 52A, 52B and the base 48 of the rear portion 46. For example, the gap 60 defined by the support member(s) 50 between the contact surfaces 52A, 52B and the base 48 can space the base 48 laterally from the wearer's head, allowing hair tied at the back of the wearer's head, such as in a ponytail, to fit and / or enter between the wearer's head and the base 48 of the rear portion 46.

[0035] The rear portion 46 of the headband 40 may further include a rear mounting feature 54 for removably attaching the headband 40 to the housing 21 of the helmet 20. The mounting feature 54 may include a mating feature 58, such as a plurality of openings. As shown in FIG. 2B , the mating feature 58 of the mounting feature 54 of the headband 40 may be configured to engage with a complementary attachment feature 55 of the helmet 20, as described above. Alternatively, the mounting feature 54 may include a mating feature comprising a hook and loop fastener, a slot, a post, or similar fastener for engaging with a complementary attachment feature of the helmet 20 to removably attach the headband 40 to the housing 21 of the helmet 20.

[0036] 2B and 3, the combination of the headband 40 and the housing 21 can be further configured to provide a hair management system that seeks to provide additional functionality and comfort for wearers with longer hair and / or who are able to tie their hair in a ponytail. To accommodate individuals with longer hair, in addition to the void 60 defined by the headband 40 between the contact surface(s) 52A, 52B and the rear portion base 48, the housing 21 can be shaped to define a second void 61 at the rear of the helmet 20. The void 61 can be positioned and / or configured to accommodate a ponytail or similar hair styling. The first void 60 defined by the headband 40 and the second void 61 defined by the housing 21 can be oriented and / or aligned with one another, such that the combination of the first and second voids 60, 61 provides additional comfort to the user for various hair lengths and / or stylings.

[0037] The housing 21 may also include the attachment features 55 described above for removably securing the headband 40 to the housing 21. The attachment features 55 may comprise hook and loop fasteners, slots, posts, or similar fastening mechanisms that correspond to the mating features 58 of the mounting features 54 of the headband 40. As shown in FIG. 2B , the attachment features 55 may comprise posts or protrusions extending from the housing 21, which may be configured to be positioned within openings 58 of the headband 40. Alternatively, the attachment features 55 may comprise openings configured to receive complementary posts of the headband 40. The combination of mounting features 54 may also be configured to provide sizing functionality. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B , the mounting features 54 may comprise multiple openings 58 spaced and sized to engage complementary mounting features 55 of the helmet 20, allowing the rear portion 46 of the headband 40 to be spaced a variety of distances from the housing 21. This may be done to accommodate the positioning of the housing 21 and / or headband 40 relative to the wearer's head, a particular type of hairstyle, the location of the ponytail on the wearer's head, the size of the wearer's head, and / or other relevant wearer preference(s).

[0038] 10 illustrates headband 40 further comprising an alternative coupling member 68. Coupling member 68 can optionally be coupled to and / or disposed on straps 64 of front portion 42 of the headband and configured to removably couple the headband to surgical helmet 20, and more specifically, to housing 21 of surgical helmet 20.

[0039] 11-15, alternative configurations of surgical helmet 120 are shown, including headband 40. It should be noted that the features of helmet 120 may include any and / or all of the features shown and described above with reference to FIGS. 1A-5. Common components or features in the alternative helmet configurations will include a leading "1" in their reference numerals. That is, reference numerals "21" and "121" correspond to common components that include similar features and / or functionality across both configurations of surgical helmet 20, 120.

[0040] Helmet 120 may include a housing 121 and a headband 40 for supporting housing 121 on a wearer's head. Helmet 121 may also include a face frame 122 defined by an upper beam 134, post(s) 124, and a lower beam 126, similar to face frame 22 described above.

[0041] The helmet housing 121 may also optionally include coupling features 69. The coupling features 69 may be configured to engage corresponding coupling features 66, 68 of the headband 40. For example, the coupling features 69 may be openings defined in the underside of the housing 121 and configured to engage corresponding coupling features 68 of the headband 40 defined as posts. Alternatively, the coupling features 69 may be posts extending from the underside of the housing 121 and configured to engage corresponding coupling features 66 of the headband 40 defined as openings in the strap 64. Although reciprocal posts and / or openings configured to create a press-fit snap are shown in the figures, alternative means of coupling the headband 40 to the housing 121 and / or helmet 120 are envisioned. For example, the coupling features 66, 68, 69 may be configured as hook and loop, snaps, complementary magnetic and ferromagnetic members, or similar fasteners.

[0042] 11 , multiple coupling features 69 can be disposed on and / or spaced along the housing 121. The multiple coupling features 69 can be incrementally spaced apart from one another along the housing 121 to allow complementary coupling features 66, 68 of the headband 40 to be attached to the housing 121 at different locations. This allows the placement of the housing to be adjusted sagitally relative to the headband 40, and by extension, the wearer's head, thereby providing additional comfort and / or functionality. For example, repositioning the housing 121 relative to the headband using coupling features 66, 68, 69 can allow the center of gravity of the housing 121 to be more optimally positioned over the wearer's head, which reduces strain on the wearer's neck and / or spine. Additionally, repositioning the housing 121 relative to the headband using the coupling features 66, 68, 69 can allow the user to optimize their field of vision by reducing or eliminating potential interference with the wearer's field of vision created by the position of the housing 121 and / or face frame 122 relative to the wearer's eyes.

[0043] 11-15, the housing 121 and face frame 122 of the surgical helmet 120 can be configured to accommodate a peripheral device 70B. The peripheral device 70B shown in FIGS. 11-15 is a light assembly 70B coupled to the helmet 120 and includes a light element 76. The light assembly 70B can be mounted to an outer surface of the housing 121, the face frame 122, or another portion of the surgical helmet 120. The light assembly 70B can support and / or position the light element 76 in a location that illuminates an area visible to a wearer of the helmet 120. All or a portion of the light assembly 70B can be removably coupled to the helmet 120. Alternatively, the light assembly 70B can be permanently affixed to the helmet 120 and / or formed as an integral part of the helmet 120.

[0044] The light assembly 70B may also include a light shroud 72 coupled to and / or disposed on the helmet 120 and / or face frame 122 to at least partially surround the light element 76. The light shroud 72 may be spaced a distance from the periphery of the light element 76, thereby allowing the light element 76 to move within and / or relative to the light shroud 72. The light shroud 72 may be removably coupled to the helmet 120, the housing 121, and / or the face frame 122. The light shroud 72 may also be separate from the other components of the light assembly 70B. The light shroud 72 may be coupled to the housing 121 and / or face frame 122 by a snap fit, a friction fit, screws, bolts, hook and loop, and / or similar fasteners. Alternatively, the light shroud 72 may be formed as an integral part of the housing 121 and / or face frame 122 of the surgical helmet 120. The light assembly 70B can be configured to position the light elements proximal and / or adjacent to the face shield 18 of the surgical garment 12. The light shroud similarly has a distal edge positioned adjacent to the face shield 18 and can be configured to prevent glare and / or reflections generated from the light elements 76 on the face shield from bouncing back into the eyes of the wearer of the helmet 120.

[0045] Light assembly 70B can further include a flexible member 74 extending between the proximal end of light shroud 72 and light element 76 to fill any gaps between the proximal end of light shroud 72 and light element 76. Flexible member 74 can be coupled to one or both of light shroud 72 and / or light element 76. Flexible member 76 covers the gap between light shroud 72 and light element 76 while still allowing light element 76 to move relative to the light shroud.

[0046] 16-19, the light assembly 70B may further include a control member 78 configured to reposition the light element 76. The control member may be a button, a switch, or a rocker. The control member 78 may be coupled to a gear 84 including a plurality of teeth 86. The control member 78 may be configured to rotate the gear 84 about a pivot 79 when the control member 78 is manipulated by the wearer.

[0047] The light assembly 70B can include a frame 88 that engages the teeth 86 of the gear 84. The frame 88 further includes a detent 90 that is biased into engagement with the teeth 86 of the gear 84 to resist rotation of the gear 84, and by extension, the control member 78, in the absence of force applied to the control member 78 by the wearer.

[0048] A bracket 80 may be coupled to the control member 78 and the light element 76, the bracket 80 being configured to manipulate the position of the light element 76 based on the positioning of the control member 78 by the wearer.

[0049] Several examples have been set forth in the foregoing description. However, the examples discussed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to any particular form. The terminology used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than words of limitation. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings, and the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

[0050] The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the detailed specification, and it is, therefore, intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, because numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and therefore, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, being within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A surgical helmet (20) for use with a surgical garment (12) configured to define a barrier between a wearer and an external environment, comprising: a headband (40) configured to encircle the wearer's head, the headband including a front portion (42), a rear portion (46), and a pair of opposing side portions (44) connecting the front portion (42) to the rear portion (46); a ventilation assembly (70) coupled to the headband (40) and configured to draw air through the surgical garment (12) and circulate the air around the wearer; Equipped with The rear portion (46) of the headband (40) a base member (48) for slidably receiving the respective ends of the pair of opposing side portions (44) of the headband (40); a pair of spaced apart contact surfaces (52) defining a gap therebetween and configured to contact the wearer's head; at least one support member (50) disposed between each of the pair of contact surfaces (52) and the base member (48); Equipped with Each of the pair of contact surfaces (52) is slidably coupled to one of the side portions (44); The at least one support member (50) is configured to offset the contact surfaces (52) proximally from the base member (48), such that the rear portion (46) defines a gap (60, 61) between the base member (48) and the pair of contact surfaces (52) of the rear portion (46) of the headband (40), thereby allowing hair to be gathered between the wearer's head and the base member (48). Surgical helmet (20).

2. 2. The surgical helmet of claim 1, further comprising a control member disposed on the base member of the rear portion of the headband, the control member configured to change the circumference of the headband by moving each of the pair of opposing side portions relative to the base member of the rear portion.

3. 3. The surgical helmet (20) of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the combination of the front portion (42), the rear portion (46), and the pair of opposing side portions (44) form a continuous headband (40).

4. 2. The surgical helmet (20) of claim 1, wherein the pair of contact surfaces (52) and the support member (50) are formed as an integral part of the base member (48) of the rear portion (46) of the headband (40).

5. 2. The surgical helmet of claim 1, wherein the gaps comprise a first gap defined laterally between the support members of each of the pair of contact surfaces and a second gap defined sagittally between the base member and each of the pair of contact surfaces.

6. a shell (21) coupled to the headband (40) and configured to at least partially surround the ventilation assembly (70A); a headlamp (70B, 76) disposed on at least one of the shell (21) and the headband (40); Further provided with 10. The surgical helmet of claim 1, wherein the headlamp is configured to project a beam of light distally and in front of the face of the wearer of the surgical helmet.

7. 7. The surgical helmet of claim 6, further comprising a shroud coupled to the shell and configured to at least partially surround the headlamp, the shroud shaped to help direct a light beam from the headlamp distally and outwardly from the wearer.

8. a shroud (72, 74) removably coupled to one of the shell (21), the surgical helmet, the housing of the surgical helmet, or a face frame; 7. The surgical helmet of claim 6, wherein the shroud defines a cavity configured to partially surround the headlamp, and the shroud is shaped to assist in directing a light beam from the headlamp distally and outwardly from the wearer's face.

9. the shrouds (72, 74) have a distal edge and an opposite proximal edge, the distal edge configured to lie adjacent the surgical garment (12); 8. The surgical helmet of claim 7, wherein a flexible member extends between the proximal edge of the shroud and a housing of the headlamp, the flexible member being configured to move with the headlamp to fill a portion of a gap between the proximal edge of the shroud and the housing of the headlamp, thereby preventing a light beam from the headlamp from being directed and / or reflected toward the wearer.

10. 10. The surgical helmet of claim 9, further comprising a lever disposed on the shell, the lever coupled to the housing of the headlamp, the lever operable by the wearer to move the headlamp to direct the light beam coming from the headlamp.

11. a shell (21) coupled to the headband (40) and configured to at least partially surround the ventilation assembly (70A); a strap (64) disposed on the front portion of the headband (40) and having at least one front-mounting feature (66, 68); Further provided with 3. The surgical helmet of claim 1, wherein the shell comprises a plurality of coupling features configured to releasably engage the front mounting features of the front portion of the headband, the coupling features being spaced apart from one another along the shell to provide sagittal adjustment of the front portion of the headband relative to the shell.

12. 12. The surgical helmet of claim 11, wherein the front mounting feature comprises a post and the plurality of coupling features comprises a plurality of openings defined in the shell, the openings configured to receive the posts and form a friction fit to removably secure the front portion of the headband to the shell.

13. a shell (21) coupled to the headband (40) and configured to at least partially surround the ventilation assembly (70A); a rear portion of the shell is shaped to define a second cavity (61); 3. The surgical helmet (20) of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second gap (61) defined by the rear portion of the shell and the gap (60, 61) defined between the pair of contact surfaces (52) of the rear portion (46) of the headband (40) are vertically aligned and configured to allow the wearer's hair to be gathered between the wearer's head and the base member (48) of the rear portion (46) of the headband (40) without interference from the headband (40) or the shell (21).

14. A headband (40) for a surgical helmet (20) including a powered assembly (70), comprising: a front portion (42); a pair of opposing side portions (44); a rear portion (46) connected to said front portion (42) by said pair of opposing side portions (44); Equipped with the combination of the front portion (42), the pair of opposing side portions (44), and the rear portion (46) of the headband (40) is configured to encircle the wearer's head; The rear portion (46) a base member (48) for receiving each end of the pair of opposing side portions (44); a control member (62) disposed on the base member (48), the control member (62) being configured to change the circumference of the headband (40) by expanding or contracting each of the pair of opposing side portions (44) relative to the base member (48); a pair of contact surfaces (52) disposed on either side of a midline of the headband (40) extending between the front portion (42) and the rear portion (46) and configured to contact the wearer's head; a support member (50) disposed between each of the pair of contact surfaces (52) and the base member (48); Equipped with Each of the pair of contact surfaces (52) is slidably coupled to one of the side portions (44); The support member (50) is configured to space the base member (48) distally from each of the pair of contact surfaces (52) to define a gap between the pair of contact surfaces (52) and the base member (48), thereby allowing hair to be gathered between the wearer's head and the base member (48). Headband (40).

15. A headband (40) as described in claim 14, wherein the gap comprises a first gap defined in the lateral direction between each support member (50) of the pair of contact surfaces (52) and a second gap defined in the sagittal direction between the base member (48) and each of the pair of contact surfaces (52).

16. 16. A headband (40) as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the pair of contact surfaces (52) and the support member (50) are formed as an integral part of the base member (48) of the rear portion (46) of the headband (40).

17. a strap (64) disposed on the front portion (42) of the headband (40) and including at least one front-mounting feature (66, 68); 16. The headband of claim 14 or 15, wherein the surgical helmet comprises a plurality of coupling features configured to releasably engage the front mounting features of the front portion of the headband, the coupling features being spaced apart one from the other along the surgical helmet to provide sagittal adjustment of the front portion of the headband relative to the surgical helmet.

18. A method of adjusting a headband (40) of a surgical helmet (20), the headband (40) including a front portion (42), a pair of opposing side portions (44), and a rear portion (46) connected to the front portion (42) by the pair of opposing side portions (44), the rear portion (46) further comprising a base member (48), a pair of contact surfaces (52), and a support member (50) configured to space the pair of contact surfaces (52) proximally from the base member (48); The method comprises: manipulating a control member (62) to adjust the circumference of the headband (40) defined by the combination of the front portion (42), the pair of opposing side portions (44), and the rear portion (46); The manipulating step causes each of the pair of contact surfaces (52) to slide along one of the pair of opposing side portions (44) while the support member (50) maintains a spacing between the pair of contact surfaces (52) and the base member (48) so as to define a gap that allows the wearer's hair to be gathered between the wearer's head and the base member (48) without interference from the base member (48) of the headband (40).

19. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising manipulating a sagittal position of the front portion of the headband relative to the shell of the surgical helmet by changing the position of front mounting features of the front portion of the headband relative to a plurality of coupling features disposed on the shell.

20. 20. The method of claim 18 or 19, further comprising manipulating the sagittal position of the rear portion (46) of the headband (40) relative to the shell (21) of the surgical helmet (20) by changing the position of rear mounting features (54, 58) of the rear portion (46) of the headband (40) relative to a plurality of coupling features (55) disposed on the shell (21) of the surgical helmet (20).

21. A surgical helmet including a powered assembly, comprising: A headband is provided, the headband comprising: The front part and a pair of opposing side portions; a rear portion connected to the front portion by the pair of opposing side portions; the combination of the front portion, the pair of opposing side portions, and the rear portion is configured to encircle the wearer's head; The rear portion is a base member for receiving each end of the pair of opposing side portions; a pair of contact surfaces disposed on either side of a midline of the headband extending between the front portion and the rear portion and configured to contact the wearer's head; a support member disposed between each of the pair of contact surfaces and the base member; Equipped with each of the pair of contact surfaces is laterally spaced apart to define a first gap therebetween and is slidably coupled to one of the side portions; The support member is configured to offset the base member away from the pair of contact surfaces and the wearer's head, and the support member is defined proximally from the base member, whereby the rear portion is configured to define a second gap between the pair of contact surfaces and the base member, thereby allowing hair to be gathered between the wearer's head and the base member. Surgical helmet.

22. The headband further comprising a control member disposed on the base member of the rear portion of the headband, 22. The surgical helmet of claim 21, wherein the control member is configured to manipulate the position of each of the pair of opposing side portions relative to the base member of the rear portion.

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