U.S. patent application number 11/509261 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-31 for support structure for head-mounted optical devices.
Invention is credited to Adam Oranchak, Jannick Rolland.
Application Number | 20080022441 11/509261 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38984620 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080022441 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Oranchak; Adam ; et
al. |
January 31, 2008 |
Support structure for head-mounted optical devices
Abstract
In one embodiment, a support structure comprises an elastic
layer that is sized and configured to snuggly conform to a wearer's
head and generally extend from the wearer's forehead to the base of
the wearer's skull, and connection elements provided on the layer
that are configured to secure mounting elements of a head-mounted
optical device to be supported by the support structure.
Inventors: |
Oranchak; Adam; (Brooklyn,
NY) ; Rolland; Jannick; (Chuluota, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THOMAS, KAYDEN, HORSTEMEYER & RISLEY, LLP
600 GALLERIA PARKWAY, STE 1500
ATLANTA
GA
30339
US
|
Family ID: |
38984620 |
Appl. No.: |
11/509261 |
Filed: |
August 24, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60818592 |
Jul 5, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/410 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 1/242 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/410 |
International
Class: |
A42B 1/06 20060101
A42B001/06 |
Claims
1. A support structure comprising: an elastic layer that is sized
and configured to snuggly conform to a wearer's head and generally
extend from the wearer's forehead to the base of the wearer's
skull; and connection elements provided on the layer that are
configured to secure mounting elements of a head-mounted optical
device to be supported by the support structure; wherein the
support structure distributes the weight of the optical device when
worn by the wearer to reduce pressure applied to the head at
localized points; wherein the support structure further secures the
optical device in position relative to the wearer's head to reduce
shifting of the optical device.
2. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the elastic layer is
formed from an elastic fabric.
3. The support structure of claim 2, wherein the elastic fabric
comprises one of spandex, latex, or neoprene.
4. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the elastic layer
comprises multiple panels of material that are attached to each
other along seams.
5. The support structure of claim 4, wherein the panels comprise a
central panel that aligns with the center of the wearer's head and
opposed lateral panels that align with sides of the wearer's
head.
6. The support structure of claim 5, wherein the panels further
comprise earflap panels that align with the wearer's ears.
7. The support structure of claim 4, wherein the connection
elements are provided along the seams of the elastic layer.
8. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the connection
elements comprise elastic openings formed in the layer, the
openings configured to receive mounting pads of the optical
device.
9. The support structure of claim 8, wherein the elastic openings
comprise lateral openings that align with the sides of the wearer's
head, posterior openings that align with the back of the wearer's
head, and anterior openings that align with the wearer's
forehead.
10. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the elastic layer is
an outer shell and wherein the support structure further comprises
an elastic inner lining that is attached to the outer shell along a
lower edge of the support structure, wherein the outer shell and
the inner lining together form an interior space that is adapted to
receive mounting pads of the optical device.
11. The support structure of claim 10, wherein the inner lining
comprises multiple panels that are attached to each other along
seams.
12. The support structure of claim 1, further comprising securement
straps that are attached to the elastic layer and configured to
secure a frame of the optical device.
13. The support structure of claim 12, wherein the securement
straps include a central securement strap that aligns with the
wearer's forehead and lateral securement straps that align with the
wearer's ears.
14. The support structure of claim 12, wherein the securement
straps are permanently attached to the elastic layer at a first end
and releasably attached to the elastic layer at a second end such
that the straps can be placed in a closed and open positions.
15. The support structure of claim 14, wherein the securement
straps releasably attach to the elastic layer with mechanical
fasteners.
16. A cap for supporting a head-mounted optical device, the cap
comprising: an elastic outer shell that is sized and configured to
snuggly conform to a wearer's head and generally extend from the
wearer's forehead to the base of the wearer's skull, the outer
shell comprising a plurality of elastic openings that are adapted
to receive mounting pads of the optical device; an elastic inner
lining that is attached to the outer shell along a lower edge of
the cap, the inner lining and the outer shell together defining an
interior space; and securement straps that are configured to wrap
around a frame of the optical device; wherein the cap distributes
the weight of the optical device when worn by the wearer to reduce
pressure applied to the head at localized points; wherein the cap
further secures the optical device in position relative to the
wearer's head to reduce shifting of the optical device.
17. The cap of claim 16, wherein the outer shell is formed from an
elastic fabric comprising of spandex, latex, or neoprene.
18. The cap of claim 16, wherein the outer shell comprises multiple
panels of material that are attached to each other along seams and
wherein the elastic openings are provided along the seams.
19. The cap of claim 18, wherein the panels comprise a central
panel that aligns with the center of the wearer's head, opposed
lateral panels that align with sides of the wearer's head, and
earflap panels that align with the wearer's ears.
20. The cap of claim 16, wherein the elastic openings comprise
lateral openings that align with the sides of the wearer's head,
posterior openings that align with the back of the wearer's head,
and anterior openings that align with the wearer's forehead.
21. The cap of claim 16, wherein the securement straps include a
central securement strap that aligns with the wearer's forehead and
lateral securement straps that align with the wearer's ears, the
straps being permanently attached to the outer shell at a first end
and releasably attached to the outer shell at a second end such
that the straps can be placed in a closed and open positions.
22. The cap of claim 21, wherein the securement straps releasably
attach to the elastic shell with mechanical fasteners.
23. A method of supporting a head-mounted optical device on a
wearer's head, the method comprising: a wearer donning an elastic
support structure that is sized and configured to snuggly conform
to a wearer's head and generally extend from the wearer's forehead
to the base of the wearer's skull; and supporting a frame of the
optical device by receiving mounting pads of the frame within
elastic openings provided in the support structure; wherein the
support structure distributes the weight of the optical device to
reduce pressure applied to the head at localized points; wherein
the support structure further secures the optical device in
position relative to the wearer's head to reduce shifting of the
optical device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to copending U.S.
provisional application entitled, "Cap For Supporting Head-Mounted
Optical Devices," having Ser. No. 60/818,592, filed Jul. 5, 2006,
which is entirely incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] One of the most difficult and frequently under considered
problems when pairing the human visual system with enhanced optical
capabilities is the physical relationship between the highly
variable form of the human head and the mechanical nature of the
optical devices. Such optical devices can be heavy and, therefore,
can irritate the wearer at the various pressure points at which the
optical device rests on the skull. In addition, optical devices can
shift, especially during rigorous activities such as running.
[0003] From the above, it can be appreciated that it would be
desirable to have a mechanism with which to reduce the pressure
applied at individual points of the head of a wearer of an optical
device and to better secure the optical device to the wearer's head
to reduce shifting of the optical device.
SUMMARY
[0004] Disclosed are support structures for supporting head-mounted
optical devices. In one embodiment, a support structure comprises
an elastic layer that is sized and configured to snuggly conform to
a wearer's head and generally extend from the wearer's forehead to
the base of the wearer's skull, and connection elements provided on
the layer that are configured to secure mounting elements of a
head-mounted optical device to be supported by the support
structure. In such an embodiment, the support structure distributes
the weight of the optical device when worn by the wearer to reduce
pressure applied to the head at localized points, and secures the
optical device in position relative to the wearer's head to reduce
shifting of the optical device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale,
emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the
principles of the present disclosure. In the drawings, like
reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the
several views.
[0006] FIG. 1 is a right-side perspective view of an embodiment of
a support structure for supporting a head-mounted optical
device.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a left-side perspective view of the support
structure of FIG. 1.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a front view of the support structure of FIGS. 1
and 2.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the support structure of FIGS.
1-3.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a left-side view of the support structure of FIGS.
1-4.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a right-side view of the support structure of
FIGS. 1-5.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a top view of the support structure of FIGS.
1-6.
[0013] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the support structure of FIGS.
1-7.
[0014] FIG. 9 is a right-side perspective view of the support
structure of FIGS. 1-8 with straps of the support structure in an
open position.
[0015] FIG. 10 provides a right-side view of the support structure
of FIGS. 1-9 shown in place on a wearer's head and a right-side
view of an optical device to be supported by the support
structure.
[0016] FIG. 11 is a right-side view of the support structure and
optical device of FIG. 10 shown mounted on a wearer's head.
[0017] FIG. 12 is a rear view of the support structure and optical
device of FIG. 10 shown mounted on a wearer's head.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Disclosed herein are support structures for head-mounted
optical devices, such as glasses, goggles, and head-mounted
displays (HMDs). As described in the following, the support
structures comprise, in some embodiments, an elastic cap that is
sized and configured to be donned by the wearer of the head-mounted
optical device. Due to the configuration of the cap, pressure
points on the head are reduced and the optical device is more
securely fixed in place on the wearer's head to maintain alignment
of the optical system of the optical device with the wearer's
eyes.
[0019] FIGS. 1-8 illustrate an embodiment of a cap 10 for
supporting a head-mounted optical device, such as an HMD. As
indicated in those figures, the cap 10 is generally symmetric about
a medial or sagittal plane and comprises an outer layer or shell 12
and an inner layer or lining 14. The outer shell 12 of the cap 10
comprises a plurality of panels that are attached together along
seams 16. The panels can be formed of a flexible, elastic fabric,
mesh, or netting. By way of example, one or more of the panels can
be formed of spandex, latex, or neoprene. In the illustrated
embodiment, the outer shell 12 comprises a central panel 18, two
opposed side panels 20, and two opposed earflap panels 22. The
central panel 18 forms the central portion of the cap 10 that
covers the top of the wearer's head, the side panels 20 form the
sides of the cap that cover the sides of the wearer's head, and the
earflap panels 22 cover the wearer's ears. The side panels 20 are
attached to the central panel 18 along two opposed seams 16 and the
earflap panels 22 are attached to the side panels along two other
opposed seams. The panels 18, 20, and 22 may be attached to each
other using any suitable attachment mechanism. By way of example,
the panels 18, 20, and 22 can be sewn, glued, bonded, or otherwise
held together. In some embodiments, the panels 18, 20, and 22 are
sewn together using elastic thread so as to avoid limitations on
the elasticity of the cap 10.
[0020] The inner lining 14 of the cap 10 also comprises a plurality
of panels that likewise may be formed of a flexible, elastic
material and may be attached together along seams 24. In the
illustrated embodiment (see, e.g., FIG. 8), the inner lining 14
comprises a central panel 26 and two opposed side panels 28 that
are attached to the central panel along the seams 24. The panels
26, 28 can be attached together in similar manner to the panels of
the outer shell 12. In some embodiments, the panels 26, 28 are sewn
together using elastic thread.
[0021] Once formed, the outer shell 12 and inner lining 14 comprise
separate layers of material that are generally not attached to each
other except along a lower edge 30 of the cap 10. The outer shell
12 and inner lining 14 can be attached along that lower edge 30 in
similar manner to which the various panels of the cap 10 are
attached to each other. In some embodiments, the outer shell 12 and
inner lining 14 are sewn together along the lower edge 30 using
elastic thread. As indicated in the figures, the lower edge 30 can
be provided with piping trim 32 for an aesthetically-pleasing
appearance. The piping trim 32 can be constructed of materials
similar to those used to construct the outer shell 12 and inner
lining 14 and, therefore, may also be elastic.
[0022] With the above construction, the cap 10 can be sized and
configured to snuggly fit the wearer's head. More particularly, the
various panels of the cap 10 can stretch to conform to the contours
of the wearer's head. In some embodiments, the cap 10 is sized and
configured to span the wearer's head from the forehead (e.g.,
adjacent the hairline) to the point at which the skull meets the
spinal column, and further span from ear to ear. Such a
configuration ensures that the cap 10 resists not only the force of
gravity down over the wearer's head but also forces from any other
direction, thereby providing a secure fit even during rigorous
activities like running.
[0023] As is further indicated in the figures, the outer shell 12
of the cap 10 is provided with a plurality of connection elements
that are configured to secure mounting elements of an optical
device. More particularly, the outer shell 12 is provided with
button hole-like openings that are designed to receive optical
device mounting elements. In some embodiments, the openings are
provided along the seams 16 of the outer shell 12. For example,
first or lateral openings 34 are provided on both sides of the cap
10 along the seam 16 that separates the earflap panel 22 and the
adjacent lateral panel 20 at a lateral position of the cap. With
such placement, one such first or posterior opening 34 can be
positioned above or coincident each of the wearer's ears. In
addition, second openings 36 are provided on both sides of the cap
10 along the seam 16 that separates the lateral panel 20 from the
central panel 18 at a posterior position of the cap. With such
placement, the second openings 36 can be positioned toward the back
of the wearer's head near the base of the skull. Furthermore, third
or anterior openings 38 are provided on both sides of the cap 10
along the seam 16 that separates the lateral panel 20 from the
central panel 18 at an anterior position of the cap. With such
placement, the third openings 38 can be positioned near the top of
the wearer's forehead. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the cap 10
can comprise three openings, a lateral opening 34, a posterior
opening 36, and an anterior opening 38, on each side of the cap to
provide a total of six such openings. It will be understood that
greater or fewer such openings can be provided if desired.
[0024] Because the outer shell 12 and inner lining 14 are separate
and generally not attached to each other except along the edges of
the cap 10, the outer shell and inner lining define an interior
space between them that, as discussed below, can be used to receive
mounting elements of a head-mounted optical device. In some
embodiments, the interior space is used to receive generally flat
mounting pads of the optical device.
[0025] With continued reference to FIGS. 1-8, the cap 10 further
comprises securement straps that can be used to secure a
head-mounted optical device in position on the wearer's head. In
the illustrated embodiment, the cap 10 comprises a central
securement strap 40 and opposed lateral securement straps 42. Each
of the securement straps 40, 42 can be constructed of a flexible
material, such as an inelastic or elastic fabric material. By way
of example, the securement straps 40, 42 are constructed of an
cotton material. A proximal end of the central securement strap 40
is permanently attached to the central panel 18 adjacent the lower
edge 30, while the proximal ends of the lateral mounting straps 42
are permanently attached to the earflap panels 22 also adjacent the
lower edge. In FIGS. 1-8, the securement straps 42 are shown in a
closed position in which the distal ends of the straps are
releasably attached to the outer shell 12 of the cap.
[0026] FIG. 9 illustrates the securement straps 40, 42 in an open
position. As indicated in that figure, the straps 40, 42 are
provided with fastening elements 44 adjacent their distal ends that
are adapted to mate with fastening elements 46 that are provided on
the outer shell 12, for example on the central panel 18 and the
earflap panels 22. By way of example, the fastening elements 44, 46
comprise mechanical fasteners such as magnetic, snap-fit, or
hook-and-loop fastening elements. In the illustrated embodiment,
the fastening elements 44 provided on the straps 40, 42 are male
fastening elements and the fastening elements 46 on the outer shell
12 are female fastening elements. Furthermore, in the illustrated
embodiment, two fastening elements 46 are provided on each earflap
panel 22 to enable the straps 42 to be releasably attached to the
outer shell 12 at two positions: a first position in which the
straps will lie flat against the outer shell when not in use and a
second position in which the straps are used to secure a frame of a
supported optical device.
[0027] With the above-described configuration, the cap 10 can be
used to support an optical device. Because the cap 10 stretches
over a large area of the wearer's head, the weight of the optical
device can be distributed over the surface of the head, thereby
reducing local pressure points and providing increased comfort for
the wearer. In some embodiments, the cap 10 pulls the optical
device toward the wearer's face until registration points of the
optical device contact their designated locations. This ensures
that the optical system of the device is aligned with the wearer's
eyes with the desired level of precision. The result is an optical
device that is comfortably, consistently, securely, and intimately
mounted to the wearer's head.
[0028] FIGS. 10-12 illustrate use of the cap 10 in supporting a
head-mounted optical device on a wearer's head. Beginning with FIG.
10, the cap 10 is shown placed on top of a wearer's head. As
indicated in that figure, the cap 10 generally extends from the
wearer's forehead to the base of the wearer's skull. Also
illustrated in FIG. 10 is a head-mounted optical device 48 in the
form of an HMD. The optical device 48 generally comprises an
optical system that is mounted to a frame 50 that is sized and
configured to rest on top of the wearer's head. Provided on the
frame 50 are mounting pods 52 that are configured to support the
frame when worn by the user. Each of the mounting pods 52 comprises
a generally flat mounting pad 54 that is configured to directly
contact the wearer's head. In the illustrated embodiment, six
mounting pods 52 are provided, three on each lateral side of the
optical device 48.
[0029] Turning to FIG. 11, the optical device 48 is shown mounted
to the wearer's head and supported by the cap 10. Each of the
mounting pads 54 of the optical device 48 have been passed through
an adjacent opening 34, 36, or 38 such that the mounting pads are
each disposed within the interior space that exists between the
outer shell 12 and the inner lining 14.
[0030] FIG. 12 illustrates two of the mounting pods 52 of the
optical device 48 with the mounting pad 54 (not visible) of one of
the mounting pods (the mounting pod on the right in FIG. 12)
disposed within the interior space, and the mounting pad 54 of the
other of the mounting pods (the mounting pod on the left in FIG.
12) outside of the interior space to provide an indication of the
orientation of the mounting pads within the interior space. As is
apparent from FIG. 12, a mounting boss 56 of the mounting pod 52
extends through the opening 36 when the mounting pad 54 is disposed
within the interior space. As is further apparent from FIG. 12, the
openings 36 (as well as the other openings) are smaller than the
mounting pads 54. Due to the elasticity of the outer shell 12,
however, the openings are likewise elastic and can stretch to
enable passage of the mounting pads therethrough.
[0031] With reference back to FIG. 11, the lateral securement
straps 42 can be wrapped around the optical device frame 50 and
releasably attached to the outer shell 12 to secure the optical
device 48 in place. In addition, the central securement strap 40
(not visible in FIG. 11) can be similarly wrapped around the
optical device frame 50 and releasably attached to the outer shell
12 to secure the optical device 48. In some embodiments, the shape
and construction of the cap 10 pulls the mounting pods 52 toward
the back of the wearer's head until a forehead band of the optical
device 48 contacts the forehead and resists further rearward
movement.
[0032] While particular embodiments of a support structure have
been shown and described in the foregoing, it is to be understood
that those embodiments are mere implementations. Therefore,
alternative embodiments are possible and are intended to fall
within the scope of the present disclosure. In one such
alternative, the outer shell and the inner lining can be attached
to each other except where an interior space is needed to receive a
mounting pad of the optical device. In another alternative, a
single layer having discrete interior spaces can be used to form
the support structure instead of an outer shell and an inner
lining. In a further alternative, the support structure can
comprise only the outer shell such that the mounting pads make
direct contact with the wearer's head. In another alternative, the
support structure can be used to mount sensors capable of measuring
cortical brain activity. Moreover, although a support structure in
the form of a cap has been described, it is to be understood that
the support structure need not necessarily comprise a cap. More
important is that the support structure, irrespective of its
specific configuration, distributes the weight of the optical
device and maintains the positioning of the optical device on the
wearer's head.
* * * * *