PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-12147053-B2
Application Number: US-202318470408-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Removable facial interface

Abstract:
A removable facial interface for a head-mountable device (HMD) is disclosed. In an example, an HMD includes a display; a facial interface frame at least partially surrounding the display; a removable facial interface attached to the facial interface frame; a first attachment mechanism attached to one of the facial interface frame or the removable facial interface; and a second attachment mechanism attached to the other of the facial interface frame or the removable facial interface, the removable facial interface being attached to the facial interface frame by the first attachment mechanism and the second attachment mechanism.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A head-mountable device (HMD) comprising:
 a display; 
 a facial interface frame at least partially surrounding the display; 
 a removable facial interface attached to the facial interface frame and configured to contact a user&#39;s face, the facial interface frame disposed between the removable facial interface and the display; 
 a first attachment mechanism attached to one of the facial interface frame or the removable facial interface; and 
 a second attachment mechanism attached to the other of the facial interface frame or the removable facial interface, the removable facial interface attached to the facial interface frame by the first attachment mechanism and the second attachment mechanism. 
 
     
     
       2. The HMD of  claim 1 , wherein the first attachment mechanism and the second attachment mechanism comprise magnets. 
     
     
       3. The HMD of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first attachment mechanism comprises a spherical magnetic receptacle; and 
 the second attachment mechanism comprises a spherical magnet. 
 
     
     
       4. The HMD of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first attachment mechanism comprises a capsule-dished magnetic receptacle; and 
 the second attachment mechanism comprises a spherical magnet. 
 
     
     
       5. The HMD of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first attachment mechanism comprises a magnetic post; 
 the second attachment mechanism comprises a magnetic protrusion; and 
 the first attachment mechanism is configured to slidably engage and disengage the second attachment mechanism. 
 
     
     
       6. The HMD of  claim 1 , wherein the first attachment mechanism and the second attachment mechanism comprise hook-and-loop fasteners. 
     
     
       7. The HMD of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first attachment mechanism comprises a post and a flange on the post; and 
 the second attachment mechanism comprises a spring-snap feature, the spring-snap feature comprising:
 an opening; 
 a detent adjacent the opening; and 
 a spring attached to the detent. 
 
 
     
     
       8. The HMD of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first attachment mechanism comprises a receptacle and a first magnet in the receptacle; 
 the second attachment mechanism comprises a protrusion and a second magnet in the protrusion; and 
 the protrusion has a first shape complementary to a second shape of the receptacle. 
 
     
     
       9. The HMD of  claim 1 , wherein the first attachment mechanism and the second attachment mechanism comprise interlocking elastic fasteners. 
     
     
       10. The HMD of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first attachment mechanism comprises a suction cup; and 
 the second attachment mechanism comprises a curved surface shaped to interface with the suction cup. 
 
     
     
       11. The HMD of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the removable facial interface is C-shaped; and 
 the facial interface frame comprises a C-shaped base complementary to the removable facial interface. 
 
     
     
       12. The HMD of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the removable facial interface comprises a fabric material encircling one of the first attachment mechanism or the second attachment mechanism; 
 the facial interface frame comprises a compressible material encircling the other of the first attachment mechanism or the second attachment mechanism; and 
 the first attachment mechanism is directly attached to the second attachment mechanism. 
 
     
     
       13. A wearable electronic device comprising:
 a display; 
 a facial interface frame physically coupled to the display, the facial interface frame comprising:
 a frame partially surrounding the display; 
 a connector attached to the frame; and 
 a base attached to the connector, wherein the connector extends through the base; and 
 
 a removable facial interface removably attached to the connector of the facial interface frame by a first attachment mechanism; 
 wherein the connector extends from the frame and through the base, the connector configured to removably attach the removable facial interface to the facial interface frame. 
 
     
     
       14. The wearable electronic device of  claim 13 , wherein the first attachment mechanism comprises a magnetic attachment mechanism, the magnetic attachment mechanism comprising a post on one of the connector or the removable facial interface, and a receptacle on the other of connector or the removable facial interface. 
     
     
       15. The wearable electronic device of  claim 13 , wherein the first attachment mechanism comprises a hook-and-loop attachment mechanism, the hook-and-loop attachment mechanism comprising a post on one of the connector or the removable facial interface and a receptacle on the other of connector or the removable facial interface. 
     
     
       16. The wearable electronic device of  claim 13 , further comprising a compressible member attached to the base, the compressible member encircling the connector, and the connector being exposed through the compressible member. 
     
     
       17. A light seal for a head-mountable device including a facial interface frame, the light seal comprising:
 a base; 
 a compressible portion; and 
 a magnet attached to the base; 
 wherein the compressible portion is configured to be disposed between the base and a removable facial interface configured to contact a user&#39;s face, the magnet configured to attach the removable facial interface to the base. 
 
     
     
       18. The light seal of  claim 17 , further comprising a hook-and-loop fastener attached to the base. 
     
     
       19. The light seal of  claim 17 , further comprising an interlocking fastener attached to the base. 
     
     
       20. The light seal of  claim 17 , further comprising a receptacle attached to the base.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/376,743, filed 22 Sep. 2022, and entitled “Removable Facial Interface,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described examples relate generally to facial interfaces of a head-mountable device. More particularly, the present examples relate to removable facial interfaces of a head-mountable device that can be easily removed and reinstalled or replaced to provide increased comfort, cleanliness, and customization. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Recent advances in portable computing have enabled head-mountable devices that provide augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) experiences to users. Head-mountable devices typically include various components such as a display, a viewing frame, a lens, a battery, a motor, a speaker, and other components. These components can operate together to provide an immersive user experience. In particular, head mountable-devices include components that help provide a distraction-free setting by blocking or sealing out the outer environment (e.g., ambient light). 
     Prolonged use of head-mountable devices can result in various components of the head-mountable devices becoming dirty (e.g., from a user sweating on the facial interface) and worn out. Users of head-mountable devices have a myriad of different anatomical features (e.g., head size, eye location, cheek and forehead bone structure, and the like), as well as different personal preferences. As a result, the ability to vary or customize the engagement with the head-mountable device is desired. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a head-mountable device (HMD) can include a display; a facial interface frame at least partially surrounding the display; a removable facial interface attached to the facial interface frame; a first attachment mechanism attached to one of the facial interface frame or the removable facial interface; and a second attachment mechanism attached to the other of the facial interface frame or the removable facial interface. In some examples, the removable facial interface can be attached to the facial interface frame by the first attachment mechanism and the second attachment mechanism. 
     In some examples, the first attachment mechanism and the second attachment mechanism can include magnets. In some examples, the first attachment mechanism can include a spherical magnetic receptacle. The second attachment mechanism can include a spherical magnet. In some examples, the first attachment mechanism can include a capsule-dished magnetic receptacle. The second attachment mechanism can include a spherical magnet. In some examples, the first attachment mechanism can include a magnetic post. The second attachment mechanism can include a magnetic protrusion. The first attachment mechanism can be configured to slidably engage and disengage the second attachment mechanism. 
     In some examples, the first attachment mechanism and the second attachment mechanism can include hook-and-loop fasteners. In some examples, the first attachment mechanism can include a post and a flange on the post. The second attachment mechanism can include a spring-snap feature. The spring-snap feature can include an opening; a detent adjacent the opening; and a spring attached to the detent. 
     In some examples, the first attachment mechanism can include a receptacle and a first magnet in the receptacle. The second attachment mechanism can include a protrusion and a second magnet in the protrusion. The protrusion can have a first shape complementary to a second shape of the receptacle. 
     In some examples, the first attachment mechanism and the second attachment mechanism can include interlocking elastic fasteners. In some examples, the first attachment mechanism can include a suction cup. The second attachment mechanism can include a curved surface shaped to interface with the suction cup. 
     In some examples, the removable facial interface can be C-shaped. The facial interface frame can include a C-shaped base complementary to the removable facial interface. 
     In some examples, the removable facial interface can include a fabric material encircling one of the first attachment mechanism or the second attachment mechanism. The facial interface frame can include a compressible material encircling the other of the first attachment mechanism or the second attachment mechanism. The first attachment mechanism can be directly attached to the second attachment mechanism. 
     According to some aspects, a wearable electronic device can include a display; a facial interface frame physically coupled to the display; and a removable facial interface removably attached to the connector of the facial interface frame by a first attachment mechanism. The facial interface frame may include a frame partially surrounding the display; a connector attached to the frame; and a base attached to the connector. The connector may extend through the base. 
     In some examples, the first attachment mechanism can include a magnetic attachment mechanism. The magnetic attachment mechanism can include a post on one of the connector or the removable facial interface, and a receptacle on the other of connector or the removable facial interface. 
     In some examples, the first attachment mechanism can include a hook-and-loop attachment mechanism. The hook-and-loop attachment mechanism can include a post on one of the connector or the removable facial interface and a receptacle on the other of connector or the removable facial interface. 
     In some examples, the wearable electronic device can further include a compressible member attached to the base. The compressible member can encircle the connector and the connector can be exposed through the compressible member. 
     According to some aspects, a light seal for a head-mountable device can include a facial interface frame. The light seal can include a base; a compressible portion; and a magnet attached to the base. 
     In some examples, the light seal can further include a hook-and-loop fastener attached to the base. In some examples, the light seal can further include an interlocking fastener attached to the base. In some examples, the light seal can further include a receptacle attached to the base. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG.  1 A  is a schematic block diagram of an example of a head-mountable device. 
         FIG.  1 B  is a top view of an example of a head-mountable device. 
         FIG.  2 A  is a perspective view of an example of a device seal. 
         FIG.  2 B  is a perspective view of an example of a facial interface frame. 
         FIG.  2 C  is a perspective view of an example of a facial interface frame and a removable facial interface. 
         FIG.  2 D  is a cross-sectional view of an example of a facial interface shim. 
         FIG.  3 A  is a perspective view of an example of a device seal. 
         FIG.  3 B  is a plan view of an example of a removable facial interface. 
         FIG.  4    is a cross-sectional view of an example of a magnetic attachment mechanism. 
         FIG.  5 A  is a cross-sectional view of an example of an interlocking attachment mechanism. 
         FIG.  5 B  is a cross-sectional view of an example of an interlocking attachment mechanism. 
         FIG.  6    is a cross-sectional view of an example of a magnetic slide attachment mechanism. 
         FIG.  7    is a cross-sectional view of an example of a hook-and-loop attachment mechanism. 
         FIG.  8    is a cross-sectional view of an example of a magnetic attachment mechanism. 
         FIG.  9    is a cross-sectional view of an example of a spring snap attachment mechanism. 
         FIG.  10    is a cross-sectional view of an example of an interlocking attachment mechanism. 
         FIG.  11    is a cross-sectional view of an example of a suction attachment mechanism. 
         FIG.  12    is a cross-sectional view of an example of a bi-stable attachment mechanism. 
         FIG.  13 A  is a plan view of an example of a removable facial interface. 
         FIG.  13 B  is a plan view of an example of a removable facial interface. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Representative examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings will be described in detail below. The following descriptions are not intended to limit the examples to one preferred example. Rather, they are intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described examples as defined by the appended claims. 
     The following disclosure relates to wearable electronic devices (e.g., head-mountable devices (HMDs)), including those that include a removable facial interface. Prolonged use of a head-mountable device can cause components of the head-mountable device to wear and to become dirty. In particular, components of the head-mountable device that contact a user&#39;s face are subject to wear and becoming dirty due to the contact with the user&#39;s face. It can be desirable to clean the portions of the head-mountable device that contact the user&#39;s face in order to remove oils, sweat, and the like. However, the head-mountable device can include sensitive components, small components, and oddly shaped components that are difficult to clean in-situ. Further, it can be desirable to replace portions of the head-mountable device that contact the user&#39;s face when those portions become worn out, in order to obtain a more comfortable fit for specific users, based on other user preferences, or the like. 
     A head-mountable device of the present disclosure includes a removable facial interface. As will be discussed in detail below, the removable facial interface can be attached to a facial interface frame through various attachment mechanisms, such as magnets, interlocking features, sliding features, hook-and-loop features (e.g., Velcro), spring snaps, suction features, bi-stable features, stretch features, re-usable adhesives, mating posts, combinations thereof, or the like. The removable facial interface can be easily removed from the facial interface frame, and can be re-installed on the facial interface frame in order to allow for the removable facial interface to be cleaned, replaced, or the like. Allowing the removable facial interface to be removed and cleaned increases the longevity of the removable facial interface. Replacing the removable facial interface improves the longevity of the head-mountable device, reduces user costs, provides users with choices of removable facial interfaces based on fit and personal preferences, and provides additional benefits. 
     These and other examples are discussed below with reference to  FIGS.  1 A through  13 B . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. Furthermore, as used herein, a system, a method, an article, a component, a feature, or a sub-feature including at least one of a first option, a second option, or a third option should be understood as referring to a system, a method, an article, a component, a feature, or a sub-feature that can include one of each listed option (e.g., only one of the first option, only one of the second option, or only one of the third option), multiple of a single listed option (e.g., two or more of the first option), two options simultaneously (e.g., one of the first option and one of the second option), or combination thereof (e.g., two of the first option and one of the second option). 
       FIG.  1 A  illustrates a block diagram of a head-mountable device (HMD)  100  including a display  106 , a frame  104 , a device seal  116 , and a retention band  118 . The display  106  can include one or more optical lenses or display screens that are configured to be positioned in front of the eyes of a user. The display  106  can be configured to present an augmented reality visualization, a virtual reality visualization, or another suitable visualization to the user. The display  106  can be positioned at least partially in or on the frame  104 . The frame  104  can be a housing of the display  106 . The device seal  116  can be physically coupled to the frame  104 . The retention band  118  can be physically coupled to the device seal  116  and/or the frame  104 , and can be used to secure the HMD  100  on the head of the user. In some examples, the device seal  116  includes the frame  104  (e.g., the frame  104  is part of the device seal  116 ). 
     The device seal  116  includes a facial interface frame  112 , a removable facial interface  110 , a cover  114 , and electrical components (e.g., sensors  120 ). The device seal  116  can also be referred to as a light seal. In some examples, the device seal  116  can refer to a portion of the HMD  100  that engages or shields a user&#39;s face. The device seal  116  can include portions of the HMD  100  that conform to, contact, or press against regions of the user&#39;s face (e.g., the facial interface frame  112  and the removable facial interface  110 ). 
     The removable facial interface  110  refers to a portion of the HMD  100  that directly contacts a user&#39;s face. The facial interface frame  112  refers to a portion of the HMD  100  to which the removable facial interface  110  is attached, and which is physically coupled between the removable facial interface  110  and the frame  104 . The removable facial interface  110  and/or the facial interface frame  112  can also be referred to as a face track. The removable facial interface  110  and the facial interface frame  112  can conform to (e.g., compress against and assume the shape of) regions of the user&#39;s face. In some examples, the removable facial interface  110  and the facial interface frame  112  include pliant (or semi-pliant) materials that span the forehead, wrap partially around the eyes, and contact the zygoma and maxilla regions of the user&#39;s face. 
     In some examples, the facial interface frame  112  can be formed of a relatively stiff or rigid material, while the removable facial interface  110  can be formed of a relatively soft, deformable, elastic material. In some examples, the facial interface frame  112  can be formed from plastics, metals, polymers, combinations thereof, or the like. The removable facial interface  110  can be formed from plastics, metals, polymers, fabrics, foams, rubbers, silicone, elastomers, hydrogels, combinations thereof, or the like. In some examples, the removable facial interface  110  can include a stiffener, which can be formed from metals, plastics, polymers, combinations thereof, or the like. The removable facial interface  110  can include a pliable material surrounding the stiffener, which can be formed from rubbers, foams, polymers, silicone, elastomers, hydrogen gels, combinations thereof, or the like. The pliable material can be formed around the stiffener through overmolding or the like. The removable facial interface  110  can further include a fabric material surrounding the pliable material. The fabric material can be wrapped around the pliable material. The stiffener can provide the removable facial interface  110  with a desired degree of stiffness. The pliable material can be pliant or semi-pliant, and can be provided to increase user comfort. The fabric material can be configured to contact a user&#39;s skin, and can also be provided to increase user comfort. 
     The removable facial interface  110  can be attached to the facial interface frame  112  through various attachment mechanisms. For example, the attachment mechanisms can include magnets, interlocking features, sliding features, hook-and-loop features (e.g., Velcro), spring snaps, suction features, bi-stable features, stretch features, re-usable adhesives, mating posts, combinations thereof, or the like. The attachment mechanisms can be provided on both the removable facial interface  110  and the facial interface frame  112 . For example, a male attachment mechanism can be provided on the removable facial interface  110  and a female attachment mechanism can be provided on the facial interface frame  112 , or vice versa. The attachment mechanisms can be self-aligning, or can entail alignment by a user. The attachment mechanisms can be configured such that the removable facial interface  110  is removed from, and attached to, the facial interface frame  112  in one-handed operations. Each of the respective attachment mechanisms can datum the removable facial interface  110  to the facial interface frame  112 , or allow the removable facial interface  110  to float or move relative to the facial interface frame  112 . The respective attachment mechanisms can have variable shapes and/or sizes around the perimeters of the removable facial interface  110  and the facial interface frame  112 , which can improve the ability to interchange various removable facial interfaces  110  and facial interface frames  112 . More specifically, the variable shapes and/or sizes of the attachment mechanisms around the perimeters of the removable facial interface  110  and the facial interface frame  112  can allow for different shaped removable facial interfaces  110  and facial interface frames  112  to be connected together. 
     Providing the removable facial interface  110  and the facial interface frame  112  allows for the removable facial interface  110  to be easily removed and cleaned. The removable facial interface  110  can be replaced based on wear, user preferences, or the like. For example, specific removable facial interfaces  110  can be provided based on different facial structures of various users. Removable facial interfaces  110  can be provided based on different intended user uses, such as a specific removable facial interface  110  designed for sport use. Providing the removable facial interface  110  allows for a portion of the HMD  100  that is subject to the greatest amount of wear to be cheaply and easily replaced. 
     The cover  114  can include a seal, such as an environment seal, a dust seal, an air seal, a light seal, or the like. The cover  114  can be positioned in a gap between the display  106  and the user&#39;s face. The cover  114  can form an eye-box through which the user can view the display  106 . It will be appreciated that the term “seal” can include partial seals or inhibitors, in addition to complete seals. For example, a seal can be a partial light seal, where some ambient light is blocked. In some examples, a seal can be a complete light seal where all ambient light is blocked when the HMD  100 . 
     The cover  114  can be a woven fabric that is non-rigid or deformable. The cover  114  can be elastically deformable. In some examples, the cover  114  can be formed from a plastic, a rubber, a polymer material, or the like. The cover  114  can be a cosmetic textile material with stretch, and can feature an open mesh pattern. In some examples, the cover  114  can be rigid. Providing the removable facial interface  110  separate from the cover  114  allows for the cover  114  and a material covering the removable facial interface  110  to be formed from different materials, such as the cover  114  being formed from a cosmetic material and the removable facial interface  110  being formed from a comfortable material. In some examples, the cover  114  and the covering of the removable facial interface  110  can be formed from the same materials. 
     The device seal  116  can be removably attached to the frame  104 . The device seal  116  can be electrically coupled to the display  106 . The device seal  116  can include various electrical components, such as the sensors  120 . The sensors  120  can include various sensors, such as sensors that collect user data, or environmental data. In some examples, the sensors  120  can collect biometric information. The sensors  120  can transmit signals to other components of the HMD  100 , such as the display  106 . The sensors  120  can transmit signals to various outputs, such as an output configured to perform an action in response to information collected by the sensors  120 . 
       FIG.  1 B  illustrates a top view of an HMD  100 . The HMD  100  of  FIG.  1 B  can be substantially similar to, including some or all of the features of, the HMD  100  described with respect to  FIG.  1 A . The HMD  100  includes a display (also referred to as a display unit)  106  and a retention band  118 . In some examples, the display  106  includes an opaque, translucent, transparent, or semi-transparent screen, including any number lenses, for presenting visual data to a user. The display  106  can include any number of internal electronic components  108 . The HMD  100  can be mounted on a user&#39;s head  102  using the retention band  118 . 
     The HMD  100  further includes a frame  104  (also referred to as a housing), a facial interface frame  112 , a removable facial interface  110 , and a cover  114 . The frame  104  can be physically coupled to the display  106 . The frame  104  can at least partially border one or more edges of the display  106 . One end of the cover  114  can be attached to the frame  104  and an opposite end of the cover  114  can be attached to the facial interface frame  112 . The facial interface frame  112  and the removable facial interface  110  provide an interface between a user&#39;s head  102  and the frame  104 . The combination of the frame  104 , the facial interface frame  112 , the removable facial interface  110 , and the cover  114  can form a device seal  116 . It will be understood, however, that the device seal  116  can include fewer or additional components from those listed or shown. 
     The HMD  100  can be worn on the user&#39;s head  102  such that the display  106  is positioned on the user&#39;s face and disposed in front of one or both of the user&#39;s eyes. The display  106  can be physically coupled to the retention band  118  and/or the device seal  116 . In some examples, the retention band  118  can be positioned against sides of the user&#39;s head  102  and in contact therewith. In some examples, the retention band  118  can be at least partially positioned above the user&#39;s ear or ears. In some examples, the retention band  118  can be positioned adjacent to the user&#39;s ear or ears. The retention band  118  can extend around the user&#39;s head  102 . In this way, the display  106  and the retention band  118  can form a loop configured to retain the HMD  100  on the user&#39;s head  102 . It should be understood, however, that this configuration is just one example of how the components of the HMD  100  can be arranged. In some examples, a different number of connector straps and/or retention bands can be included. Although the HMD  100  is referred to as an HMD, it should be understood that the terms wearable device, wearable electronic device, HMD device, and/or HMD system can be used to refer to any wearable device, including smart glasses. 
     In some examples, the frame  104  is physically coupled to the facial interface frame  112 . The removable facial interface  110  is removably attached to the facial interface frame  112 . The removable facial interface  110  can contact the user&#39;s head  102 , such as a user&#39;s face. In some examples, the cover  114  can be a light blocking component that extends between the frame  104  and the removable facial interface  110 , such as along portions of the facial interface frame  112 . The cover  114  can cover or surround a perimeter of the frame  104  and/or the facial interface frame  112 . 
     The cover  114  can be formed from a cloth, fabric, woven material, plastic, rubber, or any other suitable opaque or semi-opaque material. In some examples, the cover  114  is flexible, having the ability to repeatedly stretch, compress, and deform. The cover  114  can be elastically or in-elastically deformable. The facial interface frame  112 , the cover  114 , and the removable facial interface  110  can be configured to block outside light and limit the peripheral view of the user. In some examples, the cover  114  and the facial interface frame  112  are part of the same or a unitary component. 
     Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures, including in any of  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B , described herein. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown and described with reference to the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B . 
       FIG.  2 A  illustrates a perspective view of a device seal  200 . The device seal  200  can be substantially similar to, including some or all of the features of, the device seals described herein, such as the device seal  116 . The device seal  200  can be implemented on an HMD, such as the HMD  100  described in reference to  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B . The device seal  200  can include a removable facial interface  202 , a facial interface frame  204 , and a cover  206 . The removable facial interface  202 , the facial interface frame  204 , and the cover  206  can be substantially similar to, including some or all of the features of, the removable facial interface  110 , the facial interface frame  112 , and the cover  114 , respectively. The cover  206  can be included in the device seal  200  to provide a seal between the device seal  200  and the outer environment. 
     The facial interface frame  204  can include a frame  210 , connectors  212 , a base  214 , and a compressible portion  216 . The frame  210  can be physically coupled to a display of the HMD, and the frame  210  can be configured provide an interface between the display and the facial interface frame  204 . The removable facial interface  202  can be removably attached to the base  214 , and the base  214  can be configured provide an interface between the removable facial interface  202  and the facial interface frame  204 . The connectors  212  can be configured to provide a desired distance between the display and a user&#39;s eyes when the HMD is donned by the user. The connectors  212  and/or the base  214  can include attachment mechanisms that are used to attach the removable facial interface  202  to the facial interface frame  204 . 
     The compressible portion  216  can be included in the facial interface frame  204  to fill a gap between the base  214  and the removable facial interface  202 , and to provide improved user comfort. The compressible portion  216  can also be referred to as a compressible member or a compressible material. In some examples, the connectors  212  (e.g., an attachment mechanism) can extend through the compressible portion  216 . The compressible portion  216  can encircle portions of the connectors  212  that extend through the compressible portion  216 . The connectors  212  can also extend through the base  214 , and attachment mechanisms provided on the connectors  212  can be exposed through both the compressible portion  216  and the base  214  for access and connection. In some examples, the compressible portion  216  can include a foam material. In some examples, the compressible portion  216  can include materials with properties that impart flexibility, softness, compressibility, deformability, and the like. Examples of materials that can be used for the compressible portion  216  include silicone, polymers, elastomers, hydrogels, combinations thereof, or the like. The compressible portion  216  can be formed by molding, printing, casting, or the like. In some examples, attachment mechanisms, such as perimeter attachments, can be included on the compressible portion  216 . The compressible portion  216  provides a soft, flexible, deformable interface between the removable facial interface  202  and rigid components of the removable facial interface  202 , such as the frame  210 , the connectors  212 , and the base  214 . This interface provides for improved user comfort when the HMD is donned. 
     The removable facial interface  202  is a removable component that is configured to contact a user&#39;s face. The removable facial interface  202  can be formed of conformable and comfortable materials. The removable facial interface  202  is configured to be easily removed from and attached to the facial interface frame  204 . This allows for the removable facial interface  202  to be removed, cleaned, replaced, and the like. In some examples, the attachment mechanisms used to attach the removable facial interface  202  to the facial interface frame  204  can be simple mechanisms that allow the removable facial interface  202  to be removed from and attached to the facial interface frame  204  in a one-handed manner. Alignment features can be provided on the removable facial interface  202  and/or the facial interface frame  204  to aid in the alignment of the removable facial interface  202  with respect to the facial interface frame  204 . Providing the removable facial interface  202  as a removable component allows the removable facial interface  202  to be easily cleaned, replaced as a result of wear, replaced due to user preferences, and the like. This reduces maintenance costs for HMDs including the removable facial interface  202 . 
     The removable facial interface  202  can be formed of a relatively pliant material, while the components of the facial interface frame  204  are formed of relatively rigid materials. This allows the removable facial interface  202  to conform to the shape of the facial interface frame  204  and the shape of a user&#39;s face or head when the user dons the HMD. As illustrated in  FIG.  2 A , the base  214 , the compressible portion  216 , and the removable facial interface  202  can be C-shaped and can have shapes corresponding to one another. In other words, the removable facial interface  202  is C-shaped, and the base  214  and the compressible portion  216  are C-shaped and complementary to the C-shaped removable facial interface  202 . This provides a visual cue to users when the removable facial interface  202  is removed from the base  214  that the removable facial interface  202  is intended to be attached to the base  214 . In some examples, attachment mechanisms on the removable facial interface  202  and the facial interface frame  204  can be visible when the removable facial interface  202  is removed from the facial interface frame  204 , which provides further visual cues as to how the removable facial interface  202  is intended to be attached to the facial interface frame  204 . Moreover, upon seeing the attachment mechanisms on the facial interface frame  204 , a user can realize that something is missing from the facial interface frame  204  when the removable facial interface  202  is removed from the facial interface frame  204 . 
       FIG.  2 B  illustrates a perspective view of a facial interface frame  204 . The facial interface frame  204  can include a frame  210 , connectors  212 , and a base  214 . The frame  210 , the connectors  212 , and the base  214  of the facial interface frame  204  can be formed of relatively rigid materials, such as plastics, metals, polymers, combinations thereof, or the like. In some examples, the base  214  can be formed of a relatively flexible material, such that the base  214  is allowed to flex when an HMD including the facial interface frame  204  is donned by a user. In some examples, the frame  210 , the connectors  212 , and/or the base  214  can include rigid materials that can be coated in relatively soft materials, such as polymers, fabrics, foams, rubbers, silicone, elastomers, hydrogels, combinations thereof, or the like to increase user comfort. 
     The frame  210  can provide an interface between a display of the HMD and the facial interface frame  204 . For example, the frame  210  can be physically coupled to the display of the HMD and can hold the display in a desired position. The connectors  212  can control the spacing between the display and a user&#39;s face. For example, depending on a length of the connectors  212 , the display can be disposed closer to or further from a user&#39;s face. The base  214  and/or the connectors  212  can provide an interface between the facial interface frame  204  and a removable facial interface. For example, attachment mechanisms can be included on the base  214  and/or the connectors  212  and can be used to removably attach the removable facial interface to the base  214  and/or the connectors  212 . 
     In some examples, post attachments can be provided on the connectors  212  and perimeter attachments can be provided on the base  214 . As will be discussed in detail below, the post attachments and corresponding attachment mechanisms on the removable facial interface can be configured to remain fixed relative to one another or have a limited amount of travel when the removable facial interface is mounted to the facial interface frame  204 . The perimeter attachments and corresponding attachment mechanisms on the removable facial interface can be configured to slide relative to one another when the removable facial interface is mounted to the facial interface frame  204 . Including both the post attachments and the perimeter attachments allows the removable facial interface to be securely mounted on the facial interface frame  204 , while allowing the removable facial interface to conform comfortably to a user&#39;s face. 
       FIG.  2 C  illustrates a perspective view of portions of a removable facial interface  202  and a facial interface frame  204 . The removable facial interface  202  can include a body portion  220 , a side mount  222 , a top mount  224 , and a mounting area  226 . The body portion  220  can be formed of materials such as plastics, metals, polymers, fabrics, foams, rubbers, silicone, elastomers, hydrogels, combinations thereof, or the like. The facial interface frame  204  can include a frame  210 , connectors  212 , and a base  214 . 
     The side mount  222 , the top mount  224 , and the mounting area  226  are examples of attachment mechanisms that can be included in the removable facial interface  202 . The side mount  222 , the top mount  224 , and the mounting area  226  can be used to removably attach the removable facial interface  202  to the facial interface frame  204 . In some examples, post attachments can be provided on the connectors  212  corresponding to the side mount  222  and the top mount  224 . Perimeter attachments can be provided on the base  214  corresponding to the mounting area  226 . Specifically, when the removable facial interface  202  is aligned with and mounted to the facial interface frame  204 , the side mount  222  and the top mount  224  are aligned with corresponding post attachments on the connectors  212  and the mounting area  226  is aligned with corresponding perimeter attachments on the base  214 . 
     The side mount  222 , the top mount  224 , and corresponding post attachments of the connectors  212  can include attachment mechanisms that are configured to remain fixed relative to one another, or to have a relatively small travel relative to one another (e.g., the attachment mechanisms can float relative to one another). In some examples, the side mount  222  and a corresponding post attachment can be configured to remain fixed relative to one another and the top mount  224  and a corresponding post attachment can be configured to have some travel relative to one another. In some examples, the side mount  222 , the top mount  224 , and corresponding post attachments can include magnets, interlocking features, sliding features, hook-and-loop features (e.g., Velcro), spring snaps, suction features, bi-stable features, stretch features, re-usable adhesives, mating posts, combinations thereof, or the like. Posts and corresponding holes or other self-aligning features can be included in the side mount  222 , the top mount  224 , and the post attachments in order to align the removable facial interface  202  with the facial interface frame  204 . Male features can be provided in the side mount  222  and the top mount  224  and corresponding female features can be provided in the post attachments of the facial interface frame  204 , or vice versa. By using the prescribed attachment mechanisms, and fixing the positions of the side mount  222  and the top mount  224  relative to the post attachments, the removable facial interface  202  can be aligned with the facial interface frame  204 . Moreover, the relative positions of the removable facial interface  202  and the facial interface frame  204  can be fixed to one another during use of an HMD by a user. This prevents misalignment of the removable facial interface  202  and the facial interface frame  204  from negatively impacting a user&#39;s experience when using the HMD. 
     The mounting area  226  and the corresponding perimeter attachments of the facial interface frame  204  can include attachment mechanisms that are configured to slide relative to one another. For example, the mounting area  226  and the corresponding perimeter attachments can include longitudinal interlocking features, rows of interlocking features, rows of magnets, lengths of flexible magnets, lengths of hook-and-loop fasteners, combinations thereof, or the like. Male features can be provided in the mounting area  226  and corresponding female features can be provided in the perimeter attachments of the facial interface frame  204 , or vice versa. In some examples, the mounting area  226  and the corresponding perimeter attachments are disposed in curved or corner regions of the removable facial interface  202  and the facial interface frame  204 , respectively. The mounting area  226  and the corresponding perimeter attachments can be disposed in areas of the removable facial interface  202  and the facial interface frame  204  that move or bend when the removable facial interface  202  is mounted on the facial interface frame  204  and when an HMD including the removable facial interface  202  and the facial interface frame  204  is donned by a user. This causes an arc length of the mounting area  226  and the corresponding perimeter attachments to change. By using the prescribed attachment mechanisms, the mounting area  226  and the corresponding perimeter attachments are allowed to slide relative to one another, and the removable facial interface  202  is securely fastened to the facial interface frame  204  even when the removable facial interface  202  moves relative to the facial interface frame  204 . 
     In the example of  FIG.  2 C , a single top mount  224  and a single side mount  222  are illustrated. The top mount  224  can be configured to be disposed adjacent a user&#39;s forehead when the HMD is donned and the side mount  222  can be configured to be disposed adjacent the user&#39;s cheek bones when the HMD is donned. However, any number of top mounts  224  and side mounts  222  can be included in the removable facial interface  202 , and the top mounts  224  and the side mounts  222  can be configured to be disposed adjacent any portions of the user&#39;s face or head when the HMD is donned. Moreover, although the mounting area  226  is illustrated as being in a corner area of the removable facial interface  202  between the top mount  224  and the side mount  222 , the mounting area  226  can be disposed in any area along the perimeter of the removable facial interface  202  and any number or length of mounting areas  226  can be included. 
       FIG.  2 D  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a facial interface shim  219 . The facial interface shim  219  can be used in conjunction with connectors of an HMD in order to control the spacing between a display of the HMD and a user&#39;s face. In some examples, the facial interface shim  219  can be disposed between a removable facial interface and a connector of a facial interface frame. For example, the facial interface shim  219  can be disposed in a mount opening  218  of the removable facial interface to which the connector of the facial interface frame is attached. In some examples, the facial interface shim  219  can be disposed between a base of a facial interface frame and a connector of the facial interface frame. For example, the connector can pass through the mount opening  218 , and the facial interface shim  219  can be disposed between the connector and the base. The facial interface shim  219  can have a thickness in a range from about 2 mm to about 4 mm. The facial interface shim  219  allows for distances between a display of an HMD and a user&#39;s face to be altered while standard length connectors are used, which decreases manufacturing costs. 
     Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in  FIGS.  2 A through  2 D  can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures, including in any of  FIGS.  2 A through  2 D , described herein. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown and described with reference to the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in  FIGS.  2 A through  2 D . 
       FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  illustrate a perspective view of a device seal  200  and a plan view of a removable facial interface  202 , respectively. The device seal  200  includes the removable facial interface  202 , a facial interface frame  204 , and a cover  206 . The device seal  200  can be substantially similar to, including some or all of the features of, the device seals described herein, such as the device seals  116  and  200 . The device seal  200  can be implemented on an HMD, such as the HMD  100  described in reference to  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B . 
       FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  illustrate an example in which the attachment mechanisms used to attach the removable facial interface  202  to the facial interface frame  204  include magnets. In some examples, six connectors  212  can be provided between a base  214  and a frame  210  of the facial interface frame  204 . Four circular receptacles  250  can be provided corresponding to four of the connectors  212 . The connectors  212  can extend through the base  214 , such that the attachment mechanisms provided on the connectors  212  are exposed through the base  214 . The circular receptacles  250  can be disposed along portions of the facial interface frame  204  configured to be disposed adjacent to a user&#39;s cheek bones when an HMD including the device seal  200  is donned. A spherically-dished magnet  252  can be disposed in each of the circular receptacles  250 . Each of the circular receptacles  250  in combination with a corresponding spherically-dished magnet  252  may be referred to as a spherical magnetic receptacle. Two stadium or lozenge-shaped receptacles  254  can be provided corresponding to two of the connectors  212 . The stadium or lozenge-shaped receptacles  254  can be disposed along portions of the facial interface frame  204  configured to be disposed adjacent to a user&#39;s forehead when the HMD is donned. A capsule-dished magnet  256  can be disposed in each of the stadium or lozenge-shaped receptacles  254 . Each of the stadium or lozenge-shaped receptacles  254  in combination with a corresponding capsule-dished magnet  256  may be referred to as a capsule-dished magnetic receptacle. 
     In the example of  FIG.  3 B , four circular receptacles  260  can be provided in the replaceable facial interface  202 . The circular receptacles  260  can be disposed along portions of the replaceable facial interface  202  configured to be disposed adjacent to a user&#39;s cheek bones when the HMD is donned. A spherical magnet  262  can be disposed in each of the circular receptacles  260 . Two stadium or lozenge-shaped receptacles  264  can be provided in the replaceable facial interface  202 . The stadium or lozenge-shaped receptacles  264  can be disposed along portions of the replaceable facial interface  202  configured to be disposed adjacent to a user&#39;s forehead when the HMD is donned. A spherical magnet  266  can be disposed in each of the stadium or lozenge-shaped receptacles  264 . Although the receptacles  250 ,  254 ,  260 , and  264  and the magnets  252 ,  256 ,  262 , and  266  are described as being various rounded shapes, any suitable shapes can be used. 
     The spherical magnets  262  can be configured to interface with the spherically-dished magnets  252 , and the spherical magnets  266  can be configured to interface with the capsule-dished magnets  256 . The spherical magnets  262  and the spherically-dished magnets  252  can have corresponding shapes, which provides for a small amount of relative travel between the spherical magnets  262  and the spherically-dished magnets  252  in the x direction and the y direction illustrated in  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B . The spherical magnets  266  and the capsule-dished magnets  256  can have corresponding shapes, which provides for a small amount of relative travel between the spherical magnets  266  and the capsule-dished magnets  256  in the y direction illustrated in  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B . The capsule-dished magnets  256  have a longitudinal axis extending in the x direction of  FIG.  3 A . This provides for a greater amount of relative travel between the spherical magnets  266  and the capsule-dished magnets  256  in the x direction illustrated in  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B . The distances and directions that each of the magnets  252 ,  256 ,  262 , and  266  are allowed to travel relative to one another can be controlled by appropriately selecting the sizes and shapes of each of the magnets  252 ,  256 ,  262 , and  266 . 
     In the example illustrated in  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B , the receptacles  250  and  254  and the magnets  252  and  256  in the facial interface frame  204  and the receptacles  260  and  264  and the magnets  262  and  266  in the removable facial interface  202  are visible to a user. In addition, the base  214  of the facial interface frame  204  and the removable facial interface  202  are C-shaped and have shapes corresponding to one another. This provides visual cues to users that the removable facial interface  202  is meant to mount to the facial interface frame  204 . Moreover, if the removable facial interface  202  is not attached to the facial interface frame  204 , the facial interface frame  204  looks as though a piece is missing. This encourages a user to install the removable facial interface  202  onto the facial interface frame  204  so that the HMD can be comfortably donned. In some examples, any of the receptacles  250 ,  254 ,  260 , and  264  and/or the magnets  252 ,  256 ,  262 , and  266  can be covered or otherwise hidden from view. 
     The magnets  252 ,  262  can datum relative to one another (e.g., maintain relatively fixed positions relative to one another), and the magnets  256 ,  266  can float relative to one another (e.g., move relative to one another). Although the magnets  252 ,  256 ,  262 , and  266  are illustrated in particular positions in the example of  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B , any of the magnets  252 ,  256 ,  262 , and  266  can be positioned in any desired positions relative to the removable facial interface  202  and the facial interface frame  204 , depending on areas of the removable facial interface  202  and the facial interface frame  204  that are desired to remain fixed or float. Moreover, the magnets  252 ,  256 ,  262 , and  266  and the receptacles  250 ,  254 ,  260 , and  264  can have varying shapes and sizes, which can improve the ability to interchange various removable facial interfaces  202  and facial interface frames  204 , and can aid in the alignment of the removable facial interface  202  relative to the facial interface frame  204 . In some examples, the variable shapes and/or sizes of the magnets  252 ,  256 ,  262 , and  266  and the receptacles  250 ,  254 ,  260 , and  264  around the perimeters of the removable facial interface  202  and the facial interface frame  204  can allow for different shaped removable facial interfaces  202  and facial interface frames  204  to be connected together. 
     Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures, including in any of  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B , described herein. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown and described with reference to the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B . 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a cross-sectional view of a magnetic attachment mechanism  300 , which is an example of a post mount. The magnetic attachment mechanism  300  includes a connector  301 , which can be magnetically attached to a base  310 . The connector  301  can be substantially similar to, including some or all of the features of, the connectors described herein, such as the connectors  212 . The base  310  can be substantially similar to, including some or all of the features of, the stiffeners described herein, such as the stiffeners of the removable facial interfaces  202 . The connector  301  can be physically coupled to a receptacle  302 , which can be physically coupled to a magnet  304 . The base  310  can be physically coupled to a protrusion  312 , which can surround or otherwise house a magnet  316 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  4   , the protrusion  312  and the receptacle  302  can have shapes that are configured to correspond to one another. For example, the receptacle  302  can include a squared opening, and the protrusion  312  can have a squared shape configured to fit into the squared opening of the receptacle  302 . The protrusion  312  can be an alignment post. Providing the protrusion  312  and the receptacle  302  with corresponding shapes aids in self-aligning a removable facial interface with a facial interface frame when the removable facial interface is attached to the facial interface frame. The magnet  304  and the magnet  316  are then attracted to one another and retain the protrusion  312  in the receptacle  302 . 
     Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in  FIG.  4    can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures, including in any of  FIG.  4   , described herein. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown and described with reference to the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in  FIG.  4   . 
       FIG.  5 A  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an interlocking attachment mechanism  400 , which is an example of a post mount. The interlocking attachment mechanism  400  can be referred to as an interlocking fastener. The interlocking attachment mechanism  400  includes a connector  401 , to which a base  410  can be attached. The connector  401  can be substantially similar to, including some or all of the features of, the connectors described herein, such as the connectors  212 . The base  410  can be substantially similar to, including some or all of the features of, the stiffeners described herein, such as the stiffeners of the removable facial interfaces  202 . The connector  401  can be physically coupled to a receptacle  402 , which can include one or more openings  404 . In the cross-sectional view illustrated in  FIG.  5 A , the receptacle  402  includes three openings  404 ; however, the receptacle  402  of  FIG.  5 A  can include two openings  404  that are circular- or annular-shaped in a bottom-up view. Any number of openings  404  can be included in the receptacle  402 . The base  410  can be physically coupled to protrusions  412 . The protrusions  412  can have shapes corresponding to the openings  404 , such as having circular- or annular-shapes in a top-down view. In some examples, the openings  404  and the protrusions  412  can have triangular shapes, rectangular shapes, or any other suitable shapes. Providing the openings  404  and the protrusions  412  with corresponding shapes aids in self-aligning the base  410  with the connector  401 . 
     The protrusions  412  can be configured to interface with the openings  404  in the receptacle  402  to attach the base  410  to the connector  401  when the base  410  and the connector  401  are pressed together. The protrusions  412  and the receptacle  402  can be formed of elastic, flexible materials with high coefficients of friction. In examples in which the protrusions  412  and the receptacle  402  are formed from elastic materials, the interlocking attachment mechanism  400  may be referred to as an interlocking elastic fastener. Forming the protrusions  412  and the receptacle  402  from flexible materials allows the protrusions  412  to be inserted into the openings  404 . Forming the protrusions  412  and the receptacle  402  from elastic materials having high coefficients of friction helps to retain the protrusions  412  in the openings  404  once the protrusions  412  are inserted into the openings  404 . In some examples, the protrusions  412  and the receptacle  402  can be formed of polymers, elastomers, plastics, combinations thereof, or the like. Providing the protrusions  412  and the openings  404  in the receptacle  402  with corresponding shapes aids in self-aligning a removable facial interface with a facial interface frame when the removable facial interface is attached to the facial interface frame. 
       FIG.  5 B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an interlocking attachment mechanism  420 , which is an example of a perimeter mount. The interlocking attachment mechanism  420  can be referred to as an interlocking fastener. The interlocking attachment mechanism  420  includes a base  421 , which can be physically attached to a base  430 . The base  421  can be substantially similar to, including some or all of the features of, the bases of the facial interface frames described herein, such as the base  214 . The base  430  can be substantially similar to, including some or all of the features of, the stiffeners described herein, such as the stiffeners of the removable facial interfaces  202 . The base  421  can be physically coupled to an outer layer  424 . The base  421  can include one or more protrusions  422  and the outer layer  424  can include one or more protrusions  426 . The base  430  can be physically coupled to an outer layer  434 . The base  430  can include one or more protrusions  436  and the outer layer  434  can include one or more protrusions  436 . Any number of protrusions can be included in the base  421 , the outer layer  424 , the base  430 , and the outer layer  434 . 
     The protrusions  432  and  436  of the base  430  can have shapes corresponding to the protrusions  422  and  426  of the base  421 . For example, the protrusion  422  can have a shape corresponding to an opening between the protrusions  432 ; the protrusions  432  can have shapes corresponding to openings between the protrusion  422  and the protrusions  426 ; and the protrusions  426  can have shapes corresponding to openings between the protrusions  432  and the protrusions  436 . The protrusions  422 ,  426 ,  432 , and  436  can have longitudinal shapes with open ends and longitudinal axes extending in a direction into and out of the page in the view of  FIG.  5 B . This allows for the base  430  to slide relative to the base  421 . This can aid a user in attaching a removable facial interface of an HMD to a facial interface frame. Further, this allows for the removable facial interface to conform to the user&#39;s face when the user dons the HMD. 
     The protrusions  432  and  436  of the base  430  can be configured to interface with the protrusions  422  and  426  of the base  421  to attach the base  430  to the base  421  when the base  430  and the base  421  are pressed together. The protrusions  422 ,  426 ,  432 , and  436 , the outer layers  424  and  434 , and the bases  421  and  430  can be formed of elastic, flexible materials with high coefficients of friction. In examples in which the protrusions  422 ,  426 ,  432 , and  436  are formed from elastic materials, the interlocking attachment mechanism  420  may be referred to as an interlocking elastic fastener. The outer layers  424  and  434  and the bases  421  and  430  can be formed of any combinations of materials, such as the base  421  and the outer layer  424  being formed of the same or different materials and the base  430  and the outer layer  434  being formed of the same or different materials. Forming the protrusions  422 ,  426 ,  432 , and  436  from flexible materials allows the protrusions  422 ,  426 ,  432 , and  436  to be inserted into corresponding openings. Forming the protrusions  422 ,  426 ,  432 , and  436  from elastic materials having high coefficients of friction helps to retain the protrusions  422 ,  426 ,  432 , and  436  in the corresponding openings once the protrusions  422 ,  426 ,  432 , and  436  are inserted into the corresponding openings. In some examples, the protrusions  422 ,  426 ,  432 , and  436 , the outer layers  424  and  434 , and the bases  421  and  430  can be formed of polymers, elastomers, plastics, combinations thereof, or the like. 
     Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures, including in any of  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B , described herein. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown and described with reference to the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B . 
       FIG.  6    illustrates a cross-sectional view of a magnetic slide attachment mechanism  500 , which is an example of a post mount. The magnetic slide attachment mechanism  500  includes a connector  501 , to which a base  510  can be attached. The connector  501  can be substantially similar to, including some or all of the features of, the connectors described herein, such as the connectors  212 . The base  510  can be substantially similar to, including some or all of the features of, the stiffeners described herein, such as the stiffeners of the removable facial interfaces  202 . 
     The connector  501  can be physically coupled to a magnetic post  504  through a fastener  502 . The magnetic post  504  can include a flange  506 . The base  510  can be physically coupled to a magnetic protrusion  512 . The magnetic post  504  is magnetically attracted to the magnetic protrusion  512 , which helps to align the connector  501  with the base  510 , and helps to secure the flange  506  of the magnetic post  504  under a lip  514  of the magnetic protrusion  512 . A magnet  516  of the magnetic protrusion  512  can be disposed under the lip  514  of the magnetic protrusion  512  to pull the magnetic post  504  into an opening  518  of the magnetic protrusion  512  under the lip  514  of the magnetic protrusion  512 . In the view of  FIG.  6   , the magnetic post  504  can move from left to right as the connector  501  is attached to the base  510 . In other words, the magnetic post  504  can be slidably engaged with the magnetic protrusion  512  by sliding the flange  506  under the lip  514 . The connector  501  can be removed from the base  510  by moving the magnetic post  504  from right to left, then moving the magnetic post  504  in an upwards direction once the flange  506  of the magnetic post  504  clears the lip  514  of the protrusion  512 . In other words, the magnetic post  504  can be slidably disengaged with the magnetic protrusion  512  by sliding the flange  506  out from under the lip  514 . 
     Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in  FIG.  6    can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures, including in any of  FIG.  6   , described herein. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown and described with reference to the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in  FIG.  6   . 
       FIG.  7    illustrates a cross-sectional view of a hook-and-loop attachment mechanism  600 , which is an example of a post mount. The hook-and-loop attachment mechanism  600  includes a connector  601 , to which a base  610  can be attached. The connector  601  can be substantially similar to, including some or all of the features of, the connectors described herein, such as the connectors  212 . The base  610  can be substantially similar to, including some or all of the features of, the stiffeners described herein, such as the stiffeners of the removable facial interfaces  202 . 
     The connector  601  can be physically coupled to a hook-and-loop feature  604  through a fastener  602 . The hook-and-loop feature  604  can include a post  606 . The base  610  can be physically coupled to a hook-and-loop feature  612 . The hook-and-loop feature  604  can include an opening  614  configured to receive the post  606 . In the example of  FIG.  7   , the post  606  and the opening  614  can have corresponding frustum shapes, however any suitable shapes can be used. The opening  614  and the post  606  can be included to aid in self-aligning the connector  601  and the base  610 ; however, in some examples, the opening  614  and the post  606  can be omitted. 
     One of the hook-and-loop feature  604  or the hook-and-loop feature  612  can include a plurality of hooks, and the other of the hook-and-loop feature  604  or the hook-and-loop feature  612  can include a plurality of loops. The hooks of the hook-and-loop feature  604  or the hook-and-loop feature  612  are retained in the corresponding loops of the hook-and-loop feature  604  or the hook-and-loop feature  612  in order to attach the base  610  to the connector  601 . Velcro is an example of a hook-and-loop attachment mechanism that can be used for the hook-and-loop feature  604  and the hook-and-loop feature  612 . Fine hook and loop features can be provided in the hook-and-loop feature  604  and/or the hook-and-loop feature  612  in order to lessen a tearing sound when the connector  601  and the base  610  are separated from one another. 
     Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in  FIG.  7    can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures, including in any of  FIG.  7   , described herein. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown and described with reference to the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in  FIG.  7   . 
       FIG.  8    illustrates a cross-sectional view of a magnetic attachment mechanism  700 , which is an example of a post mount. The magnetic attachment mechanism  700  includes a connector  701 , which can be magnetically attached to a base  710 . The connector  701  can be substantially similar to, including some or all of the features of, the connectors described herein, such as the connectors  212 . The base  710  can be substantially similar to, including some or all of the features of, the stiffeners described herein, such as the stiffeners of the removable facial interfaces  202 . 
     The connector  701  can be physically coupled to a magnet  706  through a fastener  702 . The connector  701  can be further physically coupled to a post  704 , which houses the magnet  706 . In some examples, the post  704  can be referred to as a protrusion, and the magnet  706  can be disposed in the protrusion. The base  710  can be physically coupled to a magnet  714 , and a receptacle  712  can be physically coupled to the base  710  and/or the magnet  714 . In some examples, the magnet  714  can be disposed in the receptacle  712 . As illustrated in  FIG.  8   , the receptacle  712  can include an opening configured to receive the post  704 . In the example of  FIG.  8   , the post  704  and the opening of the receptacle  712  can have corresponding frustum shapes, however any suitable shapes can be used. In some examples, the post  704  (e.g., the protrusion) and the receptacle  712  have shapes that are complementary to one another, such that they can nest, stack, or be received in one-another. The opening of the receptacle  712  and the post  704  can be included to aid in self-aligning the connector  701  and the base  710 ; however, in some examples, the opening of the receptacle  712  and the post  704  can be omitted. The magnet  706  and  714  are magnetically attracted to one another and retain the post  704  of the connector  701  within the opening of the receptacle  712  of the base  710 . 
     Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in  FIG.  8    can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures, including in any of  FIG.  8   , described herein. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown and described with reference to the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in  FIG.  8   . 
       FIG.  9    illustrates a cross-sectional view of a spring-snap attachment mechanism  800 , which is an example of a post mount. The spring-snap attachment mechanism  800  includes a connector  801 , which can be physically attached to a base  810 . The connector  801  can be substantially similar to, including some or all of the features of, the connectors described herein, such as the connectors  212 . The base  810  can be substantially similar to, including some or all of the features of, the stiffeners described herein, such as the stiffeners of the removable facial interfaces  202 . 
     The connector  801  is physically coupled to a spring-snap feature  804  through a fastener  802 . The spring-snap feature  804  includes detents  806  that are attached to the spring-snap feature  804  through springs in the spring-snap feature  804 . The base  810  is physically coupled to a post  812 , which includes flange  814 . When the base  810  is attached to the connector  801 , the flange  814  of the post  812  push the detents  806  outwards relative to the post  812  and into openings in the spring-snap feature  804 . Once the flange  814  pass the detents  806 , the springs of the spring-snap feature  804  push the detents  806  against the post  812  to retain the flange  814  of the post  812  within an opening of the spring-snap feature  804 . In other words, the spring force of the spring-snap feature  804  pressing the detents  806  against the post  812  adjacent the flange  814  retains the post  812  within the spring-snap feature  804 , attaching the base  810  to the connector  801 . When the base  810  is removed from the connector  801 , this same process occurs in reverse. In the example of  FIG.  9   , the post  812  and the opening of the spring-snap feature  804  that receives the post can have corresponding cylindrical shapes, however any suitable shapes can be used. The opening of the spring-snap feature  804  and the post  812  aid in self-aligning the connector  801  and the base  810 . 
     Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in  FIG.  9    can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures, including in any of  FIG.  9   , described herein. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown and described with reference to the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in  FIG.  9   . 
       FIG.  10    illustrates a cross-sectional view of an interlocking attachment mechanism  900 , which is an example of a post mount or a perimeter mount. The interlocking attachment mechanism  900  can be referred to as an interlocking fastener. The interlocking attachment mechanism  900  includes a base  910 , which can be interlocked with a base  901 . The base  901  or  910  can be substantially similar to, including some or all of the features of, the bases of the facial interface frames described herein, such as the base  214 . The other of the base  901  or  910  can be substantially similar to, including some or all of the features of, the stiffeners described herein, such as the stiffeners of the removable facial interfaces  202 . The base  901  can include a plurality of protrusions  902 , such as two protrusions  902  in the example of  FIG.  10   . The base  910  can include a protrusion  912 . In some examples, any number of protrusions  912  and  902  can be included in the base  910  and the base  901 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  10   , the protrusion  912  can be configured to interlock with the protrusions  902 . The protrusion  912  can be mushroom-shaped and can have a flange at an end of a post. The protrusions  902  can define an opening and include lips adjacent to the protrusion  912  when the protrusion  912  is inserted into the opening defined by the protrusions  902 . The lips of the protrusions  902  and the flange of the protrusion  912  can secure the protrusion  912  within the opening defined between the protrusions  902 . 
     In some examples, the protrusions  902  and  912  can have longitudinal shapes with open ends and longitudinal axes extending in a direction into and out of the page in the view of  FIG.  10   . This allows for the base  901  to slide relative to the base  910 . This can aid a user in attaching a removable facial interface of an HMD to a facial interface frame. Further, this allows for the removable facial interface to conform to the user&#39;s face when the user dons the HMD. In some examples, the protrusion  912  can have a circular shape in a bottom-up view and the protrusions  902  can have an annular shape in a top-down view. In some examples, the protrusions  902  and  912  can have triangular, rectangular, or other shapes in bottom-up and top-down views, respectively. Providing the protrusions  902  and  912  with corresponding shapes aids in self-aligning the base  901  with the base  910 . 
     The protrusions  902  and  912  can be formed of elastic, flexible materials with high coefficients of friction. In examples in which the protrusions  902  and  912  are formed from elastic materials, the interlocking attachment mechanism  900  may be referred to as an interlocking elastic fastener. The protrusions  902  and  912  can be formed from the same or different materials. Forming the protrusions  902  and  912  from flexible materials allows the protrusion  912  to be inserted into the corresponding opening between the protrusions  902 . Forming the protrusions  902  and  912  from elastic materials having high coefficients of friction helps to retain the protrusion  912  in the corresponding opening between the protrusions  902 . In some examples, the protrusions  902  and  912  can be formed of polymers, elastomers, plastics, combinations thereof, or the like. 
     Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in  FIG.  10    can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures, including in any of  FIG.  10   , described herein. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown and described with reference to the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in  FIG.  10   . 
       FIG.  11    illustrates a cross-sectional view of a suction attachment mechanism  1000 , which is an example of a post mount. The suction attachment mechanism  1000  includes a connector  1010 , which can be attached to a base  1001  through a suction force. The connector  1010  can be substantially similar to, including some or all of the features of, the connectors described herein, such as the connectors  212 . The base  1001  can be substantially similar to, including some or all of the features of, the stiffeners described herein, such as the stiffeners of the removable facial interfaces  202 . 
     The base  1001  can include a curved opening  1002  formed at a top surface thereof. In some examples, the curved opening  1002  may be referred to as a curved surface. A suction cup  1012  can be physically coupled to the connector  1010 . The base  1001  can be attached to the connector  1010  by pressing the suction cup  1012  into the curved opening with sufficient force. The connector  1010  can be removed from the base  1001  by pulling the connector  1010  away from the base  1001  with sufficient force. Removing the connector  1010  from the base  1001  can be aided by tilting the connector  1010  relative to the base  1001 . The curved opening  1002  of the base  1001  can have a smooth hard surface, which can be surrounded by softer surfaces, such as fabrics or the like. This aids in self-aligning the base  1001  and the connector  1010 , as the suction cup  1012  cannot easily be mounted to portions of the base  1001  surrounding the curved opening  1002 . 
     Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in  FIG.  11    can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures, including in any of  FIG.  11   , described herein. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown and described with reference to the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in  FIG.  11   . 
       FIG.  12    illustrates a cross-sectional view of a bi-stable attachment mechanism  1100 , which is an example of a post mount. The bi-stable attachment mechanism  1100  includes a connector  1101 , which can be attached to a base  1110  through a suction force. The connector  1101  can be substantially similar to, including some or all of the features of, the connectors described herein, such as the connectors  212 . The base  1110  can be substantially similar to, including some or all of the features of, the stiffeners described herein, such as the stiffeners of the removable facial interfaces  202 . 
     The connector  1101  can include a curved opening  1102  formed at a bottom surface thereof. A bi-stable element  1114  can be physically coupled to the base  1110  through a joint  1112 . The bi-stable element  1114  can be stable in two positions, such as a first position  1114 A and a second position  1114 C. The third position  1114 B is an intermediate position between the first position  1114 A and the second position  1114 C. The bi-stable element  1114  can flip between the first position  1114 A and the second position  1114 C. For example, when the connector  1101  is pressed into the base  1110 , the bi-stable element  1114  can move from the first position  1114 A to the second position  1114 C. When the connector  1101  is pulled from the base  1110 , the bi-stable element  1114  can move from the second position  1114 C to the first position  1114 A. The connector  1101  can be attached to the base  1110  through a suction force similar to the suction attachment mechanism  1100 . Removing the connector  1101  from the base  1110  can be aided by tilting the connector  1101  relative to the base  1110 . The curved opening  1102  of the connector  1101  can have a smooth hard surface, which can be surrounded by softer surfaces, such as fabrics or the like. This aids in self-aligning the base  1110  and the connector  1101 , as the bi-stable element  1114  cannot easily be mounted to portions of the connector  1101  surrounding the curved opening  1102 . 
     Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in  FIG.  12    can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures, including in any of  FIG.  12   , described herein. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown and described with reference to the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in  FIG.  12   . 
       FIGS.  13 A and  13 B  are plan views of removable facial interfaces  1200 A and  1200 B, respectively. The removable facial interfaces  1200 A and  1200 B include a base  1204 A and a base  1204 B, respectively. A pliant material  1202  can be formed surrounding the respective bases  1204 A and  1204 B. Top mounts  1214 , side mounts  1210 , and bottom mounts  1208  can be physically coupled to the respective bases  1204 A and  1204 B through the pliant material  1202 . Any of the above-described attachment mechanisms, such as the post attachments, can be provided on the top mounts  1214 , the side mounts  1210 , and the bottom mounts  1208 . Additional attachment mechanisms, such as the perimeter attachments, can be provided on the removable facial interfaces  1200 A and  1200 B, such as along the bases  1204 A and  1204 B between the top mounts  1214 , the side mounts  1210 , and the bottom mounts  1208 .  FIGS.  13 A and  13 B  illustrate magnets  1212  and  1206  physically coupled to the top mounts  1214  and the bottom mounts  1208 , respectively. Although 6 mounts are illustrated as being provided for the removable facial interfaces  1200 A and  1200 B; any number of mounts can be provided. 
     In the example of  FIG.  13 A , the base  1204 A includes thick portions and thin portions. The thick portions can be included to provide stiffness to the removable facial interface  1200 A, while the thin portions can be included to provide flexibility to the removable facial interface  1200 A. In the example of  FIG.  13 B , the base  1204 B includes slits formed along the perimeter of the base  1204 B. The slits portions can be included to provide flexibility to the removable facial interface  1200 B. Any suitable bases with any suitable configurations can be included to provide desired flexibility and stiffness to the removable facial interfaces. 
     The bases  1204 A and  1204 B can be formed from metals, plastics, polymers, combinations thereof, or the like. The pliable material  1202  can be formed from rubbers, foams, polymers, silicone, elastomers, hydrogen gels, combinations thereof, or the like. The removable facial interfaces  1200 A and  1200 B further include a fabric material surrounding the pliable material  1202 , the top mounts  1214 , the side mounts  1210 , and the bottom mounts  1208 . The fabric material may encircle the top mounts  1214 , the side mounts  1210 , and the bottom mounts  1208 , and the top mounts  1214 , the side mounts  1210 , and the bottom mounts  1208  may be exposed through the fabric material. The bases  1204 A and  1204 B can provide the removable facial interfaces  1200 A and  1200 B with a desired degree of stiffness. The pliable material  1202  can be pliant or semi-pliant and can be provided to increase user comfort. The fabric material can be configured to contact a user&#39;s skin, and can also be provided to increase user comfort. 
     Any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in  FIGS.  13 A and  13 B  can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures, including in any of  FIGS.  13 A and  13 B , described herein. Likewise, any of the features, components, and/or parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown and described with reference to the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in  FIGS.  13 A and  13 B . 
     Examples of the present disclosure can provide various advantages. For example, HMDs can include removable facial interfaces, which are removably attached to respective facial interface frames. Providing the removable facial interfaces allows the removable facial interfaces to be removed, cleaned and replaced, which improves the cleanliness of the HMDs. Users of the HMDs can easily replace the removable facial interfaces based on the users&#39; unique facial structures, personal preferences, user use of the HMDs, and the like. Moreover, worn removable facial interfaces can be cheaply replaced, which reduces maintenance costs of the HMDs. 
     While the present exemplary systems and methods are functional without gathering personal information data, in some examples, personal information data may be collected and used to provide a customized or personal experience. In examples where personal information data is gathered, stored, used, and/or disseminated by the present exemplary systems and methods, such gathering, storage, use, and/or dissemination should be performed in accordance with standard and well recognized policies and procedures directed at avoiding unintentional access or dissemination. 
     The preceding description includes specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described examples. However, the specific details, examples, and embodiments are not required in order to practice the exemplary systems and methods. Rather, the foregoing descriptions are presented for purposes of illustration and description and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the examples to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20230919
Publication Date: 20241119
Grant Date: 20241119
Priority Date: 20220922
Inventors: Bosch, Erin M.
KASAR, DARSHAN R.
WRIGHT, TIMON A.
TRINCIA, NICHOLAS R.
ANDERSON, Jonathan M.
MARTINEZ, Liam R.
Guy, Ian A.
WANG, PAUL X.
SMITH, SAMUEL G.
GRIFFIS, JEFFREY A.
GALLAHER, ANDREW
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G02B27/0176", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B27/0176", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B27/0176", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 90360222