Patent Description:
Often, surgical personnel wear surgical helmets for long durations. The fit and form of the surgical helmet play a large role in maintaining comfort for surgical personnel. To maintain a proper fit, a surgical helmet must be capable of accommodating varying head sizes and physical features of numerous individual surgical personnel. A surgical helmet assembly with features designed to overcome at least the aforementioned challenges is desired. These and other configurations, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The present disclosure is not to be limited to or by these configurations, features, and advantages.

A helmet damping fit system is known from <CIT>. The helmet fit system includes an adjuster including a width adjustment track, and first and second pods movably coupled to the width adjustment track with a first and second support arm. The second pot comprises a lateral offset from the first pod. The fit system further includes a dial movably coupled to the adjuster such that movement of the dial changes a size of the lateral offset between the first pod and the second pod. The fit system further includes a hanger flexibly coupled to both the first pod and the second pod and adapted to allow for adjustment of the lateral offset between the first pod and the second pot. The hanger is further adapted to allow for movement of the first pod and the second pod in a direction substantially perpendicular to the lateral offset without movement of the dial.

<CIT> describes a surgical helmet having an adjustment assembly. The surgical helmet assembly is to be worn by a user during surgical operations and includes a frame assembly having a helmet shell to be worn over the user's head. A fan is coupled to the helmet shell to circulate air around the helmet shell. A headband assembly is coupled to the helmet shell to secure the surgical helmet assembly to the head of the user. The surgical helmet assembly further includes an adjustment assembly to adjust a sagittal fit of the helmet shell and the headband assembly to the head of the user while keeping a center of mass of the frame assembly in close proximity to the head of the user. The surgical helmet assembly further includes another adjustment assembly concentric to the first adjustment assembly to adjust a circumferential fit of the headband assembly to the head of the user.

The present disclosure relates generally to a surgical helmet assembly for mounting to a head of a user during surgical operations.

The present disclosure also provides a surgical helmet for use with a surgical garment configured to define a barrier between a wearer and an external environment. The surgical helmet as defined in claim <NUM> comprises a headband including a front portion, a rear portion and a pair of opposed side portions connecting the front portion to the rear portion, the headband configured to encircle a head of the wearer; a ventilation assembly coupled to the headband, the ventilation assembly configured to draw air through the surgical garment and circulate it about the wearer. The rear portion of the helmet includes: a base member for receiving an end of each of the pair of opposed side portions; a pair of contact surfaces configured to contact the head of the wearer, each of the pair of contact surfaces slidably coupled to one of the side portions; and at least one support member disposed between each of the pair of contact surfaces and the base member, the support member formed from a rigid bracket and configured to offset opposing ends of the pair of contact surfaces proximally from the base member such that the rear portion defines a void between the pair of contact surfaces and the base member of the rear portion of the headband to allow the hair to collect between the head of the wearer and the base member.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The surgical helmet may include an adjustment mechanism/control member disposed on the base member of the rear portion of the headband and configured to alter a circumference of the headband by moving each of the pair of opposed side portions relative to the base member of the rear portion. The combination of the front portion, the rear portion, and the pair of opposed side portions may define a continuous headband. The pair of contact surfaces and the support member may be formed as an integral member of the base member of the rear portion of the headband. The void may include a first void defined laterally between the support member of each of the pair of contact surfaces and a second void defined sagittally between the base member and each of the pair of contact surfaces. The surgical helmet may further comprise a shell, the shell coupled to the headband and configured to at least partially encircle the ventilation assembly. The surgical helmet may also further comprise a head lamp disposed on at least one of the shell and the headband and configured to project a beam of light distally in front of the face of the wearer of the surgical helmet. The surgical helmet may further comprise a bracket coupled to the shell and configured to at least partially encircle the head lamp, the bracket shaped to assist with directing the beam of light from the head lamp distally and away from the wearer. The bracket may be removably coupled to the shell and define a void configured to partially surround the head lamp. The bracket may include a distal edge and opposing proximal edge, the distal edge configured to be positioned adjacent the surgical garment; and a flexible member extending between the proximal edge of the bracket and a housing of the head lamp, the flexible member configured to move with the head lamp to fill a portion of the void between the proximal edge of the bracket and the housing of the head lamp to prevent beam of light from head light from being directed and/or reflected toward the wearer. The surgical helmet may further comprise a lever disposed on the shell, the lever coupled to the housing of the head lamp and manipulatable by the wearer to move the head lamp to direct the beam of light coming from the head lamp. The surgical helmet may further comprise a strap disposed on the front portion of the headband, the strap comprising at least one mounting feature. The shell may comprise a plurality of coupling features configured to removably engage the front mounting feature of the front portion of the headband, the plurality of coupling features incrementally spaced along the shell to provide sagittal adjustment of the front portion of the headband relative to the shell. The front mounting feature may comprise a post and the plurality of coupling features may comprise a plurality of apertures defined in the shell and configured to receive the post and create a friction fit to removably secure the front portion of the headband to the shell. A rear portion of the shell may comprise a pair of posts extending away from a central portion of the shell that encircles the ventilation assembly, the posts spaced laterally from one another to define a void between the pair of posts, wherein the void defined by the pair of posts and the void defined between the pair of contact surfaces of the rear portion of the headband are aligned vertically and configured to allow the hair of the wearer to collect between the head of the wearer and the base member of the rear portion of the headband without interference from the headband or the shell.

In another aspect, a headband of a surgical helmet including an electrically powered assembly is defined in claim <NUM>. The headband comprises a front portion, a pair of opposed side portions, and a rear portion connected to the front portion by the pair of opposed side portions. The combination of the front portion, the pair of opposed side portions, and the rear portion of the headband is configured to encircle a head of the wearer. The rear portion comprises: a base member for receiving an end of each of the pair of opposed side portions; a pair of contact surfaces positioned on opposed sides of a midline of the headband extending between the front and rear portions and configured to contact the head of the wearer, each of the pair of contact surfaces slidably coupled to one of the side portions; and a support member disposed between the pair of contact surfaces and the base member, the support member formed from a rigid bracket and configured to offset the pair of contact surfaces proximally from the base member such that the rear portion defines a void between the pair of contact surfaces and the base member to allow the hair to collect between the head of the wearer and the base member.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The headband may further comprise an adjustment mechanism/control member disposed on the base member, the adjustment mechanism/control member configured to manipulate a position of each of the pair of opposed side portions relative to the base member of the rear portion, i.e., to extend and retract each of the pair of opposed side portions relative to the base member, to alter a circumference of the headband. The pair of contact surfaces and the support member may be formed as an integral member of the base member of the rear portion of the headband. The headband may further comprise a strap disposed on the front portion of the headband, the strap comprising at least one front mounting feature. The front mounting feature of the front portion of the headband may be configured to be removably engaged by a plurality of coupling features of the surgical helmet, the plurality of coupling features incrementally spaced along the surgical helmet to provide sagittal adjustment of the front portion of the headband relative to the surgical helmet.

In another aspect, a method of adjusting a headband of a surgical helmet is defined in claim <NUM>, wherein the headband is embodied as described above and the surgical helmet may be embodied as described above. The method of adjusting comprises manipulating a control member of the headband to adjust a circumference of the headband defined by the combination of the front portion, the pair of opposed side portions, and the rear portion, the manipulation resulting in each of the pair of contact surfaces sliding along one of opposed side portions as the support member maintains the spacing between the pair of contact surfaces and the base member to define a void that allows the hair of a wearer to collect between a head of the wearer and the base member without interference from the base member of the headband.

The method may further comprise repositioning a front mounting feature of the front portion of the headband relative to a plurality of coupling features disposed on a shell of the surgical helmet to manipulate a sagittal position of the front portion of the headband relative to the shell, and/or repositioning a rear mounting feature of the rear portion of the headband relative to a plurality of coupling features disposed on a shell of the surgical helmet to manipulate a sagittal position of the rear portion of the headband relative to the shell.

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

Referring now to the drawings, example illustrations are shown in detail. Although the drawings represent schematic embodiments and/or example configurations, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated to better illustrate and explain an innovative aspect of an example configuration. Furthermore, the example illustrations described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or otherwise limiting or restricting to the precise form and configuration shown in the drawings and disclosed in the following detailed description.

Maintaining a reliable barrier between a healthcare provider and a patient to prevent the exchange and/or transfer of particles or foreign material during a medical procedure or examination is of the utmost importance. During medical and surgical procedures, a healthcare provider may wear an assembly known as a surgical apparel system, such as the surgical apparel system <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

Referring again to <FIG>and <FIG>, an example configuration of the surgical apparel system <NUM> is described in detail. The system may include a surgical garment <NUM> and a surgical helmet <NUM>. The surgical garment <NUM>, which may also be referred to as a medical garment, may be configured as a hood or a toga to be placed over the surgical helmet <NUM>. In the hood configuration, as is illustrated in <FIG>, the surgical garment <NUM> may be positioned over the surgical helmet <NUM> and configured to encompass the surgical helmet <NUM> and, correspondingly, the head of the person wearing the surgical apparel system <NUM>, thereby covering the wearer's face and back of the head. Alternatively, if the surgical garment <NUM> were configured as a toga, the toga may be positioned over the surgical helmet <NUM> and configured to encompass the surgical helmet <NUM> and, correspondingly, the head, arms, shoulders, and torso of the person wearing the surgical apparel system <NUM>. To place the surgical garment <NUM> over the surgical helmet <NUM>, the surgical garment <NUM> will typically be turned inside out as the face shield <NUM> is aligned and affixed to the surgical helmet <NUM> in the manner described below. Once the face shield <NUM> is positioned relative to the surgical helmet <NUM>, the remainder of the surgical fabric <NUM> will typically be pulled over the wearer's head to cover the exposed components of the surgical helmet <NUM> and the wearer's head.

Accordingly, the surgical garment <NUM> may also configured for attachment to a surgical helmet <NUM>. The surgical garment <NUM> is configured to provide a barrier, such as a microbial barrier, between the wearer and the surrounding environment. The barrier created by the surgical garment <NUM> may benefit both the wearer and the patient. The barrier provided by the surgical garment <NUM> may substantially eliminate the likelihood that the wearer may come into contact with fluid or solid particles of matter from the patient that may be generated during the course of a surgical procedure. The barrier may substantially prevent the transfer of any foreign particles emitted by the wearer from being transferred to the patient during the surgical procedure.

Referring to <FIG>, the surgical garment <NUM> may include a surgical fabric <NUM>, which may also be referred to as a shell, configured to cover the surgical helmet <NUM> and at least a portion of the head of the wearer. The surgical garment <NUM> may be configured as a hood, as illustrated in <FIG>. It will be understood that a hood refers to a surgical garment <NUM> that covers the head and likely only extends a short distance below the neck when worn by the wearer. However, while not illustrated in the figures, it is further contemplated that the surgical garment <NUM> may be configured as a toga, a shirt, or a jacket. It will be understood that a toga <NUM> refers to a surgical garment <NUM> that covers the head in the same manner as a hood and extends to at least the waist when worn by the wearer.

The surgical garment <NUM> may be manufactured from any suitable surgical fabric <NUM> or combinations of fabrics to help repel and/or absorb water, debris and other contaminants. The surgical fabric <NUM> may include multiple layers. One such layer may be a microporous film that allows gas to pass through the fabric while still maintaining the microbial barrier.

It is further contemplated that the surgical garment <NUM> may be constructed of multiple different fabrics coupled to one another to define the barrier. For example, the surgical garment <NUM> may be primarily constructed from a barrier surgical fabric <NUM> and a filter fabric <NUM>. The filter fabric <NUM> may be more permeable, and hence more breathable, than the barrier surgical fabric <NUM> described above. The filter fabric <NUM> may be located in an area with a reduced risk of having a microbial particle cross the barrier, such as above the wearer's head or proximate to the crown of the wearer's head, and configured to aid in the circulation of air through the barrier. The barrier surgical fabric <NUM> may be attached to the filter fabric <NUM> using any suitable means, such as adhesive, sewing, welding, or a combination thereof.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the surgical garment <NUM> may further comprise a face shield <NUM>. The face shield <NUM> portion of the surgical garment <NUM> allows the wearer to see through the barrier provided by the surgical garment <NUM>. The face shield <NUM> is generally a sheet-like structure and may have a thickness of approximately <NUM> or less. The face shield <NUM> may be mounted and/or attached to an opening or cut-out formed in the surgical fabric <NUM> of the surgical garment <NUM>. The surgical fabric <NUM> may be attached around the periphery or edge of the face shield <NUM> by sewing, snaps, hook and loop, adhesive, welding, or combinations thereof. The face shield <NUM> may be constructed from a transparent material, such as a polycarbonate. One such polycarbonate is sold under the trademark LEXAN™ by Sabic. The face shield <NUM> of the surgical garment <NUM> may also be tinted to protect the wearer's eyes from heightened exposure to bright lights. Furthermore, the face shield <NUM> may be flexible such that the face shield <NUM> may be curved to accommodate different head sizes as will be described below.

The surgical garment <NUM> may also include one or more attachment elements <NUM> positioned about the surgical garment <NUM>. The attachment elements <NUM> may also be referred to as a garment fastener or a second member. The attachment elements <NUM> are configured to releasably secure the surgical garment <NUM> to the surgical helmet <NUM>. The attachment elements <NUM> may take any suitable form, and may comprise metal tacks, rivets, buttons, magnets, hook and loop, snaps, or similar types of fasteners, alone or in combination. As illustrated in <FIG>, the attachment elements <NUM> may be mounted to the face shield <NUM> of the surgical garment <NUM> so as to extend inwardly from the wearer side of the face shield <NUM>. While not illustrated in the figures, it is also contemplated that the attachment elements <NUM> may be positioned at any other position or location about the surgical garment <NUM>, including being mounted to the barrier surgical fabric <NUM> and/or the filtration fabric <NUM>. The attachment elements <NUM> may be mounted to the face shield <NUM> and/or fabric(s) <NUM>, <NUM> via an adhesive, rivet, snap, similar mounting device, or combination thereof.

Referring to <FIG>, an example configuration of the surgical helmet <NUM> that may be utilized as part of the surgical apparel system <NUM> is illustrated. The surgical helmet <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> includes a headband <NUM>. The headband <NUM> may be configured to encircle the wearer's head and support the surgical helmet <NUM>. The headband <NUM> may be constructed from a generally flexible or pliable material, allowing the headband <NUM> to conform to general shape of the wearer's head.

The headband <NUM> may comprise a rear portion <NUM> that includes a headband control assembly configured to adjust the size/shape of the headband <NUM>. The rear portion <NUM> may comprise a control member <NUM> that is manipulatable by the wearer to adjust the size of the headband <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the control member <NUM> may comprise a rotatable knob or lever. When the wearer rotates the control member <NUM> in one direction, the headband control assembly <NUM> may be configured to reduce the size, i.e., the circumference, of the headband <NUM>. Alternatively, when the wearer rotates the control member <NUM> in the opposite direction, the rear portion <NUM>, which may also be referred to as a control assembly, may be configured to increase the size, i.e., the circumference, of the headband <NUM>. This allows for the headband <NUM> of the surgical helmet <NUM> to be adjusted and/or customized to securely fit on a particular individual's head irrespective of the individual's head size and/or shape.

The surgical helmet <NUM> further includes a housing <NUM> that is supported by and located above the headband <NUM>. The housing may also be referred to as a shell <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may be configured in an arcuate shape to fit over the head of the individual wearing the surgical apparel system <NUM>. Other helmet designs are contemplated. Many portions of the housing <NUM> may be formed to define voids, or open interior spaces. For example, the housing <NUM> may comprise a center void. The center void may be located toward the rear of the housing <NUM>. There may be an intake opening or aperture in the top portion of the housing <NUM> to provide access to the center void. The housing <NUM> may also include additional voids, such as a front void proximate to the front of the housing <NUM> and a rear void proximate to the rear of the housing <NUM>. The additional voids may be configured to form duct-like structures or passageways within the housing <NUM>. The additional voids may even be interconnected to the center void.

The surgical helmet <NUM> may include one or more electrically powered peripheral devices <NUM>, including but not limited to, a ventilation assembly 70A, a light 70B, a camera, microphone or other communication device, cooling device, or combinations thereof. These devices may be mounted to and/or attached at various locations and orientations relative to the surgical helmet <NUM>. Each of the peripheral devices <NUM> may be configured to receive commands that affect the operating state of the corresponding peripheral device. For example, each of the peripheral devices <NUM> can receive on/off commands. Alternatively, the peripheral devices 70may receive commands that change one or more settings of the peripheral devices <NUM>. Such configurations allow the wearer of the surgical helmet <NUM> to control the operating state of the various peripheral devices <NUM> during the surgical procedure. In one specific example, when the peripheral device is a ventilation assembly 70A, the ventilation assembly 70A may be configured to receive various commands to control the actuation and/or adjust the speed of the fan in the ventilation assembly 70A. Alternatively, when the peripheral device <NUM> is a cooling device, the cooling device may be configured to receive commands to control the intensity of the cooling output provided by the cooling strip. When the peripheral device <NUM> is a microphone, the microphone may be configured to receive commands to control the volume of the audible signal produced by the microphone. When the peripheral device70 is a light 70B, the light 70B may be configured to receive commands to control the direction and/or intensity of light emitted. The peripheral devices <NUM> may of course be configured to be responsive to other types of commands that control the operation of the peripheral device <NUM>.

The surgical helmet <NUM> may include a face frame <NUM> coupled to the shell <NUM> and positioned in front the of the wearers face. The face frame <NUM> may include a top beam <NUM> and a chin bar <NUM>, <NUM>. The top beam <NUM> may be coupled to the front portion of the surgical helmet <NUM>, and the chin bar <NUM>, <NUM> may extend downwardly from the top beam <NUM>. The chin bar <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise a pair of post <NUM> that extend away from the top beam <NUM>. The pair of posts <NUM> may be coupled to the top beam <NUM>, wherein the top beam <NUM> is configured to extend across the front of the surgical helmet <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the posts <NUM> may be connected to opposing ends of the top beam <NUM>. The chin bar <NUM>, <NUM> may be constructed from a generally flexible or pliable material.

The chin bar <NUM>, <NUM> may further comprise a bottom beam <NUM> that may extend between the opposed free ends of the posts <NUM>. The chin bar <NUM>, <NUM> is formed so that the bottom beam <NUM> is located below and slightly forward of the chin of the person wearing the surgical helmet <NUM>. The bottom beam <NUM> may be bowed outwardly from the free ends of posts <NUM>. The chin bar <NUM>, <NUM> may extend outwardly from the top beam <NUM> such that the chin bar <NUM>, <NUM> is positioned forward of and generally encircles the face of the wearer when the surgical helmet <NUM> is secured to the wearer's head. Collectively, the combination of the top beam <NUM>, the posts <NUM>, and the bottom beam <NUM> may be referred to as the face frame <NUM>, as they generally define an opening positioned in front of the wearer's face when the surgical helmet is positioned on top of the wearer's head.

A plurality of coupling members <NUM> may be mounted to or dispose on the face frame <NUM>. The coupling members <NUM> comprise magnetic material and are configured to align and/or attach the face shield <NUM> of the surgical garment <NUM> to the surgical helmet <NUM>. Each coupling member <NUM> may be positioned on the face frame <NUM> proximate to the opposed posts <NUM> and/or adjacent opposing ends of the bottom beam <NUM>. Alternatively, the coupling members <NUM> of the surgical helmet <NUM> could be arranged or otherwise configured in any suitable way to cooperate with the complementary attachment elements <NUM> of surgical garment <NUM> to releasably secure the surgical garment <NUM> to the surgical helmet <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the coupling member(s) <NUM> may be positioned on the face frame <NUM> at opposing ends of the lower beam <NUM> proximate where each of the posts <NUM> connects to the lower beam <NUM>. The coupling member(s) <NUM> may also be disposed on the upper beam <NUM> of the face frame <NUM>. The surgical helmet <NUM> and/or the face frame <NUM> may be configured to have any number of coupling members <NUM>. For example, he surgical helmet <NUM> may utilize two coupling members <NUM>. Alternatively, it is also contemplated that the surgical helmet <NUM> may be configured such that the face frame <NUM> comprises a single coupling member <NUM> or, in other configurations, three or more coupling members <NUM> may be spaced about the chin bar <NUM>, <NUM> and/or top beam <NUM>. It is contemplated that other types of coupling members <NUM> may be used in place of and/or in addition to those comprising magnetic materials, such as with a hook and loop fasteners, snaps, coupling members comprising ferromagnetic material, or similar type fasteners. Other configurations are contemplated.

It is further contemplated that the face frame <NUM> may optionally be configured to define one or more recesses <NUM>. The face frame <NUM> may comprise a recess <NUM> configured to receive the coupling feature <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the coupling member <NUM> may be positioned within the recess <NUM> defined by the face frame <NUM>, such that the distal surface of the coupling member <NUM> is positioned proximally to a distal surface <NUM> of the face frame <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, an example configuration of the surgical helmet <NUM> including a headband <NUM> with a hair management system is illustrated. An example configuration of the headband <NUM> is further illustrated in <FIG> separated from the helmet <NUM>. The headband <NUM> includes a front portion <NUM>, rear portion <NUM>, and pair of opposing side portions <NUM> connecting the front portion <NUM> to the rear portion <NUM>. The front portion <NUM> may be formed from a soft and/or flexible material such as a foam padding or plastic strap configured to form to the wearer's head when the helmet is worn. This can provide both adjustably across multiple wearer's and provide comfort to the wearer as the headband <NUM> supports the helmet <NUM> about the wearer's head.

The front portion <NUM> of the headband <NUM> may also comprises a strap, bracket, strip of material or similar member for removably coupling the front portion <NUM> of the headband <NUM> to the shell <NUM> of the surgical helmet <NUM>. The strap <NUM> may comprise an aperture <NUM> or similar coupling feature corresponding to a reciprocal coupling feature of the helmet <NUM>, such as post or post or pin configured to create a snap fit with the aperture <NUM> of the strap <NUM>.

The side portion(s) <NUM> may be formed from a generally pliable and/or flexible material such as a plastic polymer. The side portions <NUM> may define a strap that connects the front portion <NUM> to the rear portion <NUM>. The side portions <NUM> may further be formed to define teeth or a similar adjustment feature that allows for the circumference of the headband <NUM> to be adjusted to fit the wearer's head. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the side portions <NUM> may define teeth that interact a gear of the rear portion <NUM> of the headband <NUM>. The rear portion <NUM> may be configured such that the wearer may manipulate the control member <NUM> to control the gear, which in turn manipulates the position of one or both of the side portions <NUM> relative to the rear portion. For example, rotating the control member <NUM> in one direction may cause the gear of the rear portion <NUM> to engage the teeth of the side portion(s) <NUM> to extend the side portions away from the rear portion <NUM> and increasing the circumference of the headband <NUM>. Alternatively, rotating the control member <NUM> in the opposite direction may cause the gear of the rear portion <NUM> to engage the teeth of the side portion(s) <NUM> to retract the side portions <NUM> toward the rear portion <NUM> and decrease the circumference of the headband <NUM>. In another configuration of the headband <NUM>, the side portion(s) <NUM> may be formed from a stretchable material that allows the headband <NUM> to stretch to fit the wearer's head. As illustrated in the figures, the front portion <NUM> and rear portion <NUM> are shown as separable components coupled to one another, however, it is further contemplated that the front portion <NUM> and the side portion(s) <NUM> may be constructed a single or unitary piece that is coupled to the rear portion <NUM>.

According to the invention, the rear portion <NUM> comprises a base member <NUM> and two or more contact surfaces 52A, 52B. The contact surfaces are connected to the base member <NUM> by a support member <NUM>. The contact surfaces are shaped and/ or positioned to contact the head of the wearer. The contact surfaces may also comprise a bracket <NUM>. A bracket <NUM> of each of the contact surfaces 52A, 52B may at least partially encircle one of the side portions <NUM>. The bracket <NUM> may be configured to allow the respective side portion <NUM> to slide within the respective bracket <NUM> allowing the bracket <NUM> to slidably move along the length of the side portion <NUM>.

According to the invention, the support member <NUM> of the rear portion <NUM> is formed from a generally rigid bracket, bar, brace, shaft, rib, or the like configured to space the contact surfaces 52A, 52B from the base <NUM>. The support member <NUM> may be separably coupled to one or both of the contact surfaces 52A, 52B or the base <NUM>. Alternatively, the support member <NUM> may be a unitarily formed with the contact surfaces 52A, 52B and the base <NUM>. The contact surfaces and the support member <NUM> are arranged to define a void <NUM> between the contact surface 52A, 52B and the base <NUM> of the rear portion <NUM>. The void <NUM> defined by the support member(s) <NUM> between the contact surfaces 52A, 52B and the base <NUM> laterally spaces the base <NUM> from the head of the wearer to allow hair worn at the back of the wearers head, such as in a ponytail, to fit and/or fall between the wearer's head and the base <NUM> of the rear portion <NUM>.

The rear portion <NUM> of the headband <NUM> may further comprises a rear mounting feature <NUM> for removably attaching the headband <NUM> to the housing <NUM> of the helmet <NUM>. The mounting feature <NUM> may comprise a coupling feature <NUM>, such as a plurality of apertures. As illustrated in <FIG>, the coupling feature <NUM> of the mounting feature <NUM> of the headband <NUM> may be configured to engage the complementary attachment feature <NUM> of the helmet <NUM> described above. Alternatively, the mounting feature <NUM> may include a coupling feature comprising a hook and loop fastener, slot, post, or similar fastener for engaging the complementary attachment feature of the helmet <NUM> to removably attach the headband <NUM> to the housing <NUM> of the helmet <NUM>.

Referring back to <FIG> and <FIG>, the combination of the headband <NUM> and the housing <NUM> may be further configured to provide a hair management system that seeks to provide additional functionality and comfort for wearer's that may have longer hair and/or wear their hair in a ponytail. To accommodate individuals with longer hair, in addition to the void <NUM> defined by the headband <NUM> between the contact surfaces 52A, 52B and the base <NUM> of the rear portion, the housing <NUM> may be shaped to define a second void <NUM> in the rear of the helmet <NUM>. The void <NUM> may be positioned and/or configured to receive a ponytail of hair or a similar hair styling. The first void <NUM> defined by the headband <NUM> and the second void <NUM> defined by the housing <NUM> may be oriented and/or aligned relative to one another such that the combination of the first and second voids <NUM>, <NUM> provide additional comfort to the user for various hair lengths and/or stylings.

The housing <NUM> may also include the attachment feature <NUM> described above for removably securing the headband <NUM> to the housing <NUM>. The attachment feature <NUM> may comprise a hook and loop fastener, slot, post, or similar fastener mechanism corresponding to the coupling feature <NUM> of the mounting feature <NUM> of the headband <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the attachment feature <NUM> may comprise post or protrusion extending from the housing <NUM>. This may be configured to be positioned in an aperture <NUM> of the headband <NUM>. Alternatively, the attachment feature <NUM> may comprise an aperture configured to receive a complementary post on the headband <NUM>. The combination of the mounting feature <NUM> may also configured to provide a sizing functionality. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the mounting feature <NUM> may comprises a plurality of apertures <NUM> spaced apart and sized to engage the complementary attachment feature <NUM> of the helmet <NUM> so that the rear portion <NUM> of the headband <NUM> may be spaced at varying distances from the housing <NUM>. This may be done to accommodate the positioning of the housing <NUM> and/or the headband <NUM> relative to the wearers head, a specific type of hairdo, the location of the wearers ponytail on their head, the size of the wearer's head, and/or other related wearer preference(s).

<FIG> shows a headband <NUM> further comprising an alternative coupling member <NUM>. The coupling member <NUM> may optionally be coupled to and or disposed on the strap <NUM> of the front portion <NUM> of the headband and configured to removably couple the head band to the surgical helmet <NUM>, and more specifically the housing <NUM> of the surgical helmet <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, an alternative configuration of a surgical helmet <NUM> is illustrated including the headband <NUM>. It should be noted, that features of the helmet <NUM> may any include any and/or all of the features illustrated and described above with reference to <FIG>. Common components or features in the alternative configuration of the helmet will include a leading <NUM> in the reference number, i.e. <NUM> and <NUM> correspond to common components including similar features and/or functions across both configuration of the surgical helmet <NUM>, <NUM>.

The helmet <NUM> may include a housing <NUM> and a headband <NUM> for supporting the housing <NUM> on the wearer's head. The helmet <NUM> may also comprise a face frame <NUM> defined by an upper beam <NUM>, post(s) <NUM>, and a lower beam <NUM> similar to the face frame <NUM> described above.

The housing <NUM> of the helmet may also optionally including a coupling feature <NUM>. The coupling feature <NUM> may be configured to engage the correspond coupling feature <NUM>, <NUM> of the headband <NUM>. For example, the coupling feature <NUM> may be an aperture defined in the underside of the housing <NUM> and configured to engage the correspond coupling feature <NUM> of the headband <NUM> that is defined as a post. Alternatively, coupling feature <NUM> may be a post extending from the underside of the housing <NUM> and configured to engage the correspond coupling feature <NUM> of the headband <NUM> defined as an aperture in the strap <NUM>. While reciprocal post and/or apertures configured to a create a snap of press fit are illustrated in the figures, alternative means of coupling the headband <NUM> to the housing <NUM> and/or helmet <NUM> are contemplated. For example, the coupling features <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured as hook and loop, snaps, complementary magnetic and ferromagnetic members, or similar fasteners.

Referring to <FIG>, a plurality of coupling features <NUM> may be disposed on and/or spaced along the housing <NUM>. The plurality of coupling features <NUM> may be incrementally spaced along the housing <NUM> to allow the complementary coupling feature <NUM>, <NUM> of the headband <NUM> to be attached to the housing <NUM> at different locations. This will allow for the placement of the housing to be sagittaly adjusted relative to the headband <NUM>, and by extension the wearer's head to provide for additional comfort and/or functionality. For example, repositioning the housing <NUM> relative to the headband using the coupling features <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may allow for the center of mass of the housing <NUM> to be more optimally placed above the wearer's head creating less strain on the wearer's neck and/or spine. Additionally, repositioning the housing <NUM> relative to the headband using the coupling features <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may allow the user to optimize their field of vision by reducing or removing potential interferences with the wearer's vision created by the position of the housing <NUM> and/or the face frame <NUM> relative to the wearer's eyes.

Referring to <FIG>, the face frame <NUM> and the housing <NUM> of the surgical helmet <NUM> may be configured to accommodate a peripheral device 70B. The peripheral device 70B illustrated <FIG> is a light assembly 70B coupled to the helmet <NUM> and include a light element <NUM>. The light assembly 70B may be mounted to an outer surface of the housing <NUM>, face frame <NUM>, or another portion of the surgical helmet <NUM>. The light assembly 70B may support and/or position the light element <NUM> in a location to the illuminate the area in view the wearer of the helmet <NUM>. All or portions of the light assembly 70B may be removably coupled to the helmet <NUM>. Alternatively, the light assembly 70B may be permanently affixed to and/or formed as a unitary part of the helmet <NUM>.

The light assembly 70B may also comprise a light shroud <NUM> coupled to and/or disposed on the helmet <NUM> and/or face frame <NUM> to at least partially encircle the light element <NUM>. The light shroud <NUM> may be spaced a distance from the periphery of the light element <NUM> to allow the light element <NUM> to move within and/or relative to the light shroud <NUM>. The light shroud <NUM> may be removably coupled to the helmet <NUM>, housing <NUM>, and/or face frame <NUM>. The light shroud <NUM> may also be separable from the other components of the light assembly 70B. The light shroud <NUM> may be coupled to the housing <NUM>, and/or face frame <NUM> by a snap-fit, friction-fit, screw, bolt, hook and loop, and/or similar fastener. Alternatively, the light shroud <NUM> may be formed as a unitary part of the housing <NUM>, and/or face frame <NUM> of the surgical helmet <NUM>. The light assembly 70B may be configured to position the light element proximate and/or adjacent the face shield <NUM> of the surgical garment <NUM>. The light shroud may similarly have a distal edge positioned adjacent the face shield <NUM> and configured to prevent any glare and/or reflection created from the light element <NUM> on the face shield from reflecting back into the wearer of the helmet's <NUM> eyes.

The light assembly 70B may further comprise a pliable member <NUM> that extends between the proximal end of the light shroud <NUM> and the light element <NUM> to fill any gap between the proximal end of the light shroud <NUM> and the light element <NUM>. The pliable member <NUM> may be coupled to one of or both the light shroud <NUM> and/or the light element <NUM>. The pliable member <NUM> covers the gap between the light shroud <NUM> and the light element <NUM> while still allowing the light element <NUM> to move relative to the light shroud.

Referring to <FIG>, the light assembly 70B may further comprise a control member <NUM> configured to reposition the light element <NUM>. The control member may be a button, switch, or rocker. The control member <NUM> may be coupled to a gear <NUM> including a plurality of teeth <NUM>. The control member <NUM> ay be configured to rotate the gear <NUM> about a pivot <NUM> when the control member <NUM> is manipulated by the wearer.

The light assembly 70B may comprise a frame <NUM> in engage with the teeth <NUM> of the gear <NUM>. The frame <NUM> may further comprise a detent <NUM> that is biased to engage the teeth <NUM> of the gear <NUM> to resist the rotation of the gear <NUM>, and by extension the control member <NUM>, absent a force being applied to the control member <NUM> by the wearer.

A bracket <NUM> may be coupled to the control member <NUM> and the light element <NUM>, with the bracket <NUM> configured to manipulate the position of the light element <NUM> based on the wearer's positioning of the control member <NUM>.

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

Claim 1:
A surgical helmet (<NUM>) for use with a surgical garment (<NUM>) configured to define a barrier between a wearer and an external environment, the surgical helmet (<NUM>) comprising:
a headband (<NUM>) including a front portion (<NUM>), a rear portion (<NUM>) and a pair of opposed side portions (<NUM>) connecting the front portion (<NUM>) to the rear portion (<NUM>), the headband (<NUM>) being configured to encircle a head of the wearer;
a ventilation assembly (70A) coupled to the headband (<NUM>), the ventilation assembly (70A) being configured to draw air through the surgical garment (<NUM>) and circulate it about the wearer;
wherein the rear portion (<NUM>) comprises:
a base member (<NUM>) for receiving an end of each of the pair of opposed side portions (<NUM>);
characterized in that the rear portion (<NUM>) further comprises:
a pair of contact surfaces (52A, 52B) configured to contact the head of the wearer, each of the pair of contact surfaces (52A, 52B) being slidably coupled to one of the side portions (<NUM>); and
at least one support member (<NUM>) disposed between each of the pair of contact surfaces (52A, 52B) and the base member (<NUM>), the support member (<NUM>) being formed from a rigid bracket and configured to offset opposing ends of the pair of contact surfaces (52A, 52B) proximally from the base member (<NUM>) such that the rear portion (<NUM>) defines a void (<NUM>, <NUM>) between the pair of contact surfaces (52A, 52B) and the base member (<NUM>) of the rear portion (<NUM>) of the headband (<NUM>) to allow hair to collect between the head of the wearer and the base member (<NUM>).