A fully covered head cover made of a wettable material

Abstract

A head covering is provided that can be worn by a healthcare professional. The head covering includes a front portion having a height h, a rear portion having a height h2, and at least one side portion or side panel shaped and sized to connect the entire head covering to the rear portion of the head covering, the at least one side portion having a contoured portion t. The contoured portion t forms all or part of the lower edge of the side portion and is shaped and sized to cover the user's ears, scalp, and sideburns but keep them away from the user's eyes and field of vision, as required by the AORN guidelines. [Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a full-coverage head cover made of a wettable material.

Background Art

[0002] Healthcare workers often wear surgical caps, bouffant caps (such as hairnets), or both during medical procedures to prevent contact with hazards including blood or other body fluids. Additionally, healthcare workers are often required to wear a surgical cap or a bouffant cap (such as a hairnet) to cover their hair to protect the sterile environment. Further, the Association of Registered Nurses (AORN) guidelines have been revised to recommend covering the head, hair, both ears, facial hair (beards), and nape with a head cover not only to protect healthcare workers but also to maintain the sterile environment. However, conventional surgical caps do not cover the ears or nape, so healthcare workers also need to wear a bouffant cap or a hairnet to cover these areas. An additional layer of PPE is added to the bouffant cap, and the layer of PPE traps heat and increases bulk. Further, due to the use of a rubber band to secure the bouffant cap around the head, the bouffant cap tends to leave red marks and dents on the forehead after use.

[0003] One solution is to wear only a bouffant cap instead of a bouffant cap and a surgical cap. However, a bouffant cap generally cannot accommodate the use of a headlamp or other equipment that a healthcare worker may use. Therefore, since a surgical cap with sufficient bulk and structure to support a headlamp and other equipment is needed, it is necessary to wear both a bouffant cap and a surgical cap. However, there are also problems with the use of surgical caps. That is, typical surgical caps come in only a few sizes and do not provide a secure enough fit for many healthcare workers. Additionally, surgical caps are worn with strings, and repeatedly tying the surgical cap with strings to ensure its fit over a long period of time can cause shoulder pain and other problems.

[0004] Furthermore, many head covers used during procedures are made of non-wetting materials. In particular, materials such as polyolefin materials by spunbond or meltblown lack breathability and wettability, and can cause sweating in various areas of the head due to an individual's constitution with respect to stress, temperature, and / or sweating. Therefore, such head covers can cause an unhygienic and uncomfortable situation as sweat drips onto the eyes and sterile surfaces depending on the material.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a head cover that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks of existing surgical caps and bouffant caps. In particular, a head cover that covers a healthcare worker's hair without wearing a surgical cap or a full bouffant cap is also useful. Additionally, it would be beneficial to provide a head cover that fits most potential users without the need for adjustment. Furthermore, it is beneficial to provide a head cover with improved breathability and / or wettability. Summary of the Invention Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] This disclosure is generally directed to a head cover. The head cover includes a front portion having a first height, a rear portion having a second height, and at least one side portion. The at least one side portion extends between the rear portion and the front portion and has a lower end portion, and the lower end portion of the at least one side portion has a non-linear contour. The non-linear contour has an inflection point between the front portion and the rear portion. At least one elastic strip is attached to the inflection point and extends to the lower end of the rear part, and has a length of about 7 cm to about 17 cm, or a length of about 14 cm to about 34 cm.

[0007] In a further embodiment, the lower end portion has a first slope and a second slope, and the first slope is not equal to the second slope. Further, in one embodiment, the first slope is the slope at a point between the front portion and the rear portion, the second slope is the slope at a point adjacent to either the front portion or the rear portion, and the absolute value of the first slope is greater than the absolute value of the second slope. Further, in one embodiment, the lower end portion further has a third slope that is not equal to the first slope or the second slope.

[0008] Additionally or alternatively, the head cover further includes at least one elastic strip. In a further embodiment, the second height is about 1.1 to about 3.3 times the first height. Further, in one embodiment, the head cover has a relaxed length when folded along an inner line of about 18 cm to about 28 cm. In a further embodiment, at least one elastic strip, or both the head cover and at least one elastic strip, can be stretched such that the head cover has a stretched length along the inner line that is about 1.25 to about 2 times the relaxed length.

[0009] This disclosure is generally directed to a head cover that includes a front portion having a first height, a rear portion having a second height, and at least one side panel, wherein the second height is about 1.1 to about 3.3 times the first height.

[0010] Additionally, or alternatively, the first height is from about 7 cm to about 17 cm. In a further embodiment, the second height is from about 11 cm to about 23 cm. Further, in one embodiment, the side portions have a shape, size, or both a shape and size sufficient to cover one ear of the user when the head cover is worn. Additionally, or alternatively, the front portion, the rear portion, and at least one side portion have a shape, size, or both a shape and size that cover at least about 80% of the user's head, hair, both ears, and nape of the neck.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the head cover further includes an upper portion. In yet another embodiment, at least one side panel is a continuous side panel configured to surround the user's head in a worn configuration. Additionally, or alternatively, the head cover has a circumference of from about 55 cm to about 76 cm.

[0012] The present disclosure also contemplates a head cover generally including a front portion having a first height, a rear portion having a second height, and at least one side panel, wherein at least a portion of the head cover comprises a wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond material.

[0013] Additionally, or alternatively, the wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond material comprises a wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond material treated with an anionic or cationic surfactant. In a further embodiment, at least a portion of the wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond material comprises polypropylene and a random copolymer resin. Further, in one embodiment, the head cover further includes an upper portion comprising a spunbond material.

[0014] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part hereof, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The complete and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including its best mode, directed to those of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth herein with reference to the following accompanying drawings.

[0016]

Figure 1

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Figure 10

Figure 11A

Figure 11B

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Here, embodiments of the present invention are referred to in detail, and one or more examples thereof are shown in the drawings. Each example is provided as an illustration of the present invention, not a limitation thereof. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to create yet another embodiment. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0018] Generally, the present invention relates to a head covering that can be worn by medical personnel. In particular, the head covering according to the present disclosure has a height h at the front of the head covering sufficient to cover the front part of the user's head, such as the user's forehead, a height h2 at the rear of the head covering sufficient to cover the rear part of the user's head, such as the user's nape, and at least one side portion or side panel having a shape and size that connect the front part of the head covering and the rear part of the head covering. The at least one side portion has a contour portion t that forms all or part of the lower end portion of the side portion. The lower end portion of the side portion extends from the lower end portion of the front part to the lower end portion of the rear part and has a shape and size to cover the user's Both ears , scalp, and hair tuft, while keeping away from the user's eyes and field of vision adjacent to the front part of the head covering.

[0019] Furthermore, the head cover according to the present disclosure has elasticity along all or part of the head cover and is sufficient to reliably fit most users, but it is not a complete band extending around the entire perimeter of the head cover. Further, when worn by a user, the head cover according to the present disclosure provides appropriate head protection to at least about 60% (e.g., at least about 80%, etc.) of the user by having a height h, a height h2, a contour t, and / or an elastic band according to the present disclosure, and the present disclosure enables the head cover to fit most users or potential users. Similarly, the head cover according to the present disclosure can be configured to provide an appropriate or acceptable fit to at least about 60% (e.g., at least about 80%) of the user or potential user by having, for example, a height h, a height h2, and / or a contour t according to the present disclosure, and / or other factors to be described herein. Appropriate or acceptable fit is determined based on "one size fits most" (e.g., the disclosed height and circumference (including the stretched circumference and the relaxed circumference) fit over about 80% of the population when the head cover is properly positioned around the head, e.g., the circumference is large enough to surround over 80% of the head in the stretched state and maintain proper placement on the head after wearing (e.g., the relaxed circumference can maintain sufficient contact or pressure at the placed location, and the front and rear heights cover a sufficient portion of the user's head to meet the relevant criteria without affecting mobility and / or vision / line of sight)). The specific features of the head cover of the present invention can be better understood by referring to FIGS. 1 to 11.

[0020] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown one embodiment of a head cover 100 contemplated by the present disclosure before being worn and secured around the wearer's head. The head cover 100 according to the present disclosure has a front portion 102 disposed around the wearer's forehead and a rear portion 104 secured around the rear of the wearer's head or neck. The head cover 100 also includes a top portion 106 and side portions 108. In one embodiment, the top portion 106 and the side portions 108 can be joined together at a seam 110 surrounding the circumference of the top portion 106 (shown more clearly in FIG. 4). The side portions 108 extend between the front portion 102 and the rear portion 104. Of course, as shown in FIGS. 7 - 10 and described in more detail below, the side portions 108 are formed of a continuous piece of material such as a side panel 126 that completely surrounds the user's head when worn, and it should be noted that the side panel 126 includes the side portions 108, the front portion 102, and the rear portion 104.

[0021] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the head cover 100 has a height h at the front portion 102 that is less than a height h2 at the rear portion 104 of the head cover 100. For example, in one embodiment, the height h is sufficient to cover the user's forehead without obscuring the user's eyes or eyebrows or interfering with the user's vision or line of sight. In such an embodiment, the height h at the front portion 102 of the head cover 100 is from about 7 cm to about 17 cm (e.g., about 8 cm to about 16 cm, about 9 cm to about 15 cm, about 10 cm to about 14 cm, etc.).

[0022] Furthermore, in one embodiment according to the present disclosure, the height h2 at the rear portion 104 of the head cover 100 is greater than the height h at the front portion 102 of the head cover 100. For example, in one embodiment, the height h2 at the rear portion 104 of the head cover 100 is sufficient to cover the rear portion of the user's neck and, for example, at least partially covers the user's nape, if not completely. In such an embodiment, the height h2 at the rear portion 104 of the head cover 100 is from about 11 cm to about 23 cm (for example, about 12 cm to about 22 cm, about 13 cm to about 21 cm, about 14.5 cm to about 20 cm, etc.). It should be noted that in one embodiment, the rear portion 104 of the head cover 100 can completely cover the user's nape so as to provide sufficient neck protection as required by the AORN standard.

[0023] In one embodiment, the height h2 at the rear portion 104 of the head cover 100 has a height that is about 1.1 to about 3.3 times (for example, about 1.2 to about 2.9 times, about 1.3 to about 2.35 times, about 1.3 to about 2 times, etc.) the height h at the front portion 102. Thus, the reverse is also true. In particular, alternatively, if the height h2 at the rear portion 104 is known, the height h of the front portion 102 of the head cover 100 can be obtained by dividing the height h2 by the above multiplier.

[0024] Continuing with the description of FIG. 1, the head cover 100 according to the present disclosure may have a side portion 108 that is part of a continuous side panel 126 extending from a front portion 102 of the head cover 100 to a rear portion 104 of the head cover 100. The side portion 108 may have a contour portion t that defines a lower end 116 of the side portion 108. However, in embodiments where the side portion 108 is part of a continuous side panel 126 that completely surrounds the user's head, the contour portion t may define only the lower end 116 of the side portion 108 (e.g., like a portion extending between a front lower end 112 and a rear lower end 114 of the side portion 108), and the front portion 102 and the rear portion 104 have respective lower ends (112, 114) that are not defined by the contour portion t. In such embodiments, the front lower end 112 and the rear lower end 114 may be delimited and / or marked, such as by a seam or other marker (more clearly shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 9, and 10) indicating the transition from the side portion 108 to the front portion 102 or the rear portion 104, or may be merely points (more clearly shown in FIGS. 7 and 9) on the continuous side panel 126 without a break (e.g., points where the height (h or h2) does not increase or decrease along the contour portion t, and / or where the lower end 116 has no or a negligible gradient (more clearly shown and described with respect to FIGS. 7, 8, and 10)). In particular, the front lower end 112 and / or the rear lower end 114 may have some gradient between their respective first ends (111, 113) and second ends (115, 117), but in one embodiment, the front lower end 112 and the rear lower end 114 are substantially horizontal, have no gradient, or have only a negligible gradient.

[0025] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the front lower end 112 extends between a first end 111 of the front lower end 112 and a second end 113 of the front lower end 112, and the rear lower end 114 extends between a first end 115 of the rear lower end 114 and a second end 117 of the rear lower end 114. Thus, in one embodiment, the lower end 116 of the side portion 108 may extend between the first end 111 of the front lower end 112 and the first end 115 of the rear lower end 114, and / or the lower end 116 of the side portion 108 may extend between the second end 113 of the front lower end 112 and the second end 117 of the rear lower end 114.

[0026] Still, the contour portion t may define a lower end 116 of the side portion 108 that increases the height of the side portion 108 of the head cover 100 when moving from the front portion 102 to the rear portion 104 and decreases the height of the side portion 108 when moving from the rear portion 104 to the front portion 102. In particular, the lower end 116 of the side portion 108 is non-horizontal and / or has at least some positive gradient when moving from the rear portion 104 to the front portion 102 along the lower end 116 or at least some negative gradient when moving from the front portion 102 to the rear portion 104 along the lower end 116 in order to connect the front lower end 112 having a lower height h and the rear lower end 114 having a greater height h2 in a smooth and continuous but non-linear manner. For example, in one embodiment, the lower end 116 of the side portion connects the front portion 102 and the rear portion 104 by extending between the first end 111 of the front lower end 112 and the rear lower end 114 and / or the first end 115 of the lower end 116.

[0027] In one embodiment, the lower end 116 exhibits a change in height linearly or non-linearly. For example, in the embodiments of FIGS. 7 and 8, the change in height of the head cover 100 along the lower end 116 may be substantially linear. Alternatively, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the lower end 116 may exhibit a non-linear change in height, for example having at least one change in average gradient such as at least two changes in average gradient, at least three changes in average gradient, and the non-linear average gradient of the lower end 116 may be measured between a starting point and an inflection point, an inflection point and an end point, or simply a starting point and an end point and one or more predetermined positions therebetween.

[0028] For example, generally as shown in FIG. 1, the contour portion t starts from the first end portion 111 and / or the second end portion 113 of the front lower end 112, and defines a lower end 116 that moves toward the first end portion 115 and / or the second end portion 117 of the rear lower end 114. The lower end 116 initially has a negative gradient that increases the height of the side portion 108 of the head cover 100 at a very gentle rate. When reaching a point along the lower end 116, such as the point numbered m in FIG. 1, the point m has no physical separation and may simply refer to a point along the lower end 116, such as a point of change in the gradient indicating a change in the rate of increase in the height of the side portion 108 of the head cover 100. It should be noted that the gradient may become more negative and indicate a large increase rate in the height of the side portion 108 along a part of the lower end 116. Similarly, continuously from the point m toward the first end portion 115 and / or the second end portion 117 of the rear lower end 114, the lower end 116 reaches a point (for example, point 118) where the degree of negativity of the gradient decreases and starts to incline toward a horizontal line like the gradient of the rear lower end 114, which indicates a decrease in the rate of increase in the height of the side portion 108 of the head cover 100. Therefore, in the embodiment moving from the front to the rear, the gradient between the point m and the point 118 is the most negative, but actually, the gradient is the largest regarding the rate of change in height. Therefore, when referring to the maximum or a larger gradient, in some embodiments, the reference may be made to the absolute value of the gradient such that the most negative gradient is the maximum or a larger gradient. Of course, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 and as described above, the lower end 116 may also show a substantially linear change in height between the front portion 102 and the rear portion 104.

[0029] Regardless of the contour portion t, the head cover 100 may also include an elastic strip 120 or an elastic portion along all or part of the head cover 100. For example, referring again to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the head cover 100 may include an elastic strip 120 only along the rear portion 104. In particular, FIG. 1 shows an elastic strip 120 that starts at point 118 and extends at least to the first end 115 of the lower end 114 of the rear portion. The elastic strip 120 may be integrated into the fabric from which the rear portion 104 is formed with a material having a certain degree of elasticity, or the elastic strip 120 may be integrated into the head cover 100 by attaching the elastic strip 120 to the material that forms the portion where the attachment of the elastic strip 120 is desired, either before or after the formation of the head cover 100. In an embodiment where the separate elastic strip 120 is integrated with the head cover by, for example, attaching the elastic strip 120 to the material forming the head cover 100 rather than the characteristics of the material itself, the elastic strip 120 may be arranged on the outer surface of the head cover 100 or on the inner surface of the head cover 100 (e.g., so as to be located between the head cover and the user when worn). However, in some embodiments, as will be discussed in more detail below, the elastic strip 120 may be arranged along the lower end 114 of the rear portion, and in a further embodiment, the elastic strip 120 may be arranged inside the lower end 114 of the rear portion. In such embodiments, the fit of the head cover 100 is improved as described above, for example, by providing a soft elastic strip attached only to a part of the head cover, minimizing pinching and marking from an elastic band (e.g., surrounding the user's head), but providing a comfortable and secure fit for more users.

[0030] Therefore, in one embodiment, the elastic strip 120 may be attached to point 118 having a height h3. The height h3 is slightly lower compared to the height h2 of the rear portion 104, but may be slightly higher compared to the height h of the front portion 102 of the head cover 100. For example, in one embodiment, the height h3 of the side portion 108 of the head cover 100 where the elastic strip 120 may be attached to the lower end 116 of the side portion 108 may be about 10 cm to about 20 cm, for example, about 11 cm to about 19 cm, for example, about 12 cm to about 18 cm, for example, about 13 cm to about 17 cm.

[0031] Furthermore, in the relaxed state, the elastic strip 120 may have a length l of about 7 cm to about 17 cm, for example about 8 cm to about 16 cm, for example about 9 cm to about 15 cm, etc. before being incorporated into the head cover 100. Of course, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, in one embodiment, the above range relates to the elastic strip 120 extending from the first end 115 of the rear lower end 114 to the rear seam 122. In particular, in such an embodiment, the elastic strip 120 may include two parts. The first part extends from the first end 115 of the rear lower end 114 towards the rear seam 122, and the second part extends from the second end 117 of the rear lower end 114 towards the rear seam 122. Alternatively, the elastic strip 120 may be an elastic strip 120 that extends along the entire rear portion 104 from the first end 115 of the rear lower end 114 to the second end 117 of the rear lower end, or may be an elastic strip 120 that extends from the point marked as point 118 to the corresponding point 118 on the opposite side of the head cover 100. In such a case, the elastic strip 120 may have a length l2 of about 14 cm to about 34 cm, for example about 16 cm to about 32 cm, for example about 18 cm to about 30 cm before being incorporated into the head cover 100 or before stretching / in the relaxed state (either half or all).

[0032] Nevertheless, even if the elastic strip 120 includes only a single portion having the originally disclosed relaxed length l, two portions each having the length l, or a single portion having the length l2, when stretched, the elastic strip 120 can have an extended length (not shown) that is about 1.5 to 3 times, for example, about 2 to 3 times the relaxed length of the elastic strip 120 in the relaxed state (as clearly shown by FIG. 10). In such embodiments, the length l of the elastic strip 120 can be about 21 cm to about 31 cm, for example about 22 cm to about 30 cm, for example about 23 cm to about 29 cm, for example about 24 cm to about 28 cm when stretched before being incorporated into the head cover 100 and / or in the relaxed state before being stretched.

[0033] Of course, the above lengths may be imparted to the elastic strip 120, but the amount of elongation of the head cover 100 may depend on or be limited by the amount of elongation of the material forming the head cover 100 or any pleats 124 or gussets provided therein. In one embodiment, as clearly shown by FIGS. 5, 6, 9, and 10, the head cover 100 may have one or more gussets and / or pleats 124. Thus, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, when the head cover 100 is folded in half or separated along its intermediate line, such as a line extending through the center of the rear portion 104 and the center of the front portion 102, the head cover 100 may have a length l3 of about 18 cm to about 28 cm, for example about 19 cm to about 27 cm, for example about 20 cm to about 26 cm, for example about 21 cm to about 25 cm. In such embodiments, when stretched along line A (see FIG. 1), the head cover 100 may have a length (not shown) of about 26 cm to about 36 cm, for example about 27 cm to about 35 cm, for example about 28 cm to about 34 cm, for example about 29 cm to about 33 cm, or may be stretched to a length that is about 1.25 to about 2 times the length of the non - stretched, i.e., relaxed length (in this case l3).

[0034] Next, FIG. 2 shows a front view of an embodiment of the present disclosure. The head cover 100 has an upper portion 106 and side portions 108 (or the aforementioned portions). The upper portion 106 and the side portions 108 can be joined together at a seam 110 that surrounds the circumference of the upper portion 106 (shown more clearly in FIG. 4). The head cover 100 has a front lower end 112, a first end 111 and a second end 113 of the front lower end 112, a rear lower end 114, and a first end 115 and a second end 117 of the rear lower end 114. As described above, in one embodiment, the side portion 108 is part of a continuous side panel 126. Thus, there is no mark or delineation between the side portion 108 and the front portion 102 and / or the rear portion 104. Instead, the first end 111 and / or the second end 113 of the front lower end 112 may mark the point where the contour t intersects the front portion 102, and / or may be disposed on the front portion 102 of the head cover 100 if the front lower end 112 is substantially horizontal or has an insignificant slope. Similarly, the first end 115 and / or the second end 117 of the rear lower end 114 may mark the point where the contour t intersects the rear portion 104, or may be disposed on the rear portion 104 of the head cover 100 if the rear lower end 114 is substantially horizontal or has an insignificant slope.

[0035] Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the present disclosure from the back. The head cover 100 has an upper portion 106 and side portions 108 (or the side portions 108 as described above). The upper portion 106 and the side portions 108 can be joined together at a seam 110 that surrounds the circumference of the upper portion 106 (more clearly shown in FIG. 4). The head cover 100 has a front lower end 112 and a rear lower end 114, but only the rear lower end 114 including a first end 115 and a second end 117 of the rear lower end 114 is visible from the back. A part of the contour portion t extending to the left of the first end 115 of the rear lower end 114 and to the right of the second end 117 of the rear lower end 114 is visible. As described above, the side portion 108 can be part of a continuous side panel 126. Therefore, there is no mark or drawing between the side portion 108 and the rear portion 104. Instead, the first end 115 and / or the second end 117 of the rear lower end 114 may mark the point where the contour portion t intersects the rear portion 104, or, if the rear lower end 114 is substantially horizontal or the inclination is negligible, it may be arranged on the rear portion 104 of the head cover 100.

[0036] Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the present disclosure from the top. The head cover 100 has an upper portion 106 and side portions 108 (or the side portions 108 as described above). The upper portion 106 and the side portions 108 can be joined together at a seam 110 that surrounds the circumference of the upper portion 106 (more clearly shown in FIG. 4). As shown in the top view of FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the head cover 100 may have a circumference C measured around the outer portion of the head cover, such as the circumference of the side panel 126. Further, in this embodiment, the circumference C around the upper portion 106 or the portion of the side panel 126 adjacent to the seam 110 is the same as or similar to the circumference of the side panel 126 adjacent to the lower end 116 (not shown in FIG. 4). However, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, as generally shown in FIG. 9, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which the portion adjacent to the upper portion 106 has a smaller circumference than the portion adjacent to the lower end 116.

[0037] For example, in one embodiment, the circumference C of the head cover 100 can be about 55 cm to about 76 cm (e.g., about 57 cm to about 74 cm, about 59 cm to about 72 cm, about 57 cm to about 72 cm, about 61 cm to about 70 cm, about 63 cm to about 68 cm, etc.). Alternatively, in an embodiment where the circumference at the lower end 116 is different from the circumference adjacent to the upper part 106, the larger of the two circumferences C is based on the above-mentioned circumference, and the smaller circumference can be about 54 cm to about 75 cm (e.g., about 56 cm to about 73 cm, about 58 cm to about 71 cm, about 60 cm to about 69 cm, about 62 cm to about 67 cm, etc.).

[0038] Next, FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5, the head cover 100 of the present disclosure has a front portion 102, a rear portion 104, an upper portion 106, a rear seam 122, a lower end 116, and a lower seam 128 that joins the lower end 116 to the side panel 126 (or side portion 108). In such an embodiment, the head cover 100 also has a gusset or pleat 124. The head cover 100 can be formed from a material that is essentially stretchable or elastic. However, in one embodiment, as described above, in order to allow the head cover 100 to stretch by a predetermined amount by providing extra material that is folded and incorporated to fit a variety of users having various head shapes and sizes, a gusset, or pleat 124 may be used. The gusset, or pleat 124 also functions as a mark or depiction at one or both of the first end 111 and the second end 113 of the front lower end 112 between the side portion 108 and the front portion 102, or at one or both of the first end 115 and the second end 117 of the rear lower end 114 between the side portion 108 and the rear portion 104 in this embodiment. Of course, in further embodiments, a gusset, or pleat is not required. Instead, the material can be shrunk in all or part of the head cover 100, such as around the elastic strip 120, or the material has sufficient inherent stretchability so that the head cover 100 can be stretched to the fully extended position as described above.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of an embodiment according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5, the head cover 100 of the present disclosure has a front portion 102, an upper portion 106, a seam 110, a lower end 116, and a lower end seam 128 that joins the lower end 116 to a side panel 126 (or side portion 108). For example, in one embodiment, one or more seams 110 are used to join the upper portion 106 to the side panel 126 to form, for example, a tapered seam or line from the side panel 126 to the upper portion 106, or to sufficiently secure the upper portion 106 to the side panel 126. In such an embodiment, the head cover 100 also has a gusset, or pleat 124. As described above, the head cover 100 can be formed from a material that is inherently stretchable or elastic, but in one embodiment, as described above, a gusset, or pleat 124 may be used to allow the head cover 100 to stretch a predetermined amount by providing excess material that is properly folded and incorporated to fit a wide variety of users having various head shapes and sizes. The gusset, or pleat 124 also functions, in this embodiment, as a mark or delineation at the first end 111 of the front lower end 112, marking the point where the side portion 108 intersects the front portion 102.

[0040] FIG. 7 shows the head cover 100 according to the present disclosure separated along the rear seam 122. For example, FIG. 7 shows any of the circumferences C described above and a length l4 having a similar length in centimeters. Further, FIG. 7 shows a single side panel 126 forming both sides of the head cover 100, and both sides of the head cover 100 are sewn together at the rear seam 122 or form a head cover 100 that surrounds the user's head at the rear seam 122 using other fixing methods. FIG. 7 further shows an embodiment in which the contour t has a substantially linear contour. As described above, the contour t can be linear or non-linear, but such a contour should be selected to correspond to the height disclosed above and has a contour t that connects the front lower end 112 and the rear lower end 114 of the head cover 100 and should be selected to cover both ears, the scalp, hair, and nape of the user without obstructing the user's eyes and the user's field of view.

[0041] For example, in one embodiment, the contour t begins around the first end 111 and / or the second end 113 of the front lower end 112 and has a fairly shallow negative gradient such that the height of the head cover 100 gradually increases from the front part 102 to the rear part 104. In this way, the height of the contour t in the vicinity of the front part 102 and adjacent to the user's face and / or eyes may be substantially the same as or slightly higher than the front part 102 in the wearing configuration. However, when the transition continues along the lower end 116, the contour has a steeper negative gradient and rapidly increases the height of the head cover 100 to cover both ears of the user and, desirably, earrings as required. Next, when the contour t approaches the first end 115 and / or the second end 117 of the rear lower end 114, it begins to taper to a gentler gradient approaching zero gradient. In this way, the contour t defines a lower end 116 at which the height of the side part 108 of the head cover 100 changes in order to cover both ears, hair, scalp, and nape of the user without covering the user's eyes or eyebrows and / or obstructing the user's field of view or line of sight.

[0042] Similarly, as described above, the elastic strip 120 can be used to improve the fit of the head cover 100 of the present disclosure shown in FIG. 8. In particular, FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of FIG. 7 further comprising one or more elastic strips 120. The elastic strip 120 can be any material having elastic properties such as elasticity commonly used or known in the art, and can be used as part of the head cover 100, or can be an elastic strip attached or integrated to the head cover 100. In particular, as described above, the elastic strip 120 terminates at point 118 or is attached to the head cover 100. Such a point is located along the contour t on the lower end 116 of the side portion 108, and the height of the side portion 108 is about 1 cm to about 4.5 cm lower than the height h2 of the rear portion 104, or the height of the side portion 108 is equal to any of the heights described above with respect to the height h3.

[0043] In one embodiment, point 118 may be located along the lower end 116 of the side portion 108, and when measured from the rear seam 122 towards the front, in the relaxed state, it is a distance of about 7 cm to about 17 cm, for example about 8 cm to about 16 cm, for example about 9 cm to 15 cm from the rear seam 122 towards the front portion 102.

[0044] In this way, when at least one of the contours t of the side portion 108 and the size and position of the elastic strip 120, or a combination thereof, is selected according to the present disclosure, a head cover 100 that fits most users and meets the AORN guidelines for coverage is provided. In particular, when the contour t, the first height h, the second height h2, the elastic strip 120 or a combination thereof is selected according to the present disclosure, the head cover 100 according to the present disclosure, when worn by a user, is suitable or acceptably fitting for at least about 60% (e.g., at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, etc.) of the users wearing the head cover 100, where suitable or acceptable fitting is defined as described above.

[0045] Additionally or alternatively, when worn by a user, the head cover 100 according to the present disclosure appropriately covers the head and / or neck for at least about 60% (e.g., at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, etc.) of the users wearing the head cover 100. In particular, the head cover 100 according to the present disclosure has been found to comply with the AORN covering guidelines in at least about 90% (e.g., at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, etc.) of the users wearing the head cover.

[0046] Regardless of the particular configuration of the selected head cover 100, the materials used to form the head cover 100 can be selected to maximize comfort for the wearer. For example, the top 106 and the sides 108 or side panels 126 can be made from a variety of nonwoven materials formed by any number of processes including, but not limited to, for example, airlaid processes, wet processes, hydroentangling processes, spunbonding, meltblowing, carding and bonding of staple fibers, and solution spinning. The fibers of the nonwoven material itself can be made from both a variety of natural materials and synthetic materials including, but not limited to, for example, cellulose, rayon, nylon, polyester, polyolefins (including polypropylene and random copolymer resins), and many other materials. The fibers can be relatively short, staple length fibers, typically less than 3 inches, or longer and substantially more continuous fibers such as those produced by spunbonding and meltblowing processes.

[0047] In one particular embodiment, the upper portion 106 of the head cover 100 can be formed from a spunbond material to promote air flow and minimize the amount of heat trapped within the head cover 100. On the other hand, the side portions 108 or side panels 126 can be formed from a laminated material such as a spunbond meltblown spunbond material made from three separate layers laminated to each other to provide sufficient structure to support a headlamp or any other accessory that a medical professional might wear on the top of the head. The method of making the aforementioned materials is known and is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,041,203 to Brock et al., which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The Brock et al. material is a three-layer laminate that is a spunbond meltblown spunbond layer and is commonly also referred to by the acronym "SMS". The two outer layers of the SMS (e.g., the innermost and outermost layers) are spunbond materials made from extruded polyolefin fibers or filaments containing polypropylene and random copolymer resins, which are arranged in a random pattern and then bonded to each other. The inner layer (i.e., the intermediate layer located between the two outer spunbond layers) is generally a meltblown layer also made from extruded polyolefin fibers that are smaller in diameter than the fibers of the spunbond layers. As a result, the meltblown layer has improved barrier properties due to its fine fiber structure, and while the sterilizing agent can pass through the fabric, it prevents the passage of bacteria and other contaminants. In contrast, the two outer spunbond layers provide most of the strength factor of the entire laminate. The laminate can be prepared using an intermittent bonding pattern that is preferably used in a pattern that is substantially regularly repeated on the surface of the laminate. The pattern is selected such that the bonding occupies from about 5% to about 50% of the surface area of the laminate. Desirably, the bonding occupies from about 10% to about 30% of the surface area of the laminate.

[0048] For example, FIG. 11A shows an SMS laminate 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The SMS laminate 200 includes a first spunbond layer 148, a meltblown layer 150, and a second spunbond layer 152. In one embodiment, the first spunbond layer 148 and the second spunbond layer 152 are formed from the same or a similar polymer composition, such as one of the above polymer compositions. In additional or alternative embodiments, the first spunbond layer 148 and the second spunbond layer 152 may be formed from different polymer compositions, or may include one or more additives that differ between the first spunbond layer 148 and the second spunbond layer 152 in the composition. Further, although the first spunbond layer 148 is described as the "first layer", the first spunbond layer 148 may function as the inner or outer surface of the laminate. Similarly, although the second spunbond layer 152 is described as the second layer, it may function as either the inner or outer surface of the laminate.

[0049] Furthermore, although the head cover 100 has been described above as being formed from a combination of a spunbond material and an SMS material, it should be understood that different portions of the head cover 100 may be made from any other suitable material that minimizes heat confinement and provides sufficient structure as needed, and may be formed from only the SMS material and / or the spunbond material. For example, in addition to the above spunbond material or SMS material, any or all portions of the head cover 100 can be formed from a cotton fabric material.

[0050] However, in one embodiment, at least a portion of the head cover 100 is formed from a wettable SMS material such as a fabric formed from an SMS laminate 200 treated with a surfactant that causes the SMS fabric to absorb fluid. In particular, as briefly described above, SMS fabrics generally have hydrophobic and water-repellent properties. This can cause an uncomfortable and unhygienic condition during surgery as sweat drips onto the clinician's face and head, distracting the clinician and increasing the risk of infection at the surgical site or sites. Thus, while it is beneficial to utilize SMS fabrics for their desirable breathability and lightweight quality, SMS fabrics can also absorb liquids. Accordingly, the inventors have found that by treating SMS fabrics with a surfactant, it is possible to form a wettable SMS fabric that retains the desirable qualities of SMS fabrics, including durability, while also exhibiting good liquid absorption and drying characteristics. For example, a surfactant selected in accordance with the present disclosure enables the SMS fabric to retain its durability, breathability, and comfort, and in addition to helping reduce the surface tension of liquids contacting the SMS fabric, provides the fabric with wetting and absorption characteristics.

[0051] In particular, in one embodiment, the surfactant can be a cationic or anionic surfactant. Regardless of the type of surfactant selected, it is desirable to select a surfactant corresponding to the antistatic treatment used for the nonwoven fabric. In particular, regardless of the selected surfactant, the surfactant may be sprayed on one or both sides of the SMS fabric, for example, by applying an amount of the surfactant that penetrates the SMS fabric. In such a case, the SMS fabric penetrated by the surfactant is subjected to standard treatment of the SMS fabric, including removing the liquid by passing the penetrated fabric through a roll and a dryer, and leaving the surfactant impregnated on or in the fabric. For example, the SMS fabric impregnated with the surfactant according to the present disclosure has the surfactant on one or both sides of the fabric and / or coats some of the fibers forming the fabric through all three layers or the fibers from each of the three layers, or coats only the fibers of one or more layers of the fabric formed from the SMS laminate 200 according to the present disclosure. Therefore, since the surfactant is processed together with the SMS fabric after incorporation, it would be desirable to select a surfactant corresponding to the process for manufacturing the SMS fabric, such as an antistatic treatment.

[0052] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the surfactant may include one or more anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, or combinations thereof. Examples of anionic surfactants include mono- and dialkyl sulfosuccinates, alkyl sulfates, sulfonates such as alkyl, aryl, benzene, alkyl ether, olefin sulfonates, alkyl ether sulfates, alcohol and alcohol ether sulfates, phosphates such as alkyl phosphates and phosphate esters, alkyl and alkyl ether carboxylates, fatty carboxylates, alkyl and ethoxylated alkyl phosphate esters, taurates, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the cationic surfactant may be applied alone or in combination and may be dialkyl sulfosuccinate or a salt thereof, for example, dialkyl sulfosuccinate sold under the trade name DOSS-70D.

[0053] The surfactant according to the present disclosure may also contain a cationic surfactant such as a quaternary ammonium compound, a fatty alcohol ethoxylate, an alkylene glycol surfactant, or a combination thereof. Further, the surfactant may be applied as part of a surfactant composition containing a carrier or a solvent. In one embodiment, the carrier or solvent may be water, or another carrier or solvent generally known in the art that is compatible with the SMS fabric according to the present disclosure. Further, although not essential, in some embodiments, the surfactant composition may also contain various additives known in the art, such as an antifoaming additive for minimizing the foaming of the surfactant when added to the carrier or solvent.

[0054] In particular, as is generally known in the art, surfactants are used to lower the surface tension of liquids and enhance the spreading and wetting properties of liquids. The inventors have found that when a surfactant composition is applied to an SMS fabric in an amount sufficient to penetrate the fabric, for example, and then dried, the original fabric before the application of the surfactant may be hydrophobic or have hydrophobic properties, but the fabric can exhibit wettability and water absorbency. For example, a surfactant is a polar molecule having a hydrophilic end and a hydrophobic end. When introduced into the SMS fabric according to the present disclosure, the hydrophobic end can orient itself on the fibers of the SMS fabric and coat all or part of the fibers of the SMS fabric, making the hydrophilic end available for receiving the fluid in contact with the fabric. Also, the hydrophilic end can overcome the adhesion of the fluid to itself (e.g., surface tension), lower the surface tension of the fluid in contact with the fabric, and cause the spreading of the droplets and the dispersion of the fluid on the surface of the fabric.

[0055] For example, after a surfactant penetrates into an SMS fabric or laminate and is dried, the carrier or solvent evaporates, but the surfactant is retained on the fabric or laminate, and as described above, the fibers of the SMS fabric or laminate are coated with the surfactant. For example, referring to FIG. 11B, the above-described SMS laminate 200 that can form all or part of a wettable SMS fabric according to the present disclosure has a first spunbond layer 148, a meltblown layer 150, and a second spunbond layer 152, and further includes a surfactant 154. The surfactant 154 coats the SMS laminate 200 (e.g., coats its fibers in one embodiment) and is applied in a manner sufficient to coat all three layers of the SMS laminate 200. In such an embodiment, all or some of the fibers of each layer are coated with the surfactant such that a continuous path of coated fibers (e.g., coated fibers or portions of fibers of one layer are adjacent to or in contact with coated fibers or portions of fibers of an adjacent layer) is formed between the first spunbond layer 148, the meltblown layer 150, and the second spunbond layer 152 as shown in FIG. 11B, which, for example, helps to draw liquid through the entire laminate. FIG. 11B shows an SMS laminate 200 having a continuous path of coated fibers throughout the SMS laminate 200, which, as discussed above, may be adjacent fibers or portions of fibers of adjacent layers that form a continuous path of coated fibers from the first spunbond layer 148 through the meltblown layer 150 to the second spunbond layer 152. Or conversely, in one embodiment, the SMS fabric according to the present disclosure may have only a portion of the fabric having continuously coated fiber portions, and other portions may be only partially coated or uncoated. Thus, after drying, the surfactant may be present on or in the SMS fabric in an amount of about 0.1 wt% to about 20 wt%, such as about 0.5 wt% to about 18 wt%, such as about 1 wt% to about 15 wt%.

[0056] Regardless of the selected surfactant or combination of surfactants, and / or the materials used to form the wettable SMS fabric, the inventors unexpectedly discovered that the wettable SMS fabric exhibits excellent absorption properties after treatment with the surfactant. For example, in one embodiment, the wettable SMS fabric according to the present disclosure can absorb an amount of liquid that is about 1.5 times to about 4.5 times the weight of the SMS fabric, such as about 2 times to about 4 times the weight of the SMS fabric, such as about 3 times to about 3.9 times the weight of the SMS fabric, based on the total weight of the SMS fabric. Further, the wettable SMS fabric according to the present disclosure may have a high absorption capacity per gram of the wettable SMS fabric. For example, the wettable SMS fabric may absorb from about 1.25 grams to about 7.25 grams of liquid per gram of the SMS fabric, such as from about 2.75 grams to about 6.5 grams of liquid per gram of the SMS fabric, such as from about 3.5 grams to about 5 grams of liquid per gram of the SMS fabric. Further, the wettable SMS fabric may be capable of absorbing an amount of liquid up to its absorption capacity per gram at a rate of about 1 second to about 9 seconds, such as about 3 seconds to about 7 seconds, such as about 3 seconds to about 6 seconds, etc.

[0057] In such an embodiment, the wettable SMS fabric may have a weight of the fabric in grams per square meter (gsm) of about 10 gsm to about 60 gsm, such as about 15 gsm to about 55 gsm, such as about 20 gsm to about 20 gsm, such as about 25 gsm to about 45 gsm, such as about 30 gsm to about 40 gsm, etc.

[0058] Furthermore, the wettable SMS fabric may exhibit excellent moisture absorption properties such that the absorbed liquid evaporates or dries from the fabric, keeping moisture away from the body. In particular, the wettable SMS fabric of the present disclosure is porous and wettable such that it exhibits capillary action, in particular, a higher capillary action and / or drying rate than some cellulose-based fibers, indicating that the wettable SMS fabric can draw moisture from the surface and dry after absorbing the liquid. For example, the wettable SMS fabric according to the present disclosure (test using AATCC 201, at 37°C, with 0.2 mL of water) has a drying rate of about 2.5 mL / hour to about 4 mL / hour, such as about 2.75 mL / hour to about 3.75 mL / hour, such as about 3 mL / hour to about 3.5 mL / hour.

[0059] Furthermore, the wettable SMS fabric according to the present disclosure also exhibits excellent breathability as indicated by its high permeability to air passages. For example, in one embodiment, the SMS fabric according to the present disclosure (tested in accordance with ASTM D737-18 using a 4-inch × 4-inch (10 cm × 10 cm) sample) may have a permeability to air measured in cubic feet per minute of about 40 CFM to about 62 CFM, such as about 42 CFM to about 60 CFM, such as about 44 CFM to about 58 CFM, such as about 46 CFM to about 56 CFM, such as about 48 CFM to about 54 CFM. Additionally, since the wettable SMS fabric of the present disclosure is composed of a polyolefin-based composition, the wettable SMS fabric of the present disclosure exhibits low linting properties even after 1 year and 5 years of accelerated degradation, particularly when compared to cellulose-based fabrics.

[0060] Furthermore, certain embodiments of the present disclosure can be better understood by the following examples, which are intended to be essentially non-limiting and illustrative.

[0061] In particular, the wettable SMS fabrics according to the present disclosure were tested for their absorption capacity (and absorption rate) and absorption speed, and the results are shown in Table 1. The absorption speed was measured in accordance with TAPPI T 432 using a 4-inch × 4-inch (10 cm × 10 cm) sample and is the average of 90 samples tested. The absorption capacity and absorption rate were tested using 90 samples of SMS fabric with a sample size of 4 inches × 4 inches (10 cm × 10 cm) and a basis weight of 34 gsm. Samples of the wettable SMS fabric were made from three different lots, taking into account lot-to-lot variation.

[0062]

Table 1

[0063] In particular, it was found that the SMS fabric has an absorption capacity of 1.39 grams on average, or an absorption capacity (measured as an absorption rate) of 376.6%, i.e., an approximate absorption capacity of about 3.75 times the weight of the fabric of liquid. Further, Table 1 shows the absorption rate in seconds that the amount of liquid up to the absorption capacity of the sample was absorbed in 4.35 seconds, indicating that the wettable SMS fabric was able to absorb liquid rapidly.

[0064] In Table 2, the drying speed of three wettable SMS samples (SMS1, SMS2, SMS3) according to the present disclosure was tested using AATCC 201, with a 15 cm × 15 cm sample and 0.2 mL of water, at 37 °C and an air flow of 1.25 m / s flowing over the sample, and compared with more traditional cellulose-based fabrics.

[0065]

Table 2

[0066] As shown in Table 2, the average drying rate of the wettable SMS sample was 3.22 mL / h, while the average drying rate of the cellulose-based sample was 1.67 mL / h. Therefore, the SMS sample dried at approximately twice the rate of the cellulose-based sample in the drying of the liquid after liquid absorption. Therefore, the SMS fabric according to the present disclosure can release sweat from the user's body more quickly than the cellulose-based fabric. Further, Tables 1 and 2 show the ability of the SMS fabric to dry after absorbing liquid (e.g., sweat from the user in one embodiment) from the surface.

[0067] Table 3 shows data obtained from tests of a total of 90 samples divided into wettable SMS fabric samples according to the present disclosure and spunbond fabric for providing breathability. For example, the spunbond fabric may be the above-described spunbond fabric formed from polyolefin and may be used in an article that is a personal protective equipment in combination with the SMS fabric according to the present disclosure. In particular, as will be described in more detail below, the spunbond fabric may be used to form a portion of an article that requires high breathability. However, for example, a high support is not provided for the upper part of the head cover that does not require support by an instrument. Therefore, by using the spunbond fabric together with the SMS fabric according to the present disclosure, a lightweight PPE garment having breathability can be formed. As will be described in more detail, the article according to the present disclosure may be formed only from the SMS fabric, or may have portions such as a crown and sides formed from the SMS fabric and other portions such as an upper part formed from the spunbond fabric.

[0068] Accordingly, a 10 cm x 10 cm (4 inch x 4 inch) sample was used and the sample was tested for breathability in accordance with ASTM test D737-18. In such a test, the higher the value, the higher the breathability to air passage is indicated. In particular, the results are provided in cubic feet per minute (CFM) units and reflect the rate at which air flows out of or through the medium. Thus, a higher CFM value indicates a higher rate of medium passage represented by CFM, indicating a more breathable material.

[0069] [Table 3]

[0070] Accordingly, it can be concluded from Table 3 that both fabrics used for the head cover 100 according to the present disclosure exhibit breathability and ventilation.

[0071] Accordingly, the present disclosure has found that the wettable SMS fabric may exhibit properties that make it an ideal fabric for use in personal protective equipment.

[0072] This written description discloses the invention using examples and enables those skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any device or system and performing any incorporated methods. The scope of patentability of the present invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims or equivalent structural elements that do not differ substantially from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A head cover, comprising: a front portion having a first height; a rear portion having a second height; at least one side portion extending between the rear portion and the front portion and having a lower end; at least one elastic strip; the lower end of the at least one side portion has a non-linear contour, and the non-linear contour has an inflection point between the front portion and the rear portion; the at least one elastic strip is attached to the inflection point and extends to the lower end of the rear portion; the at least one elastic strip has a length of about 7 cm to about 17 cm, or about 14 cm to about 34 cm in a relaxed state, characterized in that the head cover.

2. The head cover according to claim 1, wherein the lower end has at least a first inclination and a second inclination; the head cover is characterized in that the first inclination is not equal to the second inclination.

3. The head cover according to claim 2, wherein the first inclination is the inclination of a point between the front portion and the rear portion; the second inclination is the inclination of a point adjacent to either the front portion or the rear portion; the head cover is characterized in that the absolute value of the first inclination is greater than the absolute value of the second inclination.

4. The head cover according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the lower end further has a third inclination that is not equal to the first inclination or the second inclination, characterized in that the head cover.

5. The head cover according to claim 1, wherein the second height is about 1.1 to about 3.3 times the first height, characterized in that the head cover.

6. The head cover according to claim 1, wherein the head cover has a relaxed length when folded along an inner line of about 18 cm to about 28 cm, characterized in that the head cover.

7. The head cover according to claim 6, wherein the at least one elastic strip, or both the head cover and the at least one elastic strip, can be stretched such that the head cover has a stretched length along the inner line that is about 1.25 to about 2 times the relaxed length, characterized in that the head cover.

8. A head cover, comprising: a front portion having a first height; a rear portion having a second height; at least one side panel; at least one side portion extending between the front portion and the rear portion and having a lower end portion, at least one elastic strip, the lower end portion of the at least one side portion has a non-linear contour, and the non-linear contour has an inflection point between the front portion and the rear portion, the at least one elastic strip is attached to the inflection point and extends to the lower end portion of the rear portion, the at least one elastic strip has a length of about 7 cm to about 17 cm in a relaxed state, a head cover, wherein the second height is about 1.1 to about 3.3 times the first height. **Claim 9** The head cover according to claim 8, a head cover, wherein the first height is about 7 cm to about 17 cm. **Claim 10** The head cover according to claim 8 or 9, a head cover, wherein the second height is about 11 cm to about 23 cm. **Claim 11** The head cover according to any one of claims 8 to 10, a head cover, wherein the side panel has a shape, size, or both a shape and a size sufficient to cover one ear of a user when the head cover is worn. **Claim 12** The head cover according to any one of claims 8 to 11, a head cover, wherein the front portion, the rear portion, and at least one of the side panels have a shape, size, or both a shape and a size to cover at least about 80% of the head, hair, both ears, and nape of a user. **Claim 13** The head cover according to any one of claims 8 to 12, a head cover, wherein the head cover further includes an upper portion. **Claim 14** The head cover according to any one of claims 8 to 13, a head cover, wherein the at least one side panel is a continuous side panel configured to surround the head of a user in a worn configuration. **Claim 15** The head cover according to any one of claims 8 to 14, a head cover, wherein the head cover has a circumference of about 55 cm to about 76 cm. **Claim 16** A head cover, a front portion having a first height, a rear portion having a second height, at least one side panel, at least one side portion extending between the front portion and the rear portion and having a lower end portion, including at least one elastic strip; the lower end of the at least one side portion has a non-linear contour, and the non-linear contour has an inflection point between the front portion and the rear portion; the at least one elastic strip is attached to the inflection point and extends to the lower end of the rear portion; the at least one elastic strip has a length of about 7 cm to about 17 cm in a relaxed state; at least a part of the head cover is a head cover characterized by including a wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond material.

17. The head cover according to claim 16, wherein the wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond material includes the wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond material treated with an anionic or cationic surfactant.

18. The head cover according to claim 16 or 17, wherein at least a part of the wettable spunbond meltblown spunbond material includes polypropylene and a random copolymer resin.

19. The head cover according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the head cover further includes an upper portion including a spunbond material.

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