Patent Publication Number: US-2009229041-A1

Title: Head worn apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO APPLICATIONS INCLUDING RELATED SUBJECT MATTER 
     This application includes subject matter related to U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. (Not yet Assigned) that was filed on Mar. 13, 2008 and titled “An Ornamental Design for a Head Worn Apparatus”, having an Attorney Docket/Matter No.: 3025297US01 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to a head worn apparatus that is configured to attach to and securely position one or more devices proximate to the head of a wearer of the device. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A head worn apparatus is sometimes worn by a health care practitioner while attending to the care of a patient. The apparatus is typically used to position a device, such as a lamp, proximate to the head of the health care practitioner while attending to the care of a patient. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention provides a head worn apparatus that is configured to attach to and securely position one or more devices. The head worn apparatus is made, at least in part, of a in-elastic, rigid and non-porous material that provides for secure positioning of one or more attached devices, and further provides for improved comfort to the wearer of the apparatus with respect to providing increased air ventilation along the outer surface of the head of the wearer, and with respect to increased flexibility of the apparatus at particular locations along the contour of the head of the wearer. 
     The improved air ventilation and flexibility are provided by voids that are configured to occupy a substantial area of the inelastic, rigid and non-porous material of the apparatus, as it is worn along the outer surface of the head of the wearer. 
     The foregoing as well as other objects, aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description and from the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The objects and features of the invention can be better understood with reference to the claims and drawings described below. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; the emphasis is instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Within the drawings, like reference numbers are used to indicate like parts throughout the various views. Differences between like parts may cause those like parts to be each indicated by different reference numbers. Unlike parts are indicated by different reference numbers. 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates an embodiment of a head worn apparatus that is configured to attach to a device. 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates a side view of a plurality of elliptical shaped voids that are located within the outer planar area of a front quadrant of the first strap. 
         FIG. 1C  illustrates a side view of a plurality of circular voids that are located within the outer planar area of a rear quadrant of the first strap. 
         FIG. 1D  illustrates a manufacturing blueprint of portions of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1A-1C . 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates a close-up partial view of the embodiment of a head worn apparatus of  FIG. 1A  as worn on a mannequin. 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates a distant view of the embodiment of the head worn apparatus of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a top perspective view of a disassembled head worn apparatus excluding a vertical strap. 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates a top perspective view of a assembled head worn apparatus of  FIG. 3A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1A  illustrates an embodiment of a head worn apparatus  110  that is configured to attach to and securely position a device  150 . As shown, the apparatus  110  includes a first strap  120  having a horizontal orientation and a second strap  130  having a vertical orientation. The first strap  120  is configured to form a first loop around a head of a wearer (not shown) and is configured to have a substantially horizontal orientation when worn by the wearer of the apparatus  110 . The first strap  120  is referred to herein as a horizontal strap  120 . The first strap  120  is shown including a plurality of ellipse shaped voids  126  within a forward portion and including a plurality of circle shaped voids  128  within a rear portion, of the first strap  120 . The second strap  130  forms a partial second loop having a substantial vertical orientation and is also shown to include a plurality of ellipse shaped voids  136 . The second strap  130  is referred to herein as a vertical strap  130 . A device  150  is attached to the first strap  120  at a forward end  152  (direction of view of the wearer) of the apparatus  110 . The device  150  is not limited to perform any particular function and can be a source of light, a viewing scope (receiver of light) or a shield. In some embodiments, the device is a surgical headlight, for example. 
     The first strap  120  is shaped to include an outer planar surface  120   a  and an inner planar surface  120   b , and further includes a length adjusting mechanism (partially shown)  122 . The outer planar surface  130   a  and the inner planar surface  130   b  are delimited by an upper edge  120   c  and a lower edge  120   d  of the first strap  120 , as oriented when worn by a wearer of the apparatus  110 . The second strap  130  is shaped to include an outer planar surface  130   a  and an inner planar surface  130   b  and further includes a second length adjusting mechanism  132 . The outer planar surface  130   a  and the inner planar surface  130   b  are delimited by a forward edge  130   c  and a rear edge  130   d  of the second strap  130 , as oriented when worn by a wearer of the apparatus  110 . 
     As shown, a padding material  124  that is permeable to air flow, is disposed along most of the inner planar surface  120   b  of the first strap  120  and is disposed along a portion of an inner planar surface  130   b  of the second strap  130 . The teachings of the invention do not necessarily require a second strap  130 , and in some embodiments, the apparatus  110  includes a first strap  120  without a second strap. (See  FIG. 3A-3B ) 
     In this embodiment (Shown in  FIG. 1A ), the first strap  120  and the second strap  130  are manufactured as one integral piece. In other embodiments, the first strap  120  and the second strap  130  are manufactured as separate pieces that are attached together via one or more of a variety of attachment mechanisms, including mechanisms involving an adhesive, a snap etc. 
     In this embodiment, the first strap  120  and the second strap  130  are made of a nylon reinforced plastic, which is a substantially inelastic and rigid material, and is also not permeable to air flow. In some embodiments, the manufacture of nylon reinforced plastic into the particular shape of the apparatus  110  employs a molding process. Alternatively, nylon reinforced plastic can be manufactured by cutting it into a particular shape from a sheet of pre-molded nylon reinforced plastic (pre-molded stock). Regardless of which manufacturing approach is used, the nylon reinforced plastic material itself, whether it is molded into a shape or molded into a stock shape and later cut into a shape of the apparatus  110 , is originally created from a molding process, and is hence, also referred to herein as a molded material. For example, other types of molded material include various other types of plastics (polymers), and types of rubber and fiberglass etc. 
     In the embodiment shown, the first strap  120  and second strap  130  are formed from a sheet of nylon reinforced plastic that is approximately 1/16 of an inch thick. This type of material can be obtained from various suppliers, for example. In other embodiments, inelastic and rigid material, such as other types of plastic can be employed to construct the first strap  120  and/or the second strap  130  using material selected from material stock having a variety of thicknesses, providing that the apparatus can be adapted to the contour of the head of the wearer. 
     In accordance with the invention, the embodiment shown includes a first strap  120  and a second strap  130 . This embodiment is designed so that the second strap  130  supports against gravity, most and substantially all, of the combined weight of the apparatus  110  and the attached device  150 , while both are worn (supported) on the head of the wearer of the apparatus  110 . Unlike the second strap  130 , the first strap  120  supports against gravity, little and substantially none of the combined weight of the apparatus  110  and the attached device  150 , while both are worn (supported) on the head of the wearer of the apparatus  110 . 
     As a result of the above design, there is little need for the first strap  120  to press against and grip the outer surface of the head of the wearer in order to support from gravity, a substantial portion of the weight of the apparatus  110  and of the attached device  150 . The first strap  120  can be tightened to a limited extent, so as to secure the device  150  from moving relative to the head of the wearer, in response to movement of the head of the wearer. This design yields more comfort to the wearer, than an apparatus without a vertical strap, because the wearer experiences less tension around the front, rear, left and right sides of the head, and generally allows the wearer to wear the apparatus for long periods of time, for example many hours, without discomfort. 
     As shown for this embodiment, the embodiment of the first strap  120  of the apparatus  110  is constructed from inelastic and rigid material. This type of material is designed to not elastically stretch around the head of the wearer (not shown) when tension is applied to the first strap  130 . Such elastic stretching causes a pressing force against the head of the wearer which can cause fatigue to the wearer over time. Furthermore, no substantial tension is required to be applied to the first strap  120  because it is essentially not supporting the apparatus  110  from gravity. 
     Further in accordance with the invention, the material of the first strap  120  of the apparatus  110  is selected to be sufficiently strong (inelastic and rigid) to enable a device  150  to be secured to a fixed position relative to the position of the apparatus  110 , while being worn by a wearer. An inelastic material is a material that does not significantly stretch, when a pulling force is applied to it. A rigid material is a material that has a resistance to bending and is typically inelastic. For example, applying typical hand strength in an attempt to pull apart the first strap  120  that is made of nylon reinforced plastic would result in no noticeable stretching of the first strap  120  to the human eye. Applying typical hand strength to bend the first strap made of nylon reinforced plastic would cause some bending of the first strap  120 , but the material would generate a force resisting (opposing) the bending force that would be felt (tactile detected) by the hand supplying the bending force to the material. Hypothetically, if the first strap  120  was made of steel, which is an inelastic and rigid material and hence, would within the scope of the invention, the first strap  120  would not stretch and may not bend at all, depending upon a thickness of the strap  120 , when hand strength is applied to stretch or bend it. Some other types of material, such as many types of rubber, weaved material, such as cloth for example, are not sufficiently inelastic, rigid and strong to enable a device  150  to be secured to a fixed position relative to the position of the apparatus  110 , while the apparatus  110  is moving with the head of the wearer. 
     Unfortunately, nylon reinforced plastic and many other inelastic and rigid materials, such as other plastics, are typically not permeable with respect to the flow of air. As a result, portions of the surface of the head of the wearer that are located adjacent to (covered below) the inner surface  120   b  the first strap  120 , or adjacent to (covered below) the inner surface  130   b  of the second strap  130 , do not come in physical contact with ambient air, and as a result, receive less cooling from ambient air than other portions of the head of the wearer that are not located below the first strap  120  or the second strap  130 . 
       FIG. 1B  illustrates a side view of a plurality of elliptical shaped voids that are located within the outer planar area of a front portion of the first strap. A surrounding portion (surrounding area)  220  is defined as that portion of the outer planar area  120   a  that vertically extends to the upper edge  120   c  and to the lower edge  120   d  of the outer planar area  120   a  and that horizontally extends to a minimum length along the horizontal (longest) dimension of the first strap  120 , such that it also surrounds the plurality of (6) voids  126 . 
     As shown, the plurality of voids  126  occupies a substantial portion of the surrounding area  220 . In some embodiments, a substantial portion of a surrounding area being equal to at least 5 percent of a surrounding area. In other embodiments, a substantial portion of a surrounding area being equal to at least 10 percent of a surrounding area. In other embodiments, a substantial portion of a surrounding area being equal to at least 30 percent of a surrounding area. In other embodiments, a substantial portion of a surrounding area is equal to at least 40 percent of a surrounding area. 
     Configuring the voids  126  to occupy such a substantial portion of the surrounding area  220  enables a corresponding substantial amount of ambient air to physically contact and flow to portions of the outer surface of the head of the wearer, and specifically contact and flow to such portions along the outer surface of the head of the wearer that are located adjacent to (below) the area occupied by each of the voids  126 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1A , a padding  124  is layered along the inner planar surface  120   b  of the first strap  120  and the inner planar surface  130   b  of the second strap  130 . As worn, the padding  124  is configured to physically contact the outer surface of the head of wearer of the apparatus  110 . 
     While the apparatus  110  is being worn by the wearer, body heat and moisture from the wearer build up between the padding  124  and the outer surface of the head of the wearer, and enter the padding  124 . This build up of heat and moisture is in contrast with typically cooler and dryer ambient air that is located outside of the padding  124  and away from the outer surface of the head of the wearer. 
     This contrast constitutes a discontinuity of equilibrium with respect to the heat and moisture content of the padding  124  as compared to the heat and moisture content of the ambient air that is typically located outside of the padding  124 . In response to this type of discontinuity, the heat and moisture within the padding transfers (diffuses) into the ambient air that is located outside of and away from the padding  124 . This transfer of heat and moisture causes the portions of the outer surface of the head of the wearer adjacent to the padding and the voids  126  to become cooler, drier and generally more comfortable. 
     As the padding  124  is physically contacting the outer surface of the head of the wearer, the padding  124  and the ambient air contact and/or flow through each of the voids  126  to enhance absorption, wicking and drying of moisture (perspiration) via the padding  124  as it is located along the outer surface of the head of the wearer. As described, the padding  124  and the voids  126  interoperate to improve the comfort of the wearer of the apparatus  110 . With respect to embodiments that include the padding  124 , this type of effect is also referred to as a “moisture wicking effect” or “wicking effect”. 
     Note that substantially inelastic and rigid material, that is also not permeable to air flow, such as nylon reinforced plastic for example, typically has more density (is heavier per unit volume), than elastic and non-rigid material that is permeable to air, such as a woven material. Another benefit of creating voids  126  within the first strap  120  and second strap  130  is to reduce the weight (mass) of the first strap  120  and second strap  130 , which yields additional comfort to the wearer of the apparatus  110 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1D , (4) separate portions of Velcro hook material  270   a - 270   d  are disposed along the inner planar surface  120   b  of the first strap  120  while the padding  124  (shown in  FIG. 1A ) includes a Velcro loop material. Accordingly, the Velcro loop material of the padding  124  is configured to attach to the Velcro hook material  270   a - 270   d  while the padding  124  is in physical contact with the outer surface of the head of the wearer, while the apparatus  110  is worn by the wearer. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1B , in some embodiments, the apparatus  110  does not include the padding  126 . For embodiments without padding  124 , the voids  126  allow the ambient air to physically contact and flow to the portions of the head of the wearer that are located adjacent to the voids  126 , to also cool and dry the outer portions of the head of the wearer. 
     Each void  126   a - 126   f  removes an amount of inelastic and rigid material from the first strap  120 , and as a result, the inelastic and rigid portion of the first strap  120  has decreased resistance to bending (folding) along vertical lines that are parallel to the vertical (Y) axis and that reside (intersect) with at least one of the voids  126 . Such a decreased resistance to bending (folding) yields increased flexibility to bend around and to better adjust to the contour of the outer surface of the head of the wearer of the apparatus  110 . Without the presence of the voids  126 , the inelastic and rigid material of the first strap  120 , the nylon re-enforced plastic of this embodiment, does not easily flex (bend) around the contour of the head of the wearer. 
     For example, a dotted vertical line  222 , directed parallel to the vertical (Y) axis, illustrates a line along which the strap has decreased resistance to bending (folding). In other words, the first strap  120  can be bent (folded) along line  222  with less resistance when the void  226   d  is present within the first strap  120 , as compared to when the void  226   d  is not present within the first strap  120 . 
     As shown, each of the voids  126  are arranged so that an axis  226   d  that is directed along a long dimension of an elliptical shape of each void  126   d  is oriented along an approximately 45 degree angle, with respect to either the vertical (Y) axis or the horizontal (X) axis directions. Further, the voids  126  are arranged to overlap each other (slightly) along vertical lines that are parallel to the vertical (Y) axis. As a result, a vertical line  224  drawn within the surrounding area  220  intersects at least one void  126   a - 126   f , and as a result, the surrounding area  220  of the first strap  120  has less resistance to bending and increased flexibility along that vertical line  224 , and along other vertical lines that can be defined (drawn) within the surrounding area  220 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1D , a center drawing  270  includes the device attachment connections  274   a - 274   b , and the void  126   f  of the surrounding area  220  (shown in  FIG. 1B ). The center drawing  270  has an associated drawing scale of approximately 3.5 to 1, meaning that a drawn object having a dimension of 1 inch within the center drawing  270 , has an actual dimension of approximately 3.5 inches, as built. 
     As built, the surrounding area  220 , including voids  126   a - 126   f , is located to within less than 1 inch of a location of a nearest device attachment  274   a , in accordance with a drawing scale of the center drawing  270 . It is beneficial to locate inelastic material of the apparatus  110  (having associated inelastic strength and rigidity) such that it includes the device attachment  274   a - 274   b , and so that such material of the apparatus  110  is utilized to securely position the attached device  150  relative to the position of the head of the wearer. 
     There typically can be a benefit to locating a surrounding area that includes voids  126  to within proximity of a device attachment  274   a - 274   b  ( 152  of See  FIG. 1A ) that is located on the first strap  120 , in order to minimize the size of the inelastic, rigid and non-porous portions of the strap  120  that lack voids. Portions of the inelastic, rigid and non-porous portions of the strap  120  that lack voids are generally less comfortable than portions that include voids, but those portions lacking voids add strength to the strap  120  in proximity to a device attachment  274   a - 274   b , where it is typically needed. 
     Despite that the first strap  120  is made, at least in part or in whole, from substantially inelastic material, that is also rigid and non-porous to air, enhanced comfort is provided to the wearer of the apparatus  110 , specifically at locations along the strap  120  within each of one or more surrounding areas, like that of the surrounding area  220  (shown in  FIG. 1B ). Said another way, enhanced comfort is provided at locations along the first strap  120  that includes at least one void, like each of the voids  126   a - 126   f  (shown in  FIG. 1B ). 
     Notice that the first strap  120  does not provide any substantially less resistance to bending (folding) along lines parallel to the Z axis. Any such less resistance would be undesirable because it would not enhance the comfort of the wearer, and could reduce the overall strength and rigidity of the apparatus  110  with respect to attaching to and securely positioning a device  150 . For example, attempting to fold the first strap  120  along a line parallel to the Z axis would be difficult, with or without the presence of the voids  126  within the first strap  120 . 
     In the embodiment shown, the height  230  of the surrounding area  220  is equal to the distance between the top edge  120   c  and the bottom edge  120   d  of the first strap  120 , which is equal to approximately 1.12 inches, and the width  236  of the surrounding area in a horizontal direction along the first strap  120  is equal to approximately 3.58 inches. As a result, the area of the surrounding area  220  is approximately 4 square inches. 
     The longest dimension of the elliptical shaped void is approximately 0.86 inches and the longest dimension perpendicular to the longest dimension of the elliptical shaped void is approximately 0.31 inches. Hence, each elliptical shaped void occupies an area equal to approximately 0.21 square inches. As a result, the plurality of (6) elliptical voids  126  occupies a total of approximately 1.26 square inches which equals approximately 31.4 percent of the surrounding area  220 . 
     Each of the elliptical voids  126   a - 126   f  is approximately centered between the top edge  120   c  and the bottom edge  120   d  and each elliptical void  126   a - 126   f  has a vertical height (span)  238  equal to approximately 0.61 inches. As a result, each elliptical void  126   a - 126   f  spans to within approximately 0.255 inches of the top edge  120   c  and to within approximately 0.255 inches of the bottom edge  120   d.    
     As explained above, the voids  126   a - 126   f  occupy a substantial portion, approximately 31.4 percent of the surrounding area  220  within the outer planar area  120   a  of the first strap  120 . The voids  126   a - 126   f  also span slightly more than half of the total vertical height  230  of the outer planar area  120   a  (surrounding area  220 ) of the first strap  120 . 
     The entire length of the first strap  120  as worn around the head of a wearer is approximately (about) 22.5 inches. The outer planar area  120   a  along the entire length of the first strap  120  is approximately 25.2 square inches. As a result, the voids  126   a - 126   f  occupy a substantial portion, approximately 5.0 percent of the outer planar area  120   a  along the entire length of the first strap  120 . 
     In other embodiments, the voids  126   a - 126   f  of the surrounding area  220  are the only voids included within the first strap  120 , and those voids  126   a - 126   f  occupy approximately 5.0 percent of the outer planar area  120   a  along the entire length of the first strap  120 . Furthermore, the size of each void  126   a - 126   f  can be reduced, and still provide benefits to the portion of the outer head of the wearer adjacent to the surrounding area  220 . For example, the area of the voids could be reduced by an amount, for example 50%, and still provide comfort to the portion of the outer head of the wearer that is adjacent to the surrounding area  220 , while such comfort is provided by voids  126   a - 126   f  having a collective area of less than 5 percent (2.5 percent) of the total outer planar area  120   a  of the first strap  120 . 
     In other embodiments, voids of size equal to one half of the area of the voids  126   a - 126   f  could be located within both the front right and front left forward quadrants to provide comfort to the entire front portion of the front strap  120 . Such embodiments would also have a collective area of 5 percent of the total outer planar area  120   a  of the first strap  120  and would provide substantial strength to supporting an attached device. 
     From a top view perspective of the embodiment shown, the surrounding area  220  is positioned along a forward right quadrant of the head of the wearer of the apparatus  110 . The forward left quadrant (not shown) also includes a surrounding area (not shown) that includes elliptical voids that are equivalent to that of the forward right quadrant (shown). 
     The invention is not limited to particular shapes and arrangements of voids. In other embodiments, other shapes and sizes and arrangements of voids can be included within the first  120  and/or second  130  straps. Nor is the invention limited to overlapping voids as shown in  FIG. 1B . Nor is the invention limited to symmetrical patterns of voids. Optionally, various shapes, sizes and arrangements of voids can be utilized to address different applications (uses and requirements) of the apparatus and to create different stylish appearances and designs of voids along the first  120  and/or second  130  straps. Also, different colors of padding can be disposed adjacent to the voids to also create different stylish appearances and designs, and aesthetic variations that can be customized for individual wearers, in association with their use of the apparatus  110 . 
       FIG. 1C  illustrates a side view of a plurality of circular voids that are located within the outer planar area of a rear quadrant of the first strap. The portion (surrounding area)  250  is defined as that portion of the outer planar area  120   a  that has a shortest length along the length (longest dimension) of the first strap  120 , that extends to the top edge  120   c  and to the bottom edge  120   d  and that also surrounds the plurality of (4) voids  128   a - 128   d.    
     As shown, the plurality of (4) circular voids  128  occupies a more substantial portion of the surrounding area  250 , than the (6) elliptical voids  126  of the surrounding area  220 . Each circle has a diameter equal to approximately 0.86 inches, which is equal to the longest length of each of the elliptical voids  126 . Each circular void  128   a - 128   d  is separated from other circular voids by a distance equal to approximately 0.15 inches. Hence, the width  256  of the surrounding area  250  is equal to approximately 3.89 inches. 
     In the embodiment shown, the height  230  of the surrounding area  220  is equal to the distance between the top edge  120   c  and the bottom edge  120   d  of the first strap  120 , and is equal to approximately 1.12 inches, and the width  256  of the surrounding area in a horizontal direction along the first strap  120  is equal to approximately 3.89 inches. As a result, the area of the surrounding area  220  is approximately 4.36 square inches. 
     The diameter of each circular shaped void is approximately 0.86 inches  268 . Hence, each circular shaped void occupies an area equal to approximately 0.58 square inches. As a result, the plurality of (4) circular voids  128  occupies a total of approximately 2.32 square inches which equals approximately 53.3 percent of the surrounding area  250 . 
     Each of the circular voids  128   a - 128   f  is approximately centered between the top edge  120   c  and the bottom edge  120   d  and each circular void  128   a - 128   f  has a vertical height (span)  238  equal to approximately 0.86 inches. As a result, each circular void  128   a - 128   f  spans to within approximately 0.13 inches  262  of the top edge  120   c  and to within approximately 0.13 inches  264  of the bottom edge  120   d.    
     As quantified above, the voids  128   a - 128   f  occupy a more substantial portion, approximately 53.3 percent of the surrounding area  250  within the outer planar area  120   a  of the first strap  120 , as compared to that of the elliptical voids  126 . The voids  128   a - 128   f  also span slightly more than three-quarters of the total vertical height  230  of the outer planar area  120   a  (surrounding area  250 ) of the first strap  120 . 
     The circular voids  128   a - 128   f  are the result of the removal of more material from the surrounding area  250  of the first strap  120 , than the amount of the removal of material from the surrounding area  220  of the first strap  120 . As a result, the surrounding area  250  has a lighter weight per unit length along the surrounding area  250  of the first strap  120 , and provides more cooling and less resistance to bending than the surrounding area  220  of the first strap  120 . But the surrounding area  250  provides less rigidity and less strength than the surrounding area  220 , because the surrounding area  220  includes more inelastic and rigid material, and less voids. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1A , from a top view perspective, the rear left and rear right quadrants of the first strap  120  include the large circular voids  128  which occupy an even larger percentage of the surrounding area of the rear portion of the first strap  120 , than that described for the surrounding area of the forward left and right quadrants. Because the device  150  is attached to the front portion of the first strap  120 , the front portion of the first strap  120  requires more strength, and less surrounding area of voids, than that of the rear portion of the first strap  120 . 
     In other embodiments, a plurality of voids can be shaped, sized and located in a variety of different ways in order to provide enhanced comfort to the wearer via increased air ventilation and strap flexibility along the contour of the outer surface of the head of the wearer. 
     Preferably, each void has a shape that is curved. Both an ellipse and a circle are curved shapes. An ellipse is a curved shape that is effectively an elongated circle. Like a circle, an ellipse has a curved shape without including an angled corner. A void including an angled corner can increase a likelihood of a tear within the first strap  120  where the tear can travel through the angled corner of the void including it. Hence, a void of a shape including an angled corner is less preferred than a void of a curved shape. 
     In accordance with the invention, a plurality of voids are provided within at least the first strap  120 , and preferably the second strap  130 , to provide more exposure of the surface of the head of the wearer of the apparatus  110  to the flow of air, and further, to provide more flexible hinge points through each of the plurality of voids. A hinge point is a location along the first strap  120  or second strap  130  that is more bendable that other locations along that strap. Because a void removes some of the rigid strap material, there is less rigidity to resist bending of the strap at the location of the void. 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates a close-up partial view of the embodiment of a head worn apparatus of  FIG. 1  as worn on a mannequin. The left front and left rear quadrants are shown from this viewing perspective. 
       FIG. 2B  illustrates a distant view of the embodiment of the head worn apparatus of  FIG. 2A . The left front quadrant and a small portion of the left rear quadrant is shown from this viewing perspective. 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of a disassembled head worn apparatus  310  excluding a second vertical strap  130  like that of  FIG. 1A . As shown, a device  150  is attached to a rigid strap insert  320  that is configured to be inserted into a non-rigid strap  330 . The non-rigid strap  330  includes insertion pockets  332   a  and  332   b . The strap insert  320  is shaped as a planar sheet that is made from high density polyethylene (HDPE), which is a inelastic and substantially rigid material. The strap insert  320  includes ellipse shaped voids  326   a - 326   e  like the ellipse shaped voids  126   a - 126   f  that are included within the rigid and inelastic first strap  120  of the embodiment of  FIG. 1A . The strap insert  320  also includes a plurality (5) of ellipse shaped voids  326   f  along the right hand side of the strap insert  320 . 
     The non-rigid strap  330  has an exterior planar side  330   a  and an interior planar side  330   b . The exterior planar side  330   a  is made from flexible nylon material and the interior planar side  330   b  is made from a flexible fleece material. Both the nylon and fleece material are non-rigid (flexible) and porous (permeable) with respect to the flow of air. 
     The fleece material is designed to make physical contact with the outer surface of the head of the wearer and to provide comfort of the wearer. The exterior  330   a  and interior  330   b  planar sides are sewn together to form the non-rigid strap  330  and to form a pocket  332   a - 332   b  within which the strap insert  320  is inserted. 
     Along a front portion of the non-rigid strap  330 , the non-rigid strap  330  includes, insertion pockets  332   a - 332   b  that are configured (dimensioned) to receive insertion of the rigid strap insert  320 . Upon insertion of the strap insert  320  into the insertion pockets  332   a - 332   b , the strap insert  320  is combined with the non-rigid strap  330  to form a hybrid third strap  340  that is shown in  FIG. 3B . 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates a top perspective view of an assembled head worn apparatus of  FIG. 3A . As assembled and shown, a hybrid third strap  340  is assembled from the strap insert  320  as it is inserted into the non-rigid strap  330 . As a result, the hybrid third strap  340  includes a rigid forward portion  334 , that constitutes a portion of the hybrid third strap  340  within which the rigid strap insert  320  is inserted. The hybrid third strap  340  also includes a non-rigid rear portion  336 , that constitutes a portion of the hybrid third strap  340  excluding the inserted rigid strap insert  320 . 
     The third strap  340  is referred to as a hybrid strap because it includes both rigid  334  and non-rigid  336  portions. The rigid forward portion  334  of the hybrid strap  340  is located within portion constituting approximately a front half, which includes (2) forward quadrants, of the hybrid strap  340 . The non-rigid rear portion  336  of the hybrid strap  340  is located within a portion constituting approximately a rear half, which includes (2) rear quadrants of the hybrid strap  340 . 
     Like the first strap  120  of the apparatus  110  of  FIG. 1A , the third (hybrid) strap  340  is configured to form a first loop around a head of a wearer (not shown) and is configured to have a substantially horizontal orientation when worn by the wearer of the apparatus  110 . Hence, the third (hybrid) strap is also referred to herein and classified as a horizontal strap. 
     As worn by a wearer, ambient air can pass in and out through the nylon of the exterior planar side  330   a , pass in and out through the voids  326 - 326   e  of the strap insert  320  that is located between the nylon exterior planar side  330   a  and pass in and out through the fleece interior planar side  330   b , to cool and dry the outer surface of the head of the wearer of the apparatus via ambient air. 
     Unlike the first strap  120  of the apparatus  110  of  FIG. 1A , there is no vertical second strap  130  that is attached to the third (hybrid) strap  340 , and as a result, the third (hybrid) strap  130  supports the combined weight of the apparatus  110  and the attached device  150 , while both are worn (supported) on the head of the wearer. Hence, the third (hybrid) strap  240  is likely to have more tension and to direct more force around the head of the wearer, so as to secure the device  150  from moving relative to the head of the wearer, in response to movement of the head of the wearer. 
     In some aspects, the invention provides for a head worn apparatus that is configured to attach to and to securely position at least one device. The apparatus comprises at least a first strap that is configured to form a first loop around a head of a wearer of the apparatus, the first loop being shaped to have an outer planar side and an inner planar side and configured to have a substantially horizontal orientation as worn by the wearer; and the first strap includes at least in part or in whole, an inelastic portion that is made from a substantially inelastic material, and wherein the inelastic portion is further configured to include a plurality of voids that are located through the inner and outer planar sides, the plurality of voids occupy a substantial portion of 5% or more of an area of the outer planar side; and where the inelastic portion is configured to attach to and to securely position a device while being worn by the wearer. 
     In some embodiments, the substantially inelastic material is a nylon reinforced plastic which can be shaped via a molding process or cut from pre-molded material. Optionally, the first strap has a length adjustment mechanism. 
     The apparatus can be applied for the delivery of health care, such as where a physician wears the apparatus while performing surgery on a health care patient. Accordingly, the apparatus can be configured to attach to a device that is employed for delivery of health care. The device can function at least in part as a source of light, a viewing scope (receiver of light) or a shield. For example, the device can be a surgical headlight, for example. 
     In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of voids has a shape excluding an angled corner. Optionally, the one or more of said plurality of voids has a an elliptical shape that overlap along a horizontal direction. 
     In some embodiments, the apparatus includes an outer planar side and said inner planar side that are delimited by an upper edge and a lower edge as worn by a wearer, and each of the voids extend towards each of said upper edge and said lower edge and to within proximity of 25% of a distance between each of said upper edge and said lower edge. 
     Optionally, the plurality of voids occupy an area that is greater than or equal to 20 percent of a surrounding portion of area located within an outer planar side of said first strap, the surrounding area being located within proximity of an attachment to said device. Optionally, the plurality of voids occupy an area that is equal to or greater than 30 percent of a surrounding area that is located within an outer planar side of said first strap. 
     In some embodiments, at least a portion of the inner planar surface is configured to attach to a padding material and the padding material is configured to make physical contact with the outer surface of the head of said wearer, when worn by said wearer of the apparatus. Optionally, a Velcro hook material is disposed along said inner planar surface and where said padding includes a Velcro loop material. 
     In some embodiments, the head worn apparatus includes a second (vertical) strap, the second strap has a first and a second end that are each respectively attached to a different first and a second location on the first strap, the second strap being configured to form at least a partial second loop having a substantially vertical orientation around a top portion of the head as worn by the wearer. Optionally, the second strap includes at least in part or in whole, an inelastic portion that is made from a substantially inelastic and rigid material, and the inelastic portion is further configured to include a plurality of voids that are located through inner and outer planar sides within the second strap, the plurality of voids occupy a substantial portion of a surrounding area of the outer planar side of the second strap. 
     In some aspects, the invention provides for a head worn apparatus that is configured to attach to and to securely position at least one device. The apparatus comprises a first strap that is configured to form a first loop around a head of a wearer of the apparatus, the first loop is configured to have a substantially horizontal orientation as worn by the wearer, and a second strap that is configured to form at least a partial second loop having a substantially vertical orientation around a top portion of the head of the wearer of the apparatus, the second strap having a first and a second end that are each respectively attached to a different first and a second location on the first strap, each of the first strap and the second strap being shaped to have an outer planar side and an inner planar side; and the first strap includes at least in part or in whole, an inelastic portion that is made from a substantially inelastic material, and wherein the inelastic portion is further configured to include a plurality of voids that are located through the inner and outer planar sides and where the inelastic portion is configured to attach to and to securely position a device while being worn by the wearer. 
     Optionally, in some embodiments, the second strap includes at least in part or in whole, an inelastic portion that is made from a substantially inelastic material. Further, the second strap includes a plurality of voids that occupy at least a substantial portion that is greater than or equal to 10 percent of a total area of the outer planar side surrounding the voids. Also, the second strap can have a length adjustment mechanism. 
     Optionally, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the inner planar surface of the second strap is configured to attach to a padding material that is configured to make physical contact with the outer surface of the head of the wearer of the apparatus. 
     In another aspect, the invention is a method of securely positioning at least one device relative to a body of a person. The method comprises the steps of providing an apparatus including at least a first strap that is configured to form a first loop around a head of a wearer of the apparatus, the first loop being shaped to have an outer planar side and an inner planar side and configured to have a substantially horizontal orientation as worn by the wearer; and where the first strap includes at least in part or in whole, a rigid portion that is made from a substantially rigid material, and wherein the rigid portion is further configured to include a plurality of voids that are located through the inner and outer planar sides, the plurality of voids occupy a substantial portion of 5% or more of an area of the outer planar side; and where the rigid portion is configured to attach to and to securely position a device while being worn by the wearer. 
     Optionally, in some embodiments of this method, the second strap has a first and a second end that are each respectively attached to a different first and a second location on the first strap, the second strap being configured to form at least a partial second loop having a substantially vertical orientation around a top portion of the head as worn by the wearer. 
     While the present invention has been explained with reference to the structure disclosed herein, it is not confined to the details set forth and this invention is intended to cover any modifications and changes as may come within the scope and spirit of the following claims.