Headgear, interface and an assembly

Abstract

This invention relates to a headgear comprising a semi-rigid frame engageable with the head of a user and a releasable connection system for releasable connection with a user interface, wherein the frame extends generally about a rear region of a user's head, generally about an upper region of a user's head, and generally about an ear or both ears of a user.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A headgear for securing a respiratory interface to a face of a user, the headgear comprising:
 a semi-rigid frame engageable with a head of the user, the semi-rigid frame being configured to extend about a rear region and an upper region of the head of the user;   a first ear loop configured to encircle a first ear of the user;   a second ear loop configured to encircle a second ear of the user; and   a releasable connection system for releasable connection with the respiratory interface,   wherein one or both of the first ear loop and the second ear loop are adjustable such that a size of the first ear loop and/or the second ear loop is adjustable.   
     
     
         3 . The headgear of  claim 2 , wherein the first and second ear loops are configured to be adjusted to a smaller size and/or a larger size. 
     
     
         4 . The headgear of  claim 2 , wherein the semi-rigid frame is adjustable for varying a distance the frame extends between the rear region of the user's head and the first and second ear loops. 
     
     
         5 . The headgear of  claim 2 , wherein the semi-rigid frame is adjustable for varying a distance the frame extends between the upper region of the user's head and the first and second ear loops. 
     
     
         6 . The headgear of  claim 2 , wherein the semi-rigid frame further comprises one or more adjustment straps. 
     
     
         7 . The headgear of  claim 6 , wherein the one or more adjustment straps is a hook and loop fastener system for adjustable fastening. 
     
     
         8 . The headgear of  claim 2 , wherein the semi-rigid frame is at least partially formed of or from a weldable polymeric material. 
     
     
         9 . The headgear of  claim 2 , wherein the semi-rigid frame is comprised of a substantially non-elastic material. 
     
     
         10 . The headgear of  claim 2 , wherein the semi-rigid frame is provided as a unitary piece. 
     
     
         11 . The headgear of  claim 2 , wherein the semi-rigid frame is of a substantially self-supporting shape/configuration. 
     
     
         12 . The headgear of  claim 2 , wherein the first and second ear loops are fully-formed by the headgear. 
     
     
         13 . The headgear of  claim 2 , wherein the releasable connection system is a two-part connector system. 
     
     
         14 . The headgear of  claim 13 , wherein the two-part connector system comprises a first connecting region disposed on the semi-rigid frame in a region on the first ear loop in front of the first ear and in a region on the second ear loop in front of the second ear. 
     
     
         15 . The headgear of  claim 13 , wherein the first connecting region is provided on a portion of the semi-rigid frame that faces away from the user. 
     
     
         16 . The headgear of  claim 12 , further comprising a second connecting region on a rear surface of the respiratory interface, the second connection region configured to releasably attach to the first connecting region. 
     
     
         17 . The headgear of  claim 16 , wherein the second connecting region is configured to releasably engage the first connecting region at any position within the first connecting region and at any angular orientation relative to the first connecting region such that the position and orientation of the respiratory interface relative to the semi-rigid frame is variable. 
     
     
         18 . The headgear of  claim 16 , wherein the first connecting region is one of a hook or a loop for a hook and loop fastener system, and the second connecting region is the other of a hook or a loop for the hook and loop fastener system. 
     
     
         19 . The headgear of  claim 13 , wherein the releasable connection system does not utilize pulley strap systems or buckles. 
     
     
         20 . A respiratory interface system, comprising:
 a respiratory interface; and   a headgear comprising:
 a semi-rigid frame engageable with a user's head, the semi-rigid frame being configured to extend about a rear region and an upper region of a head of the user; 
 a first ear loop configured to encircle a first ear of a user; 
 a second ear loop configured to encircle a second ear of the user; and 
 a releasable connection system for releasable connection with the respiratory interface, 
   wherein one or both of the first ear loop and the second ear loop are adjustable, such that a size of the first ear loop and/or the second ear loop is adjustable.   
     
     
         21 . The respiratory interface system of  claim 20 , wherein the releasable connection system is a two-part connector system.