Patent Description:
Spatial computing headsets, including virtual reality and augmented reality headsets, have proven invaluable for many applications, spanning the fields of scientific visualization, medicine and military training, engineering design and prototyping, tele-manipulation and tele-presence, and personal entertainment systems. In spatial computing headsets, virtual or augmented scenes are displayed to a user via an optics assembly that is positionable and securable to a user's head in front of the user's eyes. Many different systems and techniques exist for securing such optics assemblies to a user's head, including various headband structures with mechanisms for fit adjustment. However, such systems and techniques may suffer from various drawbacks. For example, known fit adjustment mechanisms may be overly complex, bulky, lack precision and/or include a limited range of motion.

<CIT> discloses a spatial computing headset according to the preamble of claim <NUM>. Improvements remain, however, desirable.

<CIT> discloses an eyeglass frame with an expandable band system.

The invention is directed to a spatial computing headset according to claim <NUM>, which has flexible and conformable form factors that enable users to reliably secure such wearable devices in place. Further, in the context of spatial computing headsets with an optics assembly supported by opposing temple arms, the expandable band systems provide protection against over-extension of the temple arms or extreme deflections that may otherwise arise from undesirable torsional loading of the temple arms (e.g., twisting one temple arm up and one temple arm down).

In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures associated with spatial computing headsets and fit adjustment systems for securing the same to a user have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments.

Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word "comprise" and variations thereof, such as, "comprises" and "comprising" are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense that is as "including, but not limited to.

<FIG> show one example embodiment of an expandable band system <NUM> to assist in securing a wearable device to a user. In particular, and with reference to <FIG>, the expandable band system <NUM> is provided for securing a spatial computing headset <NUM> to a user's head. The spatial computing headset <NUM> includes an optics assembly <NUM> supported by a pair of temple arms <NUM>, <NUM>. Well-known structures and devices associated with spatial computing headsets (e.g., optical components and internal electronic circuitry) are not shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments disclosed herein. The example wearable device shown in <FIG> is nonlimiting, and embodiments may be employed in other suitable (e.g., wearable) device arrangements.

Notably, the temple arms <NUM>, <NUM> of the example headset <NUM> are movably coupled to the optics assembly <NUM> at joints <NUM>, <NUM>. Such joints <NUM>, <NUM> may include a hinge mechanism or other movable joint (not visible) that enables the temple arms <NUM>, <NUM> to move relative to the optics assembly <NUM> in one or more directions and within a limited range of motion. For instance, the example headset <NUM> includes hinges at joints <NUM>, <NUM> with associated stops that enable the temple arms <NUM> to spread outwardly (i.e., away from a sagittal plane of the user) about twenty degrees from the retracted configuration R shown in <FIG> to the expanded configuration E shown in <FIG>. The hinges may include one or more biasing members (e.g., torsional springs) that urge the temple arms <NUM>, <NUM> back toward the retracted configuration R shown in <FIG> which may act in coordination with the expandable band systems described herein. In other instances, the hinges may lack such biasing members.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the expandable band system <NUM> of the illustrated embodiment is coupled to and spans between aft ends of the temple arms <NUM>, <NUM>. The expandable band system <NUM> includes a pair of sheath assemblies 102a, 102b and an inner band assembly <NUM> (visible in <FIG>) that is movably coupled to and spans between the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b. As will be described in more detail elsewhere herein, the inner band assembly <NUM> includes a pair of biasing mechanisms 116a, 116b (<FIG>) that are coupled to the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b for moving (i.e., biasing) the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b towards the retracted configuration R shown in <FIG>. The expandable band system <NUM> is movable between the retracted configuration R, in which the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b are apposed (e.g., relatively closer together), and the expanded configuration E shown in <FIG>, in which the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b are separated (e.g., relatively further apart).

Conveniently, in operation, a user may spread the temple arms <NUM>, <NUM> of the spatial computing headset <NUM> to the configuration shown in <FIG>, whereby the movement of the temple arms <NUM>, <NUM> causes the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b to separate and the inner band assembly <NUM> to withdraw from the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b against the force of the biasing mechanisms 116a, 116b. The user can then position the headset <NUM> for use with the optics assembly <NUM> located in front of the user's eyes and with the temple arms <NUM>, <NUM> extending past the user's temples, and then allow the temple arms <NUM>, <NUM> to retract toward the retracted configuration R shown in <FIG> until the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b (and/or the temple arms <NUM>, <NUM>) contact the user's head and apply a retention force thereto to assist in securing the headset <NUM> in place. In this manner, the expandable band system <NUM> is configured to at least partially assist in moving/biasing the temple arms <NUM>, <NUM> toward each other. In some instances, the expandable band system <NUM> may provide the sole means of moving/biasing the temple arms <NUM>, <NUM> toward each.

Further, according to the example embodiment, the expandable band system <NUM> is flexible and conformable to a user's head to provide a generally uniform retention force, which enhances product stability, fit and/or comfort. Advantageously, the expandable band system <NUM> is also configured to resist over-extension and extreme deflection of the temple arms <NUM>, <NUM> by providing substantial resistance and/or hard stops to undesirable movement of the temple arms <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the expandable band system <NUM> may reduce and/or counteract torsional loads that may otherwise be transferred to the optics assembly <NUM> via the joints <NUM>, <NUM> when twisting one temple arm <NUM> up and one temple arm <NUM> down, as represented by the arrows labeled F1 and F2 in <FIG>. This can be advantageous in that the expandable band system <NUM> can therefore assist in preventing damage to vulnerable components of the optics assembly <NUM> that might otherwise result from such torsional loading.

Further details of the expandable band system <NUM> will now be described with reference to <FIG>, wherein: <FIG> shows the expandable band system <NUM> in the retracted configuration and isolated from the remainder of the spatial computing headset <NUM>; <FIG> shows the expandable band system <NUM> with inner pads 104a, 104b of the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b of the expandable band system <NUM> removed to reveal underlying components, including the inner band assembly <NUM>; <FIG> shows the inner band assembly <NUM> isolated from the remainder of the expandable band system <NUM>, and with an outer portion <NUM> of a band-like enclosure <NUM> of the inner band assembly cut back to reveal underlying components; <FIG> shows the inner band assembly <NUM> with an inner portion <NUM> of band-like enclosure <NUM> removed to reveal underlying components; and <FIG> shows internal guiding structures 105a, 105b of the expandable band system <NUM> that assist in guiding the inner band assembly <NUM> as the system <NUM> moves between the retracted configuration R and the expanded configuration E.

With reference to <FIG>, the illustrated embodiment of the expandable band system <NUM> includes opposing sheath assemblies 102a, 102b (collectively <NUM>), which in the retracted configuration R of the expandable band system <NUM>, abut each other at seam location <NUM> to form a generally continuous band or band-like form factor with the inner band assembly <NUM> concealed therein. Each sheath assembly 102a, 102b includes an inner pad 104a, 104b for engaging the user's head (or other body part) and an outer cover 103a, 103b. Outer cover 103a, 103b and inner pad 104a, 104b collectively define an enclosure for internal components of the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b. The sheath assemblies 102a, 102b further include a mounting arrangement <NUM> (e.g., threaded inserts) for securing the expandable band system <NUM> to the temple arms <NUM>, <NUM> of the spatial computing headset <NUM> of <FIG> (or to other wearable devices).

With reference to <FIG>, a plurality of cage elements 109a, 109b are provided beneath the inner pads 104a, 104b of each sheath assembly. The cage elements 109a, 109b collectively define a cage structure that at least partially surrounds a respective end of the band-like enclosure <NUM> of the inner band assembly <NUM> when the system <NUM> is in the retracted configuration R, and which assists in guiding the band-like enclosure <NUM> as it moves between the retracted configuration R and the expanded configuration E. Notably, for each sheath assembly 102a, 102b, the plurality of cage elements 109a, 109b are spaced apart along a length of the sheath assembly 102a, 102b to enable the sheath assembly 102a, 102b to flex and assume a different curvature profile, while at the same time providing structural integrity to the expandable band system <NUM>.

Each sheath assembly 102a, 102b of the example embodiment further includes an internal guiding structure 105a, 105b, which is shown in greater detail in <FIG>. The internal guiding structure 105a, 105b and the plurality of cage elements 109a, 109b of each sheath assembly 102a, 102b collectively define a respective band receiving passageway for accommodating one of the opposing ends of the band-like enclosure <NUM> of the inner band assembly <NUM>. The internal guiding structure 105a, 105b and the plurality of cage elements 109a, 109b may be rigid components that exhibit little to no deformation during operation. The internal guiding structure 105a, 105b and the plurality of cage elements 109a, 109b of each sheath assembly 102a, 102b may be said to provide the sheath assembly 102a, 102b with a rigid skeletal structure.

Each sheath assembly 102a, 102b of the example embodiment further includes an end cap 107a, 107b, which includes an aperture through which a respective end of the band-like enclosure <NUM> passes. The end caps 107a, 107b may abut each other when the expandable band system <NUM> is in the retracted configuration R, and may provide a stop for establishing said retracted configuration R.

With reference to <FIG>, the inner band assembly <NUM> includes the aforementioned pair of biasing mechanisms 116a, 116b and the band-like enclosure <NUM>. Each biasing mechanism 116a, 116b includes a fixed end 122a, 122b and a floating end 124a, 124b opposite the fixed end 122a, 122b. Each fixed end 122a, 122b protrudes from a respective end of the band-like enclosure <NUM> and is fixedly secured to a respective one of the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b, as shown in <FIG>. For this purpose, each fixed end 122a, 122b may be provided with a fastening element for securing the fixed ends 122a, 122b of the biasing mechanisms 116a, 116b to the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b. For example, the fixed end 122a, 122b of the example embodiment includes a fastening anchor with an internal cavity sized to engage a corresponding protrusion of the internal guiding structure 105a, 105b of the sheath assembly 102a, 102b to which it is fixed. The fastening anchor further includes an aperture to receive a threaded fastener to retain the fastening anchor in place. In contrast, the floating end 124a, 124b of each biasing mechanism 116a, 116b is contained within the band-like enclosure <NUM> and is free to move relative to the band-like enclosure <NUM> as the system <NUM> transitions between the retracted configuration R and the expanded configuration E.

With continued reference to <FIG>, each biasing mechanism 116a, 116b further includes an elongated compression spring 118a, 118b (e.g., a metal compression spring) and a flexible filament 120a, 102b (e.g., a metal cable) extending through the elongated compression spring 118a, 118b. Each flexible filament 120a, 102b includes a spring stop at the floating end 124a, 124b, which abuts or is otherwise adjacent to one end of the corresponding compression spring 118a, 118b, as shown in the enlarged detail view of <FIG>. The other end of each compression spring 118a, 118b is provided with or abuts a corresponding collar that is displaceable along a length of the flexible filament 120a, 102b as the band-like enclosure <NUM> is withdrawn from the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b as the system <NUM> transitions between the retracted configuration R and the expanded configuration E. More particularly, as the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b move toward the expanded configuration E, the band-like enclosure <NUM> is withdrawn from the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b and simultaneously compresses each of the compression springs 118a, 118b by pulling the collar toward the floating end 124a, 124b. Conversely, as the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b are allowed to move back toward the retracted configuration R, the band-like enclosure <NUM> retreats back into the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b and relieves the compression of the springs 118a, 118b. As shown in <FIG>, the biasing mechanisms 116a, 116b may be provided in a parallel relationship and the orientation of each biasing mechanism 116a, 116b may be the opposite of each other. In addition, each biasing mechanism 116a, 116b may extend at least a majority of a length of the expandable band system <NUM> or nearly an entire length of the expandable band system <NUM> (e.g., greater than <NUM>%, <NUM>% or <NUM>% of the entire length).

With continued reference to <FIG>, the band-like enclosure <NUM> includes a respective compression spring passageway 115a, 115b for each elongated compression spring 118a, 118b to assist in preventing the elongated compression springs 118a, 118b from buckling as the system <NUM> moves from the retracted configuration R to the expanded configuration E. The compression spring passageways 115a, 115b may be formed, for example, in an inner portion <NUM> of the enclosure <NUM>, as shown in the enlarged detail view of <FIG>, and capped by an outer portion <NUM> of the enclosure <NUM>. Conversely, the compression spring passageways 115a, 115b may be formed in the outer portion <NUM> of the enclosure <NUM> and capped by the inner portion <NUM> of the enclosure <NUM>. In either event, it may be said that the compression spring passageways 115a, 115b are formed collectively by opposing portions of the enclosure <NUM>. Still further, in other instances, the band-like enclosure <NUM> of the inner band assembly <NUM> may be formed integrally as a one-piece structure with compression spring passageways 115a, 115b provided therein. The band-like enclosure <NUM> may be semi-rigid to provide a flexible component that also provides some structural rigidity to resist buckling of the compression springs 118a, 118b during operation. The band-like enclosure <NUM> may comprise, for example, a flexible silicone material.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the inner band assembly <NUM> is slidably received in the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b to slidably extend from the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b as the expandable band system <NUM> moves from the retracted configuration R to the expanded configuration E. The biasing mechanisms 116a, 116b contained in the inner band assembly <NUM> are fixedly coupled at one end to the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b and arranged to urge the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b together towards the retracted configuration R. Again, as the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b move toward the expanded configuration E, such as by a user spreading the temple arms <NUM>, <NUM> of the headset <NUM>, the band-like enclosure <NUM> of the inner band assembly <NUM> is withdrawn from the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b and simultaneously compresses each of the elongated compression springs 118a, 118b. The stored energy in the compression springs 118a, 118b then acts to move the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b back together towards the retracted configuration R when the temple arms <NUM>, <NUM> are released by the user. The expandable band system <NUM> then conforms to a profile of the user's head and secures the headset <NUM> in place to maintain proper registration/alignment of the wearable device.

With reference now to <FIG>, the expandable band system <NUM> may in some instances further include a braking device between at least one of the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b and the band-like enclosure <NUM> of the inner band assembly <NUM> to resist movement of the band-like enclosure <NUM> relative to the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b. For example, the braking device may include an engagement member <NUM>, in this case a portion of the inner pad 104a, that is positioned nearly in contact with the band-like enclosure <NUM> and then urged into contact with band-like enclosure <NUM> as the user-facing pad 104a is compressed via engagement with the user. In this manner, when the expandable band system <NUM> is placed on the head and the user's head compresses the inner pad 104a, the engagement member <NUM> of the pad 104a, which serves as the braking device, then contacts the moving band-like enclosure <NUM>, providing a braking force which would increase if the user pressed the expandable band system <NUM> in manually to provide a more snug fit. This would allow the user to implement a higher retention force than what can be provided by the compression springs 118a, 118b alone. When the user removes the expandable band system <NUM>, the braking force would be removed and allow the expandable band system <NUM> to return naturally to the initial, non-braked state, namely, the retracted configuration R shown in <FIG>.

With reference now to <FIG>, the expandable band system <NUM> may in some instances further include a lock device between at least one of the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b and the band-like enclosure <NUM> of the inner band assembly <NUM> to prevent movement of the band-like enclosure <NUM> relative to the sheath assemblies 102a, 102b. For example, the lock device may include a push-button lock <NUM> on a backside of the sheath assembly 102a which may be selectively actuated by the user to engage one of a plurality of detents <NUM> in the band-like enclosure <NUM> to lock the position of the expandable band system <NUM> in a desired intermediate configuration. In this manner, a user may adjust the fit of the expandable band system <NUM> and then lock the expandable band system <NUM> in a desired configuration.

Although embodiments disclosed herein are predominately described in the context of a spatial computing headset <NUM> with an associated expandable band system <NUM>, it is appreciated that features and aspects of the expandable band systems <NUM> may be incorporated in other wearable devices not according to the claimed invention, such as, for example, smartwatches. However, it is also appreciated that embodiments of the expandable band systems <NUM> disclosed herein are particularly well adapted for use with headwear including temple arms to limit undesirable displacement or deformation of such temple arms.

Claim 1:
A spatial computing headset (<NUM>), comprising:
an optics assembly (<NUM>);
a pair of temple arms (<NUM>, <NUM>) movably coupled to the optics assembly (<NUM>); and
an expandable band system (<NUM>) to assist in securing the spatial computing headset (<NUM>) to a head of a user, the expandable band system (<NUM>) spanning between aft ends of the temple arms (<NUM>, <NUM>);
characterized in that the expandable band system (<NUM>) comprises:
a pair of sheath assemblies (102a, 102b); and
an inner band assembly (<NUM>) movably coupled to and spanning between the sheath assemblies (102a, 102b), the inner band assembly (<NUM>) including a pair of biasing mechanisms (116a, 116b) coupled to the pair of sheath assemblies (102a, 102b) and configured to move the pair of sheath assemblies (102a, 102b) together towards a retracted configuration, and
wherein the expandable band system (<NUM>) is movable between the retracted configuration, in which the pair of sheath assemblies (102a, 102b) are apposed, and an expanded configuration, in which the pair of sheath assemblies (102a, 102b) are separated,
wherein each biasing mechanism (116a, 116b) includes a fixed end (122a, 122b) and a floating end (124a, 124b) disposed opposite the fixed end, and wherein the fixed end (122a, 122b) is fixedly secured to one of the pair of the sheath assemblies (102a, 102b),
wherein each biasing mechanism (116a, 116b) includes an elongated compression spring (118a, 118b) and a flexible filament (120a, 120b) extending through the elongated compression spring (118a, 118b), the flexible filament (120a, 120b) including a spring stop disposed at the floating end (124a, 124b) of the biasing mechanism (116a, 116b), and
wherein the inner band assembly (<NUM>) further includes a band-like enclosure (<NUM>) that surrounds the elongated compression springs (118a, 118b) of the biasing mechanisms (116a, 116b).