Headgear, interface and an assembly

Abstract

This invention relates to a headgear component as a part of a headgear. The component comprising a backstrap, a first ear loop extending from one end of the backstrap, the first ear loop following a path defining a first ear opening, and a second ear loop extending from another end of the backstrap, the second ear loop following a path defining a second ear opening. A first pair of connection zones is on the first ear loop, each connection zone spaced an equal distance from the backstrap and spaced from each other, and a second pair of connection zones on the second ear loop, each connection zone spaced an equal distance apart from the backstrap and spaced from each other. A connection zone of the first pair and a connection zone of the second pair are on a first side of the backstrap, and a connection zone of the first pair and a connection zone of the second pair are on a second (other) side of the backstrap, wherein the headgear component is substantially of a symmetrical shape.

1 - 36 . (canceled) 
     
     
         37 . An interface system comprising:
 a user interface configured to engage with at least the nose of a user,   a headgear configured to couple to the user interface to retain the user interface on the user, the headgear comprising:
 a semi-rigid frame engageable with the head of the user, 
   the frame extending about the ears of the user, the frame comprising a pair of loops, each loop extending about an ear of the user,   the frame further including a portion that is positionable generally about the upper region of the head of the user,   the frame being a self-sustaining shape,   a strap portion extending around rear of the head of the user and connecting between each loop extending about the ear of the user,   the headgear being symmetrical, the headgear being adjustable for varying the distance the frame extends between the upper region of the head of the user and the portion extending around the ears of the user, and   a releasable connection system for releasable connection with the user interface, the releasable connection system is a two part connector system, a first connector part disposed on the user interface, a second connector part disposed on the headgear.   
     
     
         38 . The interface system of  claim 37 , wherein the first connector part comprises a first magnet, and the second connector part comprises a second magnet, the first and second magnet having opposing polarities. 
     
     
         39 . The interface system of  claim 37 , wherein the frame is of a substantially self-supporting shape and/or configuration, such that the frame is capable of supporting shear and/or pull forces that may be imparted from the connection of the user interface. 
     
     
         40 . The interface of  claim 37 , wherein the frame is provided as a unitary piece of headgear, frame being positioned on or between one or more layers of soft material. 
     
     
         41 . The interface of  claim 37 , wherein the frame forms a semi-rigid frame about the head of the user. 
     
     
         42 . The interface of  claim 37 , wherein the frame is substantially planar or substantially flat profile, the planar or flat profile generally contoured for planar or flat contact with a user's head. 
     
     
         43 . The interface system of  claim 37 , wherein the first connector part comprises a first series of magnets, and the second connector part comprises a second series of magnets, the first series of magnets and the second series of magnets having opposing polarities. 
     
     
         44 . The interface system of  claim 37 , wherein the frame comprises a semi-rigid polymer. 
     
     
         45 . The interface system of  claim 37 , wherein the frame comprises a thermoplastic or thermosetting polymeric material or composites therefrom. 
     
     
         46 . The interface system of  claim 37 , wherein the frame comprises a polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a polyethylene (PE), or polyester. 
     
     
         47 . The interface system of  claim 37 , wherein the releasable connection system is on or about a region of the frame extending generally about the ear or ears of the user. 
     
     
         48 . The interface system of  claim 37 , wherein the releasable connection system is on or about a region of the frame extending generally at or in front of the ear or ears of the user. 
     
     
         49 . The interface system of  claim 37 , wherein the first connector part comprises a first hook or loop fastener region, and the second connector part comprises a second hook or loop fastener region. 
     
     
         50 . The interface system of  claim 37 , wherein the headgear component when laid flat for receiving a head of a user is symmetrical along a first plane and a second plane. 
     
     
         51 . An interface system comprising:
 a user interface configured to engage with at least the nose of a user,   a headgear configured to couple to the user interface to retain the user interface on the user, the headgear comprising:
 a frame engageable with the head of the user, 
   the frame extending about the ears of the user, the frame comprising a first ear loop defining a first ear through opening and a second ear loop defining a second ear through opening,   the frame further including a portion that is positionable generally about the upper region of the head of the user,   a strap portion extending around rear of the head of the user and connecting between each ear loop extending about the ear of the user,   the headgear being symmetrical, the headgear being adjustable for varying the distance the frame extends between the upper region of the head of the user and the portion extending around the ears of the user, and   a releasable connection system for releasable connection with the user interface, the releasable connection system comprises a first connector part disposed on the user interface and a second connector part disposed on the headgear,   wherein the frame is substantially non-elastic.   
     
     
         52 . An interface system comprising:
 a user interface configured to engage with at least the nose of a user,   a headgear configured to couple to the user interface to retain the user interface on the user, the headgear comprising:
 a frame engageable with the head of the user, 
   the frame extending about the ears of the user, the frame comprising a pair of loops, each loop extending about an ear of the user,   the frame further including a portion that is positionable generally about the upper region of the head of the user,   a strap portion extending around rear of the head of the user and connecting between each loop extending about the ear of the user,   the headgear being adjustable for varying the distance the frame extends between the upper region of the head of the user and the portion extending around the ears of the user, and   a releasable connection system for releasable connection with the user interface, the releasable connection system comprises a first connector part disposed on the user interface and a second connector part disposed on the headgear,   wherein the frame is unitary.